This Week's Sponsor:

Inoreader

Boost Productivity and Gain Insights with AI-Powered Intelligence Tools

Posts tagged with "apple"

Apple Silently Discontinues Compact Wired Keyboard

Introduced in 2009 together with a new iMac line, the “compact” Apple wired keyboard was basically identical to the standard wireless keyboard but it also featured two USB ports on its sides. As noted by AppleInsider, that keyboard has been quietly discontinued by Apple, as it is not offered as an option on the online store anymore.

Part number is MB869LLA, and it’s still available on some retailer websites – until they run out of stock, I guess. Apple’s wireless keyboard that ships by default with every new desktop Mac is available here at $69.

Apple Looking For iAd HTML5 Engineer

Just ahead of the launch of European iAds (although we still haven’t managed to find the Renault iAd running on any app) and the Japanese rollout in 2011, a new job posting on Apple’s website reveals that the iAd team is looking for a skilled HTML5 engineer “to help build iAd’s HTML5-based platform for rich content”.

The job posting, which among requirements lists extensive CSS3 knowledge and preferred WebKit development, also confirms that members of the iAd team will have to collaborate “with many groups outside iOS engineering”, namely content publishers who need assistance with the iAd JS framework and user interface design teams at Cupertino.

With the release of iOS 4.2 many expected iAd campaigns to become available on iPad apps as well, but, in spite of the changes in iAd’s framework to support the tablet’s screen, advertisements on the iPad are still nowhere to be seen.

Apple’s iPod-based Point of Sale System Already Deployed

According to 9to5mac, Apple and Gap Inc’s Old Navy stores have started piloting an iPod-based PoS (Point of Sale) system which allows customers to sign receipts with their fingers and print receipts wirelessly to printers in Old Navy’s store.

Apparently, some employees are also wearing mini-printers attached to their belts. This is just so cool. 9to5mac also reports Apple and Gap have been in a close relationship since Gap’s former CEO Millard Drexler has been sitting on Apple’s Board since 1999 and Steve Jobs sat on Gap’s one from 1999 to 2002. Read more

Business Insider: Ping One Of The Biggest Flops of 2010→

Business Insider: Ping One Of The Biggest Flops of 2010

It’s not just Google that can’t master social. Apple also struggles. Ping was launched to much fanfare, but it has utterly failed to gain traction.

Ping was launched in September. It recently became available on the iPad. It also got Twitter integration a few weeks ago. I don’t use it and I don’t see many of my friends using it, but I still think a Ping for apps would be great.

Apps aren’t just for geeks anymore. Will Apple ever deploy its own social app discovery platform?

Permalink

That “Official” Apple Twitter Account? Suspended.

I guess Apple cares about Twitter, after all. Steve Jobs may be out of the tweeting game, but Phil Schiller seems to be enjoying the fact that since he went public (and verified) with his Twitter account he can reply to users and fans, troubleshoot and even advise against jailbreaking. He also posted his personal email address on Twitter and got spam in his inbox. Nice.

VP of iOS Scott Forstall hasn’t tweeted yet, but we’re ready to bet he will start posting messages and Instagram pictures pretty soon. Read more

Renault To Launch First European iAd Tomorrow

Looks like everything’s ready to go for iAds in Europe. With a press release on their official website, European car maker Renault announced that they’ll launch the first iAd campaign in Europe tomorrow, December 2nd.

The advertising campaign will be aimed at promoting the Twizy, a new electric tandem vehicle that will be available next year. It’s a “city car” that’s completely electric and comes with four wheels, a steering wheel and a very unusual shape. The iAd (you can take a look at the video below, in French) will allow users to check on various Twizy information such as charging times. Read more

Attention, RIM: JPMorgan Deploys iPads

Apple CEO Steve Jobs said months ago they didn’t see RIM catching up with Cupertino’s extraordinary success in the “foreseeable future”, and everyone’s been talking about the fast growth of Apple devices such as the iPhone and iPad in the business market (and enterprise). Businesses were already “jumping on the iPad” back in August (and July too, we recall), now the deployment of iOS devices continues with JPMorgan Chase & Co giving iPads to investment bankers.

Bankers will be able to use the iPad for both business and personal use, they’ll be able to download personal apps on the tablet while keeping tabs on their tasks using business apps sold in the App Store or developed internally. Of course the Wall Street folks will have the ability to access their emails, calendars and meeting notes on the iPad. Read more

How The Internet Can Fix Paul Thurrott in 2010→

How The Internet Can Fix Paul Thurrott in 2010

Let’s take a look at Thurrot’s latest piece, “How Apple Can Fix the iPad in 2011”.

The one major change Apple will institute in the existing iPad models is the price, which is far too high for a device that is essentially a large-screen iPod touch.

Considering that current competitors are in the same price range of the iPad, and sometimes way above it, I don’t think pricing is a problem to fix in 2011.

Granted, not everyone is going to want a 7-inch iPad. But this model, positioned squarely between the iPod touch and currently 10-inch iPad, would provide a perfect middle ground, especially for those who will continue to use the iPad for consumption purposes only. (As is the case with virtually all iPad owners today, by the way.)

Same old story all over again. He says Apple needs a smaller iPad, but that won’t change the fact that the iPad is a consumption-only device. Either someone didn’t get the memo, or I haven’t been briefed on the incredible content creation capabilities of the Galaxy Tab.

The iPad’s currently storage allotments are simply too small. Apple should use its iPod touch as a guide and offer 32 GB, 64 GB, and even 128 GB versions of the device.

There’s no 128GB iPod touch.

While Apple clearly intended to include dual cameras in the current iPad–there is a hole designed for this purpose inside the case–it didn’t, and now there’s no way to add one.

That hole is there to make the ambient-light sensor work.

The current iPad’s screen is far too glossy and reflective to be used in many situations, making it less than ideal for eBook reading, movie watching, and other activities where you can more clearly see your own reflection than the onscreen content.

I thought glossy was meant to make movies look better?

Apple currently sells 6 different iPads, three with Wi-Fi only and three with 3G wireless networking as well. Since Apple likely pays something like $6 for a 3G radio, my advice is to simplify the lineup to 2 or 3 models only, differentiated only by storage capacities.

This is the best part. First he says Apple’s selling too many different models, then he goes on to suggest Apple should make a smaller version available as well, with different screen and storage options.

Someone’s confused here.

Permalink