The 404 739: Where it's your tuna fish (podcast)
We're back from our four-day weekend despite yesterday's gloomy celebration of Blue Monday, the "holiday" psychologists deem the most miserable day of the year.DragCloseThis 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.Blue Monday is the result of a questionable formula written by psychologist Cliff Arnall in 2005, who calculated that the third Monday of January based on seven variables including weather, debt, monthly salary, time since Christmas, time since failed quitting attempt, low motivational levels, and the need to take action. The formula seems dubious, especially since Arnall was employed by a PR company at its recognition, but it also happened to fall on my 27th birthday, so it might hold water after all.Speaking of B.S., tune into today's episode for a skeptical discussion about astrology based on a random astrologer correctly guessing my birthday yesterday in a coffee shop. Wilson and I don't take astrology very seriously, but the coincidence is enough to make us wonder about its legitimacy. Plus Jeff's daily Aries horoscope is spot-on today! Also, don't worry about your zodiac sign changing, as some media outlets are calling a red herring, and Ophiuchus is old news!In other news, Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced his second medical leave of absence in the last two years. Jobs will remain CEO of the company, but Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook will take responsibility of the day-to-day operations.The company's stocks are already taking a hit with a 4 percent slide just an hour and a half into today's Nasdaq exchange, but we're deferring to our Apple expert Wilson Tang to predict the future of Apple once again.Episode 739PodcastYour 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
Pandora redesigns iPad app as iTunes Radio rolls out
Pandora redesigns iPad app as iTunes Radio rolls out
Pandora's iPad app on Wednesday got its biggest revamp since the Apple tablet came into being. The same day that Apple is slated to roll out iTunes Radio in the US, Pandora added elements like social sharing to its tablet app in the first major changes to the application since debuting on the device when it was introduced in April 2010. PandoraThe Pandora iPad update allows users to learn more about artists and share via Facebook and Twitter. A music feed provides a timeline of your music preferences, such as stations created.At the same time, Pandora updated the rest of its iOS designs to adopt the look and feel of iOS 7, which Apple is set to make available Wednesday, and refreshed its branding, like its logos and icons.Pandora Chief Technology Officer Tom Conrad told CNET in an interview that the fresh coat of paint, not only for the iPad app but also the company's general visual presentation, marks "an evolution of where we've been both in terms of visual design and how we talk about ourselves." "If anything, it's a reflection of a certain amount of maturity," he said. The company will release the redesigned version of the Pandora app for Android tablets this fall.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 siteThe company holds sway at the top of the Internet radio market, but it faces uncertainty as it takes on a major new competitor in iTunes Radio while adjusting toleadership under a new chief executive with a track record in advertising. Pandora has more than 200 million registered users, more than 71 million of whom were regular listeners at the end of last month, but even at the front of the pack, Pandora only represents about 7 percent of US radio listening.
Pandora's iPad app on Wednesday got its biggest revamp since the Apple tablet came into being. The same day that Apple is slated to roll out iTunes Radio in the US, Pandora added elements like social sharing to its tablet app in the first major changes to the application since debuting on the device when it was introduced in April 2010. PandoraThe Pandora iPad update allows users to learn more about artists and share via Facebook and Twitter. A music feed provides a timeline of your music preferences, such as stations created.At the same time, Pandora updated the rest of its iOS designs to adopt the look and feel of iOS 7, which Apple is set to make available Wednesday, and refreshed its branding, like its logos and icons.Pandora Chief Technology Officer Tom Conrad told CNET in an interview that the fresh coat of paint, not only for the iPad app but also the company's general visual presentation, marks "an evolution of where we've been both in terms of visual design and how we talk about ourselves." "If anything, it's a reflection of a certain amount of maturity," he said. The company will release the redesigned version of the Pandora app for Android tablets this fall.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 siteThe company holds sway at the top of the Internet radio market, but it faces uncertainty as it takes on a major new competitor in iTunes Radio while adjusting toleadership under a new chief executive with a track record in advertising. Pandora has more than 200 million registered users, more than 71 million of whom were regular listeners at the end of last month, but even at the front of the pack, Pandora only represents about 7 percent of US radio listening.
Friday Poll- Apple + Valve = What-
Friday Poll: Apple + Valve = What?
Apple meets ValveIf Apple and Valve are indeed teaming up, what would you like to see come out of it?Apple fans joined gaming fanatics in frenetic speculation when Apple CEO Tim Cook was reportedly recently seen at the headquarters of Valve, the maker of ginormously successful games like Half Life and Portal.The supposed visit was hot on the heels of Valve's job posting for someone with hardware skills. "For years, Valve has been all about writing software that provides great gameplay experiences," the post said. "Now we're developing hardware to enhance those experiences, and you can be a key part of making that happen...We're not talking about me-too mice and gamepads here -- help us invent whole new gaming experiences."Is the maker of off-the-charts hardware teaming with the developer of off-the-charts games to create an off-the-charts gaming console? That's what was suggested by Cult of Mac, which first reported Cook's supposed visit. Theblog said Apple's planning a "full-on assault to take over the living room," one that will include a Siri-fied TV set with an iTunes-integrated touch-screen remote -- and a Kinect-like gaming console.But wait: last Friday, a Valve employee mentioned in a blog post that the company has been messing around with "wearable computing."Could that mean, as Forbes suggested, that Apple's CEO is, um, cooking something up with Valve along the lines of Google's Project Glass high-tech specs? And could it, perhaps, be another aspect of this mysterious supposed console? You know, the one that's not about "me-too mice and gamepads"? Will Portal-like robots with Siri-like voices soon be joining us on the subway during our morning commute, no gadgets required (if, that is, you remembered to put in your iPortal contacts)?CNET's Josh Lowensohen reports that a partnership between the two companies is by no means a given. For one thing, the companies have competing distribution systems when it comes to games for the Mac -- Apple's Mac App Store versus Valve's Steam service. But let's just say the frenemies have decided to make a partnership happen. What resulting gizmo would you like? Vote in our poll, and offer up your own frenetic speculation in the comments section.
Apple meets ValveIf Apple and Valve are indeed teaming up, what would you like to see come out of it?Apple fans joined gaming fanatics in frenetic speculation when Apple CEO Tim Cook was reportedly recently seen at the headquarters of Valve, the maker of ginormously successful games like Half Life and Portal.The supposed visit was hot on the heels of Valve's job posting for someone with hardware skills. "For years, Valve has been all about writing software that provides great gameplay experiences," the post said. "Now we're developing hardware to enhance those experiences, and you can be a key part of making that happen...We're not talking about me-too mice and gamepads here -- help us invent whole new gaming experiences."Is the maker of off-the-charts hardware teaming with the developer of off-the-charts games to create an off-the-charts gaming console? That's what was suggested by Cult of Mac, which first reported Cook's supposed visit. Theblog said Apple's planning a "full-on assault to take over the living room," one that will include a Siri-fied TV set with an iTunes-integrated touch-screen remote -- and a Kinect-like gaming console.But wait: last Friday, a Valve employee mentioned in a blog post that the company has been messing around with "wearable computing."Could that mean, as Forbes suggested, that Apple's CEO is, um, cooking something up with Valve along the lines of Google's Project Glass high-tech specs? And could it, perhaps, be another aspect of this mysterious supposed console? You know, the one that's not about "me-too mice and gamepads"? Will Portal-like robots with Siri-like voices soon be joining us on the subway during our morning commute, no gadgets required (if, that is, you remembered to put in your iPortal contacts)?CNET's Josh Lowensohen reports that a partnership between the two companies is by no means a given. For one thing, the companies have competing distribution systems when it comes to games for the Mac -- Apple's Mac App Store versus Valve's Steam service. But let's just say the frenemies have decided to make a partnership happen. What resulting gizmo would you like? Vote in our poll, and offer up your own frenetic speculation in the comments section.
Free DVD ripper supports iPhone 5
Free DVD ripper supports iPhone 5
The iPhone 5's screen may not be huge, but it's definitely a little nicer for watching movies than the old screen.Consequently, you may want to rerip some of your movies to take advantage of the extra screen estate. Just one problem: your old DVD ripper doesn't support the new screen resolution or aspect ratio.Here's one that does -- and it's free. For a limited time, you can get uRexsoft's iPhone DVD Ripper (Win) free of charge.True to its name, the utility copies DVDs to your PC and converts them to iPhone-friendly formats. That's true of any number of rippers (including some freeware ones, as I'm sure a few users will take joy in pointing out), but uRexsoft is among the first developers to add support for the iPhone 5.It also has outputs for all the other iPhone models, as well as the Apple TV and iPod Touch. (Alas, the fifth-gen Touch isn't on the list, though any of the iPhone 5 outputs should work just fine.)To get the program, click here, then click the blue "Get it Free" button. That'll download a zip file containing both the installer and a readme file, the latter containing the license code you'll need to copy and paste into the program the first time you run it.iPhone DVD Ripper worked just fine (albeit rather slowly) on my copy of "Jurassic Park." However, because I don't have an iPhone 5 (though I do have a new iPod Touch on order), I wasn't able to test the resulting rip on anything other than my computer -- where it looked and sounded just fine.The only things not free here are tech support and upgrades. Of course, because giveaways like these happen so regularly, the upgrade issue really isn't one.Bottom line: DVD ripper. Works with iPhone 5. Free. Anything else you need to know?
The iPhone 5's screen may not be huge, but it's definitely a little nicer for watching movies than the old screen.Consequently, you may want to rerip some of your movies to take advantage of the extra screen estate. Just one problem: your old DVD ripper doesn't support the new screen resolution or aspect ratio.Here's one that does -- and it's free. For a limited time, you can get uRexsoft's iPhone DVD Ripper (Win) free of charge.True to its name, the utility copies DVDs to your PC and converts them to iPhone-friendly formats. That's true of any number of rippers (including some freeware ones, as I'm sure a few users will take joy in pointing out), but uRexsoft is among the first developers to add support for the iPhone 5.It also has outputs for all the other iPhone models, as well as the Apple TV and iPod Touch. (Alas, the fifth-gen Touch isn't on the list, though any of the iPhone 5 outputs should work just fine.)To get the program, click here, then click the blue "Get it Free" button. That'll download a zip file containing both the installer and a readme file, the latter containing the license code you'll need to copy and paste into the program the first time you run it.iPhone DVD Ripper worked just fine (albeit rather slowly) on my copy of "Jurassic Park." However, because I don't have an iPhone 5 (though I do have a new iPod Touch on order), I wasn't able to test the resulting rip on anything other than my computer -- where it looked and sounded just fine.The only things not free here are tech support and upgrades. Of course, because giveaways like these happen so regularly, the upgrade issue really isn't one.Bottom line: DVD ripper. Works with iPhone 5. Free. Anything else you need to know?
Ultrabooks to see fast growth, says analyst
Ultrabooks to see fast growth, says analyst
But consumers' preferences will change as they become more acclimated to skinny devices that offer laptop-like utility, such as the iPad and upcoming Amazon Kindle Fire. "To compete with media tablets, notebook PCs must become sexier and more appealing to consumers," said Matthew Wilkins, an iSuppli analyst, in a statement today. "With media tablets having already reversed the expansion of the previously fast-growing netbook platform, PC makers now are keenly aware that the notebook must evolve to maintain market growth and relevance," Wilkins wrote.Apple's iPad is driving a lot this growth. Windows 8 will be a boon to ultrabooks. That operating system will have an advanced touch interface and be more power efficient--in effect, tailor-made for the ultrabook.And Intel's vision of the ultrabook is closely aligned with Windows 8, Wilkins said.That said, prices will have to come down. Acer made a splash last month when it announced its ultrabook for $899 (and it's selling for as little as $840 at some resellers). But that's still pricey and out of the reach for a lot of consumers.Prices will need to be closer to $699 or even $599 to trigger broader buying patterns, according to Deron Kershaw, an analyst at Gap Intelligence.What will an ultrabook look like in 2015? Nobody knows, of course.Nor is it likely that a special naming scheme will even be relevant at that point.But expect a raft of very thin hybrid devices that offer the best of the laptop and tablet.
But consumers' preferences will change as they become more acclimated to skinny devices that offer laptop-like utility, such as the iPad and upcoming Amazon Kindle Fire. "To compete with media tablets, notebook PCs must become sexier and more appealing to consumers," said Matthew Wilkins, an iSuppli analyst, in a statement today. "With media tablets having already reversed the expansion of the previously fast-growing netbook platform, PC makers now are keenly aware that the notebook must evolve to maintain market growth and relevance," Wilkins wrote.Apple's iPad is driving a lot this growth. Windows 8 will be a boon to ultrabooks. That operating system will have an advanced touch interface and be more power efficient--in effect, tailor-made for the ultrabook.And Intel's vision of the ultrabook is closely aligned with Windows 8, Wilkins said.That said, prices will have to come down. Acer made a splash last month when it announced its ultrabook for $899 (and it's selling for as little as $840 at some resellers). But that's still pricey and out of the reach for a lot of consumers.Prices will need to be closer to $699 or even $599 to trigger broader buying patterns, according to Deron Kershaw, an analyst at Gap Intelligence.What will an ultrabook look like in 2015? Nobody knows, of course.Nor is it likely that a special naming scheme will even be relevant at that point.But expect a raft of very thin hybrid devices that offer the best of the laptop and tablet.
Two tracker services shutter, following Apple's DMCA takedown
Two tracker services shutter, following Apple's DMCA takedown
Founder Mordy Tikotzky shut down Apple-Tracker and iPhone-Check after Apple issued a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown notice on the latter site. Both services helped consumers track down the availability of Apple products.Apple-Tracker posted the alleged takedown notice, showing that an Apple attorney from the law firm Kilpatrick Townsend and Stockton LLP requested that iPhone-Check be taken down."I have a good faith belief that the the Web site identified by URL below is unlawful because, among other things, the page scrapes and collects data from apple.com in violation of the Apple.com Internet Service Terms of Use," the attorney wrote to the service's founder Mordy Tikotzky.CNET previously reported on iPhone-Check and its features.Tikotzky launched both services earlier this year. Apple-Tracker, along with iPhone-Check, allowed users to input a zip code and subsequently find out whether an iPhone was in stock at local retail stores. The tool was available in the US and scraped Apple's retail store site to identify inventory availability.In a statement on Apple-Tracker, Tikotzky expressed his displeasure with shutting down the Apple-Tracker as well, but said he was doing so because he didn't want to fight Apple in a legal battle:I've deciced (sic) to turn off the site. I'm not doing this because I want to, but rather because I received a DMCA takedown notice from Apple. I'm not really interested in picking a fight with apple so..... I guess it's time to just say good bye. Before I go though I just wanted to says thanks to all of you for the nice comments and emails that you've sent in the last few weeks. It was fun while it lasted.(Via The Verge)
Founder Mordy Tikotzky shut down Apple-Tracker and iPhone-Check after Apple issued a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown notice on the latter site. Both services helped consumers track down the availability of Apple products.Apple-Tracker posted the alleged takedown notice, showing that an Apple attorney from the law firm Kilpatrick Townsend and Stockton LLP requested that iPhone-Check be taken down."I have a good faith belief that the the Web site identified by URL below is unlawful because, among other things, the page scrapes and collects data from apple.com in violation of the Apple.com Internet Service Terms of Use," the attorney wrote to the service's founder Mordy Tikotzky.CNET previously reported on iPhone-Check and its features.Tikotzky launched both services earlier this year. Apple-Tracker, along with iPhone-Check, allowed users to input a zip code and subsequently find out whether an iPhone was in stock at local retail stores. The tool was available in the US and scraped Apple's retail store site to identify inventory availability.In a statement on Apple-Tracker, Tikotzky expressed his displeasure with shutting down the Apple-Tracker as well, but said he was doing so because he didn't want to fight Apple in a legal battle:I've deciced (sic) to turn off the site. I'm not doing this because I want to, but rather because I received a DMCA takedown notice from Apple. I'm not really interested in picking a fight with apple so..... I guess it's time to just say good bye. Before I go though I just wanted to says thanks to all of you for the nice comments and emails that you've sent in the last few weeks. It was fun while it lasted.(Via The Verge)
Two new iPads due next month, report says
Two new iPads due next month, report says
The iPad rumor mill is spawning twins.According to DigiTimes, Apple will unveil two versions of its next-generation tablet next month at the Macworld|iWorld conference.Sources at Apple's supply chain partners tell the blog that the new models will target the mid- and high-end markets, while the existing iPad 2 will be positioned to compete with the Amazon Kindle Fire.The new models will sport 9.7-inch screens instead of the 7.85-inch screen the Taipei-based tech blog reported two weeks ago that the new tablet would "likely" launch with. The screens will reportedly feature QXGA resolution and dual light bars to strengthen panel brightness. The report follows previous reports about Apple's immediate QXGA ambitions.Richard Shim, an analyst at DisplaySearch, told CNET in November that, "It's happening--QXGA, 2048x1536. Panel production has started [for the next-generation iPad]. There's three suppliers." (In that month-ago report, Shim named the same suppliers that DigiTimes did today.) It's also no secret that Apple is expected to release a next-generation 9.7-inch screen model in the March-June time frame.However, like many of DigiTimes' recent reports on Apple's device roadmap, this report should definitely be taken with a grain of salt. In addition to its sources doing a zig-zag on the screen size, DigiTimes reports that Apple plans to unveil the new models at the Apple fan event formerly known as just Macworld, which the Cupertino, Calif.-based company abandoned three years ago. Apple's surprise return to conference, put on by IDG World Expo, would certainly garner significant buzz on its own.
The iPad rumor mill is spawning twins.According to DigiTimes, Apple will unveil two versions of its next-generation tablet next month at the Macworld|iWorld conference.Sources at Apple's supply chain partners tell the blog that the new models will target the mid- and high-end markets, while the existing iPad 2 will be positioned to compete with the Amazon Kindle Fire.The new models will sport 9.7-inch screens instead of the 7.85-inch screen the Taipei-based tech blog reported two weeks ago that the new tablet would "likely" launch with. The screens will reportedly feature QXGA resolution and dual light bars to strengthen panel brightness. The report follows previous reports about Apple's immediate QXGA ambitions.Richard Shim, an analyst at DisplaySearch, told CNET in November that, "It's happening--QXGA, 2048x1536. Panel production has started [for the next-generation iPad]. There's three suppliers." (In that month-ago report, Shim named the same suppliers that DigiTimes did today.) It's also no secret that Apple is expected to release a next-generation 9.7-inch screen model in the March-June time frame.However, like many of DigiTimes' recent reports on Apple's device roadmap, this report should definitely be taken with a grain of salt. In addition to its sources doing a zig-zag on the screen size, DigiTimes reports that Apple plans to unveil the new models at the Apple fan event formerly known as just Macworld, which the Cupertino, Calif.-based company abandoned three years ago. Apple's surprise return to conference, put on by IDG World Expo, would certainly garner significant buzz on its own.
Two iPhones to hitch a ride on last shuttle mission
Two iPhones to hitch a ride on last shuttle mission
Two iPhone 4s will be on board NASA's final shuttle mission next month.According to Odyssey Space Research, it has developed an iPhone app, called SpaceLab for iOS, that will be used on the International Space Station for several months this year to conduct space research. The iPhones will get to the ISS on the Atlantis space shuttle.While in space, those in the International Space Station will complete four experiments. According to Odyssey, a "Limb Tracker" experiment will involve taking pictures of the Earth with the iPhone, and "matching an arc to the horizon through manipulation of an overlay." That experiment, the organization said, will help to "yield an estimate of altitude and 'off-axis' angle, a measurement of the angle of the image with respect to the Earth's center."In addition, the iPhone 4 will be used in a "sensor calibration experience" that will help to improve the accuracy of future iPhone measurements. The iPhone's gyroscope and accelerometer will be employed to determine the latitude and longitude of the spacecraft.Finally, the researchers will use the iPhone to measure radiation effects on the smartphone while in space.To bring earthlings in on the fun, Odyssey has launched its application in Apple's App Store. Users can buy the app for 99 cents and perform the same experiments with information simulated "to account for the presence of gravity."Odyssey's iPhones are scheduled to launch on July 8 when Atlantis takes off on its final mission.
Two iPhone 4s will be on board NASA's final shuttle mission next month.According to Odyssey Space Research, it has developed an iPhone app, called SpaceLab for iOS, that will be used on the International Space Station for several months this year to conduct space research. The iPhones will get to the ISS on the Atlantis space shuttle.While in space, those in the International Space Station will complete four experiments. According to Odyssey, a "Limb Tracker" experiment will involve taking pictures of the Earth with the iPhone, and "matching an arc to the horizon through manipulation of an overlay." That experiment, the organization said, will help to "yield an estimate of altitude and 'off-axis' angle, a measurement of the angle of the image with respect to the Earth's center."In addition, the iPhone 4 will be used in a "sensor calibration experience" that will help to improve the accuracy of future iPhone measurements. The iPhone's gyroscope and accelerometer will be employed to determine the latitude and longitude of the spacecraft.Finally, the researchers will use the iPhone to measure radiation effects on the smartphone while in space.To bring earthlings in on the fun, Odyssey has launched its application in Apple's App Store. Users can buy the app for 99 cents and perform the same experiments with information simulated "to account for the presence of gravity."Odyssey's iPhones are scheduled to launch on July 8 when Atlantis takes off on its final mission.
Twitter's value may be higher than $11 billion, report says
Twitter's value may be higher than $11 billion, report says
There has always been a lot of speculation about what Twitter is really worth, and a new report suggests the site could currently be valued as higher than $11 billion as it prepares to go public next year. Forbes reported today that financial researcher Greencrest is basing its rough valuation of $11 billion on trading in secondary markets and says part of the current higher value is due to speculation that Apple is interested in acquiring Twitter. Even if there is no acquisition, Twitter's higher value still makes sense, Greencrest said, according to Forbes, "as growth in users and new monetization efforts are both yielding fruit and pointing toward a good 2013 for Twitter."Twitter's valuation has shifted a bit over the past couple years. A new round of funding in 2011 pegged the company at $8 billion, and its value rose to $10 billion on secondary markets, according to The Guardian, before dropping a bit following Facebook's dismal IPO in 2012. Related stories:Jack Dorsey: An IPO is not an exit planTwitter: Five predictions for 2013Twitter: The five biggest stories of 2012Greencrest believes Twitter will start preparing this year for an IPO in 2014. Twitter co-founder and Chairman Jack Dorsey has long said the company will go public when it feels it's ready. He has noted in interviews many times that Twitter doesn't think of an IPO as an exit or a goal, but as more of a milestone. We've contacted Apple and Twitter and will update this story when we hear back.
There has always been a lot of speculation about what Twitter is really worth, and a new report suggests the site could currently be valued as higher than $11 billion as it prepares to go public next year. Forbes reported today that financial researcher Greencrest is basing its rough valuation of $11 billion on trading in secondary markets and says part of the current higher value is due to speculation that Apple is interested in acquiring Twitter. Even if there is no acquisition, Twitter's higher value still makes sense, Greencrest said, according to Forbes, "as growth in users and new monetization efforts are both yielding fruit and pointing toward a good 2013 for Twitter."Twitter's valuation has shifted a bit over the past couple years. A new round of funding in 2011 pegged the company at $8 billion, and its value rose to $10 billion on secondary markets, according to The Guardian, before dropping a bit following Facebook's dismal IPO in 2012. Related stories:Jack Dorsey: An IPO is not an exit planTwitter: Five predictions for 2013Twitter: The five biggest stories of 2012Greencrest believes Twitter will start preparing this year for an IPO in 2014. Twitter co-founder and Chairman Jack Dorsey has long said the company will go public when it feels it's ready. He has noted in interviews many times that Twitter doesn't think of an IPO as an exit or a goal, but as more of a milestone. We've contacted Apple and Twitter and will update this story when we hear back.
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