Rank your favorite songs with Rank'em
When other users search for that artist's name, they'll see aggregate rankings of the songs, weighted by each voter's fanstanding, along with links to buy them on iTunes, Amazon, and eMusic (assuming they're available through these sources). Although the site is still in beta, so far it looks pretty promising: for example, the results for Jimi Hendrix place well-deserved fan favorites like "Spanish Castle Magic" and "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" above overplayed radio hits like "Purple Haze" and "Foxy Lady." You can try it yourself: enter the code "CNET" when you register (you'll also need a valid e-mail address) and you can start ranking songs and reading aggregate rankings in a few minutes.Unfortunately, Rank'em is only as good as the song data it offers, and that data's flawed right now. The site draws song data from the user-maintained MusicBrainz database, but MusicBrainz is obsessively complete, listing multiple releases for the same album. This completeness is a drawback when you're just trying to find a song and rank it. For instance, the Who--notorious for repackaging songs and albums--has some songs show up five times. This can really mess up the rankings, as votes are split among multiple versions of the same song. There are other data-related problems as well: albums often have the wrong years associated with them and some albums are listed twice with two different years. Rank'em has neglected to import data from some singles and soundtrack albums, which means several of my favorite songs--"Hey Jude," "Hey Bulldog," and "It's All Too Much" by The Beatles, "Positively Fourth Street" by Dylan--are completely missing from the site. And many artists operate with different bands--Neil Young solo, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, and Neil Young & the Shocking Pinks, for instance. Rank'em lists these as separate artists, but casual fans just want to know which Neil Young songs are the best.For the time being, rating songs on Rank'em is a fun diversion, and the site could be a useful starting point if you're just discovering a new artist. But the company will have to do some pretty heavy manual data scrubbing--or find a more appropriate data source--before it can become a truly great recommendation engine.
Google strikes deal with Warner Music for streaming services
Google strikes deal with Warner Music for streaming services
Google, which is trying to get into the music streaming business this summer, today struck a deal with Warner Music Group, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. The deal, first reported by Billboard, gives Google rights for two services it's working on -- one that's part of Google's Android music platform, Google Play, and the other that's part of YouTube. A Warner Music spokesperson declined to comment. YouTube didn't immediately respond to requests for comment, but earlier in the day, in response to an article in Fortune, confirmed that it was looking at subscription music services.This is just one step for Google, as it tries to go to battle with streaming services like Spotify and turn YouTube into a more powerful and lucrative music service. YouTube, which has 800 million unique monthly users, is already the largest music service in existence, and for now it only makes money via ads. Related storiesWith RealNetworks' influence waning, CEO departsFetus and mother's playlists join at the hipPortable games to take on your travelsFlipSync keeps iPod cable in reachSlicethepie scores first signing: Fan-financed band win major label record dealGoogle is still talking with execs at both Universal Music Group and Sony Music, according to people familiar with the negotiations. Reports surfaced last month that Google was looking at launching streaming services. Still unclear is what Google's service will look like, but given the name brand of YouTube, it could provide a huge boost to the emerging streaming music business.There is an unusual optimism around digital music these days. Last week, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, released its annual report, showing that the industry overall grew for the first time since 1999 -- albeit by just 0.3 percent. The standout figure, however, was with digital.Digital revenue saw accelerating growth for the second year running, up 9 percent, as all formats -- downloads, subscriptions, and ad-supported businesses -- are on the rise. In other words, it's not just about iTunes anymore.A point Google is going to try to stress with its planned services.
Google, which is trying to get into the music streaming business this summer, today struck a deal with Warner Music Group, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. The deal, first reported by Billboard, gives Google rights for two services it's working on -- one that's part of Google's Android music platform, Google Play, and the other that's part of YouTube. A Warner Music spokesperson declined to comment. YouTube didn't immediately respond to requests for comment, but earlier in the day, in response to an article in Fortune, confirmed that it was looking at subscription music services.This is just one step for Google, as it tries to go to battle with streaming services like Spotify and turn YouTube into a more powerful and lucrative music service. YouTube, which has 800 million unique monthly users, is already the largest music service in existence, and for now it only makes money via ads. Related storiesWith RealNetworks' influence waning, CEO departsFetus and mother's playlists join at the hipPortable games to take on your travelsFlipSync keeps iPod cable in reachSlicethepie scores first signing: Fan-financed band win major label record dealGoogle is still talking with execs at both Universal Music Group and Sony Music, according to people familiar with the negotiations. Reports surfaced last month that Google was looking at launching streaming services. Still unclear is what Google's service will look like, but given the name brand of YouTube, it could provide a huge boost to the emerging streaming music business.There is an unusual optimism around digital music these days. Last week, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, released its annual report, showing that the industry overall grew for the first time since 1999 -- albeit by just 0.3 percent. The standout figure, however, was with digital.Digital revenue saw accelerating growth for the second year running, up 9 percent, as all formats -- downloads, subscriptions, and ad-supported businesses -- are on the rise. In other words, it's not just about iTunes anymore.A point Google is going to try to stress with its planned services.
Renting your apartment could come with a free iPad
Renting your apartment could come with a free iPad
With the increasing popularity of Apple's iPad, I would imagine more retailers would start to use it as a potential closing incentive. Car dealerships are another example of where iPads have been spotted as promotional tools to get customers in the seats of new automobiles. An interesting side note on this, Mercedes-Benz has reportedly (subscription required) sent iPads to 40 dealerships, hoping to increase sales by processing sales and leases on Apple's (business) tablet device. The Mercedes-Benz iPad App is designed to keep customers in cars as much as possible, foregoing the back and forth from sales offices. AppleInsider has more on the Wall Street Journal report here.Would an offer of an iPad convince you to make a purchase you might otherwise turn down? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.Submit a fix to MacFixIt! Email Us.
With the increasing popularity of Apple's iPad, I would imagine more retailers would start to use it as a potential closing incentive. Car dealerships are another example of where iPads have been spotted as promotional tools to get customers in the seats of new automobiles. An interesting side note on this, Mercedes-Benz has reportedly (subscription required) sent iPads to 40 dealerships, hoping to increase sales by processing sales and leases on Apple's (business) tablet device. The Mercedes-Benz iPad App is designed to keep customers in cars as much as possible, foregoing the back and forth from sales offices. AppleInsider has more on the Wall Street Journal report here.Would an offer of an iPad convince you to make a purchase you might otherwise turn down? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.Submit a fix to MacFixIt! Email Us.
Renderings tease what a 4.8-inch iPhone would look like
Renderings tease what a 4.8-inch iPhone would look like
Apple took lots of flack for the design of the iPhone 5. The company's decision to go taller instead of wider even spawned a meme or two. Would the company -- quite literally -- take that design to the next level?The latest rumor says Apple is, in fact, eyeing an even larger screen for the iPhone, one that's close to 5-inches in size, up big from the current 4-inch model. Despite an earlier report today saying such a device wouldn't see the light of day until 2014, Russian Apple news site Apple Digger has lovingly put together some renderings of one. Chief among the changes is a sixth row for apps, one more than iPhone 5 users get, and two more than those on older devices. The mockups also show a device in different colors, a rumor that picked up earlier this month from an analyst note, along with an upgraded 12 megapixel camera on the back:Given the all around thinness of this rumor, you'd be smart to not get too excited about seeing this thing in real life anytime soon, but boy are these renderings getting good. (via iDownloadblog)
Apple took lots of flack for the design of the iPhone 5. The company's decision to go taller instead of wider even spawned a meme or two. Would the company -- quite literally -- take that design to the next level?The latest rumor says Apple is, in fact, eyeing an even larger screen for the iPhone, one that's close to 5-inches in size, up big from the current 4-inch model. Despite an earlier report today saying such a device wouldn't see the light of day until 2014, Russian Apple news site Apple Digger has lovingly put together some renderings of one. Chief among the changes is a sixth row for apps, one more than iPhone 5 users get, and two more than those on older devices. The mockups also show a device in different colors, a rumor that picked up earlier this month from an analyst note, along with an upgraded 12 megapixel camera on the back:Given the all around thinness of this rumor, you'd be smart to not get too excited about seeing this thing in real life anytime soon, but boy are these renderings getting good. (via iDownloadblog)
Akamai CEO on streaming 4K TV into your home (podcast)
Akamai CEO on streaming 4K TV into your home (podcast)
Just about every TV maker at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas was showing off 4K TVs. But to fully appreciate these Ultra High Definition (UHD) TVs, you'll need content that's recorded in 4K.As far as I know, a 4K standard for broadcast, cable, and satellite isn't on the immediate horizon, nor is a standardized way to deliver the content via disc. So, the solution lies in Internet delivery. But that too raises a challenge because the amount of bandwidth required for 4K is considerably more than today's HD video.Akamai, which has long specialized in improving performance of online video for high trafficked sites, has a couple of solutions. One is to bring the content close to the "edge," but storing the video feed nearer to the user. Having the content cached on servers close to the user's home can greatly improve performance, said Akamai CEO Tom Leighton at CES last week. He added that even if customers have a "big pipe" from their Internet service provider (ISP), the "bottlenecks are in the Internet infrastructure." (Scroll down to listen to the full interview).In addition to caching the content in the neighborhood, Leighton said Akamai is working with Qualcomm on a new class of home gateway that would cache content within the home for faster access. It can also be used to download software once for multiple devices, such as a new version of iOS that the user might want to install on several devices. Instead of downloading it to each device, you could download it to the gateway and install it on each device from there.Find out what else Leighton had to say about 4K in the full 17 minute interview. PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe now:iTunes (audio) |RSS (audio) New televisions at CES 2014 (pictures)See full gallery1 - 4 / 14NextPrev
Just about every TV maker at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas was showing off 4K TVs. But to fully appreciate these Ultra High Definition (UHD) TVs, you'll need content that's recorded in 4K.As far as I know, a 4K standard for broadcast, cable, and satellite isn't on the immediate horizon, nor is a standardized way to deliver the content via disc. So, the solution lies in Internet delivery. But that too raises a challenge because the amount of bandwidth required for 4K is considerably more than today's HD video.Akamai, which has long specialized in improving performance of online video for high trafficked sites, has a couple of solutions. One is to bring the content close to the "edge," but storing the video feed nearer to the user. Having the content cached on servers close to the user's home can greatly improve performance, said Akamai CEO Tom Leighton at CES last week. He added that even if customers have a "big pipe" from their Internet service provider (ISP), the "bottlenecks are in the Internet infrastructure." (Scroll down to listen to the full interview).In addition to caching the content in the neighborhood, Leighton said Akamai is working with Qualcomm on a new class of home gateway that would cache content within the home for faster access. It can also be used to download software once for multiple devices, such as a new version of iOS that the user might want to install on several devices. Instead of downloading it to each device, you could download it to the gateway and install it on each device from there.Find out what else Leighton had to say about 4K in the full 17 minute interview. PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe now:iTunes (audio) |RSS (audio) New televisions at CES 2014 (pictures)See full gallery1 - 4 / 14NextPrev
Adam Levine wants 'iPhone burning,' tweets from iPhone
Adam Levine wants 'iPhone burning,' tweets from iPhone
When you're gorgeous and successful, it must make you dizzy when people toss gold at your feet and lascivious glances slightly higher.Can we, then, excuse Adam Levine for being, perhaps, too giddy to pay close attention to the sources of gold?Last week, you see, the stunning "Voice" coach and Maroon 5 singer appeared on stage with Samsung. He beamed that he would "curate the heck" out of its marvelous Milk Music streaming service.To show the level of heck, he added that he would be present at "a ceremonial iPhone burning."The question humming on one or two lips today is whether he will be tossing his own iPhone on the pyre. It seems, you see, that just a week after lighting the Samsung match, Levine had a burning desire today to tweet from his iPhone.This might, indeed, have been his iPhone's last hurrah before it melts into the great beyond. However, the fact that the Verge caught him using Twitter for iPhone doesn't bode well for that phone's cremation.The tweet disappeared. But its contents, re-sent from the Twitter Web client, read: "Me and my friends @nbcthevoice will be on @TheEllenShow today!"He is neither the first, nor the last, to succumb to phone brand double-dealing. Ellen herself, despite creating the greatest selfie ever made for Samsung during the Oscars, was backstage tweeting from her iPhone.More Technically IncorrectNFL announcer forgets name, calls Microsoft Surface 'iPad-like'Coffee shop bans laptops and tablets, business growsStephen Hawking: God particle could wipe out the universePerhaps the most entertaining of all the twisted tweeters, though, was tennis star David Ferrer, who last year tweeted about his love for the Galaxy S4 -- yes, from his iPhone.Some will insist that these famous people aren't necessarily doing the tweeting themselves. They have people who have fingers to do that for them. Moreover, Levine's band is playing the iTunes Music Festival this week. But shouldn't Samsung press the issue rather more robustly and explain, as politely as possible, that if it's paying these luminaries to support Samsung, they shouldn't cheat on the brand quite as overtly as, well, some stars cheat on their lovers?
When you're gorgeous and successful, it must make you dizzy when people toss gold at your feet and lascivious glances slightly higher.Can we, then, excuse Adam Levine for being, perhaps, too giddy to pay close attention to the sources of gold?Last week, you see, the stunning "Voice" coach and Maroon 5 singer appeared on stage with Samsung. He beamed that he would "curate the heck" out of its marvelous Milk Music streaming service.To show the level of heck, he added that he would be present at "a ceremonial iPhone burning."The question humming on one or two lips today is whether he will be tossing his own iPhone on the pyre. It seems, you see, that just a week after lighting the Samsung match, Levine had a burning desire today to tweet from his iPhone.This might, indeed, have been his iPhone's last hurrah before it melts into the great beyond. However, the fact that the Verge caught him using Twitter for iPhone doesn't bode well for that phone's cremation.The tweet disappeared. But its contents, re-sent from the Twitter Web client, read: "Me and my friends @nbcthevoice will be on @TheEllenShow today!"He is neither the first, nor the last, to succumb to phone brand double-dealing. Ellen herself, despite creating the greatest selfie ever made for Samsung during the Oscars, was backstage tweeting from her iPhone.More Technically IncorrectNFL announcer forgets name, calls Microsoft Surface 'iPad-like'Coffee shop bans laptops and tablets, business growsStephen Hawking: God particle could wipe out the universePerhaps the most entertaining of all the twisted tweeters, though, was tennis star David Ferrer, who last year tweeted about his love for the Galaxy S4 -- yes, from his iPhone.Some will insist that these famous people aren't necessarily doing the tweeting themselves. They have people who have fingers to do that for them. Moreover, Levine's band is playing the iTunes Music Festival this week. But shouldn't Samsung press the issue rather more robustly and explain, as politely as possible, that if it's paying these luminaries to support Samsung, they shouldn't cheat on the brand quite as overtly as, well, some stars cheat on their lovers?
Amazon pits Kindle Fire HD vs. iPad Mini
Amazon pits Kindle Fire HD vs. iPad Mini
Amazon is understandably partial to its Kindle Fire HD. And it surely wants you to feel the same way, especially given the splashy arrival of a new kid tablet in town.The e-commerce giant with the tablet business sideline today spruced up its home page with a big, blatant comparison of the Kindle Fire HD against the iPad Mini, unveiled just days ago by Apple. There's no mistaking the conclusion Amazon wants to leave in your mind, what with the supersize typeface proclaiming "Much More for Much Less." That would be the Kindle Fire HD, of course.In Amazon's estimation, it's pretty much all about the visuals. (Well, and the price tag, too.) The "stunning" display of the Kindle Fire HD has "30% more pixels" than the iPad Mini and its "standard definition, low-resolution" display. The pixel count, Amazon helpfully makes explicit, is 216 per inch for the Kindle Fire HD, 163 per inch for the iPad Mini.To bring things off the spec sheet and more into your living room, Amazon comes right out to say that its tablet lets you "watch HD movies and TV." The iPad Mini? Not so much, Amazon declares. The Kindle Fire HD also has the advantage in speakers and Wi-Fi, according to its maker.Amazon provides a link that lets you "shop now" for the $199 Kindle Fire HD, but the e-tailer provides no such service for the $329 iPad Mini. (The prices are shown in large type, lest you miss the big differential.)For a more complete comparison, and one with less of a vested interest, I would point you to a very thorough rundown done by my colleague Jessica Dolcourt, which also throws Google's Nexus 7 in for good measure: "iPad Mini vs. Google Nexus 7 vs. Amazon Kindle Fire HD."Just the other day, Amazon, while reporting its rather troubled third-quarter earnings, declared the Kindle Fire HD to be its best-selling product. Meanwhile, the urge to buy the iPad Mini seems to be a strong one, as shipments for some models slipped to 2 weeks within minutes of the Apple device going on sale. 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
Amazon is understandably partial to its Kindle Fire HD. And it surely wants you to feel the same way, especially given the splashy arrival of a new kid tablet in town.The e-commerce giant with the tablet business sideline today spruced up its home page with a big, blatant comparison of the Kindle Fire HD against the iPad Mini, unveiled just days ago by Apple. There's no mistaking the conclusion Amazon wants to leave in your mind, what with the supersize typeface proclaiming "Much More for Much Less." That would be the Kindle Fire HD, of course.In Amazon's estimation, it's pretty much all about the visuals. (Well, and the price tag, too.) The "stunning" display of the Kindle Fire HD has "30% more pixels" than the iPad Mini and its "standard definition, low-resolution" display. The pixel count, Amazon helpfully makes explicit, is 216 per inch for the Kindle Fire HD, 163 per inch for the iPad Mini.To bring things off the spec sheet and more into your living room, Amazon comes right out to say that its tablet lets you "watch HD movies and TV." The iPad Mini? Not so much, Amazon declares. The Kindle Fire HD also has the advantage in speakers and Wi-Fi, according to its maker.Amazon provides a link that lets you "shop now" for the $199 Kindle Fire HD, but the e-tailer provides no such service for the $329 iPad Mini. (The prices are shown in large type, lest you miss the big differential.)For a more complete comparison, and one with less of a vested interest, I would point you to a very thorough rundown done by my colleague Jessica Dolcourt, which also throws Google's Nexus 7 in for good measure: "iPad Mini vs. Google Nexus 7 vs. Amazon Kindle Fire HD."Just the other day, Amazon, while reporting its rather troubled third-quarter earnings, declared the Kindle Fire HD to be its best-selling product. Meanwhile, the urge to buy the iPad Mini seems to be a strong one, as shipments for some models slipped to 2 weeks within minutes of the Apple device going on sale. 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
Amazon Kindle Fire shipments upped to 6 million in quarter
Amazon Kindle Fire shipments upped to 6 million in quarter
A market research firm has boosted its projection for Kindle Fire shipments in the current quarter, as the Amazon tablet is proving to be one of the hottest consumer devices this holiday season. "Our supply chain numbers are up to 6 million now," Richard Shim, an analyst at DisplaySearch, said in a phone interview Friday. Shim said the timeline for manufacturer build plans was originally at 4 million units. "Shortly after preorders they upped it to 5 [million]," Shim said. "Then, about a week and a half ago as they were getting closer to the actual launch date, they upped it to 6 [million]." The Kindle Fire went on sale November 15.This comes after eDataSource told CNET last week that preorder sales through Amazon continued to be very strong. And the popularity of the tablet is already having an impact on other tablet suppliers, according to a report out of Asia.That report claimed that Dell, Asus, and Acer are planning to phase out Android tablets--though when contacted by CNET, Asus and Dell both subsequently denied that they're planning to exit the Android tablet business. Apple's iPad 2 continues to be very successful, though, Shim said.Apple is pulling back iPad 2 orders for this quarter only because it's preparing to bring out an iPad 3 in the first quarter of next year, he said.Projected production numbers for the iPad 2 in this quarter will drop to 9 million from 11 million, Shim said. That said, production has started for high-resolution 2,048-by-1,536-pixel panels for the iPad 3, which is due in the first quarter of next year, Shim said.Though the iPad 3's production numbers are unclear at the moment because of the challenges of making the high-resolution panels in large quantities, if production plans go as envisioned, the numbers could be 8 million iPad 3 devices in the first quarter, Shim said.
A market research firm has boosted its projection for Kindle Fire shipments in the current quarter, as the Amazon tablet is proving to be one of the hottest consumer devices this holiday season. "Our supply chain numbers are up to 6 million now," Richard Shim, an analyst at DisplaySearch, said in a phone interview Friday. Shim said the timeline for manufacturer build plans was originally at 4 million units. "Shortly after preorders they upped it to 5 [million]," Shim said. "Then, about a week and a half ago as they were getting closer to the actual launch date, they upped it to 6 [million]." The Kindle Fire went on sale November 15.This comes after eDataSource told CNET last week that preorder sales through Amazon continued to be very strong. And the popularity of the tablet is already having an impact on other tablet suppliers, according to a report out of Asia.That report claimed that Dell, Asus, and Acer are planning to phase out Android tablets--though when contacted by CNET, Asus and Dell both subsequently denied that they're planning to exit the Android tablet business. Apple's iPad 2 continues to be very successful, though, Shim said.Apple is pulling back iPad 2 orders for this quarter only because it's preparing to bring out an iPad 3 in the first quarter of next year, he said.Projected production numbers for the iPad 2 in this quarter will drop to 9 million from 11 million, Shim said. That said, production has started for high-resolution 2,048-by-1,536-pixel panels for the iPad 3, which is due in the first quarter of next year, Shim said.Though the iPad 3's production numbers are unclear at the moment because of the challenges of making the high-resolution panels in large quantities, if production plans go as envisioned, the numbers could be 8 million iPad 3 devices in the first quarter, Shim said.
Amazon inks deal to sell e-books through other retailers
Amazon inks deal to sell e-books through other retailers
An Amazon publishing division has inked a partnership with a book distributor that could help ease some of the tension in the e-book industry.Amazon's New York-based book publishing imprint signed a deal with book distributor Ingram Content Group that will allow Amazon competitors such as Apple and Barnes & Noble to sell Amazon titles, PaidContent reported today."We welcome Amazon Publishing's New York adult group to the growing list of publishers who use our service," Phil Ollila, Ingram Content Group's chief content officer, told PaidContent. The partnership does not include Amazon's West Coast imprints.Tensions between Amazon and Barnes & Noble, the world's largest brick-and-mortar bookseller, began to flare when Amazon introduced the Kindle Fire tablet and announced an exclusive deal with DC Comics to sell digital copies of 100 of DC's graphic novels exclusively on the Fire. Related storiesDOJ, schools settle over Kindle's blind accessFingers-on with Stantum's touch-screen Dell tablet prototypeTop 5 CES trendsIn response to the DC deal, Barnes & Noble removed the physical copies of the titles from its store shelves, saying that it would not sell books it did not also have digital rights to. Books-a-Million, another large bookseller, took the same action for the same reason. Now that Barnes & Noble has access to some of Amazon's titles, CNET has contacted the bookseller for comment on whether it will revise that policy. We will update this report when we learn more.However, Amazon's apparent olive branch is unlikely to soothe the feelings of Apple, which has accused Amazon of being the "driving force" behind federal prosecution over alleged e-book price fixing. Apple, which denies the price-fixing allegations, says the Justice Department's settlement with three book publishers' unfairly impacts Apple.While Amazon's competitors are under no obligation to offer the e-books, some of the featured titles include Timothy Ferriss' "The 4-Hour Chef," Penny Marshall's "My Mother Was Nuts," and Jessica Valenti's "Why Have Kids?"
An Amazon publishing division has inked a partnership with a book distributor that could help ease some of the tension in the e-book industry.Amazon's New York-based book publishing imprint signed a deal with book distributor Ingram Content Group that will allow Amazon competitors such as Apple and Barnes & Noble to sell Amazon titles, PaidContent reported today."We welcome Amazon Publishing's New York adult group to the growing list of publishers who use our service," Phil Ollila, Ingram Content Group's chief content officer, told PaidContent. The partnership does not include Amazon's West Coast imprints.Tensions between Amazon and Barnes & Noble, the world's largest brick-and-mortar bookseller, began to flare when Amazon introduced the Kindle Fire tablet and announced an exclusive deal with DC Comics to sell digital copies of 100 of DC's graphic novels exclusively on the Fire. Related storiesDOJ, schools settle over Kindle's blind accessFingers-on with Stantum's touch-screen Dell tablet prototypeTop 5 CES trendsIn response to the DC deal, Barnes & Noble removed the physical copies of the titles from its store shelves, saying that it would not sell books it did not also have digital rights to. Books-a-Million, another large bookseller, took the same action for the same reason. Now that Barnes & Noble has access to some of Amazon's titles, CNET has contacted the bookseller for comment on whether it will revise that policy. We will update this report when we learn more.However, Amazon's apparent olive branch is unlikely to soothe the feelings of Apple, which has accused Amazon of being the "driving force" behind federal prosecution over alleged e-book price fixing. Apple, which denies the price-fixing allegations, says the Justice Department's settlement with three book publishers' unfairly impacts Apple.While Amazon's competitors are under no obligation to offer the e-books, some of the featured titles include Timothy Ferriss' "The 4-Hour Chef," Penny Marshall's "My Mother Was Nuts," and Jessica Valenti's "Why Have Kids?"
Alleged iPhone prototype surfaces -- and check out that logo
Alleged iPhone prototype surfaces -- and check out that logo
An iPhone has surfaced on eBay that looks nearly identical to the iPhone 4. There's just one issue: the logo doesn't match up.The device on the front looks identical to the iPhone 4, boasting its prominent screen and black body. On the bottom, it lacks the screws found in the iPhone 4, but includes the speaker and microphone ports found in the final device. However, those ports appear to be longer than those in the final product.It's on the back, though, where things get a little crazy. On the bottom of the device, where the "iPhone" moniker is typically displayed, there is instead the word "Prototype." And towards the top of the device, where Apple's logo typically appears, the device features an odd symbol -- it looks like a full moon sporting an eyepatch. According to 9to5 Mac, which was first to discover the device, that symbol is the "protologo."The protologo has found its way to Twitter in the last couple of weeks, tweeting on its own behalf. According to a description on its Twitter page, the Protologo is "Apple's super secret Prototype logo."The eBay listing doesn't make any mention of the special logo, but claims that the device is a prototype and unique. The listing reads: "Apple iPhone 4 32GB N90AP Prototype Unreleased Switchboard Tester Unit.""This is one of a VERY small amount of Apple prototype devices and never seen on eBay," the product's description reads. "This iPhone is a functional representation of this design. This iPhone is not only unique in it's hardware, but it's running Apple's software testing suite, called SwitchBoard which is used to test the devices functionality. Usually these prototypes are disabled by Apple, but this one is fully functional."The device is currently fetching a hefty sum on eBay -- $4,500 -- though there's only one bid at that price, and there are four days left in the auction. Those who want to buy it outright and sidestep the auction can cough up $10,000, the seller says.CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the alleged prototype. We will update this story when we have more information.
An iPhone has surfaced on eBay that looks nearly identical to the iPhone 4. There's just one issue: the logo doesn't match up.The device on the front looks identical to the iPhone 4, boasting its prominent screen and black body. On the bottom, it lacks the screws found in the iPhone 4, but includes the speaker and microphone ports found in the final device. However, those ports appear to be longer than those in the final product.It's on the back, though, where things get a little crazy. On the bottom of the device, where the "iPhone" moniker is typically displayed, there is instead the word "Prototype." And towards the top of the device, where Apple's logo typically appears, the device features an odd symbol -- it looks like a full moon sporting an eyepatch. According to 9to5 Mac, which was first to discover the device, that symbol is the "protologo."The protologo has found its way to Twitter in the last couple of weeks, tweeting on its own behalf. According to a description on its Twitter page, the Protologo is "Apple's super secret Prototype logo."The eBay listing doesn't make any mention of the special logo, but claims that the device is a prototype and unique. The listing reads: "Apple iPhone 4 32GB N90AP Prototype Unreleased Switchboard Tester Unit.""This is one of a VERY small amount of Apple prototype devices and never seen on eBay," the product's description reads. "This iPhone is a functional representation of this design. This iPhone is not only unique in it's hardware, but it's running Apple's software testing suite, called SwitchBoard which is used to test the devices functionality. Usually these prototypes are disabled by Apple, but this one is fully functional."The device is currently fetching a hefty sum on eBay -- $4,500 -- though there's only one bid at that price, and there are four days left in the auction. Those who want to buy it outright and sidestep the auction can cough up $10,000, the seller says.CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the alleged prototype. We will update this story when we have more information.
Alleged iPhone 5 photos reveal part that could be NFC chip
Alleged iPhone 5 photos reveal part that could be NFC chip
The iPhone 5 will sport the usual home button, front camera, and a currently unidentified component that could be an NFC chip, according to AppleInsider.Scouring photos posted by Taiwan-based blog Apple.pro (English translation), AppleInsider discovered a part that had not appeared in previous photos. The size of the part has lead to speculation that it could be a chip for near-field communication, or NFC.Positioned next to the front camera, the square part matches the size of other NFC chips, such as the one made by NXP, AppleInsider noted. Of course, the photos by themselves don't prove anything, and even AppleInsider says it "cannot verify the unknown part's origin or intended use."However, sources told Japan-based blog site Macotakara that the next iPod Touch also displays a "mysterious hole" next to its camera, leading the Japanese Apple blog site to speculate that it could be used as a spot for an NFC chip.Related storiesiPhone 5 prototypes reportedly reveal NFC supportApple wants to control everything in your home via NFCiPhone 5 rumors again claim NFC, A5, big screeniPhone 5 leaked photos show tall white frame with center cameraRumors have arisen that Apple may outfit its next-generation iPhone with NFC, giving it the ability to serve as "digital wallet" that enables consumers to pay for goods and services on the go.Google has already jumped onto the NFC bandwagon, equipping some of its mobile devices with the technology.NFC has started to take off in Europe but has yet to gain much traction in the United States. The mobile payment service requires the collaboration of several major players, including handset makers, mobile carriers, and financial institutions. Consumers also have to be assured that NFC is a safe and secure process, one that won't put their financial information at risk.Still, an iPhone 5 equipped with NFC could go a long way toward furthering its acceptance and use among smartphone owners.
The iPhone 5 will sport the usual home button, front camera, and a currently unidentified component that could be an NFC chip, according to AppleInsider.Scouring photos posted by Taiwan-based blog Apple.pro (English translation), AppleInsider discovered a part that had not appeared in previous photos. The size of the part has lead to speculation that it could be a chip for near-field communication, or NFC.Positioned next to the front camera, the square part matches the size of other NFC chips, such as the one made by NXP, AppleInsider noted. Of course, the photos by themselves don't prove anything, and even AppleInsider says it "cannot verify the unknown part's origin or intended use."However, sources told Japan-based blog site Macotakara that the next iPod Touch also displays a "mysterious hole" next to its camera, leading the Japanese Apple blog site to speculate that it could be used as a spot for an NFC chip.Related storiesiPhone 5 prototypes reportedly reveal NFC supportApple wants to control everything in your home via NFCiPhone 5 rumors again claim NFC, A5, big screeniPhone 5 leaked photos show tall white frame with center cameraRumors have arisen that Apple may outfit its next-generation iPhone with NFC, giving it the ability to serve as "digital wallet" that enables consumers to pay for goods and services on the go.Google has already jumped onto the NFC bandwagon, equipping some of its mobile devices with the technology.NFC has started to take off in Europe but has yet to gain much traction in the United States. The mobile payment service requires the collaboration of several major players, including handset makers, mobile carriers, and financial institutions. Consumers also have to be assured that NFC is a safe and secure process, one that won't put their financial information at risk.Still, an iPhone 5 equipped with NFC could go a long way toward furthering its acceptance and use among smartphone owners.
Amazon launches Cloud Player app for iPad, iPad Mini
Amazon launches Cloud Player app for iPad, iPad Mini
Amazon today launched its Cloud Player app for the Apple iPad and iPad Mini, expanding the online retail giant's footprint for its music streaming program. The app allows customers to stream or download music stored in Amazon's cloud, play music already stored on the device, and manage or create playlists.Related stories:Vroom, vroom: Amazon cloud player now available in Ford carsiPhone, iPod Touch users can now buy music from AmazonAmazon warns iOS users to not update Kindle app due to glitchA quick check by CNET shows iPad users also can purchase songs from Amazon through the Safari Web browser like they can on iPhones and iPod Touches. In the past, iOS users were able to access Amazon's apps but weren't able to purchase items from Amazon. That's largely because of an Apple rule designed to make sure it gets its 30 percent cut on all sales apps generate.We've contacted Amazon for more details and will update the report when we hear back.Getting its Cloud Player on as many devices as possible is important for Amazon's strategy. While the company makes its own hardware, it makes more money from selling books, music, movies, and other products and services. While iOS users can't purchase items directly from Amazon's apps, being able to access the content via Apple devices at least broadens Amazon's potential user base."Our goal is to make Cloud Player the most widely compatible cloud playback solution available, giving our customers the ability to buy their music once and enjoy it everywhere," Steve Boom, vice president of digital music for Amazon, said in a press release.
Amazon today launched its Cloud Player app for the Apple iPad and iPad Mini, expanding the online retail giant's footprint for its music streaming program. The app allows customers to stream or download music stored in Amazon's cloud, play music already stored on the device, and manage or create playlists.Related stories:Vroom, vroom: Amazon cloud player now available in Ford carsiPhone, iPod Touch users can now buy music from AmazonAmazon warns iOS users to not update Kindle app due to glitchA quick check by CNET shows iPad users also can purchase songs from Amazon through the Safari Web browser like they can on iPhones and iPod Touches. In the past, iOS users were able to access Amazon's apps but weren't able to purchase items from Amazon. That's largely because of an Apple rule designed to make sure it gets its 30 percent cut on all sales apps generate.We've contacted Amazon for more details and will update the report when we hear back.Getting its Cloud Player on as many devices as possible is important for Amazon's strategy. While the company makes its own hardware, it makes more money from selling books, music, movies, and other products and services. While iOS users can't purchase items directly from Amazon's apps, being able to access the content via Apple devices at least broadens Amazon's potential user base."Our goal is to make Cloud Player the most widely compatible cloud playback solution available, giving our customers the ability to buy their music once and enjoy it everywhere," Steve Boom, vice president of digital music for Amazon, said in a press release.
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