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- Apple Store 2.0 launches with interactive iPads
Apple Stores have opened with interactive iPad displays and more in Australia, where it's already Sunday morning.
Mac Prices Australia reports that iPads are being used throughout Apple Stores to display product information, compare products and even call Apple Store employes to customers who need assistance. Specifically, the paper displays that have stood next to laptops, etc. have been replaced by iPads.
Also, store employees are wearing party hats.
Additionally, visiting store.apple.com on an iOS device now prompts the user to download the official Apple Store app (screenshot after the break). [Apparently, this is not new. -Ed.]
As many speculated, Apple took its retail store anniversary as the opportunity to launch this change.
It sounds like a good time, but not a massive change. As far as we can gather, paper information displays have been swapped for iPads, and that's it. We'll have more information with you as it comes in. If you're at an Apple Store and want to share pictures and/or stories, please do!
You'll find more photos after the break.
Continue reading Apple Store 2.0 launches with interactive iPads
Apple Store 2.0 launches with interactive iPads originally appeared on TUAW on Sat, 21 May 2011 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Square and Apple have plans for Monday
If you follow @jack, otherwise known as Twitter co-founder and current Square CEO Jack Dorsey, then you'll know that at about 2 PM EDT today, he tweeted the cryptic Instagram (a company he's invested in) message and photo shown at right. A square with apples in it -- that's pretty obvious there, Jack.
Square card readers are currently selling in Apple retail stores, but it appears that there's more to the story. The company has a press conference scheduled for 10 AM PDT at its headquarters in San Francisco, and Dorsey's hint looks like a not-so-subtle message that the two companies are going to announce something big.
I speculated yesterday that Apple could be planning to use Square card readers with the Apple Retail iPads that are being rolled out, or perhaps Square and Apple have other plans up their respective sleeves. Fortunately, the announcement is just two days away and not life-changing, so we can all rest easy over this beautiful spring (or fall in the Southern Hemisphere) weekend.
Square and Apple have plans for Monday originally appeared on TUAW on Sat, 21 May 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Boinx offers Spring savings on its "Home" products
From now until Monday, May 23, Mac users with a craving to create can save a bundle on iStopMotion Home, FotoMagico Home, or BoinxTV Home when purchased through the Mac App Store. Each product is available for US$9.99 during the sale announced by the German software maker Boinx earlier this week.
Boinx's iStopMotion Home transforms your Mac into an animation studio. With it, toys, clay, drawings, or other everyday items can become stars of your own animated hits. It's normally priced at $49.
FotoMagico Home allows aspiring photographers to combine photos with music and transitions to create eye-catching slideshows. The non-sale price for this software package is $29.
Lastly, BoinxTV Home turns your Mac into a personal TV studio. It's an affordable solution for adding spice to the YouTube videos and video podcasts you create at home. During the sale, BoinxTV Home is discounted from its retail price of $49.99.
With prices discounted by up to 80%, this weekend's sale is a good opportunity to try some well-crafted, award-winning titles without devastating your wallet.
Boinx offers Spring savings on its "Home" products originally appeared on TUAW on Sat, 21 May 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - iTunes, Tiger, and irrational ire: Knowing the difference between updates and upgrades
Update: After we posted this story, reader Nate emailed us to suggest that if you find yourself in Rupert Jones' shoes (with a new iOS device that requires Leopard/iTunes 10 for sync support, but still running Tiger on your Intel Mac), call AppleCare. He says that Apple's support team will ask you for your iPhone/iPad/iPod touch serial number... and then send you a copy of Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, free of charge. No word on whether this is official policy or merely an ad-hoc accommodation, and it's possible that the upgrade deal is only available to US customers, but it's worth a shot.
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Rupert Jones of the Guardian recently discovered -- to his utter shock and dismay -- that his four-year-old MacBook running a nearly four-year-old OS can't run current software without being upgraded. His MacBook runs Tiger, which means he can't run iTunes 10, which further means he can't sync with any of Apple's latest portable gear.
Anyone reading this probably knows the next step: pay to upgrade to Leopard, download iTunes 10, and get on with your day/week/life. In fact, I'm willing to bet that our readers knew about OS X Leopard when it first launched in late 2007, and chose an upgrade path long ago, whether it was buying Leopard on a disc or upgrading to a new Mac with the OS pre-installed. Most of you probably also moved up to Snow Leopard when it launched, or within a few months.
Rupert Jones didn't do either of those things. In the three and a half years since OS X Leopard's release, he chose to stick with an older iteration of Mac OS X. And four years later, he's blaming Apple for his inability to run current software or sync with current hardware. According to Jones, Apple is "penalizing" him and "thousands of other loyal customers," and not enabling iTunes 10 to run on older versions of Mac OS X amounts to telling these customers their computers are obsolete.
"It seems we have been left with gadgets we can't use, unless we pay more money for a software update," Jones opines. There's a basic problem underlying this argument: like many people, Jones apparently doesn't understand the difference between a software update and an upgrade. That difference is usually simple, and it boils down to dollars. Updates are (mostly) free. Upgrades are (mostly) not.
iTunes, Tiger, and irrational ire: Knowing the difference between updates and upgrades originally appeared on TUAW on Sat, 21 May 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - EFF takes on Lodsys patent controversy
Julie Samuels, a Staff Attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), said Apple should join forces with its developers to dispute patent infringement complaints Lodsys, LLC sent to several independent iOS app-makers last week.
On May 13, a number of iOS developers reported being told their apps, by using the in-app purchase mechanism built into Apple's development kit, infringed on intellectual property owned by Lodsys, a patent holding company based in Texas. According to Lodsys, their patent specifically covers technology that allows end users to upgrade "light" editions of software to fully functional apps. Lodsys claims that Apple, Google, and Microsoft already pay to license the technology for themselves (possibly through investments in the patent portfolio of Intellectual Ventures), but licensing agreements with these tech giants do not extend to third party developers.
Unfortunately, Apple requires developers to use the in-app purchase mechanism it provides, and the Cupertino company's developer agreement does nothing to protect app creators from patent infringement claims against technology it builds into iOS. Samuels argues this is a "misallocation of burden" onto individual developers who often don't have the resources needed to combat infringement suits.
Even if a developer does explore the patent universe for possible pitfalls, it's unlikely he or she would look into any of Apple's technologies since most reasonable people (including lawyers) would expect the company to avoid exposing its app-makers to additional liability. App sellers already surrender 30% of the revenue from each sale to Apple; adding the threat of patent lawsuits or additional licensing fees may deter new and existing developers from choosing to create software for iOS.
Last we heard, Apple was "actively investigating" the Lodsys patent infringement claims. It's still not clear what actions the company will take next, but Samuels says, "by putting the burden on those least able to shoulder it, both Apple and Lodsys are harming not just developers but also the consumers who will see fewer apps and less innovation."
She hopes Apple will "do what's right and stand up for their developers and help teach the patent trolls a lesson."
EFF takes on Lodsys patent controversy originally appeared on TUAW on Sat, 21 May 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - BudgetBook for iPad is sexy but a little too simple
I've never been fond of managing my finances manually. It seems like most of the solutions are either too complex and time consuming or too simplistic and unhelpful. I'm a fan of Mint because it takes care of almost all of the work for me, but when it stopped syncing with my bank I started looking for a replacement.
MoneyBook from noidentity has been a permanent resident in a folder on my iPhone where I store great apps for inspiration, but without an iPad app, I've never considered it an ideal solution for my needs. When I saw that noidentity had released BudgetBook, an iPad app for tracking finances, I was immediately excited to give it a try.
BudgetBook is a brand new app; it's not a big brother to MoneyBook, though it's every bit as gorgeous. Unfortunately, it lacks a couple of the features that make MoneyBook so compelling, and it could use some design refinements.
BudgetBook focuses on day-to-day spending and budgeting. It's fast, fluid and has practically no learning curve. BudgetBook is best suited to tracking the accounts you use frequently, like savings, checking, cash and credit. It is possible to track longer-term accounts, but it doesn't have any advanced features such as interest tracking or detailed information tracking, which you might find in a finance app with a broader scope.
Continue reading BudgetBook for iPad is sexy but a little too simple
BudgetBook for iPad is sexy but a little too simple originally appeared on TUAW on Sat, 21 May 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - PhotoForge2 for iPhone has many Photoshop-like features
It's amazing how many useful features are making it to iPhone apps. In particular, photo apps for the iPhone get more and more remarkable as time goes on. PhotoForge2 is a US$2.99 app that allows you to load your photos at full resolution, and it includes high-end features like layering and masking, curves, levels, sharpening and noise reduction, white balance, RAW image import, the ability to edit GPS and IPTC photo data, channel mixer controls and much more.
This would be a nice collection of features for a Mac app. It's rather amazing this is an app running on a cellular phone. In practice, the app works rather well. I found the controls easy to manipulate on the iPhone's small screen, and I could zoom all the way into my image to see individual pixels. The app has 30 different filters, including a good black and white translation and sepia tones. You can send photos via email and the various social services. Check the gallery for some screen shots of editing sessions and a look at the GUI.
Alas, no app is perfect. Photos can't be loaded unless your phone has location services switched on. Frankly, this is a silly requirement. Apple requires developers to get permission when accessing location data, even data that is already tagged on your phone, but I think there are ways around this; the developers say they have some workarounds coming, perhaps as early as this weekend. When editing. changing settings can also be frustrating. When adjusting curves and levels, for example, you can barely see your image because the controls cover it. There is a software switch to hide the controls, but that makes the adjustments a needless iterative process. Also, an in-app purchase of $1.99 is needed for some additional features. I really dislike that practice and would prefer to get everything, even if it raises the price of the app.
Continue reading PhotoForge2 for iPhone has many Photoshop-like features
PhotoForge2 for iPhone has many Photoshop-like features originally appeared on TUAW on Sat, 21 May 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Apple Order Status system down until May 22
A few readers have tipped us that Apple's order status system for its online store is down until May 22. As you can see from the image above, the familiar sticky note is accompanied by text informing users of the downtime. We do want to note that Apple's online store is open and fully operational. It is only the order status system, which allows users to check the status of current orders, that will not be back online until May 22.
Curiously, the order status system also went offline just over a year ago.
Apple Order Status system down until May 22 originally appeared on TUAW on Sat, 21 May 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - iPad 2 supply constraints improved, next iPhone orders arriving 'several months later than usual'
According to AppleInsider, Shaw Wu with Sterne Agee issued a research note today stating that iPad 2 constraints have "significantly improved" this quarter thanks to "retooling and conversion of more overseas production lines." That's good news for those of you still waiting to get your hands on an iPad 2.
A second report out today from Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster says that Apple's orders for new iPhone parts are "several months later than usual." Munster sees the delayed parts order as a sign that the rumors saying the next iPhone won't ship until September are correct. Munster has also assembled a chart indicating that there are, on average, 79 days between an iOS software event and the iPhone hardware announcement and 99 days between the iOS software event and the actual ship date of the new iPhone. According to those averages, based on the likelihood of iOS 5 being revealed on June 6 (at WWDC), the fifth-generation iPhone will be announced on August 24 and ship on September 13.
iPad 2 supply constraints improved, next iPhone orders arriving 'several months later than usual' originally appeared on TUAW on Sat, 21 May 2011 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Apple: Amazon's Appstore isn't an 'app store'
Bloomberg reports that Apple has filed new papers with a federal court in Oakland, California stating that Amazon's Appstore for Android can't possibly be an "app store." According to the filing, "Apple denies that, based on their common meaning, the words 'app store' together denote a store for apps. The term isn't commonly used by businesses to describe download services and, because the mark 'app store' isn't generic, Amazon's Appstore for Android service isn't an 'app store'."
Since earlier this year, both Amazon and Microsoft have been hoping to overturn Apple's "app store" trademark. Both companies contend the term is too generic. Recently, the fight over the trademark has extended to Europe as well. There are many arguments for and against the term's generic nature, but perhaps the most positive evidence in Apple's holding of the term is John Paczkowski's Google trend line showing that the "app store" phrase didn't enter the vernacular until 2008 -- which was about the time that Apple began popularizing it.
Apple: Amazon's Appstore isn't an 'app store' originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 20 May 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Apple issues statement on Foxconn explosion
Apple has issued a statement to All Things Digital regarding the tragic explosion that occurred at a Foxconn plant in Chengdu, China earlier today. The explosion killed 2 workers and injured at least 16 others. In the statement Apple said:
"We are deeply saddened by the tragedy at Foxconn's plant in Chengdu, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We are working closely with Foxconn to understand what caused this terrible event."
Foxconn has long been rumored to have dubious conditions for workers, and employees have voiced concerns over workplace safety and standards in the past. Apple even audited the company over its practices back in February of this year. Just three days ago, Foxconn employees protested outside a Foxconn shareholder meeting over wages and its treatment of employees.
For its part, thus far Foxconn has not confirmed what caused the explosion, though the company has said that the situation has been brought under control. Production at the affected facility will be halted until an investigation into the cause of the explosion is completed.
Apple issues statement on Foxconn explosion originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 20 May 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - A pulse oximeter that works with your iPhone
Together the Electrical and Computer Engineering in Medicine (ECEM) research group and the Pediatric Anesthesia Research Team (PART) at the University of British Columbia have developed a pulse oximeter that works with the iPhone and other mobile devices. The instrument is meant to be used at home by people with respiratory problems and can measure both your pulse rate and blood oxygen saturation.
Readings are stored and sent over the internet to your doctor's office or the hospital. The research team has already used the iPhone version of the oximeter in trials at Vancouver General Hospital and in Uganda. Read on for a campy video that shows the pulse oximeter in action.
Pulse oximeters are vital tools in emergency and trauma medicine and in the treatment of respiratory illness like COPD or emphysema, as they can measure the relative level of oxygenation in a patient's blood in a non-invasive manner. Consumer-grade standalone units are available for less than $50.
Continue reading A pulse oximeter that works with your iPhone
A pulse oximeter that works with your iPhone originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 20 May 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Fantastical vs. Today: Mac calendar app faceoff [Updated]
Earlier this week I reviewed Flexibit's new Fantastical app and Today from Second Gear Software. Both offer attractive and useful front-end access to iCal. Today I'll compare the two head-to-head and pick a favorite.
Why these two apps? First, Fantastical is the fresh newcomer, garnering much well-deserved attention since its release a few days ago. Today offers similar functionality and has been around since 2008. They perform similar tasks but differently, and in subtle ways cater to different audiences.
Before we get started, catch up with the Fantastical review and the Today review. All set? Then let's begin.
Continue reading Fantastical vs. Today: Mac calendar app faceoff [Updated]
Fantastical vs. Today: Mac calendar app faceoff [Updated] originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 20 May 2011 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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