Skip to Content

The new ParentDish: helping raise kids of all ages
AOL Tech

Posts with tag apple

Is Apple Developing a Mobile Gaming Platform?

by Will Safer, posted May 9th 2008 at 5:44PM



Could the iPhone and the iPod Touch be part of the next great mobile gaming platform?

Game developers and Apple fans are licking their chops, awaiting the opportunities to create and play games on the go with these devices. And as Apple has already changed the way people everywhere listen to and collect music, we're sure they're equally excited about making an impact on the mobile gaming marketplace.

According to the Industry Standard "A trademark extension filed last February with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office extends Apple's trademark in regards to:

'Toys, games and playthings, namely, hand-held units for playing electronic games; hand-held units for playing video games; stand alone video game machines; electronic games other than those adapted for use with television receivers only; LCD game machines; electronic educational game machines; toys, namely battery-powered computer games.'"

That's a mouthful, for sure, but it also points to Apple's renewed interest in the gaming arena, which is certainly hot, although competitive as all get out. This isn't Apple's first effort in gaming, but the last time the company tried to find its way with a gaming device was in 1996, during the non-Steve Jobs era. The device console, called the Pippin, was a failure.

Now the iPhone and the iPod Touch are flying high. Could this be the time for Apple to make its mark with yet another way to keep you focused on a tiny LCD screen? [Source: The Industry Standard].

Mother's Day Gift Guide: iMac

by Evan Shamoon, posted May 9th 2008 at 8:32AM



There's no prettier or easier-to-use computer on Earth than the iMac, and Apple just launched the newest iteration, so it's the perfect time to buy one of these for a mom who's been asking about a new computer for monhts. The models range in size from 20 to 24 inches, and start at a decidedly affordable (though admittedly still high for Mother's Day) $1,200.They all include the speedy Intel Core 2 Duo processor, a minimum of 1-gigabyte (GB) of RAM and 250GB hard drive, an 8x SuperDrive for burning DVD's and CD's, a built-in iSight video camera, and AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless capability and Bluetooth 2.1. functionality. Oh, and a Mighty Mouse and Apple keyboard, obviously. Essentially, everything mom needs to get going ... or, rather, sitting.

More "Leaked" 3G iPhone Shots Hit the Web

by Ryan Block, posted May 8th 2008 at 12:19PMBreaking News


For those that need to be in the know about the very latest supposedly-leaked 3G iPhone shots that hit the web this week, we've got you covered -- but we're not convinced, especially of the device on the right. The shots on the left do at least seem to be crafted around those supposed size and shape leaks we saw the other day though, so bonus points there for playing into another current rumor to rack up a small bit of credibility. Still, in our best Rick James voice, Photoshop's a hell of a tool.

Read - Left four shots appear on Chinese phone forum
Read - Shot on the right from AppleInsider

The iMac Turns 10, But Are Its Days Numbered?

by Tim Stevens, posted May 7th 2008 at 8:55AMBreaking News

iMac Turns 10, Predicted to Not Make 20
In early May of 1998, Apple launched a computer that was said to "deliver the things consumers care about most - the excitement of the Internet and the simplicity of the Mac." That computer was, of course, the iMac, a fruity-colored all-in-one machine that was advertised as being ridiculously easy to set up, use, and take online with (still a somewhat tricky process back in the late 90s). Now, 10 years on, Ars Technica takes a look back at the evolution of the iMac, and makes a few predictions about the machine's future.

Since then, the machine has shrunk considerably, ditching the giant old CRT monitor in favor of slim and bright LCD displays. Despite its size-shrink, it has also grown in performance in huge leaps and bounds. The first machine had a 233 megahertz CPU and just 32-megabytes of memory, while the latest model can be equipped with a 3.06 gigahertz CPU and two-gigabytes of memory. There's still no floppy disc on offer, though.

The iMac has continued to be quite popular, but Ars predicts its days are numbered. With two-thirds of all Macs being sold today going in laptop form, and that number doing nothing but increasing as people embrace mobile computing, the belief is that the iMac will go the way of the Macintosh Classic II, lost to the annals of history. [Source: Ars Technica]

Apple Tops Consumer Reports Tech Support Ratings

by Evan Shamoon, posted May 6th 2008 at 1:47PMBreaking News



According to a recent Consumer Reports survey, Apple took the top spot for "technical support offered by computer makers" -- for both laptop and desktop support. The feedback came from owners of more than 4,500 laptops and almost 5,600 desktops computers who contacted manufacturer with technical difficulties.

On the 100 point scale, Apple scored an 83 in the laptop survey and an 81 on the desktop side -- both of which translate to "more than very satisfied"; according to Consumer Reports, Apple was the only manufacturer to top 80 in either category, beating out Lenovo, Dell, Toshiba, Gateway, Sony and HP.

A large part of Apple's success came from the on-site service that customers receive when visiting Apple stores: Genius Bar staff provided "the best troubleshooting by far," according to the report, solving problems 90 percent of the time. "The only drawback is if you're living somewhere that there isn't a store close by or if you're in a big city where the Genius Bar is likely to be really crowded," said Donna Tapellini, associate editor at Consumer Reports.

And while there's still room for improvement at Apple, which limits its phone-based tech support to 90 days, they're fixing ass and taking names. "Apple should continue to build out the store infrastructure," Gartenberg added. "And they should continue to invest in customer training. They're doing many of these things in the store at little or no cost. Apple is becoming the Nordstrom of customer service in terms of technology."

Which actually makes us think Apple could actually sell designer jeans, and people would buy them. Apple Bottoms, perhaps? [Source: MacWorld]

Apple Quietly Introduces Movie Purchases On Apple TV

by Darren Murph, posted May 2nd 2008 at 11:03AMBreaking News


We can't say we're too terribly fond of purchasing movies on a proprietary set-top-box (à la VUDU), but for those with no real attachment to physical media, Apple's looking to hook you up. Aside from announcing that day-and-date DVD releases were coming to iTunes, Cupertino has also enabled its Apple TV to purchase full-length films; prior to today, users could only rent them for a window of time. Details are pretty scant at the moment, and we're not even sure if HD films can be purchased (or if a premium is added on), but feel free to fire up your box and let us know how it goes in comments below. [Source: iLounge]

Is This the New iPhone?

by Paul Miller, posted May 2nd 2008 at 9:44AMBreaking News

Well here's an interesting one. French iPhone blog iPhon.fr got these pics from an anonymous and unverified source, and while there's no way of telling if the shots are legit, they certainly have a truthy ring to them. They follow what we know so far about the shape, size and color of the upcoming 3G iPhone, and while there's always the possibility of knockoff, a Photoshop job, or some other evil plot to mislead us, we're certainly not going to discount these shots entirely in the runup to iPhone's second coming. [Source: iPhone.fr]

[Thanks, Janvier]

Apple iTunes to Compete "Day-and-Date" with DVD Releases -- Wal-Mart Weeps

by Thomas Ricker, posted May 1st 2008 at 9:58AMBreaking News

Hollywood Reporter says that Apple is expected to announce today an across-the-board deal to sell new release films at its iTunes Store. The deal is said to allow Apple to offer a "broad slate of top-shelf films" day-and-date with home video releases -- a long time sticking point with brick-and-mortar interests who want to keep their early-release edge on digital downloads. The deal includes Fox, Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros., Paramount, Universal, Sony Pictures, Lionsgate, New Line and more -- all of which are currently inked to deliver rentals through iTunes. MGM is not part of the deal. That puts Apple in direct competition with Wal-Mart's DVD empire after having pushed Wal-Mart from the top spot in music sales for the first two months of the year.

Update: It's official. New releases will cost $15 and catalog titles will cost $10 -- US only for now. Full press release after the break. [Source: Yahoo!]

3G iPhone to Be Discounted to $199 by AT&T?

by Joshua Topolsky, posted Apr 30th 2008 at 9:05AMBreaking News


According to Fortune, AT&T will subsidize the cost of the new, 3G iPhone by as much as $200, bringing the price within the $199 range. Apparently, a "person familiar with the strategy" claims that the provider will create this bargain bonanza for customers signing new, two-year contracts. Of course, the author of the story also says that the new phones will be available in "8-gigabit-memory and... 16-gigabit-memory" versions (for $399 and $499, respectively), so take that as you like.

In addition to these discounts, the source says the new iPhone will be 2.5mm thinner than the previous iteration, although we understand that right after telling Fortune this information, the "person" burst into a cloud of rainbow-colored sparkles and went flying off into the night sky. [Source: Fortune]

[Thanks, Penny]

iPhone Finally Coming to Canada

by Joshua Topolsky, posted Apr 29th 2008 at 11:14AM


It seemed like it would never happen, but the impossible has occurred: Apple's iPhone is coming to Canada. The news was quietly slipped into telecom giant Rogers' latest earnings report, with the simple statement that the company was "thrilled to announce" a "deal with Apple to bring the iPhone to Canada later this year." Apparently, lips are sealed on all other details, but we'll keep you posted as news gets our way. [Source: PR Newswire]

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Apple and Sony Settle With Japanese Battery Burn Victims

by Joshua Topolsky, posted Apr 15th 2008 at 10:47AMBreaking News




Remember that Japanese couple who sued Apple and Sony over one of those famous burning batteries? Well, it looks like the companies have decided to settle, and will pay the fire-damaged pair a total of ¥1.3 million (or around $13,000). Of course, this is a bit less than the absurdly low $16,700 the two were asking, but percentage-wise they didn't make out too badly.

During the trial, Apple Japan apparently accepted responsibility for the incident but couldn't justify settling out of court due to a request for "excessive compensation," while Sony maintained its distance by suggesting a link between the battery and burns wasn't clear. We're sure the guy who made the trip to the hospital thinks otherwise.

[Thanks, Jackie]

From Dow Jones/ETrade Financial

Evidence of 3G iPhone in Software Update?

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Apr 11th 2008 at 7:31AM

Evidence of 3G iPhone in Software Update?
Intrepid geeks have dug up an intriguing bit of code buried deep in the confines of the latest iPhone software update. Rooting through millions of lines of code revealed reference to "SGOLD3," which very well may be a reference to the follow up to the S-GOLD2 chip from Infineon that powers the current iPhone.

S-GOLD3 is a 3G cell phone chip capable of downloading data at 7.2 megabits per second, about three dozen times faster than the current EDGE network the iPhone is saddled with. Currently AT&T's network is only capable of 3.6 megabits down, but that is plenty fast for a truly rich internet browsing experience.

The chip also adds support for higher resolution cameras (5 megapixels instead of 2) and an SD/MMC slot. This just adds to the mounting evidence that an iPhone with a blazing fast 3G data connection is right around the corner.

From Engadget


Major Design Changes Planned for Apple's Laptops

by Thomas Houston , posted Apr 8th 2008 at 12:32PMBreaking News



According to AppleInsider, Apple's current MacBook and MacBook Pro designs will significantly change when Apple next refreshes its pro- and consumer-level laptop lines. The Mac news and rumor site reports that the MacBooks will see the biggest changes with eco-friendly aluminum and stainless steel exteriors replacing the current plastic cases.

Apple's Pro laptop line is looking particularly dated. Despite faster Intel chips and hardware improvements over the years, the design of the MacBook Pro has remained largely unchanged since its introduction in 2006. The MacBook Pro was largely modeled after the Aluminum Powerbook G4, Apple's older "pro" laptop that debuted all the way back in 2003. Apple updated the MacBook Pro line earlier this year with improved multi-touch mousepad support and improved hardware features, but again, there were few aesthetic changes.

The MacBook Pro design will be influenced by Apple's current iMac and MacBook Air designs, and AppleInsider says that "the end result... will be a more uniform Mac product matrix in terms of design and material usage, and a MacBook offering that will far outclass its rivals."

Don't miss AppleInsider's handy chart (halfway down the page) visualizing the evolution of Apple's laptop models since the late '90s. While we're definitely excited for a design refresh of Apple's laptop lines, we've all but given up hope that the Mac Pro's five-year-old looks will ever be updated.

from AppleInsider

Related Links:

Everex Launches Sub-$500, MySpace-Ready MyMiniPC

by Thomas Houston , posted Apr 7th 2008 at 5:01PM



Everex just launched its new sub-$500 mini desktop PC, the MyMiniPC. The computer runs an operating system called gOS, a version of Ubuntu Linux with glossy styling and interface elements similar to Apple's OS X.

The MyMiniPC is built with heavy Web and media use in mind -- Everex is marketing the computer to the millions of users of social networks, specifically MySpace. The MyMiniPC's gOS installation -- essentially a collection of Google-esque application -- comes with a dock loaded with shortcuts to MySpace Apps, popular social Web sites (Facebook, flickr, YouTube) and other sites (TMZ, Pandora, Gmail, last.fm).

With a form factor similar to the Mac Mini, the MyMiniPC comes with a respectable 1.86 gigahertz Pentium T2130, 512 MB RAM, a 120-gigabyte (GB) hard drive, a DVD±RW drive (read and burn DVDs), and loads of media connectivity options including an S-Video port (for outputting video to your TV), a memory card reader (for transferring pictures) and audio in/out ports.

Sure, the MyMiniPC isn't the ideal choice for gamers or heavy video work, but we think it's a promising Linux-based PC for anyone in need of an easy-to-use computer for Web work, browsing and collaboration. The MyMiniPC retails for $499.

Related Links:

Apple Slapped With Class Action Suit Over Misleading iMac Ads

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Apr 7th 2008 at 7:48AM

Apple Slapped with Class Action Suit Over Misleading iMac Ads
Apple, no stranger to class action law suits at this point, is under the gun again. This time for misleading claims about the screens on its 20 inch model iMac PCs. Apple claims that its screens can display millions of colors -- 16,777,216 to be exact -- and while that is true of the 24-inch model and the previous generation 20- and 24-inch models, the recent update to the iMac line brought a downgrade for the 20-inch model.

Instead of using the same 8 bit in-plane switching screens as the previous generation, the new 20-inch iMacs went with an older technology called 6-bit twisted nematic film. This older technology limits the screens to 262,144 simultaneous colors, which limits the viewing angle and negatively effects color accuracy, making the screen completely ill-suited for video editing and digital imaging and photography.

The suit has been filed by the California based law firm Kabateck Brown Kellner.

From Consumerist

Related Links:


AOL Tech Network



Latest Reviews from CNET.com

CNET provides the latest tech news, unbiased reviews, videos, podcasts, software, and downloads, making tech products easy to find, understand and use.

Top Product Reviews

Weblogs, Inc. Network

AOL News

Other Weblogs Inc. Network blogs you might be interested in:

Joystiq
Download Squad
The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)
BloggingStocks
Xbox 360 Fanboy
Autoblog