Apple iOS 5.1: First Take
Just before it unveiled the new iPad at a media event in San Francisco today, Apple announced that iOS 5.1, the next update to the company's mobile operating system, is now available.The list of new features isn't extensive and largely consists of bug fixes and interface tweaks. That said, there are a couple of useful additions. Here are the highlights that Apple has listed in iOS 5.1's documentation.A closer look at iOS 5.1 (photos)See full gallery1 - 4 / 10NextPrevA Japanese SiriThis was the only feature of iOS 5.1 that Apple CEO Tim Cook specifically mentioned during his time onstage. Siri, the voice assistant exclusive to the iPhone 4S, now will be able to understand and talk back in Japanese. Though Apple says that the new feature may not be completely available at first, I was able to switch our Verizon iPhone 4S to Japanese without any hiccups. Unfortunately, my knowledge of the language doesn't extend past simple greetings like "Good morning," but CNET's Seth Rosenblatt was able to ask a few questions like, "What is your name?" He said Siri uses a formal vocabulary, but that she responded correctly and he was able to understand her. Just keep in mind that Siri is not a translation service, so if you have her set to Japanese, she will not respond to English commands or questions. And if you're counting, Siri now can converse in four languages: Japanese, English (Australian, British, and American), French, and German. Photo StreamAfter Photo Stream debuted as part of iCloud and iOS 5, users quickly complained that once a photo was uploaded to the feature, they couldn't delete it. Fortunately, iOS 5.1 adds that option. So go ahead and take those embarrassing photos at next weekend's party. You can remove them the next day as you nurse your hangover.Related storiesAll iPad coverage from CNETFirst Take: Apple's new iPadApple iPad with Retina Display makes its debutApple's new iPad gets 4G LTEApple TV announced, with 1080pApple iOS 5.1: First TakeCamera shortcutiOS 5 added a nifty lock screen shortcut that allowed users to quickly shoot a photo without having to unlock the iPhone first. The only trouble was that it wasn't always visible, particularly when you really needed it. With today's update, though, the shortcut will be present at all times. What's more, instead of pressing the camera icon to access the camera, you can now slide up the lock screen. I'm not sure the new action is all that improved, but it's there just the same.Face detectionOn the iPhone 4S, the camera app now will highlight all faces that it detects when you're trying to snap an image. Of course, it won't always detect a face even when it's squarely in the frame, but when it does you'll see the green box over the person's mug.iPad Camera appIn another small but noticeable interface tweak, the camera shutter has moved from the menu bar at the bottom of the viewfinder to the right side of the frame. And as you rotate your iPad from portrait to landscape mode, the button shifts accordingly. Improved audioiPad users also are set to get louder and clearer audio when watching television shows and movies. We haven't see a huge difference so far, but we'll never kick an improvement out of bed.More GeniusiTunes Match subscribers now will get Genius Mix and Genius playlist suggestions. Nice, perhaps, for those who use iTunes Match, but not significant to anyone else.New podcast controlsIn the last iPad-only addition, you'll see new controls for changing the playback speed on podcasts and rewinding for 30-second segments. The latter is a great feature if you miss a beat while listening to a show and want a quick and easy way to catch it again.Updated AT&T network indicatorIf you have an AT&T iPhone 4S, you may notice that a small "4G" icon is now appearing next to the signal strength meter. It will show only when your phone is connecting the carrier's HSDPA network. As we've told you a few times, classifying HSPA+ as true "4G" is a bit of a stretch, but that hasn't stopped from AT&T from doing so.Bug fixesApple also said that iOS 5.1 addresses bugs that affect battery life and fixes an issue that sometimes caused audio to drop for outgoing calls. Call quality and battery life are two things that make a phone, after all, so we welcome any fixes. We'll have to say, however, if we see performance improvements over time.iOS 5.1 is available today through an over-the-air update or by connecting your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to iTunes. We'll add more new features here as we see them, and please tell us in the Comments section if you discover any other changes. For more Apple software news, check out our first impressions of iPhoto, the new iWork apps, GarageBand, and iMovie.
iTunes 11 delayed into 'end of November'
iTunes 11 delayed into 'end of November'
Apple says it needs a little longer to finish up work on iTunes 11. The software, which adds a handful of new features and a facelift, was previewed at an event last month, and was originally due by the end of October.Apple now says the software will be out before the end of next month."The new iTunes is taking longer than expected and we wanted to take a little extra time to get it right," Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr told CNET. "We look forward to releasing this new version of iTunes with its dramatically simpler and cleaner interface, and seamless integration with iCloud before the end of November."The new software's headlining feature is a visual resign that takes a cue or two from Apple's iOS software, with a focus on album covers that can expand out to show you songs -- both in your library, and other tracks from Apple's iTunes Music Store.Other features include deeper integration with content stored on iCloud, a new "up next" song feature, redesigned storefronts, and a revamped mini player that lets you search for songs, albums and artists without going back to the full view. Related storiesCNET first take: iTunes 11Apple, where's the software?Apple releases iTunes 10.5.1 with Match featureApple's admission that the software won't be delivered on time bears some resemblance to the notably unspoken delays to last year's iTunes Match feature. That feature, which debuted during last June's developers conference, and was promised by the end of October, took Apple an additional three weeks beyond schedule to get it out to customers. iTunes has become a decreasingly important aspect of using Apple's portable devices. With the launch of iOS 5 last year, iPods, iPhones and iPads can be set up and used without plugging into a computer, and with iCloud, they can be backed up wirelessly too. These were all functions consumers previously relied on iTunes to do. Meanwhile, Apple has reworked its own versions of these stores right on the devices, where about two thirds of iTunes purchases are made. As of last month, Apple said it had more than 435 million iTunes accounts set up with 1-Click purchasing, meaning accounts with credit cards or other payment options attached. The storefront itself has a catalog of 26 million songs available for purchase, of which there have been 20 billion purchased by consumers during the past nine years. Apple's last major iteration of iTunes, version 10, was released in September 2010, and added Apple's music social networking experiment Ping. The company quietly killed that feature off at the beginning of this month, after announcing plans to shut it down in early September. Since version 10, Apple has added additional features like iTunes Match, iTunes in the cloud, and 1080p videos from the iTunes Store.Here's Apple's demo of the software from its September event:Updated at 1:45 p.m. PT with additional background.
Apple says it needs a little longer to finish up work on iTunes 11. The software, which adds a handful of new features and a facelift, was previewed at an event last month, and was originally due by the end of October.Apple now says the software will be out before the end of next month."The new iTunes is taking longer than expected and we wanted to take a little extra time to get it right," Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr told CNET. "We look forward to releasing this new version of iTunes with its dramatically simpler and cleaner interface, and seamless integration with iCloud before the end of November."The new software's headlining feature is a visual resign that takes a cue or two from Apple's iOS software, with a focus on album covers that can expand out to show you songs -- both in your library, and other tracks from Apple's iTunes Music Store.Other features include deeper integration with content stored on iCloud, a new "up next" song feature, redesigned storefronts, and a revamped mini player that lets you search for songs, albums and artists without going back to the full view. Related storiesCNET first take: iTunes 11Apple, where's the software?Apple releases iTunes 10.5.1 with Match featureApple's admission that the software won't be delivered on time bears some resemblance to the notably unspoken delays to last year's iTunes Match feature. That feature, which debuted during last June's developers conference, and was promised by the end of October, took Apple an additional three weeks beyond schedule to get it out to customers. iTunes has become a decreasingly important aspect of using Apple's portable devices. With the launch of iOS 5 last year, iPods, iPhones and iPads can be set up and used without plugging into a computer, and with iCloud, they can be backed up wirelessly too. These were all functions consumers previously relied on iTunes to do. Meanwhile, Apple has reworked its own versions of these stores right on the devices, where about two thirds of iTunes purchases are made. As of last month, Apple said it had more than 435 million iTunes accounts set up with 1-Click purchasing, meaning accounts with credit cards or other payment options attached. The storefront itself has a catalog of 26 million songs available for purchase, of which there have been 20 billion purchased by consumers during the past nine years. Apple's last major iteration of iTunes, version 10, was released in September 2010, and added Apple's music social networking experiment Ping. The company quietly killed that feature off at the beginning of this month, after announcing plans to shut it down in early September. Since version 10, Apple has added additional features like iTunes Match, iTunes in the cloud, and 1080p videos from the iTunes Store.Here's Apple's demo of the software from its September event:Updated at 1:45 p.m. PT with additional background.
Apple to develop digital wallet in next year or two, says analyst
Apple to develop digital wallet in next year or two, says analyst
Apple may finally step its toes into the digital wallet world over the next year or two, forecasts Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster.The analyst believes a payment option for iOS users may launch with the iPhone 6 in the first half of 2014. Apple will use a technology other than or in addition to near-field communications (NFC), but its system will work with existing mobile payment solutions.The company already has one major asset ripe for a digital wallet system -- its users.Apple holds the key to around 500 million iTunes users and their linked credit cards, which Munster believes is the largest database of payment information owned by any one company. As of January, those 500 million accounts represented a 60 percent growth rate from the prior year. In comparison, PayPal had around 120 million accounts as of last year's fourth quarter, a growth rate of 15 percent from a year earlier.Still, Apple would face challenges if it forged ahead with its own mobile payment system.Such a system would rely on mobile ads from advertisers and retailers. But Apple has been a relatively small player in the area of mobile advertising, according to Munster.Apple would also need to focus on retail partnerships and security. The company does have relationships with key retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, which could be a good starting point.Apple's purchase of security provider AuthenTec may pave the way for iOS devices equipped with fingerprint readers. That type of biometric technology would be key since the traditional passcode system has proven vulnerable to hacking.A hole in iOS 6.1 allowed anyone to break through the passcode to make phone calls and listen to voice mails. Users already wary of NFC over security issues would need strong assurance that their devices would be safe from such exploits.Related storiesApple patent award teases NFC alternative in iPhone's futureApple files patent for Passbook coupons with a touch of NFCApple wants fingerprint sensors in its productsHow big an opportunity would a digital wallet be for Apple? Munster said it's unclear at this point but does believe it could have a ripple effect."If Apple can recreate the wallet, it would create tremendous stickiness in terms of iOS mobile products," the analyst said in an investors note out today.So far Apple has been a holdout in the area of mobile payments. The company took its first steps last year with the debut of Passbook, which allows users to store digital tickets and coupons. But iOS does not yet support NFC.Android, BlackBerry 10, and Windows Phone 8 do support NFC. But mobile payments have yet to take off among consumers.
Apple may finally step its toes into the digital wallet world over the next year or two, forecasts Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster.The analyst believes a payment option for iOS users may launch with the iPhone 6 in the first half of 2014. Apple will use a technology other than or in addition to near-field communications (NFC), but its system will work with existing mobile payment solutions.The company already has one major asset ripe for a digital wallet system -- its users.Apple holds the key to around 500 million iTunes users and their linked credit cards, which Munster believes is the largest database of payment information owned by any one company. As of January, those 500 million accounts represented a 60 percent growth rate from the prior year. In comparison, PayPal had around 120 million accounts as of last year's fourth quarter, a growth rate of 15 percent from a year earlier.Still, Apple would face challenges if it forged ahead with its own mobile payment system.Such a system would rely on mobile ads from advertisers and retailers. But Apple has been a relatively small player in the area of mobile advertising, according to Munster.Apple would also need to focus on retail partnerships and security. The company does have relationships with key retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, which could be a good starting point.Apple's purchase of security provider AuthenTec may pave the way for iOS devices equipped with fingerprint readers. That type of biometric technology would be key since the traditional passcode system has proven vulnerable to hacking.A hole in iOS 6.1 allowed anyone to break through the passcode to make phone calls and listen to voice mails. Users already wary of NFC over security issues would need strong assurance that their devices would be safe from such exploits.Related storiesApple patent award teases NFC alternative in iPhone's futureApple files patent for Passbook coupons with a touch of NFCApple wants fingerprint sensors in its productsHow big an opportunity would a digital wallet be for Apple? Munster said it's unclear at this point but does believe it could have a ripple effect."If Apple can recreate the wallet, it would create tremendous stickiness in terms of iOS mobile products," the analyst said in an investors note out today.So far Apple has been a holdout in the area of mobile payments. The company took its first steps last year with the debut of Passbook, which allows users to store digital tickets and coupons. But iOS does not yet support NFC.Android, BlackBerry 10, and Windows Phone 8 do support NFC. But mobile payments have yet to take off among consumers.
Speaker options for iPad 2
Speaker options for iPad 2
Shopping for iPad speakers doesn't have to be complicated. If you already have a speaker system you like, you're probably just a .99-cent stereo aux cable away from making it work with an iPad (or anything else, for that matter).But if you want an elegant way to amplify your iPad or iPad 2, there are a number of good options out there, including docks, wireless speakers, and portables.Generally speaking, there are four ways to get sound out of the iPad. It can go out through the headphone jack to anything, though you run the risk of distortion if you're plugging into a system with another gain stage (such as a car stereo aux input). For a cleaner signal, find a system that plugs into the iPad's dock connection. Typically these will tap the iPad's line-level output, or perhaps its digital out, and may even work to charge the device.Your other two options are wireless. The iPad can stream to any A2DP-compatible Bluetooth speaker--almost any stereo Bluetooth speaker will fit the bill. There are tons of these speakers on the market, but only a handful that deliver decent sound. Bluetooth speakers also happen to be some of the most portable options available, with examples like the Jawbone Jambox.Finally, there's a new breed of speakers using Apple's AirPlay system for streaming music over your local Wi-Fi network. Like Bluetooth, AirPlay speakers are wireless, but because they use your network's Wi-Fi bandwidth, there's no loss in audio quality from end to end. There are only a handful of AirPlay-compatible speakers promised so far, but with the success of compatible devices, including the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch, more are sure to come. Until then, you also have the option of connecting an Apple TV or AirPort Extreme Base Station to your existing system as a relatively inexpensive AirPlay bridge.To see our favorite picks, check out CNET's top iPad speaker roundup.
Shopping for iPad speakers doesn't have to be complicated. If you already have a speaker system you like, you're probably just a .99-cent stereo aux cable away from making it work with an iPad (or anything else, for that matter).But if you want an elegant way to amplify your iPad or iPad 2, there are a number of good options out there, including docks, wireless speakers, and portables.Generally speaking, there are four ways to get sound out of the iPad. It can go out through the headphone jack to anything, though you run the risk of distortion if you're plugging into a system with another gain stage (such as a car stereo aux input). For a cleaner signal, find a system that plugs into the iPad's dock connection. Typically these will tap the iPad's line-level output, or perhaps its digital out, and may even work to charge the device.Your other two options are wireless. The iPad can stream to any A2DP-compatible Bluetooth speaker--almost any stereo Bluetooth speaker will fit the bill. There are tons of these speakers on the market, but only a handful that deliver decent sound. Bluetooth speakers also happen to be some of the most portable options available, with examples like the Jawbone Jambox.Finally, there's a new breed of speakers using Apple's AirPlay system for streaming music over your local Wi-Fi network. Like Bluetooth, AirPlay speakers are wireless, but because they use your network's Wi-Fi bandwidth, there's no loss in audio quality from end to end. There are only a handful of AirPlay-compatible speakers promised so far, but with the success of compatible devices, including the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch, more are sure to come. Until then, you also have the option of connecting an Apple TV or AirPort Extreme Base Station to your existing system as a relatively inexpensive AirPlay bridge.To see our favorite picks, check out CNET's top iPad speaker roundup.
iOS 5 beta 7 arrives for developers to test
iOS 5 beta 7 arrives for developers to test
Apple this afternoon released yet another beta version of its iOS 5 software to developers, the seventh time it's done so since offering a test version of the software in June.As usual, Boy Genius Report has posted a full copy of the change log, which developers are not supposed to share as per Apple's non-disclosure agreement. From that list, the release looks to contain mainly bug fixes from previous versions of the software, as well as additions to Apple's Xcode and user interface building tools. In other words, the nitty-gritty things developers are likely to enjoy, but not the things to excite consumers looking for the addition of new features.Apple has said it will release iOS 5 to users as a free update this fall. The company typically seeds several beta versions of its major software releases to developers ahead of time to work out any bugs and give the developers time to integrate new features and APIs into their applications. This is just the latest in a long series of software releases leading up to the public availability.So far, Apple has released a new version of the software every few weeks: • iOS 5 beta 1 on 6/6• iOS 5 beta 2 on 6/24• iOS 5 beta 3 on 7/11• iOS 5 beta 4 on 7/22• iOS 5 beta 5 on 8/6• iOS 5 beta 6 on 8/19The new version of iOS brings an overhaul of the notifications system, alongside a new messaging platform called iMessage that lets iOS users text and chat with one another free of charge. The software is also deeply tied to Apple's upcoming iCloud service, which will be used to ferry photos, applications, and settings back and forth between iOS devices, as well as serve as a free backup solution.Along with the new beta build of iOS 5, Apple released a new developer build of iTunes 10.5, its Apple TV software, and Xcode 4.2.
Apple this afternoon released yet another beta version of its iOS 5 software to developers, the seventh time it's done so since offering a test version of the software in June.As usual, Boy Genius Report has posted a full copy of the change log, which developers are not supposed to share as per Apple's non-disclosure agreement. From that list, the release looks to contain mainly bug fixes from previous versions of the software, as well as additions to Apple's Xcode and user interface building tools. In other words, the nitty-gritty things developers are likely to enjoy, but not the things to excite consumers looking for the addition of new features.Apple has said it will release iOS 5 to users as a free update this fall. The company typically seeds several beta versions of its major software releases to developers ahead of time to work out any bugs and give the developers time to integrate new features and APIs into their applications. This is just the latest in a long series of software releases leading up to the public availability.So far, Apple has released a new version of the software every few weeks: • iOS 5 beta 1 on 6/6• iOS 5 beta 2 on 6/24• iOS 5 beta 3 on 7/11• iOS 5 beta 4 on 7/22• iOS 5 beta 5 on 8/6• iOS 5 beta 6 on 8/19The new version of iOS brings an overhaul of the notifications system, alongside a new messaging platform called iMessage that lets iOS users text and chat with one another free of charge. The software is also deeply tied to Apple's upcoming iCloud service, which will be used to ferry photos, applications, and settings back and forth between iOS devices, as well as serve as a free backup solution.Along with the new beta build of iOS 5, Apple released a new developer build of iTunes 10.5, its Apple TV software, and Xcode 4.2.
VLC for iPhone plays nearly any video file
VLC for iPhone plays nearly any video file
As you probably know, the iPhone and iPod Touch make terrific video players--but they're limited in terms of the video formats they support. If you've got, say, Divx or MKV files you want to watch, you're out of luck unless you run them through a converter first--a time-consuming hassle, to say the least.Last month, the VLC Media Player app for iPad enabled users to work around this limitation by playing virtually all video formats, no conversion required.I'm happy to report that VLC just went universal, meaning it's now available for iPhone and iPod Touch as well. (Specifically, it's compatible with the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and "recent" iPod Touches--which appears to mean third- and fourth-gen models.)As with the iPad version, you copy videos to the app by way of iTunes' File Sharing feature: connect your device, click the Apps tab, scroll down to the File Sharing area, and then choose VLC. Click the Add button and find the video(s) you want to load up. They sync instantly (and quickly).The app itself is pretty basic, offering little more than basic shuttle controls. It lacks a zoom-to-full-screen button like you find in most video players, but at least this updated version does allow you to delete videos right on your device, rather than having to manage them within iTunes.I threw all kinds of videos at VLC, and it played each one without a hiccup. Your mileage may vary, especially with more obscure file formats, but I think it's a safe bet that if you want to watch a video--any video--on your late-model iPhone or Touch, this should do the trick.Amazingly enough, VLC is free.
As you probably know, the iPhone and iPod Touch make terrific video players--but they're limited in terms of the video formats they support. If you've got, say, Divx or MKV files you want to watch, you're out of luck unless you run them through a converter first--a time-consuming hassle, to say the least.Last month, the VLC Media Player app for iPad enabled users to work around this limitation by playing virtually all video formats, no conversion required.I'm happy to report that VLC just went universal, meaning it's now available for iPhone and iPod Touch as well. (Specifically, it's compatible with the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and "recent" iPod Touches--which appears to mean third- and fourth-gen models.)As with the iPad version, you copy videos to the app by way of iTunes' File Sharing feature: connect your device, click the Apps tab, scroll down to the File Sharing area, and then choose VLC. Click the Add button and find the video(s) you want to load up. They sync instantly (and quickly).The app itself is pretty basic, offering little more than basic shuttle controls. It lacks a zoom-to-full-screen button like you find in most video players, but at least this updated version does allow you to delete videos right on your device, rather than having to manage them within iTunes.I threw all kinds of videos at VLC, and it played each one without a hiccup. Your mileage may vary, especially with more obscure file formats, but I think it's a safe bet that if you want to watch a video--any video--on your late-model iPhone or Touch, this should do the trick.Amazingly enough, VLC is free.
Visit 'Doctor Who' after trying 'The Leftovers' and more on the CraveCast
Visit 'Doctor Who' after trying 'The Leftovers' and more on the CraveCast
There's more "Doctor Who" to come, "Community" is back from the dead again on Yahoo (#sixseasonsandamovie), and HBO is providing "The Leftovers" to round out a smorgasbord of shows to be excited about.In the latest CraveCast, the crew discusses the series that everyone seems to want to talk about now that the World Cup is finally done swallowing the globe's attention whole. Related StoriesThe CraveCast summer movie previewThe CraveCast 'Games we play' showYou can listen to or watch the whole CraveCast with Crave contributors Kelsey Adams, Bonnie Burton, Stephen Beacham, Jeff Sparkman, Amanda Kooser, and Eric Mack below.To chime in and keep the conversation going, or to suggest topics for future CraveCasts, you can tweet @Crave and @EricCMack.As you watch, let us know in tweets or in the comments what you think of the TV shows discussed and what other series you look forward to.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 Audio only: CraveCast #4: 'The Leftovers' is just an appetizerYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe to the CraveCast:iTunes (HD)| iTunes (SD)| iTunes (HQ)| iTunes (MP3)RSS (HD)| RSS (SD)| RSS (HQ)| RSS (MP3)
There's more "Doctor Who" to come, "Community" is back from the dead again on Yahoo (#sixseasonsandamovie), and HBO is providing "The Leftovers" to round out a smorgasbord of shows to be excited about.In the latest CraveCast, the crew discusses the series that everyone seems to want to talk about now that the World Cup is finally done swallowing the globe's attention whole. Related StoriesThe CraveCast summer movie previewThe CraveCast 'Games we play' showYou can listen to or watch the whole CraveCast with Crave contributors Kelsey Adams, Bonnie Burton, Stephen Beacham, Jeff Sparkman, Amanda Kooser, and Eric Mack below.To chime in and keep the conversation going, or to suggest topics for future CraveCasts, you can tweet @Crave and @EricCMack.As you watch, let us know in tweets or in the comments what you think of the TV shows discussed and what other series you look forward to.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 Audio only: CraveCast #4: 'The Leftovers' is just an appetizerYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe to the CraveCast:iTunes (HD)| iTunes (SD)| iTunes (HQ)| iTunes (MP3)RSS (HD)| RSS (SD)| RSS (HQ)| RSS (MP3)
Chrome OS gets 'OK Google' voice search control
Chrome OS gets 'OK Google' voice search control
Google, continuing to spread its voice-search capability, has added the ability to launch searches from its Chrome OS operating system using the "OK Google" command. The newly released Chrome OS version 35 brings the "hotwording" support to new tabs and Google search pages -- including pages already showing search results.To use the feature, you must enable OK Google voice searching with a checkbox in the privacy section of Chrome OS's advanced settings. The feature, which arrived in the Chrome browser earlier this year, is available for people using US English. The "OK Google" hotword can provide a handy way to initiate searches, for cooks with dirty hands or kids who aren't good at typing, for example. It can be rough around the edges, though, sometimes misunderstanding words or not understanding when you've finished speaking. In the latter case, adding the word "question" can get Google to stop listening and start searching.The feature is important for Google: the more people use its search technology, the more opportunities it has to show the ads that are the mainstay of the company's revenue. The company has been building voice-control technology into its services to try to adapt computing technology to natural human interactions.You're required to specifically enable the "OK Google" feature in privacy settings.Screenshot by Stephen Shankland/CNETGoogle offers a number of other options with the voice interface, too, such as setting calendar appointments. It's more limited on Chrome OS than on Android, though. You can't use it to "launch Gmail" for example -- at least not yet.Chrome OS is a browser-based operating system that runs Web apps such as Google Docs and Facebook, instead of Windows and Mac apps stored on your machine like Photoshop or iTunes. It's offered on laptops called Chromebooks that can make a good second machine at home or an easy-to-administer option for schools and some businesses.Google also updated other versions of its Chrome browser. The stable version of Chrome 35 fixed 23 security bugs. And Chrome 35 for Android lets you reopen a tab you just closed and use the browser in some mobile devices that offer multiple windows.
Google, continuing to spread its voice-search capability, has added the ability to launch searches from its Chrome OS operating system using the "OK Google" command. The newly released Chrome OS version 35 brings the "hotwording" support to new tabs and Google search pages -- including pages already showing search results.To use the feature, you must enable OK Google voice searching with a checkbox in the privacy section of Chrome OS's advanced settings. The feature, which arrived in the Chrome browser earlier this year, is available for people using US English. The "OK Google" hotword can provide a handy way to initiate searches, for cooks with dirty hands or kids who aren't good at typing, for example. It can be rough around the edges, though, sometimes misunderstanding words or not understanding when you've finished speaking. In the latter case, adding the word "question" can get Google to stop listening and start searching.The feature is important for Google: the more people use its search technology, the more opportunities it has to show the ads that are the mainstay of the company's revenue. The company has been building voice-control technology into its services to try to adapt computing technology to natural human interactions.You're required to specifically enable the "OK Google" feature in privacy settings.Screenshot by Stephen Shankland/CNETGoogle offers a number of other options with the voice interface, too, such as setting calendar appointments. It's more limited on Chrome OS than on Android, though. You can't use it to "launch Gmail" for example -- at least not yet.Chrome OS is a browser-based operating system that runs Web apps such as Google Docs and Facebook, instead of Windows and Mac apps stored on your machine like Photoshop or iTunes. It's offered on laptops called Chromebooks that can make a good second machine at home or an easy-to-administer option for schools and some businesses.Google also updated other versions of its Chrome browser. The stable version of Chrome 35 fixed 23 security bugs. And Chrome 35 for Android lets you reopen a tab you just closed and use the browser in some mobile devices that offer multiple windows.
Chrome extensions change hands, add malware
Chrome extensions change hands, add malware
Like apps on the iTunes store, Chrome extensions may be purchased from their creators. But there's a massive problems with this: Chrome extensions update automatically and silently, and Google can't vet every single update â€" even though such behaviour violates the company's terms of service.This means that, even when you download an extension from a vendor you trust, there may come a time in the future when, unbeknownst to you, the software starts serving up adware.Case in point are two extensions that Google has recently removed from its store after users started kicking up a stink, as Ars Technica reports. Add to Feedly, the first of these apps, was built in an hour by Amit Agarwal â€" so when an unknown buyer asked to purchase it for a four-figure sum, he decided to take the offer. Along with the extension, though, came over 30,000 users. Nothing occurred for a month, but when the new owner decided to update the extension, users started angrily reporting that it now injected adware on to pages and redirected URLs.Tweet this Page did something similar, hijacking Google searches.Google's policies do state that ad insertion is allowed â€" so long as the extension clearly discloses these activities to the user. But when the extension does not follow this rule, Google, it seems, has no way of knowing that the software is violating this policy. These two extensions were not removed from the Chrome Webstore until Google had been alerted to their presence by a request for comment from The Wall Street Journal.At this point, there is very little to nothing you can do to prevent this from occurring. However, now that Google knows that this is happening, hopefully the company will do something to prevent it very soon. Meanwhile, Ars Technica offers a few tips on how to protect yourself.
Like apps on the iTunes store, Chrome extensions may be purchased from their creators. But there's a massive problems with this: Chrome extensions update automatically and silently, and Google can't vet every single update â€" even though such behaviour violates the company's terms of service.This means that, even when you download an extension from a vendor you trust, there may come a time in the future when, unbeknownst to you, the software starts serving up adware.Case in point are two extensions that Google has recently removed from its store after users started kicking up a stink, as Ars Technica reports. Add to Feedly, the first of these apps, was built in an hour by Amit Agarwal â€" so when an unknown buyer asked to purchase it for a four-figure sum, he decided to take the offer. Along with the extension, though, came over 30,000 users. Nothing occurred for a month, but when the new owner decided to update the extension, users started angrily reporting that it now injected adware on to pages and redirected URLs.Tweet this Page did something similar, hijacking Google searches.Google's policies do state that ad insertion is allowed â€" so long as the extension clearly discloses these activities to the user. But when the extension does not follow this rule, Google, it seems, has no way of knowing that the software is violating this policy. These two extensions were not removed from the Chrome Webstore until Google had been alerted to their presence by a request for comment from The Wall Street Journal.At this point, there is very little to nothing you can do to prevent this from occurring. However, now that Google knows that this is happening, hopefully the company will do something to prevent it very soon. Meanwhile, Ars Technica offers a few tips on how to protect yourself.
Apple seeks patents for camera gesture techniques
Apple seeks patents for camera gesture techniques
Apple has filed a handful of patent applications that suggest future iterations of the iPhone and iPad will have dramatically improved camera features.The seven patent filings -- filed on Thursday and first discovered by Patently Apple -- describe gesture techniques and technology for preventing red eye in images.The abstract for patent application No. 20120242852 outlines mapping user interactions to input the parameters for various image filters, as well as applying "location-based distortions" to image processing.The accompanying illustrations show how a user would interact with the camera via touch gesture, as well as a light tunnel filter that is based on a user's tap and a filter that Apple refers to as a "shrink filter." Another application -- No. 20120242849 -- describes a technique for assisted image capture, in which the camera would display a stabilized image to determine whether it's well composed. A second image may replace the original image if it's substantially similar to the stabilized image.Related storiesApple iPhone 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy S3 vs. HTC One X: The camerasiPhone 5 camera users reporting purple halo on certain photosiPhone 5 camera powered by Sony sensorApple also wants to help users of its devices conquer red eye, the appearance of glowing red pupils caused by a camera's flash. Patent applications 20120243783, 20120243780, 20120242861, 20120242681, and 20120242675 describe various techniques for red-eye removal using multiple recognition channels. Once the red-eye artifact has been identified, the techniques replace the artifact with a "photographically reasonable result" based on the type of red eye occurring.
Apple has filed a handful of patent applications that suggest future iterations of the iPhone and iPad will have dramatically improved camera features.The seven patent filings -- filed on Thursday and first discovered by Patently Apple -- describe gesture techniques and technology for preventing red eye in images.The abstract for patent application No. 20120242852 outlines mapping user interactions to input the parameters for various image filters, as well as applying "location-based distortions" to image processing.The accompanying illustrations show how a user would interact with the camera via touch gesture, as well as a light tunnel filter that is based on a user's tap and a filter that Apple refers to as a "shrink filter." Another application -- No. 20120242849 -- describes a technique for assisted image capture, in which the camera would display a stabilized image to determine whether it's well composed. A second image may replace the original image if it's substantially similar to the stabilized image.Related storiesApple iPhone 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy S3 vs. HTC One X: The camerasiPhone 5 camera users reporting purple halo on certain photosiPhone 5 camera powered by Sony sensorApple also wants to help users of its devices conquer red eye, the appearance of glowing red pupils caused by a camera's flash. Patent applications 20120243783, 20120243780, 20120242861, 20120242681, and 20120242675 describe various techniques for red-eye removal using multiple recognition channels. Once the red-eye artifact has been identified, the techniques replace the artifact with a "photographically reasonable result" based on the type of red eye occurring.
Apple seeks patent to eliminate lousy photos
Apple seeks patent to eliminate lousy photos
Snapping bad pictures with your iPhone could become a problem of the past if a new Apple patent ever sees the light of day.Published today by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the patent application dubbed "Image Capturing Device Having Continuous Image Capture" envisions a process in which your smartphone camera captures and processes a sequence of quick images of the same shot.That by itself may not sound too innovative. But taking it a step further, your smartphone would then automatically pick the best image of the bunch based on exposure times and other factors.The idea behind the patent is to work around a frustrating flaw of many smartphone cameras -- shutter lag. There's a delay between the time you press the button to take the photo and the time the photo is actually taken. Such a lag can result in blurry or poorly composed photos, especially if you're trying to shoot a fast-moving object.Human errors, such as a shaky hand on the camera, can also lead to bad photos.The process described in Apple's patent would allow you to keep your finger on the camera button to quickly snap a series of shots in succession until you release your finger. Those images are stored in a buffer. The technology would then review the buffered images, choosing the best one based on a variety of factors. You'd then have an opportunity to review that choice to see if you agree with it.As the patent explains it:The method can automatically select one of the buffered images based on one or more parameters. For example, the selection may be based on an exposure time of one of the buffered images and optionally an image quality parameter (e.g., image contrast). Alternatively, the selection may be based only on the image quality parameter. The sequence of images can be captured just prior to or concurrently with receiving the user request. The method can include automatically displaying the selected image on the display of the image capturing device.(Via AppleInsider)
Snapping bad pictures with your iPhone could become a problem of the past if a new Apple patent ever sees the light of day.Published today by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the patent application dubbed "Image Capturing Device Having Continuous Image Capture" envisions a process in which your smartphone camera captures and processes a sequence of quick images of the same shot.That by itself may not sound too innovative. But taking it a step further, your smartphone would then automatically pick the best image of the bunch based on exposure times and other factors.The idea behind the patent is to work around a frustrating flaw of many smartphone cameras -- shutter lag. There's a delay between the time you press the button to take the photo and the time the photo is actually taken. Such a lag can result in blurry or poorly composed photos, especially if you're trying to shoot a fast-moving object.Human errors, such as a shaky hand on the camera, can also lead to bad photos.The process described in Apple's patent would allow you to keep your finger on the camera button to quickly snap a series of shots in succession until you release your finger. Those images are stored in a buffer. The technology would then review the buffered images, choosing the best one based on a variety of factors. You'd then have an opportunity to review that choice to see if you agree with it.As the patent explains it:The method can automatically select one of the buffered images based on one or more parameters. For example, the selection may be based on an exposure time of one of the buffered images and optionally an image quality parameter (e.g., image contrast). Alternatively, the selection may be based only on the image quality parameter. The sequence of images can be captured just prior to or concurrently with receiving the user request. The method can include automatically displaying the selected image on the display of the image capturing device.(Via AppleInsider)
Apple seeks patent to beef up mobile-device battery life
Apple seeks patent to beef up mobile-device battery life
Those of us craving better battery life from our mobile devices could see help from an Apple invention outlined in a patent application.Published Thursday by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the patent dubbed "Power management for electronic devices" suggests key ways to save or reduce the power consumed by your phone or tablet.Your mobile device could monitor its own activity throughout the day to determine when and for how long you charge it, how far you travel for your commute, and if and when you're able to charge it throughout the day. As such, it could then reserve battery power by automatically turning off or decreasing certain functions, such as regular e-mail fetching or the brightness of the display.The activity would be stored as a power management scheme that could then be used on a regular basis. The goal is to make sure your current battery charge lasts until you can recharge your device.Such an invention would be of the greatest benefit to mobile phones, but Apple lists other devices, such as a laptop, gaming device, and digital music player.The power management scheme outlined in the patent application could also adjust itself on the fly depending on your proximity to a charging station or as your power consumption changes. Multiple schemes could also be stored on the device.Battery life has always been one of the major complaints of mobile users, especially those who travel frequently. It's not unusual to fully charge your device in the morning, use it heavily throughout the day, and then see it totally depleted before the day is over. This is one patent application that Apple needs to turn into reality. (Via AppleInsider)
Those of us craving better battery life from our mobile devices could see help from an Apple invention outlined in a patent application.Published Thursday by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the patent dubbed "Power management for electronic devices" suggests key ways to save or reduce the power consumed by your phone or tablet.Your mobile device could monitor its own activity throughout the day to determine when and for how long you charge it, how far you travel for your commute, and if and when you're able to charge it throughout the day. As such, it could then reserve battery power by automatically turning off or decreasing certain functions, such as regular e-mail fetching or the brightness of the display.The activity would be stored as a power management scheme that could then be used on a regular basis. The goal is to make sure your current battery charge lasts until you can recharge your device.Such an invention would be of the greatest benefit to mobile phones, but Apple lists other devices, such as a laptop, gaming device, and digital music player.The power management scheme outlined in the patent application could also adjust itself on the fly depending on your proximity to a charging station or as your power consumption changes. Multiple schemes could also be stored on the device.Battery life has always been one of the major complaints of mobile users, especially those who travel frequently. It's not unusual to fully charge your device in the morning, use it heavily throughout the day, and then see it totally depleted before the day is over. This is one patent application that Apple needs to turn into reality. (Via AppleInsider)
Apple seeks ban on Samsung phones in Germany
Apple seeks ban on Samsung phones in Germany
Nope, these patent lawsuits aren't slowing down anytime soon.The latest comes from Apple, which filed a lawsuit this week against Samsung Electronics in Germany. Apple is seeking to ban the sale of Samsung smartphones in the country, according to a report by Bloomberg. The lawsuit is part of a broader legal war between Apple and Android partners, with Samsung being a particularly fierce opponent. The companies have multiple lawsuits filed against each other in numerous countries and courtrooms around the world. A spokesman for Samsung wasn't available to comment to CNET on the newest lawsuit.The lawsuit follows up on Apple's attempt to seek a ban on Samsung's tablet products. Last month, the company argued that at least 10 of its patents were being violated by Samsung in Australia. That followed a lawsuit filed in Germany by Samsung alleging four infringed patents of its own, including one involving an emoticon. Despite some initial rulings that have gone Apple's way, it has seen its share of setbacks recently. Last week, the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled that Motorola's smartphones do not violate Apple's patents, a blow to its legal offensive against Android. The two companies are playing this high stakes game of legal chicken in an attempt to gain the upper hand in a potential discussion over a licensing agreement. They are both hoping to be the first to score a decisive ban in one of the countries--preferably a major market such as the U.S.--which would hasten the need for the two to come together and strike a resolution. In the meantime, the companies will continue to up the ante and continue filing lawsuits against each other.
Nope, these patent lawsuits aren't slowing down anytime soon.The latest comes from Apple, which filed a lawsuit this week against Samsung Electronics in Germany. Apple is seeking to ban the sale of Samsung smartphones in the country, according to a report by Bloomberg. The lawsuit is part of a broader legal war between Apple and Android partners, with Samsung being a particularly fierce opponent. The companies have multiple lawsuits filed against each other in numerous countries and courtrooms around the world. A spokesman for Samsung wasn't available to comment to CNET on the newest lawsuit.The lawsuit follows up on Apple's attempt to seek a ban on Samsung's tablet products. Last month, the company argued that at least 10 of its patents were being violated by Samsung in Australia. That followed a lawsuit filed in Germany by Samsung alleging four infringed patents of its own, including one involving an emoticon. Despite some initial rulings that have gone Apple's way, it has seen its share of setbacks recently. Last week, the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled that Motorola's smartphones do not violate Apple's patents, a blow to its legal offensive against Android. The two companies are playing this high stakes game of legal chicken in an attempt to gain the upper hand in a potential discussion over a licensing agreement. They are both hoping to be the first to score a decisive ban in one of the countries--preferably a major market such as the U.S.--which would hasten the need for the two to come together and strike a resolution. In the meantime, the companies will continue to up the ante and continue filing lawsuits against each other.
Apple seeks appeal in iPad trademark case in China
Apple seeks appeal in iPad trademark case in China
Apple wants a Chinese court to take another look at an iPad-related trademark lawsuit it filed against a local company.IDG News reports that Apple filed an appeal with the Higher People's Court of Guangdong Province on January 5, seeking once again to have its case against Proview Technology heard. Last month, the court rejected the lawsuit but gave Apple 30 days to file an appeal.The original legal fracas between the two companies began shortly after the iPad was introduced. Apple took aim at Proview for infringing its trademark of the iPad name. Proview countered by saying it registered for the trademark in several countries with filings dating back to 2000, and that when Apple acquired the name from United Kingdom-based IP Application Development in 2006, Proview never actually signed off on the deal, since it was made by one of the company's subsidiaries.Related storiesReport: Apple in trademark dispute over iPad nameA brief history of Apple's mobile-tech patent battlesApple patent and trademark skirmishes through the yearsThe outcome in a ruling there could present a noteworthy legal challenge for Apple, which is the target of a countersuit from Proview to the tune of 10 billion yuan ($1.58 billion). That suit, first reported by Caixin Online, claims that Apple is infringing on its iPad trademark with its namesake product.Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the appeal.The scuffle is one of many by Apple to control the names of its products and features. Several battles emerged last year over its technologies' names, including "App Store," "multi-touch," and "iCloud."
Apple wants a Chinese court to take another look at an iPad-related trademark lawsuit it filed against a local company.IDG News reports that Apple filed an appeal with the Higher People's Court of Guangdong Province on January 5, seeking once again to have its case against Proview Technology heard. Last month, the court rejected the lawsuit but gave Apple 30 days to file an appeal.The original legal fracas between the two companies began shortly after the iPad was introduced. Apple took aim at Proview for infringing its trademark of the iPad name. Proview countered by saying it registered for the trademark in several countries with filings dating back to 2000, and that when Apple acquired the name from United Kingdom-based IP Application Development in 2006, Proview never actually signed off on the deal, since it was made by one of the company's subsidiaries.Related storiesReport: Apple in trademark dispute over iPad nameA brief history of Apple's mobile-tech patent battlesApple patent and trademark skirmishes through the yearsThe outcome in a ruling there could present a noteworthy legal challenge for Apple, which is the target of a countersuit from Proview to the tune of 10 billion yuan ($1.58 billion). That suit, first reported by Caixin Online, claims that Apple is infringing on its iPad trademark with its namesake product.Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the appeal.The scuffle is one of many by Apple to control the names of its products and features. Several battles emerged last year over its technologies' names, including "App Store," "multi-touch," and "iCloud."
What Movie Sequel Are You Surprised Exists
This is a pretty big year for surprising sequels. We;re all still flabbergasted at the idea that Star Wars: Episode VII is in the works, not to mention a number of other sequels and spin-offs planned for the franchise, too. Nobody saw that coming. It;s not like The Hobbit movies, which not only had long been a serious consideration since the Lord of the Rings trilogy was in production, but it;s also just natural given that it;s based on a book. Nobody would have been surprised if we never saw another Star Wars movie. Then again, going by chatter on Twitter today it seems many wouldn;t be shocked if another Hobbit movie never existed, either, in spite of the fact the trilogy was filmed simultaneously. I guess The Hobbit is still a thing, said our own Jacob Hall. Funny, that;s exactly what I said to myself when I saw news today that another Chronicles of Narnia movie is going to happen.There;s never seemed to be a lot of excitement for the pricey franchise. Yet even though the third installment opened in 2010 to a measly $24 million in the U.S., where it also didn;t even fully gross as much as its budget, the movie did continue the series; success overseas to the tune of a global total of $416 million (franchise total: $1.6 billion). No kidding they;re making a fourth, based on The Silver Chair. They don;t even need to put it in American theaters -- just release it straight to VOD and DVD. VOD and DVD is where new surprising sequels are landing for Fright Night and Child;s Play. The former, which debuted today and is titled Fright Night 2, isn;t actually even a sequel at all in spite of the numeral being attached. It;s apparently another remake of the 1985 original given that it features the same characters and plot as that and the 2011 redo, only there;s a new setting, and this time the main vampire is a woman. As someone explained it to me, the producers must have had two different scripts written for the remake and they;ve decided to film both. Curse of Chuckymeanwhile is a straight sequel and a return to a more scary tone for the series. The main surprise there is that it was expected we;d be getting a complete reboot instead, not an installment aiming to appeal to die-hard fans of all the Chucky movies, especially the first couple. Even in an era where sequels seem more common than original movies, there are a few ways that the existence of a sequel can be very surprising. It could be something long overdue (or just coming out very long after the original or prior installment, a la Riddick). It could be a follow-up to a movie that didn;t seem to make any money or a movie of a genre that doesn;t normally get sequels. And it could be something you didn;t even know existed -- I just learned, for instance, there;s Another Midnight Run. Keep in mind that these don;t have to be sequels we;re surprised exist because they;re bad. One of the most acclaimed movies of this year, remember, is a threequel, and it;s part of probably the lowest-grossing trilogy of all time: Before Midnight might be the biggest surprise, and the most pleasant one, as well. What sequel are you most surprised exists? Here are some responses received so far via Twitter: @thefilmcynic The Whole Ten Yards — Garrett Martin (@grmartin) October 1, 2013 @thefilmcynic The Whole Ten Yards — Brandon Rohwer (@brandonRohwer) October 1, 2013 102 DALMATIANS RT @thefilmcynic POLL: What movie sequel are you most surprised exists? — Zack Parks (@Zack_Parks) October 1, 2013 @thefilmcynic Basic Instinct 2 — Josh Gripman (@gripmonster) October 1, 2013 @thefilmcynic Troll 2, Fast and Furious 86. — Kat Cory (@Kat_Cory) October 1, 2013 @thefilmcynic SHOWGIRLS 2: PENNY;S FROM HEAVEN. Not surprised about a SHOWGIRLS sequel; surprised that this one is legit & not a fan film. — John Gholson (@gholson) October 1, 2013 @thefilmcynic Probably the spandex-and-F/X-free BEFORE SUNSET. — Edwin Arnaudin (@EdwinArnaudin) October 1, 2013 @thefilmcynic The Sting II. No Redford or Newman, no reason for this to exist. Even with the same writer back, it was not wanted or needed. — Kyle Ailinger (@KAilinger) October 1, 2013 @thefilmcynic THE STING 2 — Michal Oleszczyk (@michaloleszczyk) October 1, 2013 @thefilmcynic Grease 2, I think. — Cameron Carpenter (@Lumetian) October 1, 2013 @thefilmcynic Grown Ups 2 — John Derick Dotson (@DRockDot) October 1, 2013 @thefilmcynic Mean Girls 2. Also Journey 2, Percy Jackson 2, 2010, The Two Jakes. — David Neary (@DeusExCinema) October 1, 2013 @thefilmcynic Cars 2 and Planes if you count that in a way. — Kronk. (@ayobobun) October 1, 2013 @thefilmcynic recently: Kick Ass 2, Machete Kills, Dumb and Dumber To. — Eric Harris (@EricJayHarris) October 1, 2013 Join in the next discussion: and
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