Successful discussions with record labels, followed by the promise of an excellent cloud based service that can be accessed via Android, makes Google’s impending music service incredibly appealing. With the opportunity to instantly open-up a new market to millions of new users and the desire to expand past Apple’s iron fist, there’s an interest here that can’t be avoided.
Posts tagged with "apple"
Google Gaining Momentum with ‘iTunes Killer’
Apple Launches “Newsstand” and “Radio” Sections in the App Store
So here we are again, talking about new sections Apple has introduced in the App Store. Newsstand and Radio, available here and here, feature applications to, ehm, read news and listen to online radios. Apps such as NYT, Instapaper, Reeder and Pandora, Last.fm and Sirius XM are in there.
Now I’m wondering: how long before a section that showcases apps optimized for the Retina Display? I’m tired of browsing AppShopper for that.
Samsung Makes Fun of Apple with Galaxy S Ad [Update: Galaxy S Death Grip Video]
Oh, you’re so funny Samsung. You designed an ad with “Hello” on top, but instead of Ls you put bars in there. Oh, so funny.
Now, please remind us what’s your exact status in the smartphone market, please. It’s so easy to hide mistakes by making fun of someone else.
Darth Vader Calls Apple [Video]
It’s clear that Apple wants the whole Antennagate thing to stop, but people can’t help but releasing spoof videos - and they’re actually pretty funny. Here’s a new one: Darth Vader calls Apple, asking about his iPhone 4.
As TechCrunch reports, the choice lines:
“Are you seriously defending the new phone by saying that it almost performs as well as the old phone? Is that what the plan is?”
“So everybody gets hit with 4 times the radiation just because these idiots can’t work together?”
“Ha ha, and get what, the EVO? I mean those poor saps are having light leaks and their screens peeling off after a couple of days.”
“And don’t even get me started on the Droid X. Uh, let’s see, you take the original phone, remove the physical keyboard, make it as big as a toaster, and still don’t add a front-facing camera? Yeah, that’s progress.”
“Look, just level with me: it’s AT&T isn’t it? If it is just cough or something.”
Mac OS X Server 10.6.4 Update 1.1 Available
A few hours ago Apple released an update for Mac OS X Server, which reaches version 10.6.4 Update 1.1. Check out the full changelog after the break.
Two New Apple Stores Opening This Weekend
It looks like Steve wants more Apple Stores around the world. You know, he’s never satisfied - and can you blame it with those breaking earnings they posted earlier this week?
Anyway, as TUAW and Macsimum News report, two new Apple retail stores are opening this week: a new store in Lexington, KY opening this Saturday at 10am and another store in Columbus, OH.
If you happen to be there, snap a few picture for us. We’ll be glad to post them.
Apple Focusing on Small Business Customers
Expanding past the traditional consumer base, Apple wants to make an impact in the small business market. Instead of focusing on corporate programs, Apple seeks to work with businesses looking to use Macs for business-focused operations.
Apple New World Leader in Software Insecurity?
We’ve read about various vulnerabilities and security issues related to Apple and the software they push out before, and yesterday Ars Technica reported that Apple has become the new world leader in software insecurity. While it’s mentioned that OS X itself isn’t the most insecure in practice, the various pieces of software you use like iTunes, Quicktime, and Safari, all display gaping security flaws that aren’t being addressed.
To illustrate this point, the report includes cumulative figures for the number of vulnerabilities found on a Windows PC with the 50 most widely-used programs. Five years ago, there were more first-party flaws (in Windows and Microsoft’s other software) than third-party. Since about 2007, the balance shifted towards third-party programs. This year, third-party flaws are predicted to outnumber first-party flaws by two-to-one.
There is a valid point to be made: yes, third party software can introduce vulnerabilities to the OS. But what bothers me about the article is two things. The first is that while Apple is known to have plentiful vulnerabilities in their software that should be fixed (quicktime vulnerabilities have been complained about for years now), it’s never addressed how these vulnerabilities affect OS X – Windows is mentioned as the only OS affected by Apple’s software. The second issue I have: it’s not mentioned specifically what vulnerabilities are being exposed and what ill-effects are had on the user. It seems unlike Ars Technica to throw out an article like this without further explaining potential risks for users. Instead, it’s mentioned that third party software is harder to update and Microsoft does a better job of applying patches.
[via Ars Technica]
Apple Appoints Senior VP of Operations Jeff Williams to Address Product Quality
Now joining Tim Cook (Chief Operating Officer), Jeff Williams has been promoted to join Apple’s executive team in order to oversee and ensure product quality. According to AppleInsider, Jeff Williams has previously been responsible managing the company’s supply chain and securing components for the production of the iPod. He also a big player in the success of the iPhone, and will continue to oversea world-wide operations and supply management.
AppleInsider writes,
It’s believed Apple is grooming Williams to take on Cook’s role as chief operation officer in the event that Cook takes over Steve Jobs’ role as the company’s chief executive. Cook has been profiled as the most likely successor to Jobs when Apple’s iconic chief chooses to step down.
[via AppleInsider]