Buzz Out Loud 1424: BOL.xxx (podcast)
-Harris â€"â€" Hi Buzz Crew, I just listened to Episode 1422, and I would argue that Dance Dance Revolution should be even higher on the scale of being considered “â€actual exercise.â€" Granted, many people play it casually, but you can get some serious exercise with that game when you start playing it on its hardest difficulty settings.I got really into the game in college, and without “â€going on a dietâ€" of any sort, just from heavily playing DDR, I lost about 40 lbs. in five months! For the curious, this was playing 30 minutes at a time, 3 times/day (total 90min/day), 3 days/week.Having tried the whole “â€working out at a gymâ€" thing a few years later, I can say from personal experience that DDR is much more effective for weight loss than gym workouts (also considerably cheaper, and more fun). Love the show, Mike â€"â€" COMPUTER LOVE Dear Computer Love, My girlfriend of 10 months and I recently ended our relationship, on relatively good terms. It’s been about a week now and neither of us have changed our Facebook relationship status back to single. I was trying to be polite and take the “â€ladies firstâ€" approach, but I am starting to think that waiting for her to go first is a bad idea. What’s the appropriate amount of time after a breakup where changing your relationship status back to single won’t be considered a slap in the face? In order to avoid the aftermath of posts from friends and family, would it be best to make my relationship status private before changing it, or would immediately deleting it from my wall do the trick? Thanks, Josh in Saint Louis â€"â€" My wife has another man flirting with her on Facebook and she won't stop communicating with him.We've been married for 6 years (together for 9) and have a beautiful 3 year old son together.She's gone mad being a stay-at-home mom and started up facebook to interact with adults.No harm there, but some kid who was in love with her during High School was lying in wait.He friended her the first day she used it.She hasn't seen the guy in 12 years and he never asked her out in HS.Now this punk who's divorced and who's wife had an affair on him, BTW who's jobless...can't stop flirting.Thankfully they are 3 states away...but that's just 1 plane ride. I'm a hardworking man, a provider…knocking out the mortgage, food, bills, everything.I come home and she tells me this guy crossed the line saying he can't be 'just friends'.She told him to stop and he said he would (yeah right). She told me if I trusted her, I would let her take care of this.I told her I wanted to have a quick word with him, she said that would push her farther away.I took it at face value.Now this guy is home all day making funny videos, crazy comments, and generating discussion.On the wall there are several interactions per day.I told her I'm not comfortable with this, the reply everyone deserves a second chance & I'm pushing her away.I need to recapture our spark but it's hard to bring out the best in us when I feel such a burden over her not ending contact w/this guy.Seeking answers.â€"â€" Well thank you BOL. There is this girl I have know for a number of years. Always figured she did not fancy me but I like her a lot. Anyway was quite happy just being friend. Then you lot start mixing up funny tech news with love advice and whenever you talked about love my mind wandered to this girl. We chat often online and meet up occasionally in real life too, not that often though as we are both busy people. So I start paying more attention to what she writes, probably looking too hard for hidden meanings. I decide to send her a valentines card from ‘a secret admirer’. Then after a few weeks and some ambiguous comments I decide to tell her. Her reply is sorry I don’t feel the same way. So later I ask her if she had any idea I fancied her or sent her the card and she replied no. Now falling in love with the wrong person is something I seem to do well, done it many times in the past. I know how it ends. You tell them, they say no but let’s remain friends, everytime they see you it reminds them you love them and they don’t love you. Things get awkward and you talk less until you stop taking altogether. So thanks to BOL I’m heart broken and probably lost a good friend. Maybe I shouldn’t have listened to the ‘just ask her’ advice. And this, Molly, is just one of the reasons why the modern man finds it hard to ask a girl out… From as you can imagine, would rather not say. Anonymous â€"â€" http://bol.cnet.com, 800-616-2638 (CNET), buzz@cnet.com Follow us on Twitter: @mollywood @brian_tong @beng3 JOIN US AT SXSW! cnet.eventbrite.com
Promo code users kept from rating, reviewing apps
Promo code users kept from rating, reviewing apps
A new Apple policy change aims to keep users who have not purchased an application from rating or reviewing it on the App Store. Now when users who have installed an app from a promo code try to review it, they'll get a pop-up message that says "you must own this item to write a customer review," as if they had never downloaded it.An official response from iTunes support, received by a forum-goer over at iOS games site TouchArcade, notes the change, saying that the company now requires ratings and reviews of applications to be done by paid users, keeping those who may have installed the application from a developer's promo code from contributing to its aggregate rating or written review log.Apple offers iOS developers a limited number of these promo codes as a means to provide free versions of paid applications to users. Users enter these codes into the redeem section of the App Store, just like they would a song code in iTunes, and the application begins downloading. Apple allows developers to request and dole out 50 copies of the application per update, giving those who update frequently a chance at expanding how many codes can be had. Along with this method, Apple also offers a way for developers to configure up to 100 iOS devices to run that specific build of an application by building copies that match up with each user's device UDID (unique identifier). The two downsides to this method are that the provisioning profile that accompanies these builds can expire, and the application is not eligible for updates. Nonetheless, this method continues to be used by developers to provide testers, press, and other parties with early copies of applications that can be installed and run outside of the App Store. Apple has recently made more aggressive moves in policing similar behaviors in the App Store, cracking down on companies and applications that incentivize installations to help boost popularity, as well as adjusting the top apps algorithm to re-weight certain categories over others. This move is very likely to combat operations that had users leaving high ratings and positive feedback on games and applications in exchange for free copies. High marks in both categories are two factors that can get potential buyers interested in investing in an application, netting the developer cash and even a higher spot on Apple's charts. Apple's last major app reviews change was back in late 2008, with the company mandating that users be purchasers or downloaders to rate and review an application. That was to keep the deluge of reviews by people who never even downloaded the applications from making an impact on those who had. Following that, Apple removed reviews from users who never downloaded or purchased the applications, and made it so that reviews were tied to a specific version number of the application to make sure raters weren't harping on issues that had long since been fixed.Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the changes. CNET independently confirmed through a number of applications acquired through promo codes that the change is in effect on both the iPhone and iPad.
A new Apple policy change aims to keep users who have not purchased an application from rating or reviewing it on the App Store. Now when users who have installed an app from a promo code try to review it, they'll get a pop-up message that says "you must own this item to write a customer review," as if they had never downloaded it.An official response from iTunes support, received by a forum-goer over at iOS games site TouchArcade, notes the change, saying that the company now requires ratings and reviews of applications to be done by paid users, keeping those who may have installed the application from a developer's promo code from contributing to its aggregate rating or written review log.Apple offers iOS developers a limited number of these promo codes as a means to provide free versions of paid applications to users. Users enter these codes into the redeem section of the App Store, just like they would a song code in iTunes, and the application begins downloading. Apple allows developers to request and dole out 50 copies of the application per update, giving those who update frequently a chance at expanding how many codes can be had. Along with this method, Apple also offers a way for developers to configure up to 100 iOS devices to run that specific build of an application by building copies that match up with each user's device UDID (unique identifier). The two downsides to this method are that the provisioning profile that accompanies these builds can expire, and the application is not eligible for updates. Nonetheless, this method continues to be used by developers to provide testers, press, and other parties with early copies of applications that can be installed and run outside of the App Store. Apple has recently made more aggressive moves in policing similar behaviors in the App Store, cracking down on companies and applications that incentivize installations to help boost popularity, as well as adjusting the top apps algorithm to re-weight certain categories over others. This move is very likely to combat operations that had users leaving high ratings and positive feedback on games and applications in exchange for free copies. High marks in both categories are two factors that can get potential buyers interested in investing in an application, netting the developer cash and even a higher spot on Apple's charts. Apple's last major app reviews change was back in late 2008, with the company mandating that users be purchasers or downloaders to rate and review an application. That was to keep the deluge of reviews by people who never even downloaded the applications from making an impact on those who had. Following that, Apple removed reviews from users who never downloaded or purchased the applications, and made it so that reviews were tied to a specific version number of the application to make sure raters weren't harping on issues that had long since been fixed.Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the changes. CNET independently confirmed through a number of applications acquired through promo codes that the change is in effect on both the iPhone and iPad.
Draw your own video game with Pixel Press Floors
Draw your own video game with Pixel Press Floors
What if you could just doodle a game map, complete with hazards and enemies, and bring it to life? That's what was proposed by last year's Kickstarter campaign for an app for iOS and Android called Pixel Press. This idea was explored on a basic level by Sketch Nation Studio, which allowed you to create your own artwork and modify presets for a few basic games â€" but Pixel Press is much more ambitious. The system â€" which generated US$108,950 of its US$100,000 goal â€" has you draw your game on special sheets of grid paper, allowing for a much more customisable and sophisticated game.The newly launched, free for a limited time iPad app (more devices are on the way) is called Pixel Press Floors, and it allows you to create a specific type of game: the side-scrolling platformer. The special symbols you draw on the grid paper (printable files provided for free, although you can also order pre-printed sheets) let you place terrain, ladders, monkey bars, moving platforms, portals and power-ups; and hazards such as falling blocks, exploding blocks, pits, fireballs and spikes. For in-app purchases, you can add support for enemies and more power-ups.You then scan your sheet and the app converts the symbols to elements, allowing you to dress it up in themes. At this point in time, the app has two themes, but more, Pixel Press says, are on the way.For those who can't use the grid for whatever reason â€" the app on the iPad 2, for example, doesn't support scanning â€" Pixel Press Floors also has a "Draw in app" feature that allows you to create levels from within the app.The games you make won't, of course, be winning any awards, but if you spent your idle time as a kid doodling the video-game level of your dreams, this is your chance to make it a reality â€" and for kids, seeing something they've drawn come to life would be pretty amazing. You can also play games other creators have made, and see how many others play your own.It all seems really cool â€" but there's a lot more to come. On its website, Pixel Press notes that it also has two other apps in development â€" Pixel Press Quest, slated for late this year or early next year, that will allow you to create adventure games; and Pixel Press Tracks, for sometime next year, which will allow you to create racing games.You can pick up Pixel Press Floors for free for iPad from the iTunes app store. Stay tuned for iPhone, iPod Touch and Android.
What if you could just doodle a game map, complete with hazards and enemies, and bring it to life? That's what was proposed by last year's Kickstarter campaign for an app for iOS and Android called Pixel Press. This idea was explored on a basic level by Sketch Nation Studio, which allowed you to create your own artwork and modify presets for a few basic games â€" but Pixel Press is much more ambitious. The system â€" which generated US$108,950 of its US$100,000 goal â€" has you draw your game on special sheets of grid paper, allowing for a much more customisable and sophisticated game.The newly launched, free for a limited time iPad app (more devices are on the way) is called Pixel Press Floors, and it allows you to create a specific type of game: the side-scrolling platformer. The special symbols you draw on the grid paper (printable files provided for free, although you can also order pre-printed sheets) let you place terrain, ladders, monkey bars, moving platforms, portals and power-ups; and hazards such as falling blocks, exploding blocks, pits, fireballs and spikes. For in-app purchases, you can add support for enemies and more power-ups.You then scan your sheet and the app converts the symbols to elements, allowing you to dress it up in themes. At this point in time, the app has two themes, but more, Pixel Press says, are on the way.For those who can't use the grid for whatever reason â€" the app on the iPad 2, for example, doesn't support scanning â€" Pixel Press Floors also has a "Draw in app" feature that allows you to create levels from within the app.The games you make won't, of course, be winning any awards, but if you spent your idle time as a kid doodling the video-game level of your dreams, this is your chance to make it a reality â€" and for kids, seeing something they've drawn come to life would be pretty amazing. You can also play games other creators have made, and see how many others play your own.It all seems really cool â€" but there's a lot more to come. On its website, Pixel Press notes that it also has two other apps in development â€" Pixel Press Quest, slated for late this year or early next year, that will allow you to create adventure games; and Pixel Press Tracks, for sometime next year, which will allow you to create racing games.You can pick up Pixel Press Floors for free for iPad from the iTunes app store. Stay tuned for iPhone, iPod Touch and Android.
The 404 641- Where we use 12 cores to run MS Paint (podcast)
The 404 641: Where we use 12 cores to run MS Paint (podcast)
Apple is officially one step closer to fully becoming SkyNet. The company just reached an agreement with Liquidmetal Technologies to license its amorphous metal alloys, presumably for the next generation of casing design.According to Liquidmetal's product page, the alloy in question exhibits extraordinary properties that yield high strength in a light weight, high corrosion resistance, high wear-resistance, and unique acoustical properties. It's anyone's guess what Apple has up its wizard sleeves, but we're hoping it'll use the material to reinforce the dent-prone iPad.I'm tempted to write about Sharpie's newest liquid pencil that writes like a pen but erases like a pencil, but the more important news is Net neutrality, and Wilson distills all the craziness into a simple five-minute explanation: Net neutrality isn't about keeping political speech neutral online or stopping the government from taking over the Internet.Net neutrality is about making sure ISPs don't block or slow down Web sites that don't pay access fees for tiered service plans. Verizon and Google just released their proposal that would allow Google to deliver services more quickly at the cost of higher service charges for the end user. Check out CNET News for more detailed analysis of the deal.Our BlackBerry smartphone is all charged up and ready to receive your BBM! If youhave a BlackBerry as well, you can get in touch with us by sending a BBM to 2482F452 and one of us will certainly respond! If you don't own a BlackBerry, you can still shoot us a line at 1-866-404-CNET (2638) or e-mail the404(at)cnet{dot}com.Episode 641PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Apple is officially one step closer to fully becoming SkyNet. The company just reached an agreement with Liquidmetal Technologies to license its amorphous metal alloys, presumably for the next generation of casing design.According to Liquidmetal's product page, the alloy in question exhibits extraordinary properties that yield high strength in a light weight, high corrosion resistance, high wear-resistance, and unique acoustical properties. It's anyone's guess what Apple has up its wizard sleeves, but we're hoping it'll use the material to reinforce the dent-prone iPad.I'm tempted to write about Sharpie's newest liquid pencil that writes like a pen but erases like a pencil, but the more important news is Net neutrality, and Wilson distills all the craziness into a simple five-minute explanation: Net neutrality isn't about keeping political speech neutral online or stopping the government from taking over the Internet.Net neutrality is about making sure ISPs don't block or slow down Web sites that don't pay access fees for tiered service plans. Verizon and Google just released their proposal that would allow Google to deliver services more quickly at the cost of higher service charges for the end user. Check out CNET News for more detailed analysis of the deal.Our BlackBerry smartphone is all charged up and ready to receive your BBM! If youhave a BlackBerry as well, you can get in touch with us by sending a BBM to 2482F452 and one of us will certainly respond! If you don't own a BlackBerry, you can still shoot us a line at 1-866-404-CNET (2638) or e-mail the404(at)cnet{dot}com.Episode 641PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
New Pogoplug gets hard drives online with more color, extra USB ports
New Pogoplug gets hard drives online with more color, extra USB ports
Just recently we reviewed Cloud Engines' Pogoplug, a very affordable $99 solution that effortlessly turns any USB hard drive or memory stick into an online-connected makeshift server. We really enjoyed playing with the original, although its blocky white look wasn't exactly eyecatching. We take that back--and perhaps even long for the minimalism--with Cloud Engines' new Pogoplug, available in December.Full of funky curves and lots of pink, the new Pogoplug is clearly designed to be more of a desktop or shelf-based companion as opposed to its predecessor, which adopted more of an Airport Express plug-in brick solution. Now, it almost looks like an iMac peripheral from 1999. While the last Pogoplug had just one USB 2.0 port but could support plugged-in USB routers, the new Pogoplug has four built-in USB 2.0 ports for direct connection of hard drives, and new software tweaks more easily allow global search across all drives, as well as better category organization and even the creation of slideshows, set to music, that can be launched directly from the Pogoplug's browser interface.The original Pogoplug: far more minimalist.Cloud EnginesThe new version jacks up the price a little to $129, but the added ports and more prominent base could be appealing for those who want to build a little home-made server. The original Pogoplug is more of a one-stop portable shop that's ideal for travel and for one USB device, or for those who want to save thirty bucks. We're a little surprised the new Pogoplug didn't simply offer an enclosure to slot a hard drive (or drives) in directly, but it does offer a nice solution for a variety of USB devices.Other new features include syncing with programs such as iTunes, iPhoto and Windows Media Center, a built-in updating address book for file sharing, and video streaming from within the Pogoplug browser or on the iPhone, a feature that was supposed to be available in the last Pogoplug but never really worked for us. Most cameras and video formats are supposed to be supported. Pogoplug supports NTFS, FAT32, Mac OS Extended Journaled and Non-Journaled (HFS+), and EXT-2/EXT-3 formats.Read our original Pogoplug review, or if you're curious as to how the Pogoplug works, check out the hands-on gallery below.Pogoplug hands-onSee full gallery1 - 4 / 14NextPrev
Just recently we reviewed Cloud Engines' Pogoplug, a very affordable $99 solution that effortlessly turns any USB hard drive or memory stick into an online-connected makeshift server. We really enjoyed playing with the original, although its blocky white look wasn't exactly eyecatching. We take that back--and perhaps even long for the minimalism--with Cloud Engines' new Pogoplug, available in December.Full of funky curves and lots of pink, the new Pogoplug is clearly designed to be more of a desktop or shelf-based companion as opposed to its predecessor, which adopted more of an Airport Express plug-in brick solution. Now, it almost looks like an iMac peripheral from 1999. While the last Pogoplug had just one USB 2.0 port but could support plugged-in USB routers, the new Pogoplug has four built-in USB 2.0 ports for direct connection of hard drives, and new software tweaks more easily allow global search across all drives, as well as better category organization and even the creation of slideshows, set to music, that can be launched directly from the Pogoplug's browser interface.The original Pogoplug: far more minimalist.Cloud EnginesThe new version jacks up the price a little to $129, but the added ports and more prominent base could be appealing for those who want to build a little home-made server. The original Pogoplug is more of a one-stop portable shop that's ideal for travel and for one USB device, or for those who want to save thirty bucks. We're a little surprised the new Pogoplug didn't simply offer an enclosure to slot a hard drive (or drives) in directly, but it does offer a nice solution for a variety of USB devices.Other new features include syncing with programs such as iTunes, iPhoto and Windows Media Center, a built-in updating address book for file sharing, and video streaming from within the Pogoplug browser or on the iPhone, a feature that was supposed to be available in the last Pogoplug but never really worked for us. Most cameras and video formats are supposed to be supported. Pogoplug supports NTFS, FAT32, Mac OS Extended Journaled and Non-Journaled (HFS+), and EXT-2/EXT-3 formats.Read our original Pogoplug review, or if you're curious as to how the Pogoplug works, check out the hands-on gallery below.Pogoplug hands-onSee full gallery1 - 4 / 14NextPrev
OLED displays- They're 'awful,' says Apple's CEO
OLED displays? They're 'awful,' says Apple's CEO
Apple CEO Tim Cook is definitely not a fan of OLED displays.Cook, speaking at an investor conference hosted by Goldman Sachs in San Francisco today, called the color saturation of OLED (organic light-emitting diode) displays "awful.""If you ever buy anything online and really want to know what he color is, as many people do, you should really think twice before you depend on the color from an OLED display," Cook said. Conversely, Cook called Apple's Retina Display a superior experience, noting that it is twice as bright. That's a shot at mobile devices that tend to use OLED displays, including Samsung Electronics' successful flagship Galaxy S3 smartphone. Cook brought up the brightness and experience of the display when addressing a question about whether Apple would create an iPhone with a larger display. He wouldn't comment on the company's plans, but criticized the focus on size and specifications as something companies do when they can't "create an amazing experience."In the PC industry, for example, companies tend to compete largely on specifications and price, he said, suggesting that Apple doesn't want to get into that kind of fight. He noted that most consumers don't know -- or don't care -- how fast the processor is on their mobile device or PC, and said it doesn't matter as long as the experience is great. "What Apple does is sweat every little detail," he said. "We want the best display, and I think we got it."See also: HD Super AMOLED versus Retina Display, and other screens
Apple CEO Tim Cook is definitely not a fan of OLED displays.Cook, speaking at an investor conference hosted by Goldman Sachs in San Francisco today, called the color saturation of OLED (organic light-emitting diode) displays "awful.""If you ever buy anything online and really want to know what he color is, as many people do, you should really think twice before you depend on the color from an OLED display," Cook said. Conversely, Cook called Apple's Retina Display a superior experience, noting that it is twice as bright. That's a shot at mobile devices that tend to use OLED displays, including Samsung Electronics' successful flagship Galaxy S3 smartphone. Cook brought up the brightness and experience of the display when addressing a question about whether Apple would create an iPhone with a larger display. He wouldn't comment on the company's plans, but criticized the focus on size and specifications as something companies do when they can't "create an amazing experience."In the PC industry, for example, companies tend to compete largely on specifications and price, he said, suggesting that Apple doesn't want to get into that kind of fight. He noted that most consumers don't know -- or don't care -- how fast the processor is on their mobile device or PC, and said it doesn't matter as long as the experience is great. "What Apple does is sweat every little detail," he said. "We want the best display, and I think we got it."See also: HD Super AMOLED versus Retina Display, and other screens
October ends with no iTunes Match
October ends with no iTunes Match
Apple has missed the deadline it laid out last month to bring its iTunes Match service to users. iTunes Match is the service that scans a user's library to find music that they may have ripped from a CD but did not purchase from Apple, then cross-references it with Apple's own library. When it finds a match, it provides a user with a license of the track at the same quality they'd find if they bought it off iTunes, as long as they're a paid subscriber to the matching service.The feature is integrated with Apple's iCloud platform, which taps into the cloud to do things like ferry files, content, and apps between Apple devices. In this case, matched tracks are effectively licensed to users, letting them download music tracks to a device, even if they bought them via another device. At its "Let's Talk iPhone" event on October 4, the company pledged to bring the service to U.S. users "later this month," a deadline which MacRumors notes has passed without the new service going live. The company shipped out a version of iTunes shortly after the event that was missing Match. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.When iTunes Match goes live, it will cost $24.99 a year. That covers 25,000 songs in a user's library against Apple's own iTunes Store library, which currently contains about 20 million songs.Here's a video of the service in action:This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Apple has missed the deadline it laid out last month to bring its iTunes Match service to users. iTunes Match is the service that scans a user's library to find music that they may have ripped from a CD but did not purchase from Apple, then cross-references it with Apple's own library. When it finds a match, it provides a user with a license of the track at the same quality they'd find if they bought it off iTunes, as long as they're a paid subscriber to the matching service.The feature is integrated with Apple's iCloud platform, which taps into the cloud to do things like ferry files, content, and apps between Apple devices. In this case, matched tracks are effectively licensed to users, letting them download music tracks to a device, even if they bought them via another device. At its "Let's Talk iPhone" event on October 4, the company pledged to bring the service to U.S. users "later this month," a deadline which MacRumors notes has passed without the new service going live. The company shipped out a version of iTunes shortly after the event that was missing Match. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.When iTunes Match goes live, it will cost $24.99 a year. That covers 25,000 songs in a user's library against Apple's own iTunes Store library, which currently contains about 20 million songs.Here's a video of the service in action:This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Obama commends Apple, Intel for U.S. manufacturing jobs
Obama commends Apple, Intel for U.S. manufacturing jobs
One of President Obama's policy points in his State of the Union speech tonight was that U.S. companies need to create jobs here. Not only did he stress this need, he also praised those companies already in the process of doing this, including Intel and Apple."Our first priority is making America a magnet for new jobs and manufacturing. After shedding jobs for more than 10 years, our manufacturers have added about 500,000 jobs over the past three," Obama said in his speech. "Caterpillar is bringing jobs back from Japan. Ford is bringing jobs back from Mexico. After locating plants in other countries like China, Intel is opening its most advanced plant right here at home. And this year, Apple will start making Macs in America again."Sitting there in the audience, in the box of First Lady Michelle Obama, was Apple CEO Tim Cook. Cook announced in December Apple's plans to move some Mac production to the U.S. The company is investing $100 million on this venture, Cook said.Apple CEO Tim Cook at the 2013 State of the Union address.PBS video/Screenshot by CNET Intel has also ramped up U.S. production over the past year by building a manufacturing plant in Arizona. The plant is expected to produce Intel's next generation of processors built on its 14-nanometer technology. The company said it was investing more than $5 billion in the facility. Giving a nod to Intel's advances with U.S. manufacturing, Obama visited the plant last January. "It's not a bigger government we need, but a smarter government that sets priorities and invests in broad-based growth," Obama said in his State of the Union speech tonight.
One of President Obama's policy points in his State of the Union speech tonight was that U.S. companies need to create jobs here. Not only did he stress this need, he also praised those companies already in the process of doing this, including Intel and Apple."Our first priority is making America a magnet for new jobs and manufacturing. After shedding jobs for more than 10 years, our manufacturers have added about 500,000 jobs over the past three," Obama said in his speech. "Caterpillar is bringing jobs back from Japan. Ford is bringing jobs back from Mexico. After locating plants in other countries like China, Intel is opening its most advanced plant right here at home. And this year, Apple will start making Macs in America again."Sitting there in the audience, in the box of First Lady Michelle Obama, was Apple CEO Tim Cook. Cook announced in December Apple's plans to move some Mac production to the U.S. The company is investing $100 million on this venture, Cook said.Apple CEO Tim Cook at the 2013 State of the Union address.PBS video/Screenshot by CNET Intel has also ramped up U.S. production over the past year by building a manufacturing plant in Arizona. The plant is expected to produce Intel's next generation of processors built on its 14-nanometer technology. The company said it was investing more than $5 billion in the facility. Giving a nod to Intel's advances with U.S. manufacturing, Obama visited the plant last January. "It's not a bigger government we need, but a smarter government that sets priorities and invests in broad-based growth," Obama said in his State of the Union speech tonight.
NYPD creates special team to recover stolen Apple devices
NYPD creates special team to recover stolen Apple devices
Smartphones are so common now that it's easy to forget criminals will steal them if you give them the opportunity.Apple device thefts in New York have gotten so bad that the New York Police Department created a team dedicated to recovering stolen iDevices, the New York Post reported today. The team works with Apple to obtain ID numbers -- known as International Mobile Station Equipment Identity numbers -- for devices to help track down the stolen goods. The number of thefts of such devices in the city soared last year, according to a report from the NYPD. The department found that iPhone and iPad thefts rose 40 percent during a period of eight months. As of September, 11,447 cases were reported.These numbers for "Apple picking" will continue to rise as smartphones and tablets become ubiquitous for most day-to-day activities. Using apps on phones and tablets to check for news updates, weather reports, and so on, are common for bustling metropolises like New York and elsewhere.A Wall Street Journal reporter chronicled his own experience with an iPad theft on the subway that left him with a broken jaw. In tech-savvy San Francisco one iPhone theft led to a police foot chase and shots fired.Consumers should take the proper precautions in case they lose their phones to the black market, where phones can fetch hundreds of dollars. Securing your phone with a good passcode and signing up for services like Apple's Find My iPhone service could offer piece of mind.Thieves like to target those who are preoccupied with their phones, opting to grab the devices from owners' hands and then bolt. If you do end up a victim, police say it's best not to try to stop the criminals. Here is the NYPD's public announcement alerting people to some common iDevice theft situations:
Smartphones are so common now that it's easy to forget criminals will steal them if you give them the opportunity.Apple device thefts in New York have gotten so bad that the New York Police Department created a team dedicated to recovering stolen iDevices, the New York Post reported today. The team works with Apple to obtain ID numbers -- known as International Mobile Station Equipment Identity numbers -- for devices to help track down the stolen goods. The number of thefts of such devices in the city soared last year, according to a report from the NYPD. The department found that iPhone and iPad thefts rose 40 percent during a period of eight months. As of September, 11,447 cases were reported.These numbers for "Apple picking" will continue to rise as smartphones and tablets become ubiquitous for most day-to-day activities. Using apps on phones and tablets to check for news updates, weather reports, and so on, are common for bustling metropolises like New York and elsewhere.A Wall Street Journal reporter chronicled his own experience with an iPad theft on the subway that left him with a broken jaw. In tech-savvy San Francisco one iPhone theft led to a police foot chase and shots fired.Consumers should take the proper precautions in case they lose their phones to the black market, where phones can fetch hundreds of dollars. Securing your phone with a good passcode and signing up for services like Apple's Find My iPhone service could offer piece of mind.Thieves like to target those who are preoccupied with their phones, opting to grab the devices from owners' hands and then bolt. If you do end up a victim, police say it's best not to try to stop the criminals. Here is the NYPD's public announcement alerting people to some common iDevice theft situations:
Non-Apple companies hold iWatch trademark in U.S., U.K., China
Non-Apple companies hold iWatch trademark in U.S., U.K., China
It hasn't even been unveiled yet, but Apple's hotly rumored smartwatch is already running into trouble. Other companies reportedly own the iWatch trademark in the U.S., U.K., parts of Europe, and China.Having registered the iWatch trademark in Japan, Mexico, Russia, Taiwan, and Turkey, Apple could be set for trademark trouble elsewhere. In the U.S., a California-based company called OMG Electronics claims to hold the trademark. OMG is trying to crowdfund an iWatch smartwatch, but raised only a fraction of its $100,000 goal when it took to Indiegogo.In the U.K. and European Union, a network services company called Probendi has held the trademark since 2008, for an app that sends audio, video, and location data from a smartphone to the company's emergency management software.And in China, no less than nine companies have had a claim to the name, although most of those trademarks are now invalid. The trademark iWatching is also held by another company.Apple has the legal clout -- and more importantly, deep enough pockets -- to overcome these obstacles, especially where the trademark isn't being used. It wouldn't be the first time: The company forked over $60 million to Chinese company Proview in an iPad trademark row.Smartwatches are expected by some to be the next big thing. Although they've been around for a while, wrist-worn mobile devices look likely to take off in the near future, especially if the iWatch does turn out to be real. Microsoft, Google, Samsung, and Dell are all reportedly working on their own watch that talks to your phone, while Sony is already ahead of the game with the recently announced Sony SmartWatch 2.
It hasn't even been unveiled yet, but Apple's hotly rumored smartwatch is already running into trouble. Other companies reportedly own the iWatch trademark in the U.S., U.K., parts of Europe, and China.Having registered the iWatch trademark in Japan, Mexico, Russia, Taiwan, and Turkey, Apple could be set for trademark trouble elsewhere. In the U.S., a California-based company called OMG Electronics claims to hold the trademark. OMG is trying to crowdfund an iWatch smartwatch, but raised only a fraction of its $100,000 goal when it took to Indiegogo.In the U.K. and European Union, a network services company called Probendi has held the trademark since 2008, for an app that sends audio, video, and location data from a smartphone to the company's emergency management software.And in China, no less than nine companies have had a claim to the name, although most of those trademarks are now invalid. The trademark iWatching is also held by another company.Apple has the legal clout -- and more importantly, deep enough pockets -- to overcome these obstacles, especially where the trademark isn't being used. It wouldn't be the first time: The company forked over $60 million to Chinese company Proview in an iPad trademark row.Smartwatches are expected by some to be the next big thing. Although they've been around for a while, wrist-worn mobile devices look likely to take off in the near future, especially if the iWatch does turn out to be real. Microsoft, Google, Samsung, and Dell are all reportedly working on their own watch that talks to your phone, while Sony is already ahead of the game with the recently announced Sony SmartWatch 2.
Remembering Jan Hooks, Elizabeth Pena and Other Reel-Important People We Lost in October
Reel-Important People is a monthly column that highlights those individuals in or related to the movies who have left us in recent weeks. Below you;ll find names big and small and from all areas of the industry, though each was significant to the movies in his or her own way.Peer Augustinski(1940-2014)- German voice actor. He voiced most of Robin Williams;s parts in German dubs, includingMrs. Doubtfire,Aladdin,Dead Poets Society,Hook,Good Will HuntingandGood Morning, Vietnam. He also voiced Woody in the German versions of theToy Storymovies. He died on October 3. (Suddeutsche)Ox Baker (1934-2014)- Professional wrestler turned actor. He is best known for fighting Snake Plissken inEscape from New York(see below)and also appears inThe Big BrawlandBlood Circus. He died of complications from a heart attack on October 20. (THR)Deathmatch: Snake vs. Slag!Escape from New Yorkat MOVIECLIPS.comTed Beniades(1922-2014)- Actor. He appears with Al Pacino inScarfaceandSerpicoand is also inThe Odd CoupleandThey Might Be Giants. He died on October 24. (THR)Ben Bradlee (1921-2014)- Former executive editor ofThe Washington Post. He is memorably and Oscar-winningly portrayed by Jason Robards inAll the President;s Men(see below) and is also portrayed inDickandChances Are. Heappears as himself inthe documentariesF*ckandMr. Conservative: Goldwater on Goldwaterand plays the secretary of the Navy inBorn Yesterday. He died on October 21. (Washington Post)L.M. Kit Carson(1941-2014)- Actor, screenwriter and documentarian. Cowriter of theBreathlessremake, Wim Wenders;sParis, TexasandThe Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, he also starred inDavid Holzman;s Diary, directed the Dennis Hopper docThe American Dreamerand was a guru for Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson while they were writingBottle Rocket. He died of pneumonia on October 20. (NYT)Oscar de la Renta(1932-2014)- Fashion designer. He appears in the documentariesThe September Issue,Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf;sandDiana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel. He died of complications from cancer on October 20. (THR)Marie Dubois(1937-2014)- French actress. She starred as Lena in Truffaut;sShoot the Piano Player(see below)and appears in the same director;sJules and Jimas well as Godard;sA Woman Is a Woman, Alain Resnais;sMy American Uncleand films by Visconti, Chabrol, Rohmer, Malle and Vadim.She died on October 15. (Mubi)Ian Fraser (1933-2014)- Composer. He received an Oscar nomination for his involvement in the score for the 1970Scroogeand a Razzie nomination for scoringZorro: The Gay Blade. His other movie credits includeTwilight Zone: The Movie,Doctor DolittleandGoodbye, Mr. Chips.He died of cancer on October 31. (THR)Jan Hooks(1957-2014)- Actress and comedian. While best known for being a regular onSaturday Night Livein the ;80s and early ;90s, she also made memorable appearances inPee-wee;s Big Adventure(see below),Batman ReturnsandConeheads. She died of cancer on October 9. (NYT)Susan Jackson(c.1960-2014)- Producer. Before cofounding Freestyle Releasing, which recently put outLeft Behind,she executive producedCabin Fever. She died of breast cancer on October 14. (THR)Kim Koscki (1964-2014)Stunt man. His movie credits includeApollo 13,Olympus Has Fallen,Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World,Face/Off,Independence Day,Hookand many more (see his reel below). He died on October 9. (Hollywood Stuntmen)Pavel Landovsky(1936-2014)- Czech actor, playwright and director. He appears inThe Unbearable Lightness of Being,Closely Watched TrainsandRagtime. He died of a heart attack on October 10. (Yahoo)Carlos Lopez(1989-2014)- Stunt man. His movie credits includeThe Hunger Games: Catching Fire,The Foot Fist Way,Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,22 Jump StreetandJohn Wick. He died from a fall attempting a stunt on his own time on October 2. (THR)Kevin Metheny (1954-2014)- Radio executive. He was the inspiration for Paul Giamatti;s character inPrivate Parts(see below). He died on October 3. (THR)Anna Nakagawa(1965-2014)- Japanese actress. She starred inGodzilla vs. King GhidorahandA Sign Days. She died of endometrial cancer on October 17. (Godzilla-Movies)Elizabeth Peña(1959-2014)- Actress. Costar ofJacob;s Ladder,Down and Out in Beverly Hills,Blue Steel,La Bamba,Batteries Not IncludedandLone Star(see below), she was also the voice of Mirage inThe Incredibles. She died of cirrhosis of the liver on October 14. (Variety)Marian Seldes(1928-2014)Actress. Mostly a legend of the stage, she also appears in the moviesThe Greatest Story Ever Told,Home Alone 3,Hollywood Ending,Mona Lisa SmilesandThe Exra Man. She died on October 6. (THR)Alain Siritzky(1942-2014)- Producer. He is primarily known as the man behind theEmmanuelleerotica franchise. He died on October 11. (THR)Marcia Strassman(1948-2014)- Actress. Best known for playing Julie Kotter on TV;sWelcome Back, Kotter, she also starred as the mother inHoney, I Shrunk the KidsandHoney, I Blew Up the Kid(see below)and costarred inAnother Stakeout. She died of breast cancer on October 24. (THR)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)