Apple's big bet on iOS 7 gaming to play out this fall
There's a good reason why a significant portion of Apple's iPhone announcement last week was dedicated to showing off the flagship iOS game series Infinity Blade. That's because with iOS 7 -- rolling out to the public Wednesday -- and the new A7 chip's 64-bit architecture, Apple is signaling to the world that it's dead set on remaining the preeminent mobile-gaming ecosystem. iOS has long been the leader in that space thanks to its robust platform and the ease with which developers of all sizes -- from single-app makers to triple-A studios with sprawling mobile suites -- can monetize games. Game apps have heavily populated the most downloaded and highest grossing charts since the advent of the App Store and have launched entire studios to stardom, from Rovio with Angry Birds to King with Candy Crush. Related stories:iOS 7-ready game controller hardware spottedApple iPhone 5S event showcases Infinity Blade 3The real reasons Apple's 64-bit A7 chip makes senseMaintaining this edge means delivering not only full-blown Bluetooth controller support -- initially announced at this year's WWDC as part of Apple's MFi (made for iOS) accessory certification -- but urging developers to round out new hardware with top-notch apps that take advantage of the A7. Both strategies are well under way, and Apple is in a strong position to keep the mobile-gaming crown as it brings them to fruition this fall. Apple has long had its sights set on making handheld gaming devices less appealing, a battle mobile apps have been winning. Apple's success against traditional gaming has always hinged on whether or not it can convince iPhone owners that devices like the PlayStation Vita, Nintendo 3DS, and Nvidia Shield cannot keep up with the pace of iOS game development and its impending hardware offerings. Or, at the very least, that those devices are not worth the money. After all, why cast out large chunks of change on a Nintendo or Sony-owned gaming ecosystem, Apple logic goes, when one exists on your smartphone that's steadily catching up to the gaming juggernauts?While 64-bit smartphone chips will be flooding the market come next year -- as well as updated and cheaper portable gaming devices -- Apple is gunning to be there first, with developers at its side and a line of impressive controllers to boot. If it succeeds, it will be a battle already won.Optimizing for the A7 has already begunWhen iOS 7 goes public, game developers will already be deep in the process of optimizing their apps. It makes sense too when you note that iOS adoption is typically quick and widespread. (One month after iOS 6's release last September, more than 60 percent of users had installed the update.)"The updated versions of Dungeon Hunter 4 and Playmobil Pirates have cleared Apple approval and are up on the iTunes store," said Thomas Price, a representative for mobile game developer Gameloft. The studio also has a dozen more apps waiting for Apple approval, with initial updates focusing at first on capability and further iOS and hardware optimizations rolling out on a title by title basis. More are on the way from a number of high-profile developers. At Electronic Arts, developers are taking advantage of the OpenGS ES 3.0 interface, a cross-platform API -- currently supported only by the Samsung Galaxy S4, HTC One, updated Nexus 7, and Sony Xperia Z -- widely used for smartphone graphics rendering.Schiller touted processor performance improvements in the iPhone 5S, which uses Apple's new A7 chip, but didn't detail which speed tests he was using.Screenshot by Stephen Shankland/CNETWith the iPhone 5S, Apple joins that batch with the added benefit of being the only one of those smartphones to push a 64-bit processor. "OpenGL ES 3.0 delivers stunning visual experiences, which will be immediately apparent on EA's graphically rich 3D titles such as Real Racing 3 and Madden NFL 25, as well as FIFA 14 by EA SPORTS and Heroes of Dragon Age, which will launch this fall," said Bernard Kim, SVP of Mobile Publishing at EA. Developer Kabam, makers of the popular Facebook-integrated Kingdoms of Camelot series, is also prepping a number of updates for iOS 7. "Kabam will release new game content for its most popular titles, including The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-earth, Fast & Furious 6: The Game, and Dragons of Atlantis: Heirs of the Dragon," said a company representative, though no timeline or specifics on the updates were made available. More notably however is Kabam's plan to utilize iOS 7's unique parallax effect -- a pseudo-3D motion most recognizable in Apple's new wallpapers -- in its upcoming Heroes of Camelot title. Leading the charge is Infinity Blade 3, which hits the App Store in tandem with iOS 7. Users won't be able to access the graphical capabilities baked into the game that optimize for the A7 chip until they get their hands on an iPhone 5S (sales start September 20). Still, the graphical marketing push from both developer Epic Games and Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller last Tuesday shows that the iPhone maker wants the best and most aggressive mobile gaming advancements to take center stage on iOS. iPhone controller on horizon, but questions remainWhile new titles and app updates will be rolling out en masse following iOS 7's release, don't expect official controller announcements until right before the holiday season. Most models are in development right now, with expected unveilings estimated for late October and early November. Moga's Pocket Controller for Android smartphones that illustrates just one variety of MFi controller that could hit Apple handsets this fall.MogaPowerA, makers of the Moga line of portable and console-style Android controllers, has iPhone controller announcements in the pipeline, though company representatives won't say exactly when we'll see our first iOS 7-optimized handheld or what it will look like. It's unclear whether the company's current portable offering -- an Xbox-style controller with a flip-out holster to fasten in your smartphone -- will simply be ported over to iOS, or if we'll see an entirely new Moga design. PowerA also offers a pro model in which the device mirrors the smartphone screen to a television through proprietary software. That's an unlikely option with Apple given that a mirroring function conflict directly with the Apple TV's AirPlay.It's also worth noting that the idea of controller support, despite piquing the interest of hardware makers and game developers alike, is a bit of a turnaround for Apple, who built its smartphone reputation with the launch of the original iPhone on a touchscreen that forgoes the need for physical buttons. But the company sees the value in competing with handhelds not just in experience with low-cost, easy-access apps, but in functionality. An A7 chip means near-console level performance capacity, making an add-on controller a no-brainer, especially if its of third-party make and Apple can test the waters by casually urging developers to add support. Perhaps the most anticipated iOS controller is in the works at Logitech. The company made headlines in June when leaked images of early handset prototypes hit the Web and the hardware manufacturer confirmed its plans. Early concepts show a diverging design from PowerA wherein the iPhone is fitted inside a controller, turning the device into something akin to a PlayStation Vita. Kotaku"We'll support Apple's new MFi game controller framework, and plan to deliver a compelling gaming experience to iOS gamers this fall," said a Logitech representative, though the company declined to elaborate further, as has been the case with many hardware manufacturers since WWDC. But while the iPhone announcement and A7 unveiling have done little to tip the controller manufacturers into spilling more secrets -- let alone try and speed up the delivery of the hardware -- Apple is still sitting pretty at the forefront of the mobile gaming industry thanks to the marketing bump of the A7's capabilities. It will only further its lead in the coming months with more and more iOS 7-optimized apps and the influx of new 5C and 5S devices running its latest software.Integral to Apple's lead is the developer-held mindset that iOS marks the cutting edge playground for the newest advancements in mobile gaming. It lets them optimize for the small subset of users who can enjoy the latest and greatest graphics and functionality while the widest audience -- those with the current iPhone 5 and 4S -- gain last year's touted advancements in trickle-down fashion. The "rinse and repeat" annual iPhone strategy will continue to drive the iOS ecosystem's role on this front. "Important to gamers and game developers like Kabam, which has had four games among the top 25 grossing apps on the Apple App Store, the new interface provides a better game-playing experience," Kabam's CEO Kevin Chou said on September 10 as Apple unveiled the iPhone 5S. "And the new controller puts Apple at the forefront of bridging the ever-shrinking gap between consoles and iOS devices." Kabam may be bias toward Apple's success, given its tied to the success of its own apps, but the point is still valid: The gap is shrinking, and iOS is up front by a wide margin. Update at 9:07 a.m. PT: Added additional details and clarified aspects of the 'Optimizing for the A7' section.
MySpace CEO talks Sundance, celebrity
MySpace CEO talks Sundance, celebrity
"The pledges will live on MySpace," DeWolfe said. "The hope is it will inspire everyday users to also make a Presidential Pledge of service and upload it."Moving on to non-celebrity business, I decided to focus on the gray economic clouds--even if we were surrounded by glorious blue skies and snow-packed mountains. DeWolfe maintained his "cautiously optimistic" economic outlook for MySpace, and touted the company's strong revenue growth in the first half of the fiscal year even as the economy was souring.But in the last three months, financial markets have been hit "harder than ever in my life," he said, bracing himself for some "small softening" for the second half of the year.Fox Interactive Media, the News Corp. division that encompasses MySpace, Photobucket, and other digital properties, was declared the top destination for display ads on the Web several months ago. But display ads are expected to be hit harder than other digital advertising, and DeWolfe admitted that presents a challenge for MySpace.Luckily, he said, the company doesn't rely so heavily on the financial and auto sectors.As for the newly launched MySpace Music and its place in the digital music marketplace, DeWolfe doesn't see it as an iTunes competitor and seemed unfazed by Apple's recent DRM-free music announcements. "MySpace Music is much more of a social site," he said, adding that it helps people discover new music through trusted sources and shared communities. "I see iTunes and MySpace as complementary. If anything, we're driving iPod sales."Speaking of competition, DeWolfe doesn't fear Facebook domination, even given its recent spike in users. He sees Facebook more as an "efficient messaging system" and cited recent ComScore data that showed MySpace well above Facebook in terms of numbers of unique users.On the horizon, he says to look for a huge increase in the use of MySpace'smobile platform.And no, even given that I'm here at Sundance, where celebrity gossip abounds, I just couldn't bring myself to ask DeWolfe about rumors of his Paris Hilton romance. Some entertainment reporter I am! Hey, at least I got this money shot of Brinkley (makes up for the bad lighting in theDeWolfe photo). And for those wondering why Brinkley's campaign launched here, the National Milk Mustache "Got milk?" campaign is a festival sponsor.Christie Brinkley, who launched her third "Got Milk" advertising campaign Friday at Sundance, is followed outside the MySpace Cafe by a media entourage (which I join).Michelle Meyers/CNET NewsClick here for more stories from Sundance.
"The pledges will live on MySpace," DeWolfe said. "The hope is it will inspire everyday users to also make a Presidential Pledge of service and upload it."Moving on to non-celebrity business, I decided to focus on the gray economic clouds--even if we were surrounded by glorious blue skies and snow-packed mountains. DeWolfe maintained his "cautiously optimistic" economic outlook for MySpace, and touted the company's strong revenue growth in the first half of the fiscal year even as the economy was souring.But in the last three months, financial markets have been hit "harder than ever in my life," he said, bracing himself for some "small softening" for the second half of the year.Fox Interactive Media, the News Corp. division that encompasses MySpace, Photobucket, and other digital properties, was declared the top destination for display ads on the Web several months ago. But display ads are expected to be hit harder than other digital advertising, and DeWolfe admitted that presents a challenge for MySpace.Luckily, he said, the company doesn't rely so heavily on the financial and auto sectors.As for the newly launched MySpace Music and its place in the digital music marketplace, DeWolfe doesn't see it as an iTunes competitor and seemed unfazed by Apple's recent DRM-free music announcements. "MySpace Music is much more of a social site," he said, adding that it helps people discover new music through trusted sources and shared communities. "I see iTunes and MySpace as complementary. If anything, we're driving iPod sales."Speaking of competition, DeWolfe doesn't fear Facebook domination, even given its recent spike in users. He sees Facebook more as an "efficient messaging system" and cited recent ComScore data that showed MySpace well above Facebook in terms of numbers of unique users.On the horizon, he says to look for a huge increase in the use of MySpace'smobile platform.And no, even given that I'm here at Sundance, where celebrity gossip abounds, I just couldn't bring myself to ask DeWolfe about rumors of his Paris Hilton romance. Some entertainment reporter I am! Hey, at least I got this money shot of Brinkley (makes up for the bad lighting in theDeWolfe photo). And for those wondering why Brinkley's campaign launched here, the National Milk Mustache "Got milk?" campaign is a festival sponsor.Christie Brinkley, who launched her third "Got Milk" advertising campaign Friday at Sundance, is followed outside the MySpace Cafe by a media entourage (which I join).Michelle Meyers/CNET NewsClick here for more stories from Sundance.
Beats' Iovine- When you met Steve Jobs, you found the party
Beats' Iovine: When you met Steve Jobs, you found the party
NEW YORK -- Beats Electronics founder Jimmy Iovine made his career out of recognizing cool. His epitome of it: Steve Jobs.The veteran record producer worked with Apple multiple times after meeting Jobs more than a decade ago, and his vantage point on the company's past and future took on greater significance following the electronics maker's $3 billion acquisition this year of Beats. That move -- as bold as it was baffling -- brought Iovine into the fold of Apple's upper management.Speaking Wednesday at conference organized by the University of Southern California, Iovine called Jobs, Apple's co-founder and longtime leader who died in October 2011, a "fascinating, unique individual" who fostered a marriage of tech and culture "that's going to be around forever."But his first impression of Jobs, formed around 2003 when record producer Iovine was reeling over the music industry's uncertain future amid digitization post-Napster, was that Jobs had the undefinable "it" factor -- and he had it in spades."I follow cool," Iovine said. "When I went up to see Steve Jobs, I said, 'The party's at this guy's house.'"Jobs was "John, Paul, George and Ringo, Mick and Keith in one guy," he said, referring to the members of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.Related storiesiTunes head Cue and Beats' Iovine: Apple will put Beats on steroidsApple's Beats, Bose settle patent spat over noise-canceling techWill.i.am plies a new wearable, says Apple rules (Q&A)Apple taps Beats Music CEO as iTunes Radio's band leaderApple agreed to buy Beats in May, bringing the electronics giant a popular headphones business, a subscription streaming-music service, and co-founders Iovine and Dr. Dre to Apple's management. The underlying strategy for the pricey purchase, the first of its kind in Apple's history, stumped observers -- Apple could create similar headphones or services on its own, after all.The mystery of the move has generated speculation that Apple's true target in the acquisition was Iovine himself and his influence in the music industry. Iovine has been a record producer for more 40 years, founder of Interscope Records who has worked with a constellation of recording luminaries from John Lennon and Bruce Springsteen to Eminem, Lady Gaga and U2.Iovine's comments at the conference provided glimpses into the personal business philosophy he'll bring to Apple."Everything Dre and I do is completely on feel, we don't prepare for anything...we only work on instinct," Iovine said.He also lamented the divide in most companies' top management between technology and the creative world, saying the tech business has "zero feel" for popular culture in the absence of Jobs. However, he reserved some praise for Jobs' successor, Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook, however."Tim bought Beats," he said. "Obviously I think he's really smart."
NEW YORK -- Beats Electronics founder Jimmy Iovine made his career out of recognizing cool. His epitome of it: Steve Jobs.The veteran record producer worked with Apple multiple times after meeting Jobs more than a decade ago, and his vantage point on the company's past and future took on greater significance following the electronics maker's $3 billion acquisition this year of Beats. That move -- as bold as it was baffling -- brought Iovine into the fold of Apple's upper management.Speaking Wednesday at conference organized by the University of Southern California, Iovine called Jobs, Apple's co-founder and longtime leader who died in October 2011, a "fascinating, unique individual" who fostered a marriage of tech and culture "that's going to be around forever."But his first impression of Jobs, formed around 2003 when record producer Iovine was reeling over the music industry's uncertain future amid digitization post-Napster, was that Jobs had the undefinable "it" factor -- and he had it in spades."I follow cool," Iovine said. "When I went up to see Steve Jobs, I said, 'The party's at this guy's house.'"Jobs was "John, Paul, George and Ringo, Mick and Keith in one guy," he said, referring to the members of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.Related storiesiTunes head Cue and Beats' Iovine: Apple will put Beats on steroidsApple's Beats, Bose settle patent spat over noise-canceling techWill.i.am plies a new wearable, says Apple rules (Q&A)Apple taps Beats Music CEO as iTunes Radio's band leaderApple agreed to buy Beats in May, bringing the electronics giant a popular headphones business, a subscription streaming-music service, and co-founders Iovine and Dr. Dre to Apple's management. The underlying strategy for the pricey purchase, the first of its kind in Apple's history, stumped observers -- Apple could create similar headphones or services on its own, after all.The mystery of the move has generated speculation that Apple's true target in the acquisition was Iovine himself and his influence in the music industry. Iovine has been a record producer for more 40 years, founder of Interscope Records who has worked with a constellation of recording luminaries from John Lennon and Bruce Springsteen to Eminem, Lady Gaga and U2.Iovine's comments at the conference provided glimpses into the personal business philosophy he'll bring to Apple."Everything Dre and I do is completely on feel, we don't prepare for anything...we only work on instinct," Iovine said.He also lamented the divide in most companies' top management between technology and the creative world, saying the tech business has "zero feel" for popular culture in the absence of Jobs. However, he reserved some praise for Jobs' successor, Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook, however."Tim bought Beats," he said. "Obviously I think he's really smart."
The 404 346- Where Anna David wonders if you can be Bought
The 404 346: Where Anna David wonders if you can be Bought
Today's show is all about Anna, a well-established journalist and sex/relationship expert whose second book tells the story of a tepid journalist who gets slapped with an assignment to explore the steamy underbelly of high-class glitterati and the girls who will do whatever, and whoever, it takes to get what they want. Though the story itself is fictitious, Anna tells us about the in-depth research involved, including the workers she met, a couple of crazy stories from the field, and the lessons she learned as a result. It's not a completely serious show, though. We have to call Anna out on her constant winking at Wilson, but soon discover it's purely platonic and uncontrollable. As it normally goes, Wilson misunderstands the situation and is currently perched in a tree outside her apartment with a telephoto lens and a mobile uploader, so keep checking back for those pics.Don't miss out on this show. Anna is a really engaging storyteller and quickly becoming one of our favorite guests in the triumvirate alongside Natali Del Conte and Alison Rosen. We promise you'll see her in The 404 studio again very soon, but be sure to also buy the book and read about it for yourself!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 EPISODE 346Download today's podcast Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video Check out this awesome video made to promote "Bought," courtesy of Jeremy Redleaf of Bracketscreative.comAnna David's home page, with portals to her book, bio, reel, and event appearancesStay up to date on Anna's life by reading her blogDon't forget about Anna's first book, "Party Girl: A Novel"Anna's Flickr photosFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson Tang
Today's show is all about Anna, a well-established journalist and sex/relationship expert whose second book tells the story of a tepid journalist who gets slapped with an assignment to explore the steamy underbelly of high-class glitterati and the girls who will do whatever, and whoever, it takes to get what they want. Though the story itself is fictitious, Anna tells us about the in-depth research involved, including the workers she met, a couple of crazy stories from the field, and the lessons she learned as a result. It's not a completely serious show, though. We have to call Anna out on her constant winking at Wilson, but soon discover it's purely platonic and uncontrollable. As it normally goes, Wilson misunderstands the situation and is currently perched in a tree outside her apartment with a telephoto lens and a mobile uploader, so keep checking back for those pics.Don't miss out on this show. Anna is a really engaging storyteller and quickly becoming one of our favorite guests in the triumvirate alongside Natali Del Conte and Alison Rosen. We promise you'll see her in The 404 studio again very soon, but be sure to also buy the book and read about it for yourself!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 EPISODE 346Download today's podcast Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video Check out this awesome video made to promote "Bought," courtesy of Jeremy Redleaf of Bracketscreative.comAnna David's home page, with portals to her book, bio, reel, and event appearancesStay up to date on Anna's life by reading her blogDon't forget about Anna's first book, "Party Girl: A Novel"Anna's Flickr photosFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson Tang
Like Guitar Hero- You'll love Instant Jam
Like Guitar Hero? You'll love Instant Jam
Behind the scenes, Instant Jam is using InstantAction's proprietary streaming technology to render all the 3D graphics on its own servers, then pipe it through as something that will run on any machine. Castle said that bands and their labels will have the option to customize these 3D backgrounds for particular songs, just like music games on consoles have done.To match up music tracks in a user's library with the ones in the company's database, InstantAction is using a song fingerprinting technology that Castle compared to what companies like Shazam and Soundhound use. "It's similar to Shazam, but we're not using the same technology," Castle explained. "It actually analyzes the waveform, like a digital file matching. For big files, like several megabytes, we can see what the signature is."Instant Jam's add-on store.InstantActionLike many other popular games on Facebook, such as PopCap's Bejeweled Blitz, Lexulous, and Farmville, Instant Jam offers only asynchronous gameplay. Built on top of that is a framework that encourages people to challenge friends, and share songs with friends in return for more chances to play.The number of songs you can play is limited, though it's refreshed throughout the day. A user can also buy additional play credits for real-world dollars, though when CNET talked to Castle, that pricing structure was not yet finalized. Credits can also be spent for in-game items like new guitars, power-ups, and notes that can be easier to hit and reward more points. As of last month, Castle said that Instant Jam was up to a library of around 2,500 tracks--all at four different difficulty levels. Included in those are 400 some tracks from Rolling Stone magazine's top 500 songs of all time list. Castle explained that the staff members who code the note progressions into these tracks can run through a full album in a matter of hours, and as the service continues on, its library will keep growing. Instant Jam will be launching in beta as part of this week's GamesCom in Cologne, Germany.Related:JamLegend turns your keyboard into a guitarUnderstanding next-gen streaming game services
Behind the scenes, Instant Jam is using InstantAction's proprietary streaming technology to render all the 3D graphics on its own servers, then pipe it through as something that will run on any machine. Castle said that bands and their labels will have the option to customize these 3D backgrounds for particular songs, just like music games on consoles have done.To match up music tracks in a user's library with the ones in the company's database, InstantAction is using a song fingerprinting technology that Castle compared to what companies like Shazam and Soundhound use. "It's similar to Shazam, but we're not using the same technology," Castle explained. "It actually analyzes the waveform, like a digital file matching. For big files, like several megabytes, we can see what the signature is."Instant Jam's add-on store.InstantActionLike many other popular games on Facebook, such as PopCap's Bejeweled Blitz, Lexulous, and Farmville, Instant Jam offers only asynchronous gameplay. Built on top of that is a framework that encourages people to challenge friends, and share songs with friends in return for more chances to play.The number of songs you can play is limited, though it's refreshed throughout the day. A user can also buy additional play credits for real-world dollars, though when CNET talked to Castle, that pricing structure was not yet finalized. Credits can also be spent for in-game items like new guitars, power-ups, and notes that can be easier to hit and reward more points. As of last month, Castle said that Instant Jam was up to a library of around 2,500 tracks--all at four different difficulty levels. Included in those are 400 some tracks from Rolling Stone magazine's top 500 songs of all time list. Castle explained that the staff members who code the note progressions into these tracks can run through a full album in a matter of hours, and as the service continues on, its library will keep growing. Instant Jam will be launching in beta as part of this week's GamesCom in Cologne, Germany.Related:JamLegend turns your keyboard into a guitarUnderstanding next-gen streaming game services
Asus, Dell- We're not exiting the Android tablet business
Asus, Dell: We're not exiting the Android tablet business
The company was responding to Taiwanese news site Digitimes, which cited suppliers in its report that the three PC manufacturers were looking to phase out their Android tablet businesses. "As usual, the rumors and reports from Digitimes are incorrect," said Asus spokesman Gary Key."Asus is not exiting the Android tablet business." Likewise, a Dell spokesman said the company doesn't have any plans to exit the business either. An Acer representative wasn't available for comment. Regardless, the companies have all struggled to make a dent in the tablet business, which, beyond Apple's iPad, hasn't seen a second hit product. While it's still seen as a potentially hot area in consumer electronics, many companies have stumbled in an attempt to breach the market. All three have taken their stabs at the market. Asus has its Eee Pad Transformer, Acer has its Iconia Tab, and Dell has its Streak. None of them, despite middling carrier support and a varying amount of marketing, has been able to draw in consumers. To be sure, other mobile companies, including Research In Motion with its PlayBook, and Motorola with its Xoom, also havestruggled in this business. The hardware manufacturers are expected to face further pressure from the likes of Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Amazon's Kindle Fire sells for $199, undercutting all of its major competitors by a significant margin, while Barnes & Noble's Nook tablet is $250. Both companies are offering a cheaper product in the hopes that it will make money off the digital content ordered through the device. The hardware players have no such luxury, and can't afford to price their devices at such a level. The potential of Ice Cream Sandwich, the latest version of Android designed for both tablets and smartphones, could provide a boost, though it's unclear who would succeed in such a crowded market. The Guardian points out that the companies could be pulling back on resources for Android tablets as they focus on Windows 8, which will also run on tablets. Updated at 12:01 p.m. PT: to include a response from Dell.
The company was responding to Taiwanese news site Digitimes, which cited suppliers in its report that the three PC manufacturers were looking to phase out their Android tablet businesses. "As usual, the rumors and reports from Digitimes are incorrect," said Asus spokesman Gary Key."Asus is not exiting the Android tablet business." Likewise, a Dell spokesman said the company doesn't have any plans to exit the business either. An Acer representative wasn't available for comment. Regardless, the companies have all struggled to make a dent in the tablet business, which, beyond Apple's iPad, hasn't seen a second hit product. While it's still seen as a potentially hot area in consumer electronics, many companies have stumbled in an attempt to breach the market. All three have taken their stabs at the market. Asus has its Eee Pad Transformer, Acer has its Iconia Tab, and Dell has its Streak. None of them, despite middling carrier support and a varying amount of marketing, has been able to draw in consumers. To be sure, other mobile companies, including Research In Motion with its PlayBook, and Motorola with its Xoom, also havestruggled in this business. The hardware manufacturers are expected to face further pressure from the likes of Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Amazon's Kindle Fire sells for $199, undercutting all of its major competitors by a significant margin, while Barnes & Noble's Nook tablet is $250. Both companies are offering a cheaper product in the hopes that it will make money off the digital content ordered through the device. The hardware players have no such luxury, and can't afford to price their devices at such a level. The potential of Ice Cream Sandwich, the latest version of Android designed for both tablets and smartphones, could provide a boost, though it's unclear who would succeed in such a crowded market. The Guardian points out that the companies could be pulling back on resources for Android tablets as they focus on Windows 8, which will also run on tablets. Updated at 12:01 p.m. PT: to include a response from Dell.
Assessing the PlayBook's threat to the iPad
Assessing the PlayBook's threat to the iPad
And part and parcel of having two cores is multitasking.Will the PlayBook surpass the iPad?This is how RIM puts it: "Watch a movie in one window, surf a Web site in another.Laptop? What Laptop?"More specifically, Dan Dodge, co-founder and CEO of QNX Software Systems (which RIM acquired in April) put it this way in a post to the Inside BlackBerry Developer's Blog. "The QNX Neutrino architecture can also support true multitasking on multicore hardware--in fact, its multicore prowess has been performance-proven in the world's highest-capacity routers. As a result, it can run multiple applications simultaneously, while delivering very high performance." It would be interesting if this moved multitasking up a notch and forced Apple to respond in kind.(I own an iPad 3G and understand that there is multitasking of sorts already on the iPad and that this will improve with iOS 4.x) And that brings up another potential advantage--though still very theoretical at this point.RIM does not have to position its tablet below higher-performance laptops (MacBooks) like Apple does.The more functionality, the more laptop-like, the better for RIM.In fact, there's nothing stopping RIM from eventually bringing out a tablet that's roughly analogous to a slider phone. Now, that would be perilously close to a laptop. And let's not forget support for Adobe Flash and Air.It's easy to say "who cares" until you actually need a Flash-based app. The point is, RIM has got my attention. And if they execute, the iPad will truly have some stiff competition.
And part and parcel of having two cores is multitasking.Will the PlayBook surpass the iPad?This is how RIM puts it: "Watch a movie in one window, surf a Web site in another.Laptop? What Laptop?"More specifically, Dan Dodge, co-founder and CEO of QNX Software Systems (which RIM acquired in April) put it this way in a post to the Inside BlackBerry Developer's Blog. "The QNX Neutrino architecture can also support true multitasking on multicore hardware--in fact, its multicore prowess has been performance-proven in the world's highest-capacity routers. As a result, it can run multiple applications simultaneously, while delivering very high performance." It would be interesting if this moved multitasking up a notch and forced Apple to respond in kind.(I own an iPad 3G and understand that there is multitasking of sorts already on the iPad and that this will improve with iOS 4.x) And that brings up another potential advantage--though still very theoretical at this point.RIM does not have to position its tablet below higher-performance laptops (MacBooks) like Apple does.The more functionality, the more laptop-like, the better for RIM.In fact, there's nothing stopping RIM from eventually bringing out a tablet that's roughly analogous to a slider phone. Now, that would be perilously close to a laptop. And let's not forget support for Adobe Flash and Air.It's easy to say "who cares" until you actually need a Flash-based app. The point is, RIM has got my attention. And if they execute, the iPad will truly have some stiff competition.
Asia chatter predicts increase in cost of Retina iPad Mini
Asia chatter predicts increase in cost of Retina iPad Mini
Chatter in Asia has it that the total cost of the iPad Mini could increase by almost a third -- though no word on whether that would impact price.Commentary in Digitimes, which is close to the chain of component suppliers in Asia, said the jump to a Retina screen means adding costly display components.If iPad mini adopts the Retina display, the dots per inch (DPI) will be higher and the brightness of the backlight modules will have to improve. This also means the number of LEDs used will...[increase the total cost] by more than 30% if it is equipped with the 7.9-inch Retina panel. This commentary is similar to what Vinita Jakhanwal, a display analyst at IHS iSuppli, told CNET in November. At that time, she said a Retina iPad Mini with a design identical to the current Mini would not have been possible. "They would have had to compromise on thickness and weight and price," she said.But more than three months have passed since then. And it's not known if display technologies such as IGZO or some version of Low Temperature Polysilicon (LTPS) -- the latter used in the iPhone 5 -- are beginning to address some of these display assembly challenges.If those challenges are met, a Retina iPad Mini could potentially maintain its current design and even, possibly, its price, Jakhanwal said previously.When Apple introduced the 9.7-inch Retina in March 2012, it maintained the same price. Related storiesCNET's iPad Mini reviewThe upcoming Nexus 7, for example, is expected to have a Full HD display but maintain the same $199 starting price. The 7-inch tablet segment may account for 45 percent to 60 percent of total shipments this year, Digitimes said. 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
Chatter in Asia has it that the total cost of the iPad Mini could increase by almost a third -- though no word on whether that would impact price.Commentary in Digitimes, which is close to the chain of component suppliers in Asia, said the jump to a Retina screen means adding costly display components.If iPad mini adopts the Retina display, the dots per inch (DPI) will be higher and the brightness of the backlight modules will have to improve. This also means the number of LEDs used will...[increase the total cost] by more than 30% if it is equipped with the 7.9-inch Retina panel. This commentary is similar to what Vinita Jakhanwal, a display analyst at IHS iSuppli, told CNET in November. At that time, she said a Retina iPad Mini with a design identical to the current Mini would not have been possible. "They would have had to compromise on thickness and weight and price," she said.But more than three months have passed since then. And it's not known if display technologies such as IGZO or some version of Low Temperature Polysilicon (LTPS) -- the latter used in the iPhone 5 -- are beginning to address some of these display assembly challenges.If those challenges are met, a Retina iPad Mini could potentially maintain its current design and even, possibly, its price, Jakhanwal said previously.When Apple introduced the 9.7-inch Retina in March 2012, it maintained the same price. Related storiesCNET's iPad Mini reviewThe upcoming Nexus 7, for example, is expected to have a Full HD display but maintain the same $199 starting price. The 7-inch tablet segment may account for 45 percent to 60 percent of total shipments this year, Digitimes said. 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
As Apple seeks new chip suppliers, theories abound
As Apple seeks new chip suppliers, theories abound
The Intel scenario: Intel is pursuing future chip business at Apple aggressively, according to Piper Jaffray's Richard."Intel's weakness is its SoC [system-on-a-chip] design capability which lags the rest of the industry as much as its manufacturing leads," Richards wrote. But "Apple needs to maintain control of its microprocessor architecture and software to differentiate its products, protect its IP [intellectual property] and slow copy cats. Based on these assumptions, we think Apple and Intel could benefit by working together," he wrote. But what Intel would make is unclear.A special system-on-a-chip for a newfangled Apple device?Or more of a straight-forward contract manufacturing--so-called foundry--relationship? Other scenarios: Gwennap believes Apple may have to get a "third-party" processor for some of its future products. "Either to develop low-cost iPhones or to reduce the burdenof developing a broad line of processors," he wrote."Qualcomm is already shipping cellular-baseband chips into Apple's newest products and would be a logical supplier if Apple were to adopt integrated processors," he wrote, adding that it will be impossible to know, however, until the products actually ship because of Apple's secrecy.In the end, what many observers tend to miss is that designing a chip is a Herculean task, even for a tech-savvy, resource-rich company like Apple, according to Gwennap. "Apple's decision to develop its own processors is paying dividends, but the company is discovering how difficult it is to be a processor supplier," Gwennap wrote.
The Intel scenario: Intel is pursuing future chip business at Apple aggressively, according to Piper Jaffray's Richard."Intel's weakness is its SoC [system-on-a-chip] design capability which lags the rest of the industry as much as its manufacturing leads," Richards wrote. But "Apple needs to maintain control of its microprocessor architecture and software to differentiate its products, protect its IP [intellectual property] and slow copy cats. Based on these assumptions, we think Apple and Intel could benefit by working together," he wrote. But what Intel would make is unclear.A special system-on-a-chip for a newfangled Apple device?Or more of a straight-forward contract manufacturing--so-called foundry--relationship? Other scenarios: Gwennap believes Apple may have to get a "third-party" processor for some of its future products. "Either to develop low-cost iPhones or to reduce the burdenof developing a broad line of processors," he wrote."Qualcomm is already shipping cellular-baseband chips into Apple's newest products and would be a logical supplier if Apple were to adopt integrated processors," he wrote, adding that it will be impossible to know, however, until the products actually ship because of Apple's secrecy.In the end, what many observers tend to miss is that designing a chip is a Herculean task, even for a tech-savvy, resource-rich company like Apple, according to Gwennap. "Apple's decision to develop its own processors is paying dividends, but the company is discovering how difficult it is to be a processor supplier," Gwennap wrote.
As Apple says sorry, Google Maps gets a little better
As Apple says sorry, Google Maps gets a little better
Google Maps is getting a facelift in some parts of the world.The search giant today announced that it has released new 45-degree imagery for 51 cities around the world, including 37 in the U.S. In one example, Google shows off its 45-degree view of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. In another, The Forks in Winnipeg, Canada, are on display.Google has chosen a host of rather surprising locations for its 45-degree view, including Billings, Mont.; Utica, N.Y.; and Lancaster, Calif. The company has also added more well-known locales, like Detroit.Google also said that it has updated its aerial and satellite imagery in Google Maps and Earth. The update includes new visuals for 112 countries and regions, as well as 17 cities.The updated Google Maps comes as Apple finds itself in a bit of a mess over its alternative, Maps. That application, which is built into iOS 6, replaced Google Maps in the operating system, and was billed as a fitting replacement. Instead, the app has come with a host of issues, including inaccurate data and duplicated locales.Apple CEO Tim Cook publicly apologized for Maps' problems in a note to customers today, saying that his company "fell short" on its goal of making "world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to our customers." Cook also offered some alternatives iOS users should consider as his company works to improve Maps."While we're improving Maps, you can try alternatives by downloading map apps from the App Store like Bing, MapQuest and Waze, or use Google or Nokia maps by going to their websites and creating an icon on your home screen to their web app," Cook wrote.
Google Maps is getting a facelift in some parts of the world.The search giant today announced that it has released new 45-degree imagery for 51 cities around the world, including 37 in the U.S. In one example, Google shows off its 45-degree view of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. In another, The Forks in Winnipeg, Canada, are on display.Google has chosen a host of rather surprising locations for its 45-degree view, including Billings, Mont.; Utica, N.Y.; and Lancaster, Calif. The company has also added more well-known locales, like Detroit.Google also said that it has updated its aerial and satellite imagery in Google Maps and Earth. The update includes new visuals for 112 countries and regions, as well as 17 cities.The updated Google Maps comes as Apple finds itself in a bit of a mess over its alternative, Maps. That application, which is built into iOS 6, replaced Google Maps in the operating system, and was billed as a fitting replacement. Instead, the app has come with a host of issues, including inaccurate data and duplicated locales.Apple CEO Tim Cook publicly apologized for Maps' problems in a note to customers today, saying that his company "fell short" on its goal of making "world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to our customers." Cook also offered some alternatives iOS users should consider as his company works to improve Maps."While we're improving Maps, you can try alternatives by downloading map apps from the App Store like Bing, MapQuest and Waze, or use Google or Nokia maps by going to their websites and creating an icon on your home screen to their web app," Cook wrote.
Al Gore- Steve Jobs' greatest work was Apple itself
Al Gore: Steve Jobs' greatest work was Apple itself
For board member Al Gore, Apple's future is in fine shape in spite of the loss of Steve Jobs--and in large part because of Jobs.Speaking at the AsiaD conference in Hong Kong yesterday, Gore reminisced about the Apple co-founder and longtime CEO, who died earlier this month at the age of 56. Of all the breakthroughs that Jobs helped bring about, from the Mac to the iPad to Pixar Animation Studios, Gore said, "I actually think his greatest work was Apple itself."Gore expressed confidence both in the Jobs-era Apple products still in the works and in the leadership that will guide Apple into the post-Jobs era: "There's so many things in the pipeline and the team he built is hitting on all cylinders."To a question on whether he still expects risk-taking and game-changing efforts from Apple, the former U.S. vice president heaped praise on the company's leaders: You can look at the executive team and go right across the list and every single one of them is world-class. Every single one of them could be the CEO of a major corporation.And Jobs would have expected the risk-taking, even if it meant risking a break with his own view of the world, Gore said. "He had said to Tim [Cook, Apple's CEO] and to members of the executive team, 'Don't ask what would Steve have done. Follow your own voice.'"Jobs was unique, of course, said Gore, who earlier in the week had attended Apple's in-house memorial for Jobs: "He's the kind of guy that comes along once every 250 years." In the AsiaD talk, Gore also touched on climate change, Current TV, and the state of education and the economy in the U.S.
For board member Al Gore, Apple's future is in fine shape in spite of the loss of Steve Jobs--and in large part because of Jobs.Speaking at the AsiaD conference in Hong Kong yesterday, Gore reminisced about the Apple co-founder and longtime CEO, who died earlier this month at the age of 56. Of all the breakthroughs that Jobs helped bring about, from the Mac to the iPad to Pixar Animation Studios, Gore said, "I actually think his greatest work was Apple itself."Gore expressed confidence both in the Jobs-era Apple products still in the works and in the leadership that will guide Apple into the post-Jobs era: "There's so many things in the pipeline and the team he built is hitting on all cylinders."To a question on whether he still expects risk-taking and game-changing efforts from Apple, the former U.S. vice president heaped praise on the company's leaders: You can look at the executive team and go right across the list and every single one of them is world-class. Every single one of them could be the CEO of a major corporation.And Jobs would have expected the risk-taking, even if it meant risking a break with his own view of the world, Gore said. "He had said to Tim [Cook, Apple's CEO] and to members of the executive team, 'Don't ask what would Steve have done. Follow your own voice.'"Jobs was unique, of course, said Gore, who earlier in the week had attended Apple's in-house memorial for Jobs: "He's the kind of guy that comes along once every 250 years." In the AsiaD talk, Gore also touched on climate change, Current TV, and the state of education and the economy in the U.S.
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