Posts in news

Magic Trackpad Approved by FCC

Remember that Magic Trackpad we saw a little while ago? The device has shown up in the FCC’s online database, which could only mean one thing: launch imminent. Or so we hope. It hasn’t positively been identified Engadget admits, but the signs are pretty clear.

A device known only by its model number A1339 is the culprit here, described as a “Bluetooth Device” used in conjunction with a MacBook without any associated filings for WiFi or WWAN networks. The ultra-rough label location diagram is definitely the right shape for the accessory, and what’s interesting is that the test report was completed way back in October of 2009. Has Apple seriously been sitting on this thing for the better part of a year?

That model number by the way matches what was previously leaked. It’s unofficially confirmed that Apple has a new accessory for us all to play with, but when will they launch it? And if it is a trackpad, why does Apple feel the need to separate it from a MacBook? Only time will tell, but this is bound to be one of the most interesting devices Apple will ship this year.

[Engadget via MacRumors]

Read more

White iPhone 4 Delayed Upon Color Issues

My iPhone 4 speculation seems to have been correct; the white iPhone 4 is proving troublesome when it comes to its color. Engadget reported on it earlier this weekend:

Specifically, the factory’s still working out the perfect combination of paint thickness and opacity – the former to ensure the next sub-contractor has enough clearance for the digitizer overlay, and the latter for the absolute whiteness that Jony Ive and co. strive for. As we pointed out before, the prototype white covers we acquired appeared a touch darker than the iPhone 4 dock, so here’s hoping that we’ll see a better result when the official white phone comes out later this month.

We wish Apple would have had this figured out before launch, but at least those holding out for the white iPhone will rest easy knowing it’ll be available in limited quantities by the end of the month. And just imagine: it’ll be the perfect shade of white.

[Engadget via MacRumors]

Samsung in 2006: Do Not Obstruct Antenna

I keep switching back and forth on the antenna debate. Other phones have the issue, but are they as serious as the iPhone 4? As Apple has called out numerous manufacturers and popular phones, even John Gruber has been linking to preexisting issues which have received little press in light of the massive ‘popularity’ of the iPhone 4. With something as curious as an outside antenna, people want to touch it. With other phones, people don’t even think about antenna placement. So let’s take a trip back to 2006 before the iPhone even existed.

The Loop reports,

In fact, Samsung was putting warning labels on some of its phones as far back as 2006. The label, which was on the back of the phone, told customers they shouldn’t obstruct the bottom of the phone during a phone call.

I was able to find the label on two models of phones dating back to 2006, although it’s certainly possible that the labels could have been on earlier models.

The Samsung SYNC and the Samsung Blackjack both came with these labels on the back of the devices, according to reviews in 2006 on Phone Scoop and MSNBC respectively.

Perhaps the iPhone 4 should come with a sticker.

[via The Loop]

Flurry Analytics Suggests In-App Purchases Generate More Revenue

In-app purchases are something we often don’t think about when playing a game or adding more features to the latest application. “This gravity gun is only an extra ninety-nine cents, and I love this game. So why not?” As customers spend on the latest upgrades, updates, and ad-free in-app purchases, Flurry reports that this model works considerably well. TUAW writes:

Previously to 2010, the games tracked were generating only a few bucks per user per year, but in January the total jumped to around $9, and it’s now in the double digits. Flurry says that money doesn’t include ad revenue – it’s strictly profit from in-app purchases, either unlocking features or selling virtual goods.

Flurry is reporting that as of June, they’re generating $14.66 per user per year. The idea is to get someone interested in your product, then give them the opportunity to add the features they need for an enjoyable experience. More often than not, in-app purchases turn a pretty good profit.

[via TUAW]

Nokia and HTC Respond to Apple’s Press Conference

Following RIM, Nokia and HTC have publicized their responses against Apple concerning their mobile devices. Nokia’s response:

In general, antenna performance of a mobile device/phone may be affected with a tight grip, depending on how the device is held. That’s why Nokia designs our phones to ensure acceptable performance in all real life cases, for example when the phone is held in either hand. Nokia has invested thousands of man hours in studying how people hold their phones and allows for this in designs, for example by having antennas both at the top and bottom of the phone and by careful selection of materials and their use in the mechanical design.

HTC came to the defense of their Droid Eris by comparing the numbers. Pocket-Lint writes:

“Approximately .016% of customers,” Eric Lin, the company’s global PR and online community manager exclusively revealed to us before adding that “we have had very few complaints about signal or antenna problems on the Eris.”

Weighing in, it’s fair to say that you have to intentionally grip (pretty tightly) a Blackberry, an HTC Droid Eris, or a Nokia phone to have it drop bars. Where you could accidentally touch “the spot” on an iPhone 4, you have to try pretty hard to do it on competitors phones. I don’t think I’m being unreasonable – that’s my honest observation. I do think Apple reached a bit too far in trying to expose other smartphones – if it’s arguably a “non-issue” on the iPhone 4, why explore “non-issues” on other phones?

[via Engadget (Nokia) and Pocket-Link (HTC)]

Terminology, An App for the English Language

When Federico passed this application onto me, I was virtually told nothing about it. And without any precursor I sat looking at a rather drab icon on an iPad homescreen thinking, “This is going to be really lame.” Already I had judged a book by its cover, and that was a mistake. Terminology for the iPad is a dictionary, thesaurus, and all around word browser for the English language that’s become useful in my daily workflow.

Read more