miércoles, 29 de mayo de 2013

iPad By Davis: “MacBreak Weekly 352: Black and White and Flat All Over” plus 19 more

iPad By Davis: “MacBreak Weekly 352: Black and White and Flat All Over” plus 19 more


MacBreak Weekly 352: Black and White and Flat All Over

Posted: 28 May 2013 09:56 PM PDT

Leo Laporte, Andy Ihnatko, Alex Lindsay, and I discuss WWDC, the new iOS, possibly a new iWatch, and more.

Subscribe and download: TWiT.tv

    


Tim Cook not opposed to porting Apple apps to Android (but they're not going to)

Posted: 28 May 2013 07:42 PM PDT

Apple CEO Tim Cook, wrapping up his stint on stage at D11, said Apple wasn't religiously opposed to porting iOS apps to Android (or presumably other platforms). Cook claimed that, if it made sense, Apple would indeed consider bringing apps to Android. However, and especially in the case of iCloud, Cook doesn't currently think it makes that kind of sense.

In other words, they could but they won't. Not now, and not in any near future Cook can see. So, unlike Windows, Android gets no glass of cool iTunes water in their particular hell.

Anyone at all surprised or disappointed by any of that? Any hopes pegged on iTunes Store or iTunes Match for Android? FaceTime or iMessage?

Via: The Verge

    


Former EPA Administrator, Lisa Jackson, joining Apple reporting to Tim Cook

Posted: 28 May 2013 07:35 PM PDT

In talking up Apple's environmental policies at D11, CEO Tim Cook announced that former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator, Lisa Jackson, will be joining the company reporting directly to Cook. Jackson joins Apple to co-ordinate the environmental policies right across the company.

Cook also took the opportunity to point out that Apple owns and operates the largest solar farm and fuel cell of any non-energy company. All in the name of being kind to the environment.

While her official title escaped Cook at the time, and it's unknown if Jackson will be a vice-president, senior vice-president, or something else entirely, it's nice to see environment getting some higher level personification at Apple, and Apple's leadership getting some additional gender diversity.

What's your take on Apple's latest high-profile hire?

Source: Allthingsd

    


Apple open to opening more APIs in the future, but not for Facebook Home

Posted: 28 May 2013 07:32 PM PDT

Apple open to opening more APIs in the future, but not for Facebook Home

At D11, when Walt Mossberg came after Tim Cook on the issue of openness, and how Apple wouldn't open their Home screen to Facebook's Chat Heads, and how their keyboard had fallen behind Android third party solutions (like Swype or Swiftkey), Tim Cook responded that Apple would open things up in the future.

Not wide enough for Chat Heads to get in, of course, but wider than what the current iOS SDK allows, and something third parties could do... something with.

Since resounding market success has thus far eluded Facebook Home, none of that is surprising. It's always been a solution in search of a problem. However, the idea of deeper third party access is certainly interesting.

But can anyone seriously see a near-term future where Swype would be allowed to replace the default iOS keyboard?

Via: Engadget

    


Tim Cook: The magic is at the intersection

Posted: 28 May 2013 07:17 PM PDT

Tim Cook: The magic is at the intersection

As part of the D11 conference, Tim Cook deferred questions about the future of iOS and OS X to WWDC 2013, which is now less than two weeks away. He did, however, address the new management, with software, services, and design, among other things, all now under unified leadership.

Cook also basically said that, given the quality of Jony Ive's work on Apple hardware design over the years, letting him loose on the software was a no-brainer. (Rumors of a flatter, more monochromatic iOS 7 have been making the rounds lately.)

When it comes to differences between Cook and Jobs' management style, Cook said there were many, but the similarity was the most important: Keeping Apple as Apple.

And that it remains at the intersection of software, hardware, and services that Apple's magic lies.

Nothing new there really, but does it make you feel more or less confident about what you expect to see at WWDC in June?

Via: The Verge

    


Tim Cook unsure about Google Glass, but very interested in wearable tech

Posted: 28 May 2013 06:58 PM PDT

Tim Cook unsure about Google Glass, but very interested in wearable tech

On stage at the D11 conference this evening, Apple CEO Tim Cook was asked about wearable devices such as Google Glass and fitness bands. While he didn't comment directly about Apple's explorations into wearable technology, he commented on Google Glass, wondering if perhaps its appeal was limited. People wear glasses because they have to, not because they want to, he said, and he doubted many people under 20 still wore watches.

Cook did note that the market for wearable sensor devices, such as the Nike Fuelband and other fitness devices, is growing rapidly. He also commented that the iPhone jump started Apple, and the iPad accelerated it, and perhaps wearables could do that again.

Nothing to announce immediately though, of course. So, is that yes to wearables but no to glasses or watches? What does that leave us with, an Apple broach, like on Star Trek?

Source: AllThingsD

    


Apple is content to make the best phones, not the most phones

Posted: 28 May 2013 06:52 PM PDT

When asked about the relative popularity of the iPhone compared to Android, Tim Cook, on stage at the D11 conference, responded in typical fashion, saying Apple isn't concerned about the most, only the best.

Cook gave some historical context for his comments. Apple believes the Mac is the best PC, but they never made the most PCs. They made the best MP3 player, and did make the most, and the best tablet, and did make the most, but the phone, like the PC, while still the best in Cook's opinion, isn't the majority of units in that space.

Usage metrics, where iOS has usually dominated Android, was also brought up by Cook. Like others before him, Cook floated that many Android phones aren't used as smartphones, but as feature phones.

There's been a lot of dodgy numbers thrown Apple's way, but the combination of their profit share (what matters to them) and their usage share (what matters to us) is hard to argue.

Via: The Verge

    


Tim Cook announces 13 million Apple TVs sold to date, still playing coy about the future

Posted: 28 May 2013 06:48 PM PDT

Apple CEO Tim Cook is on stage at the D11 conference in California, and while playing coy as usual about the future of Apple TV, he has dropped some interesting figures into the conversation, namely that Apple's set top box has sold 13 million units to date, and more impressively, half of those were in the last year.

Cook also says that it continues to be an area of great interest for Apple, and that the TV experience hasn't yet been brought up to this decade. Kara Swisher took a punt and asked what Apple plans to do about it, to be told:

No specifics were given, of course -- it's the wrong venue for that entirely, especially with WWDC 2013 less than two weeks away -- but Cook did say Apple had a grand vision. In other words, yes, there's a plan...

Given the PS4 and Xbox One announcements recently, do you think Apple needs to pick up their TV pace?

Source: AllThingsD

    


Did you hear the one about the iPhone with the 4x Super Retina display?

Posted: 28 May 2013 04:54 PM PDT

There's a rumor going around that Apple might be considering going to @4x -- a "Super Retina" for a future iPhone display. Apple went to @2x, from 320x480 at 163ppi to 640x960 at 326ppi for the iPhone 4 Retina display, and lengthened it to 640x1136 at the same 326ppi for the iPhone 5's 4-inch widescreen display. These days, however, Android phones are shipping with 1080x1920 (1080p) displays at well over 400ppi.

So, to leap ahead again, and to keep things just as easy on the apps as the last big density increase, in some theoretical universe Apple could just double again to @4X, right?

Well, I did the math on a 5-inch, @4x display back in January and here's how it works out:

That's how the various 5-inch iPhone options look when you compare them both in terms of pixel count (top) and physical scale (bottom), with an iOS standard touch-target grid overlay (44px). From left to right, the iPhone 5 (black), theoretical iPhone @3x (purple), theoretical iPhone @4x (red), theoretical iPhone with iPad display @2x (blue), with the HTC Droid DNA 1080p (green) thrown in for good measure.

Yes, HTC has made 1080p (1920x1080) phones at 440ppi, which while positively pornographic, show what's already out and on the market. If Apple decides it wants to exceed that the way the original Retina display exceeded other panels at the time, they'd have to skip 3x and go straight to 4x -- 2272x1280 at 522ppi.

It would require even more graphics processing power, more LED light, and more battery, and it would be absolutely batshit insane, but hey, we're considering all options here.

Going to 5-inches @4x probably isn't something within the current realms of technology, economics, or reason, however.

Going to to @4x with a 4-inch display, to put it just as bluntly, is even more batshit insane. Until humans grow hawk eyes, there's just no need. If an when Apple goes to 5-inches, maybe @3x will make sense, or maybe a more painful switch to the 1080p standard. Maybe there's even something in the Apple labs that does 2x Retina in a very different way than what's being reported right now...

Anyone actually want to see Super Retina display any time soon?

    


Would you want to buy a larger than 9.7-inch iPad? [Poll]

Posted: 28 May 2013 03:30 PM PDT

There's a rumor that has been doing the rounds suggesting that a 13-inch 'iPad Maxi' could be on the cards for 2014. While we're pretty skeptical over any accuracy at all on this one, it does raise an interesting question. Should there ever be a larger than 9.7-inch iPad, would you want to pick one up?

There's an obvious, if niche, market for a larger display iPad. Folks with a design-centric profession for example could be appreciative of a larger display, as could medical professionals, or even schools. More room to view, more room to do, and still retain an air of portability over something like a MacBook.

And then there is the MacBook range to consider. Apple sells full laptop computers from 11-inches through to 15-inches, and while the touchscreen could be a bonus to some, iOS just doesn't have the raw computing power of OS X.

So, what say you, the iMore readers. Would a larger iPad appeal to you? What aspects would make it a compelling option? Or, are you of the opinion that you would just pick up a MacBook? Throw a vote in the poll above and drop your thoughts in the comments below!

    


Google+ update for iOS brings a host of new photo features and more

Posted: 28 May 2013 02:41 PM PDT

Google+ for iOS just got a pretty hefty update, bringing with it all of the cool new photo features announced back at Google I/O. That means that auto enhance, browsing highlights of all of your photos, sharing animations, panoramas and more are all now at the disposal of iOS users following their debut on Android.

Previously, Google Hangouts was integrated into the Google+ app, but, following the launch of the separate Hangouts app, Hangouts has been removed from the main app. You can still see it in the sidebar, but to use it will require the separate app which you're taken to.

There's also a bunch of other, smaller updates to note; related hashtags are now here for finding interesting things, we can now upload a cover photo within the app, and perhaps my personal favorite, control how often those "What's Hot" posts appear in your timeline.

The update is available to download right now from the App Store. We've had to wait a couple of weeks to get the photo features, but let us know how you're finding them.

    


Google+ iPad App Updated: Adds New Photo Features, Removes Hangouts

Posted: 28 May 2013 02:03 PM PDT

Photos

The Google+ iPad app has been updated today, to Version 4.4.0. Top of the list of new features is support for the new Google+ photos features announced at the recent Google I/O event – including Auto Enhance. You can even see the autoawesome animations that Google+ creates in the app now.

That's good news for iPad users of the Google+ app. More good news is a few new features that I think have been high on many users' wish lists:

- Ability to edit comments
- Control how often What's Hot posts appear in your stream
- Ability to copy the post's permalink
- Ability to edit more profile fields and upload a cover photo

The bad news is that Hangouts have been removed from the Google+ app – when you tap to go to them now you're shunted out to the horrifically ugly and less than half-baked Hangouts app. Hopefully the iPad Hangouts app will be getting an *extreme*...

Read the whole entry... »

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Serial+ for iPhone review: Never lose track of warranty info or serial numbers again

Posted: 28 May 2013 01:30 PM PDT

Serial+ for iPhone review: Never lose track of warranty info or serial numbers again

If you own a lot of gadgets and software programs, and let's face it, most of us do, keeping tracking of warranty information and serial numbers can become overwhelming. Serial+ aims to solve that problem by bundling them all into one easy to use app complete with Dropbox sync, so no matter what happens, all your product information is safe.

Serial+ has one main purpose: to store all the information that matters about your electronics, gadgets, and software. This includes general information such as model numbers, serials, purchase amounts, and photos. These are excellent items to keep track of in case you ever need to file a warranty claim with an insurance company. Beyond that, you can also store manufacturer's warranty information as well as any extended warranty info you need. Warranties will default to one year but you can change them if you need to by just editing the information manually.

When it comes to storing software information, this is where you'll want to put all your product licenses and activation codes. Serial+ also gives you a spot to store version numbers and how many licenses a serial provides. You can plug anything else you need to know into the notes field. If a serial number is tied to an email account, you'll also have a place to save that email address as well. You can also choose to passcode lock the app so unauthorized individuals can't access your records.

As far as backing up your Serial+ data, you've got a backup option via Dropbox. Just link your Dropbox account and Serial+ will start creating backup files of your warranty and serial information. If you ever get a new iPhone or have to replace one, you can simply hop into settings and bring down all your information from your last Dropbox backup. If you need to share information with someone whether it's for a warranty claim, or you just want a hard copy to send to yourself periodically, you can export your information into a .csv or plain text file. These two formats should be sufficient for any insurance claim you may need to make.

The good

  • Entering in products in straight forward and comes with plenty of options
  • Dropbox sync and export options ensures that your data is always protected from loss
  • Option to take photos and store them with each product, great for insurance claims
  • Easily view which items you own are under warranty and which are expired
  • 256 bit encryption when syncing to Dropbox so you know your data is secure when being backed up
  • PIN lock option for the app itself to prevent others from accessing your information

The bad

  • Dropbox sync is currently a little buggy, I received quite a few time outs before it actually created a backup file

The bottom line

If you own lots of electronics or software, it's essential to have a way to track all that information. Not only can Serial+ help if you ever get into a situation where an item is stolen and you needs its information for a claim, but can help expedite tech support calls. I've had numerous times where I need to call about a product and don't have the serial on hand. With Serial+, that problem is all but gone. I can just pop into the app and access serials and warranty info in a few simple taps.

    


Seven awesome games: name your price and give to charity

Posted: 28 May 2013 12:23 PM PDT

Seven awesome games: name your price and give to charity

Humble Bundle Inc. is back with The Humble Indie Bundle 8, a collection of seven excellent independently developed and published games that run on OS X, Windows and Linux. The Humble Indie Bundle lets you set the price you're willing to pay, with all proceeds going to charity.

This isn't junk, either - there are platformers, a retro 2D shooter, experimental and atmospheric games, and a casual title that's just a twist different. Here are short descriptions of each game:

  • Hotline Miami - a 2D top-down action game that mimics the 16-bit shooters of yore. Gory, fast-paced and tough.
  • Proteus - Explore an exotic and mysterious island. Each time you play the world is different.
  • Dear Esther - An "experimental first-person adventure that is strongly driven by a fractured narrative."
  • Capsized - A 2D platformer in which you've crash-landed on a hostile alien planet and you have to recover the rest of your crew and make it out alive.
  • Awesomenauts - a 3v3 multiplayer platformer where you have to defend your base from attack while attacking your opponents'.
  • Thomas Was Alone - a puzzle-platformer with minimalist graphics (Thomas, the protagonist, is a red rectangle). One hundred levels to explore.
  • Little Inferno - Burn your worldly possessions in front of the Little Inferno fireplace. Burning things yields coins, which you can use to obtain new items to burn, like screaming marshmallows, explosive blowfish and more, or combine items to create new and interesting conflagrations, unlocking more items in the process.

Separately they'd cost $90, but together you can pick your price and give instructions on how you want the money distributed between the developers and two different non-profit organizations (Child's Play, which puts video games and systems into the hands of sick kids in hospitals, or the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a group focused on defending personal rights online). You can also kick a tip to the Humble Bundle folks if you're feeling generous.

The Humble Indie Bundle is a limited time offer (you have two weeks left to take advantage of the deal).

Seven games, name your price - is that a good enough deal for you? Have you already bought the Humble Indie Bundle 8? How did you split up your money?

    


Do it (Tomorrow) for iPhone and iPad review: Productive procrastinating, at last!

Posted: 28 May 2013 11:31 AM PDT

Do it (Tomorrow) for iPhone and iPad review: Productive procrastinating, at last!

Are you a procrastinator who tries time and time again to make use of an elaborate "get things done" system in order to bring some organization into your life to only put off using said system? Then Do it (Tomorrow) for iPhone is for you! Do it (Tomorrow) is simply two lists, Today and Tomorrow, with the ability to move tasks between lists with just one quick tap.

There are only three different screens in To it (Tomorrow). A "Today" list, a "Tomorrow" list, and the settings screen. You simply swipe left and right to move between screens. The lists look like notebooks and the Tomorrow list even has a fake coffee stain on it. Next to each task, there is an arrow that will move it to the other list.

Do it (Tomorrow) includes two fonts, one that looks like handwriting and another that is a more traditional.

Do it (Tomorrow) for iPhone is free with the option to purchase Cloud sync for $4.99. The univeral version is $4.99 and automatically includes Cloud sync.

The good

  • Simple design
  • Two font options
  • Move tasks between lists with just one tap
  • Cloud sync available for $4.99

The bad

  • Soon and Someday lists would be a great addition

The bottom line

If there was an Olympic competition in procrastination, I'd hold the gold medal, and it feels like Do it (Tomorrow) was designed specifically for me. No due dates; no annoying alarms that make me feel guilty. Just two simple lists of what I need to do today and tomorrow... and the ability to push things back to "tomorrow" indefinitely.

    


How to force empty Trash on your Mac using Terminal

Posted: 28 May 2013 10:33 AM PDT

How to force empty Trash on your Mac using Terminal

If you're using a Mac, there has undoubtedly come a time when you've run into issues emptying Trash whether it be long wait times or freeze ups, especially if you're using the Secure Empty option.

If this has happened to you, there's actually a way around it using a simple command in Terminal. I've been using it for years and as far as I know, it'll work with not only Mountain Lion, but as far back as Tiger, if not even older versions.

Follow along and we'll get your Trash emptied in no time.

  1. Launch the Terminal app on your Mac by either searching for it in Spotlight or locating it in the Utilities folder under Applications.
  2. Type in the following command: "sudo rm -rf ~/.Trash/*" (without quotes) and then hit Enter on your keyboard.
  3. You may be prompted to enter your OS X user password. Type it in and then hit Enter on your keyboard.
  4. You should now be returned to the main user prompt in Terminal. Notice the Trash in your dock which should now be empty.

That's all there is to it. This trick is nifty for any time when the default empty trash process hangs up or if you've gotten a large amount of files to delete and the process seems to be taking forever. Just make sure you force quit trash from emptying before attempting to use Terminal to empty or the process will fail.

    


iPad and iPad mini Refurbished Prices Drop Again

Posted: 28 May 2013 09:41 AM PDT

iPad mini Refurbished Deals

Apple's prices for iPad and iPad mini refurbished models have dropped again, and there are some substantial savings to be had over standard pricing.

There are numerous refurb models of the latest iPads – iPad 4th gen and iPad mini – with new lower prices. One that catches my eye in particular is shown above – a 32GB WiFi + Cellular iPad mini for $469. There are deals offered on the iPad mini, iPad 2, iPad 3, and iPad 4th gen. If it's possible budget-wise, I'd suggest avoiding the iPad 2 models – as they are now two generations back of current.

MacRumors offers the full list of recent drops on the current generation of iPads:

iPad mini
- 16 GB Wi-Fi: $279, down from $299 previously and $329 brand-new
- 32 GB Wi-Fi: $359, down from $389 previously and $429 brand-new
- 64 GB Wi-Fi: $439, down from $489 previously and $529 brand-new
- 16 GB Wi-Fi + Cellular:...

Read the whole entry... »

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Iterate 47: Chris Harris and Wonders of the Universe

Posted: 28 May 2013 08:53 AM PDT

Iterate 47: Chris Harris and Wonders of the Universe

Chris Harris of The Other Media joins Marc, Seth, and Rene to explain why he calls himself an app director, using Paper and Motion to design UX, and his work on Wonders of the Universe, Atlas, Glide, and more.

Show notes

Guests

Hosts

Feedback

Yell at us on Twitter/ADN via the above accounts. Loudly.

    


This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Trip down memory lane: The 2001 introduction of the iPod

Posted: 28 May 2013 08:34 AM PDT

The iPod: For many the start of a love affair with Apple products. I know that's where it all began for me 9 years ago with the purchase of a 20GB iPod. With all the current rumors of a new Apple music service and WWDC around the corner, what better time than to take a trip down memory lane and see where the digital music revolution truly kicked into gear.

Compared to the Apple product presentations of the present day, the 2001 introduction of the iPod was a relatively low-key affair, delivered by the late Steve Jobs at Apple HQ in Cupertino. 2001 was before the age of livestreams, and liveblogs, and the gathered press would have been reporting the announcement in a very different way to how WWDC will be reported to the world in a few weeks.

The iPod was truly a revolutionary product, and modern technology icon. At the time, having the ability to carry 1,000 songs in your pocket was unheard of. As the years passed, the iPod and iTunes Store changed the way we listen to music.

So, join us, sit back and relax, and watch the video above to see the 2001 iPod introduction in full. 12 year old video footage isn't a patch on today's, but it all adds to the nostalgia. Maybe you recall this event from first time around, and remember going out to purchase your very first iPod? What did you feel when you took out of the box for the very first time?

Video courtesy of EverySteveJobsVideo on YouTube

    


Trip down memory lane: The 2001 introduction of the iPod

Posted: 28 May 2013 08:34 AM PDT

The iPod: For many the start of a love affair with Apple products. I know that's where it all began for me 9 years ago with the purchase of a 20GB iPod. With all the current rumors of a new Apple music service and WWDC around the corner, what better time than to take a trip down memory lane and see where the digital music revolution truly kicked into gear.

Compared to the Apple product presentations of the present day, the 2001 introduction of the iPod was a relatively low-key affair, delivered by the late Steve Jobs at Apple HQ in Cupertino. 2001 was before the age of livestreams, and liveblogs, and the gathered press would have been reporting the announcement in a very different way to how WWDC will be reported to the world in a few weeks.

The iPod was truly a revolutionary product, and modern technology icon. At the time, having the ability to carry 1,000 songs in your pocket was unheard of. As the years passed, the iPod and iTunes Store changed the way we listen to music.

So, join us, sit back and relax, and watch the video above to see the 2001 iPod introduction in full. 12 year old video footage isn't a patch on today's, but it all adds to the nostalgia. Maybe you recall this event from first time around, and remember going out to purchase your very first iPod? What did you feel when you took out of the box for the very first time?

Video courtesy of EverySteveJobsVideo on YouTube

    


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