Those hoping for hundreds of pounds off a new iMac or MacBook from Apple in its UK thanksgiving Black Friday sale will probably be disappointed.

Although not seen as a big deal in the UK due to the fact that the British don't celebrate Thanksgiving weekend, that hasn't stopped Apple discounting its products, something that it rarely does

Although the company has yet to confirm its US offerings, that hasn't stopped its UK store from announcing its deals for citizens of the Realm.

And the moment you've all been waiting for?

A rather paltry ?71 off an iMac or MacBook Pro and just ?7 off an iPod and ?11 off an iPod touch or an Apple TV.

There are other deals in store and online from third party retailers, but it's a far cry from the initially rumoured 25% off.

Are you going to buy anything on Friday? Let us know in the comments.?

Read

Tags: Hardware Audio Apple Black Friday

Apple UK Black Friday deals likely to disappoint originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 04:04:38 +0000

Google-owned AdMob has revealed that the Apple iPhone is far and away the biggest player in the world's mobile internet market, if October's online activity is considered.

AdMob has released its statistics for October that look at how many "requests" each of the major mobile phone operating systems made. Apple's iPhone, with full fat Safari browsers and data bundles in many countries, dominates in the smartphone market.

During October, in terms of global smartphone traffic, the iPhone weighs in at 50%. In the States, the figure rises to 55% (with HTC second at 22%), while here in the UK the iPhone commands a whopping 74% of all smartphone traffic.

In the UK, the next biggest player is Nokia, at 10%, lagging an astonishing 64% behind the market leader. HTC, also at 10% follows with Android nabbing the same percentile as far as OSes go.

?

Tags: Phones Mobile phone industry AdMob Statistics iPhone Online Apple Nokia Biz

iPhone accounts for three quarters of mobile internet use in the UK originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:55:22 +0000

Day 4 of our Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 nominees round-up gives us a chance to look at what many of us are using right now - laptops. So, before you head over to the voting page to mark your choices, here's a little run down of our pick of the crop for the year.

?

Apple MacBook Pro

Type

13-inch portable/multimedia

Release date

08/06/09

Price

?899/?1149

PL review rating

9/10

It was more or less inevitable that one of the year's Macs would make it into the shortlist and it was the dubbing of the "Pro" title to the smaller end of the MacBook range that did it for us in 2009. What it means is a high performance spec set and typically beautiful Apple design on something nice and portable. At 13 inches it's an excellent size for both home or on your knees and the seamless aluminium deck and neat cut-outs for the various ports and connectors give a premium finish that other manufacturers just don't achieve.

Under the hood, you get the choice of the cheaper 2.26GHz/2GB RAM/160GB model or the 2.53GHz/4GB/250GB for a few pennies more. Both come with a bright and glossy 1280 x 800px? LED backlit screen and an Nvidia GeForce 9400M GPU for high quality HD playback. The non-removable battery is a bit of a grind - particularly as that 7 hours of reported battery life is only with the screen at 50% but you can't have everything. The whole thing is topped off by the welcome addition of an SD card and backlit keyboard for easier use on flights etc. A very solid, attractive and usable contender for this year's award. Simply put, it oozes quality.

?

Sony Vaio Z

Type

13.1-inch ultra-portable

Price

?2159

PL review rating

9/10

Fighting in a similar space as the 13-inch Pro is the same sized Sony Vaio Z. Strangely though it makes the Apple computer look cheap at around double the cost. What you're paying for though is a fantastically light 1.5kg carbon fibre and magnesium body built for mobile use. It has an isolated keyboard, much like the MacBook, but a superior 1600 x 900 pixels LED backlit screen that's simply one of the best around with its curious matte/gloss hybrid finish.

Lurking within is a powerful combo of an Intel 2.53GHz Core 2 Duo processor, an Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS and 4096MB of high speed DDR3 memory all backed up with a luxury 128GB SSD. As with the Pro, there's also a DVD/CD drive plus an SD slot and also a direct HDMI port rather than the adaptor needed for the Apple machine. Yes, this thing is more expensive and actually doesn't even offer much in the way of battery life but it's sexy as hell and light as a feather. Very hard to walk past in the shops without an oooh and an ahhhh.

?

Dell Adamo XPS

Type

13.4-inch ultra-portable

Release date

Any time now

Price

?1799

PL review rating

9/10

The real head turner for 2009 has to be the Dell Adamo XPS. Not content with throwing us one version of the new luxury sub-brand, Dell went and invented the thinnest computer known to man with this 9.9mm curiously folding PC. That's thinner than a CD case.

Frankly, the rest of the specs are a footnote but, if you're interested, what you get for whatever portion of the money is left is an Intel Core 2 Duo ULV (1.4GHz) processor, 4GB DDR3-800MHz and a Solid State 128GB. There's only integrated graphics to play with plus a non-Full HD 1366 x 768 LED screen and a thoroughly disappointing 2.5 hours battery life. But if you can cope with the last parts, you can still feel safe that you're buying an incredible work of design.

?

Toshiba NB200

Type

10.1-inch netbook

Release date

23/4/09

Price

?250

PL review rating

8/10

At the other end of the price range and the only netbook to have made the grade for Pocket-lint in 2009 is the Toshiba NB200. Simply enough, it's an upgrade to the NB100 but what you get now is a larger, nearly full size and well-designed, isolated keyboard plus an LED backlit display with a reasonable resolution of 1024 x 600px. That lot aside, there's nothing wildly exciting about the machine apart from its robust build and excellent 8-hour life and that's before you've upgraded to the 9-cell battery.

For just ?250 you get all this plus 1GB RAM, an Intel Atom N280 processor and a 160GB HDD all running Windows XP. There's a 1.3-megapixel webcam and it handles all the normal connectivity you'd expect. Like we said, not astounding but definitely good value.

?

HP Envy 15

Type

15.6-inch multimedia PC

Release date

22/10/09

Price

?1199

PL review rating

8/10

The Envy 15 is very much a Windows take on the MacBook Pro. It has similar levels of high design input minus that Apple touch, but what it's missing in class it more than makes up for in raw grunt. It's the only machine on our list to feature the new Intel Core i7 CPU and it comes with 4GB RAM that's expandable up to a whopping 16GB. It runs Windows 7 on a nice, bright, Full HD 1366 x 768px LED screen - as is the mode - with a whole 1GB ATI GPU helping you render just about anything you can think of.

The Envy measures 38 x 24.4 x 2.65cm and weighs 2.35kg putting it firmly in the multimedia category and, just in case you needed to be sure, it has all the HDMI ports, eSATAs and USBs that you'd need. Sorry to see a lack of Blu-ray though. The real drawback is the miniscule 1.5 hours battery life, but then this thing wasn't meant to be taken on the move. So, now you know what they are, how are you going to vote?

?

Related links:

• Feature - The low down: Best Digital Camera 2009
• Feature - The low down: Best Car Gadget 2009

Tags: Hardware Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 Pocket-lint Awards Features HP Envy 15 Apple Sony Vaio Laptops Netbooks Dell Dell Adamo XPS Macbook pro Toshiba NB200-11H Toshiba

The low down: Best Laptop 2009 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:17:54 +0000

American customisation company ColorWare has turned its palette to Apple's new Magic Mouse, offering to transform the input device with a startling range of hues.

The service will see a different colour applied to the top and bottom of the mouse, with glossy or soft-touch finishes available.

If you want to order the whole shebang straight from ColorWare, it'll set you back $99, but those who already have a Magic Mouse to send in will pay just $30.

Read

Tags: Hardware Mice Apple Magic Mouse ColorWare

Apple Magic Mouse gets coloured in originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:03:34 +0000

Microsoft has teamed up with New York department megastore Saks for a big Christmas promotion, that, as well as a special sales area inside, includes Windows 7 powering the store's infamous Christmas windows displays.

As part of the window displays, Microsoft has set up a screen displaying a live Twitter stream, with posts hashtagged HolidayWindows automatically showing up on the display.

What Microsoft perhaps didn't account for though, is Apple-loving Twitter users taking advantage of the stream to promote their own pro-Apple and/or anti-Microsoft messages.

A quick glance at the #HolidayWindows stream sees it chock-full of such pro-Apple pithy missives as the brief "Get a Mac" that appears multiple times.

There's also the likes of "Get a Mac! Just follow the masses down to the Apple store. The one that looks like the Windows store... only way cooler", "Avoid viruses - get a Mac", and "Ignore Microsoft, you're not a PC, you are a human being. Get a Mac and feel human again".

As @mooseblaster says, this cannot end well.

UPDATE: It seems the whole stunt was masterminded by Mac fan site MacDailyNews, but appears to have taken on a life on its own now with pro-Mac tweets coming thick and fast, way outnumbering any Windows fans who have attempted to mobilise with a counter-tweet attack.

?

Tags: Software Twitter Windows 7 Video Microsoft shopping Apple Saks

VIDEO: Apple fans heckle Windows-powered Twitter stream in Saks' Christmas window originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:05:23 +0000

Apple has confirmed that it will be offering Black Friday deals around the world on the 27 November although, as yet, has failed to inform consumers keen to pick up a new iPod or Mac of what those deals actually are.?

Shoppers getting ready for the biggest day in the American shopping calendar are instead told to head online or in store on the 27th.?

Last week rumours started circulating that Apple would slash prices by up to 25%, however experts believe that is highly unlikely.?

The latest rumour, this is Apple don't forget, suggests a more mediocre $50 to $100 off a MacBook in the US with around $30 to $50 off an iPod or iPod touch.

We will keep you posted. ?

In the meantime why not read our?How to: Shop Black Friday?guide that gives you some great tips and tricks to get the best bargains around.?

Read

Tags: Hardware Phones Audio Software Apple Black Friday

Apple Black Friday deals confirmed... originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:25:25 +0000

So far Apple has stayed out of the advertising spat between iPhone operator AT&T and rival network Verizon, but Apple's latest ads for its mobile makes a feature of the network in runs on - which can't be a coincidence considering the bashing Verizon has doled out of late, even sending the iPhone to the island of misfit toys.

While AT&T hit back with Luke Wilson, Apple has stepped in with two new iPhone ads that follow the format of previous versions, but ask "can your phone and your network do that?" after voice-over man demos the ability of the iPhone to handle data while on a voice call, the first time AT&T's service has been highlighted in Apple's campaign.

Hit play on the video above to see one of the new ads - which just aired on prime-time American television - and we'll keep you posted with more as we hear it.

Read

Tags: Phones iPhone Apple Verizon AT and T Advertising Video

VIDEO: New iPhone ads highlight AT&T's network after Verizon attacks originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:53:22 +0000

Welcome to day 4 of the Pocket-lint Christmas gift guide bonanza. Today is a special one for perhaps the faniest of all fanboys out there - the Apple lovers. Because most things Mac don't come cheap, we've done our best to present a few options to fit all budgets but if none of this woks for you, then you can always seek inspiration on our 101 excellent online Christmas stores guide.

Mac earrings/cuff links

There's no greater way of representing the Jobs crew than by wearing your heart on your sleeve, or in this case, your apple. A very reasonable $17 will buy a set of old school rainbow logo earrings for the fan girl and for $32 you can pick up some bolder danglers. Guys get a slightly different look to the shirt with $20 Mac Daddy cuff links from the early 80s or the $40 Apple logos from the return of the Ive era.

Mac Badges

There are quite a few of these out there and it all rather depends on your sense of humour but the Mac badge is a good way to show your pride on all other less formal occasions. Two of the best available are the plain, simple and straight from the heart "I love Macs" and the rather witty, film-referencing "I can't force quit you" for the gay cowboy/Apple humour cross over. Excellent stocking fillers at just $1 a go.

Mac Mugs

No desktop is complete without some caffeine inspiration from the cup of Jobs. Although these Apple grails claim to be original, we wouldn't put too much stock in whether they actually are from the 80s or not. But, at just over ?7 including delivery and a nice bold rainbow logo on the front, they'll bring a nice warm glow to any fanboy's heart even if the cup of Joe doesn't.

Mac SE/30 print

One's home office simply isn't a home office without artwork adorning the walls and nothing says "I was there back in the day" quite like an 8 x10-inch print of a Macintosh SE/30 compact computer. Van Gogh it ain't, but at $20 it's a very pleasant stylised look at a time before the Apple revolution. Surely inspiration for anyone even in the toughest times of one's own business.

iCon Steve Jobs

Dubbed the greatest second act in the history of business, the story behind the revival of Apple is a modern day classic with all the drama, and fortunately slightly fewer pages, as War and Peace. Written in 2005, this biography is going to fall short of one of the most significant Apple moves in the company's life but seeing as there's very little material on Steve anyway, it's about as good as you can get.

If your giftee is a little more recent to the way of the Apple, then another good read is the My New Mac book which you can pick up from the Apple store for ?24.

Magic Mouse

On the hardware side, one you can almost guarantee your loved one won't have is the newly launched Apple Magic Mouse. The ?55 pointer ditches buttons and scroll wheels altogether in favour of ever-popular multitouch technology. You can scroll with it and click the surface and it's also connected by Bluetooth for that bit of added luxury. No cables, no adaptors and it can be configured to work any way you like.

Wireless keyboard/spare battery

This obviously depends on the kind of Mac fan you're buying for. The true hardcore will probably have both a desktop and a notebook in which case one or the other of these will be fine. A couple of things to remember is that not all MacBooks have removable batteries in the first place, so you'd better check which model your giftee has. You can pick up the 13-inch battery for just under ?100.

If you're going for the desktop option, then the Apple wireless keyboard is around half the cost at ?55, it's lovely and slim and works by Bluetooth. It also requires a couple of AA batteries to work, so there's another idea for a stocking filler for you.

Snow Leopard

Most hardcore fans will probably already have OS X Snow Leopard but it's worth checking for two reasons. Firstly, the latest Apple operating system actually is a lot more impressive than the marketing gave it credit for and, secondly, it only costs ?25. In Apple-land, that's what they call a bargain.

Elgato Eye TV tuner

With the quality of notebook and Apple display screens growing and growing, a TV watching experience may be even better on the Mac than your loved one's actual television. In many cases it also avoids having to get out of bed. The Elgato Eye range covers a few different functionalities and costs from ?49 up to the deluxe ?120 hybrid model. Either way, you're going to need an analogue aerial connection but it means you can watch any free digital channels from the convenience of your desk/lap.

Desktop Speakers

There are two ways you can really go here. For pure Mac styles, it has to be the Harman Kardon Soundstick II glass bell jar type 2.1 set up. They'll cost you ?128 but you'll be rewarded with some very wide eyes and a hearty thank you. On the other hand, the Bose Companion 2 Series II looks boxy and dull but the sound is absolute class and amazing for a two-speaker system. They're even a little cheaper at ?100.

Or...

...of course, if you feel really flush and actually want to buy someone a Mac - lucky old them - then take a look our Top Products section which will help guide you through to a suitable model and offer you only the best of the ones Pocket-lint's reviewed. And, as always, if you have any red hot tips for gift ideas of your own, then do let us know in the comments below. Good luck.

Related links:

• Features - 10 perfect Christmas presents for...laptop addicts
• Features - 10 perfect Christmas presents for...photographers
• Features - 10 perfect Christmas presents for...PC gamers

Tags: Hardware Christmas Features Mac mini Apple iMac Apple MacBooks Mac software Steve Jobs

10 perfect Christmas presents for...Apple Mac fans originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:46:36 +0000

We know that publishing giant Conde Nast is taking the idea of an Apple iTablet so seriously it's already prepping content for the as-yet-unofficial platform, and here Conde Nast title Wired shows off a preview of what the mag might look like on the rumoured iPad.

The concept video shows Wired's iTablet app complete with animated, interactive graphics as well as the scrolling text, flippable pages and landscape or portrait options you'd expect from an ebook reader.

Is Conde Nast showing its desperation over the dying print industry and grasping at straws by taking the time and trouble to mock-up content for an arguably imaginary device, or is it a forward thinking trail blazer with an eye to the future?

Hit play on the video above now (watch out for the eye-wateringly bad electronic music if you're in a public place) then have your say in the comments box below...

Read

Tags: Hardware Apple iTablet Conde Nast Wired Concepts Video iPad

VIDEO: Wired for the Apple iTablet revealed originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:22:48 +0000

Smoking is not only bad for you, but it's bad for your Apple Macbook according to Apple.

Consumerist, a blog that tries to look out for consumers in the US, is reporting that Apple has refused to repair two unrelated broken Apple laptops because their owners smoke.

"Two readers in different parts of the country claim that their Applecare warranties were voided due to secondhand smoke. Both lost", reports the site.

According to letters of reply from the owners of the laptops, Apple claims the smoke from the smokers "voided the warranty" before saying that it wouldn't work on the machine due to "health risks of second hand smoke".

However, according to experts, cigarette smoke could easily kill a laptop by covering the insides with a sticky tar like goo.

"Electronics are hot, and naturally create an environment for dust to collect around its circuitry. What makes cigarette smoke the worse kind of "dust" is that it isn't dry. The smoke carries moisture with it", Ryan's Computer Consulting Services says."So in time, the smoke and all of its by-products attach themselves to the computers fans, heatsinks, capacitors, and anything else that has heat".

The company recommends "using compressed air, cotton swabs, and rubbing alcohol 70% or 90% (90% is better)", if you are going to attempt to clean the computer out yourself.

?

Read

Tags: Hardware Laptops Apple

Smoking kills your Mac too originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:49:57 +0000

Rumours are surfacing once again?on the Internet that Apple's iPod touch will get a camera in spring 2010.

According to unnamed "inside sources", news website examiner.com says the "iPod Touch 3G with camera?had actually been?planned?for release this past?September, but had problems passing quality control".

The article goes on to state that the "iPod Touch 3G with camera will allegedly have the same camera as the updated iPod Nano, which shoots video, but not still pictures".

Pointing out the obvious, just another rumour, or do you think it's really true? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

?

Read

Tags: Audio iPod MP3 players Apple iPod Touch

iPod touch getting camera after all... originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:41:16 +0000

In a paradoxical twist, the as-yet-unconfirmed Apple tablet has apparently suffered a major delay.

A recent report suggests the launch of the multimedia tablet - dubbed the iPad or iTablet - has been pushed back from early 2010 to the second half of the year.

The reason for the delay is said to be the late decision from Apple to add a 9.7-inch OLED display to the device.

There's also now said to be a 10.6-inch model in the iTablet range, although this is said to offer a more bog-standard LCD panel.

The OLED display is said to come from LG, DigiTimes quotes sources from component makers as stating, with Foxconn, Quanta and Pegatron pegged as manufacturers.

OLED is an expensive technology, with current prices for a 9.7-inch panel said to come in at around the $500 mark.

This has led to fresh estimates that suggest the OLED iTablet could cost as much as $2000 to the consumer, with the larger LCD model tipped to be priced between $800 and $1000.

?

Read

Tags: Hardware Apple iPad iTablet Rumours OLED

Apple tablet delayed by late decision to add OLED display originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:09:47 +0000

Conde Nast has revealed it is prepping a digital version of its tech mag Wired for Apple's rumoured tablet device, even though it says Apple is "not talking to anyone openly" about the rumoured hardware.

It seems the publisher is so certain of Apple's plans for a large touchscreen device it's getting the digi-tablet version of Wired ready for a mid-2010 launch and plans to make similar versions of its 18 titles available too.

Conde Nast says "it's confident that we'll soon see multiple versions of machines featuring large colour touchscreens and wireless connections", reports D: All Things Digital.

On the hardware front the publisher is working with HP and with Adobe on software, with the latter creating a new digital magazine publishing tool for the new format, that will be a Conde Nast exclusive at launch, although will be offered to other companies next year.

Recently the executive editor of the New York Times referred to the Apple tablet in a speech as the "impending Apple slate", adding fuel to the rumour fire.

Read

Tags: Hardware Apple iPad iTablet Conde Nast Rumours Wired

Conde Nast prepping magazine format for the Apple tablet originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:36:48 +0000

A new Apple job advert is leading to all kinds of speculation around the Web as to what the consumer electronics giant is up to.

The Cupertino-based company is currently recruiting for a "Game/Media Software Engineer", a full-time position based at its Californian headquarters.

Apple wants the new staff member to work on "interactive multimedia experiences on the iPhone and iPod touch".

With being a "passionate gamer" a must, Apple is requesting that the candidate have experience of working on at least one "AAA title".

Is Apple about to branch wholesale into games development for its iPhone platform?

This seems unlikely considering the wealth of top quality games available from developers happy to do the hard work for a lucrative slot in the App Store.

Wilder speculation suggests the company needs an in-house bod to develop games for the much-rumoured iPad for its on-stage demo debut, as tasking a third party with such a job would leave the famously secretive company's future plans open to a leak.

?

Read

Related links:

• Link - Apple

Tags: Gaming Apple iPhones Phones Hardware iPad iTablet Rumours Software

Apple advertises for mystery games engineer originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:15:40 +0000

The countdown to?CES 2010, the biggest electronics trade show on the planet, has begun, but what can we expect from the show, and what should we start to get excited about? Here are six areas that are going to dominate the news come January.

Don't forget, Pocket-lint will be bringing you all the news, reviews, comment, photos and video as it happens in the run up to CES and live from Las Vegas for the duration of the show.

You can bookmark our CES coverage at pocket-lint.com/CES2010

Digital Living

Technology has gone mainstream supposedly, so that means the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center will be filled with technology launches that embrace all of us rather than just a select few. In real terms that means everything from gadgets for kids, gadgets for mums and dads that look after kids, and gadgets for the silver surfer. Expect new toys for health, parenting and higher education.

Apple

Don't get too excited,?Apple isn't attending CES, regardless of how many rumours you hear, but that doesn't mean companies that work in the Apple eco-system aren't going to be in Vegas launching new gadgets. With a whole area dedicated to the iPod,?iPhone?and Macs, expect a fair share of iPod speakers, cables to connect to something else in your life and the usual array of cases to protect it all.

eBook readers

If you're planning on getting an ebook reader for Christmas you might want to think again. The ebook market has exploded in the US with Amazon,?Barnes & Noble?and?Sony?all fighting over each other to offer you the digital reader you supposedly need. Plastic Logic has already confirmed that it will be launching a new ebook at CES and there is bound to be other manufacturers like?Spring Design?and iRex offering new models.

3D

Riding on the wave of euphoria that Avatar will no doubt give the industry, consumer electronics manufacturers like?Sony, Toshiba, LG?and?Samsung?will be likely to be pushing?3D TV?hard at CES 2010. IFA 2009 already showed us the concepts, CES will show us the reality. Expect new televisions, announcements from the Blu-ray Disc Association, television makers, graphics card companies like Nvidia and movie companies all trying to get in on the action.

Netbooks

While most people have surely moved on from the popularity of netbooks, CES organisers CEA believe netbooks are going to still be big news at CES 2010. What that means is a barrage of computers that don't do much but let you surf the Web and write the odd document. Of course manufacturers will be trying to tell us otherwise with improved graphics courtesy of Nvidia and ATI. You should also probably expect a barrage of tablet devices with touchscreens allowing you to surf the Web around the home.

Green

With the economy making a comeback, manufacturers can once again turn their eyes to saving the planet. Although the idea of being green for green's sake is still very niche, generally manufacturers will be trying to tell you to ignore the thousands they are spending on lighting their booths and the sheer carbon emissions the show creates, by concentrating instead on how they've made advancements in the glass they use or the boxes your favourite gadgets go into. At least you can sleep at night knowing that we haven't had to chop down any trees to let you read this.

?

Tags: Audio Car And GPS Dad Gadgets Gaming Hardware Home And Kitchen Home Cinema Phones Cameras Software Sports Fitness CES2010 ebooks Televisions Netbooks Sony LG Samsung Toshiba Apple iPod iPhone 3DTV Laptops Eco Amazon Barnes and Noble Spring Design

CES 2010: What new gadgets will be announced? originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Web visionary, Tim O'Reilly, has suggested that we could be heading into an "ugly time" on the Internet possibly mirroring the browser wars of the nineties.

Talking at the Web 2.0 expo in New York, O'Reilly warned that a number of moves by big organisations like Apple, Google, Facebook and Digg could make the Web a closed system.

O'Reilly believes that things like the Digg bar, Facebook warning you about going out into the Web, and the possibility of News Corp signing a specific deal with Bing over Google could all damage the way the Web works.

"Take the mobile phone industry for example. Apple decides who gets to put an app up, decides how it works. That's not how the web works," says O'Reilly.

Suggesting that we are going to see a showdown, O'Reilly believes that "exclusive" features for specific browsers or mobile phone operators will end in a "one ring to rule them all" scenario.

Offering advice to Google, O'Reilly says that they should be committed to being rigorous in ensuring that the user benefits rather than trying to "eat other companies' lunch" like launching Knol, Checkout, and Froogle.

Praising Microsoft for its embracing of the Wolfram Alpha and Twitter results, O'Reilly?quotes Jeff Jarvis of CUNY saying that companies should "Do what you do best. Link to the rest".

?

Tags: Software Online Google Microsoft Apple Facebook Twitter

O'Reilly: Ugly times ahead for the Internet originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:36:44 +0000

Following the release of Fawlty Towers, BBC Worldwide has seen fit to launch another British classic on iTunes.

To mark 20 years since the series last appeared on our screens, the entire series of Blackadder is available to download from the iTunes Store for the first time ever.

Fans can now download series 1 to 4 or a single episode from iTunes, while in December, the Christmas special "A Christmas Carol" will also be made available in time for the festive season.?

Of the release, Tony Robinson said: "The words 'I have a cunning plan' have forever haunted me since the making of Blackadder, but I'm glad that lines like that amongst others, continue to be remembered with such fondness by fans of the show years after it was made. The fact that Blackadder is now in these fantastic new formats is a real tribute to the longevity of this classic British comedy and its ongoing appeal to audiences both old and new".

In addition, the Complete Collected CD series will be available from BBC Audiobooks with 3 hours of specials and extras including previously unreleased material and CD narration by different cast members of the show.? ?

?

Tags: Home Cinema BBC Worldwide iTunes Apple Blackadder

Blackadder now available on iTunes originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:03:41 +0000

Here are the nominations for Best Mobile Phone in The Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009.

The following products were chosen because we feel they represent the best phones on sale in the last 12 months that are available in the UK.

The nominations are:

HTC Hero

iPhone 3GS

Palm Pre

BlackBerry Bold 9700

HTC HD2

A notable commendation should also go to the Sony Ericsson W995 and the Nokia N900.

Now in its 6th year, the Pocket-lint Gadget Awards, thought to be the longest running in the UK, pick the best gadgets and gizmos from the last year released in the UK.

Pocket-lint's vigorous vetting process means that all the gadgets up for nomination have to have been seen by a member of the Pocket-lint team (so far over 600) and have to have been available in the UK between December 2008 and December 2009.

The awards, voted by a panel of leading gadget journalists from around the world, including the staff from the Pocket-lint team, will decide the real must-have gadgets of the year, rather than those simply deemed cool or anticipated, being the definitive guide for consumers looking to buy gadgets.

Winners will be announced at an Awards evening in London on Monday 7 December.

If you would like to order tickets to the event please visit our awards event page.

Public voting will start on Wednesday 18 November.

?

Related links:

• Link - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009

Tags: Phones Mobile phones HTC Apple Palm BlackBerry Sony Ericsson Nokia

Best Mobile Phone 2009 nominations originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Apple has introduced a new iTunes feature called iTunes Preview that lets those without the application, or those that don't want to launch the software in full, view some content.

Currently limited to music, it's a big change from Apple's previous way of dealing with iTunes links where those without the app would get a blank page informing the person only that they would have to install iTunes to view the content.

Links to an iTunes Preview page can be generated through the iTunes Store "Copy Link" feature while the iTunes Preview page allows browsing of artists and albums including artist biographies, similar acts suggestions and prices.

Read

Tags: Software Apple Audio iTunes Music software

Apple intros online iTunes Preview originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:29:05 +0000

Here are the nominations for Best Laptop or Netbook in The Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009.

The following products were chosen because we feel they represent the best laptop and netbooks on sale in the last 12 months that are available in the UK.

The nominations are:

Apple MacBook Pro

Sony VAIO VGN-Z21ZN/X

Dell Adamo XPS

HP Envy

Toshiba NB200

Now in its 6th year, the Pocket-lint Gadget Awards, thought to be the longest running in the UK, pick the best gadgets and gizmos from the last year released in the UK.

Pocket-lint's vigorous vetting process means that all the gadgets up for nomination have to have been seen by a member of the Pocket-lint team (so far over 600) and have to have been available in the UK between December 2008 and December 2009.

The awards, voted by a panel of leading gadget journalists from around the world, including the staff from the Pocket-lint team, will decide the real must-have gadgets of the year, rather than those simply deemed cool or anticipated, being the definitive guide for consumers looking to buy gadgets.

Winners will be announced at an Awards evening in London on Monday 7 December.

If you would like to order tickets to the event please visit our awards event page.

Public voting will start on Wednesday 18 November.

?

Related links:

• link - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009

Tags: Hardware Laptops Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 Pocket-lint Awards Apple Sony Dell HP Toshiba

Best Laptops 2009 nominations originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:59:54 +0000

Apple has won the first stage of its legal battle against Psystar, the company that offers PCs running Apple's Mac operating system, in a recent Californian court ruling.

Although there's still outstanding breach of contract, trademark infringement, and unfair competition issues to be sorted, as well as a related lawsuit to go through the Florida court system, the court has agreed with Apple's main argument of copyright infringement against Psystar, which does not bode well for Psystar's wider defence.

Engadget has a detailed look at the charges and how the court ruled on each point, but basically this round of legal fun sees Psystar guilty of illegally copying, modifying, and distributing Apple's Mac OS X.

The results of the related complaints, and just how much Psystar is going to be ordered to pay Apple in damages is yet to be seen, but we'll keep you posted.

Read

Tags: Hardware Apple Psystar Lawsuits Biz

Apple wins copyright infringement case against Psystar originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:20:44 +0000

Apple's newest retail store, due to open its shiny doors this weekend on Saturday 14 November boasts "more Macs, iPods and iPhones than any store in the world".

The store is located under a "breathtaking all-glass arched roof" on New York's Upper West Side on Broadway at 67th Street and is the company's 279th shop and fourth in Manhattan - 15th in the NYC area.

The lower level features the largest area ever created by Apple for personal training and technical support, including a 45-foot Genius Bar with 200 employees overall.

"We opened our first store in Manhattan seven years ago, and the response has been incredible", said Ron Johnson, Apple's senior vice president of retail.

"We hope our new store on the Upper West Side will become as much a part of the community as our stores in SoHo, the Meatpacking District and on Fifth Avenue".

Tags: Hardware Apple shopping Audio Phones Biz

Apple's newest store boasts more Macs, iPods and iPhones than any in the world originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:10:21 +0000

While preparations for the Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards are in full swing, Apple has announced the shortlists for the iTunes Best Album & Song 2009.

Selected by the iTunes UK editorial team in London, the shortlists have been compiled from the thousands of singles and albums released on iTunes in 2009. ?

While the winning album and song will be revealed in early December, you can have your say by voting for your favourites in the "People's Choice" categories published on the iTunes UK Facebook page.?? ?

iTunes Best Album 2009 shortlist - Editor's choice

"Empire Of The Sun" - Empire Of The Sun
"Lungs" - Florence & The Machine
"West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum" - Kasabian
"La Roux" - La Roux
"Guns Don't Kill People, Lazers Do" - Major Lazer
"Sunny Side Up" - Paolo Nutini
"Primary Colours" - The Horrrors
"The Invisible" - The Invisible
"Conditions" - The Temper Trap
"The XX" - The XX

iTunes Best Song 2009 shortlist - Editor's choice

"My Girls" - Animal Collective
"That Golden Rule" - Biffy Clyro
"Boom Boom Pow" - Black Eyed Peas
"Bonkers" - Dizzee Rascal
"Heavy Cross" (Fred Falke Remix) - Gossip
"Tonight's Today" - Jack Penate
"Empire State Of Mind" - Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys
"Use Somebody" - Kings Of Leon
"In For The Kill" - La Roux
"1901" - Phoenix

?

Tags: Audio iTunes Apple Music

iTunes Best Album and Song Awards nominations revealed originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:32:21 +0000

Apple has started rolling out its tricked out iPod touch to its stores, to allow its salespeople to swipe your credit card regardless of where you are in the store.?

The iPod touch-based point of sale (POS) systems includes an add-on scanner that lets employees scan multiple barcodes at the same time.

In addition to being able to show off Apple technology, switching to an iPod touch-based POS means employees won't have to rely on the Windows-based EasyPay devices they used to use and allows Apple to banish Microsoft from store all together (apart from software they actually sell).

Experienced first hand, the sales clerk was able to process our order, have a receipt sent to our address and move on to the next customer within a matter of minutes.

The Apple salesperson wasn't overly keen on letting us snap the shot so we promised not to mention which store we were in.

Tags: Gadgets Apple iPod Touch

The Apple iPod touch you can't buy originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:03:22 +0000

The Apple tablet is looking more and more certain as the days pass, and this time we have a solid gold indicator that there's something tablet-y going on inside Apple. A patent filing.

The patent isn't for the tablet itself, it's for a way of making?digital ink recognition from a pen better. It's all about recognising full phrases, rather than separate ink strokes. When the full phrase has been entered, the phrase is passed over to the handwriting recognition bit, and not before.

But the word "Tablet" appears 58 times in the filing, which sounds promising and could mean that Apple wants to go with handwriting recognition and a stylus in the iPad after all, having shunned it in the iPhone.

Would you prefer to write on an Apple tablet, or use an onscreen keyboard like the iPhone? Let us know in the comments box below.

Read

Tags: Gadgets Internet tablets Apple Rumours Hardware Apple tablet

Apple tablet appears in patent filing originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:25:29 +0000

TomTom has now confirmed what Pocket-lint brought you news of back in early October - that its iPhone app is soon to receive a free software update.

The free update, which TomTom says is being submitted to Apple - almost as we type - for its approval, claims to bring "significant and advanced additional features".

This includes advanced lane guidance for difficult junctions in both landscape and portrait mode and text-to-speech functionality that will see street names and places read aloud as part of the spoken instructions.

In addition, TomTom's "Help Me" emergency feature from its in-car satnavs will be ported to the mobile platform, there'll be options to customise audio warnings, while maps and safety camera databases will see an update.

Finally the app will catch up with other offerings on the market by adding iPod player control "ensuring drivers can conveniently control their music from within the application".

We will bring you more on the Apple approval and the availability of the update as soon as we hear it.

?

Related links:

• News - TomTom car kit for iPhone on sale now

Tags: Phones iPhone apps TomTom GPS software Software updates GPS Apple App Store

TomTom confirms iPhone app update originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:33:59 +0000

Apple iPod touch?users feeling left out because they can't get all those GPS?applications are being thrown an alternative with the launch of a new GPS gadget in the US called the Dual?XGPS300.

Although the iPod touch doesn't have a GPS receiver in it, that hasn't stopped the company behind the new gadget, which will cost $179, from offering a GPS solution for those who have the "Funnest" iPod on the block.

According to its makers, the device complies with a requirement from Apple to provide GPS location data to any app which requests it, including apps for hiking, bicycling, social networking and geocaching, as well as other navigation apps suggesting other GPS makers could enable their Car Kit mounts to work for the iPod touch as well.

Users will be expected to plug in their MP3 player into the cradle, slap it to their windscreen and navigate from there.

Unlike the TomTom iPhone car kit that expects you to buy the App and the car kit separately, the Dual system will offer the GPS for free, although iPhone users hoping for a free Navigation app will be disappointed. It will be locked, so you'll only be able to use it with the cradle.

“There are approximately 24 million iPod touch owners worldwide who are missing out on the ever-growing number of location-based apps” said Jim Braun, president and CEO of Dual Electronics.

The new bit of kit is expected to be available in the US at the end of November, with a spokeswomen for the company telling Pocket-lint that a UK version would be on the cards for 2010.

The cradle also includes a rechargeable battery, amplified speaker, audio out connection and mini USB port. An adjustable windshield mount is also included for in-car use.?

?

Tags: Audio Car And GPS iPod iPod Touch Apple Dual electronics GPS Dual XGPS300

GPS comes to iPod touch originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:51:53 +0000

A new case for the third gen iPod shuffle - the tapSTICK - has launched from Scosche Industries that adds the buttons found on the device's headphones to its body.

Said to be slimline and lightweight the case offers protection, as well as the ability to play, pause, adjust the volume, skip tracks and navigate playlists in conjunction with the shuffle’s voice over feature too.

Available in black and white, the tapSTICK can be used with any standard headphones or ear buds. The tapSTICK is on sale now from Apple retail stores as well as other online retailers priced at ?24.95.

Tags: Audio iPod shuffle Cases Scosche iPod Apple

Scosche tapSTICK case for iPod shuffle launches originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:20:22 +0000

Apple fans have a new salvo to fire at their Windows-loving brethren, as a Microsoft exec has revealed that the Windows 7 operating system enjoyed some fruit-flavoured inspiration.

Microsoft's partner group manager, Simon Aldous, has told PCR-Online, in a candid interview, that Microsoft deliberately tried to "create a Mac look and feel" with the new OS.

The quote from Aldous, who we hope still has a job as we write this, goes as follows:

"One of the things that people say an awful lot about the Apple Mac is that the OS is fantastic, that it's very graphical and easy to use. What we've tried to do with Windows 7 - whether it's traditional format or in a touch format - is create a Mac look and feel in terms of graphics.

Aldous does then pull it back with a bit of pro-Windows spin: "We've significantly improved the graphical user interface, but it's built on that very stable core Vista technology, which is far more stable than the current Mac platform, for instance".

When asked if Microsoft has "taken the style of the Mac platform and built it on the more solid foundations of Vista", Aldous said: "We've also tried to listen to what customers want in terms of a much slicker user interface and the ability to engage with it far more intuitively. That's the product that we're delivering".

UPDATE: This has been debunked in a Microsoft blog post. Brandon LeBlanc says: "I hate to say this about one of our own, but his comments were inaccurate and uninformed", before pointing readers in the direction of other online articles that look at the design of the OS.

Read

Tags: Software Microsoft Windows 7 Apple Snow Leopard Operating Systems

Windows 7 offers "Mac look and feel" says Microsoft exec originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:10:27 +0000

It seems Orange's first day of iPhone sales in the UK has gone well with the company revealing, via a tweet, it's seen sales hitting the 30,000 mark.

"Orange UK had sold more than 30k iPhones, smashing what we believe is the previously published first day sales records for a phone in the UK!", Orange marketing manager Conor Maples stated via Twitter.

When O2 originally launched the iPhone back in November 2007 it said it saw "tens of thousands" of people snap up the device over the initial sales weekend.

Orange's new film-themed iPhone app is seeing similar success, according to another Conor tweet:

"Our Orange Wednesdays app has gone to the top slot in the Entertainment Category, & hit 2nd place in the free apps chart on Apple App Store".

Read

Tags: Phones iPhone Orange Apple Statistics Biz

Orange reveals 30,000 iPhones sold on first day originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:09:53 +0000

During a roundtable discussion whilst on a visit to Dubai, Nvidia CEO Jen-Hsun Huang has pledged his love of all things Apple (an Nvidia customer) at the same time as toting a sizable, mysterious touchscreen tablet device.

As part of a wider industry discussion, Huang revealed "I'm all Apple!", opining that "Apple wants to differentiate. So inside your MacBook is a Nvidia chipset. Because Apple wants to build fundamentally different computers than just the Intel platform. They want to add value".

"Apple uses the best technology for their [computers]. Apple says to their customers: if you buy a computer from us you can be sure we have selected the best technology inside for you. That is their promise to consumers. Their promise to consumers isn't we've selected the best technology for you with the exception of what Intel allows us to use. That's not their promise. And that's why Apple uses the best technology where they want whenever they want. And that's why I'm all Apple! At home it's just Macs everywhere. It's Nvidia's technology in all of them but I use Macs. My son has two Macs, my daughter has a Mac, there's an extra Mac just in case and my wife has a Mac. It's just Mac, Mac, Mac! Because I know it's got the best stuff inside", ShuffleGazine quotes the Nvidia boss as saying.

Apple love-in aside, the mysterious tablet device shown on the table in front of Huang has not been identified, but it's perhaps too much of a stretch to assume it's the iPad...

UPDATE: The tablet has been identified.?It's a Tegra prototype from an ODM called ICD. Not Apple, but still rather tasty-looking, no?

Read

Tags: Hardware Nvidia Apple Tablet PCs

Nvidia CEO says "I'm all Apple" originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:49:11 +0000

As Orange starts to offer the iPhone in the UK, Vodafone has sent out an email to all those who pre-registered interest in the device about its launch of the Apple mobile.

The promotional mailer claims that Vodafone is the fastest network for iPhone to download video on, with the following boast:

"We've been out and about testing our network across the UK. Whilst our guys were watching the latest YouTube clips on the iPhone they found that Vodafone delivered the fastest download time for a 10 minute video".

No stats are provided to back the claim up.

Meanwhile, under the heading "get ready for your big day", Vodafone is offering five "top tips" for "getting ready" for the iPhone launch on Vodafone, which includes the likes of setting up an iTunes account.

Vodafone is due to offer the iPhone in early 2010 - we'll keep you posted with more news.

?

Related links:

• News - 3 calls foul over Orange 3G coverage claims on iPhone launch day

Tags: Phones iPhone Vodafone Orange Apple

Vodafone boasts fastest iPhone downloads on Orange's launch day originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:58:08 +0000

2 years and a day after the first iPhone went on sale in the UK through O2, another operator is now officially offering Apple's mobile to UK consumers.

From today, the iPhone can now be bought on a pay as you go basis, or subsidised on a monthly contract through Orange.

Rather than undercutting its competition, the tariffs Orange is offering are similar to O2's, although Orange's 750MB "unlimited" data has raised eyebrows.

So will Orange's boasts of the best 3G coverage across the UK be enough to persuade people to go Orange?

The Carphone Warehouse says it expects to sell one million iPhone handsets in total by Christmas with the arrival of the iPhone 3G and 3GS on Orange and has created the "Orange Apples" display, pictured here, to mark the launch.

Will Orange unveil sales stats? (update - yes) Will O2 fight back with more than just a broadband deal? We will keep you posted...

?

Related links:

• VIDEO - Orange Wednesdays iPhone app announced
• News - 3 calls foul over Orange 3G coverage claims on iPhone launch day
• News - Vodafone boasts fastest iPhone downloads on Orange's launch day

Tags: Phones iPhone Apple Orange Tariffs

Orange iPhone available in the UK now originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:33:47 +0000

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 has officially launched around the globe. But how, as a fan, do you show your love for the latest First Person Shooter? You get your favourite gadget laser engraved of course.

Gamers keen to help celebrate the New York launch in Union Square were treated to a free engraving service from Coveroo on any device they wanted (or more to the point had on hand).

Gamers could opt for seven designs, including logos for GameStop, Xbox 360, and Activision, although not PS3, even though the game is available on the Sony console.

Daryl, a gamer at the party, opted for a soldier on the back of his iPhone, while two other gamers we talked to opted to get their T-Mobile G1 and HTC My Touch 3G engraved losing the "with Google" logo at the same time.

Now that's dedication.

A quick straw poll of who was getting what engraved suggested iPhone users where keen to mark there Apple handsets.?

The game launches in both the UK and the US on 11 November?and is tipped to be the biggest selling title of the year.

So what gadget would you get engraved??

?

Tags: Phones Gaming Apple iPhone T-Mobile mytouch 3G Activion Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare 2

Modern Warfare 2 engraves its success on iPhone originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:48:02 +0000

Apple?has moved to fix a number of bugs in its latest operating system,?Snow Leopard,with the release of version 10.6.2.

The new 499.9MB download is recommended for all users and "includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac," says Apple.

The software update, which doesn't feature anything but fixes, has been rumoured to?remove Intel Atom support?for the OS, locking out Hackintosh users who've decided to put the Apple OS on a non Apple devices like the Dell Mini 10.

Although Apple's MacBook and MacBook Pro range uses Intel processors it doesn't offer any machine with Intel's Atom processor, allowing it to remove the support and only affect what it deems as illegal machines.?

The full list of listed fixes are:

?

• an issue that might cause your system to logout unexpectedly
• a graphics distortion in Safari Top Sites
• Spotlight search results not showing Exchange contacts
• a problem that prevented authenticating as an administrative user
• issues when using NTFS and WebDAV file servers
• the reliability of menu extras
• an issue with the 4-finger swipe gesture
• an issue that causes Mail to quit unexpectedly when setting up an Exchange server
• Address Book becoming unresponsive when editing
• a problem adding images to contacts in Address Book
• an issue that prevented opening files downloaded from the Internet
• Safari plug-in reliability
• general reliability improvements for iWork, iLife, Aperture, Final Cut Studio, MobileMe, and iDisk
• an issue that caused data to be deleted when using a guest account

?

Read

Tags: Software Mac software Apple Software updates Operating Systems Snow Leopard

Snow Leopard 10.6.2 update out originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:00:23 +0000

An annoucement from O2 suggests the operator is going to attempt to fight the competition, as well as rivals, for iPhone customers by adding value through bundle packages, rather than any price cuts.

O2 has launched the "Total Connectivity" plan for iPhone customers that sees new and existing iPhone customers buying the iPhone Internet Tethering bolt-on and getting the standard O2 home broadband package completely free.
?
Pay monthly iPhone customers who shell out for the ?9.79 per month 3GB Internet Tethering Bolt On before 31 December 2009 will be entitled to the O2 Home Broadband standard package for free, presumably on a month for month basis.

Alternatively, customers can claim a ?7.34 per month discount against any other O2 Home Broadband product including Premium, Pro or O2 Home Broadband Access.

The deal goes live from 10 November at which point we'd imagine there'll be more info (including the small print) over at o2.co.uk/iPhone.

?

Tags: Phones iPhone O2 Apple Software Broadband Tariffs

O2 bundles home broadband with iPhone tethering bolt on originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:45:34 +0000

O2 has confirmed it will be allowing customers to unlock their iPhones to work on different networks after they have served their full contract term.

On the 2-year anniversary of the iPhone going on sale in the UK, O2 has confirmed the news to Pocket-lint and says that iPhone customers wishing to leave O2 have to call customer services and ask them to unlock their iPhone.

Pay monthly customers who are not at the end of their contract will be required to honour it or pay up until its end.

iPhone Pay & Go customers who have had their iPhone for more than 12 months are entitled to unlock their devices too, but for a fee of ?14.97.

The news was initially revealed by none other than Matthew Key, the chairman and chief executive officer of O2 parent company, Telefonica Europe in a Q&A article in The Times.

In answer to the question: "Is there any truth in the rumour that after Orange and Vodafone are able to sell the iPhone you will not allow people to unlock their iPhone, even if they are out of their contract period?" Key states:

"There is absolutely no truth in that rumour. Once the iPhone becomes available on other UK networks, we will allow O2 customers to unlock their iPhones, although of course they will still need to honour any outstanding contract period they have. At the end of their contract period, they are entirely free to move to another operator - though naturally we hope they won't want to!"

Nb. This post has been amended to correct the error that stated pay monthly customers would also have to pay the ?14.97.

?

Read

Tags: Phones Mobile phones O2 Apple iPhone

O2 to let customers unlock iPhones originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:30:18 +0000

That Apple will launch an iPhone nano, a smaller possibly less-featured version of its popular iPhone is a rumour that has not gone away, but new reports from sources in the Taiwan handset supply chain have recently reignited talk of such a device.

In a nutshell, it seems Apple is busy prepping a 2.8-inch (compared to the current 3.5-inch) version of the iPhone that will boast a new Qualcomm chip that will mean it will work globally on both UMTS 3G and CDMA mobile phone networks.

Said to be due to Verizon in Q3 of 2010, despite the operator's continued iPhone bashing, the iPhone nano is said to be planned for worldwide distribution too - a single handset to all carriers, regardless of the tech of their network.

AppleInsider's source, OTR Global, says that Asustek subsidiary Pegatron will build the new hybrid phone devices for Apple rather than Hon Hai, the iPhone's current manufacturer and that "Verizon and Apple have already hammered out an agreement to sell the new iPhone model within the year".

Read

Tags: Phones iPhone Apple Rumours Verizon Qualcomm iPhone nano

Apple to launch worldmode 2.8-inch iPhone nano originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:13:03 +0000

Despite a motion currently registered with the US courts that Verizon should stop "misleading" US consumers about AT&T's coverage, Verizon has released another advert slamming its rival's 3G network.

Relegating the iPhone to the "island of misfit toys" thanks to the patchiness of AT&T's coverage, Verizon remains on the offensive with its Christmas advertising campaign.

Hit play in the bix above to see the full advert and we'll bring you more as we have it.

Read

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Verizon AT and T iPhone Video Advertising Apple

VIDEO: Verizon stays on the offensive with new anti-iPhone ad originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:20:06 +0000

Sonos has released an update to its iPhone and iPod touch app, bringing it in line with the new?Sonos Software 3.1?update released recently for the music systems dedicated controller and computer software.?

The new update, which is now available in the Apple App Store, allows?Sonos owners?to tweet what they are listening to, as well as tweaking the menu system with new icons and logos for the relevant music service.

It also brings in support for the company's new?Sonos S5 ZonePlayer, which includes a built-in speaker. Handy, as the iPhone and the iPod touch app is the main way the company hopes to entice new users in to the streaming music system.

The Sonos controller iPhone app is available across the globe.

Read

Tags: Audio Sonos Phones Mobile phone apps Apple iPhone iPod

Sonos Controller iPhone/iPod app gets Twitter update originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:08:22 +0000

Something for the weekend? Any iPhone or iPod touch owners may well be interested in today's tech deal, as LogMeIn is putting its award-winning Ignition for iPhone application on sale.

LogMeIn Ignition for iPhone and iPod touch normally retails at ?17.99, but this weekend the app will be available at the discounted price of 11.99 via the Apple App Store. This offer is available today, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November.

Ignition for iPhone enables users to control their computers from their Apple iPhone and iPod touch when out and about, the upshot of which means that you'll never have to be away from your computer and possibly work. Although clearly of use to some, paying for the privilege of spending any more time in front of your PC might seem a little perverse.

Still, the offer is a good one and as mentioned lasts all weekend.

?

Tags: Phones iPhone apps LogMeIn Ignition LogMeln App Store Apple Daily Tech Deal

Daily Tech Deal: LogMeIn Ignition iPhone app gets discounted originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:13:12 +0000

Apple is rumoured to be testing some prototypes of a next-generation iPhone that includes an RFID reader built in. According to Einar Rosenberg, who runs LinkedIn's Near Field Communications group, "the reaction was very positive that we can expect this in the next gen iPhone".

We're a little skeptical. Not that Apple is testing RFID in iPhones, after all - it's patented the idea, but that it'll be showing up in the next iPhone in June 2010. On the one hand, near-field communications is a growing industry, but on the other hand there's relatively few places you can use it right now (outside of the Oyster Card system on the London tube network).

Rosenberg posits that it could be used to link iPhones to Macs for syncing purposes, which is possible. We think it's more likely, though, that this is an extension of Apple's new iPod-touch based purchasing systems for Apple store staffers, and could make its way into a more enterprise-targeted product.

What do you reckon? Tell us in the comments.

Note: The embedded video above is from the Touch Project's iPhone RFID Demonstration - it's not an Apple video.

Read

Tags: Phones iPhone Apple Mobile phones RFID Concepts Rumours Video

VIDEO: Apple prototyping RFID iPhones? originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:01:36 +0000

Apple's first retail store in France - and its 277th across ten countries - will open in the centre of Paris at the Carrousel du Louvre on Saturday 7 November.

The two-story shop features an entire floor "dedicated to services that have become the hallmark of Apple retail stores around the world", including the Genius Bar, and boasts 150 employees overall.

The new store offers an entire floor of Macs, iPods and iPhones for customers to experience hands-on. There's also an entire room devoted to the iPhone.

"We are thrilled to bring the unique Apple retail experience to France", said Ron Johnson, Apple's senior vice president of retail.

"This stunning new store sits just below the world famous Pyramid du Louvre in the Carrousel du Louvre and offers our customers in Paris a wonderful place to shop, learn and be inspired".

Tags: Hardware Audio Apple shopping Biz

Apple's first store in France opens this weekend originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:58:05 +0000

It's been a bumper year in 2009 for software, services and apps as the overarching trend of tech creeps glacially away from its hardware focus and more towards what the Internet and its friends can do for us. So, before you shout out in the comments who you think should be nominated for the Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 Best Software/Service/App - and we hope you do - here's a little reminder of how the year panned out.

The Big Players

It was something of a solar eclipse moment in 2009 with both Apple and Microsoft releasing completely new versions of their desktop operating systems. Although Snow Leopard only claimed to be a relatively small upgrade there was still plenty to get excited about with the arrival of 64-bit computing and addition of Grand Central Station, as well as all the other speed, efficiency and power boosts under the hood of the new caged cat. Microsoft, on the other hand, was a lot more overt about the scale of Windows 7 - partially because of the disappointment over Vista and also, with good reason, because of the success with which the product has launched. Like Snow Leopard, it boasts speed and efficiency but, more importantly, the coming of age of the new AERO look and feel which its predecessor introduced.

Naturally, a new version of iTunes came with the OS for Apple with more playlists and more album art as well as offering a block to the Palm Pre's compatibility feature. Aside that, it was really just the next release in the hugely popular video editing Final Cut series with the launch of Final Cut Studio. It seems the Cupertino company was keeping itself busy on mobile matters but more on that in a minute.

The 'Soft, though, hasn't been so content to leave things as thin. 2009 has seen Gates, Ballmer & Sons embrace the cloud with their re-offensive on Google. First there was the highly successful revamp of the MSN Live search into the colourful Bing, and later the launch of Office 2010 web apps to try to take something back from Google Docs. Beyond that, the company has had another go at both the MSN music download store and the free offering of Microsoft Security Essentials, plus there's been some mobile movements with Microsoft too but, again, more of that later.

The real powerhouse this year though has undoubtedly been Google. The company has spread its arms even wider round the globe with its fingers now in the telephone industry with Google Voice, social location software with Google Latitude, the encyclopeadia business with Sidewiki, the energy saving push with Power Meter and, of course, the what-the-hell-is-it business with Google Wave. More recently the company has announced the smack down on TomTom and friends with the arrival of Google Maps for Navigation for Android 2.0, which may or may not make it out in time for a nomination.

Of course, Android itself has been a very big deal but leaving its mobile impact alone for now, let's not forget the OS's arrival as desktop software on products like the Archo 9 and more recently the dual booting Acer Aspire One D250. It hasn't had the traction to make any significant in-roads this year but it's certainly a space to watch for 2010.

Desktop Software

As the cloud rolls in there's a storm slowly gathering for desktop software. By no means will it ever disappear, but what we're certainly seeing is a lot less diversity in this sector. 2009 has largely been left to improvements from the old guard. Avid has put a smile on the faces of both video and music editing enthusiasts with the launch just last month of the Pinnacle and ProTools suites, Adobe has done the same for the imaging community with the more basic Photoshop Elements 8 and the photographer's friend in the free beta of Lightroom 3.0, and Roxio has thrown in a bit of everything with the company's annual release. This season's colour is Roxio Creator 10.

Antivirus has been as strong an area as ever with malware, phishing and scareware on the rise and a tonne of Christmas shopping round the corner. Symantec's new Norton 2010 product managed to block 100% of threats in independent testing - making it the first time ever for any such software but, of course, if you'd still rather not pay, then at least AVG are still helping out on that front.

Last, and more certainly not least, a certain Swedish company also happened to a make a certain popular social music streaming application that rather set the world on fire. Technically, Spotify was released in private beta in November last year, just before our 2009 awards cut off limit, but it has since gone public within the required time frame. Just to confuse matters it's in private beta once more, so I'll leave it to the judges to sort that one out.

Web Services

During the current aftermath of the eighth renaissance of the bursting of the dot com bubble, new sites have been thin on the ground - certainly ones worth mentioning anyway. The majority of developers and start ups have moved to mobile apps in search of the gold, but there have still been one or two notables over the year - all heavily on the quirky side. Wolfram Alpha provided an alternative, well-meaning but rather leftfield form of internet search; Hunch added a layer of advice to the conundrum and Invisible Hand has begun in its quest to help us find cheaper prices on the Web automatically. As with most of these things, it'll take a while for them to catch on. Twitter wasn't built in a day.

Finally here, the latest craze could be on its way with FourSquare. Like Twitter it was released at the general and social media liquorice allsort that is SXSW and it's been going great guns in the States. Now on UK shores, has it left it too late to win our coveted award or have we assessed its potential already?

Mobile Sofware

From apps to OSes it's all about mobile phones these days. We know this. Smartphones have become our windows on the world. If there's a great service on the Internet, then we want it as an app, and most of all, we want it to run like clockwork.

We've seen four significant mobile operating systems launched this year with the rebranded, reskinned and user-friendlified Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5 now known as Windows Phone. We've also seen the coming of age of Android - or at least its growth into adolescence - and the launch of the superb iPhone 3.0 software with its 100 or so features. Finally, we saw a rather specific piece of software from Palm with webOS at January's Las Vegas annual tech binge, but that didn't stop it making an enormous splash and perhaps inspiring a few ideas in other mobile software developers.

On the next tier down are those that have deemed their handsets too special to run the common-or-garden versions of Android and Windows Phone and have come up with their own Custom UIs. Probably the two of most note, and certainly the ones who qualify for this year's awards would be HTC Sense as seen on the Hero with its social contacts integration and Motoblur on the Dext.

Any phone can of course have its OS customised by the addition of an alternative browser. Opera has been going strong for years and supplying those on the Symbian platform with a very strong option. 2009 has brought Opera Mini 10 and for the first time, Firefox has gone to the small screen too with the currently underused Mozilla Fennec. Still both certainly well worth a shout though.

At the bottom of it all, though, and yet king of the mountain for many consumers are apps. We saw the little devils explode in 2008 with the launch of the iTunes App Store and this year has taken the trend to a sickening extreme. The world and its wife now has some kind of platform where they can pedal often highly novelty and often profitable software along with a good chunk that are seriously useful too.

It's the latter group which we'd rather you considered for this year's award but if the Mr T Soundboard ends up being the most popular, then so be it. The apps of major note in 2009 have been largely for the iPhone with the arrival of Tweetdeck, Google Lattitude and TomTom. Spotify has offered its premium service for music streaming on the move to both the Apple phone and Android and finally Facebook has got round to supporting Google's mobile OS too. But the big question is which is your favourite? Which is the app you simply can't do without? Let us know at the bottom.

?

What do you think?

But these are just some of the fantastic choices our readers have had in 2009. What would you like to see held aloft as the winner of Pocket-lint Best Software/Service/App 2009? Who have we missed out? Which are your unsung heroes and of those we've already mentioned, which would get your vote? Let us know in the comments below and you can help our panel decide which make the shortlist of nominees to be announced here on Pocket-lint on 16 November. We'll have all out coverage of the Vodafone Pocket-lint awards 2009 right here. Don't miss a minute of it.

?

?

Related links:

• Feature - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - laptops
• Feature - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - digital cameras
• Feature - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - car gadgets

Tags: Software Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 Pocket-lint Awards Features Apple Microsoft Google Android Mobile phone applications Operating Systems Windows 7 Spotify Symantec iPhone 3GS

Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - software, services, apps originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:23:29 +0000

Sony Creative Software has announced the launch of "1000 Ringtones", a DVD containing ringtones designed for the Apple iPhone.

As well as music, the ringtones include sound effects and spoken words and users can select tones for incoming calls, emails and text messages.

In a move that will see iPhone owners bypassing Apple iTunes Store's charges for ringtones, the files are in MP3 and M4R format and can be used straight away by syncing the selected files with iTunes.

The DVD includes a tutorial video that demonstrates how to get the tones loaded on the iPhone in "simple steps".

"iPhone devices are one of the most popular cell phones on the market. We invite users to add a personal touch to their device with 1000 Ringtones", said Dave Chaimson, Sony Creative Software vice president of global marketing.

"1000 Ringtones" is now available for $19.95 in the States and for ?12.95 here in the UK.

?

Tags: Phones Mobile phone apps Sony Music software Ringtones Audio Sony Creative Software iPhone Apple iTunes

Sony offers 1000 Ringtones for the iPhone originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:19:24 +0000

Who needs official apps (all 100,000 of them)?when there are a handful of apps that aren't approved and available to anyone wishing to "Jailbreak" their iPhone.

With?BlackRa1n?now unlocking the latest 3.1.2 firmware and Apple's app process going potty at times, here are 12 Jailbreak apps to get you started*:

BlackRa1n

It comes as part of the blackra1n unlock and jailbreak and basically lets you install the three main unofficial app stores - Cydia, Rock and Icy. From here you then install apps, change themes and basically run amok.

Price: Free

3G Unrestrictor

This 99 cent app does what its name suggests and unrestricts apps like Skype that don't currently allow you to use them over a 3G connection. Load it up, select the applications you want unrestricted and then you can use them on the network without the need to find a wireless network. Good apps to try it with are the iTunes' and App store's (10MB limits disappear), Skype for using SkypeOut over the 3G network and SlingMedia's SlingPlayer for iPhone.

Price: 99 cents

GV Mobile

Apple may have pulled the Google Voice for mobile app in the official App Store, but that doesn't mean you can't get it in the unofficial one - Cydia. As long as you've got a Google Voice account (US only at the moment) you can then make calls, access your contacts list and generally use the service to its fullest without having to mess around with a web widget.

Price: Free

qTweeter

There are plenty of free and paid for legitimate Twitter apps for the iPhone. qTweeter is different in that it is just an app for firing out those thought provoking 140 character sentences you know you are good at. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen at any point, whether you are in an app or not, and qTweeter will allow you to post a tweet or Facebook status update in seconds. You can attach pictures, video and the URL from whatever page you are on in Safari.

Price: $4.99

Backgrounder

The iPhone doesn't allow multi-tasking of apps, but this app lets you do just that. Of course running applications in the background will have a serious drain on your iPhone battery performance if left running, but for people who like to Skype or run multiple apps, this allows you to jump to and from them without having to boot up the app every time.

Price: Free

Kirikae

Ignore the name - it has nothing to do with what this app actually does. Instead it will allow you, on a double tap of your home key, to see what apps are running on the iPhone as well as letting you access a list of favourite apps to load quickly. Working in harmony with Backgrounder, it basically lets you see what you've got running and better still allows you to close them if you've forgotten.

Price: Free

WinterBoard

Apple spent a long time designing the iPhone interface to be simple and effective in its design, but if that design just doesn't cut it you can install WinterBoard, which allows you to install themes and other functions, thereby altering how the iPhone user interface looks. Want a colourful picture instead of the black on your background? No problem. What about an Android or Palm webOS theme? You can do that as well. The app even lets you determine how many apps appear on each page.

Price: Free

Cycorder

Apple added video recording functionality to the iPhone 3GS, but for 3G owners that means you got zip. Not with this app. Cycorder basically allows your iPhone 3G to record video, even though Apple don't think you should. The app will capture video at 15 frames per second at a resolution 384 x 288 saving the end result as a QuickTime Movie.

Price: Free

PDAnet

AT&T still isn't offering tethering in the US, while in the UK O2 and Orange will charge you extra. Luckily for those who need to use their iPhone as a modem for their computer there is PDAnet, an app that, you guessed it, allows you to bypass the tethering blocks on the phone, allowing your computer to connect to the Internet. The application lets you connect a laptop via a Wi-Fi connection to the phone or via USB cable to Windows PCs. A warning though, if your operator finds out you could be disconnected.

Price: Free

TV-Out

Apple lets you connect your iPhone to your TV, with an approved cable, enabling you to watch YouTube videos or videos you've got stored in iTunes. However anything else is out of bounds. TV-Out lets you basically watch anything on the TV, be it a game, your email, Safari, Google maps, or anything else you can think of.

Price: Free

StatusNotifier

Turn on your iPhone and you're presented with a picture of the world and a "slide to unlock" command. Not very helpful is it? But what if you could fill that opening screen with a note telling you whether you've SMS, email, or IM messages you've got unread.

Price:?Free

BossPrefs

This is a management app that allows you to quickly turn off certain features of your iPhone without having to go through the setting pane. You get control over all the key elements like location, Bluetooth, brightness, EDGE, WiFi, as well as the ability to hide icons. You can even force a reboot or power off without having to press a physical button.

Price: Free

More

There are of course plenty more applications available. Which ones do you use? Share them in the comments below.

*Jailbreaking your Apple iPhone will void the warranty leaving you without official support if the handset goes wrong for any reason. Basically doing so means you are on your own.

Tags: Phones Mobile phone apps iPhone Apple App Store Features

12 Apps worth jailbreaking your iPhone for originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:20:25 +0000

Whether you're a Mac or a PC (or a bit of both) this witty concept design has something for all-comers, with the clever design idea to create real-world versions of the calculators found in operating systems.

Just a concept at this stage, although we reckon with real product potential, the Mintpass designer has managed to capture the individual characteristics of the XP calculator and Apple's more metallic option perfectly.

Of course, if they were real world products the Mac version would be over-priced - and likely boast a non-replaceable battery - while the Windows version would crash often and may well come with an over-friendly paperclip as a free gift.

Read

Tags: Software Calculators Microsoft Apple Concepts Operating Systems

Clever concept sees OS calculators created in real life originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:44:52 +0000

Apple has now officially announced that the App Store has hit the 100,000 available apps milestone.

Apple iPhone and iPod touch customers across 77 countries have downloaded well over 2 billion apps, making the App Store not only the largest, but the world's most popular.

"The App Store, now with over 100,000 applications available, is clearly a major differentiator for millions of iPhone and iPod touch customers around the world", said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing.

"The iPhone SDK created the first great platform for mobile applications and our customers are loving all of the amazing apps our developers are creating".

Tags: Phones iPhone Apple iPhone apps App Store Statistics Biz

App Store hits 100,000 apps milestone originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:26:18 +0000

The constant battle between Apple and those that want to open up the iPhone operating system took another step forward today, this time in favour of the coders.

George Hotz, a developer, has managed to circumnavigate Apple's coding to allow users to unlock the latest 3.1.2 iPhone update and allow users to install non approved applications as well as allow them to use the iPhone on other mobile networks like T-Mobile in the UK and US.

The software, which is available for both Mac and Windows users, requires very little knowledge of how these things work and will no doubt force Apple to release a new update to shut the loop hole.?For those who used the?DevTeam’s PwnageTool?to jailbreak, Hotz says the blacksn0w app will soon be available on Cydia, the unofficial app store.

Earlier on Tuesday a warning was issued that iPhone users who "jailbreak" their phones could be under threat by hackers?looking to steal personal information due to a security setting that is left open after a user unlocks their handset.

It is also worth mentioning that unlocking your handset voids the warranty.?

?

Read

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Apple Blackra1n iPhone iPhone unlock

BlackRa1n iPhone 3GS unlocks iPhone in under 20 seconds originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:17:23 +0000

Apple appears to be removing support for Intel Atom processors in the forthcoming 10.6.2 patch for Snow Leopard. OS X Daily is reporting that the update kills support for the processor, which is primarily found in netbook and nettop computers.

Apple doesn't sell any machines that have Atom-based processors, and the licensing agreement explicitly says that OS X is not permitted on hardware that's not sold by Apple. Despite that, there's a large and growing community of modders that build "hackintoshes" that run the OS.

The tech company has a reputation for heavy-handed comedowns on these groups, including a whole pile of legal threats to Psystar - a company that sells custom-made Apple machines. This move is regarded by many to be an attempt to shut down the hackintosh community in the same way.

However, groups of modders invariably move faster than big tech companies, so it's unlikely that it'll be long before a version of the 10.6.2 patch that works absolutely fine on Atom processors is found in the wild.

Read

Tags: Software Operating Systems Apple Snow Leopard Hacking Netbooks Intel

Snow Leopard update removes Intel Atom support originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:37:45 +0000

If you're expecting to see a major difference in the cost of an iPhone between these two UK networks, then think again. It's not an accident that the price is similar. When it boils down to it, it seems likely that both companies buy the handsets with the same overheads and naturally that's going to be passed on to the customer. It may be a different story by the time Vodafone comes along but for now, that's the way it is.

That said, there are differences in the price plans, if not the overall cost of each package. Combine that with an alternative way of looking at each deal and you start to get a better picture of where the real value lies. Take a look. The O2 packages are in blue and the ones from Orange in, er, orange.

What strikes you first if you glance over to the far right column is that, generally speaking, those 24 month contracts seem to cost a lot more in the long run. In fact, if you look at the differences in similar deals over the two time periods, it's quite astonishing. So, it appears that extending the term to alleviate the initial outlay might not be such a good idea. Together with the fact that your phone is more likely to be out-dated in the course of 2 years and it looks very bad indeed.

Beyond that, it's quite impressive how well these tariffs have been set out within each provider as well. The jump up from handset to handset within each tariff is regular according to the time frame of pay back. The bottom line is that you're not going to find one deal that significantly better value than another. On the other hand, it does give you a better idea of which one might best suit your needs.

Other Choices

Other important considerations beyond the plan are going to be over which network is going to suit you. Both providers offer "unlimited" Wi-Fi hotspot access with their partners as well as making you pay additionally for internet tethering as well.

Both also provide what they call unlimited data packages too. Orange puts a real figure to it of 750MB, whereas O2 only refers to a fair usage policy which is designed to reflect proper usage as well as the user's drain on the rest of the network. In practice, it's designed to make sure people are just using their allowances for mobile browsing, but at the same time it does give the company a license to set the bar wherever it pleases. Which proves to be more in practice is anyone's guess.

Much has been suggested about O2's quality of network as well, but its people have also looked to the handset's short-comings to explain a perceived poor reception. It's unlikely there'll be a huge difference with Orange, so at the end of the day, you'll do best to stick with the provider that works best in your area.

Last of all, it's worth considering the added benefits. One reason for not talking about the PAYG plans is that Orange is applying its animal tariffs to them where you can receive free weekend and evening calls or unlimited texts or free music. At the same time, O2 has top-up bonuses to consider as well.

So, until Vodafone arrives onto the scene, what it might all come down to is Orange Wednesdays and a bit of personal choice. Of course, by that time there'll be a new iPhone to consider - in leaks if not in reality. Decisions, decisions. Ever thought about Android?

?

Related links:

• News - Orange confirms 10 November for iPhone

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Orange iPhone Apple Tariffs Features O2

Best iPhone tariffs: O2 vs Orange originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:22:07 +0000

Apple could be about to offer users of its Apple TV product the chance to watch all their favourite TV shows for $30 a month according to rumours.

Although Apple has so far refrained from a monthly subscription package similar to Napster or Spotify for music, that hasn't stopped chatter about a supposed series of talks Apple has been having with TV companies about a new service for TV shows and movies.

Apple, a small player at the moment in an already crowded market, will hope that its iTunes install base will allow it to leap frog companies like Netflix and Microsoft's Xbox into pole position while at the same time offering an alternative to traditional satellite and cable offerings like Cablevision, Comcast or Sky.

According to the rumours Apple is hoping to launch a service in the first half of 2010, although sources suggest that it has yet to sign any TV companies.

Would you pay for an all you can eat TV subscription package from Apple? Let us know in the comments below.

Read

Tags: Home Cinema Apple iTunes Apple TV

iTunes to take on Cable with subscription offering? originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:03:40 +0000

Orange has now officially confirmed what we've previously reported - it will offer the iPhone in the UK from 10 November.

The iPhone 3G and 3GS will be available in Orange stores on Tuesday 10 November from 7am in certain stores with some shops staying open late.

The iPhone will be available on Orange in all Orange stores, online, at Orange HMV concessions, as well as through Apple Retail Stores, Carphone Warehouse and Phones4U.

Revealing that a quarter of a million have pre-registered interest for the Apple phone, Orange says it will offer the iPhone on a pay as you go basis, to pay-monthly customers and to business customers too.

As far as pay as you go goes, customers who top-up ?50 at purchase will get an iPhone 3G for ?333 while the iPhone 3GS 32GB will be ?539. This compare's to O2's pricing of ?538.30.

The pay as you go deals offer just 250MB of data each month, plus a year's BT Openzone access.

On a pay monthly basis the iPhone 8GB, 16GB and 32GB models will be available on various monthly plans, with the 3GS 16GB free on all ?45 plans and the 3G model free from ?30 plans - both with a 24-month contract.

The cheapest monthly contract, a ?29.36 per month, 2-year contract will see the iPhone 3GS 32GB charged at ?225 with the handset only available free for those paying out for a ?73.40 a month contract. In terms of data, Orange has a "fair usage" allowance of 750MB per month.

O2's free handset structure for the 3GS 32GB is similar, although it charges ?274.23 for the phone on lower-cost 18-month tariffs and ?175.19 for the device on its 24-month ?34.26 plan.

iPhone owners who want to use their iPhone to get mobile broadband on their laptop can take out additional tethering bundles starting at ?5 per month.

?

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Orange iPhone Apple Tariffs

Orange confirms 10 November for iPhone originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:27:49 +0000

A recently revealed patent from Apple shows the company is looking at producing a wireless headset that offers standalone media playing abilities, rather than relying on a Bluetooth streaming connection to get music piped into the ear.

Apple's latest vision is for times when "the external device with which it is wirelessly coupled is not being used" as during such downtime the headset could be used to play music.

Alternatively, the patent suggests, "if the external device is a telephone, the availability of a recording function could make it possible for the user to record all or part of a conversation. Similarly, voicemail messages received on the user's telephone could be uploaded into the headset for later off-line playback".

On one hand the patent could be seen as a wearable, voice-controlled iPod shuffle with wireless capabilities, and on the other the next-gen of Apple's iPhone headset - more of an iPhone companion device - offering advanced media playing functionality.

Read

Tags: Audio Apple Patents iPod iPod shuffle Headsets

Apple patent reveals headset-style iPod shuffle originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:32:40 +0000

Apple has officially confirmed the launch of the Apple TV 3.0 software update on Thursday and with it brings a host of new features to the set top box.

The device, which Apple seems to treat as a forgotten child, gets a complete overhaul with a new user interface as well as adding the company's new announced iTunes features; iTunes LP, Genius Mixes and Internet radio.

“The new software for Apple TV features a simpler and faster interface that gives you instant access to your favourite content”, said Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of Internet Services.

Apple has also brought its iPhoto Events and iPhoto Faces offering announced earlier in the year to the under-the-TV unit.

The update comes at the same time as an update for iTunes. The new 9.0.2 version promises:

"To add support for Apple TV software version 3.0, add an option for a dark background for Grid View, and improve support for accessibility", according to Apple.

The software update is free for all Apple TV owners.?The company has not at this time announced any changes to the hardware.?

UPDATE: It appears iTunes 9.0.2 stops Palm Pre syncing while Apple TV 3.0 wipes Boxee from the box.

?

Read

Tags: Home Cinema Apple TV Apple

Apple remembers Apple TV and adds new features originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:58:14 +0000

Apple is set to unveil a software update for Apple TV that brings the version up to 3.0 and includes recent iTunes additions like iTunes LP and iTunes Extras. The news emerged after iTunes users were asked to agree to a new set of iTunes Store T&Cs.

A paragraph has been added to those T&Cs that reads: "iTunes LP and iTunes Extras Products are usable only on computers with iTunes 9 or higher and Apple TV with software version 3.0 or higher.

iTunes LP refers to the bonus content recently unveiled for certain major label albums. That content can include lyrics, liner notes, photos, videos and other bonus material. iTunes extras refers to a similar sort of thing but for video content, like DVD extras.

?

Read

Tags: Software Software updates Apple Apple TV

Apple TV update imminent originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:34:16 +0000

Apple has released a software update for its new?Magic Mouse, allowing all Mac users running Leopard and Snow Leopard to use the new mouse even though stock of the new product can't be found in retail stores.

Apple has so far only offered the new touch sensitive mouse to customers who buy its new iMac computer following its announcement over a week ago.

While the company is famous for announcing a product and having it in stores the next, if not same, day Apple stores across the US are still without stock citing that it is "expected soon".

"You can expect once the software hits, the mouse will be available soon after", a store clerk told Pocket-lint in Apple's 5th Avenue store in New York before the software became available for download.

The update, which weighs in at 63.9MB, and 101MB when installed, will allow users of the mouse to scroll vertically and horizontally with a swipe of their finger rather than having to rely on a scroll wheel.

?

Read

Tags: Hardware Mice And Keyboards Mice Apple Software updates Magic Mouse

Apple Magic Mouse software released to all originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:20:59 +0000

An Apple fanboy has hit back at Verizon's Droid Does teaser campaign, created to promote the soon to be officially revealed Motorola Droid handset by bashing the iPhone, with a home-made 'iDon't care" response.

The video, that's currently racked up over 100,000 views on YouTube, states "iDon't need a droid... unless it's R2D2", before ending "iCame first" in reference to the iPhone.

Hit play to see the clip in full, and we'll be sure to bring you all the Motorola Droid - as well as Apple iPhone - news as it happens.

Read

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Verizon Advertising Video Apple iPhone Motorola Droid

VIDEO: Apple fanboy hits back with "iDon't care" clip originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:37:57 +0000

iPhone location games like Foursquare and Gowalla have one big drawback - you can't run them in the background. To "check in" at a location, you have to pull your phone out, connect to the Web, and then let the app do its thing.

But a new entrant to the space, Stalqer, has managed to sneakily hack the iPhone's email systems so that it can record you and your friends' locations in the background. The iPhone doesn't allow third-party apps to run in the background, so it's quite a feat that Stalqer has managed.

Here's how it works. The app sets up a secret email account on your device, and then monitors the iPhone's autocheck function. When it looks for new messages, the service inspects the POP or IMAP handshake, and particularly the IP address. That happens, apparently, every 15 minutes or so and the app then gets a location point.

There's also the option to check in manually on a Google map, and see your friends' locations. You can tie in your Facebook account, too, so that you can see where any friends who are also running the app are. Quite smartly, Stalqer can also show the location of friends who aren't signed up, grabbing public information off their profile like "City".

As you can imagine, the app comes with a plethora of privacy settings that give you fine-grained control over exactly who gets to see your location and when. Stalqer isn't monetized just yet - the company wants to see if people will go for it. It's not quite available yet, but has been submitted to Apple and you can sign up for an email when it's available.

?

Read

Tags: Phones iPhone apps iPhone Stalqer Apple Foursquare Video

VIDEO: Stalqer iPhone location app released originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:58:52 +0000

Earlier in the week it was the?New York Times?supposedly spilling the beans, now it's the Sydney Morning Herald.

According to the paper in Australia, Apple is uncharacteristically talking to a number of media companies in preparation for the launch of an?Apple tablet?or Slate.

While rumours have been kicking around for some time with plenty of mock-ups created by devoted fans, the paper claims that:

"Apple has sent specifications of the device to Australian media companies in an effort to sound out whether they would be interested in delivering their content to the tablet. None would speak about the device on the record".

The news comes just a day after the executive editor of the New York Times has referred to the mythical Apple tablet in a speech as the "impending Apple slate", reigniting the smouldering rumours of the device.

Bill Keller's off-the-record speech, not supposed to be recorded and leaked to the Internet, is a business-based monologue about the future of the NYT, including a look at new digital delivery platforms.

"I'm hoping we can get the newsroom more actively involved in the challenge of delivering our best journalism in the form of Times Reader, iPhone apps, WAP, or the impending Apple slate...", Keller states, as reported by eager-eared Gawker.

The quote from Keller apparently follows reports from earlier this year that a "stealth team" from the paper met with Apple executives - as well as other content publishers - on a top-secret matter.

We will keep you posted.

?

Read

Tags: Gadgets Internet tablets Apple Rumours Hardware Apple tablet

New Apple tablet rumours surface down under originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:21:53 +0000

David Hasselhoff has launched an iPhone app that "promises to answer all of life's questions".

"Ask The Hoff", now available in the iTunes App Store for a not extortionate 59p (or 99 cents), works on the premise that the Hoff's brain has been uploaded to the phone.

After the user asks a question and shakes the phone, an animated version of the Hoff replies with one of a number of pre-recorded responses, voiced by Hasselhoff himself.

"I know there are moments when everyone faces major decisions in life and needs advice from an expert", says Hasselhoff.

"As the proud owner of not one but two iPhones (I like to be able to make two phone calls at once!), I'm very pleased to announce the launch of my very own iPhone app".

Tags: Phones iPhone apps Apple App Store David Hasselhoff

"Ask the Hoff" iPhone app launches originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:51:20 +0000

The Apple iPhone is said to be due for a launch on Orange on 10 November, according to a report in The Times.

That Orange is to offer the iPhone - ending O2's exclusivity - is well known, but no date has yet been revealed as to when customers might hope to get the Apple mobile on the Orange network.

"The Times has learnt that Orange will start selling the handset in a little over two weeks. More than 200,000 people have pre-registered to buy an iPhone through the operator in the past month", says the paper.

The date makes sense as it's the first day after the O2-Apple 2-year exclusive agreement ends as O2 first offered the iPhone for sale in the UK on 9 November 2007.

We are waiting for official comment from Orange on the news and will update this story when we have more.

UPDATE: An Orange spokesperson says: "While we haven't yet announced a launch date, we have announced that iPhone will be available from Orange before Christmas. We look forward to announcing a launch date and pricing plans in the coming weeks".

?

Read

Tags: Phones Apple iPhone Orange Rumours

Orange to launch iPhone on 10 November originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:36:31 +0000

Some enterprising sleuths on the Applesana message boards have spotted that in the latest build of OS X there's a reference to a version 6 of the Macbook Pro. Current Pros are version 5.5. It's being suggested that these machines will feature the same Core i5 and Core i7 processors that are in the current generation of iMacs.

9to5Mac points out that in the past, "Apple has traditionally used the same processors in iMacs and high end MacBook/Powerbooks". The site claims that it's heard that there will be deliveries of new Macbook Pros to Apple stores that'll coincide with the deliveries of the new iMacs.

There's also a whole set of new dual core Intel chips that are due soon and support hyper-threading (making each core act like two). They'll also have the ability to power down one core while overclocking the other - if you're running a single, particularly intense, application for example. It's entirely possible that Apple may get early access to these chips. When we have something firmer and can report on the subject, we'll let you know.

Read

Tags: Hardware Macbook pro Intel Rumours Apple

Macbook Pros going quad-core? originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:58:51 +0000

The executive editor of the New York Times has referred to the mythical Apple tablet in a speech as the "impending Apple slate", reigniting the smouldering rumours of the device.

Bill Keller's off-the-record speech, not supposed to be recorded and leaked to the Internet, is a business-based monologue about the future of the NYT, including a look at new digital delivery platforms.

"I'm hoping we can get the newsroom more actively involved in the challenge of delivering our best journalism in the form of Times Reader, iPhone apps, WAP, or the impending Apple slate...", Keller states, as reported by eager-eared Gawker.

The quote from Keller apparently follows reports from earlier this year that a "stealth team" from the paper met with Apple executives - as well as other content publishers - on a top-secret matter.

Only time will tell whether this is a slip of the tongue or a genuine revelation, but as recent rumours suggest a January announcement from Apple, we might not have to wait too long to find out.

Read

Tags: Hardware Apple Rumours iTablet iPad Tablet PCs New York Times Internet tablets Apple tablet

NYT boss caught on camera with "impending Apple slate" mention originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:51:06 +0000

Having the pants sued off it by Apple has not stopped Psystar rolling out products that challenge the Mac maker's End User License Agreement

New to the market is Psystar's Rebel EFI software hack that allows certain Intel-powered PCs to run Snow Leopard, Apple's latest operating system.

The $50 software will allow any PC with an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad, i7 or Xeon Nehalem processor installed to run Mac OS X 10.6.

Psystar and Apple have been involved in an ongoing legal battle over Psystar's computers that come with the Mac OS pre-installed since July 2008.

Read

Tags: Software Apple Mac software Psystar Snow Leopard Intel

Psystar offers $50 solution to run Mac OS X 10.6 on PCs originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:36:26 +0100

This video is basically one big advert, but if you're a fan of Apple's Jonathan Ive then it's worth a watch to see the talented Brit's take on the design of the new iMacs and the Magic Mouse.

Ive is joined by other Apple staffers taking you through the design, innards and even eco credentials of the new products.

Hit play now to see the video and check back soon for more Apple news from Pocket-lint.

Read

Tags: Hardware iMacs Apple Video Jonathan Ive Magic Mouse

VIDEO: Apple's Jonathan Ive on the new iMacs, Magic Mouse originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:38:15 +0100

Apple has said that it will offer?Windows 7?support for users who want to dual install the new Microsoft operating system on a Mac by the end of the year.

"Apple will support Microsoft Windows 7 (Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate) with Boot Camp in Mac OS X?Snow Leopard?before the end of the year. This support will require a software update to Boot Camp", the company posted on its support pages.

However, while most Mac users will consider the move the equivalent of sleeping with the devil, some users won't be able to install Windows 7 even if they wanted to.

"The following models will not be supported for use with Windows 7 using Boot Camp".

?

• iMac (17-inch, Early 2006)
• iMac (17-inch, Late 2006)? ? ??
• iMac (20-inch, Early 2006)? ? ? ?
• iMac (20-inch, Late 2006)? ? ? ?
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2006) ?
• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2006)?
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2006)?
• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2006)? ?
• Mac Pro (Mid 2006, Intel Xeon Dual-core 2.66GHz or 3GHz)?

?

Users of course will need to own an "authentic copy of Microsoft Windows 7 or Microsoft Windows 7 upgrade"

Users wishing to run the new Microsoft OS under a virtual system like Parallels Desktop 4 or the new VMWare Fusion 3 will be able to do so without waiting for the new drivers from Apple.

?

Read

Related links:

• Via - macrumors.com
• image via - krunker.com

Tags: Software Mac software Apple Microsoft Windows 7 Snow Leopard

Apple says Windows 7 support by year end originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:50:09 +0100

Apple?just couldn't resist taking a swipe at the launch of?Windows 7?with its latest advert that many say are getting tired.

This time Apple play the "broken promises" card with PC claiming that it's the best yet, before Mac claims a spot of d?j? vu.

There then ensues a series of PCs stating the same thing with different Windows operating systems in getups from the ages.

Has this series finally run out of steam? Let us know in the comments below.

Read

Tags: Software Advertising Apple Microsoft Windows 7 Video

VIDEO: Apple "Broken Promises" ad attacks Windows 7 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:59:33 +0100

Nokia has announced that it has filed a complaint against Apple with the Federal District Court in Delaware, alleging that Apple's iPhone infringes Nokia patents for GSM, UMTS and wireless LAN standards.
?
Nokia is naming ten patents in the suit that relate to technologies "fundamental to making devices which are compatible with one or more of the GSM, UMTS (3G WCDMA) and wireless LAN standards".

The patents cover wireless data, speech coding, security and encryption and have apparently all been infringed by all Apple iPhone models shipped since the iPhone was introduced in 2007.

Nokia says it has spent over 40 billion euros over the last 20 years on various patents, some of which have made it to being the industry standard. While almost all the major mobile manufacturers pay Nokia for licence agreements to use the tech covered by the patents, it appears Apple has refused to do so.

"The basic principle in the mobile industry is that those companies who contribute in technology development to establish standards create intellectual property, which others then need to compensate for", said Ilkka Rahnasto, vice president, legal & intellectual property at Nokia.

"Apple is also expected to follow this principle. By refusing to agree appropriate terms for Nokia's intellectual property, Apple is attempting to get a free ride on the back of Nokia's innovation".

Tags: Phones Nokia Apple Lawsuits iPhone Patents Biz

Nokia sues Apple over alleged iPhone patent infringements originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:43:18 +0100

iFixit has followed up its teardown of the new unibody MacBook with similar treatments for both the new touch Apple Magic Mouse and the 27-inch iMac.

As far as the mouse goes, the guys report no fairy dust, just from the Apple logo and "a lot of capacitive touch sensors".

The new gargantuan iMac is revealed to have the biggest power supply ever seen in an iMac, as well as three large fans and two "huge" heatsinks.

In addition, the Wi-Fi antenna leads into the Apple logo on the rear of the iMac, the only spot on the rear of the machine that isn't solid aluminium. "It's quite a clever design, and while it's an obvious place to put it, we've never seen Apple do this before", says iFixit.

Head over to iFixit now for an in-depth look at the two new Apple products, with tech spec and photos galore...

?

Tags: Hardware Mice And Keyboards Apple Magic Mouse iMacs Desktop PCs

Apple Magic Mouse stripped bare naked originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:49:50 +0100

Apple has revived the standard MacBook, giving a new entry into the Mac world. Based around a polycarbonate unibody design, the new white MacBook adopts much of the design ethos found in its MacBook Pro big brothers.

With a 13-inch LED-backlit display, featuring edge-to-edge glass, its innards are similar to previous generation unibody MacBooks, featuring an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.26GHz processor, 2GB RAM, an Nvidia GeForce 9400M GPU and 250GB hard drive.

It also features Apple's new built-in battery which purports to give 7 hours of use and of course features Apple's glass multi-touch trackpad.

The design is slightly fatter than its 13-inch aluminium friends, with curved edges giving it a nice rounded finish. The bottom also loses the feet, instead the entire bottom is a tactile mat, giving grip on whatever you put it on.

You still get the Superdrive and in terms of ports you have Gigabit Ethernet, 2x USB 2.0, Mini DisplayPort and a headphone socket, which is both in audio input and output.

Available now, it will set you back ?799.

?

Tags: Hardware Apple Apple MacBook Photos

PHOTOS: Apple MacBook 2009 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:04:11 +0100

Apple has quietly updated its dedicated remote control on Tuesday to a new more metallic design to fit in with the iMac range.

The new remote, which is used for controlling your iPod or Apple's FrontRoom app on the Mac, will offer the same functionality of the previous model, just in a "nicer" more stylish design.

That means you get a menu, play, pause and d-pad to navigate around any Apple products introduced since 2005 that have a built-in infrared receiver.

The new Apple remote will cost ?15 in the UK or $19 in the US and available, according to the Apple Store, in the next couple of weeks.

Tags: Hardware Remote controls Apple Remote Apple

Apple Remote gets updated originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:27:53 +0100

iFixit's screwdrivers and spudgers were at the ready following the launch of the new unibody Apple MacBook.

Discoveries of note include the lack of an IR port, making this model the only MacBook that doesn't support a remote, the Bluetooth antenna being moved and FireWire notably absent.

Hit play on the video above for a highlights reel of the teardown, while there's tons more detail and pics over on the site.

Read

Tags: Hardware Laptops MacBooks Apple iFixit Video

VIDEO: iFixit disassembles the new unibody MacBook originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:05:44 +0100

Apple has placed the final piece of the "touch" puzzle today with the launch of a new mouse, called the Magic mouse, that has no buttons.

In a move that to many has gone unnoticed, Apple has over the last 6 years slowly been educating its faithful to embrace touch and ditch buttons once and for all.

The beginnings of touch

The move started some time ago of course with an iPod. While the first models had buttons, Apple was quick to ditch them in 2003. In came a touch sensitive wheel and buttons that saw you whizz around in circles scrolling through your music collection. It might have been clickable, but there was no d-pad element to it.

The big feel

2007 saw the launch of the iPhone and the?Apple iPod touch, two small touchscreen-only devices that ditched the buttons in favour of gestures on a screen. For the iPhone there had been touchscreen phones before, but virtually all of them focused on using a pen or a stylus to navigate around the screen rather than your finger. The finger was now the most important part of controlling your phone and what better way for Apple to show their intentions than naming a product with the buzz word - touch.

Smaller but equally important strokes

Now that people had grasped the idea of using their finger to control elements on their phone or MP3 player, Apple started making "touch" a focus point on its software and laptops.

The Mac OS 10.5 (Leopard) launch saw certain controls within the OS, like Time Machine, get bigger buttons that emulated the iPhone operating system. The OS also added controls for using Apple-based software like iPhoto, allowing you to rotate images, zoom in, and use multiple fingers on the company's laptops thanks to the laptop's built-in touchpad.

New hardware

With touch firmly embedded in our minds Apple then ditched the dedicated click button from the laptop all together, replacing it with a single touchpad sheet. Now every new Mac is asking its user to embrace the finger, but the desktop machines and their users were missing out.

A cute "strokable" cat

If you've upgraded to?Apple OS X Snow Leopard?it's clear to see what Apple's direction is. There is a reason clicking (or should we say touching) on an icon in the dock launches Expose for that app. Or that Expose even exists in the first place. Snow Leopard is the most touchy feely of all the OSes to date.

Magic mouse

Confident that Apple users now grasp touch controls either by using a MacBook or MacBook Pro and/or an iPhone or iPod touch, Apple releases a touch-based mouse with no buttons or scroll wheel, pushing a new operating method on those who sign-up. It's the company's biggest and boldest move in the story so far as it's a completely new way to interact with your computer.

The strokable future

Yep, we know the Apple Tablet is just a rumour, but it is the next logical step in the "touch" story. Having spent the last 6 years educating its users to embrace the finger, a shift to hardware-less computing could replace the regular PC in the home, wipe out the need for multiple laptops and create a new industry completely for Apple.

You've graduated

Congratulations, you may not have realised it, but Apple has been educating you in the way of "touch" without you even realising it. For Apple, touch devices are cheaper to make, easier to design and are overall more "lifestyle" in their approach.

Get ready to show your computer the finger even more in the future.

Tags: Hardware Audio Software Features Apple iPhone iPod iPod Touch Mac software Snow Leopard Internet tablets Magic Mouse

Apple's been showing you the finger longer than you think originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:03:13 +0100

Apple has updated its basic MacBook model with a new unibody design, but fans of classic Apple style will be happy to see, it stays available in white.

The polycarbonate unibody MacBook adds an LED-backlit display, a glass multi-touch trackpad and Apple's controversial built-in battery for up to 7-hours of battery life.

The new MacBook has a 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB RAM, a 250GB hard drive, and Nvidia GeForce 9400M integrated graphics.

Apple marketing boss Phil Schiller chimes in with: "With the only lineup of notebooks all featuring unibody enclosures, LED-backlit displays and long-life battery technology, there’s never been a better time to switch to a Mac".

Angled as the "ideal consumer notebook for students and new Mac users", it's available now ?799.

Tags: Hardware MacBooks Apple Laptops

Apple launches new unibody white MacBook originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:44:12 +0100

Apple's Mac mini, which the company claims is the world's most energy efficient desktop, has been given a speed bump, more storage and double the memory.

With pricing from ?499, the entry level Mac mini features a faster 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 2GB of DDR3 RAM, a 160GB hard drive, five USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 800, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics and a SuperDrive.

The ?649 Mac mini features a 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of memory and a larger 320GB hard drive.

In addition, Apple now offers a ?799 Mac mini that is specially configured with Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server and gets two 500GB hard drives for a total of 1TB of server storage in the 6.5-inch square by 2-inch tall package.

Tags: Hardware Desktop PCs Apple Mac mini

Apple updates the Mac mini range originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:33:19 +0100

Apple has launched an all new iMac line headed up by a 2560 x 1440 resolution 27-inch model with a 1920 x 1080 resolution 21.5-inch model also available.

Both offer LED-backlit widescreen displays in a new edge-to-edge glass design with a "seamless" all aluminium enclosure.

Boasting Intel 2 Core Duo processors starting at 3.06GHz, there's also Core i5 and i7 quad-core options for those with the cash.

The new iMacs ship with a wireless keyboard and the new wireless multi-touch "Magic Mouse".

"The iMac is widely praised as the best desktop computer in the world and today we are making it even better", says Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing.
?
Specs include Nvidia GeForce or ATI Radeon graphics, between 4GB and 16GB DDR3 memory, an iSight webcam, stereo speakers, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, Ethernet, four USB ports, FireWire 800 and a built-in card slot.

Pricing starts from ?949 - the same as before.

Tags: Hardware Desktop PCs Apple iMacs All-in-one PCs

Apple launches new iMacs originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:25:32 +0100

Apple, as predicted, has announced a new mouse today that features the company's multi-touch technology rather than using a scroll wheel.

The new mouse, which for legal reasons has had to drop the "mighty" namesake will be called the Magic Mouse instead.

"Instead of mechanical buttons, scroll wheels or scroll balls, the entire top of the Magic Mouse is a seamless Multi-Touch surface," say Apple.

Magic Mouse comes standard with the new iMac? and will be available as a Mac accessory at just ?55 (inc. VAT).

According to Apple, the Magic Mouse features a seamless touch-sensitive enclosure that allows it to be a single or multi-button mouse with advanced gesture support.

Using intuitive gestures, users can easily scroll through long documents, pan across large images or swipe to move forward or backward through a collection of web pages or photos. Magic Mouse works for left or right handed users and multi-button or gesture commands can be easily configured from within System Preferences.

It will not, it seems, be offered in a wired version, instead with the company opting for a Bluetooth connection to its laptops or desktop models.?

It will be available at the end of October and require users to be running Mac OS X Leopard version 10.5.8 or later.

Tags: Hardware Apple Mice Mice And Keyboards Magic Mouse

Apple Magic Mouse ditches buttons in favour of touch originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:12:59 +0100

The world might be struggling following on from the fall out of the economic downturn that then became the worldwide recession, but that hasn't stopped Apple boasting its most "profitable quarter ever" suggesting they are charging customers too much for the latest must have gadgets.

According to the company's latest results it the company posted revenue of $9.87 billion and a net quarterly profit of $1.67 billion. Gross margin was 36.6 percent, up from 34.7 percent in the year-ago quarter.

In the three months running up to the end of the quarter Apple sold 3.05 million Macs, no doubt spurred on by the launch of Snow Leopard, which experienced more than double the sales the company was expecting and therefore representing a 17% unit increase over the year-ago quarter. As for the iPhone, Apple says that it sold over 7.4 million iPhones - a 7% unit growth over the year-ago quarter bringing the total of iPhones sold to over 21 million handsets.

"We are thrilled to have sold more Macs and iPhones than in any previous quarter," said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO before promising "some really great new products in the pipeline for 2010."

However it's not all good news. Although Apple sold 10.2 million iPods during the quarter it was an 8% decline in sales on the previous year. The results follow a a similar decline in Q3 where iPod sales were down 7% on the year previously.

Apple also used the results call to confirm that it would be launching the iPhone in China at the end of October (30th).

Read

Tags: Biz Results Apple iPhone Hardware Audio

Apple: Most profitable quarter ever originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:28:11 +0100

In our first-look review of Google Wave, we argued that - like Twitter - Wave needs applictions for it to be truly useful. The first of those desktop applications has arrived - albeit in a very limited state and only for Mac users.

Waveboard is currently in version 0.4, and is being called "simple and practical" by users who've tested it. All it does is put the web interface in its own Window, as if it was in your browser. It also puts out notifications when things happen via its dock symbol, menu entry and a growl notification. Not much for now, but still better than the web interface.

The same developer also has an iPhone version, which is featured in the brief video above. That's not quite out yet, but it's been submitted to the App Store for approval. When it's up and ready for download, we'll be sure to let you know.

?

Read

Tags: Software Online Google Google Wave Waveboard Mac software iPhone Apple iPhone apps Mobile phone apps Video

VIDEO: First Google Wave desktop client arrives originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:30:18 +0100

Elgato, a company that makes TV watching software for Macs, released an iPhone application at the end of September which allowed users to watch live television and previously made from their handset when in range of a Wi-Fi connection.

Except that it also did something else. The company accidentally left in code that'd allow users to stream video over 3G connections too - a feature that it had just been using for testing purposes. That broke Apple's rules, so within hours of the feature being noticed the app had disappeared from the App Store.

Elgato told Pocket-lint: "Some test code that enabled live TV streaming over the cellular network was accidentally left in the the EyeTV App. Apple requested that we remove the code since their agreement with AT&T does not allow redirecting TV signals over the cellular network".

"The code was removed and a 1.0.1 version of the EyeTV app was submitted. We expect EyeTV to return to the App Store when the 1.0.1 version is approved".

And return it did - very quickly and in its original rule-breaking 1.0.0 form. Previously downloaded copies haven't been remotely removed from handsets by Apple, either. Instead of the normally hardline approach that Apple takes towards its App Store, it's showing uncharacteristic kindness.

Elgato expects the old version currently on the store to get replaced with 1.0.1 as soon as it's approved, and we wouldn't be surprised if Apple forced a software update on 1.0.0 owners when that happens. Still, it seems like the icy heart of the App Store has melted just a little.

?

Tags: Software iPhone Elgato TV Elgato EyeTV Mobile phone apps App Store Apple

Elgato EyeTV pulled from App Store originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:31:42 +0100

Exactly as rumoured, Rock Band for the iPhone has now appeared in the App Store. EA made the app official shortly after the game was spotted in a mobile showreel for the company, and it's now available in the App Store for ?6 or $10, depending on which side of the Atlantic you reside on.

?The game shares a lot of its mechanics with the Tap Tap Revenge series (which in turn took its cues from the console versions of Rock Band and Guitar Hero). You simply tap the screen in time with the music to play notes, and missing one will reset your score multiplier. Overdrive is present, as is the star ratings system from the console versions.

You can pick from guitar, bass, drums and vocals, though they're all performed by tapping the screen so there isn't much difference between them. You can't sing into the iPhone, unfortunately. Multiplayer is present - up to four players through Bluetooth, complete with Facebook Connect to make it more easy to rope your friends in.

There's 20 songs that come with the game, and more that you can buy from an in-game store. Here's the full tracklisting, which seems pretty similar to the Rock Band 2 tracklist:

"Attack" – 30 Seconds To Mars
"Girls Not Grey" – AFI
"Move Along" – All American Rejects
"Sabotage" – Beastie Boys
"All The Small Things" – Blink-182
"Hanging on the Telephone" – Blondie
"Learn To Fly" – Foo Fighters
"Everlong" – Foo Fighters
"Bad to The Bone" – George Thorogood & the Destroyers
"Hymn 43″ – Jethro Tull
"Bad Reputation" – Joan Jett
"Simple Man" – Lynard Skynard
"Ace of Spades ‘08″ – Motorhead
"Debaser" – Pixies
"Ladybug" – Presidents of The United States of America
"Give It All" – Rise Against
"Lazy Eye" – Silversun Pick Ups
"Cherub Rock" – Smashing Pumpkins
"Take The Money and Run" – Steve Miller Band
"We Got The Beat" – The Go Go's

If you pick it up on your handset, let us know what the experience is like in the comments below. Does the iPhone 3G have enough power to let the game run smoothly? We imagine it wouldn't be much fun if it were jerky...

Read

Tags: Gaming Phones Mobile phones iPhone App Store Apple Rock Band EA Tap Tap Revenge

Rock Band now available in App Store originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:50:10 +0100

Motorola's leaked Droid, a new Android-based handset, is getting very close to launch as Verizon - the mobile phone operator in the States that will offer the device - has begun a teaser campaign.

"All the things your phone doesn't do, Droid Does", states Verizon, in a direct attack on Apple's popular iPhone while the ad lists all the iPhone's "iDont's".

These include digs at the iPhone's lack of ability to run simultaneous apps, that fact that phone only has a 3.2-megapixel camera, lack of "open development", and no interchangeable battery.

Hit play now to see the ad/attack - the Motorola Droid is being prepped for a November launch - we will keep you posted.

Read

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Motorola Android Verizon Advertising Video Rumours iPhone Apple

VIDEO: Verizon teases with "Droid does" anti-iPhone ad originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:03:45 +0100

With "In App Purchase" said to be being "rapidly adopted" by iPhone developers, Apple has announced that such functionality will now be available to be built into free apps, rather than just paid-for.

This will mean that free iPhone and iPod touch applications will soon see content, subscriptions and digital services offered on paid-for basis within the initial free app.

As well as addressing potential piracy issues with verification, Apple says, in a recent email sent out to registered iPhone developers:

"You can also simplify your development by creating a single version of your app that uses In App Purchase to unlock additional functionality, eliminating the need to create Lite versions of your app".

Commentators suggest this development might mean an explosion of try-before-you-buy action on the App Store, with apps free to download, but requiring payment after a set time, or in order to access full content.

There's more info for devs over at the App Store Resource Center.

?

Read

Tags: Phones iPhone apps Software Apple App Store

Apple brings "In App Purchase" to free iPhone apps originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:27:41 +0100

It is rare that you find an Apple product associated with any kind of discount or offer. However, Currys appears to be doing just that with the offer of a free iTunes gift card and charger with the 8GB iPod touch.

Currys are suggesting that the free charger and ?15 iTunes gift card total a saving of ?40.99, which, if we are to believe, means in effect you'll be getting an iPod 8GB for just ?108 and a penny - well, we can sort of see that that's the case.

The iPod itself gets a 3.5-inch multi-touch widescreen, will store up to 1750 songs or 10 hours of video, whilst battery life will come in at around 36 hours of music or 6 hours of video. Wi-Fi is, of course, also included.

The offer, however, is only available in-store, but you can use the reserve and collect option when ordering on the Currys website.

Tags: Audio iPod iTunes Apple Currys Daily Tech Deal

Daily Tech Deal: iPod touch with £15 iTunes credit and charger originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0100

There are "thousands" of iPhones running on the 3 network across the UK, a spokesperson for the operator has told Pocket-lint.

The comment came in response to our query following a report from The Telegraph that all five mobile carriers in the UK are currently offering the iPhone, whether or not they are official operator partners. ?

T-Mobile has been offering the device to high-spending customers as part of an unofficial retention plan, and? 3 is employing the same policy, albeit in very limited numbers.

"Thousands of people have chosen to use their iPhone on the 3 network", the 3 spokesperson told us, referring to iPhones that have either been unofficially unlocked - "jailbroken" - or officially unlocked and in the UK via distribution channels in Europe.

O2 is currently the only official Apple iPhone partner in the UK, but is soon to be joined by T-Mobile merger partner Orange this year and Vodafone in 2010.

Tags: Phones iPhone 3 O2 Orange Vodafone T-Mobile Rumours Apple

"Thousands" of iPhones on 3 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:59:02 +0100

Apple has released an update to its iMovie video editing software package and with it support for yet another movie standard.

While the main focus of the update is to fix bugs, compatibility and stability issues as well as add support for the newly announced iPod nano, it also adds, "improved compatibility with camcorders using the iFrame video format".

According to Sanyo, who launched two American versions of its cameras that record in the iFrame (the Sanyo Xacti VPC-FH1?and Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD2000)?format on Tuesday, the new format is designed specifically to allow users to easily import, edit and share high quality videos because it is the same format used to edit on a computer.

The result "dramatically speeds up the processes of importing, editing and sharing movies across multiple platforms and devices", says Sanyo.

iFrame shoots at 960 x 540 pixels compared to 1080P which is 1920 x 1080.

The update is recommended for all users of iMovie ’09.

?

Tags: Cameras Video editing software iMovie Sanyo Apple

iMovie adds iFrame support, yet another movie format originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:34:09 +0100

Apple has moved to squash users who jailbreak their handsets by changing the way the iPhone is coded in the first place.

According to reports on the Web, Apple is supposedly shipping new iPhone 3GS phones with a new "bootrom" that is resistant to the 24kpwn exploit used by the Dev-Team and others to jailbreak the iPhone.

MuscleNerd from the iPhone Dev-Team has confirmed that the loss of the 24kpwn exploit would mean a normal jailbreak would be impossible for the time being.

Those looking to jailbreak their handset allowing them to install unapproved Apple apps on their iPhone are, says MuscleNerd, recommended to look for "refurbished iPhone 3GS units" for the time being.

Read

Related links:

• Via - BGR

Tags: Phones Mobile phones iPhone Apple iPhone Dev-Team

Apple ups ante in jailbreaking fight originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:10:00 +0100

Apple is expected to launch a radio app for its iPhone and iPod touch, allowing users to tune into their favourite radio stations on the Internet.

The rumour, which this time comes from sources talking to 9to5mac.com, will be a radio app that "will be allowed to operate in the background like iPod.app and will offer the same functionality as the FM radio in the new Apple iPod nano (5th Gen)".

The article goes on to suggest that the application would also allow you to by music from the mobile iTunes store once you hear it, no doubt massively increasing sales in iTunes.

Apple has so far shied away from offering a radio on its iPod line, however with Microsoft's Zune HD offering the feature, some believe that Apple is making the move as to not play second fiddle to the OLED packing MP3 player.

It is also expected that the radio app would offer the same Live Pause functionality that the Nanos currently enjoy.

We will keep you posted.

?

Read

Tags: Audio MP3 players Apple iPod Radios Internet radios iPod nano iPod Touch iPhone Phones Mobile phones

Apple rumoured to be working on radio app originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:56:47 +0100

The CoPilot Live iPhone GPS navigation app has received its second update in 2 months. This latest update adds new features including in-app safety camera updates, the claim of improved GPS performance in walking mode and the ability to use the iPhone's native keyboard throughout the app.

As well as stability and performance improvements, there's said to be improved contacts destination entry, smart call handling that remembers your destination after a phone call and the ability to switch off menu beeps and mute voice instructions.

The updated CoPilot Live app is available to buy now from the App Store for a one-off fee of ?25.99, while existing customers can download the update for free. There's more info over at www.copilotlive.com/iphone.

Tags: Phones iPhone apps CoPilot ALK Technologies Software updates GPS GPS software App Store Apple

CoPilot Live for iPhone gets updated again originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:34:14 +0100

Google has lost a bod from its board of directors as the news comes in that Genentech chairman Arthur D. Levinson has resigned his position after 5 years of service.

No reason has been given for Levinson leaving, although it's thought his position as a board member for both Google and Apple - increasingly becoming competitors in various markets - is the cause.

It follows the well-publicised departure of Google Chairman Eric Schmidt from the board of Apple, back in August, with Schmidt's "effectiveness", due to the amount of meetings he had to be recused from, cited by Apple boss Steve Jobs as the reason.

Of this latest move, Eric Schmidt says: "Art has been a key part of Google's success these past five years, offering unvarnished advice and vital counsel on every big issue and opportunity Google has faced. Though he leaves as a member of our Board, Art will always have a special place at Google".

TechCrunch states that the only tie now at director level and up is former vice president Al Gore who sits on Apple's board and acts as a senior advisor to Google.

Read

Related links:

• News - Google: Apple lied to FCC over Google Voice App

Tags: Software Google Apple Arthur Levinson Biz Genentech

Arthur Levinson leaves Google board originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:40:17 +0100

TomTom's well-publicised TomTom car kit for iPhone is now on sale and can be bought from the TomTom web store and Apple online store from now.

As many of you will know, the kit comprises of a secure mount that docks iPhone into position on the car windscreen or dashboard, using a twist-and-lock motion, for widescreen or landscape display.

As well as docking the iPhone, the kit also incorporates a built-in GPS receiver that claims to boost reception and improve positioning accuracy.

There's also a built-in loud speaker and microphone that allows for hands-free calling while driving and can play iPhone music through the AUX OUT port on a car stereo.

Also offering the ability to charge the iPhone when docked, the car kit has a retail price of ?99.99 in the UK and will be available in the US via TomTom and Apple "in the near future".

The TomTom app is sold separately via the App Store for ?60. The app will soon see an update bringing Advanced Lane Guidance and an updated safety camera database as well as compatibility with 2G iPhones - until then, this kit is only good for 3G and 3GS models.

Tags: Phones TomTom GPS TomTom for iPhone iPhone accessories Apple

TomTom car kit for iPhone on sale now originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:16:54 +0100

Adobe is the latest company to launch an iPhone app, according to an announcement on Friday.

The free app, currently only available in US and Canadian iTunes stores, will allow users to edit their photos, apply effect and share images from their phone via the company's Photoshop.com offering.

“Now, with access to powerful editing and sharing tools, iPhone users are armed with the resources to document all of life’s unexpected moments, make them look their best and then re-live those memories with friends and family", said the company in a statement.

Using your finger, would be digital artists will be able to touch up, crop, rotate and flip their photos as well as adjust colour, saturation, tint, exposure and vibrancy, and convert them to black and white.

The app also offers a Sketch tool that promises to help photos look like drawings, and Soft Focus can give photos a subtle blur for artistic effect say Adobe.

Hoping to take on services like Flickr, which has a high iPhone user base, Adobe has given the app the ability to view images stored on Photoshop.com, which currently comes with 2GB of free storage.

As for a global roll out? Adobe told Pocket-lint that it was unable to comment on whether the Photoshop for iPhone app would be coming to the UK or other iTunes stores around the world.

We will keep you posted.

Read

Tags: Phones Mobile phone apps Adobe Apple iPhone iPhone apps Photoshop Mobile for iPhone

Adobe Photoshop Mobile for iPhone app released originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:43:45 +0100

Apple has released yet another iPhone software update, this time iPhone OS 3.1.2, promising to fix a couple of bugs in the process.

The new update, says Apple, will solve the sleep issue in which the iPhone refuses to wake up, created by version OS 3.1.1.

Other fixes include:

• Resolves sporadic issue that may cause iPhone to not wake from sleep
• Resolves intermittent issue that may interrupt cellular network services until restart
• Fixes bug that could cause occasional crash during video streaming

The update is also available for the iPod touch and is available via iTunes.?

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Software updates Apple iPhone

Apple iPhone 3.1.2 update released originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 22:02:34 +0100

We brought you the news of the lawsuit, way back in spring 2008, and can now reveal the verdict. Apple has lost the right to call its own-brand Mac mouse the "Mighty Mouse".

Man & Machine, American medical hardware specialist suppliers, has now been granted the trademark on "Mighty Mouse" from the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

In the lawsuit, Man & Machine says Apple began selling its Mighty Mouse over 1 year after it began selling waterproof and chemical resistant mice under the same name in 2004.

It seems The USPTO agreed, and Apple's next mouse - currently rumoured to be coming soon with possible touch technologies - will have to launch with a new name.

9to5Mac is currently running a poll with suggestions for the new name. The Mac Mouse, Apple Pro Mouse or the iMouse seem the most logical, but we guess we'll just have to wait and see...

Read

Tags: Hardware Apple Mice And Keyboards Biz Lawsuits Man and Machine

Apple loses Mighty Mouse trademark battle originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:33:11 +0100

Both EA and Namco appear to be planning iPhone versions of their popular video game franchises - Rock Band and Tekken, respectively. Both games are in development, with Rock Band seeming to be the one that'll be appearing first.

Rock Band is already available on several mobile devices, but judging from a demo reel of EA Mobile's portfolio, spotted by CrunchGear, the game is firmly in the works with a video showing notes flowing down a fretboard and four plectrum-shaped buttons at the bottom for triggering them. It'll apparently have premium content downloadable, and four player multiplayer via Bluetooth.

Tekken for the iPhone, on the other hand, has been outed by Jonathan Kromray - Namco's head of its Apple Games division. Speaking to the Washington Post, he said: "If we can take Tekken and make it really fun to play on the iPhone, then we will. We do have a back catalogue of Japanese games that we're working on, as well as some new IP".

We'll keep you posted on the progress of both games as we get new information.

Related links:

• News - Tekken 6 to get Xbox 360 release too
• Via - Digital Spy
• Via - MobileCrunch

Tags: Gaming iPhone Apple Rock Band Tekken

Tekken and Rock Band coming to iPhone originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:30:33 +0100

So, Sony is the latest to be breaking records today with the official launch of what the company considers is the world's lightest notebook. Naturally, that all rather depends on whatever woolly boundaries there are between net and notebooks but the fact remains that an 11.1-inch screen, 0.72kg and 13.9mm is pretty damn ultra portable. Naturally, not everyone's going fancy the Vaio side of the equation, so here are five other options for computing on the go.

MacBook Air (19.4mm, 1.36kg, ?1349)

Yes, it's an obvious one so let's get it out of the way now. The Air was one of the first laptops to tell optical media that it just didn't care any more and whatever you say about the machine and the annoying envelope ads, it does have a lovely form factor. Unlike the Vaio X, it comes with a proper processor - an Intel Duo Core 2 - at either 1.86 or 2.1GHz, integrated 256MB Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics, 2GB of DDR3 and a 120GB SDD if you want to go for the top end model. The full dimensions are 227 ? 325  ? 19.4mm and even though it's still a squeeze of a little backpack, you do get the benefit of an LED backlit screen with 1280 x 800 pixel resolution.

Dell Adamo (16.5mm, 1.81kg, ?1899)

Until the Adamo came on the scene, it was Apple who held the crown for the thinnest. The luxury branded Dell has now set the bar at 16.5mm thick. Again, there's an Intel Core 2 Duo at the heart with a 1.6GHz clock speed and up to 4GB RAM to back it up. Keeping toe-to-toe with the Air, it has a 256GB SSD and a larger 13.4-inch LED backlit screen with 1366 x 768 resolution. Dell has obviously had complaints about the Adamo just not being thin enough, damn it, so, the company has being showing off the next generation in the saga. It's the truly size zero, 9.9mm Dell Adamo XPS. There's very little else known about it either because the Texas company can't work out how to fit anything inside it yet or because there's a long campaign of photos with it next to pencils planned. Again.

MSI X340 (19.8mm, 1.3kg, ?720)

For those who aren't made of cash, one good option of a similar size is the MSI X340 - the current best combination of power and size that the company does. It houses a 1.4GHz Intel CULV processor, just the 2GB RAM and rather than an SSD, gives you 320GB of the old spinning disk kind of storage. It's no frills on the screen with a straight forward 13.4-inch LCD but the real weakness is probably the battery pack, which only offers 2-3 hours away from the wall. There's always the option of an 8-cell battery that's obviously going to add to its vital statistics.

Asus UX30 (19.6mm, 1.45kg, ?999)

Asus has come up with a very similar proposition to the X340 with another CULV machine using the same Intel chip. It's a 13.3-inch machine - this time LED backlit and with a full 4GB RAM compliment to keep it running. Still, no optical drive but it does have a very decent array of ports on offer and up to 500GB of HDD which probably accounts for the added weight. Lovely simple form factor going on with a brushed aluminium finish. The only downside is that it's quite expensive given the lack of power on the graphics side. Just an integrated Intel GMA 4500M to play with.

Toshiba Portege R500 S5007V (19.6mm, 1.08kg, ?950)

Not the world's snappiest name and perhaps not quite as stunning as some of these other models but for size and weight, it's up there with the Adamo and Air. That said, it is a smaller screen device and at a more comfortable 12.1-inches with an LED backlit screen. As a slightly older computer it comes with just 2GB of RAM and a 1.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo U7700 processor. However, the real bonus here is that you also get the benefit of optical drive that'll re-write DVDs and anything easier.

If that lot doesn't tickle your fancy, then you,re probably after a netbook. That or a desktop PC.

Related links:

• News - Sony Vaio X Series announced

Tags: Hardware Sony Vaio Laptops Laptops Dell Dell Adamo XPS Adamo MSI MSI X400 Apple MacBook Air Toshiba Toshiba Portege Asus Asus UX30 Features

Five ultra thin, ultra light and ultra portable notebooks originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:11:22 +0100

You might think that everything Apple touches turns to gold, however the chaps over at oobject have dug up 12 failed Apple products waiting for you to use when you next decide to bait that Apple fanboy in your life.

Remember the Apple Pippin? What about the pre-cursor to the iPhone, the Apple Newton Message Pad? ?

Click on the read link below to see more and the comments that come with them, but before you do, can you think of any other Apple failures? Let us know in the comments below.

Read

Related links:

• Via - Gizmodo.com

Tags: Software Hardware Audio Phones Gaming Apple

12 Apple products that failed originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:02:22 +0100

Following its teaser video the other day, DoubleTwist has announced a new version of its software for Mac that allows users to avoid iTunes and load up music, videos and other media onto their mobile phones. The update brings the addition of the Amazon MP3 store.

It's essentially a desktop front-end to the web store, but the integration - as you can see in the video above - is pretty nifty. Tracks can be purchased with just an Amazon login and will automatically download into your library complete with metadata, ready to be dragged over to your device.

The software works with BlackBerry, Palm Pre, and Android handsets, as well as the Sony PSP and "hundreds of other devices". It's available now, but the version with the Amazon MP3 store won't be out until 13 October. Grab it now, and it'll auto-update then.

Read

Related links:

• News - doubleTwist parodies Apple's 1984 ad
• Via - MacRumours

Tags: Audio doubleTwist Mac software Apple BlackBerry Palm Pre Android PSP Video

DoubleTwist builds OS X app for Amazon MP3 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:59:36 +0100

Seemingly giving up on the bigger picture as far as hardware goes, Microsoft is considering offering its Zune software and services to other platforms, ZDNet reports.

The whisper is a credible one - it comes direct from Jose Pinero, director of communications for Microsoft's TV, video and music business. "We are evaluating a lot of options in terms of platforms", Pinero confirmed to ZDNet.

As well as devices from smaller players, this possible Zune offering is reported to include Apple's iPods, in a strategy said to be "under active consideration".

The logic goes that die-hard PC users may prefer using the Zune software on their Windows PCs, or the subscription-based model might appeal to those currently buying their songs piece-meal.

Pinero also confirmed that Microsoft is looking to bring the Zune music and video service to Windows Mobile phones. "Our next step is mobile phones, but we haven't talked about a timeline for when that will happen", Pinero said.

Read

Tags: Audio Software Microsoft Zune Apple iPod Music software Phones Zune HD

Zune services considered for iPods, other platforms originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:17:37 +0100