The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.tuaw.comThe Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/feedlogo.gifThe Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.tuaw.comen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Jobs to dev on app name change: "Not that big of a deal."http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/20/jobs-to-dev-on-app-name-change-not-that-big-of-a-deal/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/20/jobs-to-dev-on-app-name-change-not-that-big-of-a-deal/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/20/jobs-to-dev-on-app-name-change-not-that-big-of-a-deal/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I don't know if this was the right thing for Steve Jobs to say, but on the other hand, I do think it's the perfect thing for him to say. The story, as reported by our buddy Daniel Brusilovsky over at Crunchgear, goes like this: A company called The Little App Factory got a letter from Apple, who had a legal issue with one of their apps, formerly named iPodRip.

Apple didn't like the fact that "iPod" was clearly in the name, and so despite the fact that the software was meant to transfer songs back and forth specifically from an iPod, Apple wanted the name changed. The company's co-owner, John Devor, sent a very long and well-reasoned letter to Mr. Jobs himself explaining that their only wish was to extend Apple's hardware's capabilities, and that they were all Apple fans, and that they'd used the name for a long time and they were worried that a competitor might steal their customers and Jobs was an inspiration to the guy, who'd just dropped out of school, and could they please get a pass on this one?

Jobs' response -- yes, he wrote back personally -- was just three lines:

Change your apps name. Not that big of a deal.

Steve

Sent from my iPhone

Kids, that's how you become the kind of guy who runs a brilliant computer company, is seen on the cover of Time multiple times, gets named CEO of the Decade and just generally rocks. I feel for The Little App Factory, I really do, but you gotta believe the Steve. It's not that big of a deal.

We'll do our part, though: the app formerly known as iPodRip is now known as iRip, and is available with a free trial period from the developer's site.

[via Techmeme]

Jobs to dev on app name change: "Not that big of a deal." originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Jobs to dev on app name change: "Not that big of a deal." originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ipodripiripjohn-devorstevesteve jobssteve-jobsSteveJobsthe-little-app-factoryMike SchrammFri, 20 Nov 2009 07:00:00 ESTApple rejects Unity games on the App Storehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/14/apple-rejects-unity-games-on-the-app-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/14/apple-rejects-unity-games-on-the-app-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/14/apple-rejects-unity-games-on-the-app-store/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Touch Arcade has the news that the long-awaited Ravensword and a number of other games built on the Unity game engine have been rejected by Apple from the App Store. The problem appears to be a number of API calls in the engine (though not specifically the game themselves, as I understand it) that allow the games to access the iPhone's number and send it back to the developer's servers.

Apple considers these to be private APIs, and they also got games developer Storm8 in trouble earlier this week; their games were pulled from the store in response to a lawsuit alleging that they were collecting data from users without their knowledge.

Chillingo, publishers of Ravensword, contacted us about this story, and they said that while the Unity engine does allow developers to use these calls, they did not use them or collect any user information. We're also told that the problem APIs "have been removed," and Chillingo has resubmitted the game for App Store approval.

As I understand it, this is the same type of issue that came up with Google a while back. It's not the same APIs (Google was using the proximity sensor back then), but now as then, it's Apple's call whether they will allow developers to use these private and undocumented calls. Obviously some apps on the iPhone have to access the address book from time to time, but it's Apple's call whether they can use APIs like that or not. This time, it appears, they said no.

Update: Unity has also contacted us, and they say that the engine was updated to Apple's wishes as soon as they learned of the issue. They also would like to point out that while Storm8 did use the same private API calls, they don't use Unity to run their games. Storm8's update on the issue is here.

Apple rejects Unity games on the App Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple rejects Unity games on the App Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>app storeAppStorechillingogoogleprivate apisPrivateApisravenswordundocumented apisUndocumentedApisunity engineunity-engineUnityEngineMike SchrammSat, 14 Nov 2009 12:00:00 ESTApple launches iTunes Preview for external browser linkshttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/13/apple-launches-itunes-preview-for-external-browser-links/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/13/apple-launches-itunes-preview-for-external-browser-links/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/13/apple-launches-itunes-preview-for-external-browser-links/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This is the kind of thing that probably should have been done a long time ago, but Macworld is reporting that Apple has launched iTunes Preview, a page that appears when you click an iTunes link (like this one) and your browser sends you over to iTunes. Previously, you just got that placeholder page that said "One Moment Please" and asked if you wanted to open the link in an external application, but with iTunes Preview, you get a nicely laid out page with information and reviews (and your browser still opens up the iTunes store).

Currently it only seems to work with music -- movies and television only get a small thumbnail, and applications get the same old gray page. But that'll probably change before long -- it's much smoother to see what you're clicking through to, and of course there's the added bonus for people who don't actually have iTunes installed. As MacWorld points out, there are actually no "preview" buttons on the page -- you can't listen to music there, only click through to the iTunes store. But like I said, it's better than a blank window and a browser popup asking for your permission. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see this grow a lot more in the future.

Apple launches iTunes Preview for external browser links originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple launches iTunes Preview for external browser links originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>applefeaturesinformationitunesitunes storeitunes-storeItunesStorelistenmacworldmoviesmusicpreviewreleaseMike SchrammFri, 13 Nov 2009 09:30:00 ESTPsystar alienates the Hackintosh community, toohttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/12/psystar-alienates-the-hackintosh-community-too/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/12/psystar-alienates-the-hackintosh-community-too/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/12/psystar-alienates-the-hackintosh-community-too/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Say what you will about Psystar, the community that continues to sell computers running OS X, despite bankruptcy, constant legal problems with Apple, and a case so slim even their own legal team gave up. Sure, they're out of reason, out of room, and way out of line, but at least they've got plenty of cojones, as the locals say.

Why else would they say the things they do in this Miami Times article? Our friends at Engadget lay out just what's wrong with that piece, from Robert and Rudy's Pedraza's claims that they "cracked the code" behind OS X, to the suggestions and hints that what they're doing just might not be a contract violation. Whether or not Apple's EULA is enforceable is, of course, one of the arguments at issue in Psystar's case, even though plenty of shrinkwrap licenses have been upheld in court before. Apple's also got a copyright infringement claim against Psystar; this will be one of the topics at today's summary judgement hearing in California.

But the kicker in all this is the statement that Rudy Pedraza makes about the famed Hackintosh scene -- a community of people who persist in running OS X on hardware and devices that it wasn't supposed to run on (not nearly as much of a problem to Apple, as they don't sell the capability like Psystar does, but still not technically allowed by the license agreement). Surely, you might think, this is where the Pedrazas could find friends; surely, despite all of the commotion they're causing, this is the place where they could find a kind ear and a helping hand. Nope. From the article: "The first thing you have to do is unlearn everything you've read online about how to make this work," Rudy says, "because it's all wrong."

Nice. Way to alienate the one group, the one community that might still support your cause. I wish Psystar the best of luck -- not, mind you, because I need to buy or run any of their machines (I buy Apple because I appreciate both the hardware and the software), but just because their story continues to be so darn entertaining.

Psystar alienates the Hackintosh community, too originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Psystar alienates the Hackintosh community, too originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>applebankruptcycodecommunityhackintoshissueslegallegal-problemsmiami timesMiamiTimespsystarrobert pedrazaRobertPedrazarudy pedrazaterms-of-useMike SchrammThu, 12 Nov 2009 10:00:00 ESTApple updates Safari to 4.0.4http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/11/apple-updates-safari-to-4-0-4/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/11/apple-updates-safari-to-4-0-4/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/11/apple-updates-safari-to-4-0-4/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In just two days after Apple released the Mac OS X 10.6.2 update, there's now an update for Safari. This new version, 4.0.4, improves and fixes performance, stability, and security of Safari including:

  • Improved JavaScript performance.
  • Improved Full History Search performance for users with a large number of history items.
  • Stability improvements for 3rd-party plug-ins, the search field and Yahoo! Mail.

This update requires Mac OS X 10.6.1 or 10.6.2, Mac OS X 10.5.8 or 10.5.7, Mac OS X 10.4.11
or Windows 7, Vista, XP and is available through Software Update, or on the Apple Downloads page.

Do you notice any improvements in this update? Leave a comment and let us know!

Apple updates Safari to 4.0.4 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple updates Safari to 4.0.4 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>browserSafariSoftware UpdateSoftwareUpdateJoachim BeanWed, 11 Nov 2009 17:00:00 ESTC64 emulator back on the App Storehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/10/c64-emulator-back-on-the-app-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/10/c64-emulator-back-on-the-app-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/10/c64-emulator-back-on-the-app-store/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The C64 emulator that was pulled from the App Store by Apple for leaving a BASIC interpreter intact has now returned, though we presume it's minus the Apple-offending code. But while it will no longer run your own code, it will run some old-school C64 games, including eight for free with the app, and more coming with in-app purchases. It's got everything you'd expect from an emulator, including original sound and graphics, an auto-save, and the option to play in fullscreen portrait or landscape.

In fact, the only thing it doesn't have is an interpreter, but of course you know why that is by now: Apple doesn't want anyone running code on their devices that they haven't approved through the App Store. The app sells for $4.99 right now, and they expect to release the in-app purchases sometime this December, with no price announced yet.

C64 emulator back on the App Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)C64 emulator back on the App Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>appapp storeapp-storeAppStorebasic interpreterBasicInterpreterc64c64emulatordecemberin-app purchasesin-app-purchasesIn-appPurchasesiphonereleaseMike SchrammTue, 10 Nov 2009 22:30:00 ESTApple poised to take over the (tech) worldhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/10/apple-poised-to-take-over-the-tech-world/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/10/apple-poised-to-take-over-the-tech-world/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/10/apple-poised-to-take-over-the-tech-world/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Our friends at Cult of Mac commented on the possibility, floated on CNBC, that Apple will eventually overthrow Microsoft as the most valuable company in the technological world. If you think about it, Apple's stock was worth an unstable $25 dollars a share at this time 10 years ago -- today, it's worth $202 a share and shows no signs of decline. CNBC reports that Microsoft isn't really growing, but Apple continues to gain value and market share every day. From that, you could logically deduce that Apple will surpass Microsoft... but there are still a few points to make.

Apple has a long way to go before they're really ahead of Microsoft by most metrics. I suppose it's possible that the company's worth could surpass Microsoft within the 2 years that CNBC predicts, but as far as actual market share... I hope not. Here's why:

If Apple grows that quickly, we're going to see the effects of gravity bring them back down a bit. That kind of growth would be great for the brand but not necessarily the customer. We're already seeing record highs at the Genius Bars and not enough experienced staff to handle the demand. Calling AppleCare is usually a chore, not a pleasure.

Then again, any tech support call isn't fun, but long wait times make it even more frustrating. Using the example of Microsoft, getting too big too fast degrades your ability to offer quality service. It doesn't mean that their products are horrible, it means that you have to bring in more people to fill the gap -- people who aren't necessarily the most qualified to help. Will this sort of thing happen with Apple? I hope not. If their growth continues at its current rate, they better have a very good plan to avoid the Microsoft effect.

In my opinion, Apple does well as the underdog: they constantly have to adapt to the changing markets and make themselves more appealing than the competitor. If you look at Apple's top-dog aspects (iPod and iPhone), we begin to see things that aren't so awesome: the lack of a subscription service, the restrictive iPhone platform, not to mention the App Store approval process. In some ways, they get to the top of the mountain and then stop trying. Apple doesn't figure out where to go after they reach the summit, they simply find a different mountain and start climbing. They spent a couple years with the iPod, then a couple years with the iPhone... now we're gonna be seeing a couple years of the iTablet (or iSlate or iPad, you get the point).

If I'm not mistaken, it's really been a while since they've done anything innovative with the computer. Sure, the iTablet could bring innovation, but that's another mountain -- as were the iPod and iPhone. I'd love to see the company get back to the personal computer and do something that would change how we look at Apple. When I mention Apple at the moment, I hear the response, "Oh, they make the iPhone, right?" 4 years ago, that was the iPod. Soon enough, it will be a new piece of sexy hardware that Jonathan Ive designed.

Maybe two mountains will collide with the iTablet. Maybe it will really be the computer innovation that we've been missing. Maybe it will put Apple ahead of Microsoft in value, but let's hope that the Apple brand continues its reputation for great products, service and innovation.

Apple poised to take over the (tech) world originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple poised to take over the (tech) world originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Applemarket shareMarketShareJosh CarrTue, 10 Nov 2009 14:00:00 ESTYes, the Apple Store is <strike>down</strike> uphttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/08/yes-the-apple-store-is-down-dont-get-too-excited/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/08/yes-the-apple-store-is-down-dont-get-too-excited/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/08/yes-the-apple-store-is-down-dont-get-too-excited/#commentsFiled under:



Yep, the Apple Store is down (all over, it seems) and our inboxes runneth over. Don't get too excited, however. This has happened before and will happen again. And again. And again. And again.

If you see anything new when it comes back online, be a dear and leave it in the comments.

UPDATE: Store is back up with holiday cheer. And there was much rejoicing.

thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Yes, the Apple Store is down up originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Yes, the Apple Store is down up originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Victor Agreda, Jr.Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:45:00 ESTApple patent application details simple "Grab and Go" synchttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/07/apple-patent-application-details-simple-grab-and-go-sync/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/07/apple-patent-application-details-simple-grab-and-go-sync/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/07/apple-patent-application-details-simple-grab-and-go-sync/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Apple, being the innovative corporation that it is, applies for patents many times per year. While many of these items may never make it to market, the company is proactive in making sure that possible patents are filed as soon as possible in order to protect the intellectual property that's been developed.

One such filing from last year describes a fascinating cloud-based, cross-platform sync service referred to as "Grab & Go." The filing showed up earlier this week and demonstrates how synchronization of data over multiple devices could be simplified. Grab & Go creates pre-defined data sets with categories like family, entertainment, or business that a user could literally "grab" and move to a device. The patent document shows how sharing files between devices (whether the device is a smartphone, computer, tablet, or even a game console) could be made easier.

The software is flexible enough to adapt to different connection types (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, to name a few) and can provide different levels of encryption and security. The filing even discusses a possible requirement of having two or more devices within a certain distance of each other in order for synchronization to begin.

If you're up for a long, but interesting read over the weekend, head on over to the US Patent & Trademark Office and check out the details of Grab & Go. It could be a foretaste of things to come, or just another long legal document.

[via AppleInsider and Engadget]

Apple patent application details simple "Grab and Go" sync originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple patent application details simple "Grab and Go" sync originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>appleapple tvAppleTvbluetoothiphonemacpatentsyncwi-fiSteven SandeSat, 07 Nov 2009 11:00:00 ESTApple introduces reserve and pick-uphttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/07/apple-introduces-reserve-and-pick-up/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/07/apple-introduces-reserve-and-pick-up/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/07/apple-introduces-reserve-and-pick-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

As a guy who likes shopping online, but who still appreciates the act of going into a retail store for big purchases, I love this news. Apple has introduced a "Reserve and Pick-up" service for the holiday season.

The name is a little unwieldy, but it gets the point across. You go onto the Apple web site to find what you want, click to reserve the product at a nearby Apple Store, and then go to the store and pick up the goods while you're doing your holiday shopping between December 15 to 24.

For many folks, this might seem awkward -- why not just buy the product online and get it shipped, or just go to the store and buy it? For guys like me, it's perfect -- all of the convenience of choosing a product online, with the added bonus of being able to check out the retail store during the holidays.

iLounge notes that there's no AppleTV on the list, so if you were planning to pick one up as a gift, you'll have to go a more traditional route. There's also no way to actually reserve an iPhone. Instead, you're told to get an iPhone gift card to give to some lucky recipient. Nevertheless, I like the idea of reserve and pick-up, an interesting mix of online shopping and in-store purchasing for the holiday season. It's Apple take-out.

Apple introduces reserve and pick-up originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple introduces reserve and pick-up originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>appleapple-storeappletvhggholidayiphonepick-upreserveretailretail-storeshippedshippingMike SchrammSat, 07 Nov 2009 09:00:00 ESTRumor: Smaller iPhone on tap for Verizon in Q3 2010?http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/07/report-says-smaller-iphone-on-tap-for-verizon-in-q3-2010/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/07/report-says-smaller-iphone-on-tap-for-verizon-in-q3-2010/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/07/report-says-smaller-iphone-on-tap-for-verizon-in-q3-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If you're tired of dropped calls and dead zones, and pondering the merits of turning in your iPhone for a DROID... hold on there, champ. AppleInsider says it's received a copy of a report by OTR Global, claiming that Apple has signed contracts to produce a UMTS / CDMA hybrid iPhone to be released in the third quarter of 2010.

The hybrid handset, built around a dual-system chip from Qualcomm, would allow the iPhone to run on virtually any GSM/UTMS cellular network worldwide -- and also on the CDMA2000 networks of US carriers like Verizon and Sprint. In particular, Verizon is cited in the report as the target carrier for the new devices.

The report states that Foxconn, the Taiwan-based sole-source provider of iPhone hardware at this time, will not build the new device. Instead, a subsidiary of Asustek known as Pegatron has been selected to kick off manufacturing. It's also rumored that the hybrid device uses a 2.8" screen, making the handset smaller than the current model which uses a 3.5" display.

Photos of the smaller display were first featured on iLounge in June of 2008 (see photo at right), sparking widespread rumors at the time that an "iPhone nano" was on the way. Over a year later, neither the smaller iPhone nor a Verizon model are available. However, if the leaked report is any indication, 2010 could be yet another year of incredible growth for the iPhone economy.

Rumor: Smaller iPhone on tap for Verizon in Q3 2010? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Rumor: Smaller iPhone on tap for Verizon in Q3 2010? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>AppleCDMA2000GSMiphonemanufacturingrumortaiwanVerizonSteven SandeSat, 07 Nov 2009 00:30:00 ESTSurvey: Less than half of touchscreen users prefer touchscreenhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/04/survey-less-than-half-of-touchscreen-users-prefer-touchscreen/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/04/survey-less-than-half-of-touchscreen-users-prefer-touchscreen/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/04/survey-less-than-half-of-touchscreen-users-prefer-touchscreen/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Here's a few interesting stats from a survey recently conducted in Europe. These aren't specifically about the iPhone, but given that smartphones relied on buttons almost exclusively before Apple's handheld came along (and nowadays, everyone's bragging about their touchscreen technology), a temperature-taking on what people think of touchscreen controls is more or less a referendum on what people think of Apple's influence.

At least in France, Germany and the UK, reactions are mixed. While 38% of those surveyed say they were planning to get a touchscreen on their next mobile phone, only 47% of people who already owned a touchscreen said they would get another one. In other words, less than half of touchscreen owners thought they'd stick with the technology on their next purchase. Apple remains an anomaly -- both HTC and Apple have a higher amount of current customers planning to stick with their touchscreen interface (with the full numbers being released at a conference later this month), but the fact remains: current touchscreen users aren't anywhere near 100% on living button-free forever.

Especially as a gamer, that makes a lot of sense. Touchscreens are great for a lot of things -- they allow for limitless flexibility in the kinds of interfaces on offer, and especially with multi-touch, a lot of the controls on the iPhone are extremely intuitive (you automatically know now that pinching equals zooming, and so on). But as nice as touchscreen is, there are a lot of functions on mobile phones, from adjusting volume or changing music tracks on a phone out of sight in your pocket, to hitting exact button controls while twitch gaming, that work much better with tactile feedback. Steve, as he always does, made a big deal about the iPhone being a one-button interface, but I wouldn't be surprised at all to see future iterations of the iPhone include either a few more buttons, or, even better, a few more haptic interface technologies.

Survey: Less than half of touchscreen users prefer touchscreen originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Survey: Less than half of touchscreen users prefer touchscreen originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>applebuttonscontrolseuropeanfrancegermanyhaptichtcinterfacemultitouchpocketsurveytouchscreenukMike SchrammWed, 04 Nov 2009 09:15:00 ESTApple's iTunes Affiliates site briefly subjected to image swapshttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/03/apples-itunes-affiliate-site-briefly-subjected-to-image-swaps/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/03/apples-itunes-affiliate-site-briefly-subjected-to-image-swaps/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/03/apples-itunes-affiliate-site-briefly-subjected-to-image-swaps/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Our friends over at OS X Daily passed along their story noting that Apple's site for iTunes Affiliates was vulnerable to a cross-site URL trick, letting you substitute your own images for the ones normally displayed on the page. Since the site is intended to let websites display a custom top banner, this was 'as designed' -- at least until jokesters began taking advantage.

The trick works (or at least, it did) by taking the default URL from the web browser and replacing a few things like the artist name, album name, album thumbnail source and the image link.

The Internet moves pretty fast, though. As I was typing this, Apple removed the top banner altogether, preventing the customized image display. No more pranks for us.

In any case, OS X Daily pointed out that the image issue could allow malicious folks to redirect would-be Apple visitors to malware sites or other bad destinations. Even an innocent image viewer that appears within an iframe on a branded page can cause problems; that's what the folks at Wired found out last January, when someone took advantage of their image tool to post a hoax "Steve Jobs had a heart attack" news story.

Props to Apple's web development team, though, for taking this down within the ten minutes it took me to finish the post.

Apple's iTunes Affiliates site briefly subjected to image swaps originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple's iTunes Affiliates site briefly subjected to image swaps originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>apple.combughackimagesitunesxssJosh CarrTue, 03 Nov 2009 20:00:00 ESTAdobe points finger at Apple over Flash for iPhonehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/03/adobe-points-finger-at-apple-over-flash-for-iphone/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/03/adobe-points-finger-at-apple-over-flash-for-iphone/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/03/adobe-points-finger-at-apple-over-flash-for-iphone/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The lack of Flash of the iPhone has been an issue, complaint and breaking point for many current (and potential) iPhone users. It seems that Adobe is just as fed up as the rest of us and has started to more publicly blame Apple for the lack of this technology.

When a website requires a Flash plugin, it provides a link to a "Get Flash" page. From here and on most devices, you can download the appropriate version of Flash and be up and running in a few minutes. In the past, iPhone users have been greeted with a message that basically states that Flash is not available for their device.

A recent change, pointed out by GearDiary, shows Adobe getting a bit more snippy with Apple. The updated page now states that:
"Apple restricts use of technologies required by products like Flash Player. Until Apple eliminates these restrictions, Adobe cannot provide Flash Player for the iPhone or iPod Touch."
While this may not be "breaking news," it does say a number of things. For one, Adobe is clearly able to develop Flash for the iPhone and obviously wants to introduce it on the iPhone and iPod touch. This also shows that Adobe is very in tune of all the complaints and has redirected the blame to Apple.

Adobe points finger at Apple over Flash for iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Adobe points finger at Apple over Flash for iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>AdobeAppledeviceflashFlash PlayerFlashPlayeriPhoneiPod touchIpodTouchJohn BurkeTue, 03 Nov 2009 11:30:00 ESTNew Apple Switcher-Cam ad will take over online mediahttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/03/new-apple-switcher-cam-ad-will-take-over-online-media/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/03/new-apple-switcher-cam-ad-will-take-over-online-media/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/03/new-apple-switcher-cam-ad-will-take-over-online-media/#commentsFiled under: ,






The newest Get A Mac, ad from Apple will take over the front page of a number of sites this month. Created by TBW\Media Arts Lab, the ad takes over the page as PC chases switchers through various switcher-cam displays.

Thanks to Ivan for sending it in, and Ads of the World for hosting it.

New Apple Switcher-Cam ad will take over online media originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)New Apple Switcher-Cam ad will take over online media originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>advertisingget a macGetAMactbwa media arts labtbwachiatdayTbwaMediaArtsLabDavid WinogradTue, 03 Nov 2009 09:00:00 ESTApple pitching "all you can watch for $30 a month" TV to networkshttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/02/apple-pitching-all-you-can-watch-for-30-a-month-tv-to-network/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/02/apple-pitching-all-you-can-watch-for-30-a-month-tv-to-network/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/02/apple-pitching-all-you-can-watch-for-30-a-month-tv-to-network/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Apple is already the huge name in the music business with the iTunes Store, and they've made continual inroads into the application, video, and movie markets as well. But what if Apple also became the content provider of choice for TV?

That idea isn't that far-fetched, according to a blog post by Peter Kafka at the Wall Street Journal's All Things Digital. Kafka reports that Apple has been pitching the concept of $30 monthly TV subscriptions through iTunes to TV networks.

You'll note that I said iTunes. That's the interesting point here -- Apple isn't pushing sending content to a particular device, like the Apple TV that Kafka refers to as "underwhelming" (sounds familiar, doesn't it?) or the fabled Apple tablet / slate / whatever. Instead, the service would be available immediately to the more 100 million iTunes account holders that Apple had as of a year ago. Have a Mac? You're a potential customer. Have a PC? Ditto.

There's only one fly in the ointment -- will broadcast and cable programmers buy into this? Kafka thinks the first content provider to jump would be Disney, which of course counts Steve Jobs as its largest shareholder. Cable companies might not like the loss of their usually overpriced monthly packages to an upstart, or having their bandwidth chewed up by hordes of people streaming HD video. And there's always the question of whether current cable TV subscribers would make the jump to streaming content.

Kafka ends his post with a quote from an unnamed TV executive, who says of Apple's subscription plan "I think they might get it right this time." What's your take, TUAW readers? Do you think the world is ready to purchase all of its video content from Apple? Leave your comments below.

Apple pitching "all you can watch for $30 a month" TV to networks originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple pitching "all you can watch for $30 a month" TV to networks originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>all things digitalAllThingsDigitalappleitunespeter kafkaPeterKafkatvSteven SandeMon, 02 Nov 2009 17:00:00 ESTMac OS X 10.6.2 rumored to block Atom support, foil netbook OS X bootinghttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/02/mac-os-x-10-6-2-rumored-to-block-atom-support-foil-netbook-os-x/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/02/mac-os-x-10-6-2-rumored-to-block-atom-support-foil-netbook-os-x/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/02/mac-os-x-10-6-2-rumored-to-block-atom-support-foil-netbook-os-x/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In a move sure to rile up the crowds of people (including our very own Erica Sadun) who have converted cheap Intel Atom-powered netbooks into tiny MacBook-like hackintoshes, several sites are reporting that Apple will kill support for the battery-sipping CPU in the next release of Snow Leopard.

For most netbook manufacturers like MSI, Dell, and ASUS, the Intel Atom line of energy-efficient microprocessors has been the perfect CPU due to its low cost. Cheap prices on these netbooks, often below US$300, have made them the choice of many Mac users who want a very portable and affordable laptop solution that they're not currently getting from Apple.

The word from many developers who are testing the most recent build of Mac OS X 10.6.2 Snow Leopard is that support for the Atom CPU is gone. Either the hackintosh owners will have to run Mac OS X 10.6.1 for the foreseeable future, or some enterprising hacker will build a patch to add Atom support back to the upcoming OS release.

Like the current syncing struggle between iTunes 9 and the Palm Pre, this may turn into a tit-for-tat battle between Apple and the hackintosh community -- or it might be the end of the road for Mac OS X on the featherlight PCs.

[via Engadget, OS X Daily]

Mac OS X 10.6.2 rumored to block Atom support, foil netbook OS X booting originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Mac OS X 10.6.2 rumored to block Atom support, foil netbook OS X booting originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>hackintoshintel atomIntelAtommac os x 10.6.2MacOsX10.6.2netbookSteven SandeMon, 02 Nov 2009 11:15:00 ESTI went to an Apple Store on Halloween and they gave me... a bookmarkhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/01/i-went-to-an-apple-store-on-halloween-and-they-gave-me-a-bookm/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/01/i-went-to-an-apple-store-on-halloween-and-they-gave-me-a-bookm/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/01/i-went-to-an-apple-store-on-halloween-and-they-gave-me-a-bookm/#commentsFiled under: ,

Several TUAW readers have tipped us to the fact that many Apple Stores were in the Halloween spirit last night, handing out treats for ghouls, goblins, and Mac nerds who wandered by.

However, it sounds like Apple was playing the anonymous homeowner to Charlie Brown, who always got a rock instead of candy in his bag. The Apple Stores were not giving out sugary treats to the tots with their parents in tow, but they did get bookmarks. Yay.

The bookmarks are pretty cool, though. Printed in a beautiful turquoise color, the iPod nano-sized bookmarks have magnets on the inside tips so you can fold them around a page and they'll stick. Apple design savvy strikes again!

Apple fans apparently "ate up" the bookmarks; the post on iPhone Savior mentioned that one store was out of them by 7:30 PM. I'm thinking that we should use Apple's use of a bookmark as a giveaway as a hint about the legendary iTablet / ebook reader...

What do you think Apple should have given out to the costumed crowds last night instead of bookmarks? Leave your comments below.

[via iPhone Savior]

I went to an Apple Store on Halloween and they gave me... a bookmark originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)I went to an Apple Store on Halloween and they gave me... a bookmark originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>apple storeAppleStorebookmarkscandyhalloweenSteven SandeSun, 01 Nov 2009 15:30:00 ESTThink those warranty parts are new? Think againhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/01/think-those-warranty-parts-are-new-think-again/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/01/think-those-warranty-parts-are-new-think-again/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/01/think-those-warranty-parts-are-new-think-again/#commentsFiled under: ,

We received a question from one of our readers earlier this week that made me cringe, cower in fear, and heavily debate posting the answer. He had just been to the Genius Bar and they had replaced his under-warranty iPhone for a hardware issue. He then asked us what the quality of said iPhone would be; is it new or refurbished, and will it be a problem in the future?

Having spent time working behind the Genius Bar, as a technician at an Apple Authorized Service Provider, and now as the owner of my own repair shop in Denver... I know the history of the replacement parts and where they come from. If you have been involved with Apple repairs, you will probably know what I'm reluctant to tell you. If you are merely a consumer, prepare to be disappointed.

The vast majority of parts that Apple ships to repair centers are what they consider "re-manufactured." As a Genius, I was coached to explain that process when we were asked where the parts came from. Customers would always respond with, "Wait, so you're giving me a refurbished iPhone?"

I was told to say no, and to follow it by saying, "re-manufactured parts or products are different than refurbished. Someone may have used your device before you if it's a refurbished product... but in the re-manufacturing process, Apple uses known-good parts and builds new units out of them." So, they added a fake, nonsensical name to pretend that their parts or products weren't refurbished.

What does this mean? The iPhone that you just received looks new on the outside because it has new glass, a new case, new battery... but the rest of the device is fair game for refurbished parts. The logic board, audio assembly, LCD, pretty much anything else on the inside that isn't visible from the exterior could be from another person's iPhone. I'm not saying that every part is used, every time... they'll use new parts if that's what they have in stock. But if they have working used parts, they won't hesitate to put them in your replacement iPhone. There is usually one scenario that will allot for a new replacement: if you purchased your device less than 14 days ago. In that case, they have the ability to do a POS (Point of Sale) swap instead of a repair. Any swap outside of 14 days needs a very good explanation and a manager's approval.

This doesn't just apply to iPhones and iPods; it actually applies to any part they put into your Apple product. The logic board they put into your MacBook Pro: refurbished. The optical drive they put into your iMac: refurbished. The DC-In Board they put into your PowerBook G4: refurbished. There are many, many parts out there that Apple will happily replace for you, but beware -- it's probably not new. Re-manufactured is no different than refurbished.

If you look at it from the environmental aspect, I have to give Apple some respect for repairing broken parts instead of just tossing them in the dump. Still, that doesn't mean that I -- as a consumer -- want someone's "fixed" two-year-old logic board going into my computer. At this point, though, I don't have much of a choice.

Think those warranty parts are new? Think again originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Think those warranty parts are new? Think again originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>applecaregenius barGeniusBarrefurbishedrepairreplacementwarrantyJosh CarrSun, 01 Nov 2009 14:00:00 ESTApple's ad man changes roles, but another Apple fan will take his placehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/31/apples-ad-man-steps-down-but-another-apple-fan-will-take-his-p/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/31/apples-ad-man-steps-down-but-another-apple-fan-will-take-his-p/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/31/apples-ad-man-steps-down-but-another-apple-fan-will-take-his-p/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Update: As our loyal commenters have pointed out, Gizmodo (which was among the first sites to report that Clow was changing roles, echoing a piece in the industry journal Advertising Age) has followed up with an internal email from Clow where he says Miller's promotion does not imply that Clow is stepping away from his own leadership role with the company, including "keeping an eye on Apple."

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When many people think of Apple, they think of the ad campaigns that the company has used over the years:
  • The original "1984" Super Bowl ad that introduced the Mac to the world
  • The "Think Different" campaign that coincided with the return of Steve Jobs to the company
  • The iPod dancing silhouettes
  • "There's an app for that" -- the iPhone ads
  • "Hello, I'm a Mac. And I'm a PC." -- the Get A Mac ads
Apple's advertising agency is TBWA / Media Arts Lab, and the person who has been the creative force behind all of these ads is a man by the name of Lee Clow. The 66 year-old Clow has decided to step down as chief creative officer at the agency, although he'll remain chairman and global director of Media Arts Lab and fulfill other roles within TBWA.

Clow's replacement is no stranger to Apple. Duncan Milner is currently the executive creative director on the Apple account and is considered by many in the advertising industry to be the perfect replacement for Clow, a close friend of Steve Jobs.

Apple's ad man changes roles, but another Apple fan will take his place originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple's ad man changes roles, but another Apple fan will take his place originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>advertisingapplelee clowLeeClowtbwaSteven SandeSat, 31 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST