Customize iOS 5's Notification Center with Quickpick
I don't use the Notification Center that iOS 5 ushered in nearly as much as I thought I would when I first saw it. With the 99-cent Quickpick--The Universal iOS Launcher app, however, I am pulling down the Notification Center on my iPhone with greater frequency.Really, the only things I've done with the Notification Center since its debut is delete the occasional alert and remove the stock ticker so I no longer have to watch prices scroll by for stocks I don't own. With Quickpick, however, I can call, text, and e-mail my favorite contacts with a swipe and a tap, and I can access commonly frequented apps and Web sites. The design of the app leaves a bit to be desired, but the added functionality it brings to the Notification Center is much appreciated.Note: the Quickpick app disappeared from the App Store this morning. I'll add a link to its page in iTunes should it make a return.You can add a title and URL manually to create a Quickpick entry, or you can use the Composer to select from four preconfigured options.Matt ElliottThere are two ways to add an item to the Notification Center with Quickpick. Launch the app and hit the plus-sign button in the upper-right corner. You can then either manually enter a title and a link to create a new entry using the Title and Link fields at the top of the screen, or you can tap the Composer button below to use four preconfigured options for making a phone call, composing an e-mail, composing a text, or opening a Web site. For the first three, you'll be taken to your address book, where you're able to select a contact and phone number or e-mail. The contact information is then added to the Title and Link fields. Hit Done and a new entry gets added to the Notification Center.Use Quickpick's Composer tool to easily create shortcuts to the Notification Center.Matt ElliottIf you select the Open Website option from the Composer tool, it simply adds the "http://www." prefix to the Link field, leaving the rest of the URL field for you to fill out, along with the title. I had mixed results in entering URLs. For example, I easily created an entry for CNET.com but was unable to create an entry for CNET.Howto.com. You can skip the Composer tool and use the Title and Link fields to create shortcuts to apps. The app supports URL scheming for this functionality. For example, typing fb://profile in the Link field creates a shortcut to the Facebook profile page of the Facebook app. Similarly, fb://feed takes you to the News Feed, while twitter://post?message opens the New Tweet screen of the Twitter app. Other examples include youtube:// to open the YouTube app, music:// to open the music app to the song currently playing (or paused), and itms-apps:// to open the App Store. For more, check out the various URL scheme lists here.You can use URL schemes to create shortcuts to many of your apps.Matt ElliottBy default, Quickpick displays five items in the Notification Center. If you have less than five created, it lists unassigned items, which is annoying. For example, if you set up three Quickpick entries, you'll see two lines in the Notification Center listed as Quickpick unassigned 4 and Quickpick unassigned 5. You can change the number listed in Settings > Notifications > Quickpick to 1, 5, or 10, but it'd be better if Quickpick just displayed the number you created in the app. You can create as many as you'd like in the app, and tapping the Edit button, you can rearrange the order (the top 5 or 10 entries listed in the app are displayed in Notification Center, depending on your settings). On the iPad (Quickpick is a universal app), you can up to 20 Quickpick entries in the Notification Center. Unassigned entries will litter your Notification Center if you created fewer than the number of entries you selected for it to display in Settings.Matt ElliottAlso annoying is every entry in the Notification Center has "Quickpick" in bold as its title, which is redundant and, sadly, uneditable. Below in regular-strength font is the title you gave each entry in the app. To delete a Quickpick entry, don't go to the Edit field but simply swipe on an entry from the list in the Quickpick app and tap the resulting red Delete button.Lastly, the action isn't always smooth in leaving the Notification Center. When you tap on a Quickpick entry, the Notification Center whisks away, but you frequently make a brief pit stop at the Quickpick app before being taken to your destination. Despite its few hiccups and design flaws, Quickpick makes for many useful additions to the iOS 5's Notification Center.(Via: 9to5Mac)
Roku surpasses 700 channels, adds Roku Ready TV partners
Roku surpasses 700 channels, adds Roku Ready TV partners
LAS VEGAS--Roku has no new hardware here at CES 2013, but that's not stopping the company from building on its success: content, content, content. The company just crossed the 700-channel benchmark for its line of smart TV boxes, and it's got even more new services on deck for 2013. Among the new channels that Roku is planning to add (in the territories indicated) in the first quarter of 2013:TWC TV: This app adds upwards of 300 live streaming TV channels for existing Time Warner Cable subscribers at no additional charge. (U.S. only)Fox Now: This is Fox's answer to Hulu -- full episodes of many Fox network TV shows. Sorry, cable cutters -- this is only available to customers who subscribe to a "participating TV provider." (U.S. only) PBS: According to Roku, this new channel will include "hundreds of full-length videos from local PBS stations, including episodes from new programs as well as the PBS archives, with new national and local content updated daily." (U.S. only)PBS Kids: The kid-friendly version of the above, with "more than 1,000 videos" including content such as Curious George and Sesame Street. (U.S. only)Blockbuster On Demand: Dish's pay-per-view movie service -- yet another alternative to Amazon, Vudu, and the like. (U.S. only)Dailymotion: The YouTube competitor comes to Roku. (U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland)iHeartRadio: The ClearChannel audio service will add to Roku's now-comprehensive audio roster. (U.S. only)Flingo: Roku says: "More than 70 new channels, including brands like TMZ, A&E, History Channel, Lifetime, Transworld, Warren Miller, Fitness Magazine, and CollegeHumor. Select channels are availablenow. New channels will launch every month." But it's unclear exactly what content will be available, and how Flingo plays a role.Those new offerings will join Roku's already category-leading lineup, which includes Netflix, Amazon Instant, Vudu, Hulu Plus, Crackle, HBO Go, MLB TV, Pandora, Dish World (live international programming), as well as the recently added Amazon Cloud Player, Spotify, and Vevo channels. Still notably, frustratingly, curiously absent: YouTube. Aside from that and Apple's iTunes, though, Roku has nearly every major video and audio service out there (including, for the record, our own CNET channel). Related stories:CES 2013: CNET's complete coverageTWC TV app brings 300 live TV channels to Roku ownersRoku LT: The CNET reviewRoku Streaming Stick: The CNET reviewMore Roku Ready hardware partnersSeparately, Roku also announced that it's expanding the list of "Roku Ready" hardware partners -- those companies that ship TVs and other AV products that include or are designed to work with the Roku Streaming Stick. Add Coby, Harman-Kardon, Hisense, TCL, Voxx (which sells under RCA and other brands), and Westinghouse to the Roku Ready roster. They join 3M -- maker of the cool Streaming Projector -- Element, Haier America, Hitachi, Insignia, Oppo, and Apex.Sarah Tew/CNETOf course, that list leaves out every top tier TV manufacturer -- Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic, Vizio, and the like -- all of which prefer to build their own smart TV suites and platforms. The irony is that Roku offers a far more extensive content selection than all of them, and it tends to upgrade and expand its offerings more frequently than the mainstream manufacturers. But competition is amping up -- streaming video is arguably the hot topic here at CES 2013. Expect a slew of announcements from the majors in next few days as they pronounce their plans to out-Roku Roku in 2013 and beyond.
LAS VEGAS--Roku has no new hardware here at CES 2013, but that's not stopping the company from building on its success: content, content, content. The company just crossed the 700-channel benchmark for its line of smart TV boxes, and it's got even more new services on deck for 2013. Among the new channels that Roku is planning to add (in the territories indicated) in the first quarter of 2013:TWC TV: This app adds upwards of 300 live streaming TV channels for existing Time Warner Cable subscribers at no additional charge. (U.S. only)Fox Now: This is Fox's answer to Hulu -- full episodes of many Fox network TV shows. Sorry, cable cutters -- this is only available to customers who subscribe to a "participating TV provider." (U.S. only) PBS: According to Roku, this new channel will include "hundreds of full-length videos from local PBS stations, including episodes from new programs as well as the PBS archives, with new national and local content updated daily." (U.S. only)PBS Kids: The kid-friendly version of the above, with "more than 1,000 videos" including content such as Curious George and Sesame Street. (U.S. only)Blockbuster On Demand: Dish's pay-per-view movie service -- yet another alternative to Amazon, Vudu, and the like. (U.S. only)Dailymotion: The YouTube competitor comes to Roku. (U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland)iHeartRadio: The ClearChannel audio service will add to Roku's now-comprehensive audio roster. (U.S. only)Flingo: Roku says: "More than 70 new channels, including brands like TMZ, A&E, History Channel, Lifetime, Transworld, Warren Miller, Fitness Magazine, and CollegeHumor. Select channels are availablenow. New channels will launch every month." But it's unclear exactly what content will be available, and how Flingo plays a role.Those new offerings will join Roku's already category-leading lineup, which includes Netflix, Amazon Instant, Vudu, Hulu Plus, Crackle, HBO Go, MLB TV, Pandora, Dish World (live international programming), as well as the recently added Amazon Cloud Player, Spotify, and Vevo channels. Still notably, frustratingly, curiously absent: YouTube. Aside from that and Apple's iTunes, though, Roku has nearly every major video and audio service out there (including, for the record, our own CNET channel). Related stories:CES 2013: CNET's complete coverageTWC TV app brings 300 live TV channels to Roku ownersRoku LT: The CNET reviewRoku Streaming Stick: The CNET reviewMore Roku Ready hardware partnersSeparately, Roku also announced that it's expanding the list of "Roku Ready" hardware partners -- those companies that ship TVs and other AV products that include or are designed to work with the Roku Streaming Stick. Add Coby, Harman-Kardon, Hisense, TCL, Voxx (which sells under RCA and other brands), and Westinghouse to the Roku Ready roster. They join 3M -- maker of the cool Streaming Projector -- Element, Haier America, Hitachi, Insignia, Oppo, and Apex.Sarah Tew/CNETOf course, that list leaves out every top tier TV manufacturer -- Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic, Vizio, and the like -- all of which prefer to build their own smart TV suites and platforms. The irony is that Roku offers a far more extensive content selection than all of them, and it tends to upgrade and expand its offerings more frequently than the mainstream manufacturers. But competition is amping up -- streaming video is arguably the hot topic here at CES 2013. Expect a slew of announcements from the majors in next few days as they pronounce their plans to out-Roku Roku in 2013 and beyond.
The 404 889- Where we feel an urge to back you up (podcast)
The 404 889: Where we feel an urge to back you up (podcast)
Our guest on the show today is Jason Scott, computer historian and adjunct archivist at the Internet Archives, a nonprofit founded in 1996 to save a copy of every Web page ever posted. He's also responsible for the Netscape GIF graveyard you see above. Also related: "under construction" GIFs!We want to hear all about the 500,000 books scanned so far in the Archive warehouse, but we'll also talk to him about the Wayback Machine, a tool that lets you click through snapshots of Web sites along a timeline--check out CNET back in October 1996!The Archive's book-scanning division is the company's foremost project with donated texts making up a big portion of the collection, but the Web site also preserves live music footage, original audio recordings, and various moving images clipped from history, like this compendium of news footage documenting various news organizations' coverage of the September 11 attacks over the course of seven days.We have a lot of topics to discuss with Jason, including his personal project to rescue data saved on floppy discs (we'll explain what those are in the show, kids) and his personal vendetta against Wikipedia. But we only have 20 minutes for the interview, so expect to see him back on the show in the future. The 404 Digest for Episode 889DragCloseThis 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.Is this the end for books?Internet archivist seeks 1 of every book written.Rescuing floppy disks, by Jason Scott.The great failure of Wikipedia, by Jason Scott.Ticketmaster tells you where your Facebook Friends sit.CorporateTwits--Trolling goes corporateHow a Tweet Led to a full steak dinner delivered to the airport.Netscape GIF GraveyardUnder construction GIF GraveyardEpisode 889PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in 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
Our guest on the show today is Jason Scott, computer historian and adjunct archivist at the Internet Archives, a nonprofit founded in 1996 to save a copy of every Web page ever posted. He's also responsible for the Netscape GIF graveyard you see above. Also related: "under construction" GIFs!We want to hear all about the 500,000 books scanned so far in the Archive warehouse, but we'll also talk to him about the Wayback Machine, a tool that lets you click through snapshots of Web sites along a timeline--check out CNET back in October 1996!The Archive's book-scanning division is the company's foremost project with donated texts making up a big portion of the collection, but the Web site also preserves live music footage, original audio recordings, and various moving images clipped from history, like this compendium of news footage documenting various news organizations' coverage of the September 11 attacks over the course of seven days.We have a lot of topics to discuss with Jason, including his personal project to rescue data saved on floppy discs (we'll explain what those are in the show, kids) and his personal vendetta against Wikipedia. But we only have 20 minutes for the interview, so expect to see him back on the show in the future. The 404 Digest for Episode 889DragCloseThis 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.Is this the end for books?Internet archivist seeks 1 of every book written.Rescuing floppy disks, by Jason Scott.The great failure of Wikipedia, by Jason Scott.Ticketmaster tells you where your Facebook Friends sit.CorporateTwits--Trolling goes corporateHow a Tweet Led to a full steak dinner delivered to the airport.Netscape GIF GraveyardUnder construction GIF GraveyardEpisode 889PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in 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
Pioneer's new VSX-1021-K receiver has built-in AirPlay
Pioneer's new VSX-1021-K receiver has built-in AirPlay
Pioneer has announced the new VSX-1021-K this afternoon, the first midrange AV receiver we've seen with built-in support for AirPlay, Apple's new streaming audio platform. For iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad owners, we expect it to be one of the easiest ways to browse and listen to your digital music collection, allowing you to stream music directly from your device to your receiver--even from digital music apps like Pandora and Rhapsody. AirPlay also allows you to stream music directly from iTunes on a PC or Mac.Hands-on: Pioneer VSX-1021-K (photos)See full gallery1 - 4 / 7NextPrevThe VSX-1021-K needs to be connected to your home network for AirPlay to work, and it features an Ethernet port on the back panel. If you don't have Ethernet in your living room, you can also purchase the AS-WL300 Wi-Fi adapter ($150 list price). In additional to AirPlay network connectivity, the VSX-1021-K is also DLNA compatible and has built-in Internet radio support via vTuner.The rest of the Pioneer VSX-1021-K's feature set is solid, too. There are five HDMI inputs, all of which support advanced HDMI features such asstandby pass-through, 3D video pass-through, and audio return channel. The front-panel USB port is iPhone/iPod compatible, so, in addition to AirPlay, you can connect your device directly via USB without the need for a pricey USB dock. Like last year's VSX-1020-K, the new Pioneer will have a color graphical user interface capable of displaying album art for your digital music.Pioneer VSX-1021-K back panel (click for larger image)PioneerThe list price of $550 is relatively high compared with some of the other models we've seen announced so far this year, but we wouldn't be surprised to see the street price dip significantly below $500 toward the end of 2011.While both Sony and Onkyo have announced midrange AV receivers with networking this year, the Pioneer VSX-1021-K is the first we've seen to feature AirPlay at this price level. That's going to be a tough feature to beat, especially given the ubiquity of iOS devices.Pioneer also released the details of the rest of its full 2011 AV receiver line, all of which will be available later in March. We'll be following up with more in-depth coverage of the VSX-1021-K and the rest of the line soon.
Pioneer has announced the new VSX-1021-K this afternoon, the first midrange AV receiver we've seen with built-in support for AirPlay, Apple's new streaming audio platform. For iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad owners, we expect it to be one of the easiest ways to browse and listen to your digital music collection, allowing you to stream music directly from your device to your receiver--even from digital music apps like Pandora and Rhapsody. AirPlay also allows you to stream music directly from iTunes on a PC or Mac.Hands-on: Pioneer VSX-1021-K (photos)See full gallery1 - 4 / 7NextPrevThe VSX-1021-K needs to be connected to your home network for AirPlay to work, and it features an Ethernet port on the back panel. If you don't have Ethernet in your living room, you can also purchase the AS-WL300 Wi-Fi adapter ($150 list price). In additional to AirPlay network connectivity, the VSX-1021-K is also DLNA compatible and has built-in Internet radio support via vTuner.The rest of the Pioneer VSX-1021-K's feature set is solid, too. There are five HDMI inputs, all of which support advanced HDMI features such asstandby pass-through, 3D video pass-through, and audio return channel. The front-panel USB port is iPhone/iPod compatible, so, in addition to AirPlay, you can connect your device directly via USB without the need for a pricey USB dock. Like last year's VSX-1020-K, the new Pioneer will have a color graphical user interface capable of displaying album art for your digital music.Pioneer VSX-1021-K back panel (click for larger image)PioneerThe list price of $550 is relatively high compared with some of the other models we've seen announced so far this year, but we wouldn't be surprised to see the street price dip significantly below $500 toward the end of 2011.While both Sony and Onkyo have announced midrange AV receivers with networking this year, the Pioneer VSX-1021-K is the first we've seen to feature AirPlay at this price level. That's going to be a tough feature to beat, especially given the ubiquity of iOS devices.Pioneer also released the details of the rest of its full 2011 AV receiver line, all of which will be available later in March. We'll be following up with more in-depth coverage of the VSX-1021-K and the rest of the line soon.
On back of iPad 3, Apple tablet numbers to jump in 2012
On back of iPad 3, Apple tablet numbers to jump in 2012
Shipments of the iPad 3 are expected to zoom this year, based on orders placed for displays, an Asia-based report said. Those orders for iPad 3 displays may go as high as 70 million this year, according to a report in the Chinese language Commercial Times.That would be more than a 60 percent jump over iPad sales in 2011, which were about 40 million. The Times mentions Samsung and LG Display as suppliers of the iPad 3's Retina 2048x1536 display but does not mention Sharp.Based on separate reports, Sharp is expected to ship an IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) version of that display to Apple at some point, though the timing is not clear. The report adds--citing South Korean news reports--that Apple's suppliers have been throttling back production of iPad 2 components and shifting to those used in the iPad 3. The iPad 3, rumored to be announced in March, is also expected to sport 4G LTE broadband and a new Apple A series chip--a follow-on to the A5 currently used in the iPad 2.
Shipments of the iPad 3 are expected to zoom this year, based on orders placed for displays, an Asia-based report said. Those orders for iPad 3 displays may go as high as 70 million this year, according to a report in the Chinese language Commercial Times.That would be more than a 60 percent jump over iPad sales in 2011, which were about 40 million. The Times mentions Samsung and LG Display as suppliers of the iPad 3's Retina 2048x1536 display but does not mention Sharp.Based on separate reports, Sharp is expected to ship an IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) version of that display to Apple at some point, though the timing is not clear. The report adds--citing South Korean news reports--that Apple's suppliers have been throttling back production of iPad 2 components and shifting to those used in the iPad 3. The iPad 3, rumored to be announced in March, is also expected to sport 4G LTE broadband and a new Apple A series chip--a follow-on to the A5 currently used in the iPad 2.
Official Apple Store app goes live
Official Apple Store app goes live
Rumors started swirling Monday that Apple would launch an Apple Store application for iOS. Just a day later, the company has, in fact, launched the free application for its recently renamed mobile operating system.Dubbed Apple Store, the iPhone/iPad app allows customers to "buy Apple products and accessories, read customer reviews, find an Apple Retail Store, stay up to date with in-store events, and make Personal Shopping, Genius Bar, or One to One appointments."There is a reason why Apple waited until Tuesday to launch the app--it's the same day that it will start allowing customers to preorder the iPhone 4. Its new Apple Store app allows people to reserve the iPhone 4 from the software. Once the iPhone is ordered from the app, it will ship to customers on June 24 for free. It will also be "ready to use," Apple claims.Overall, the app seems well-designed. A navigation bar at the bottom of the program allows customers to view available products, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and iPods. It also features a Stores tab, which provides access to some in-store options. Since products can be purchased from the app, people can also view and modify their shopping cart.
Rumors started swirling Monday that Apple would launch an Apple Store application for iOS. Just a day later, the company has, in fact, launched the free application for its recently renamed mobile operating system.Dubbed Apple Store, the iPhone/iPad app allows customers to "buy Apple products and accessories, read customer reviews, find an Apple Retail Store, stay up to date with in-store events, and make Personal Shopping, Genius Bar, or One to One appointments."There is a reason why Apple waited until Tuesday to launch the app--it's the same day that it will start allowing customers to preorder the iPhone 4. Its new Apple Store app allows people to reserve the iPhone 4 from the software. Once the iPhone is ordered from the app, it will ship to customers on June 24 for free. It will also be "ready to use," Apple claims.Overall, the app seems well-designed. A navigation bar at the bottom of the program allows customers to view available products, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and iPods. It also features a Stores tab, which provides access to some in-store options. Since products can be purchased from the app, people can also view and modify their shopping cart.
Time Warner to bring live, roaming TV to iOS devices
Time Warner to bring live, roaming TV to iOS devices
Time Warner Cable subscribers soon will be able to watch certain live channels on their Apple's iOS devices -- even when away from home.The network, which is the second-largest cable company in the U.S., today announced plans to add both live and on-demand content viewing to its iOS app, which will work even when users are away from their designated home Wi-Fi connection.The updated service, which launches Wednesday, expands upon one that allowed viewers to access both live and on-demand content but still required the user to be at home. Not all live TV is available as part of the update. Time Warner announced seven live TV channels from the onset, including BBC America, TVGuide Network, and Pac-12. Time Warner also says it's making 1,100 hours worth of on-demand programming available from about 27 other channels. A similar update is headed to devices running Google's Android, as well as Windows and Mac computers, in "the near future," the company said.
Time Warner Cable subscribers soon will be able to watch certain live channels on their Apple's iOS devices -- even when away from home.The network, which is the second-largest cable company in the U.S., today announced plans to add both live and on-demand content viewing to its iOS app, which will work even when users are away from their designated home Wi-Fi connection.The updated service, which launches Wednesday, expands upon one that allowed viewers to access both live and on-demand content but still required the user to be at home. Not all live TV is available as part of the update. Time Warner announced seven live TV channels from the onset, including BBC America, TVGuide Network, and Pac-12. Time Warner also says it's making 1,100 hours worth of on-demand programming available from about 27 other channels. A similar update is headed to devices running Google's Android, as well as Windows and Mac computers, in "the near future," the company said.
'You want gold iPhone- I get you gold iPhone,' says Conan's Raffi
'You want gold iPhone? I get you gold iPhone,' says Conan's Raffi
Can't find the golden iPhone? Don't worry. Raffi can get you a deal, at least if you're willing to go along with a sketch aired Wednesday night on Conan O'Brien's late-night talk show.Fans of Coco first met iPhone salesman Raffi Jaharian a couple of weeks ago after Apple launched its two new iPhones. Sporting gold chains and gold rings and touting gold as "best, best, best," Raffi claimed that he was the man behind the gold iPhone.In the latest sketch, Raffi is back and is now offering deals to iPhone customers eager to buy the hot-selling golden version. While a (faux) Apple exec says that more gold iPhones will be available in a few weeks, Raffi promises to deliver in a few days."You want iPhone gold? I get you iPhone gold," Raffi says. "Gold is best. iPhone gold faster, bigger, louder, quieter, smaller, sexier, wetter, taller. It's just best."Another phony Apple exec advises people to just place their iPhone orders at a local Apple store and the phone will be shipped as soon as it's available. But Raffi has a different deal up his sleeve."Raffi got you. Here's what you do," says Raffi. "Go to your local Apple store. Not in front, but in back. Don't talk to Geniuses. Talk to one of my nephews. They all wear gold tanktops and gold sneakers. On eBay, they charge you triple. But for you, you only pay double."And to counter the suggestion that customers go to Apple's online site to get an iPhone, Raffi has a slightly different Web site in mind -- ww.GiveMeGoldiPhoneNow/okIGotYou/ThanksRaffiYouTheMan_YouGotItMan\GoldIsBest.Yes#.
Can't find the golden iPhone? Don't worry. Raffi can get you a deal, at least if you're willing to go along with a sketch aired Wednesday night on Conan O'Brien's late-night talk show.Fans of Coco first met iPhone salesman Raffi Jaharian a couple of weeks ago after Apple launched its two new iPhones. Sporting gold chains and gold rings and touting gold as "best, best, best," Raffi claimed that he was the man behind the gold iPhone.In the latest sketch, Raffi is back and is now offering deals to iPhone customers eager to buy the hot-selling golden version. While a (faux) Apple exec says that more gold iPhones will be available in a few weeks, Raffi promises to deliver in a few days."You want iPhone gold? I get you iPhone gold," Raffi says. "Gold is best. iPhone gold faster, bigger, louder, quieter, smaller, sexier, wetter, taller. It's just best."Another phony Apple exec advises people to just place their iPhone orders at a local Apple store and the phone will be shipped as soon as it's available. But Raffi has a different deal up his sleeve."Raffi got you. Here's what you do," says Raffi. "Go to your local Apple store. Not in front, but in back. Don't talk to Geniuses. Talk to one of my nephews. They all wear gold tanktops and gold sneakers. On eBay, they charge you triple. But for you, you only pay double."And to counter the suggestion that customers go to Apple's online site to get an iPhone, Raffi has a slightly different Web site in mind -- ww.GiveMeGoldiPhoneNow/okIGotYou/ThanksRaffiYouTheMan_YouGotItMan\GoldIsBest.Yes#.
Yep, Apple owns iPhone5.com now
Yep, Apple owns iPhone5.com now
If there were any lingering doubts that Apple sought to control the iPhone5.com domain, a recently updated domain record shows that that's exactly what happened.The Whois database record for iPhone5.com, updated on May 21, now shows "Apple Inc." as its registrant, with registered servers that go back to Apple.com. Even so, the site continues to not go anywhere.The move comes a week after the closure of an investigation by The World Intellectual Property Organization regarding the domain name. Apple had taken aim at an Internet forum site residing at iPhone5.com, which had been created in February 2008, less than a year after Apple unveiled its first-generation iPhone.Click to enlarge.CNETFollowing a termination of that investigation, it remained unclear whether Apple was the owner, given a handover to brand protection agency Corporation Service Company, which continues to be listed as the registrar.The timing made the entire ordeal curious. Apple is expected to unveil its next iPhone later this year; whether it will continue with an enumeration scheme, however, remains unclear. The iPhone 4S is technically Apple's fifth iPhone, yet the third generation of Apple's iPhone body style. Apple did away with numbering all together on its latest iPad, choosing to call it simply "the new iPad." As the usual caveat goes, Apple has bought up or taken control of numerous domains that aren't necessarily products or future products. That is perhaps best illustrated with the company's purchase of iSlate.com near the end of 2007, roughly two years before the company would unveil its slate-like device, the iPad.
If there were any lingering doubts that Apple sought to control the iPhone5.com domain, a recently updated domain record shows that that's exactly what happened.The Whois database record for iPhone5.com, updated on May 21, now shows "Apple Inc." as its registrant, with registered servers that go back to Apple.com. Even so, the site continues to not go anywhere.The move comes a week after the closure of an investigation by The World Intellectual Property Organization regarding the domain name. Apple had taken aim at an Internet forum site residing at iPhone5.com, which had been created in February 2008, less than a year after Apple unveiled its first-generation iPhone.Click to enlarge.CNETFollowing a termination of that investigation, it remained unclear whether Apple was the owner, given a handover to brand protection agency Corporation Service Company, which continues to be listed as the registrar.The timing made the entire ordeal curious. Apple is expected to unveil its next iPhone later this year; whether it will continue with an enumeration scheme, however, remains unclear. The iPhone 4S is technically Apple's fifth iPhone, yet the third generation of Apple's iPhone body style. Apple did away with numbering all together on its latest iPad, choosing to call it simply "the new iPad." As the usual caveat goes, Apple has bought up or taken control of numerous domains that aren't necessarily products or future products. That is perhaps best illustrated with the company's purchase of iSlate.com near the end of 2007, roughly two years before the company would unveil its slate-like device, the iPad.
Yoko Ono- iTunes-Beatles deal still long way off
Yoko Ono: iTunes-Beatles deal still long way off
Yoko Ono said Beatles fans shouldn't hold their breath waiting for a deal that would allow them to buy the band's music digitally from online retailers such as iTunes.In an interview Thursday with Reuters about an upcoming documentary on her New York life with late husband and Beatle John Lennon called "LENNONNYC," she said there were still a few sticking points that need to be worked out between Apple Corps, the holding company that controls the rights to the Beatles music and Apple, the company that owns the iTunes digital music store.The two Apples have had a contentious past. One major issue was their shared name. The music holding company sued Apple, the computer maker, for using its name. The two sides settled their dispute in 2007. And many hoped it would lead to a deal where Apple Corps would finally begin offering the Beatles songs digitally. But three years later, and the two sides are still negotiating.Apple CEO "Steve Jobs has his own idea and he's a brilliant guy," Reuters quoted Ono as saying in her interview."There's just an element that we're not very happy about, as people. We are holding out."Don't hold your breath...for anything," she said with a laugh, the news agency reported.Ono, who is now 77 years old, has been blamed for breaking up the Beatles in 1970. Forty years later, she said that tensions have softened and that she and the other three equal shareholders of Apple Corps--Paul McCartney, bandmate Ringo Starr and Olivia Harrison, the widow of George Harrison--are in agreement over the last sticking points involved in the iTunes negotiation.
Yoko Ono said Beatles fans shouldn't hold their breath waiting for a deal that would allow them to buy the band's music digitally from online retailers such as iTunes.In an interview Thursday with Reuters about an upcoming documentary on her New York life with late husband and Beatle John Lennon called "LENNONNYC," she said there were still a few sticking points that need to be worked out between Apple Corps, the holding company that controls the rights to the Beatles music and Apple, the company that owns the iTunes digital music store.The two Apples have had a contentious past. One major issue was their shared name. The music holding company sued Apple, the computer maker, for using its name. The two sides settled their dispute in 2007. And many hoped it would lead to a deal where Apple Corps would finally begin offering the Beatles songs digitally. But three years later, and the two sides are still negotiating.Apple CEO "Steve Jobs has his own idea and he's a brilliant guy," Reuters quoted Ono as saying in her interview."There's just an element that we're not very happy about, as people. We are holding out."Don't hold your breath...for anything," she said with a laugh, the news agency reported.Ono, who is now 77 years old, has been blamed for breaking up the Beatles in 1970. Forty years later, she said that tensions have softened and that she and the other three equal shareholders of Apple Corps--Paul McCartney, bandmate Ringo Starr and Olivia Harrison, the widow of George Harrison--are in agreement over the last sticking points involved in the iTunes negotiation.
Yelp iOS app updated with lots of 'awesomeness'
Yelp iOS app updated with lots of 'awesomeness'
iPhone and iPad users who tap into Yelp will find a few enhancements in the latest version.Rolled out yesterday, version 6 of the review site's iOS app has revamped its business pages. Click on the name of a business, and you'll see the location, contact info, photos, reviews, and tips all on one single screen.Beyond reviewing a restaurant or other business, you can add tips to advise people on what to buy or what to avoid. You can compliment other people on their reviews of the business. And you can add photos of the business to provide some helpful visuals.You can also add and edit information on a business, such as its location, hours of operation, and Web site. The folks at Yelp then verify the new information before posting it live.For other mobile users, Yelp has updated its mobile Web site to let people log into their accounts, add tips, and view and create bookmarks of their favorite businesses.Yelp revealed that around 40 percent of its searches come through its mobile apps. The folks behind the iOS app clearly think highly of the latest update, writing that "this update is literally filled to the brim with awesomeness. We're not joking -- we had to get an intern to stand on the top of it just to get it zipped up and shipped to the App Store."Not sure what they're doing with those interns, but the updates do enhance the usefulness of Yelp. We'll have to see if the app's array of users share the same excitement as its creators.
iPhone and iPad users who tap into Yelp will find a few enhancements in the latest version.Rolled out yesterday, version 6 of the review site's iOS app has revamped its business pages. Click on the name of a business, and you'll see the location, contact info, photos, reviews, and tips all on one single screen.Beyond reviewing a restaurant or other business, you can add tips to advise people on what to buy or what to avoid. You can compliment other people on their reviews of the business. And you can add photos of the business to provide some helpful visuals.You can also add and edit information on a business, such as its location, hours of operation, and Web site. The folks at Yelp then verify the new information before posting it live.For other mobile users, Yelp has updated its mobile Web site to let people log into their accounts, add tips, and view and create bookmarks of their favorite businesses.Yelp revealed that around 40 percent of its searches come through its mobile apps. The folks behind the iOS app clearly think highly of the latest update, writing that "this update is literally filled to the brim with awesomeness. We're not joking -- we had to get an intern to stand on the top of it just to get it zipped up and shipped to the App Store."Not sure what they're doing with those interns, but the updates do enhance the usefulness of Yelp. We'll have to see if the app's array of users share the same excitement as its creators.
Yandex powers Apple's Maps in Russia, report says
Yandex powers Apple's Maps in Russia, report says
Although Google has been kicked out of iOS 6, at least one of its competitors has actually been invited to the platform.Yandex, Russia's Google equivalent, is powering aspects of Apple's iOS 6 mapping feature, Maps, TechCrunch is reporting today, citing sources. According to the blog, when users search for details in Maps, Yandex's application programming interface built into the feature will offer up information on local restaurants, shops, and other locales.The Yandex integration was discovered in the Gold Master version of Russia's iOS 6. AppleInsider in Russia was first to discover the feature.Apple introduced its new Maps in iOS 6. The company previously bundled Google Maps in its mobile software, but due to their obvious competition, decided to remove the search giant's built-in apps from its software. However, according to TechCrunch, Apple's Maps needed a boost in Russia, and it made sense for the company to partner with Yandex now, rather than invest even more into its own software.But that might not be all Yandex and Apple are partnering on. According to TechCrunch, citing sources, the companies are close to inking a deal that could see Yandex become the default search engine in Apple's Safari browser in Russia.That wouldn't be the first time Apple has made another search engine besides Google's the default in a country around the world. Earlier this year, in fact, Apple ditched Google in favor of Baidu in China.Yandex declined CNET's request for comment on the TechCrunch report. CNET has contacted Apple for comment. We will update this story when we have more information.
Although Google has been kicked out of iOS 6, at least one of its competitors has actually been invited to the platform.Yandex, Russia's Google equivalent, is powering aspects of Apple's iOS 6 mapping feature, Maps, TechCrunch is reporting today, citing sources. According to the blog, when users search for details in Maps, Yandex's application programming interface built into the feature will offer up information on local restaurants, shops, and other locales.The Yandex integration was discovered in the Gold Master version of Russia's iOS 6. AppleInsider in Russia was first to discover the feature.Apple introduced its new Maps in iOS 6. The company previously bundled Google Maps in its mobile software, but due to their obvious competition, decided to remove the search giant's built-in apps from its software. However, according to TechCrunch, Apple's Maps needed a boost in Russia, and it made sense for the company to partner with Yandex now, rather than invest even more into its own software.But that might not be all Yandex and Apple are partnering on. According to TechCrunch, citing sources, the companies are close to inking a deal that could see Yandex become the default search engine in Apple's Safari browser in Russia.That wouldn't be the first time Apple has made another search engine besides Google's the default in a country around the world. Earlier this year, in fact, Apple ditched Google in favor of Baidu in China.Yandex declined CNET's request for comment on the TechCrunch report. CNET has contacted Apple for comment. We will update this story when we have more information.
American Hustle' Is Both Deliciously Sexy and Hilariously Unsexy
David O. Russell;s American Hustle is at times both deliciously sexy and hilariously unsexy in its attempt to portray the awful, scheming hustlers we all pretend not to be. This isn;t a movie about one man or one real-life controversial FBI sting operation -- it;s about figuring out where to draw the line when it comes to success. How many people do you screw over? How many lies do you need to tell? How many hearts will you need to break in order to become everything you;ve ever wanted to be? American Hustle is like a cautionary tale for idiots. Here;s what not to do in order to get ahead in life. Its characters are scumbags and their motives are almost always suspect, but the brilliance of this film lies in the weird way they all win you over. You won;t like any of them, but you;ll love watching them. From Christian Bale;s gross beer belly and accountant-like combover to Jennifer Lawrence;s boozed-up, foul-mouthed rants about microwaves, by the time Bradley Cooper is running his mouth off inside his mother;s house with curlers in his hair, you;ll be laughing so hard at the absurdity of it all that you;ll barely have time to notice the alcohol and cigarette stains on your soul. Some of this actually happened is how it all opens, alluding to the Abscam sting operation that plagued New York newspapers in the late 1970s. This was one of those classic bats**t stories where the FBI cut a deal with some low-level con artist from Long Island, agreeing not to prosecute him in return for his help in setting up a scam to trap greedy politicians. The whole thing just reeked of egos and desperation, and much of that is painted all over American Hustle, which rides the hilarity and stupidity of the situation like a bat out of hell. I mean, the thing just moves. Channeling the best of Martin Scorsese -- his love of New York characters, his music cues, his witty situational banter -- David O. Russell delivers what;s probably his funniest movie yet. There are times when American Hustle is almost too funny, which sounds like a weird thing to say, but tone is a tricky thing. When you have dark, unlikable characters doing seedy things, it;s difficult to earn hard, gut-busting laughs without disrespecting the characters or their situation. American Hustle does a terrific job balancing it all, even if lengthy voiceovers early on don;t really add much to the overall story. They just feed you information. But you;re hungry for it. The foursome of Christian Bale (the con artist), Amy Adams (his partnerand lover), Jennifer Lawrence (his wifeand thorn in his side) and Bradley Cooper (the FBI agent who sets it all up) are so good -- so filthy, stinking good -- in these roles that you just love watching them. The story may feel a bit rocky at times, and the emotions a bit over the top (I;m looking at you, scene where Amy Adams screams deliriously while on the toilet), but it;s this cast that keeps you glued; keeps you asking for more. They are the film;s ultimate con, with the kind of performances that take it from familiar to legendary. The ones you remember. The ones you can;t stop quoting to sound cool. In particular, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. Cooper borrows some of that fast-talking neurosis from Silver Linings Playbook for his turn as an obnoxiously eager FBI agent looking to make a name for himself, and it works. He steals scenes, especially when he;s wearing the curlers. His buddy shtick with Christian Bale provides some of the film;s best moments, and you could see why Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi wanted to play the same duo back in the early 1980s when Hollywood last attempted to stage a movie based on Abscam. But even if this was always a story that bet a lot on the rocky relationship between its two male stars, the ladies are the ones who bring that balance. They are their other halves. Lawrence and Adams play women who each want what the other regrets having, and they both give it their all. Lawrence especially, who plays the con artist;s bitter, hysterical wife with this crazy seductive kind of anger. Like even when she;s cursing a mile a minute and throwing things, she still looks beautiful and he still wants her. (Psst, so do you.) I dunno, maybe it;s a New York thing. But this entire movie is a New York thing. It;s drowning in New York attitude and style. From the way Christian Bale pronounces the word balls to Robert De Niro playing a wise guy, the spirit of this city -- its winners, its losers, its schemers, its dreamers -- flows throughout the veins of American Hustle like a drug you can;t get enough of. Its what makes this film feel alive. Well, that and the hair. The hair is pretty great, too.
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