March 12, 2010

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Google and Microsoft Duking it out for iPhone Search

February 17, 2010 By Alex Jordan Leave a Comment
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Two reports from Reuters, they extrapolate on rumors that Apple is dropping Google as their search provider on the iPhone in favor of Microsoft’s Bing. The first report points to comments by Google Vice President Vic Gundotra who called the relationship between Apple and Google “stable” and he has “no reason to believe that’s going to change”.

“Apple is a very close and valuable partner and we’re very excited about the relationship we have with them today. We have no reason to believe that’s going to change,” Vic Gundotra, who leads Google’s mobile engineering, told journalists on Monday.

“We don’t want to comment on those rumours,” he said when pressed on the issue of the iPhone at a roundtable at industry trade fair Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. “We think that relationship is stable.”

The second report simply describes Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer’s reaction when he was asked about Microsoft bringing Bing to iPhone.

When asked about the reports, Ballmer said “I wouldn’t comment either way,” but smiled, and repeated the phrase when the reporter remarked that Ballmer looked happy.

It’s worth mentioning again that Apple is reportedly receiving $100 million per year from Google for being the default search engine on iPhone.

Filed Under Apple TV

Apple Releases Another Mac OS X 10.6.3 Build To Developers, Updates Apple TV to 3.0.2

February 11, 2010 By Alex Jordan Leave a Comment

MC223.jpegApple has released another build (Build 10D552) just a handful of days after the previous seed was released to developers. iPhoneinCanada has a rundown of what is addressed in this release:

According to reports, today’s build focuses on AirPort, Graphics Drivers, and Quicktime. The build further includes:

- Performance improvements for 64-bit Logic
- Addresses compatibility issues with OpenGL-based applications
- Includes changes to QuickTime X that increase reliability and enhance security
- Improves printing reliability and compatibility with 3rd party printers
- Addresses an issue that causes background message colors to display incorrectly in Mail when scrolling

With few issues remaining and rapid release of seeds suggest that this update might see a public release soon.

Apple also released Apple TV 3.0.2, but the catch is no one really knows what’s in the update. Apple doesn’t have any documentation on it, and there are no noticeable differences in UI or features.

If you’re brave enough to take the leap and update to 3.0.2, you can read Apple’s instructions for doing so here.

Filed Under Apple TV, Software

Apple Purchase of Quattro Wireless Confirmed

January 6, 2010 By Alex Jordan Leave a Comment

Screen shot 2010-01-05 at 12.21.16 AM.pngApple has purchased Quattro Wireless for $275 million as was previously rumored.

Happy New Year from Quattro Wireless!

We are thrilled to let you know that Apple has acquired Quattro. We want to share with you our excitement about this news and what it means for our customers.

The announcement was made on Quattro’s site and is signed by former CEO Andy Miller, who as of the accusation is Vice President of Mobile Advertising at Apple.

Again it’s worthing noting that Quattro is in the mobile advertising company and is a direct competitor to AdMob. Additionally, AdMob was recently scooped up by Google, but is under investigation by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. It is widely believed Apple was considering purchasing AdMob prior to the Google acquisition.

Filed Under Apple TV

Apple Releases a Crucial AppleTV Update.

November 9, 2009 By Alex Jordan Leave a Comment
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Apple has released AppleTV 3.0.1 update to patch a bug that causes users AppleTV content to temporarily disappear from the device. Apple has issued this following email notifying users.

Dear Customer,
If you’ve installed the Apple TV 3.0 software update, you should immediately update to version 3.0.1. This prevents content from temporarily disappearing until it is resynced.

To update your Apple TV software:

1. Reboot your Apple TV (unplug the power cord and plug it back in)
2. Select Settings > General from the main menu
3. Select Update Software
4. Select Download and Install

Note: Your Apple TV will conduct a restart, which is followed by the Apple logo and a status bar.
For more information, please refer to this article: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3116

If you need further assistance with your Apple TV, contact AppleCare.
Sincerely,
Apple TV Team

Apple just recently released the AppleTV 3.0 software update to users, which allowed users to view iTunes LPs, iTunes Extras, and added several other features.

Filed Under Apple TV

Apple Updates iTunes LPs for Compatibility with AppleTV 3.0

November 7, 2009 By Alex Jordan Leave a Comment
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MacRumors is reporting that Apple has begun informing iTunes customers who have purchased iTunes LPs, that new versions of the same content are now available. These new iTunes LPs are updated for use with the new AppleTV 3.0 software, which added several new features, including iTunes LP support.

With the latest versions of iTunes (9.0.2) and Apple TV software (3.0), you can now use iTunes LP on your Apple TV. We have updated the iTunes LP that was included with (your purchase) so that it can now be viewed on Apple TV in addition to your Mac or PC. It is available for you to download now, free of charge.

Apple introduced the iTunes LP format back in September during its annual music event. This format was meant to bring back the extra content consumers used to receive when they purchased old vinyl LPs back in the day. It appears a last minute change in the AppleTV 3.0 software made the LPs already in circulation to become incompatible.

Filed Under Apple TV, iTunes

Love your AppleTV again!

October 29, 2009 By Andre Bodnar 2 Comments

Much to the joy of AppleTV users everywhere, Apple has released a 3.0 version of the AppleTV software. It’s been awhile since Apple’s media hub has seen an update, and the new features, like iTunes Extras, iTunes LP, and Genius Mixes, was stuff that was all but expected. What wasn’t expected was the release of a redesigned AppleTV UI, but it is certainly more than welcome.

Apple sent out the following release notes:

Apple® today introduced new Apple TV® 3.0 software featuring a redesigned main menu that makes navigating your favorite content simpler and faster, and makes enjoying the largest selection of on-demand HD movie rentals and purchases, HD TV shows, music and podcasts from the iTunes® Store even better on your TV. You can now enjoy iTunes Extras and iTunes LP in stunning fullscreen with your Apple TV, as well as listen to Genius Mixes and Internet radio through your home theater system. The new Apple TV software is available immediately free of charge to existing Apple TV owners, and Apple TV with 160GB capacity is available for just $229.

“The new software for Apple TV features a simpler and faster interface that gives you instant access to your favorite content,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of Internet Services. “HD movies and HD TV shows from iTunes have been a huge hit with Apple TV customers, and with Apple TV 3.0 they get great new features including iTunes Extras, Genius Mixes and Internet radio.”

The redesigned main menu on Apple TV gives you instant access to your favorite content. Recently rented or purchased movies, as well as other content including TV shows, music, podcasts, photos and YouTube, are accessible directly from the new main menu. The new software also allows Apple TV users to enjoy stunning fullscreen iTunes Extras and iTunes LP, including great new movie titles such as “Star Trek” or classics like “The Wizard of Oz” and albums such as Taylor Swift’s “Fearless (Platinum Edition)” and Jack Johnson’s “En Concert.” iTunes Extras gives movie fans great additional content such as deleted scenes, interviews and interactive galleries. iTunes LP is the next evolution of the music album, delivering a rich, immersive experience for select albums on the iTunes Store by combining beautiful design with expanded visual features like live performance videos, lyrics, artwork, liner notes, interviews, photos, album credits and more.

Now Apple TV users can enjoy Genius Mixes through their home theater system and listen to up to 12 endless mixes of songs that go great together, automatically generated from their iTunes library. Customers can also enjoy Internet radio, allowing them to browse and listen to thousands of Internet radio stations, as well as tag favorite stations to listen to later. Apple TV’s support of HD photos is enhanced with iPhoto Events, which simplifies finding your favorite photos on Apple TV, as well as iPhoto® Faces, which gives access to photos organized by people identified in iPhoto.

Apple TV users have direct access to a catalog of over 8,000 Hollywood films on iTunes including over 2,000 in stunning HD video available for rent or purchase. Users can also choose from a selection of 11 million songs, 10,000 music videos and over 50,000 TV episodes to purchase directly from their Apple TV or browse and enjoy the iTunes Store podcast directory of over 175,000 free video and audio podcasts. Purchases downloaded to Apple TV are automatically synced back to iTunes on the user’s computer for enjoyment on their Mac® or PC or all current generation iPods or iPhones.* iPod touch® or iPhone® users can download the free Remote app from the App Store to control their Apple TV with a simple tap or flick of the finger.

Pricing & Availability

The new Apple TV software is available as a free automatic download to all Apple TV customers. The 160GB Apple TV is available from the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $229 (US). Apple TV requires an 802.11b/g/n wireless network or 10/100 Base-T Ethernet networking, a broadband Internet connection and a high definition widescreen TV. Video availability varies by country.

Apple TV easily connects to a broad range of widescreen TVs and home theater systems and comes standard with HDMI, component video, analog and optical audio ports. Using high-speed Wi-Fi, Apple TV automatically plays your iTunes content without setup or management.

*Movie rentals work on iPod classic®, iPod nano® with video, iPod touch, iPhone, iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

© 2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, Apple TV, iTunes, iPhoto, iPod touch, iPhone, Apple Store, iPod classic and iPod nano are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Click here to see the AppleTV page.

Filed Under Apple TV, Software Tagged With AppleTV, softwareupdates

Apple Working on Touchscreen Remote for Apple TV?

September 30, 2009 By Alex Jordan Leave a Comment

The Boy Genius Report is claiming that they have received a mockup of a touchscreen remote that may be included in an upcoming Apple TV refresh. The image shows an iPhone-esque device with a longer thinner screen, which seems like overkill especially since the device would be a peripheral for an appliance that Apple only considers a ‘hobby’. Anyway, this rumor gains some credibility after BGR claims the image came from the same source that accurately predicted iTunes 9 features, prior to launch.

It seems a little far-fetched that this unit’s only purpose would be to control an Apple TV, and you can even see a Safari option on the mockup. To be honest, it looks like a touch screen iPod nano, just longer. We’re going to dig a little bit and see what we can find, but we figured we’d run this with a high dose of caution for informational purposes.

As you may remember, Apple recently removed the 40GB Apple TV model, and dropped the 160GB model’s price by $100. In short, an update may be in the works.
Now for my opinion. This won’t happen. It adds an unnecessary expense on Apple’s fledgeling Apple TV product line. Besides, a touchscreen remote already exists for the Apple TV and iTunes.
Filed Under Apple TV, Rumors Tagged With Apple TV, Remote, touchscreen

Apple Discontinues 40GB Apple TV, 160GB Model Now Sells for $229

September 14, 2009 By Alex Jordan 1 Comment

Apple has discontinued the 40 GB Apple TV model, while slashing the 160GB model’s price by $100. Previously, the 40GB model sold for $229, while the 160GB model sold for $329.

Now with only the 160GB model selling for $229, this confirms an analyst’s recent speculation in the wake of slipping ship dates on 40GB models.There have also been reports that the iTunes LP format is designed to be displayed on an Apple TV. If true, this suggests an Apple TV software update may be right around the corner.

My question, why wasn’t this announced last week at the music event? Something fishy is going on.

Filed Under Apple TV Tagged With 160GB, 40GB, Apple TV, discontinued.

Predictions for Tomorrow’s “Rock and Roll” Media Event

September 8, 2009 By Alex Jordan 3 Comments

I am going to shamelessly copy John Gruber’s format, and tell you how much you should wager on certain rumors regarding tomorrow’s media event.

Wager heavily upon:

  • At bare minimum, the announcement of camera equipped iPods. I can almost guarantee the nano and touch will have cameras, I can only assume the iPod classic will too. The evidence for the former is overwhelming, while evidence for the latter is scarce. I also expect the iPod touch to receive the same processor and RAM upgrades the iPhone 3GS received in June. Lastly, I suspect the camera on the iPod touch will be able to capture video.
  • Price drops – I’ve heard both major and/or minor price drops are a possibility. This is to maintain Apple’s sales volumes while the iPhone continues to eat away at the iPod market.

Wager minimally upon:

Would wager agianst:

As a whole, I suspect tomorrow’s announcements will be pretty standard. Nothing ground breaking, just the next logical step in Apple’s media strategies.

Filed Under Apple TV, Editorials, Rumors, iPod, iTunes Tagged With Apple TV, camera, classic, iPod, iTunes, media, nano, rock and roll, September, tablet, touch

Apple TV to See Update At Apple’s Upcoming “Rock and Roll” Event?

September 1, 2009 By Alex Jordan 2 Comments

The Loop is reporting on a recent research report from Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster wherein Munster points out that the shipping timeframe for the 40GB Apple TV model is now 1-2 weeks. This development comes only days before Apple’s upcoming media focused event. In short, Munster thinks Apple is planning a revision to their Apple TV product line.

Munster is basing his opinion partially on the fact that Apple’s online store shows a 1-2 week delivery time for the Apple TV, which he said he finds “puzzling ahead of next week’s event.”

Munster feels that Apple may phase out the 40GB model and lower the price of the 160GB model to make room in the product category. “A new model is possible given the hardware has been the same for 2+ years,” said Munster.

This sounds entirely plausible to me. I can definitely see a storage upgrade to Apple TVs, because if you think about it, 40GBs or even 160GBs is a small storage capacity for HD content.

What do you think Apple will announce at their upcoming event? Leave a comment!

Filed Under Apple TV, Rumors Tagged With Apple TV, media event, rock and roll, september 9th, Update
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