Specs showdown: iPhone 5s vs. iPhone 5c vs. iPhone 5
To look at, there doesn't seem to be a lot of difference between the now-defunct iPhone 5 and the iPhone 5s apart from the colours. But that's because a lot of the differences have been packed in under the hood. While the screen technology is the same (in fact, it's even the same screen on the "low-end" iPhone 5c), it's the A7 processor in the 5s that makes the biggest difference. Apple is claiming that this 64-bit processor is twice as fast as the A6 in the old iPhone 5 (and in the 5c).There have also been some camera tweaks, with Apple increasing the pixel size of the image sensor and making the flash a dual-element number that can adjust colour temperature for different lighting conditions, but at the end of the day, it's still an 8-megapixel camera.That leaves the fingerprint sensor on the 5s, which can detect your fingerprint with a surprising degree of accuracy â€" currently, you can use it for unlocking the phone and approving iTunes purchases. More applications are bound to be on the way.At the time of writing, we were still waiting for carriers to release pricing information for individual plans, so the carrier availability refers on to those telcos specifically mentioned by Apple. Both devices will be in store on 20 September.iPhone 5s vs. iPhone 5c vs. iPhone 5iPhone 5siPhone 5ciPhone 5Operating systemiOS 7iOS 7iOS 6Display4-inch IPS LCD; 1136x640 pixels; 326ppi4-inch IPS LCD; 1136x640 pixels; 326ppi4-inch IPS LCD; 1136x640 pixels; 326ppiPriceAU$869 for 16GB; AU$999 for 32GB; AU$1129 for 64GBAU$739 for 16GB; AU$869 for 32GBNo longer soldCarrierTelstra, Optus, VodafoneTelstra, Optus, VodafoneTelstra, Optus, Vodafone, Virgin4GYesYesYesCamera8-megapixel, 1080p, front facing, dual-element flash8-megapixel, 720p, front facing8-megapixel, 720p, front facingProcessorProprietary A7 CPU (64-bit)Proprietary A6 CPU (32-bit)Proprietary A6 CPU (32-bit)Memory16GB, 32GB, 64GB16GB, 32GB16GB, 32GB, 64GBBatteryTalk time up to 10 hours on 3G; embeddedTalk time up to 10 hours on 3G; embeddedTalk time up to 8 hours on 3G; embeddedNFCNoNoNoFingerprint scannerYesNoNoDedicated fitness trackingYesNoNoWeight and thickness7.6mm; 112g8.97mm; 132g7.6mm; 112gColoursGrey, gold, silverBlue, green, pink, yellow, whiteBlack, white
iOS 6.1 wins over 22 percent of iOS users, says report
iOS 6.1 wins over 22 percent of iOS users, says report
Apple's iOS 6.1 has lured in a hefty number of users, at least according to data out yesterday from Onswipe.Released on Monday, Apple's latest OS update was downloaded by 21.8 percent of iOS users within just 36 hours. Among the iOS users tracked by Onswipe, 24 percent were iPhone owners and 21 percent iPad owners.Further, Onswipe data sent to CNET showed that 11.3 percent of users had already upgraded to iOS 6.1 within the first 24 hours. Based on the stats, the latest iOS version hit a record for the quickest adoption rate.Of course, the data doesn't include all iOS users, just those tracked by Onswipe. The company provides customers with tools to create Web sites designed to be viewed on mobile devices. As such, Onswipe's platform tracks 13 million active iOS users, up from 10 million last month.That's a small slice of the total number of iOS users, even those who've been running iOS 6. Unveiling iOS 6.1 on Monday, Apple marketing VP Phil Schiller said that iOS 6 reached almost 300 million iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch users in just five months.Related storiesApple releases iOS 6.1 with additional LTE supportHow to purchase movie tickets using SiriYou can jailbreak iOS 6.1, but there are some catchesBut even the cross section of Onswipe users provides a good clue as to the overall adoption of iOS 6.1.And just why has the latest update proved so popular?Onswipe CEO Jason Baptiste offered one theory to the folks at TechChunch.Apple introduced its over-the-air update feature with iOS 5 in October of 2011. As such, users can update their devices directly without having to go through iTunes as the middleman. Baptiste believes people have finally grown comfortable with the OTA feature and know how it works, making it easier for them to update their devices on the fly.
Apple's iOS 6.1 has lured in a hefty number of users, at least according to data out yesterday from Onswipe.Released on Monday, Apple's latest OS update was downloaded by 21.8 percent of iOS users within just 36 hours. Among the iOS users tracked by Onswipe, 24 percent were iPhone owners and 21 percent iPad owners.Further, Onswipe data sent to CNET showed that 11.3 percent of users had already upgraded to iOS 6.1 within the first 24 hours. Based on the stats, the latest iOS version hit a record for the quickest adoption rate.Of course, the data doesn't include all iOS users, just those tracked by Onswipe. The company provides customers with tools to create Web sites designed to be viewed on mobile devices. As such, Onswipe's platform tracks 13 million active iOS users, up from 10 million last month.That's a small slice of the total number of iOS users, even those who've been running iOS 6. Unveiling iOS 6.1 on Monday, Apple marketing VP Phil Schiller said that iOS 6 reached almost 300 million iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch users in just five months.Related storiesApple releases iOS 6.1 with additional LTE supportHow to purchase movie tickets using SiriYou can jailbreak iOS 6.1, but there are some catchesBut even the cross section of Onswipe users provides a good clue as to the overall adoption of iOS 6.1.And just why has the latest update proved so popular?Onswipe CEO Jason Baptiste offered one theory to the folks at TechChunch.Apple introduced its over-the-air update feature with iOS 5 in October of 2011. As such, users can update their devices directly without having to go through iTunes as the middleman. Baptiste believes people have finally grown comfortable with the OTA feature and know how it works, making it easier for them to update their devices on the fly.
Waiting for Pacemaker
Waiting for Pacemaker
There's also a software application, the Pacemaker Editor, that functions like a traditional music player and library manager (think iTunes, Windows Media Player, or WinAmp), only with support for creating mixes. It's coming out in December, according to the Web site.Well, today's the last day of December, and the Pacemaker Editor page hasn't been updated since August 29. A message in the forums says it's available only to folks who registered on the site before December 16. The release date for the device itself has already been postponed from November to December to February. The only in-depth review I could find was of a prototype. But here's the really weird part: if you want to buy one, you can't just wait for a release date and go to a store or order it online. Instead, you have to pre-register. According to the auto-response I got, registrants can expect receive an e-mail some time in January asking for payment in full of 520 Euros (about $760). Then, they'll ship you one.All this sets my phantom alert system a-tingling. But the demos look great, so if anybody's had a chance to test the software or a real device, I'd love to hear from you--e-mail me at mattrosoff (all one word) at hotmail dot com. And here's hoping Tonium follows through in 2008.
There's also a software application, the Pacemaker Editor, that functions like a traditional music player and library manager (think iTunes, Windows Media Player, or WinAmp), only with support for creating mixes. It's coming out in December, according to the Web site.Well, today's the last day of December, and the Pacemaker Editor page hasn't been updated since August 29. A message in the forums says it's available only to folks who registered on the site before December 16. The release date for the device itself has already been postponed from November to December to February. The only in-depth review I could find was of a prototype. But here's the really weird part: if you want to buy one, you can't just wait for a release date and go to a store or order it online. Instead, you have to pre-register. According to the auto-response I got, registrants can expect receive an e-mail some time in January asking for payment in full of 520 Euros (about $760). Then, they'll ship you one.All this sets my phantom alert system a-tingling. But the demos look great, so if anybody's had a chance to test the software or a real device, I'd love to hear from you--e-mail me at mattrosoff (all one word) at hotmail dot com. And here's hoping Tonium follows through in 2008.
Vuzix glasses see iPhone in 3D
Vuzix glasses see iPhone in 3D
The iPhone-compatible Vuzix iWear AV230XL is now available for $199. For people who happen to already have Vuzix 3D eyewear, the company is also selling a cable for $39.95 that will make other models work with the iPhone.3D content is becoming more prevalent. Nvidia, among others, are increasingly promoting 3D video games. And 3D films are getting a revival, with the recent "Coraline" and "Monsters vs. Aliens" movies. James Cameron's big-budget 3D film, "Avatar," is due out around the holidays and is already generating buzz. While it's expensive to retrofit movie theaters for 3D films, 3D technology for the home market is getting more affordable and more readily available, according to Vuzix. Whether the company promotions that appear every now and then will make 3D video anything more than a reoccurring fad is yet to be seen. People who remember the 3D-movie pushes in the '50s and '70s will likely remain skeptical. Selecting 3D content from the overall ocean of films and games being released can be tricky, but a Vuzix spokesman said that "Vuzix has put together a sort of iTunes for 3D content. It should be launched soon."
The iPhone-compatible Vuzix iWear AV230XL is now available for $199. For people who happen to already have Vuzix 3D eyewear, the company is also selling a cable for $39.95 that will make other models work with the iPhone.3D content is becoming more prevalent. Nvidia, among others, are increasingly promoting 3D video games. And 3D films are getting a revival, with the recent "Coraline" and "Monsters vs. Aliens" movies. James Cameron's big-budget 3D film, "Avatar," is due out around the holidays and is already generating buzz. While it's expensive to retrofit movie theaters for 3D films, 3D technology for the home market is getting more affordable and more readily available, according to Vuzix. Whether the company promotions that appear every now and then will make 3D video anything more than a reoccurring fad is yet to be seen. People who remember the 3D-movie pushes in the '50s and '70s will likely remain skeptical. Selecting 3D content from the overall ocean of films and games being released can be tricky, but a Vuzix spokesman said that "Vuzix has put together a sort of iTunes for 3D content. It should be launched soon."
Color CEO pictures world of shared photos (Podcast)
Color CEO pictures world of shared photos (Podcast)
In addition to making it very clear that everything on Color is public, Nguyen stressed accountability and the cost of violating Color's terms of service (which include avoiding nudity and other inappropriate content). "The amazing thing about smartphones and this post-PC thing that Steve Jobs invented," he said, "is that there is actually real accountability. So when you take pictures in public and in the open using Color, what happens is those pictures come with you, so you're not going to take inappropriate photos because when you go to work those people nearby you at work will see them." Also, because your Color account is linked to your cell phone, the company can determine who you are in case you violate their rules or the law. Ngyuen said that users can block individuals if there is someone they don't want to share photos with.In its press materials, the company said that it "maintains a strict public use policy to ensure that everything shared is appropriate for all ages" and that "Color requires real-life etiquette and accountability for all actions. Any violation of decency can result in permanent suspension of service for a specific smartphone."Anne Collier, who is my co-director at ConnectSafely (a nonprofit Internet safety organization), worries that the service could be used by "a bunch of 11-year-olds in various stages of undress, snapping away at a slumber party; or slightly more grown-up people in the late stages of a frat party, experiencing reduced levels of critical thinking."She said that "permanent suspension of service is definitely a deterrent, but there are certain times and situations in our lives when we're not terribly focused on consequences."For more on privacy issues and the service in general, click below to listen to my 12-minute interview with Bill Nguyen.PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | RSS (audio)
In addition to making it very clear that everything on Color is public, Nguyen stressed accountability and the cost of violating Color's terms of service (which include avoiding nudity and other inappropriate content). "The amazing thing about smartphones and this post-PC thing that Steve Jobs invented," he said, "is that there is actually real accountability. So when you take pictures in public and in the open using Color, what happens is those pictures come with you, so you're not going to take inappropriate photos because when you go to work those people nearby you at work will see them." Also, because your Color account is linked to your cell phone, the company can determine who you are in case you violate their rules or the law. Ngyuen said that users can block individuals if there is someone they don't want to share photos with.In its press materials, the company said that it "maintains a strict public use policy to ensure that everything shared is appropriate for all ages" and that "Color requires real-life etiquette and accountability for all actions. Any violation of decency can result in permanent suspension of service for a specific smartphone."Anne Collier, who is my co-director at ConnectSafely (a nonprofit Internet safety organization), worries that the service could be used by "a bunch of 11-year-olds in various stages of undress, snapping away at a slumber party; or slightly more grown-up people in the late stages of a frat party, experiencing reduced levels of critical thinking."She said that "permanent suspension of service is definitely a deterrent, but there are certain times and situations in our lives when we're not terribly focused on consequences."For more on privacy issues and the service in general, click below to listen to my 12-minute interview with Bill Nguyen.PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | RSS (audio)
Cocktail part of Apple's September event
Cocktail part of Apple's September event
But much of the substance of Apple's announcement--at least as it relates to music--is old news, according to multiple music industry sources. Last month, the Financial Times broke the story that Apple is working on the next-generation album cover, code named Cocktail. Whatever else Apple intends to announce at the still not officially announced event, expect Cocktail to be part of it. An Apple spokesman declined to comment on Friday.It would also be a surprise if Apple didn't update its iPod Touch line, or at least cut prices to match the pricing of Microsoft's new Zune HD, which goes on sale September 15. It's also reasonable to think that some of the features from the iPhone 3GS, such as its video camera, might make their way over to the iPod Touch. Some are still holding out hope that Apple will introduce a tablet, which many think will be akin to a large iPod Touch. However, that is appearing less likely, with several Web sites saying a 2010 launch is more reasonable.And there's plenty of speculation that Apple CEO Steve Jobs will make an appearance at the September event.Cocktail will feature interactive material, including photos, lyric sheets, liner notes and clips from music videos, according to the Financial Times. As first reported by CNET News, the labels are planning a revamped digital album experience called CMX, which would be offered to other online music stores. The music industry is trying to reinvigorate the digital music experience while at the same time encourage people to buy albums, or at least pay more for packaged songs. Music fans once enjoyed poring over liner notes or album art from their favorite acts. The idea now is to offer some of the same kinds of experiences but use digital technology to modernize it. Update: Also of note, Apple has current promotion that offers educational buyers a free iPod Touch with purchase of a Mac runs. And that promotion just happens to run through Sept. 8. Hmmm....CNET staff writer Ina Fried contributed to this report.
But much of the substance of Apple's announcement--at least as it relates to music--is old news, according to multiple music industry sources. Last month, the Financial Times broke the story that Apple is working on the next-generation album cover, code named Cocktail. Whatever else Apple intends to announce at the still not officially announced event, expect Cocktail to be part of it. An Apple spokesman declined to comment on Friday.It would also be a surprise if Apple didn't update its iPod Touch line, or at least cut prices to match the pricing of Microsoft's new Zune HD, which goes on sale September 15. It's also reasonable to think that some of the features from the iPhone 3GS, such as its video camera, might make their way over to the iPod Touch. Some are still holding out hope that Apple will introduce a tablet, which many think will be akin to a large iPod Touch. However, that is appearing less likely, with several Web sites saying a 2010 launch is more reasonable.And there's plenty of speculation that Apple CEO Steve Jobs will make an appearance at the September event.Cocktail will feature interactive material, including photos, lyric sheets, liner notes and clips from music videos, according to the Financial Times. As first reported by CNET News, the labels are planning a revamped digital album experience called CMX, which would be offered to other online music stores. The music industry is trying to reinvigorate the digital music experience while at the same time encourage people to buy albums, or at least pay more for packaged songs. Music fans once enjoyed poring over liner notes or album art from their favorite acts. The idea now is to offer some of the same kinds of experiences but use digital technology to modernize it. Update: Also of note, Apple has current promotion that offers educational buyers a free iPod Touch with purchase of a Mac runs. And that promotion just happens to run through Sept. 8. Hmmm....CNET staff writer Ina Fried contributed to this report.
Apple shares bounce back after tough few weeks
Apple shares bounce back after tough few weeks
Apple's stock is up nearly 6 percent in midday trading today, marking a minor recovery for the stock, which has declined more than 20 percent since reaching an all-time high in September.Shares of Apple were at $557.99, up $30.31, or 5.74 percent, in trading on Monday, coming close to where the stock sat 12 days ago, but far from the high of $705.10 two months ago. The stock hit a nine-month low on Friday, before closing up later in the day. The recovery comes amid reports that Apple's seeing strong sales of its mobile devices in China, one of its key growth markets. There are also fresh rumors that Apple is working on a successor to the iPhone 5 due out the middle of next year, a change from the fall release the company has gone with for its past two models. This morning Apple also announced that it's offering the full catalog of rock band AC/DC on iTunes, which so far had held off on selling its music digitally. A number of analysts remain bullish on the stock, including Brian White of Topeka Capital Markets, who in a note to investors this morning referred to the recent sell-off of Apple stock as "insanely insane." White's got Apple pegged for $1,111 a share in the next 12 months, which remains far above the $760 or so average Wall Street analysts expect the stock to reach in that same period of time. Apple's currently in what has historically been its most profitable quarter, fueled by holiday device sales. The company refreshed most of its product line, including the iPad and its Mac desktops and notebooks, at an event last month where it introduced the iPad Mini. Update at 1:01 p.m. PT: Apple closed at 566.44, up 38.76 or 7.35 percent for the day.
Apple's stock is up nearly 6 percent in midday trading today, marking a minor recovery for the stock, which has declined more than 20 percent since reaching an all-time high in September.Shares of Apple were at $557.99, up $30.31, or 5.74 percent, in trading on Monday, coming close to where the stock sat 12 days ago, but far from the high of $705.10 two months ago. The stock hit a nine-month low on Friday, before closing up later in the day. The recovery comes amid reports that Apple's seeing strong sales of its mobile devices in China, one of its key growth markets. There are also fresh rumors that Apple is working on a successor to the iPhone 5 due out the middle of next year, a change from the fall release the company has gone with for its past two models. This morning Apple also announced that it's offering the full catalog of rock band AC/DC on iTunes, which so far had held off on selling its music digitally. A number of analysts remain bullish on the stock, including Brian White of Topeka Capital Markets, who in a note to investors this morning referred to the recent sell-off of Apple stock as "insanely insane." White's got Apple pegged for $1,111 a share in the next 12 months, which remains far above the $760 or so average Wall Street analysts expect the stock to reach in that same period of time. Apple's currently in what has historically been its most profitable quarter, fueled by holiday device sales. The company refreshed most of its product line, including the iPad and its Mac desktops and notebooks, at an event last month where it introduced the iPad Mini. Update at 1:01 p.m. PT: Apple closed at 566.44, up 38.76 or 7.35 percent for the day.
Apple shareholders to Samsung- Thank you
Apple shareholders to Samsung: Thank you
Samsung's newest smartphone, the Galaxy S4 -- evolutionary or revolutionary? Given the hype leading up to yesterday evening's product debut, that debate likely will rage for days, if not weeks. But the news is a boon for shares of Apple as jittery investors finally saw reason to hit the "buy" button. At the close of today's trading, Apple's stock was up 2.58 percent to $443.66 -- and this on a day when the overall stock market has been trading in the red.In the lead-up to the Galaxy S4 announcement, there had been no small amount of hand-wringing among the chattering class about whether Apple would ever recapture its mojo against a surging Samsung. But while the early reviews gave the new smartphone good marks, the tone was more respectful than breathless about what essentially is an incremental upgrade. So it was that Apple's shares were up out of the gate today as analyst reviews of the Samsung news began to filter in. Such as:"While the S4 is likely to be the iPhone's biggest competitor this year at the high end of the market, we remain confident in our iPhone estimate for this year of 177.5 million, which includes a cheaper phone in the September quarter," wrote Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray. And this from Jefferies analyst Peter Misek who said that he wanted to see the real-world uses for the new device and whether they actually got used: "We believe the S4 will certainly sell well and it is incrementally negative for Apple," Misek said. "However, the device is not revolutionary, in our view."For Apple shareholders, that kind of talk was the equivalent of a buy recommendation -- at least for a day.Updated at 4:01 p.m. PT with the closing price of Apple's stock.
Samsung's newest smartphone, the Galaxy S4 -- evolutionary or revolutionary? Given the hype leading up to yesterday evening's product debut, that debate likely will rage for days, if not weeks. But the news is a boon for shares of Apple as jittery investors finally saw reason to hit the "buy" button. At the close of today's trading, Apple's stock was up 2.58 percent to $443.66 -- and this on a day when the overall stock market has been trading in the red.In the lead-up to the Galaxy S4 announcement, there had been no small amount of hand-wringing among the chattering class about whether Apple would ever recapture its mojo against a surging Samsung. But while the early reviews gave the new smartphone good marks, the tone was more respectful than breathless about what essentially is an incremental upgrade. So it was that Apple's shares were up out of the gate today as analyst reviews of the Samsung news began to filter in. Such as:"While the S4 is likely to be the iPhone's biggest competitor this year at the high end of the market, we remain confident in our iPhone estimate for this year of 177.5 million, which includes a cheaper phone in the September quarter," wrote Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray. And this from Jefferies analyst Peter Misek who said that he wanted to see the real-world uses for the new device and whether they actually got used: "We believe the S4 will certainly sell well and it is incrementally negative for Apple," Misek said. "However, the device is not revolutionary, in our view."For Apple shareholders, that kind of talk was the equivalent of a buy recommendation -- at least for a day.Updated at 4:01 p.m. PT with the closing price of Apple's stock.
Apple settles split cord MagSafe lawsuit
Apple settles split cord MagSafe lawsuit
Apple notes that users with the issue can take it in for an inspection at one of the company's retail stores, calling up its technical support line, or visiting an Apple-authorized service provider. The settlement opens up additional avenues for those who ended up purchasing replacements after the problem occurred. This is broken down into three categories of cash payment customers can get, depending on when they purchased the replacement adapter. If it was within the first year they bought the computer, they get whatever they paid for a replacement, up to $79. Those who purchased an adapter two or three years after buying their computer can get $50 and $35 respectively. All those options require proof of purchasing the replacement adapter, and some paperwork.Apple introduced its proprietary MagSafe power adapter in early 2006 as a replacement for its socket-style plug. The technology's main advantage over its predecessor was that the cord would break away when tugged out from sideways directions, keeping the computer from being pulled with it. The previous design needed to be pulled straight out in order to be disconnected. The technology was patented in 2007, and later became the focus of an unrelated lawsuit from Apple targeting SanHo, a company that was selling MagSafe-compatible power adapters. Last year, SanHo announced it would cease that activity and has since come up with an alternate way of providing external battery technology to Apple notebook users. Apple also took aim at three separate companies in a patent infringement suit last year that claimed resellers were mimicking the look and feel of the company's power iconic white power adapters.An Apple representative declined to comment on the settlement.
Apple notes that users with the issue can take it in for an inspection at one of the company's retail stores, calling up its technical support line, or visiting an Apple-authorized service provider. The settlement opens up additional avenues for those who ended up purchasing replacements after the problem occurred. This is broken down into three categories of cash payment customers can get, depending on when they purchased the replacement adapter. If it was within the first year they bought the computer, they get whatever they paid for a replacement, up to $79. Those who purchased an adapter two or three years after buying their computer can get $50 and $35 respectively. All those options require proof of purchasing the replacement adapter, and some paperwork.Apple introduced its proprietary MagSafe power adapter in early 2006 as a replacement for its socket-style plug. The technology's main advantage over its predecessor was that the cord would break away when tugged out from sideways directions, keeping the computer from being pulled with it. The previous design needed to be pulled straight out in order to be disconnected. The technology was patented in 2007, and later became the focus of an unrelated lawsuit from Apple targeting SanHo, a company that was selling MagSafe-compatible power adapters. Last year, SanHo announced it would cease that activity and has since come up with an alternate way of providing external battery technology to Apple notebook users. Apple also took aim at three separate companies in a patent infringement suit last year that claimed resellers were mimicking the look and feel of the company's power iconic white power adapters.An Apple representative declined to comment on the settlement.
Apple settles lawsuit over in-app purchases by kids
Apple settles lawsuit over in-app purchases by kids
Apple has settled a lawsuit over the unauthorized use of in-app purchase in games and apps sold through the App Store.As part of a preliminary deal that has yet to be finalized by a U.S. district court judge, Apple will pay those eligible class members a $5 iTunes gift card. Users that spent more than $30 can choose to get a cash refund, as long as they meet a handful of requirements, including filling out a form that details what apps the charges originated from.The 2011 suitstemmed from parents who complained that it was far too easy to buy digital goods in games without the need to re-enter an Apple ID password. In practice, this meant that a parent could download a free or paid title using their password, then the child (or someone else) could proceed to make purchases without those credentials, as long as it was within a certain time period. Apple changed that behavior as part of a system software update in March 2011, but not before some parents were hit with massive bills. As part of the proposed settlement, Apple will be required to send notices to more than 23 million iTunes account holders who bought something in-game from one of of the "qualified apps." However the settlement filings, which were spotted by Law360 (via GigaOm), note that the affected class action size remains unclear.The lawsuit is not to be confused with a separate legal complaint involving in-app purchases. A patent holder named Lodsys made waves in early 2011, suing companies large and small, alleging that they were infringing on its intellectual property by including the option to buy things within the software. Apple joined that suit in April of last year in an effort to defend those developing on its platform. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the settlement deal.
Apple has settled a lawsuit over the unauthorized use of in-app purchase in games and apps sold through the App Store.As part of a preliminary deal that has yet to be finalized by a U.S. district court judge, Apple will pay those eligible class members a $5 iTunes gift card. Users that spent more than $30 can choose to get a cash refund, as long as they meet a handful of requirements, including filling out a form that details what apps the charges originated from.The 2011 suitstemmed from parents who complained that it was far too easy to buy digital goods in games without the need to re-enter an Apple ID password. In practice, this meant that a parent could download a free or paid title using their password, then the child (or someone else) could proceed to make purchases without those credentials, as long as it was within a certain time period. Apple changed that behavior as part of a system software update in March 2011, but not before some parents were hit with massive bills. As part of the proposed settlement, Apple will be required to send notices to more than 23 million iTunes account holders who bought something in-game from one of of the "qualified apps." However the settlement filings, which were spotted by Law360 (via GigaOm), note that the affected class action size remains unclear.The lawsuit is not to be confused with a separate legal complaint involving in-app purchases. A patent holder named Lodsys made waves in early 2011, suing companies large and small, alleging that they were infringing on its intellectual property by including the option to buy things within the software. Apple joined that suit in April of last year in an effort to defend those developing on its platform. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the settlement deal.
Apple sets WWDC for June 10-14
Apple sets WWDC for June 10-14
This year's edition of Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, the place to find out about what's in the works for Mac OS and iOS, is set for June 10 to 14.The five-day event will take place at San Francisco's Moscone West Center, bringing together Apple executives and engineers with developers from around the world working on apps and other software technologies for the iPhone, iPad, and Macs."Our developers have had the most prolific and profitable year ever, and we're excited to show them the latest advances in software technologies and developer tools to help them create innovative new apps," Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, said in a statement Wednesday morning. We can't wait to get new versions of iOS and OS X into their hands at WWDC."While WWDC focuses on software, new devices will also be on the minds of attendees and Apple watchers. Rumors have been swirling, as they tend to do, about upcoming versions of the iPad and iPhone, and during yesterday's conference call regarding the company's fiscal second-quarter earnings, Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke broadly of "amazing new hardware, software, and services" that the company will introduce this fall and on into 2014. He also left some wiggle room for Apple eventually, perhaps, to deliver a larger iPhone.There's also been a long-running waiting game for users of the Mac Pro, many of whom have been frustrated by a lack of communication from Apple about what it might have in store for the line of high-end computers favored by designers and other creative types.Last year's WWDC was heavy on news about Apple's Mac array, with long-awaited updates to its MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, and MacBook Air lines, and also gave a look ahead toward iOS 6.Tickets for the 2013 edition of the developer conference, priced at $1,599, will go on sale Thursday, April 25, at 10 a.m. PT. They can be purchased via Apple's WWDC Web site, which also offers more information on the event's programs.
This year's edition of Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, the place to find out about what's in the works for Mac OS and iOS, is set for June 10 to 14.The five-day event will take place at San Francisco's Moscone West Center, bringing together Apple executives and engineers with developers from around the world working on apps and other software technologies for the iPhone, iPad, and Macs."Our developers have had the most prolific and profitable year ever, and we're excited to show them the latest advances in software technologies and developer tools to help them create innovative new apps," Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, said in a statement Wednesday morning. We can't wait to get new versions of iOS and OS X into their hands at WWDC."While WWDC focuses on software, new devices will also be on the minds of attendees and Apple watchers. Rumors have been swirling, as they tend to do, about upcoming versions of the iPad and iPhone, and during yesterday's conference call regarding the company's fiscal second-quarter earnings, Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke broadly of "amazing new hardware, software, and services" that the company will introduce this fall and on into 2014. He also left some wiggle room for Apple eventually, perhaps, to deliver a larger iPhone.There's also been a long-running waiting game for users of the Mac Pro, many of whom have been frustrated by a lack of communication from Apple about what it might have in store for the line of high-end computers favored by designers and other creative types.Last year's WWDC was heavy on news about Apple's Mac array, with long-awaited updates to its MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, and MacBook Air lines, and also gave a look ahead toward iOS 6.Tickets for the 2013 edition of the developer conference, priced at $1,599, will go on sale Thursday, April 25, at 10 a.m. PT. They can be purchased via Apple's WWDC Web site, which also offers more information on the event's programs.
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