Napster makes its way to iOS devices
Napster has launched an application for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.The self-titled Napster program allows users to listen to the service's 10 million tracks as often as they'd like. The app includes access to new songs, the top tracks on the Billboard charts, as well as older records dating as far back as 1955. Users can opt to save songs, create playlists, and go back and listen to albums from their iOS-based device. The app also includes an automix feature for users who want to hear artists similar to some of their favorites.Napster's journey to the Apple App Store is one for the ages. Originally a place where users could download music at no cost, the service has barely hung on through the years as the music industry sunk its teeth into it. But survive it did. And in 2008, Best Buy acquired Napster for $121 million.Napster's app is free to download, but in order to access the program's content, users will need to pay $10 per month. Subscribers can also listen to Napster on their browsers at no additional cost.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Mountain Lion Macs will run Mavericks -- report
Mountain Lion Macs will run Mavericks -- report
If you're running a Mac with Mountain Lion on it, you shouldn't have any trouble running Apple's latest operating system.All Macs that are currently capable of running Mountain Lion will be able to run OS X Mavericks, people who claim to have knowledge of the software told AppleInsider in a story published Tuesday. This means that iMacs from mid-2007 and later, MacBooks and MacBook Airs dating back to 2008, and MacBook Pros from 2007 will work just fine.It's important to note, however, that the information AppleInsider reported on is only for the developer preview of Mavericks. It's possible that things could change when the final build is announced. Still, if history is to be our guide, the Macs that work on the developer previews are typically supported in the final builds.Apple announced Mavericks on Monday at its Worldwide Developers Conference. The operating system comes with several enhancements, including iBooks and Maps support, and enhanced handling of notifications.
If you're running a Mac with Mountain Lion on it, you shouldn't have any trouble running Apple's latest operating system.All Macs that are currently capable of running Mountain Lion will be able to run OS X Mavericks, people who claim to have knowledge of the software told AppleInsider in a story published Tuesday. This means that iMacs from mid-2007 and later, MacBooks and MacBook Airs dating back to 2008, and MacBook Pros from 2007 will work just fine.It's important to note, however, that the information AppleInsider reported on is only for the developer preview of Mavericks. It's possible that things could change when the final build is announced. Still, if history is to be our guide, the Macs that work on the developer previews are typically supported in the final builds.Apple announced Mavericks on Monday at its Worldwide Developers Conference. The operating system comes with several enhancements, including iBooks and Maps support, and enhanced handling of notifications.
Mysterious, maybe fake 5th-gen iPad back pops up online
Mysterious, maybe fake 5th-gen iPad back pops up online
It's that time of year again! The lull between Apple product releases, which means -- yep, you guessed it -- mystery parts.The latest, courtesy of 9to5Mac, is a little more exciting than camera modules and home buttons. In fact, it may or may not be the back of the next iPad, perched next to a black iPad Mini for comparison.Some disclaimers: The images' legitimacy is unknown, short of being from an accessory maker in China. The little scuff marks on the back and masking tape around the antennas do nothing but add to the intrigue.Apple is, of course, expected to roll out another new iPad later this year. In fact, it would be strange if the company didn't. Apple's last release of a full-size iPad came right alongside that of the iPad Mini last October, an update that brought some improved internals and the ire of those who plunked down on the third-generation model just months earlier.The photos come about a day after a report thatApple's cooking up a mid-release cycle update to its fourth-generation iPad to offer a 128GB model. That would be double the 64GB size, which is the current top-of-the-line capacity on the iPhone and iPad.
It's that time of year again! The lull between Apple product releases, which means -- yep, you guessed it -- mystery parts.The latest, courtesy of 9to5Mac, is a little more exciting than camera modules and home buttons. In fact, it may or may not be the back of the next iPad, perched next to a black iPad Mini for comparison.Some disclaimers: The images' legitimacy is unknown, short of being from an accessory maker in China. The little scuff marks on the back and masking tape around the antennas do nothing but add to the intrigue.Apple is, of course, expected to roll out another new iPad later this year. In fact, it would be strange if the company didn't. Apple's last release of a full-size iPad came right alongside that of the iPad Mini last October, an update that brought some improved internals and the ire of those who plunked down on the third-generation model just months earlier.The photos come about a day after a report thatApple's cooking up a mid-release cycle update to its fourth-generation iPad to offer a 128GB model. That would be double the 64GB size, which is the current top-of-the-line capacity on the iPhone and iPad.
Most China Mobile 4G users bought iPhone, chairman says
Most China Mobile 4G users bought iPhone, chairman says
This might be a good year for Apple in China.China Mobile Chairman Xi Guohua on Thursday said that "most" of his company's 1.3 million 4G customers have bought the iPhone -- an important success rate for Apple, considering the carrier only started selling the company's handset in January. And despite that figure appearing to be small, China Mobile reported that it expects its total number of 4G subscribers to jump to 50 million by year's end. If Apple can keep its lead, that could mean a boatload of iPhone sales in China.China Mobile has long been the crown jewel in any device maker's plans. The company has 776 million mobile subscribers, making it the largest carrier in the world. China Mobile is aggressively expanding its 4G LTE presence in China, which was reportedly a prerequisite for Apple before it signed a deal with the company. That 4G deal appears to be paying off.Still, it wasn't all good news for China Mobile on Thursday. The company reported its first profit drop in 14 years, blaming it on increased capital investment in 4G networks. Subsidies paid to companies like Apple were also to blame for the drop.(Via Reuters)
This might be a good year for Apple in China.China Mobile Chairman Xi Guohua on Thursday said that "most" of his company's 1.3 million 4G customers have bought the iPhone -- an important success rate for Apple, considering the carrier only started selling the company's handset in January. And despite that figure appearing to be small, China Mobile reported that it expects its total number of 4G subscribers to jump to 50 million by year's end. If Apple can keep its lead, that could mean a boatload of iPhone sales in China.China Mobile has long been the crown jewel in any device maker's plans. The company has 776 million mobile subscribers, making it the largest carrier in the world. China Mobile is aggressively expanding its 4G LTE presence in China, which was reportedly a prerequisite for Apple before it signed a deal with the company. That 4G deal appears to be paying off.Still, it wasn't all good news for China Mobile on Thursday. The company reported its first profit drop in 14 years, blaming it on increased capital investment in 4G networks. Subsidies paid to companies like Apple were also to blame for the drop.(Via Reuters)
Morgan Stanley sees new iPhones by September
Morgan Stanley sees new iPhones by September
A Morgan Stanley note to investors adds to the mounting evidence of new iPhones coming in the fall.In a research note on Wednesday titled, "Systems and PC Hardware Asia Trip Takeaways Part I," Katy Huberty of Morgan Stanley said new iPhones appear to be on the way. "Multiple new iPhone SKUs begin production in Jun/Jul, on track with the Sept launch we model," she wrote in a note sent to investors and obtained by CNET.Related storiesThe iPhone 5S rumor roundupThat's not exactly breaking news -- as speculation of new iPhones has been rife -- but the fact the Huberty is in Asia talking to suppliers lends credence to the September launch of new iPhones, such as the rumored iPhone 5S. This follows a report out of Japan on Tuesday saying that Sharp will begin volume production in June of displays for the "next" iPhone model at its Kameyama plant in Mie prefecture. The release of new iPhone models is expected to coincide with the availability of iOS 7, the next operating system for Apple's mobile devices. The rumored iPhone 5S will also likely have new innards, possibly including an updated processor.
A Morgan Stanley note to investors adds to the mounting evidence of new iPhones coming in the fall.In a research note on Wednesday titled, "Systems and PC Hardware Asia Trip Takeaways Part I," Katy Huberty of Morgan Stanley said new iPhones appear to be on the way. "Multiple new iPhone SKUs begin production in Jun/Jul, on track with the Sept launch we model," she wrote in a note sent to investors and obtained by CNET.Related storiesThe iPhone 5S rumor roundupThat's not exactly breaking news -- as speculation of new iPhones has been rife -- but the fact the Huberty is in Asia talking to suppliers lends credence to the September launch of new iPhones, such as the rumored iPhone 5S. This follows a report out of Japan on Tuesday saying that Sharp will begin volume production in June of displays for the "next" iPhone model at its Kameyama plant in Mie prefecture. The release of new iPhone models is expected to coincide with the availability of iOS 7, the next operating system for Apple's mobile devices. The rumored iPhone 5S will also likely have new innards, possibly including an updated processor.
More watching Netflix on Apple TV than iPad
More watching Netflix on Apple TV than iPad
The Apple TV has eclipsed the iPad in overall viewership of Netflix content, the movie-rental company said yesterday."Apple TV has done very well for us, and in just four months has passed the also-growing iPad in Netflix viewing hours," the company wrote in its letter to shareholders.Netflix stopped short of providing exact viewer figures for the two Apple devices, but the very fact that the Apple TV is now leading the iPad is impressive. Apple has sold millions of iPads since the device launched last year, and it sold 7.33 million units in its last-reported quarter alone. In December, Apple announced that it was nearing 1 million units sold of its set-top box since that device's launch at the end of September.Apple's iPhone is also "very popular" among Netflix streaming customers, but the company reported that "Windows and Mac laptops, Sony PS3, Microsoft Xbox, and Nintendo Wii" are the most popular Netflix-streaming options.Netflix enjoyed a strong 2010. The company reported that it added 7.7 million customers on the year, easily besting its estimated 3.6 million additions. It now has over 20 million customers. Netflix generated a $47 million profit during the fourth quarter on $596 million of revenue.(Via TUAW)
The Apple TV has eclipsed the iPad in overall viewership of Netflix content, the movie-rental company said yesterday."Apple TV has done very well for us, and in just four months has passed the also-growing iPad in Netflix viewing hours," the company wrote in its letter to shareholders.Netflix stopped short of providing exact viewer figures for the two Apple devices, but the very fact that the Apple TV is now leading the iPad is impressive. Apple has sold millions of iPads since the device launched last year, and it sold 7.33 million units in its last-reported quarter alone. In December, Apple announced that it was nearing 1 million units sold of its set-top box since that device's launch at the end of September.Apple's iPhone is also "very popular" among Netflix streaming customers, but the company reported that "Windows and Mac laptops, Sony PS3, Microsoft Xbox, and Nintendo Wii" are the most popular Netflix-streaming options.Netflix enjoyed a strong 2010. The company reported that it added 7.7 million customers on the year, easily besting its estimated 3.6 million additions. It now has over 20 million customers. Netflix generated a $47 million profit during the fourth quarter on $596 million of revenue.(Via TUAW)
More Motorola Xoom 2 leaks- Two models-
More Motorola Xoom 2 leaks: Two models?
After some rather murky initial Xoom 2 speculation was reported earlier in the week, This Is My Next has come up with some more-solid details.Those deets include a 9mm thickness (the iPad 2 is 8.8mm) and a 1.2GHz dual-core processor.This time it may be a Texas Instruments ARM chip variant, according to speculation.The Xoom currently sports a 1GHz Nvidia Tegra 2.The ability to record 1080p video is also expected. Other goodies include Adobe Flash Player 11, Netflix streaming in HD, an optional keyboard case, a stylus pen, and the ability to sync wirelessly to a PC, according to the report. And that's not all.There may be a smaller 8.2-inch 0.95-pound Media Edition coming, too. Tablets and smartphones pouring out of Motorola Mobility over the next 12 months should be compelling considering that well-heeled Google--the provider of the Android software that runs on Motorola's consumer devices--is expected to absorb the company. Perish the thought that this would give Motorola a leg up over rivals in the Android ecosystem! Updated on September 25 at 4:22 p.m. PDT: Added new photo.
After some rather murky initial Xoom 2 speculation was reported earlier in the week, This Is My Next has come up with some more-solid details.Those deets include a 9mm thickness (the iPad 2 is 8.8mm) and a 1.2GHz dual-core processor.This time it may be a Texas Instruments ARM chip variant, according to speculation.The Xoom currently sports a 1GHz Nvidia Tegra 2.The ability to record 1080p video is also expected. Other goodies include Adobe Flash Player 11, Netflix streaming in HD, an optional keyboard case, a stylus pen, and the ability to sync wirelessly to a PC, according to the report. And that's not all.There may be a smaller 8.2-inch 0.95-pound Media Edition coming, too. Tablets and smartphones pouring out of Motorola Mobility over the next 12 months should be compelling considering that well-heeled Google--the provider of the Android software that runs on Motorola's consumer devices--is expected to absorb the company. Perish the thought that this would give Motorola a leg up over rivals in the Android ecosystem! Updated on September 25 at 4:22 p.m. PDT: Added new photo.
More iPhone 5 comparison pictures pop up
More iPhone 5 comparison pictures pop up
The iPhone 5 pictures just keep on leaking. French blog Nowhereelse.fr has another round of pictures of the next iteration of the iPhone, generally dubbed the iPhone 5.While yesterday's batch of pictures showed the front face of the next iPhone stacked up against an iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S, today's set features a fully assembled iPhone 5 next to the existing versions.The phone is placed next to what is labeled as iPhone 4, as well as an iPhone 3GS, which the site mistakenly refers to as an iPhone 3.CNET contacted Apple for comment, and we'll update the story when the company responds. The pictures fall in line with the wave of rumors that have popped up for the next iPhone, which includes a longer body and larger display. The next iPhone is widely expected to also be able to tap into faster 4G LTE networks. Apple is expected to unveil the next iPhone at an event in San Francisco on September 12, though that is completely unofficial at this point. There's an intense buildup of anticipation for the new smartphone because it marks the first time in more than two years that the iPhone will get a new design, with the iPhone 4S getting only software and internal updates.For more information on the next iPhone, check out CNET's rumor roundup page.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
The iPhone 5 pictures just keep on leaking. French blog Nowhereelse.fr has another round of pictures of the next iteration of the iPhone, generally dubbed the iPhone 5.While yesterday's batch of pictures showed the front face of the next iPhone stacked up against an iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S, today's set features a fully assembled iPhone 5 next to the existing versions.The phone is placed next to what is labeled as iPhone 4, as well as an iPhone 3GS, which the site mistakenly refers to as an iPhone 3.CNET contacted Apple for comment, and we'll update the story when the company responds. The pictures fall in line with the wave of rumors that have popped up for the next iPhone, which includes a longer body and larger display. The next iPhone is widely expected to also be able to tap into faster 4G LTE networks. Apple is expected to unveil the next iPhone at an event in San Francisco on September 12, though that is completely unofficial at this point. There's an intense buildup of anticipation for the new smartphone because it marks the first time in more than two years that the iPhone will get a new design, with the iPhone 4S getting only software and internal updates.For more information on the next iPhone, check out CNET's rumor roundup page.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Roundup of Apple announcements
Roundup of Apple announcements
At Apple's fourth straight September music event, Steve Jobs took the stage to update Apple's iPod lineup and iTunes features. CNET's Tom Krazit will have more in-depth analysis for you, while Donald Bell will review the devices and give us his expert reviewer's opinion soon.Until then, here's a quick summary of the newsworthy announcements from this morning's event.iTunes 8 is out. The new Genius feature is a music discovery service, the first for Apple.NBC content is back on the iTunes Store, so we can all get back to downloading The Office after a year-long hiatus.The iPod Classic gets trimmed down in size: a new 120GB iPod for $249. Yes, Microsoft just announced a Zune with those exact specs. Also, the 160GB iPod Classic was discontinued.Oh, and those iPod Nano spy shots we saw? Yeah, they were right on target. New Nanos are longer, slimmer, with curved edges. They come with an accelerometer now and start at $149 for 8GB.New device means new accessories: new, "more sophisticated" in-ear headphones will sell for $79.New iPod Touch: it's slimmer, has iPhone's multitouch technology, and now starts at $229 for 8GB.iPhone and iPod Touch users rejoice: Jobs says the updated OS X 2.1 software will fix a lot of bugs related to dropped calls, battery life problems, and crashing applications.Make sure to check back here throughout the day as our experts weigh in.
At Apple's fourth straight September music event, Steve Jobs took the stage to update Apple's iPod lineup and iTunes features. CNET's Tom Krazit will have more in-depth analysis for you, while Donald Bell will review the devices and give us his expert reviewer's opinion soon.Until then, here's a quick summary of the newsworthy announcements from this morning's event.iTunes 8 is out. The new Genius feature is a music discovery service, the first for Apple.NBC content is back on the iTunes Store, so we can all get back to downloading The Office after a year-long hiatus.The iPod Classic gets trimmed down in size: a new 120GB iPod for $249. Yes, Microsoft just announced a Zune with those exact specs. Also, the 160GB iPod Classic was discontinued.Oh, and those iPod Nano spy shots we saw? Yeah, they were right on target. New Nanos are longer, slimmer, with curved edges. They come with an accelerometer now and start at $149 for 8GB.New device means new accessories: new, "more sophisticated" in-ear headphones will sell for $79.New iPod Touch: it's slimmer, has iPhone's multitouch technology, and now starts at $229 for 8GB.iPhone and iPod Touch users rejoice: Jobs says the updated OS X 2.1 software will fix a lot of bugs related to dropped calls, battery life problems, and crashing applications.Make sure to check back here throughout the day as our experts weigh in.
Pandora iOS update adds autopause, better buffering
Pandora iOS update adds autopause, better buffering
Pandora's latest iOS update includes improved buffering and an autopause feature that stops radio playback when the iPhone listeners mute their phones. It also includes "bug fixes and improvements to keep your music playing as it should."Related storiesIs 'Avatar' giving you the blues?Car Tech Live 151:The best of the Detroit auto show (podcast)EMI licenses songs to new ad-supported siteOn Lego Pandora, everyone gets along just fineIn other words, the Internet's top radio provider is doing everything it can to keep music playing when you want to listen and turn it off when you don't. Pandora pays out more than half its revenue in royalties and is doing everything it can to be sure that it's not paying fees on tunes that are falling on deaf ears.A quick test by CNET failed to get the autopause feature to engage, however. Pandora's update may also be a response to iTunes Radio, the long-awaited, recently launched Apple answer to Internet radio. One of the key features that distinguish iTunes Radio from Pandora is Apple's ability to offer greater control over what listeners choose to hear. That won't change unless Pandora decides to upend its model, abandoning a simple-but-constrained licensing system set up by Congress for direct deals with labels like Apple did.
Pandora's latest iOS update includes improved buffering and an autopause feature that stops radio playback when the iPhone listeners mute their phones. It also includes "bug fixes and improvements to keep your music playing as it should."Related storiesIs 'Avatar' giving you the blues?Car Tech Live 151:The best of the Detroit auto show (podcast)EMI licenses songs to new ad-supported siteOn Lego Pandora, everyone gets along just fineIn other words, the Internet's top radio provider is doing everything it can to keep music playing when you want to listen and turn it off when you don't. Pandora pays out more than half its revenue in royalties and is doing everything it can to be sure that it's not paying fees on tunes that are falling on deaf ears.A quick test by CNET failed to get the autopause feature to engage, however. Pandora's update may also be a response to iTunes Radio, the long-awaited, recently launched Apple answer to Internet radio. One of the key features that distinguish iTunes Radio from Pandora is Apple's ability to offer greater control over what listeners choose to hear. That won't change unless Pandora decides to upend its model, abandoning a simple-but-constrained licensing system set up by Congress for direct deals with labels like Apple did.
iTunes 8 coming at next week's Apple event-
iTunes 8 coming at next week's Apple event?
Add another possibility to the list of possible announcements at Apple's iPod event next week: a new version of iTunes.Digg's Kevin Rose, fresh off his prediction that Apple has a new iPod Nano design in store for next week, shares word from an unnamed source on Wednesday that Apple plans to introduce iTunes 8 at the same event. "iTunes 8 includes Genius, which makes playlists from songs in your library that go great together. Genius also includes Genius sidebar, which recommends music from the iTunes Store that you don't already have," Rose's tipster wrote.I'm a little curious as to how that would actually work: by genre? By tempo? By finding like-minded artists?Would your Biggie and Tupac songs be put together in a playlist because they are both rap tracks? Or would Biggie's songs be put together with your Velvet Underground tracks because they are both from New York? Do Britney and Christina go together? Or Pink Floyd and The Grateful Dead?The use of the word "Genius" is also a little curious, given that Apple already uses that term to describe its army of customer service representatives at its retail stores. Still, such a feature would be convenient, even if it takes half the fun out of making mixes.Rose also reports that iTunes 8 will allow you to view your library as a grid, download HD television shows from the iTunes Store, and "enjoy a stunning new music visualizer" that I'll guess was designed to go along with your new Pink Floyd/Grateful Dead playlist.
Add another possibility to the list of possible announcements at Apple's iPod event next week: a new version of iTunes.Digg's Kevin Rose, fresh off his prediction that Apple has a new iPod Nano design in store for next week, shares word from an unnamed source on Wednesday that Apple plans to introduce iTunes 8 at the same event. "iTunes 8 includes Genius, which makes playlists from songs in your library that go great together. Genius also includes Genius sidebar, which recommends music from the iTunes Store that you don't already have," Rose's tipster wrote.I'm a little curious as to how that would actually work: by genre? By tempo? By finding like-minded artists?Would your Biggie and Tupac songs be put together in a playlist because they are both rap tracks? Or would Biggie's songs be put together with your Velvet Underground tracks because they are both from New York? Do Britney and Christina go together? Or Pink Floyd and The Grateful Dead?The use of the word "Genius" is also a little curious, given that Apple already uses that term to describe its army of customer service representatives at its retail stores. Still, such a feature would be convenient, even if it takes half the fun out of making mixes.Rose also reports that iTunes 8 will allow you to view your library as a grid, download HD television shows from the iTunes Store, and "enjoy a stunning new music visualizer" that I'll guess was designed to go along with your new Pink Floyd/Grateful Dead playlist.
IBM patents TV remote that updates Twitter, Facebook
IBM patents TV remote that updates Twitter, Facebook
The convergence of the Internet and television is here. I can rent videos from iTunes and watch them in my living room while drinking a beer with buddies. I can stream from Netflix via my Xbox 360. I can check my friends' photos on Flickr, watch YouTube, and do all kinds of other stuff over the Web on my television. We'd been promised this years ago. This is good.IBM is taking the idea and going the other way by filing for a patent that would let your TV remote control post what you're watching to your Facebook, Twitter, blog, or other Web service.The idea is to let everyone who follows you on Twitter know you're watching "Real Housewives of New Jersey." A quick look at my own Twitter friends shows that they currently do that manually. I need new friends.I'm hoping the remote technology will have an override so people don't know what you're watching all the time. I certainly don't want my friends to know exactly how much "Star Trek" I actually watch each night or how many Keyboard Cat fail videos I've seen on Flickr. I mean, you wouldn't want to know that, would you?(Source: Dayton Business Journal)
The convergence of the Internet and television is here. I can rent videos from iTunes and watch them in my living room while drinking a beer with buddies. I can stream from Netflix via my Xbox 360. I can check my friends' photos on Flickr, watch YouTube, and do all kinds of other stuff over the Web on my television. We'd been promised this years ago. This is good.IBM is taking the idea and going the other way by filing for a patent that would let your TV remote control post what you're watching to your Facebook, Twitter, blog, or other Web service.The idea is to let everyone who follows you on Twitter know you're watching "Real Housewives of New Jersey." A quick look at my own Twitter friends shows that they currently do that manually. I need new friends.I'm hoping the remote technology will have an override so people don't know what you're watching all the time. I certainly don't want my friends to know exactly how much "Star Trek" I actually watch each night or how many Keyboard Cat fail videos I've seen on Flickr. I mean, you wouldn't want to know that, would you?(Source: Dayton Business Journal)
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