Category: I-phone

Despite rumors to the contrary, UK-based Spotify denies being in talks with Apple over a possible acquisition. In an interview with CNET, Spotify representative Jim Butcher said that is company has “…absolutely no intention” of selling to Apple or anyone for that matter.

That takes care of that.

Spotify lets users stream music to their computers and mobile devices, and many believe it could be in competition with Apple’s future plans. You’ll remember that Apple purchased streaming service Lala not so long ago. Plus, they’ve got that big old data center just itching to get rolling in North Carolina. Many believe that those are the ingredients to a music streaming service, though that’s only a rumor at this point.

If it does come to fruition, it looks like Spotify’s technologies won’t be included.

Spotify denies talks with Apple originally appeared on TUAW on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MacTech will be the first opportunity for Mac developers to talk OS X 10.7 Lion and how to best use the coming Mac App Store. If you register before Thursday, October 28, you’ll be able to save US$200. Just go here to register, and don’t forget to check here for your travel and lodging options (some of the nights at the host hotel are sold out already).

TUAW will be there to cover the event and talk to developers about why they develop for Macs and take a look at what they make.

For info on the jam-packed schedule, check this calendar page out. Here’s a look at some highlights for the conference:

• There will be the debut public demo of Planetary Exploration Rovers controlled by iPod touches.
• The keynote speech is with that much-beloved tech journalist Andy Ihnatko.
• Sessions designed to help make developers and IT pros better at what they do (plus the inherent networking opportunities that are part of any conference).
• Macworld’s “Trends in Virtualization” panel. The inventor of Parallels Desktop is flying in from Russia for this, along with representatives from VMware.
• An exclusive evening at the Griffith Observatory including a behind the scenes look at how planetarium animation is created.

We hope to see you there!

MacTech conference: a chance to save $200, highlights of what’s to come originally appeared on TUAW on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some security mavens have long theorized that as the Mac becomes more popular, we’d start to see malware that would start targeting the platform. Sure enough, this morning’s crop of email blasts from PR firms included a few notices of trojans that are affecting Mac users.

First, from SecureMac, comes word of trojan.osx.boonana.a, which comes disguised as a link on social networking sites asking “Is this you in this video?” Clicking the link downloads and runs a Java applet that then installs further applications to modify system files and open the system to password-free access. The other malicious apps report back to command and control servers, as well as hijack user accounts to spread the trojan through email spam.

The SecureMac press release notes that the “Java component of the trojan horse is cross-platform,” but it’s not clear from their statement that the other components are capable of running under Mac OS X.

Next, Intego reported that a similar Java trojan known as Koobface.A is also being spread through social networking systems such as Facebook and Twitter.

Continue reading Security alert: New Trojan Horse apps said to attack the Mac

Security alert: New Trojan Horse apps said to attack the Mac originally appeared on TUAW on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The mysterious and semi-mythical white iPhone 4 just can’t catch a break. First Apple acknowledges the phone won’t see stores before this Spring; now Cult of Mac is reporting that the reason may not be a manufacturing issue at all. Instead, the phone’s white case and the rear-facing camera may be interacting in a downright uncooperative way.

The CoM source suggests that the white iPhone case leaks light into the camera sensor, resulting in washed-out photos regardless of the subject lighting. The problem was supposedly identified very late in the game at Apple’s testing center that qualifies cases for use with the phone.

Considering that the tick-tock of phone releases means we’ll likely see another iPhone model over the summer anyway, it doesn’t seem too far-fetched to stand with Boy Genius Report and their source that says the iPhone 4 will never ship in white. The hypothesis/inside info is that another delay would be announced in March, leading to the white 4 being superceded by the white 5.

If you’re waiting for a white iPhone 4 — really now — please stop holding your breath.

Rumor: Camera woes holding up white iPhone, may be perma-postponed originally appeared on TUAW on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While the MacBook Air is turning heads with its good looks and surprising performance, the paltry 64GB of storage on the base 11.6-inch model has some disappointed. Fortunately, PhotoFast has produced a module that boosts capacity to 265GB and tosses in USB 3.0 to boot.

Here’s how it works. The PhotoFast GM2 SFV1 Air Upgrade Kit for the MacBook Air comes with a 256GB module and a USB 3.0 housing. Once you’ve swapped the 64GB internal module with the new one, just pop it into the USB housing and presto! You’ve got 64GB of external storage.

There’s no word on pricing or availability yet, but we’re guessing it won’t be cheap. Still, it’s a nifty little device.

[Via Engadget]

PhotoFast offers MacBook Air upgrade originally appeared on TUAW on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On today’s TUAW TV Live, I’ll be taking you on a video trip down memory lane. If you’re an old-time Apple geek like I am, you’ll remember these product rollouts with a bit of nostalgia. Relative newbies are going to gawk in awe at Apple CEO Steve Jobs with more hair (and weight) than he has now. You’ll laugh at the horrible specs of the equipment that is applauded and cheered at the events and shake your head at the design of some of the older product lines.

To join me on this remote edition of TUAW TV Live (I’m out in Silicon Valley this week), drop by a few minutes before 5 PM EDT (2 PM PDT), and you’ll see a full set of instructions on how to watch the show and join in on the chat. As part of today’s show, I’ll also be talking about computing on the road — something I’ve been doing for way too long. I’ll pass along some hints on how to make your mobile computing work for you.

I’ll see you at 5 PM EDT today, here at TUAW.com.

Today at 5 PM ET: TUAW TV Live’s Apple History 101 episode originally appeared on TUAW on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The 64GB, 11.6-inch MacBook Air must be selling extremely well, as Apple has boosted shipping times from 24 hours to 1 to 3 days. Typically the least expensive version of Apple hardware has been the best seller (or among the top), so it’s not surprising to see the Air selling well.

Of course, the delay could be due to supply or manufacturing issues as well. Eventually Apple might release sales numbers but until then, prepare to wait a while for your new Air to arrive.

Shipping times grow for the base model MacBook Air originally appeared on TUAW on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TextExpander, which allows you to create text shortcuts and macros, has been updated to version 3.2. Along with some bug fixes, it also adds the ability to easily backup and restore your shortcuts, including automatic backup and keyboard shortcuts to expand top search results.

The backup/restore feature is a nice addition. You can tell TextExpander to backup hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly and keep 50, 100, 200 or an infinite number of backups (well, limited to available disk space). These backups are uncompressed, which probably isn’t a big deal for most people (mine was about 2mb) but given that Apple has just released a new MacBook Air with a 64GB hard drive, we should remember that space is still a factor. It appears that TextExpander also makes a new backup even if nothing has changed since previous backup, so you could end up with 50 (or more) backups which are, for all intents and purposes, identical.

That’s a relatively minor complaint, however, compared to not having automated backups at all. I had not planned to test this feature, but for reasons unrelated to this article I suddenly found that I needed to restore my TextExpander shortcuts and settings yesterday, and it worked easily and perfectly.

TextExpander is one of my most used applications. I’ve created my own list of shortcuts to add everything from my phone number to my address to the start of a shell script and more. I use it so much that I won’t even consider a writing application for iOS which doesn’t include TextExpander touch. The Mac application is $35 for new users, ($15 if you owned TextExpander 2.x or earlier). Of course 3.2 is a free upgrade for existing 3.x users. If you haven’t used it, you get 90 days to try it before you have to buy it, plenty of time to decide if it’s for you. I wouldn’t think about using a Mac without it, and it keeps getting better.

TextExpander 3.2 offers backup, restore originally appeared on TUAW on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After taking a lot of public criticism from Greenpeace early in the last decade, Apple has redesigned its hardware and climbed up in the environmental rankings in recent years. Last year, Apple made it all the way up to number five on Greenpeace’s Greener Electronics list. Unfortunately, as in so many other aspects of a highly competitive industry, standing still is akin to moving backwards.

While Apple’s score of 4.9 on the Greenpeace index is the same as it was in 2009, other companies, including HP and Samsung, have improved significantly this year and pushed Apple down from fifth last year to ninth this year. Apple is called out for failing to state a public position on the EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances in electronics directive, as well as where it stands on the trade group TechAmerica. If Apple wants further improvement, it will also need to disclose more about chemical use in its supply chain and its plans for future improvements. Apple also needs to do a better job on e-waste recycling programs to dispose of older hardware.

Apple also quit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce this year over the organization’s stance on greenhouse gas emissions limits, but the Cupertino company has failed to publicly support mandatory reductions in emissions.

[Via Macnews.com]

Apple drops from 5th to 9th in new Greenpeace rankings originally appeared on TUAW on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple CEO Steve Jobs has made a point in recent keynotes to mention the fact that the iPhone and iPod touch are the world’s best selling portable gaming devices, well ahead of longtime champion Nintendo. Nintendo America president Reggie Fils-Aime has acknowledged the threat and sees Apple as a bigger problem for his company than either Microsoft or Sony.

While hardcore gamers generally prefer the higher-powered Xbox and PlayStation platforms, far more consumers have bought into the casual gaming approach enabled by Nintendo’s Wii and DS. The high quality and easy-to-play-in-short-burst games available on Apple’s handheld devices combined with their wireless capabilities have made them even more compelling than Nintendo’s offerings.

At first unconcerned, Nintendo’s anxiety gradually grew into Reggie Fils-Aime’s admission.

So far, the Apple incursion into the gaming space has mostly hurt the DS, but that could soon change. The surge in popularity of the new generation Apple TV could end up taking a big bite out of the Wii. Since the Apple TV runs on iOS and has already been jailbroken, the expectation is that, before long, Apple will make an app market available for the set top device. When that happens, we are likely to see games running on it that could possibly feature Wii-style motion controls for use with the iPhone or iPod.

[Via Joystiq]

Nintendo sees Apple as bigger threat than Microsoft and Sony originally appeared on TUAW on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I played Disney’s Alice in Wonderland way back in February of this year, and back then, I wasn’t super impressed. It was a little too much before the movie, and for US$4.99, it was a little too common for a platformer. But the app has just gone on sale for Halloween, and for $0.99, it’s worth another look.

The game did have some fun innovations in it, with four different powers and the ability to use the iPhone’s GPS to unlock some items. Especially for kids, it’s a solid platformer, and at the sale price, it’s worth seeing what Disney puts on display here (of course, this was before they picked up Tapulous and put them in charge of the mobile division).

TUAW’s Daily App: Alice in Wonderland originally appeared on TUAW on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TUAW is going to be giving away a gaggle of ghoulishly good gadgets over the next few days. Be sure to come back every day between now and October 30th for a chance to win. The good part of the giveaways? You don’t need to wear a costume to win ’em.

As part of this week’s Trick or Treat with TUAW series, our first giveaway will be handy for blasting the Halloween visitors to your home with all sorts of spooky music. The iMainGo 2 mobile speakers (US$39.99) are lightweight, powerful music speakers that also serve as protection for your iPod or iPhone.

The speakers don’t include a power plug or rechargeable batteries, but you will get upwards of 30 hours of musical enjoyment from four AAA batteries. To use the iMainGo 2 speakers, you just unzip the case, plug in your device using the standard 3.5 mm connector, zip it back up and keep your device protected from sun, sand, splashes, and spills while the tunes are blasting out. You can even connect the speakers to your iPad or MacBook for added musical fun.

iMainGo 2 features titanium high-output speakers, so it pumps out a surprising amount of sound. Be sure to take a look at some of the reviews on Amazon.com, which reiterate just how good the iMainGo 2 mobile speakers really are.

Now, for the giveaway. To enter, leave a comment telling us what you’ll use the iMainGo 2 speakers for. It can be anything — listening to tunes, blasting out the soundtrack for a movie you’re watching, even using them with a headset and your Mac as a PA system. Here are the rules:

• Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.
• To enter, leave a comment telling us how you’ll use the iMainGo 2 speakers.
• The comment must be left before midnight on Sunday, October 31st, 2010, 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time.
• You may enter only once.
• One winner will be selected and receive an iMainGo 2 mobile speaker setup valued at $39.99.
• Click here for complete official rules.

Good luck!

Trick or Treat with TUAW: iMainGo 2 mobile speakers originally appeared on TUAW on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The old saying about cars depreciating the moment you drive them off the lot goes double for notebook batteries, which lose a bit of their maximum capacity with every charge cycle. The battery is the one component of your portable Mac that is all but guaranteed to fail eventually… though especially in the case of the newest integrated batteries, it may take as long as a decade to die out completely, depending on your usage habits.

How can you tell if your battery is close to failing? More important than that, if it is close to failing, how can you get it replaced? Click “Read More” to find out.

Continue reading AppleCare Adventures: How to get a faulty MacBook battery replaced

AppleCare Adventures: How to get a faulty MacBook battery replaced originally appeared on TUAW on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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According to GigaOm, Apple may be working on a special SIM card to cut iPhone carriers out of the retail process. GigaOm’s sources inside European carriers claims that Apple is working with Gemalto, a SIM card manufacturer, to bring a custom SIM card integrated into the iPhone itself.

This Special SIM Card will allow customers in Europe to buy iPhone from Apple’s online or retail stores, select their desired carrier and then activate the device using Apple’s App Store. So, their won’t be any need to call or work with carriers to purchase or setup the device.

It is rumored that Apple and Gemalto have created a SIM card, which is typically a chip that carries subscriber identification information for the carriers, that will be integrated into the iPhone itself. Then customers will then be able to choose their carrier at purchase at the Apple web site or retail store, or buy the phone and get their handset up and running through a download at the App Store as opposed to visiting a carrier store or calling the carrier. Either way it reduces the role of the carrier in the iPhone purchase. Gemalto and Apple have not responded to requests for comment. I am also waiting to hear back from other sources to get more details.

The model should work well in Europe where the carriers tend to use the same networking technology and are far more competitive. iPhone’s non-exlusivity in most of the Europe makes this model a compelling one for consumers, but a nightmare for carriers. via [9to5mac] [GigaOm]

App Switcher Volume is a new jailbreak tweak that adds a volume slider control to the now playing bar of App Switcher (Multitasking). App Switcher Volume is available for iPhone and iPod Touch running iOS 4.x.

App Switcher Volume Features

• iOS 4.x Only
• Adds a volume slider control to the now playing bar.
• There are no icons added to the homescreen and no setting to configure

App Switcher Volume requires your iDevice to be jailbroken. You can jailbreak iPhone and iPod Touch using Limera1n, Greenpois0n and PwnageTool jailbreak.

You can purchase and download App Switcher Volume from the Cydia store for $0.99.