Apple's rumored 'Replay' service a ways off
The rumors from last week about Apple being "on the edge" of launching a cloud movie service, which would enable iTunes users to stream movies from Apple's servers and then re-download them to other devices, are at best premature. Apple has yet to sign cloud agreements for feature films with at least four of the top six film studios, according to multiple film industry sources who spoke to CNET. Apple has indeed pursued such agreements, which CNET reported in May, but Apple's negotiations could drag on for months before the company acquires cloud rights from all six film studios, the sources said. A launch is not imminent, the sources said. Cloud computing is the term used to describe when a person performs computing chores on some third party's servers instead of their own PC. The cloud supposedly represents the next generation of media management and many consumers as well as studio executives are eagerly waiting to see what Apple can do with its cloud. Apple has announced that a cloud service is coming for music and last week rolled out an offering that enables iTunes users to re-download TV shows. But a cloud service for films is going to be a tougher nut to crack for Apple. Here's why: Related links• Apple still trying to land films, TV shows for iCloud• HBO likely to clear way for cloud video, UltraViolet• Is UltraViolet on track with effort to seed cloud?One reason is the HBO window. During specific periods of time--often referred to in the film industry as windows--HBO owns the exclusive electronic distribution rights of films from three of the six top films studios: 20th Century Fox, Universal, and Warner Bros. Any retailer that wishes to sell physical DVDs from these studios during HBO's window is totally unrestricted. But online retailers are legallyprevented from delivering movie downloadsfrom the three HBO-restricted studios during HBO's window and they also can't stream titles from those studios. This means that right now iTunes can't stream a movie to a customer during the HBO window that the customer may have purchased outside of the window. Not only are these agreements one reason for the hold up to the roll out of Apple's cloud-movie service, but they are also a roadblock for UltraViolet, a cloud platform backed by all of the large studios with the exception of Disney. In addition, while Apple has discussed different video-on-demand deals with the studios, there's no truth to another rumor that floated around last week about agreements Apple had in place to create a subscription film service to rival Netflix, according to industry insiders. Will Disney license Apple's movie cloud? The company enjoys a cozy relationship with Apple's CEO and is one of the studios not restricted by an exclusive HBO distribution deal.Greg Sandoval/CNETThe main takeaway from all this is that one of the most powerful people in cloud video now is Jeff Bewkes, CEO of Time Warner, the media conglomerate and parent company of HBO, Warner Bros. Studios and CNN. HBO is not blocking the streaming delivery of films with the intent to prevent customers from acquiring legally purchased moves, according to multiple industry insiders. HBO is trying to cover its backside. The company entered into electronic-distribution agreements with Fox, Universal, and Warner long before cloud-video services came along. The contracts are tricky and complex, and HBO doesn't want to give up certain rights without making sure it won't put the company at a disadvantage later on. The sources say that one scenario HBO wants to avoid is allowing services to stream movies purchased on a pay-per-view basis during the HBO window and then deciding later to switch and sell films on a subscription basis. A rival could conceivably use a relaxed HBO window to offer older titles from NBC, Fox and Warner for less money than what HBO charges and compete with HBO. Click on photo to read 'Why Time Warner rules the cloud."Greg Sandoval/CNETThese are just some of HBO's concerns, but regardless, the word going around is that Time Warner and Bewkes are committed to cloud distribution and to getting a deal done. They are close to a final agreement with at least one of the studios that would allow it to sell streaming rights during the HBO window. (Grain of salt time: I was told last spring that a deal would get done by mid summer.)So, for Apple and the company's quest to acquire cloud-streaming rights, the chances look good, but it's going to take some time. As for the studios not covered by an exclusive HBO distribution agreement, it's unclear where they stand but sources said that Apple doesn't have agreements in place with all of these studios either. Apple CEO Steve Jobs is the largest individual Disney shareholder so that would appear to be a slam dunk. Sony Pictures is a big booster of cloud distribution and and of UltraViolet, so that studio seems a likely Apple partner. As for Paramount, the studio's parent company, Viacom, seems more bullish on digital distribution than ever. With Google, Hulu, Amazon, Apple and Netflix competing in the streaming-video business, they are helping to bid up content prices. Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman remarked on that last week following the company's earnings report and added that traditional movie distributors, such as cable and satellite operators, are also looking to acquire Web rights. So maybe the message from Hollywood is that regardless of who's distributing video over the Web, if you want content you had better be prepared to pay because if you don't someone else will.
Next Issue magazine app lands on iPad
Next Issue magazine app lands on iPad
Earlier this year, Next Issue Media introduced a unique approach that could revolutionize the way digital magazines are sold. In what has been referenced as a Netflix-for-magazines-like scheme, tablet owners can essentially pay $10-$14 a month for all the magazines that they want to read -- not just one title but any of the "premiere" titles from the likes of Conde Nast, Time Inc,. and Hearst.Initially, the platform has only been available for Android tablets running Honeycomb. CEO Morgan Guenther noted in an interview last week that the service already has approximately 40,000 accounts signed up at highest level with 12,000 active users.But now, Next Issue is taking things to the next level with the introduction of its app on the iPad, with 39 titles ready immediately and more promised to be added to the library later this year. Some examples already in the catalog include Bon Appétit, Golf Digest, GQ, Vogue and Wired. For reference, here's how the pricing scale breaks down: Unlimited Basic: Includes titles published monthly and bi-weekly, including back issues, for $9.99 per monthUnlimited Premium: Includes all titles in the catalog, including weeklies, and back issues, such as Entertainment Weekly, People, Sports Illustrated, The New Yorker, TIME for $14.99 per month Individual magazine subscriptions range from $1.99 to $9.99 per monthIndividual magazine issues are available from $2.49 to $5.99 per issue When asked about potential competitors in the digital magazine space such as Zinio or even Apple's Newsstand, Guenther reiterated that Next Issue is really alone in the market in terms of what it offers. "We're happy to have consumers discover digital magazines through one-click on iTunes," Guenther commented. "It helps to drive more adoption. It's just a different path. I don't see any channel conflict within the Apple environment or the Google Play environment." Guenther compared Next Issue and Zinio to on-demand services versus traditional cable packages.With Zinio, there are thousands of titles available from all over the world, but Next Issue is only focusing on some of the most popular weekly and monthly glossies. Nevertheless, Guenther did reveal that Next Issue is plotting to expand its library with more international titles, starting with adding more English-language magazines first. Other goals for this year and next include add more social and personalization elements as well as added support for Windows 8.Next Issue for iPad is available now in the United States with support for all iPad models. 30-day free trials are also available for all subscription plans.
Earlier this year, Next Issue Media introduced a unique approach that could revolutionize the way digital magazines are sold. In what has been referenced as a Netflix-for-magazines-like scheme, tablet owners can essentially pay $10-$14 a month for all the magazines that they want to read -- not just one title but any of the "premiere" titles from the likes of Conde Nast, Time Inc,. and Hearst.Initially, the platform has only been available for Android tablets running Honeycomb. CEO Morgan Guenther noted in an interview last week that the service already has approximately 40,000 accounts signed up at highest level with 12,000 active users.But now, Next Issue is taking things to the next level with the introduction of its app on the iPad, with 39 titles ready immediately and more promised to be added to the library later this year. Some examples already in the catalog include Bon Appétit, Golf Digest, GQ, Vogue and Wired. For reference, here's how the pricing scale breaks down: Unlimited Basic: Includes titles published monthly and bi-weekly, including back issues, for $9.99 per monthUnlimited Premium: Includes all titles in the catalog, including weeklies, and back issues, such as Entertainment Weekly, People, Sports Illustrated, The New Yorker, TIME for $14.99 per month Individual magazine subscriptions range from $1.99 to $9.99 per monthIndividual magazine issues are available from $2.49 to $5.99 per issue When asked about potential competitors in the digital magazine space such as Zinio or even Apple's Newsstand, Guenther reiterated that Next Issue is really alone in the market in terms of what it offers. "We're happy to have consumers discover digital magazines through one-click on iTunes," Guenther commented. "It helps to drive more adoption. It's just a different path. I don't see any channel conflict within the Apple environment or the Google Play environment." Guenther compared Next Issue and Zinio to on-demand services versus traditional cable packages.With Zinio, there are thousands of titles available from all over the world, but Next Issue is only focusing on some of the most popular weekly and monthly glossies. Nevertheless, Guenther did reveal that Next Issue is plotting to expand its library with more international titles, starting with adding more English-language magazines first. Other goals for this year and next include add more social and personalization elements as well as added support for Windows 8.Next Issue for iPad is available now in the United States with support for all iPad models. 30-day free trials are also available for all subscription plans.
Budget shopping tips- Desktop computers
Budget shopping tips: Desktop computers
Beware the NettopWe've seen various definitions for "Nettop."Our own Erica Ogg defined them as all-in-ones with Intel's Atom CPU, the chip family common to many Netbooks. We've also seen small, screenless systems like Asus' Eee Box, and the Acer Revo called Nettops. The common thread seems to be that, like Netbooks, Nettops use a low-cost, low-power CPU; among them the Intel Atom, the Via Nano (which we have yet to see outside of a Netbook), or AMD's Athlon 2650e.What we're certain of is that every system we'd call a Nettop has turned in abysmal performance in the CNET Lab. We're not talking about 3D gaming performance, which we don't even bother testing at this level. We mean everyday slow. "About 15 minutes to convert a single CD into iTunes" slow. We prefer "Nyet-top"The common excuse for this performance is that Nettops are only supposed to work as a dedicated Internet PCs. You might expect such a system would offer a huge price break from a real desktop then. Not true. The Asus Eee Box, for example, cost $350 when it came out last year. For just $50 more, you could have purchased an eMachines T5274 midtower, which was four to five times faster than the Eee Box.For a more recent example, we just finished testing eMachines' new EL1300G-01w (review up soon), which goes for $299. This system also uses the AMD Athlon 2650e chip, which gets you the same snail's-pace performance as the Eee Box. And also as with the Eee Box, for $50 or $100 more than the EL1300g-01w, you can find much faster desktops using Intel Dual Core or AMD Athlon X2 chips, such as eMachines' own $350 ET1161-07.Dell's Studio One 19: not a Nettop.Sarah Tew/CNETAll-in-one Nettops need hate, tooStandalone Nettops aren't alone in offering poor performance with little cost benefit. Averatec's and MSI's 18.4-inch all-in-one Nettops offer the same slow Atom CPUs for $549 and $599, respectively. Those prices might seem pretty good for all-in-ones with such large screens, but take a look atthe Dell Studio One 19. Our review of that Dell system covered a $1,000-plus configuration with a 18.5-inch screen and a 2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E5200 chip, but the Studio One 19 starts at $699. At that price you get the same fast CPU and the same display as our review unit, for just $100 to $150 more than the dog-slow all-in-one Nettops.We'll agree that for many people, $150 or $100 is not insignificant. And if all you want is a working computer for the lowest price, a Nettop will do the job. But please free yourself from any illusion that a Nettop offers a good deal. We'd also urge those who can to spend just a little bit extra on a real desktop, which offers the performance, and therefore time savings, to quickly offset the added cost.
Beware the NettopWe've seen various definitions for "Nettop."Our own Erica Ogg defined them as all-in-ones with Intel's Atom CPU, the chip family common to many Netbooks. We've also seen small, screenless systems like Asus' Eee Box, and the Acer Revo called Nettops. The common thread seems to be that, like Netbooks, Nettops use a low-cost, low-power CPU; among them the Intel Atom, the Via Nano (which we have yet to see outside of a Netbook), or AMD's Athlon 2650e.What we're certain of is that every system we'd call a Nettop has turned in abysmal performance in the CNET Lab. We're not talking about 3D gaming performance, which we don't even bother testing at this level. We mean everyday slow. "About 15 minutes to convert a single CD into iTunes" slow. We prefer "Nyet-top"The common excuse for this performance is that Nettops are only supposed to work as a dedicated Internet PCs. You might expect such a system would offer a huge price break from a real desktop then. Not true. The Asus Eee Box, for example, cost $350 when it came out last year. For just $50 more, you could have purchased an eMachines T5274 midtower, which was four to five times faster than the Eee Box.For a more recent example, we just finished testing eMachines' new EL1300G-01w (review up soon), which goes for $299. This system also uses the AMD Athlon 2650e chip, which gets you the same snail's-pace performance as the Eee Box. And also as with the Eee Box, for $50 or $100 more than the EL1300g-01w, you can find much faster desktops using Intel Dual Core or AMD Athlon X2 chips, such as eMachines' own $350 ET1161-07.Dell's Studio One 19: not a Nettop.Sarah Tew/CNETAll-in-one Nettops need hate, tooStandalone Nettops aren't alone in offering poor performance with little cost benefit. Averatec's and MSI's 18.4-inch all-in-one Nettops offer the same slow Atom CPUs for $549 and $599, respectively. Those prices might seem pretty good for all-in-ones with such large screens, but take a look atthe Dell Studio One 19. Our review of that Dell system covered a $1,000-plus configuration with a 18.5-inch screen and a 2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E5200 chip, but the Studio One 19 starts at $699. At that price you get the same fast CPU and the same display as our review unit, for just $100 to $150 more than the dog-slow all-in-one Nettops.We'll agree that for many people, $150 or $100 is not insignificant. And if all you want is a working computer for the lowest price, a Nettop will do the job. But please free yourself from any illusion that a Nettop offers a good deal. We'd also urge those who can to spend just a little bit extra on a real desktop, which offers the performance, and therefore time savings, to quickly offset the added cost.
The 404 414- Where we eat Snow Leopard for dinner
The 404 414: Where we eat Snow Leopard for dinner
Wilson's back, but we figure everyone is tired of hearing about the Apple Mac OS X Snow Leopard by now, so we shift gears and talk about Walmart shoppers instead. Behold: a new blog documenting the People of Walmart. While Wilson "Tennessee" Tang thinks this all looks pretty typical, Jeff and I are straight up spooked. It's humiliating enough to set foot in a Walmart, but what if I just need to pick up deodorant? Now I have to worry about being publicly humiliated on this blog too? And who brought that goat into the store?After our rant is over, we move on to dissect a few upcoming movies like James Cameron's newest science fiction CGI powerhouse, "Avatar." The weird part is that James Cameron has been planning this movie for 10 years but hasn't been able to make it because the technology just wasn't there. Well, now it's here...and the movie looks like a cheesy cut scene from Halo. Next up on the butcher block is "Cirque de Freak: The Vampire's Assistant." Don't get me wrong, I love me some John C. Reilly, but a convincing vampire he is not. When was the last time you've seen a bloodsucker with curly hair? The rest of the show devolves into the three hosts doing vampire impressions, which isn't incredibly hard to do, just follow these three steps:Talk loudly and open-mouthedRaise the intonation of your voice at the end of every sentenceDon't forget the "AH AH AHHH" at the endIf you're like Wilson and don't have anything to do over the weekend, why don't you give us a call at 1-866-404-CNET and tell us what's on your mind? We're also on Twitter, Facebook, and Meetup as well, so there's really no excuse for falling out of touch. Or, if you have a suggestion for our Weekend Throwback Episode, let me know in a comment below!EPISODE 414PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Wilson's back, but we figure everyone is tired of hearing about the Apple Mac OS X Snow Leopard by now, so we shift gears and talk about Walmart shoppers instead. Behold: a new blog documenting the People of Walmart. While Wilson "Tennessee" Tang thinks this all looks pretty typical, Jeff and I are straight up spooked. It's humiliating enough to set foot in a Walmart, but what if I just need to pick up deodorant? Now I have to worry about being publicly humiliated on this blog too? And who brought that goat into the store?After our rant is over, we move on to dissect a few upcoming movies like James Cameron's newest science fiction CGI powerhouse, "Avatar." The weird part is that James Cameron has been planning this movie for 10 years but hasn't been able to make it because the technology just wasn't there. Well, now it's here...and the movie looks like a cheesy cut scene from Halo. Next up on the butcher block is "Cirque de Freak: The Vampire's Assistant." Don't get me wrong, I love me some John C. Reilly, but a convincing vampire he is not. When was the last time you've seen a bloodsucker with curly hair? The rest of the show devolves into the three hosts doing vampire impressions, which isn't incredibly hard to do, just follow these three steps:Talk loudly and open-mouthedRaise the intonation of your voice at the end of every sentenceDon't forget the "AH AH AHHH" at the endIf you're like Wilson and don't have anything to do over the weekend, why don't you give us a call at 1-866-404-CNET and tell us what's on your mind? We're also on Twitter, Facebook, and Meetup as well, so there's really no excuse for falling out of touch. Or, if you have a suggestion for our Weekend Throwback Episode, let me know in a comment below!EPISODE 414PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Microsoft apologizes for 'vile' Amy Winehouse tweet
Microsoft apologizes for 'vile' Amy Winehouse tweet
Yet some people seemed to find this tweet highly offensive. Cynical, even. A tweeter called Simon Riley offered: "Crass much?" Shaney Hudson suggested: "Vile leeches- seriously?" And Stuart Houghton tweeted: "Stay classy Microsoft PR jackals."Other tweeters, though, thought this was overreaction. David Smyth, for example, declared: "It's what she would have wanted."I have no reason to believe that Winehouse was a Zune aficionado. However, it's clear that Microsoft reads its Twitter feed, for it soon replied: "Apologies to everyone if our earlier Amy Winehouse 'download' tweet seemed purely commercially motivated. Far from the case, we assure you."Many might suggest that, oh yes, it was purely commercially motivated and that nobody should be surprised. It's not as if Microsoft is alone in bringing Winehouse's music to people's attention after her death. Apple also put a picture of Winehouse on the iTunes front door with the words "Remembering Amy Winehouse".However, Microsoft seems to have compounded its confused demeanor by sending out another tweet that read: "With Amy W's passing, the world has lost a huge talent. Our thoughts are with Amy's family and friends at this very sad time."The original tweet, though, is still on the Tweetbox360 Twitter feed at the time of writing. Which means that perhaps not all Tweetbox360's thoughts are with Winehouse's family and friends. It also means that tweeters still have the opportunity to give their opinions on Microsoft U.K.'s writing skills. Microsoft's apologies don't seem to have done much good. As tweeter Bec Vaughan says in response to Microsoft's apology: "Why don't you let people download for free then?"Oh, but wouldn't that feel like taking advantage?
Yet some people seemed to find this tweet highly offensive. Cynical, even. A tweeter called Simon Riley offered: "Crass much?" Shaney Hudson suggested: "Vile leeches- seriously?" And Stuart Houghton tweeted: "Stay classy Microsoft PR jackals."Other tweeters, though, thought this was overreaction. David Smyth, for example, declared: "It's what she would have wanted."I have no reason to believe that Winehouse was a Zune aficionado. However, it's clear that Microsoft reads its Twitter feed, for it soon replied: "Apologies to everyone if our earlier Amy Winehouse 'download' tweet seemed purely commercially motivated. Far from the case, we assure you."Many might suggest that, oh yes, it was purely commercially motivated and that nobody should be surprised. It's not as if Microsoft is alone in bringing Winehouse's music to people's attention after her death. Apple also put a picture of Winehouse on the iTunes front door with the words "Remembering Amy Winehouse".However, Microsoft seems to have compounded its confused demeanor by sending out another tweet that read: "With Amy W's passing, the world has lost a huge talent. Our thoughts are with Amy's family and friends at this very sad time."The original tweet, though, is still on the Tweetbox360 Twitter feed at the time of writing. Which means that perhaps not all Tweetbox360's thoughts are with Winehouse's family and friends. It also means that tweeters still have the opportunity to give their opinions on Microsoft U.K.'s writing skills. Microsoft's apologies don't seem to have done much good. As tweeter Bec Vaughan says in response to Microsoft's apology: "Why don't you let people download for free then?"Oh, but wouldn't that feel like taking advantage?
'Fusion' chip on rise as Netbooks become un-Netbooks
'Fusion' chip on rise as Netbooks become un-Netbooks
So, is Fusion that much better than Atom?Let's put it this way: Though AMD's Fusion processors don't clobber comparable Atom chips in benchmarks, Fusion offers enough of a performance cushion over Atom for PC makers like Sony, Hewlett-Packard, and Lenovo to create new designs. Sony and HP, among others, are using Fusion in 11.6-inch designs that are designated simply as small laptops.(See CNET review of HP Pavilion dm1Z with commentary about AMD's Fusion chip performance vis-a-vis Atom.)Not surprisingly, Intel disagrees about the demise of Netbooks--though in a phone interview Friday, the chipmaker's marketing chief said tablets are having some impact. "It is fair to say that if people have discretionary income and they're going to spend 500 or 600 dollars, it's a tablet today [which] could have been a Netbook a year ago. So, there's no question there's a substitution that could be happening there," said Tom Kilroy, a senior vice president and general manager at Intel's Sales and Marketing Group.And a couple of final thoughts about Netbooks: Apple is also doing its part to diminish the format. Though there's a gaping price difference between, let's say, a $300 Atom-based 10-inch Netbook and a $999 11.6-inch MacBook Air, Apple offers consumers a clearly superior choice to a Netbook. And let's not forget the Chromebook, a dark horse in all of this.These small (11- and 12-inch) Google Chrome OS-based laptops, due in June, are powered by Intel's latest dual-core Atom processors. Atom's performance characteristics are better suited to the Chrome OS than Microsoft's resource- and performance-intensive Windows 7, which runs (slowly) on all Netbooks today.
So, is Fusion that much better than Atom?Let's put it this way: Though AMD's Fusion processors don't clobber comparable Atom chips in benchmarks, Fusion offers enough of a performance cushion over Atom for PC makers like Sony, Hewlett-Packard, and Lenovo to create new designs. Sony and HP, among others, are using Fusion in 11.6-inch designs that are designated simply as small laptops.(See CNET review of HP Pavilion dm1Z with commentary about AMD's Fusion chip performance vis-a-vis Atom.)Not surprisingly, Intel disagrees about the demise of Netbooks--though in a phone interview Friday, the chipmaker's marketing chief said tablets are having some impact. "It is fair to say that if people have discretionary income and they're going to spend 500 or 600 dollars, it's a tablet today [which] could have been a Netbook a year ago. So, there's no question there's a substitution that could be happening there," said Tom Kilroy, a senior vice president and general manager at Intel's Sales and Marketing Group.And a couple of final thoughts about Netbooks: Apple is also doing its part to diminish the format. Though there's a gaping price difference between, let's say, a $300 Atom-based 10-inch Netbook and a $999 11.6-inch MacBook Air, Apple offers consumers a clearly superior choice to a Netbook. And let's not forget the Chromebook, a dark horse in all of this.These small (11- and 12-inch) Google Chrome OS-based laptops, due in June, are powered by Intel's latest dual-core Atom processors. Atom's performance characteristics are better suited to the Chrome OS than Microsoft's resource- and performance-intensive Windows 7, which runs (slowly) on all Netbooks today.
FTC takes to Twitter to explain $22.5M fine against Google
FTC takes to Twitter to explain $22.5M fine against Google
The Federal Trade Commission took to social media to answer question about the $22.5 million fine it slapped against Google this morning for allegedly tracking people using Apple's Safari browser even though Safari tells users it blocks cookies by default.The fine, while tiny for Google, amounts to the largest penalty ever for the violation of an FTC order. Read the details here.While FTC representatives also took to Twitter and Facebook, the action took place on Twitter. The answers, however, were far from enlightening. The FTC reps sounded like they were tweeting from talking points -- should that be "tweeting points"? -- which was probably the case. When asked how "can msg sent be 'clear' when there's no admission of liability or explanation of violation or fine?" an FTC rep tweeted: "What's impt is actions not words; $22.5M is loud."Another: "What impact do you hope the settlement will have on Web industry? Answer from @FTC: "We want eb industry to abide by the promises it makes to consumers."One participant, @Swiftstories, asked for specifics: "How many Safari users affected by Google modifications and how was that used to compute $22.5M fine." To which @FTC said: "Hard to know exactly. Est 190M Safari users worldwide but not all saw Google's (missteps. Penalty = many factors in case law."And on it went. @caseyoppenheim asked if there was "an analysis of how much Google profited form the violation?" The answer:And another:
The Federal Trade Commission took to social media to answer question about the $22.5 million fine it slapped against Google this morning for allegedly tracking people using Apple's Safari browser even though Safari tells users it blocks cookies by default.The fine, while tiny for Google, amounts to the largest penalty ever for the violation of an FTC order. Read the details here.While FTC representatives also took to Twitter and Facebook, the action took place on Twitter. The answers, however, were far from enlightening. The FTC reps sounded like they were tweeting from talking points -- should that be "tweeting points"? -- which was probably the case. When asked how "can msg sent be 'clear' when there's no admission of liability or explanation of violation or fine?" an FTC rep tweeted: "What's impt is actions not words; $22.5M is loud."Another: "What impact do you hope the settlement will have on Web industry? Answer from @FTC: "We want eb industry to abide by the promises it makes to consumers."One participant, @Swiftstories, asked for specifics: "How many Safari users affected by Google modifications and how was that used to compute $22.5M fine." To which @FTC said: "Hard to know exactly. Est 190M Safari users worldwide but not all saw Google's (missteps. Penalty = many factors in case law."And on it went. @caseyoppenheim asked if there was "an analysis of how much Google profited form the violation?" The answer:And another:
FTC looking into Apple's in-app purchasing policy
FTC looking into Apple's in-app purchasing policy
The Federal Trade Commission will review how Apple markets games with in-app purchases, but not for the reason you may think.Apple introduced a controversial policyfor developers last week when it said that it would take a 30 percent cut of revenue generated from subscription publishing apps that included in-app purchases. Apple also said it would only accept apps whose subscription offers through its iOS app are consistent with the lowest price offered by the publisher elsewhere. The U.S. Department of Justice said last week it would take a look at Apple's policy, but stopped short of launching any kind of formal inquiry.Today FTC Chairman John Leibowitz wrote a letter to Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) saying he would review the way Apple is marketing in-app purchases, in particular apps aimed at children, according to The Washington Post. Last week the Post reported on parents having to pay massive bills generated by their children making purchases within apps. Children are able to buy items within games that cost real money without fully understanding what they're doing, the report asserts.In portions of the letter published by the Post, Leibowitz wrote to Markey, "We fully share your concern that consumers, particularly children, are unlikely to understand the ramifications of these types of purchases...Let me assure you we will look closely at the current industry practice with respect to the marketing and delivery of these types of applications."Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Federal Trade Commission will review how Apple markets games with in-app purchases, but not for the reason you may think.Apple introduced a controversial policyfor developers last week when it said that it would take a 30 percent cut of revenue generated from subscription publishing apps that included in-app purchases. Apple also said it would only accept apps whose subscription offers through its iOS app are consistent with the lowest price offered by the publisher elsewhere. The U.S. Department of Justice said last week it would take a look at Apple's policy, but stopped short of launching any kind of formal inquiry.Today FTC Chairman John Leibowitz wrote a letter to Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) saying he would review the way Apple is marketing in-app purchases, in particular apps aimed at children, according to The Washington Post. Last week the Post reported on parents having to pay massive bills generated by their children making purchases within apps. Children are able to buy items within games that cost real money without fully understanding what they're doing, the report asserts.In portions of the letter published by the Post, Leibowitz wrote to Markey, "We fully share your concern that consumers, particularly children, are unlikely to understand the ramifications of these types of purchases...Let me assure you we will look closely at the current industry practice with respect to the marketing and delivery of these types of applications."Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
FTC seeks Apple testimony in Google antitrust probe
FTC seeks Apple testimony in Google antitrust probe
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has reportedly taken an interest in the mobile side of a business relationship between Apple and Google, and wants it on the record.Citing two people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reports that the U.S. regulatory group has subpoenaed Apple in hopes of getting details about its mobile-search deal with Google. That includes information on the agreement that has made Google the default search engine on Apple's iPhone, iPad, and iPhone since 2007, the report said. The subpoena, which Apple did not confirm or comment on to Bloomberg, is part of a larger investigation by the FTC to figure out whether Google has used unfair or deceptive business practices. The FTC and the U.S. Senate already have investigations under way focused on concerns that Google unfairly promotes its own services in its search results. Related storiesFTC, Senate rachet up Google antitrust probesEPIC to FTC: Google Search Plus may violate privacy, antitrust rulesGoogle settles FTC charges over BuzzA Google spokesman declined comment on the report.While Google has long been the default search engine on Apple's iOS, there are other options. In the United States, that includes Yahoo and Microsoft's Bing, the latter of which became an option in mid-2010. Just ahead of that addition, there was a rumor that Microsoft had won a deal with Apple to become the iPhone's default search provider, although it was quickly squashed.Updated at 2:47 p.m. with note of Google declining to comment.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has reportedly taken an interest in the mobile side of a business relationship between Apple and Google, and wants it on the record.Citing two people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reports that the U.S. regulatory group has subpoenaed Apple in hopes of getting details about its mobile-search deal with Google. That includes information on the agreement that has made Google the default search engine on Apple's iPhone, iPad, and iPhone since 2007, the report said. The subpoena, which Apple did not confirm or comment on to Bloomberg, is part of a larger investigation by the FTC to figure out whether Google has used unfair or deceptive business practices. The FTC and the U.S. Senate already have investigations under way focused on concerns that Google unfairly promotes its own services in its search results. Related storiesFTC, Senate rachet up Google antitrust probesEPIC to FTC: Google Search Plus may violate privacy, antitrust rulesGoogle settles FTC charges over BuzzA Google spokesman declined comment on the report.While Google has long been the default search engine on Apple's iOS, there are other options. In the United States, that includes Yahoo and Microsoft's Bing, the latter of which became an option in mid-2010. Just ahead of that addition, there was a rumor that Microsoft had won a deal with Apple to become the iPhone's default search provider, although it was quickly squashed.Updated at 2:47 p.m. with note of Google declining to comment.
Fresh iPad rumor- Thinner, lighter version due in March
Fresh iPad rumor: Thinner, lighter version due in March
Another iPad already?Apple is prepping a thinner, lighter fifth-generation iPad that shares some of its design cues with the recently released iPad Mini, according to Japanese blog Macotakara. The report was picked up and translated by 9to5Mac.The report also calls for the next iPad Mini to be released with a Retina display, following other similar reports. The addition wouldn't be surprising, as it was a key missing feature with the original iPad Mini.The release of a next-generation iPad would drastically shorten an already shortened product life cycle for Apple's main tablet. The fourth-generation iPad was released last month, just eight months after the third-generation iPad, and the proposed next version would come just five months later. The March timing has been the company's usual launch period for the iPad. Macotakara cited unnamed sources for its report, and it's unclear whether Apple would want to release an iPad so soon after the last one.But looking back, the fourth-generation iPad could have been the anomaly, a version released to ensure all of Apple's products had the same Lightning dock connector. CNET contacted Apple for comment, and we'll update the story when we get a response.Macotakara calls for the next iPad to have dimensions of 4mm in height, 17mm in width, and 2mm in depth, which is a near physical impossibility. The more likely scenario is that those dimensions represent the difference. The current iPad is 241.2mm in height, 185.7mm in width, and 9.4mm in depth.Presumably, the next iPad would pick up the white and silver and black and slate elements from the iPad Mini, which in turn picked them up from the iPhone 5.
Another iPad already?Apple is prepping a thinner, lighter fifth-generation iPad that shares some of its design cues with the recently released iPad Mini, according to Japanese blog Macotakara. The report was picked up and translated by 9to5Mac.The report also calls for the next iPad Mini to be released with a Retina display, following other similar reports. The addition wouldn't be surprising, as it was a key missing feature with the original iPad Mini.The release of a next-generation iPad would drastically shorten an already shortened product life cycle for Apple's main tablet. The fourth-generation iPad was released last month, just eight months after the third-generation iPad, and the proposed next version would come just five months later. The March timing has been the company's usual launch period for the iPad. Macotakara cited unnamed sources for its report, and it's unclear whether Apple would want to release an iPad so soon after the last one.But looking back, the fourth-generation iPad could have been the anomaly, a version released to ensure all of Apple's products had the same Lightning dock connector. CNET contacted Apple for comment, and we'll update the story when we get a response.Macotakara calls for the next iPad to have dimensions of 4mm in height, 17mm in width, and 2mm in depth, which is a near physical impossibility. The more likely scenario is that those dimensions represent the difference. The current iPad is 241.2mm in height, 185.7mm in width, and 9.4mm in depth.Presumably, the next iPad would pick up the white and silver and black and slate elements from the iPad Mini, which in turn picked them up from the iPhone 5.
Apple promises fix for iOS 6 passcode exploit
Apple says it plans to fix the exploit that lets users gain access to a passcode-locked iPhone even if they don't know the access code."Apple takes user security very seriously," the company said in a statement provided to CNET. "We are aware of this issue, and will deliver a fix in a future software update."The company did not offer a timeline of when such an update would arrive, or offer guidance on any interim way to secure devices. The hack, published last month by a YouTube user, surfaced earlier today and opens up access to the phone application to listen to a user's voice mails, place calls, and view contact information. Attempting to go beyond that sends users back to the passcode screen.Apple's last update to iOS was 6.1.1 earlier this week, which was a supplemental update only for iPhone 4S users that fixed an issue with cellular connectivity and reliability. All other eligible users can update to 6.1, which added 4G LTE support for more carriers on Apple's newest devices, along with a feature that lets users purchase movie tickets from Fandango after finding showtimes using Siri.
Apple prepping iOS 7.0.3 for launch, says report
Apple pushed out iOS 7.0.2 last Thursday, but version 7.0.3 is already being tested for release, at least according to blog site Boy Genius Report.Citing information from unidentified sources, BGR said on Tuesday that Apple has already seeded iOS 7.0.3 to employees and partners for final testing. The exact launch date is uncertain, but BGR said it believes the new version will roll out sometime next week.After releasing iOS 7 on September 18, Apple deployed iOS 7.0.1 for the iPhone 5C and 5S and 7.0.2 for all iOS 7 devices. The latest version fixes a bug that allowed someone to circumvent the lock screen passcode.What new features or fixes might iOS 7.0.3 offer? Well, there may still be bugs to squash.A YouTube video posted on Sunday purports to show someone gaining access to the keypad on an iPhone running iOS 7.0.2 by tapping into the emergency call feature. Some iOS 7 users have also reported trouble sending or receiving SMS messages via iMessage, a problem that persists in version 7.0.2, according to AppleInsider.Apple may then jump straight to iOS 7.1 when it unveils new iPads, which is expected to happen at a launch event sometime this month.
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