Apple News

Five Fun Games: A $10 Million Treasure Hunt, A Gourmet On The Go Go, Haunting Hamlets and More

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:34:25 +0000

Happy Friday! Here’s this week’s selection by Mac Games and More featuring fun casual games you can play into the weekend. The games include a $10 million treasure hunt, the excellent Murder, She Wrote, an opera for one and more. Stone Loops of Jurassica – Play an addictive game or 10 of this innovative twist on

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Five Fun Games: A $10 Million Treasure Hunt, A Gourmet On The Go Go, Haunting Hamlets and More

iPhone apps weekly digest: The day Mr Mediocre came to town and got smashed in the face by Gorillacam

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:09:02 +0000

It’s time for our weekly digest of tiny iPhone reviews, courtesy of iPhoneTiny.com, with some extra commentary exclusive to Cult of Mac. This time, we review 4×4 Jam, A Doodle Fly, Business Card Reader, Gorillacam, Magnetic Joe, Magnetic Joe 2, Neocell Fighters Evolution, Noise.io LE, Rasta Monkey, Samurai: Way of the Warrior, and Ultimate Video

What are you playing on your iPhone this weekend? Us: “Space Miner: Space Ore Bust”

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:47:16 +0000

It’s Friday, and we’re all a little tired, so welcome to a new weekly whatever here on Cult of Mac, where we’ll spend Friday afternoon feverishly anticipating the forthcoming weekend to be spent gaming on our iPhones with a beer balanced on our bellies. Let us know what you’re playing on your iPhone in the

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What are you playing on your iPhone this weekend? Us: “Space Miner: Space Ore Bust”

Daily Deals: $990 MacBook Pro 2.46GHz, 1.8GHz MacBook Air, 17″ MacBook Pro

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:42:14 +0000

We close out the week (and winter in the U.S.) with a trio of MacBook deals. First up is a MacBook Pro with a 2.46GHz Core 2 Duo processor, along witha 15-inch screen for $999. Next is a 1.8GHz MacBook Air with 64GB of SSD memory for $1,199. Finally, is a fully tricked-out 17-inch MacBook

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Daily Deals: $990 MacBook Pro 2.46GHz, 1.8GHz MacBook Air, 17″ MacBook Pro

TV Becoming Next Competitive Arena for Apple and Google

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:44:20 +0000

For some time, Apple has viewed its Apple TV product as a ‘hobby.’ While the device has been updated occasionally, the streaming video gadget has not been seen as a weapon in Cupertino’s battle with Google for media supremacy. However, that may change as word leaks that Google, Intel and Sony have teamed-up for GoogleTV. A

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TV Becoming Next Competitive Arena for Apple and Google

Would-be iPad killer, the HP Slate, is just a Windows 7 netbook on the inside

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:42:13 +0000

Back when everyone thought Apple’s tablet was going to be called the iSlate, HP stole the rumored name for their own iPad-esque wedge of aluminum and metal, the HP Slate, but the specs remained a mystery. Now Spanish gadget blog Clipset has the details on HP’s forthcoming tablet, confirming pretty much what we knew all

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Would-be iPad killer, the HP Slate, is just a Windows 7 netbook on the inside

Security Expert: “Mac OS X Is Safer, But Less Secure”

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:00:08 +0000

Tech site H-Online has an interesting story today, quoting security expert Charlie Miller about his forthcoming talk at the CanSecWest conference next week. He says OS X is full of security holes. There are lots more than in Windows, he claims. And yet: OS X is a safer system to use. Why? Because, in the words

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Security Expert: “Mac OS X Is Safer, But Less Secure”

27-inch iMac’s panel will be used for K59, Apple’s next Cinema Display

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:46:17 +0000

It was inevitable that Apple’s 27-inch iMac would eventually be stripped off the computer guts that drove it and pared down into Apple’s long-anticipated update to their original LED-backlit Cinema Display… and now that the 27-inch iMac’s perpetual quality assurance problems seem to have been ironed out, it looks like that’s just what we’re

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27-inch iMac’s panel will be used for K59, Apple’s next Cinema Display

UK Heritage Charity Opens Up, Releases iPhone App

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:43:35 +0000

The National Trust is one of the UK’s national treasures – a charity that looks after all manner of old and ancient pieces of British heritage. That means owning and maintaining miles of coastline, acres of woodlands, heaths, mountains and gardens, and quite a few stately homes. The Trust is much loved, but it has something of

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UK Heritage Charity Opens Up, Releases iPhone App

Square-Enix releases trailer for their next iPhone RPG, “Chaos Rings”

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:31:18 +0000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuiXjmhZ4-8 While not a Final Fantasy game per se, Square-Enix’s latest game Chaos Rings (to be released sometime soonish for the iPhone and iPod Touch) has all the hallmarks of their most famous series of JRPGs. A white-haired protagonist wielding a sword bigger than the length of his body? Check. NPCs androgynously envisioned by character

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Square-Enix releases trailer for their next iPhone RPG, “Chaos Rings”

Is Apple Delving into Social Networking Territory?

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:26:57 +0000

MacNN today reported that the U.S. Patent Office has published a patent application from Apple, describing a proximity-based social networking tool. The plan appears to be the ability for people in the same general area (as defined by the span of a WiFi network or Bluetooth connection) to spontaneously form groups and exchange information. The actual text of the patent describes a "trusted service" that tracks time and location info from wireless-enabled devices and invites users in close proximity to virtually connect. The images included were based on the iPhone or iPod touch. It also looks as if sharing your calendar, address book, email, and text messages with other members of a group is as easy as a touch of a button. Part of the description reads, "During private or public events (e.g., concert, tradeshows, business meetings, weddings, rallies), a typical individual may have many brief contacts with individuals for which they would like to have further correspondence post event." In other words, you can easily (and hopefully, only voluntarily) swap contact info and more with others in your general vicinity. So, who is this trusted service that keeps track of where you were, when you were there, and who you were with

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Is Apple Delving into Social Networking Territory?

MoviePeg, The Coolest British iPhone Stand You’ve Seen All Week

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:42:39 +0000

From the wonderful city of Manchester – birthplace of The Smiths and The Fall, unfairly mocked as Rain Capital of England – comes something wonderful and simple for your iPhone: the MoviePeg. It’s wonderful because it’s simple, and it’s simple because it’s really just a piece of plastic with a notch in it. But since no-one

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MoviePeg, The Coolest British iPhone Stand You’ve Seen All Week

iGroups patent suggests Apple is looking at social networking

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:30:00 +0000

Filed under: Apple A new Apple patent is going around that offers up something called “iGroups” functionality — it seems to be a kind of location-based social networking, including an ad-hoc currency functionality between a crowd of Apple devices. It’s pretty interesting , though it sounds more like an idea Apple is playing with than an actual service they’re going to debut. They specifically mention rock concerts and tradeshows (including WWDC), with the plan that someone would start up a “group,” and then individual group members in the same location (determined by GPS) would be able to hook into that group and/or exchange contact info or “tokens” with other members of the same group. Not quite a Foursquare or Facebook competitor (this definitely seems like a much more local service), but a new kind of ad-hoc network based on the idea that everyone in the area who is using an Apple device can connect up in new ways. The “token” idea is interesting, too — it adds a gaming element to the situation that seems very un-Apple. That, more than anything else, is what makes me think this is Apple just covering their bases rather than securing an idea that they plan to put into action. Still, a lot of Apple’s services ( MobileMe , iWork , and so on) tend to be more traditional rather than innovative — they innovate on hardware and often play catch-up on software — they do it well, of course, but their specialty is polish, not necessarily. Diving into a newer arena like social networking would be an interesting move for Apple. iGroups patent suggests Apple is looking at social networking originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . iGroups patent suggests Apple is looking at social networking originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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iGroups patent suggests Apple is looking at social networking

Apple Devotes Entire Home Page To Jerome York Obituary

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:20:38 +0000

If ever you needed a sign that Apple was a different kind of technology company, this is it. What other computer manufacturer would remove its top-selling, hype-inducing, industry-altering new product from the prime spot on its website home page, and replace it with an obituary to an investor? This is one of those “Here’s to the

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Apple Devotes Entire Home Page To Jerome York Obituary

Daily Deals: Apple Nike+, iPhone Juice Pack, MobileNavigator App

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:28:32 +0000

As the week winds down, we offer three deals for Mac fans on the go. First up is Apple’s Nike+ armband for the iPod nano. For iPhone owners, we have Morphie’s JuicePack charging case battery pack for your handset. The unit provides 270 hours of standby or 4.5 hours of talk. Finally, if you are

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Daily Deals: Apple Nike+, iPhone Juice Pack, MobileNavigator App

Report: 400K iPads May Be Pre-Sold By Friday

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:43:48 +0000

Apple may sell 400,000 iPads during the first week of accepting pre-orders for the tablet device, according to two reports Thursday. Apple may sell 200,000 iPads online by mid-Friday for delivery and an equal number destined for pick-up at Apple retail locations. The Cupertino, Calif. company said it will begin shipping iPads April 3. “I

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Report: 400K iPads May Be Pre-Sold By Friday

Apple gives developers ability to schedule app sales

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:40:31 +0000

Apple has just updated their ITunes Connect app submission service to allow developers to schedule pricing changes as well as set specific launch dates for their apps, according to an Twitter by user amcdev. The latter’s a big change: up until now, companies have had no say as to when their apps will go live. Even

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Apple gives developers ability to schedule app sales

Apple to remove screen protectors and films from online store

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:20:06 +0000

If you need a screen protector for your iPhone, prepare to go to Best Buy to pick one up: Apple will no longer be selling screen protectors — including protective cases and screen films — in either its online store or retail outlets starting in May Both MacWorld and iLounge are saying that Apple is likely

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Apple to remove screen protectors and films from online store

Apple removes screen protectors and films from online store

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:20:06 +0000

If you need a screen protector for your iPhone, prepare to go to Best Buy to pick one up: Apple will no longer be selling screen protectors — including protective cases and screen films — in either its online store or retail outlets. Both MacWorld and iLounge are saying that Apple is likely pulling screens in

Up Next: iGroups, Apple’s Social Location App

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:02:57 +0000

Apple has devs to the grindstone for a new social networking app called iGroups. Patently Apple reports that docs out today from the US Patent Office describe a new service that would work on your iPhone and probably MobileMe, too. Let’s say you’re attending SXSW: iGroups would keep you in touch with your co-workers and friends by

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Up Next: iGroups, Apple’s Social Location App

Analyst: Next iPhone Means More Trouble for Palm

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:52:32 +0000

If Palm has problems now, wait until this summer, one analyst predicts. Not only will Apple likely have introduced a new iPhone, but there is BlackBerry-maker RIM, as well as the growing strength of Android-powered handsets. UBS analyst Maynard Um predicts Apple will unveil a new iPhone in June. Although Palm has a deal to promote

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Analyst: Next iPhone Means More Trouble for Palm

Report: Amazon Insisting Publishers Sign 3-Year Kindle Deals

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:42:09 +0000

Publishers are balking at a new requirement by Amazon for three-year contracts aimed at thwarting the current rush toward Apple’s rival iBookstore and iPad. Apple has said it will permit publishers to charge between $13 to $15 for best-selling titles, a premium over Amazon, which keeps titles for its Kindle e-reader at a flat $9.99. A

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Report: Amazon Insisting Publishers Sign 3-Year Kindle Deals

iPhone Developers Gain Ability to Automate Release Date & Price Changes

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:10:19 +0000

(Image courtesy of AppleInsider and iPhones.ru) Apple may take some heat for its App Store policies, but never let it be said that they aren’t constantly working to improve their developer relationships. This week’s big change came in the form of new tools to allow iPhone OS developers to set the exact release date of their applications as well as schedule price changes. AppleInsider has all the details on the new changes to Apple’s iTunesConnect web interface, which is not limited only to iPhone OS developers — it applies to all of Apple’s iTunes media partners. The new tools automate two tasks that publishers will likely see as a welcome change. Publishers can now schedule a release date in advance for both new and updated applications, which is perfect for developers who want to time an app’s release around a press release or other event. Developers can also schedule price changes to occur at a specific date, or even end them the same way, which will be useful for limited-time sale pricing. Previously, devs had to handle such tasks manually. As you can see from the screenshot courtesy of iPhones.ru above , “a publisher can choose to release an app on March 4th under pricing tier 1 ($0.99) and pre-schedule the price to rise to tier 2 ($1.99) two weeks later,” AppleInsider explains . “Successive price changes could also be scheduled in the interface; it’s not limited to two entries.” Never let it be said that Apple isn’t listening to developers and trying to make their lives easier.

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iPhone Developers Gain Ability to Automate Release Date & Price Changes

Amazon Kindle for Mac Beta Now Available

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:45:32 +0000

After being promised several months ago, Amazon’s free Kindle for Mac has finally arrived in beta form — right as Apple’s iPad and its accompanying iBooks app looms large over the horizon. Kindle for Mac joins a vast array of available options for Amazon e-book buyers. In addition to the company’s own $259 Kindle 2 and $489 Kindle DX hardware options, e-books purchased through Amazon can also be read on the iPhone or iPod touch, Blackberry, Windows PC and now Mac — and presumably an updated iPad version is yet to come as well. According to AppleInsider , Kindle for Mac allows users to purchase and download from Amazon’s ever-expanding catalog of more than 450,000 e-books and read them on the device of your choice. Amazon’s Whispersync technology is featured on all versions of the software and hardware, which automatically saves and synchronizes bookmarks and the last page read across devices. For instance, you can start reading an e-book on the new Mac version, then open the same tome on your iPhone and pick right up where you left off, on the go. "Kindle for Mac is the perfect companion application for customers who own a Kindle or Kindle DX," said Amazon Kindle director Jay Marine. "For those customers around the world who don’t yet have a Kindle, Kindle for Mac is a great way to instantly access and read the most popular new releases as well as their old favorites." Of course, Amazon would probably prefer that e-book buyers still favor the hardware Kindle over the software options, but ultimately the company has done the right thing by making it available on every possible platform — especially given that Apple will likely have its own iBooks for iPad in its own walled garden as usual. Kindle for Mac isn’t quite feature complete yet — Amazon plans to add more new features, such as full text search and the ability to create and edit notes and highlights. The free beta version is available for download now and requires Mac OS X Leopard 10.5 or greater and an Intel processor

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Amazon Kindle for Mac Beta Now Available

Pwnage Smackdown In Vancouver Next Week

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:24:06 +0000

Next week sees the opening of the CanSecWest digital security conference in Vancouver, British Columbia. It’s also going to be host to the annual Pwn2Own contest, where a variety of computers are offered up as prizes to the first individual who can crack their way into them. This is the fourth year of Pwn2Own and the