Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[New MacBooks to be based on NVIDIA GeForce 9400 / 9300 chipsets?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/10/new-macbooks-to-be-based-on-nvidia-geforce-9400-9300-chipsets/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/10/new-macbooks-to-be-based-on-nvidia-geforce-9400-9300-chipsets/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/10/new-macbooks-to-be-based-on-nvidia-geforce-9400-9300-chipsets/#commentsFiled under:


With a new MacBook announcement now just days away, speculation is unsurprisingly at a fever pitch as to exactly what Apple has in store, and the folks at PC Perspective have now pieced together a few clues to whet your appetite in anticipation of the big event. Most of those are drawn from mounting evidence from the NVIDIA camp, including the image above that made an appearance on the company's website a few days ago and, most importantly, word that NVIDIA would be releasing its GeForce 9400 and 9300 chipsets based on the MCP79 integrated chipset design on October 15th (conveniently not stepping on Apple's toes the day before). The implication there being that the GeForce chipsets would replace the relatively underpowered integrated Intel graphics on the current MacBooks, with the new MacBook Pros supposedly getting an additional boost from a discrete G92-based mobility GeForce 9600. As PC Perspective points out, if true, that would be quite a coup for NVIDIA, especially considering that it wasn't all that long ago some were talking about it quitting the chipset business altogether.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleg92geforcegeforce 9300geforce 9400geforce 9600Geforce9300Geforce9400Geforce9600macbookmacbook proMacbookPromcp79nvidiaFri, 10 Oct 2008 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple says some MacBook Pros hit by faulty NVIDIA chips]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/10/apple-says-some-macbook-pros-hit-by-faulty-nvidia-chips/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/10/apple-says-some-macbook-pros-hit-by-faulty-nvidia-chips/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/10/apple-says-some-macbook-pros-hit-by-faulty-nvidia-chips/#commentsFiled under:


It's pretty far behind the likes of Dell and HP in getting to the bottom of the whole defective NVIDIA GPU situation, but Apple has now finally come out and confirmed that some of its MacBook Pros are indeed affected by the problem. According to a just posted Apple support document, the specific models affected were all made between May 2007 and September 2008, and include all 15- and 17-inch models equipped with NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processors. As with other laptops, the problem shows itself in the form of distorted or scrambled video, or a complete absence of video on the screen or external display. If your MacBook Pro falls into that lot, and the problem occurs within two years of your original purchase date, Apple says it'll repair it free of charge, even if it's out of warranty. It's also issuing refunds to folks that have already paid to get their MacBook Pro repaired. Hit up the link below for the complete details.

[Via AppleInsider]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appledefectivedefective nvidia gpusDefectiveNvidiaGpusfaulty nvidia gpusFaultyNvidiaGpusmacbook proMacbookPronvidiaFri, 10 Oct 2008 12:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple "notebook" event is on, October 14th!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/09/apple-notebook-event-is-on-october-14th/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/09/apple-notebook-event-is-on-october-14th/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/09/apple-notebook-event-is-on-october-14th/#commentsFiled under:


The rumors were true folks. Apple is staging an invitation-only Town Hall event in Cupertino next Tuesday, October 14th at 10AM PDT. It's absolutely safe to say they'll be showing off new laptops... and you know we'll be there live! Will this be an unveiling of a whole new form factor? Will this "Brick" mystery be put to bed? Will they come in rainbow colors? Tune in to find out.

Continue reading Apple "notebook" event is on, October 14th!

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebreaking newsBreakingNewseventmacbookmacbook proMacbookProOctober 14thOctober 14th 2008October14thOctober14th2008san franciscoSanFranciscoThu, 09 Oct 2008 12:05:00 EST<![CDATA[More pics of Apple's supposed new laptops surface]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/09/more-pics-of-apples-supposed-new-laptops-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/09/more-pics-of-apples-supposed-new-laptops-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/09/more-pics-of-apples-supposed-new-laptops-surface/#commentsFiled under:


Oh Apple -- release some new laptops so this madness can end. The forums at MacRumors are abuzz over a Taiwanese site that's showing off pictures of what appears to be a very close cousin of that MacBook Pro-esque casing we saw earlier. This isn't the same model, surely, but it does bear a striking similarity in both design and materials -- and after lots of deliberation and comparisons, we're fairly sure this isn't the Air either (the hinge ends in a totally different spot in relation to the keys). That machined quality we noted in the earlier post is present, though as we said previously, the sides of these housings do look like separate pieces. Regardless, if any of this is even remotely true (and not another Photoshop from someone's mother's basement), Apple is indeed taking its laptops in an Air direction, which isn't surprising -- but signs of these being the end-result of new manufacturing process? The jury's still way out. One more pic after the break of that controversial side piece.

[Via MacRumors]

Continue reading More pics of Apple's supposed new laptops surface

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebrickleakleaked photosLeakedPhotosmacbookmacbook proMacbookProrumorrumor millRumorMillspeculationspy picspy shotsSpyPicSpyShotsThu, 09 Oct 2008 00:56:00 EST<![CDATA['Brick' MacBook Pro leaked in up-close spy shot?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/08/brick-macbook-pro-leaked-in-up-close-spy-shot/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/08/brick-macbook-pro-leaked-in-up-close-spy-shot/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/08/brick-macbook-pro-leaked-in-up-close-spy-shot/#commentsFiled under:


Since we heard those "Brick" rumors the other day, the mill has been all but silent... until now. It's hard to tell exactly what we're looking at here, but damned if this doesn't look like some fancy new MacBook Pro carved out of a single piece of metal (except for those sides, so, there goes that theory). We'll let you make your own decisions after giving this the once over, but if this is what Apple has in store for us, our curiosity is definitely piqued.

Update: MacRumors reports that the photo originates from this Chinese site.

Update 2: More pics appear to have surfaced, check them out here!
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebrickleakleaked photoleaked picLeakedPhotoLeakedPicmacbookmacbook proMacbookProspy photospy shotSpyPhotoSpyShotWed, 08 Oct 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Starbucks wiped from Apple's site, but what does it mean?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/08/starbucks-wiped-from-apples-site-but-what-does-it-mean/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/08/starbucks-wiped-from-apples-site-but-what-does-it-mean/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/08/starbucks-wiped-from-apples-site-but-what-does-it-mean/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Fresh off an extensive corporate decaffeination downsizing and a scaling back of its foray into music sales, it's a fair question to ask: just how ironclad is Starbucks' commitment to rolling out iTunes WiFi Music Store integration across its entire chain? We just happened to notice that the Starbucks page on Apple's site is now stone-cold gone, redirecting to the standard iTunes 8 stuff. You might say "no big deal, Apple's just playing down an agreement that's now been in place for a full year," but there's some other weirdness, too -- the company's iTunes WiFi Music Store at Starbucks FAQ, for example, still references the dead link. The partnership was kinda ill-conceived to begin with; getting access to the store meant hooking up to AT&T WiFi, which you wouldn't normally have configured unless you actually had an AT&T WiFi account. We haven't heard any official word here that the deal is in danger, but really, would anyone be welling up if it fell apart?
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneipod touchIpodTouchitunesitunes wifi music storeItunesWifiMusicStoremusic storeMusicStorestarbucksWed, 08 Oct 2008 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real WTF, Part II: Russian iPhone "boots up," does nothing else]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/keepin-it-real-wtf-part-ii-russian-iphone-boots-up-does-no/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/keepin-it-real-wtf-part-ii-russian-iphone-boots-up-does-no/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/keepin-it-real-wtf-part-ii-russian-iphone-boots-up-does-no/#commentsFiled under:


It's been a long time coming, but we've finally found a KIRF suitable to become the one and only successor to our very first "Keepin' it real... WTF?!" This here iPhone -- which is little more than a familiar chassis with a lead weight and a small amount of internal hardware -- is reportedly used by scammers in Russia in order to barter for train tickets, grub, etc. In essence, the phone has just enough electronics within it to give the appearance of a "boot up" sequence, complete with the Apple logo; the scammer in possession of it then explains that the battery is simply drained, but that it will work perfectly fine once charged. After any given sucker hands over something quite valuable in exchange for this heap, he / she proceeds to crush it into a million pieces while cursing the unknown name of whoever fooled them in the first place. Moral of the story? Stay sharp, street traders.

[Thanks, Abhijit]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applefakefake iphoneFakeIphoneiphoneKIRFripoffrussianscamscamsTue, 07 Oct 2008 21:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Woz says the iPod will "die out after a while" like radios and Walkmans]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/woz-says-the-ipod-will-die-out-after-a-while-like-radios-and-w/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/woz-says-the-ipod-will-die-out-after-a-while-like-radios-and-w/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/woz-says-the-ipod-will-die-out-after-a-while-like-radios-and-w/#commentsFiled under: ,

Uncle Woz is stirring things up today in an interview with The Telegraph, saying that he thinks "the iPod has sort of lived a long life at number one, things like, if you look back to transistor radios and Walkmans, they kind of die out after a while... they get real cheap and then they are not selling as much." That's certainly an interesting parallel to draw, since the iPod is unquestionably the market leader and the recent updates to the nano and classic weren't particularly overwhelming -- but we've got to disagree here and say that the metaphor doesn't quite work.

Walkmans and radios were standalone products that didn't really change over time, while the iPod is clearly evolving into a compelling standalone computing platform -- and it's tied to iTunes, which, hate it or love it, is the most popular content store out there. Sure, things could change dramatically -- competitors like the Zune are getting way better, subscription music could finally take off, and DRM is slowly going away (at least for music) -- but it's hard to see Apple getting baited into a brand-tarnishing price war or simply letting the iPod fade away without putting up a fight. We'll see, we suppose -- any of you willing to throw down some bold predictions?

[Via Wired]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleipodsteve wozniakSteveWozniakwozTue, 07 Oct 2008 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[EU directive aims to make all batteries removable, even THAT battery]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/07/eu-directive-aims-to-make-all-batteries-removable-even-that-bat/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The European Union already initiated a Battery Directive in 2006 that aimed to make it easier to dispose of and recycle old batteries, but it looks like it's now taking things one big step further with its "New Battery Directive," which proposes that batteries in all electronic devices should be able to be "readily removed" for replacement or disposal. New Electronics' Gary Nevison further adds that "the requirement is clearly intended to ensure that users can remove batteries by opening a cover by hand or after removal of one or two screws," which would obviously pose a bit of a problem for the iPhone, not to mention every iPod and even a few non-Apple devices. Then again, this wouldn't be the first time that Apple has tangled with the EU, and we have a sneaking suspicion that it won't be the last.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebattery directiveBatteryDirectiveeuiphoneipodnew battery directiveNewBatteryDirectiveTue, 07 Oct 2008 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Poll: Is iPhone firmware 2.1 breaking fetch for email accounts?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/06/is-iphone-firmware-2-1-breaking-fetch-for-email-accounts/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/06/is-iphone-firmware-2-1-breaking-fetch-for-email-accounts/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/06/is-iphone-firmware-2-1-breaking-fetch-for-email-accounts/#commentsFiled under:


Just when you think you've escaped the darkened woods of firmware 2.0.2 and previous ilk, along comes 2.1, wrapped in faster-loading-contacts-finery to convince you all is well in the iPhone world. That isn't entirely the case, it seems, if you're user of POP or IMAP mail accounts which are set to fetch messages. Apparently, a maddening bug exists in the new software which -- in the interest of battery power conservation, we assume -- stops the device from pulling down new emails while sleeping... unless the phone happens to be plugged in and charging. An ever-growing thread on Apple's support forums has been barraged with reports of the problem, and editors here at Engadget have certainly felt the burn. So we're putting the question to you, dear readers (and hoping the folks in Cupertino are paying attention). Are you noticing email issues with firmware 2.1? Let us know in the poll below!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

View Poll

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebugbugsemailfetchfirmwarefirmware 2.1Firmware2.1imapiphoneiphone 3gIphone3gpopproblemsMon, 06 Oct 2008 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[The wowPOD is art, or so we're told]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/06/the-wowpod-is-art-or-so-were-told/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/06/the-wowpod-is-art-or-so-were-told/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/06/the-wowpod-is-art-or-so-were-told/#commentsFiled under: ,


Have you always dreamed of a giant, wall-hanging iPod seemingly warped and twisted like a big, crappy, old television? Well, Russian artists Aristarkh Chernyshev and Alexei Shulgin have, and now they're subjecting the world to it. Yes, say hello to the wowPOD, a fully functional iPod mutation which is absolutely worth whatever our business manager has been authorized to pay for it.

[Via TUAW]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alexei ShulginAlexeiShulginappleAristarkh ChernyshevAristarkhChernyshevartipodwowpodMon, 06 Oct 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake, part CLXIII: AirPort Express gets expressly aped]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/05/keepin-it-real-fake-part-clxiii-airport-express-gets-expressl/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/05/keepin-it-real-fake-part-clxiii-airport-express-gets-expressl/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/05/keepin-it-real-fake-part-clxiii-airport-express-gets-expressl/#commentsFiled under: ,


Listen up, KIRF fans. We've got a real unique one on our hands today, as this critter copies not one, but two entities in a single fell swoop. For starters, the company is named CNet Technology -- we'll let you do the math there -- and secondly, this thing looks just about exactly like Apple's own AirPort Express. Sure, there are a few extra LEDs on there to really ugly it up, but only someone in serious denial would ever say this thing didn't get its inspiration from Cupertino. Officially dubbed the CWR-635M, this portable router / WAP simply plugs into one's wall socket and provides a pair of Ethernet jacks and two USB ports locally for even more networking fun. There's no telling if this copycat will ever be released on US soil, but given that made it into the FCC's database, we reckon anything is possible.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airport expressAirportExpressapplebroadbandcnetCWR-635MinternetKIRFwifiwifi cardWifiCardwirelesswireless cardWirelessCardwlanSun, 05 Oct 2008 19:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple introducing new manufacturing process, MacBook 'Brick'?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/05/apple-introducing-new-manufacturing-process-macbook-brick/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/05/apple-introducing-new-manufacturing-process-macbook-brick/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/05/apple-introducing-new-manufacturing-process-macbook-brick/#commentsFiled under:


The Apple rumor mill has really cooked up a doozy this time. According to 9to5mac -- a site with a fairly good track record -- Apple's next big thing isn't just a laptop or an iPod... it's an entirely new manufacturing process. If you believe the site's sources, an as-yet-unannounced event on October 14th will herald in a new iteration of the MacBook dubbed the "Brick," but the big news won't actually be about the laptop. Apparently, Apple has created a brand-new process to sculpt casings for products out of aircraft-grade aluminum, using a system that carves the pieces out of a single block of metal using "3D lasers" and water-jet cutting. The new technique will supposedly allow for seamless components which require no bending or folding, won't use screws to join together, are ultra-light but also "super strong," and will enable the company to rapidly prototype and produce new designs. Of course, not a single word of this is confirmed or even acknowledged by Apple, though we have been hearing whispers of the "Brick" for a few weeks now. Ultimately, everyone should approach this news with extreme skepticism, but if these rumors get magically transmuted into reality, there's no telling what kind of new gear Apple might have up its sleeve.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aluminiumapplebrickeventmacbookmacbook brickmacbook proMacbookBrickMacbookPromanufacturingprocessproductionrumorspeculationSun, 05 Oct 2008 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[How would you change Apple's iPod touch 2G / nano 4G?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/03/how-would-you-change-apples-ipod-touch-2g-nano-4g/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/03/how-would-you-change-apples-ipod-touch-2g-nano-4g/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/03/how-would-you-change-apples-ipod-touch-2g-nano-4g/#commentsFiled under: ,


Hope you don't mind two similar worlds running together, because today we're asking about not one, but two of Cupertino's latest. The iPod touch 2G and iPod nano 4G were both simultaneously (give or take a few minutes) announced back in early September, and after getting a chance to handle both, we felt that Apple did a stand-up job with the each of 'em. That being said, there's always a thing or two that could use tweaked, added or removed completely, but we'll spare you any additional opinions from us on that. Instead, we want to know how you, dear reader, would change either of Apple's freshest PMPs. What are you digging? What's still not good enough? The floor is yours.
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applefeatureshow would you changeHowWouldYouChangehwycipodipod nanoipod touchIpodNanoIpodTouchnanopmptouchFri, 03 Oct 2008 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[More purported MacBook Pro shots surface, we're still unconvinced]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/02/more-purported-macbook-pro-shots-surface-were-still-unconvince/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/02/more-purported-macbook-pro-shots-surface-were-still-unconvince/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/02/more-purported-macbook-pro-shots-surface-were-still-unconvince/#commentsFiled under:


While that touchscreen trackpad MBP might've been a bit too much to swallow, the rumorists certainly won't be giving up that easily, and have returned with more intriguing shots of what may be (but probably isn't) the next MacBook Pro. Submitted by "Techno Minds" to modmyi.com, the pictures were purportedly gotten off an Apple employee on an Apple design team. The dock-in-the-touchpad has been done away with, but the trackpad is still black, as is the keyboard and the display bezel. What's new here is the black back to the display and a lack of those Air-inspired curves that looked so janky on that other picture. The thing that amazingly makes this all even less plausible is the done-up promo shot (after the break) with rendering and photoshop artifacts unobscured by cameraphone fuzziness. Oh, and there's no power button to be found on any of these shots. Still, we want.

[Via Nowhere Else]

Continue reading More purported MacBook Pro shots surface, we're still unconvinced

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applemacbook proMacbookProrumorThu, 02 Oct 2008 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Mac Pros accused of emitting toxic gas, placing blame on someone else]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/01/mac-pros-accused-of-emitting-toxic-gas-placing-blame-on-someone/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/01/mac-pros-accused-of-emitting-toxic-gas-placing-blame-on-someone/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/01/mac-pros-accused-of-emitting-toxic-gas-placing-blame-on-someone/#commentsFiled under:


Just when Apple has started to make some friends at Greenpeace, it looks like another one of its fine products might be a wee bit toxic. According to the French newspaper Liberation, that mysterious stench emanating from your Mac Pro contains benzene -- which can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Instead of being a mere inconvenience, that smell could be a cloud of poison gas that threatens to dizzy up, nauseate and migraine-ify you and everyone you care for. Apple has yet to issue a statement on any of this, but until it's all straightened out, those of you with the stinky Macs might want to seriously consider wearing a hazmat suit when checking your email.

Update: Apple tells Macworld that "We have not found anything that supports this claim, but continue to investigate it for the customer." Funny -- that's exactly what we used to say during long car rides.

[Via the Guardian]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApplebenzeneGreenpeacemac proMacProtoxicWed, 01 Oct 2008 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple drops iPhone NDA]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/01/apple-drops-iphone-nda/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/01/apple-drops-iphone-nda/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/01/apple-drops-iphone-nda/#commentsFiled under:


Apple's insistence on locking down iPhone developers with a restrictive NDA has been controversial from the start, and it looks like the company's seen the light -- it's just posted up a tersely-worded letter saying that the NDA is being dropped. It's a strange little note, actually -- the first paragraph comes off as a little defensive and whiny, if you ask us -- but we're not going to complain about anything that makes developing apps easier and faster for devs. Now let's work on not capriciously rejecting and deleting apps from the App Store, and maybe we can go back to focusing on the iPhone platform's actual merits instead of all these paperwork shenanigans -- we've got some suggestions if you're having a hard time figuring this out on your own.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebreaking newsBreakingNewsiphoneiphone ndaiphone sdkIphoneNdaIphoneSdkndaWed, 01 Oct 2008 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Boxee / XBMC now available on Apple TV]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/01/boxee-xbMc-now-available-on-apple-tv/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/01/boxee-xbMc-now-available-on-apple-tv/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/01/boxee-xbMc-now-available-on-apple-tv/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you were curious as to why Boxee suddenly became available for OS X 10.4 users, here's your sign. The underpinnings of the Apple TV are indeed based on Tiger, thus paving the way for Scott Davilla, a developer for the aTV-bootloader project, to announce that Boxee and XMBC can now be installed on Apple's set-top-box. In order to take advantage, you'll need the aTV Flash bootloader on a bootable USB drive, an Apple TV and the software in the links below. Currently, things are setup to run on Mac only, though PC / Linux versions are promised for next week. After signing up for a Boxee invite, jump on past the break for the step-by-step guide to getting this going.

Gallery: Boxee / XMBC now available on Apple TV



Read - ATV Bootloader site
Read - Boxee Alpha signup

Continue reading Boxee / XBMC now available on Apple TV

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleAppleTVAppleTV take 2AppletvTake2atvaTV FlashAtvFlashboxeeinternet videoInternetVideoiptvlinuxmacopen sourceopen-sourceOpenSourceos xOsXsoftwaretake 2Take2tigerxbmcWed, 01 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon getting a CDMA iPhone that runs Windows Mobile, clears acne]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/29/verizon-getting-a-cdma-iphone-that-runs-windows-mobile-clears-a/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/29/verizon-getting-a-cdma-iphone-that-runs-windows-mobile-clears-a/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/29/verizon-getting-a-cdma-iphone-that-runs-windows-mobile-clears-a/#commentsFiled under: ,


Rumors are coming fast and furious today citing unnamed tipsters that Apple is hard at work hammering out a CDMA iPhone for its friends at Verizon to be announced and released next year, the carrier it had initially approached about carrying the device back in 2005. Way we see it, though, 2009 ain't 2005; Apple's wielding boatloads more power in the wireless biz than it was before the first model launched, the industry's economics have changed, and technology roadmaps have been rewritten.

So why isn't this happening, exactly? First, Apple appears to be having no trouble finding enough customers (carriers, that is) to keep iPhone 3G production at a nice clip. Second, CDMA represents a minute fraction of the world's mobile customer base that GSM / UMTS does -- no matter how big Verizon, Sprint, Telus, Bell, KDDI au, and the remaining CDMA stalwarts may be. Third, CDMA is a dying technology that will be finished off in the early part of the next decade as networks make the migration to LTE and other 4G platforms. Fourth, we have to believe Apple would sooner pour its engineering efforts into advancing the iPhone platform in the same direction as the world's networks than divert considerable resources to busting out a one-off special.

Might this mythical CDMA iPhone yet exist? Yeah, Verizon's a huge carrier, and yes, stranger things have happened -- but until Steve and Ivan get on stage together at Macworld 2009, we're not buying it.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwMon, 29 Sep 2008 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone gets tweaked Safari in firmware 2.2]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/27/iphone-gets-tweaked-safari-in-firmware-2-2/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/27/iphone-gets-tweaked-safari-in-firmware-2-2/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/27/iphone-gets-tweaked-safari-in-firmware-2-2/#commentsFiled under: ,


We're going down our "things that absolutely must change on the iPhone" list, and yeah, "redo the Safari toolbar" isn't anywhere on there. Not even at the very bottom. Cupertino works in mysterious ways, though, and they've decided in firmware 2.2 that it's time to muck with the positioning of the text boxes so that the address bar and search bar both appear at all times without needing to first tap in the area. They've also moved the refresh button inside the address bar itself, which should truly revolutionize our browsing experience yet again. Apple, screw copy / paste -- we're officially stoked.

[Via Wired, thanks Konstantin]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.2applefirmwarefirmware 2.2Firmware2.2iphonesafariSat, 27 Sep 2008 21:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched On: With friends like Google, does Apple need Microsoft?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/26/switched-on-with-friends-like-google-does-apple-need-microsoft/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/26/switched-on-with-friends-like-google-does-apple-need-microsoft/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/26/switched-on-with-friends-like-google-does-apple-need-microsoft/#commentsFiled under:

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about technology, multimedia, and digital entertainment.

In the 1999 geek classic, "Pirates of Silicon Valley", an Apple employee watching the famous "1984" commercial with Steve Jobs points to the Big Brother character -- intended to represent IBM -- and then points to Bill Gates of Microsoft, whom Jobs has just introduced as part of Apple's family. The silent message is that the real threat to Apple is Microsoft, not IBM, and indeed the following scene depicts Jobs confronting Gates after Jobs sees Windows 1.0 running on an NEC PC.

That scene, set in 1983, could be easily recreated 25 years later, substituting the iPhone for the Macintosh, Microsoft for IBM as the iPhone's perceived threat, and Google for Microsoft as the iPhone's more serious threat. Like Microsoft in 1983, Google is a key Apple partner in 2008. The iPhone features Google Maps, GMail and Google as its default Web search engine, and Google CEO Eric Schmidt even sits on Apple's board of directors. And also like Microsoft in 1983, Google is working fervently to create a wide range of competitors to Apple's iPhone. None of these may ever match the integrated experience of Apple's iPhone, but it's clear that the first Android phone has come closer to the iPhone experience than Windows 1.0 did to the original Macintosh operating system.

Nevertheless, Google's task is a lot more daunting than Microsoft's was at the dawn of Windows for several reasons.

Continue reading Switched On: With friends like Google, does Apple need Microsoft?

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidApplefeaturedg1googleiphoneiphone 3gIphone3gmicrosoftsmartphonesswitched onSwitchedOnFri, 26 Sep 2008 13:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple now selling iPhone 3G unlocked in Hong Kong]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/26/apple-now-selling-iphone-3g-unlocked-in-hong-kong/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/26/apple-now-selling-iphone-3g-unlocked-in-hong-kong/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/26/apple-now-selling-iphone-3g-unlocked-in-hong-kong/#commentsFiled under: , ,


If you can't get your goods into China via the front door, there's always the back. Apple is now selling its iPhone 3G unlocked via its on-line Apple Store in Hong Kong. The 8GB model sells for HK$5,500 (about US$694) or HK$6,200 (about $797) for the 16 gigger. Already available since July 11th with a local Hutchison Telecommunications contract, this is the first time that Apple has sold its device unlocked in Hong Kong:
"iPhone 3G purchased at the Apple Online Store can be activated with any wireless carrier. Simply insert the SIM from your current phone into iPhone 3G and connect to iTunes 8 to complete activation."
Unfortunately for the 1 billion mainland Chinese, the terms and conditions limit sales to those in Hong Kong only -- not that the gray market cares about T&Cs. It'll be interesting to see if Apple extends the unlocking more broadly (presumably as exclusivity deals expire) or if this is strictly a local phenomena, perhaps in direct response to having its WiFi and the imperialistic 3G gutted from handsets sold under Apple's rumored China Mobile deal.

[Via PC World, thanks Twins N]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applechinahong kongHongKongiphoneiphone 3gIphone3gunlockFri, 26 Sep 2008 04:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget Cares: save us from Apple's groundbreaking, developer-shackling App Store]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/25/engadget-cares-save-us-from-apples-groundbreaking-developer-s/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/25/engadget-cares-save-us-from-apples-groundbreaking-developer-s/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/25/engadget-cares-save-us-from-apples-groundbreaking-developer-s/#commentsFiled under:

Engadget editor-at-large and gdgt co-founder Ryan Block contributes Engadget Cares, a friendly advice column for the people who make your technology.


It's not hard to argue that the App Store's inspired success for the mobile software world, with over 100 million programs downloaded on only a few million phones in just a matter of months. Palm, Nokia, Microsoft must all be simmering (and understandably so). But Apple, if you're having trouble getting buy-in from passionate developers with a serious creative vision for iPhone apps beyond the dozens of me-too calculators and to-do lists -- and you know you are -- the writing's on the wall, and you're the one who put it there.

But it's not just about the draconian SDK agreement (which we'll get to in a minute), or the uncertainty that runs through every developer -- large and small -- as they wonder whether you'll give the all-important thumbs-up to the app they've just invested all that blood / sweat / tears / money into (we'll get to that, too). What seems to the rest of us like nefarious intent may simply be Apple coming to grips with its own successes by reacting with the same kneejerk response it plies to most everything else: control and micromanagement.

Let's rewind for a moment though, and go back to what Steve said at this Spring's iPhone roadmap event, where the SDK was introduced for the first time. As Steve's introduction reached its crescendo, he excitedly declared, "The developers and us have the same exact interest, which is to get as many apps out in front of as many iPhone users as possible," but "there are going to be some apps we're not going to distribute: porn, malicious apps, apps that invade your privacy..." The slide listed "malicious," "illegal," "porn," "privacy," "bandwidth hog," and "unforeseen." Ah, unforeseen -- glorious wiggle room. I suppose "apps that might compete with our own" wouldn't have gone over as well with the crowd. Read on.

Continue reading Engadget Cares: save us from Apple's groundbreaking, developer-shackling App Store

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app storeappleAppStoreengadget caresEngadgetCaresfeaturesiphonesoftwareThu, 25 Sep 2008 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[New Mac placeholders appear in Future Shop stock system]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/25/new-mac-placeholders-appear-in-future-shop-stock-system/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/25/new-mac-placeholders-appear-in-future-shop-stock-system/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/25/new-mac-placeholders-appear-in-future-shop-stock-system/#commentsFiled under: ,


If there's one thing we've learned over years (aside from the fact that Segway users will always be looked at strangely), it's that Best Buy's inventory systems are famous for turning us on to forthcoming wares. Just this year, strange part numbers in its stock system have correctly predicted the arrival of new MacBook Pros, the Nikon D90 and an unlocked US 3G Touch Diamond. Now, we're feasting our eyes upon the latest snippet from Future Shop's (Best Buy's Canadian sibling) inventory system, which shows a half dozen new Mac placeholders for French and English language machines. Unfortunately, "Apple Mac" is about as vague as it gets, but we wouldn't be shocked one iota to see new MBPs surface in the near future. C'mon stock system -- don't let us down.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebest buyBestBuyFuture ShopFutureShopinventoryleakmacmac promacbookmacbook proMacbookProMacProos xOsXplace holderPlaceHolderrumorThu, 25 Sep 2008 04:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple launches iPhone 3G online purchase tool]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/apple-launches-iphone-3g-online-purchase-tool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/apple-launches-iphone-3g-online-purchase-tool/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/apple-launches-iphone-3g-online-purchase-tool/#commentsFiled under:


Worried about long lines for the iPhone 3G come this holiday season? Already breaking into cold sweats at the thought of standing knee-deep in snow for three hours so that your loved ones won't be filled with contempt for you? Take heart, consumers -- Apple has you covered. The company has just launched an online tool to take you through the process of purchasing an iPhone 3G, allowing you to just pop into your local Apple Store for retrieval and activation. Sure, this still doesn't let you just order a phone for delivery like a normal person, and it's a day late and a dollar short for the people who've already wasted precious time waiting for this thing, but it's nice to know it's there if you need it.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleholidaysiphoneiphone 3gIphone3gonline purchaseOnlinePurchaseWed, 24 Sep 2008 14:33:00 EST<![CDATA[4GB iPod nano 4Gs show up on Best Buy's Canadian site]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/21/4gb-ipod-nano-4gs-show-up-on-best-buys-canadian-site/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/21/4gb-ipod-nano-4gs-show-up-on-best-buys-canadian-site/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/21/4gb-ipod-nano-4gs-show-up-on-best-buys-canadian-site/#commentsFiled under: ,


Look, we know there's some kind of good explanation for these things existing, but Apple, don't you think it's a little weird how they keep cropping up in stores even though you never, ever mentioned them? That's right, those 4GB iPod nano 4Gs we saw at Dutch retailers last week have now made their way onto Best Buy's Canadian website. Over in North America, the players will apparently sell for $139, and will be available tomorrow... or so they say.

[Thanks, Robert]
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We're not particularly inclined to believe them, but the whispers that Apple is about to bump the top-end iPhone capacity to 32GB are getting harder to ignore -- especially since 8GB inventory is drying up, leading to speculation that's it's going to be dropped as soon as next week. We think the timing's a little odd on the heels of the Let's Rock iPod refresh, but considering the rampant speculation that Apple was forced to bump the nano to 16GB and drop the "limited edition" 4GB model entirely at the last minute in response to the new Zune lineup we suppose it makes competitive sense. AppleInsider also says customers will once again get the option to activate in-home, but we haven't heard anything about that -- we'll see what happens in the next few days.

[Thanks, Harry]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>32gb32gb iphone32gbIphone3g iphone3gIphoneappleat home activationAtHomeActivationhome activationHomeActivationiphoneiphone 3gIphone3grumorrumorsSat, 20 Sep 2008 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple iPod touch 2G and nano 4G: The Engadget Review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/19/apple-ipod-touch-2g-and-nano-4g-the-engadget-review/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/19/apple-ipod-touch-2g-and-nano-4g-the-engadget-review/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/19/apple-ipod-touch-2g-and-nano-4g-the-engadget-review/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's been just over a week since we ran a smash-and-grab at Apple's unveiling of its newest entries to the iPod family, the nano 4G and touch 2G. The devices, both set along an evolutionary (rather than revolutionary) path have certainly been nipped, tucked, and updated -- but we wanted to know if they'd been improved at all. For the nano, we've seen some iteration of the same device for years now, leaving questions as to how much further you can take a low-end music player, while the touch is another story completely; a handheld which treads that ever-thinning line between entertainment device and micro-computer. Do either of these products hit their marks, or has Apple overextended itself in its pursuit of market saturation? Keep reading to find out.

Continue reading Apple iPod touch 2G and nano 4G: The Engadget Review

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleengadget reviewEngadgetReviewfeaturesipod nanoipod nano 4gipod touchipod touch 2gIpodNanoIpodNano4gIpodTouchIpodTouch2gnano 4gNano4greviewthe engadget reviewTheEngadgetReviewtouch 2gTouch2gFri, 19 Sep 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple issues a recall for its 'Ultracompact USB Power Adapter']]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/19/apple-issues-a-recall-for-its-ultracompact-usb-power-adapter/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/19/apple-issues-a-recall-for-its-ultracompact-usb-power-adapter/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/19/apple-issues-a-recall-for-its-ultracompact-usb-power-adapter/#commentsFiled under:

Hey, remember that tiny power adapter you got with your new iPhone? Well guess what? It could get a little dangerous -- so Apple wants you to swap it for a newer, less dangerous one. Apparently, the adapter's metal prongs can break right off, thus creating a "risk of electrical shock" and general mellow-harshing. The company issued a recall today for any of the "Ultracompact USB Power Adapters" which came with iPhone 3Gs in the US, Japan, Canada, Mexico, and "several Latin American countries" (don't worry, they've got a list). Check the read link to figure out if you've got the bad kind of adapter, and for goodness sake, be careful when unplugging that thing!
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fsjk85 at the Australian Whirlpool forums was playing around with his camcorder's NightShot function when he found something interesting -- a hidden data matrix code on the left side of the iPhone 3G. We're guessing that's where Apple imprints the serial and IMEI numbers of each handset since it can't exactly hide them under a removable battery (cough), but we'll leave it to the rest of you to decode this sneaky tag and solve the mystery once and for all.

Update: We just got a much higher-res image of the code -- check it after the break. [Thanks Ben]

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading iPhone 3G has a hidden data matrix code

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g iphone3gIphoneappledata matrixdata matrix codeDataMatrixDataMatrixCodeiphoneiphone 3gIphone3gThu, 18 Sep 2008 12:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Griffin unveils AirCurve acoustic amplifier, Clarifi case for iPhone ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/17/griffin-unveils-aircurve-acoustic-amplifier-clarifi-case-for-ip/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/17/griffin-unveils-aircurve-acoustic-amplifier-clarifi-case-for-ip/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/17/griffin-unveils-aircurve-acoustic-amplifier-clarifi-case-for-ip/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We're not saying a transparent box designed to "acoustically amplify" your iPhone speakers is an unmistakable ripoff or anything, but we do believe your $19.99 would be better spent on materials and beverages of choice as you exercise that DIY muscle. At any rate, Griffin Technology has today introduced the AirCurve (that's the thing we just described) alongside the Clarifi ($34.99; pictured after the jump), a polycarbonate protective case for your iPhone 3G. Unlike alternatives, though, this one has a "close-up lens," which supposedly gives your iPhone 3G the ability to take remarkably detailed macro shots with even "more accurate colors." Call us jaded, but both of these things have marketing hoopla written all over 'em.

[Via iLounge]
Read - AirCurve
Read - Clarifi

Continue reading Griffin unveils AirCurve acoustic amplifier, Clarifi case for iPhone

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aircurveAmplifierapplecaseClarifigriffiniphoneiphone 3giphone accessoryIphone3gIphoneAccessoryWed, 17 Sep 2008 20:26:00 EST<![CDATA[New MacBook Pros leaked on German site?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/17/new-macbook-pros-leaked-on-german-site/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/17/new-macbook-pros-leaked-on-german-site/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/17/new-macbook-pros-leaked-on-german-site/#commentsFiled under:


Sure, none of it makes any sense, but we can't shake the feeling that there's something a little weird going on here. We've received a number of tips that T-Systems -- a division of the same company that owns T-Mobile -- has got pics of some variation of a MacBook Pro that we've certainly never seen before. The appearance of a new model would fall right in line with those rumors we've been hearing, but this seems a little too easy. In fact, the specs of these devices appear unchanged from the current lineup of laptops. The likely explanation is that there's been a photo mix-up -- someone got their proper MBP pictures crossed with one of those "wishful thinking" renders. Then again, given Apple's recent propensity for leaked photos... maybe there's something more to this.

Update: As a commenter noted, the above picture does look very, very similar to this fan-made mock-up, yet there are noticeable differences between the two (the thickness of the base, shape of the screen, location and style of the optical drive, width of the trackpad), which ultimately raise more questions.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleleakmacbook proMacbookProrumorspeculationt-mobileWed, 17 Sep 2008 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Mysterious new 4GB iPod nano 4Gs begin appearing on store shelves]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/17/mysterious-new-4gb-ipod-nano-4gs-begin-appearing-on-store-shelve/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/17/mysterious-new-4gb-ipod-nano-4gs-begin-appearing-on-store-shelve/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/17/mysterious-new-4gb-ipod-nano-4gs-begin-appearing-on-store-shelve/#commentsFiled under: ,


Now this is an interesting development. According to two separate tipsters (with two sets of photos) Apple has released a third version of the new multi-hued iPod nano to the world -- a 4GB model. As there's been no announcement from the company, and there was certainly no mention of it at the 'Let's Rock' event, this is quite a head-scratcher. According to sources (and a Dutch retailer's site), the models are available in all nine colors and are priced at €119 (or about $168) -- though there seems to be some debate as to whether these lower capacity versions are limited editions or simply an incredible gaffe on Apple's part. Regardless, they appear to be the real thing, and they appear to be on store shelves right now (in some countries, at least). If you're looking for the ultimate Apple collector's item, this may be just the thing. Check out the gallery below for lots of looks at the mystery nano.

Update: The UK's Pocket-lint got hold of an Apple spokesperson who told them Apple "made a limited number of 4GB iPod nanos for some international markets, but this is not one of our main configurations." Mystery solved, we guess -- but that "limited number" bit has us thinking this was still some kind of mistake.

Gallery: Mysterious new 4GB iPod nano 4Gs begin appearing on store shelves



Read - 4GB iPod nano 4G at Dutch retailer
Read - New iPod nano, very briefly in 4 GB
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Apple's latest OS update -- 10.5.5 -- is now up and dancing in Software Update. It includes the latest batch of security updates, Address Book, Spotlight, and iPhone sync enhancements, and iCal, eMail, MobileMe and Time Machine performance tweaks. In other words, it's a biggie. Full release notes just beyond that read link.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10.5.5appleleopardosos xOsXTue, 16 Sep 2008 01:02:00 EST<![CDATA[New MacBooks already shipping, hitting stores September 23rd?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/15/new-macbooks-already-shipping-hitting-stores-september-23rd/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/15/new-macbooks-already-shipping-hitting-stores-september-23rd/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/15/new-macbooks-already-shipping-hitting-stores-september-23rd/#commentsFiled under:


If we're to believe a report out today from Citigroup analyst Richard Gardner, Steve Jobs may be taking his "one more thing" to its logical -- and lengthy -- conclusion. According to Gardner (via Barron's) "field checks" on Apple's movements have "confirmed shipments" of "new MacBooks." Gardner goes on to detail stand-out features of the new laptops, saying the currently-en-route devices boast a "very thin aluminum casing, an LED backlit display and an aggressive entry-level price point." Sure, this crazy talk does happen to fall somewhat in line with recent tips we've received suggesting that a new MacBook Pro will be headed onto store shelves come September 23rd, but that doesn't change the fact that all of this information is being reported by lone sources (Citigroup affiliation notwithstanding) with absolutely no evidence to back up their claims. We won't argue that it would be great to see a much-needed update to MacBooks and / or Pros in the very near future, but we don't recommend placing any bets... not until we see some more of those juicy Apple leaks.

[Via Electronista]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystanalyst speculationAnalystSpeculationapplemacbookmacbook proMacbookProrichard gardnerRichardGardnerrumorSeptember 23rdSeptember23rdspeculationMon, 15 Sep 2008 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Poll: Is firmware 2.1 actually boosting your signal?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/poll-is-firmware-2-1-actually-boosting-your-signal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/poll-is-firmware-2-1-actually-boosting-your-signal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/poll-is-firmware-2-1-actually-boosting-your-signal/#commentsFiled under:


So, you've gone and updated to that new "big fix" firmware 2.1 -- but is the Kool Aid as delicious as you've been promised? On our end, we're certainly seeing noticeable improvements on lagging keyboards, app switching / opening (particularly with contacts and text messages), moving through menus / scrolling, application installation and iTunes syncing, but has Apple solved the big issue? The software update page boasts of a "decrease in call set-up failures and dropped calls," and while that might make you think you'll see the proverbial "more bars in more places" (and you probably do), it's likely related to another change in this update, namely, "improved accuracy of the 3G signal strength display." We know that a lot of you are seeing apparent improvements in signal strength, but is that a matter of updated icons, or a reflection of some crazy voodoo Apple performed on the phone's radio? We're leaning towards the former, but we'd like to hear what you have to say. So what's the deal? Is the iPhone 3G seeing actual reception improvements, or is it just cosmetic? Let us know in the poll below.

View Poll

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applefirmwarefirmware 2.1firmware updatefirmware update 2.1Firmware2.1FirmwareUpdateFirmwareUpdate2.1iphoneiphone 3gIphone3gpollsoftware updateSoftwareUpdateFri, 12 Sep 2008 13:22:00 EST<![CDATA[iPod touch 2.1 jailbroken]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/ipod-touch-2-1-jailbroken/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/ipod-touch-2-1-jailbroken/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/ipod-touch-2-1-jailbroken/#commentsFiled under: ,

Well, that was fast -- iPod touch firmware 2.1 was just released on Tuesday, and the QuickPwn project already has it jailbroken. It's not quite the GUI one-click process it's been in the past, but if you're anxious for a little underground code to go with your Genius playlists, it's not overly complicated. Let us know how it goes, we'll let you know when the iPhone 2.1 jailbreak inevitably hits.

Update: The Dev Team just pinged us to say that this isn't one of their official releases, if that sort of thing matters to you.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.12.1 firmware2.1 jailbreak2.1Firmware2.1Jailbreakappleipodipod touchIpodTouchjailbreakFri, 12 Sep 2008 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 2.1 update is out: bug fixes and longer battery life promised]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/iphone-2-1-update-is-out-bug-fixes-and-longer-battery-life-prom/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/iphone-2-1-update-is-out-bug-fixes-and-longer-battery-life-prom/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/iphone-2-1-update-is-out-bug-fixes-and-longer-battery-life-prom/#commentsFiled under: , ,


You made it. Three full battery charges and three full days of buggy 2.0.2 firmware later and the 2.1 software is now available for download. Remember, this "big update" comes with Steve's personal promise of "fewer call drops... significantly improved battery life for most customers... fixed a lot of bugs where if you have a lot of apps on the phone you're not going to get some of the crashes we've seen... backing up to iTunes is dramatically faster." We'll see.

P.S. Not that we're expecting any, but if you spot copy and paste or any other unannounced features be sure to let us know.

Update: We're updating right now and we'll let you know if we see anything amazing. Keep us posted in the comments too -- how is it going for you?
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.12.1 software update2.1SoftwareUpdateapplebreaking newsBreakingNewsfirmwarefirmware 2.1Firmware2.1iphoneiphone 3gIphone3gFri, 12 Sep 2008 09:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake, CXL: Cottage MP3 player apes iPod nano 4G a year in advance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/keepin-it-real-fake-cxl-cottage-mp3-player-apes-ipod-nano-4g/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/keepin-it-real-fake-cxl-cottage-mp3-player-apes-ipod-nano-4g/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/keepin-it-real-fake-cxl-cottage-mp3-player-apes-ipod-nano-4g/#commentsFiled under: ,


Why, this is downright preposterous! How dare the copyright-ignoring, astonishingly uncreative minds of those at Miao copy Apple's latest iPod nano design a full year in advance? They should be implausibly embarrassed by churning out a so-called Cottage MP3 player in 2007, all while the brains at Cupertino sat and pondered how to make its tiny little PMP that much better. This, people, is an outrage. An outrage!
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applechinaipodipod nanoipod nano 4gIpodNanoIpodNano4gKIRFknockoffMiaonanoripoffFri, 12 Sep 2008 07:41:00 EST<![CDATA[iPod touch 2G unboxing, hands-on, and first impressions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/11/ipod-touch-2g-unboxing-hands-on-and-first-impressions/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/11/ipod-touch-2g-unboxing-hands-on-and-first-impressions/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/11/ipod-touch-2g-unboxing-hands-on-and-first-impressions/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We'll tell you that when we first got a chance to handle Apple's latest generation of the iPod touch on Tuesday, our gadget-nerd alarms went clanging like there was a really, really bad fire somewhere. The improvements the company has made in design aren't remarkable, but they are entirely welcome. The new housing is smooth, incredibly thin, and feels like a solid metal brick in your hands. The built-in speaker is a nice addition, as are those volume controls (finally!) -- the screen is incredibly bright (on par with the iPhone 3G), though it also looks like it got the 3G's new color temperature. On the software side, 2.1 is definitely feeling smoother and slicker than previous versions, the Nike+ inclusion is huge if you're a runner, and the implementation is well integrated -- overall, we're leaning towards a thumbs-up on those bug fixes too. Unfortunately, we couldn't seem to get the Genius function working on the device (anyone else having this issue?), though that may be more of a server-side conflict than something funky with the player, as we were getting errors in iTunes when trying to flip the switch. We'll be blowing this out with a full review, but for now you can enjoy the succulent pics in the gallery below!

Gallery: iPod touch 2G unboxing, hands-on, and first impressions