Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2013 AOL Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[Apple extends iCloud storage upgrade for MobileMe users another year]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/07/apple-extends-icloud-storage-upgrade/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/07/apple-extends-icloud-storage-upgrade/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/07/apple-extends-icloud-storage-upgrade/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Apple extends iCloud storage upgrade for MobileMe users another year

Apple's done its level best to lure help you over to iCloud from MobileMe, and it looks like it's not quite done yet. We're seeing reports from users who have received messages advising that the additional storage offered to ease the transition has been extended for another 12 months, sans cost to you. Whether a charge will kick in right away when that period ends, and at what price isn't made clear. But if you like to drag your data heels, or want to take your sweet time deciding if the new service is for you, it looks like luck is on your side.

[Thanks, Jonathan C]

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]]> appleapple icloudAppleIcloudcloudcloud computingCloudComputingextendedicloudicloud storageIcloudStoragemobilemeofferrenewrenewalstoragestorage offerStorageOffer Sun, 07 Oct 2012 00:20:00 -0400 21|20343402 <![CDATA[Editorial: Apple apologies actually aren't that infrequent, and that's okay]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/28/editorial-apple-apologies-actually-arent-that-infrequent-and/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/28/editorial-apple-apologies-actually-arent-that-infrequent-and/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/28/editorial-apple-apologies-actually-arent-that-infrequent-and/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Editorial Apple apologies actually aren't that infrequent, and that's okay

Today, Tim Cook made his first major apology as the CEO of Apple. It probably won't be his last. Despite the obvious knee-jerk reaction regarding the Maps debacle, it's actually interesting that this particular scenario is yet another example of humans having extraordinarily short-term memories. It's the same reason that whatever game we most recently saw is the "best or worst ever." (Packers v. Seahawks 09.24.2012, I'm looking at you.) In truth, Apple has a fairly solid history of ingesting pride in the iPhone era, when it surged headfirst into the realm of serving consumers in a way that it never had before. And moreover, hearing Cook apologize isn't something that should be mocked or berated; one can only hope that more companies of all shapes and sizes develop a policy of listening and reacting. Allow me to explain.

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Source: Apple

]]> apologizeapologyappleeditorialgoogleicloudimaciosios 6Ios6iphone 4iphone 5Iphone4Iphone5issuemacmapsmobilemenokiarefundsorrytim cookTimCook Fri, 28 Sep 2012 11:28:00 -0400 21|20336454 <![CDATA[PSA: The end of MobileMe is nigh, time to move on or move out]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/29/psa-the-end-of-mobileme-is-nigh/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/29/psa-the-end-of-mobileme-is-nigh/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/29/psa-the-end-of-mobileme-is-nigh/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments PSA The end of MobileMe is nigh

The death knell for MobileMe has been ringing for some time, but if you've had your hands on your ears, hoping it'd go away, sadly this isn't the case. Tomorrow sees the service hang up its storage-boots for the last time, before being brutally put down released to pasture. If the 20GB olive branch Apple offered wasn't enough to turn you onto iCloud, then this is your last call to pack up your virtual things, and make sure the door doesn't hit you on the way out. And while breaking up is never easy to do, there are plenty more fish in the sea.

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]]> applecloudcloud computingcloud storageCloudComputingCloudStoragedrivegoogle driveGoogleDriveicloudmobilemepsaskydrivestorage Fri, 29 Jun 2012 12:17:00 -0400 21|20268973 <![CDATA[Apple gives MobileMe holdouts an olive branch, extends 20GB iCloud offer to September]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/06/mobileme-20gb-icloud-deal-ends-september/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/06/mobileme-20gb-icloud-deal-ends-september/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/06/mobileme-20gb-icloud-deal-ends-september/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Image

Still skittish about jumping from MobileMe to iCloud, even after Apple promised you a free copy of Snow Leopard to ease the pain? Have no fear: Apple has quietly extended its offer to upgrade those paying for 20GB of MobileMe space to a matching amount on iCloud the next time they renew. You now have until September 30th to make the leap at no extra cost, instead of the original June 30th cutoff. And if you've been paying for 40 to 60GB of MobileMe storage, you can get 50GB of iCloud space on the same terms. It won't take away the sting of losing iDisk, Gallery or iWeb at the end of June, but if you're the sort who routinely needs a lot more storage than a free 5GB iCloud account -- and don't like the alternatives -- you now have that much more breathing room.

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]]> Appleapple icloudapple mobilemeAppleIcloudAppleMobilemecloudcloud computingcloud storageCloudComputingCloudStorageicloudMobileMemobilepostcrossrenewrenewalrenewalssubscribersubscriberssubscriptionsubscriptionsupgrade Sun, 06 May 2012 16:31:00 -0400 21|20232198 <![CDATA[Apple offering free Snow Leopard update to MobileMe holdouts]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/18/apple-free-snow-leopard-upgrade-mobileme-icloud/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/18/apple-free-snow-leopard-upgrade-mobileme-icloud/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/18/apple-free-snow-leopard-upgrade-mobileme-icloud/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments mac icloud upgrade

Mama had it right -- procrastination is bad -- but mama never knew Apple. For Leopard users still clinging tightly to their MobileMe account, it looks like the path to iCloud just got a wee bit cheaper. Qualifying MobileMe holdouts are reportedly receiving email notifications that point them to a special portal; behind a registration form, folks are finding a free copy of OS X 10.6 (on DVD, no less). The goal here is to get customers to make yet another jump to Lion (an extra $29), but the idea of keeping most of that cloud functionality via iCloud is certainly enticing. As MacNN so accurately points out, it's odd that Apple's not including the $69 USB drive version of Lion, which contains the ability to boost even Leopard users to OS X 10.7. If you're one that generally skips out on reading those automated Apple emails, you might want to make an exception for this one.

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]]> applecloudicloudintelleopardlionmacmobile meMobileMeoperating systemOperatingSystemossnow leopardSnowLeopardsoftwareupdateupgrade Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:49:00 -0400 21|20219081 <![CDATA[Apple says iCloud and MobileMe push email down in Germany, due to Motorola lawsuit (Update)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/24/icloud-and-mobileme-email-down-in-germany/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/24/icloud-and-mobileme-email-down-in-germany/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/24/icloud-and-mobileme-email-down-in-germany/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Apple push email for iOS down in GermanyCupertino says it is has suspended push email via iCloud or MobileMe for users in Germany, due to "recent patent litigation by Motorola Mobility." Numerous disputes currently rage between the two companies, but this issue likely relates to a recent injunction Motorola won against iCloud. Push still works for Contacts and Calendars, but there's a page up on Apple's German support site (see the source link) telling people to use the Fetch settings on their iOS device to collect emails. There's a similar page on Apple's US site giving the same instructions to users who are travelling to Germany. Meanwhile, push email for OS X and via other service providers such as Microsoft Exchange Active Sync, is unaffected.

Update: We've heard back from Apple and for its part, it is treating this as no big deal, focusing on the fact that it only applies to push email specifically and customers can still receive their emails other ways as mentioned above. As it is, it says this will affect only a "limited number of customers." Check after the break for the company's statement.

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]]> applegermanyicloudiosmobilememobilepostcrossmotorolamotorola mobilityMotorolaMobility Fri, 24 Feb 2012 04:01:00 -0500 21|20178730 <![CDATA[Apple iCloud and iWork beta for iOS hands-on]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/02/apple-icloud-and-iwork-beta-for-ios-hands-on/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/02/apple-icloud-and-iwork-beta-for-ios-hands-on/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/02/apple-icloud-and-iwork-beta-for-ios-hands-on/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments We've had a few weeks to get accustomed to iOS 5 and Mac OS X Lion, but one headlining feature has been notably inaccessible since it was unveiled earlier this summer. During his WWDC keynote, Steve Jobs touted iCloud as a service that will sync many of your Apple devices, for free. Macs, iPhones, iPads, and even Windows computers can synchronize documents, contacts, calendar appointments, and other data. You'll also be able to back up your iOS devices remotely, use an Apple-hosted email account, and store your music in the cloud. Well, this week Apple finally lit up its cloud-based service for developers, letting some of us take a sneak peek at the new service.

Apple also announced pricing, confirming that you'll be able to add annual subscriptions with 10GB ($20), 20GB ($40), or 50GB ($100) of storage 'atop your free 5GB account. We took our five gig account for a spin, creating documents in Pages, spreadsheets in Numbers, and presentations in Keynote, then accessing them from the iCloud web interface to download Microsoft Office and PDF versions. We also tried our luck at iOS data syncing and the soon-to-be-controversial Photo Stream, so jump past the break for our full iCloud hands-on.

Gallery: Apple iCloud and iWork beta hands-on

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]]> .macappleapple icloudapple iosapple ios 5apple lionAppleIcloudAppleIosAppleIos5AppleLioncloudcloud computingcloud storageCloudComputingCloudStoragedot macdotmacfind my iphoneFindMyIphonehands-onicloudiosios 5Ios5ipadipad 2Ipad2iphoneiphone 4iphone trackingIphone4IphoneTrackingipodipod touchIpodTouchiworkkeynotelionmacmac osmac os lionmac os xmac os x lionmacbookmacbook proMacbookProMacOsMacOsLionMacOsXMacOsXLionmicrosoftmicrosoft officeMicrosoftOfficemobilemenumbersofficepagesphone trackingPhoneTrackingproductivitytracking Tue, 02 Aug 2011 17:48:00 -0400 21|20007586 <![CDATA[Apple launches iCloud and iWork betas, confirms pricing for extra capacity]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/01/apple-launches-icloud-and-iwork-betas-confirms-pricing-for-extr/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/01/apple-launches-icloud-and-iwork-betas-confirms-pricing-for-extr/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/01/apple-launches-icloud-and-iwork-betas-confirms-pricing-for-extr/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments MobileMe's impending demise just got one step closer, folks. Apple's updated iCloud.com to now sport an official login page with what we're assuming is Cupertino's rendition of a CNC-machined aluminum unibody badge. It looks like those of you rocking iOS 5 or OS X 10.7.2 and who've also created an iCloud account are probably already busy frolicking through email, editing contacts and slinging calendar events all from the comfort of your browser. Those services already existed under its predecessor, but it looks as if Cupertino has spruced 'em up with fresh paint jobs. A screenshot from MacRumors also shows the addition of an iWork section, which we'd surmise means the previously siloed iWork beta now has a new place to call home. We couldn't get past the migration step with our trusty MobileMe account (disappointing proof is after the break), but you're more than welcome to tap the more coverage link and have a go yourself.

Oh, and if you're wondering how much it'll cost you to claim more than those 5GB that Apple's tossing in gratis, the folks over at Electronista have confirmed that an extra 10GB will cost $20 per year, while an extra 20GB runs $40 / year and an extra 50GB will demand $100 per annum.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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]]> 10.7appleApple iCloudAppleIcloudbetadevelopersiCloudiCloud betaIcloudBetaiOSiPadiPad 2Ipad2iPhoneiPhone 3GSiphone 4Iphone3gsIphone4IpodTouchiWorkiWork betaIworkBetaMac OS XMac OS X 10.7Mac OS X LionMacOsXMacOsX10.7MacOsXLionMobileMe Mon, 01 Aug 2011 21:04:00 -0400 21|20006683 <![CDATA[Mac OS X Lion 10.7.2 beta brings iCloud support, no bug fixes]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/mac-os-x-lion-10-7-2-beta-brings-icloud-support-no-bug-fixes/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/mac-os-x-lion-10-7-2-beta-brings-icloud-support-no-bug-fixes/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/mac-os-x-lion-10-7-2-beta-brings-icloud-support-no-bug-fixes/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments We know what you're thinking: Mac OS X Lion (10.7) has been out for nearly a week, so why have we yet to hear anything about Snow Lion? Patience friends, Apple will roar soon enough -- but for now, 10.7.2 will have to do. Apple released the beta update to developers over the weekend, eschewing any acknowledgment of 10.7.1, or correcting any of the bugs that have popped up over the last week. Instead, Lion's pending second update (build 11C26) is required for testing the operating system with iCloud -- a feature notably absent in the public version of the OS released last week. The new System Preferences iCloud module enables granular management of select features, letting you choose which accounts and services to sync. Full iCloud support is coming in the fall with the release of iOS 5, so it's probably safe to assume that Apple plans to patch some of those bugs in the meantime -- any day now, we hope.

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]]> .macappleapple os xAppleOsXbetacloudcloud computingcloud storageCloudComputingCloudStoragedot macdotmacfeaturedfeaturesicloudioslionmacMobileMeoperating systemoperating systemsOperatingSystemOperatingSystemsosos xos x 10.7os x 10.7 lionos x lionOsXOsX10.7OsX10.7LionOsXLion Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:58:00 -0400 21|19999521 <![CDATA[Apple WWDC keynote video now viewable in the cloud]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/apple-wwdc-keynote-video-now-viewable-in-the-cloud/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/apple-wwdc-keynote-video-now-viewable-in-the-cloud/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/apple-wwdc-keynote-video-now-viewable-in-the-cloud/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Did you miss out on today's thrill-a-minute WWDC keynote? Good news: now you can relive all of Steve Jobs's magical cloud-based magic. OS X Lion, iTunes in the cloud, PC-free syncing, iCloud, and lots of excited pacing -- it's all there. Of course, if you're more of a reader, there's always the liveblog text.

Update: And what's this? Why it's some iOS 5 videos for your viewing pleasure.

[Thanks everyone who sent this in]

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]]> appleicloudiosipadipad 2Ipad2iphoneipodipod touchIpodTouchitunesmobile meMobileMeos lionos xOsLionOsXvideo Mon, 06 Jun 2011 17:40:00 -0400 21|19959808 <![CDATA[iCloud unveiled at WWDC, free for all 9 cloud apps, MobileMe RIP]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/icloud-unveiled-at-wwdc/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/icloud-unveiled-at-wwdc/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/icloud-unveiled-at-wwdc/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Apple tipped its hat early, but now we have the details from the man himself. "iCloud stores your content in the cloud and wirelessly pushes it to all your device. It automatically uploads it, stores it, and pushes it to all your devices." And by "automatically," he means it: in addition to every day content, such as purchased music, iBooks, photos and videos, device settings, and app data that will be automatically backed up over WiFi, Documents in the Cloud will effortlessly sync Pages, Numbers, and Keynote data between all of your iOS devices. There will be no advertising (contrary to previous rumors), and calendar, mail, and contact sync is free (for up to five gigs). Also in store is the new Photo Stream cloud feature, which is essentially a gallery in Photos that exists on all of your iOS devices, Apple TV, your OS X and even your Windows PCs, and syncs through the cloud. Take a picture on your iPhone and it appears on your laptop and your iPad, and it's stored in the cloud for thirty days. And no, your Photo Stream pics do not count towards your 5GB total. iCloud will be released concurrent with iOS 5 this fall.

If that isn't enough, Apple has announced iTunes Match, a $25 per year service that scans your iTunes library library and populates your iTunes in the Cloud account with any of your previously bought and ripped music -- in handy 256Kbps AAC, DRM-free files (as long as the titles already appear in the iTunes store).

Last but not least, MobileMe is no more. If you're a current member, you can still access everything as usual through June 30, 2012 (according to Apple), but there will be no new enrollments. And if your subscription has auto-renewed recently? Well, we've received plenty of tips from readers who have received refunds this morning. So at the very least you have that to look forward too!

Gallery: Apple reveals iCloud at WWDC

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]]> applebreaking newscloudcloud storageCloudStorageicloudiosios 5Ios5itunesitunes in the clouditunes matchItunesInTheCloudItunesMatchmobilemephotostreamstreaming musicStreamingMusicwwdcwwdc 2011Wwdc2011 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 14:20:00 -0400 21|19958435 <![CDATA[WWDC 2011 liveblog: Steve Jobs talks iOS 5, OS X Lion, iCloud and more!]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/wwdc-2011-liveblog-steve-jobs-talks-ios-5-os-x-lion-icloud-an/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/wwdc-2011-liveblog-steve-jobs-talks-ios-5-os-x-lion-icloud-an/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/wwdc-2011-liveblog-steve-jobs-talks-ios-5-os-x-lion-icloud-an/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments You're in the right place! Bookmark this page and return on Monday at the times listed below to see Steve Jobs take the stage at Moscone West. WWDC 2011 promises a peek at iOS 5, OS X Lion, the iCloud music storage offering and who knows what else. The iPhone 5? Don't count on it, but also, don't count it out. Your town not listed? Shout your time in comments below!

07:00AM - Hawaii
10:00AM - Pacific
11:00AM - Mountain
12:00PM - Central
01:00PM - Eastern
06:00PM - London
07:00PM - Paris
09:00PM - Moscow
02:00AM - Tokyo (June 7th)

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]]> applecloudcloud storageCloudStoragedrmicloudiosios 5Ios5lionliveliveblogmacmobilememusicmusic labelsMusicLabelsoperating systemOperatingSystemosos xos x 10.7os x lionOsXOsX10.7OsXLionriaasoftwaresteve jobsSteveJobswwdcwwdc 2011Wwdc2011 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:55:00 -0400 21|19957904 <![CDATA[Apple's iCloud music service will automatically mirror your iTunes library using 'high-quality' tracks?]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/apples-icloud-music-service-will-automatically-mirror-your-itun/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/apples-icloud-music-service-will-automatically-mirror-your-itun/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/apples-icloud-music-service-will-automatically-mirror-your-itun/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments There's been so much chatter about Apple iCloud that you'd think the streaming music service had already been announced and the deals inked. But it's still just a rumor until an Apple executive takes the stage and unleashes the Amazon Cloud Player and Google Music competitor in a spate of superlatives. That hasn't stopped Businessweek from stepping up with a good summary of all that is "known" thus far, while giving us some insight into the particulars of how the service will work and the motivations to make it happen. One revelation, sourced from three people in the know, claims that Apple will scan customers' iTunes libraries (hello, LaLa) and quickly mirror the contents on Apple's own servers -- no massive DSL-choking upload required. And Apple will do you the solid of "replacing" any low bitrate tracks with the "high-quality" versions it stores in its fully licensed music locker for streaming to your connected devices.

Of course, this value-add won't come free and will certainly require a subscription fee. The cost to the consumer, though, is still very much unclear as is the service's integration with Apple's $99 per year MobileMe sham. And you know those rumors about MobileMe being offered as a free service? We wouldn't be surprised if it stays at $99 with iCloud being announced as a "free" feature update; aka, an $8.25 per month music subscription that also provides web access to your synced bookmarks, contacts, email, and calendar. Regardless, it's this subscription model that has the major labels so enthusiastic as it will finally allow them to extort fees for all that pirated audio you may have stumbled upon since Napster was loosed on an unprepared music industry a decade ago. All signs point to WWDC for this to get official but we're sure to hear more -- much more -- before the event kicks off on June 6th.

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]]> amazonamazon cloud playerAmazonCloudPlayerappleaudiobitratecloudgooglegoogle musicgoogle music betaGoogleMusicGoogleMusicBetaicloudituneslalamobilememusicrumorstreamingstreaming audiostreaming musicStreamingAudioStreamingMusicwwdcwwdc 2011Wwdc2011 Fri, 27 May 2011 03:08:00 -0400 21|19951610 <![CDATA[Apple working on unlimited downloads of purchased iTunes music, setting MobileMe free?]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/04/apple-working-on-unlimited-downloads-of-purchased-itunes-music/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/04/apple-working-on-unlimited-downloads-of-purchased-itunes-music/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/04/apple-working-on-unlimited-downloads-of-purchased-itunes-music/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments You know all that rumor and speculation about Apple launching a subscription-based streaming music service? Forget it -- at least until the next rumor comes along. Bloomberg is citing three people with knowledge of private talks between Apple, Universal Music, Sony Music, and Warner Music to make purchased music more easily accessible to iTunes users. Two sources claim that an agreement could be announced by midyear. Contrary to popular speculation aroused by Apple's purchase of Lala, they're not talking about streaming music from Apple's new North Carolina data center scheduled to come online in the spring. According to Bloomberg's sources, Apple is instead, planning to offer unlimited downloads to any device linked to the same iTunes account. So, purchase a track on your iPhone and download it again for free to your iPad without having to go back and tether the mobile device to your PC or Mac for a sync. Hard disk crash? No worries, there's a permanent backup in the cloud. Of course, there's nothing preventing Apple from providing unlimited downloads in parallel with a streaming service except for the labels and artists who prefer the higher revenues paid out by download services. Then again, if it was left to them we'd still be buying our music on $15 CDs.

Incidentally, one Bloomberg source was also caught blabbing about Apple's plans to overhaul the MobileMe service to store pictures, video, and other online content sometime this year. Better yet, it could drop from $99 per year to free -- something already reported by the Wall Street Journal a few weeks ago.

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]]> appledownloaditunesmobilememusicrumorsonysony musicSonyMusicspeculationstreamingstreaming audiostreaming musicStreamingAudioStreamingMusicuniversaluniversal musicUniversalMusicunlimitedunlimited downloadunlimited downloadsUnlimitedDownloadUnlimitedDownloadswarnerwarner musicWarnerMusic Fri, 04 Mar 2011 07:13:00 -0500 21|19867996 <![CDATA[Apple removes MobileMe from online store, discontinues retail boxes]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/24/apple-removes-mobileme-from-online-store-discontinues-retail-bo/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/24/apple-removes-mobileme-from-online-store-discontinues-retail-bo/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/24/apple-removes-mobileme-from-online-store-discontinues-retail-bo/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Need a bit more evidence that there's some big changes coming to MobileMe? Then you don't need to look much further than Apple's own stores, both online and off. The company has apparently now discontinued the boxed version of the software it sells at retail, and it seems that all traces of MobileMe have also been removed from Apple's online store, though you are still able to sign up for a free trial through the MobileMe website. AppleInsider further reports that both single user and family packs of MobileMe have been declared "end of life" by Apple, and that the service will undergo some scheduled maintenance tonight that may leave its web-based applications inaccessible for half an hour.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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]]> applecloudcloud-basedmobileme Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:49:00 -0500 21|19858228 <![CDATA[Apple tells shareholders North Carolina data center is for iTunes and MobileMe, set to open this spring]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/23/apple-tells-shareholders-north-carolina-data-center-is-for-itune/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/23/apple-tells-shareholders-north-carolina-data-center-is-for-itune/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/23/apple-tells-shareholders-north-carolina-data-center-is-for-itune/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Well, it looks like Apple's just put an end to some of the speculation surrounding its massive data center in North Carolina. According to AppleInsider and Electronista, Apple told shareholders at its annual meeting today that the center is for iTunes and MobileMe (along with Apple's "corporate systems"), and that it is set to open sometime this spring. As you might expect, it doesn't seem like things got much more detailed than that, but the news does certainly lend some credence to earlier rumors of a cloud-based, Lala-infused iTunes service and a significantly expanded (and possibly free) MobileMe offering. Here's hoping we'll hear a bit more from Apple itself next week.

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]]> applecloudcloud-baseddata centerDataCenteritunesmobilemenorth carolinaNorthCarolinastreaming Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:45:00 -0500 21|19856441 <![CDATA[Apple MacBook Air survey gets chatty about 3G]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/15/apple-macbook-air-survey-gets-chatty-about-3g/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/15/apple-macbook-air-survey-gets-chatty-about-3g/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/15/apple-macbook-air-survey-gets-chatty-about-3g/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Apple isn't much of one for customer surveys, but this recent missive to select MacBook Air owners has all sorts of goodies inside it. Most notable is the large amount of questions on 3G data connectivity, a feature that Apple has so far avoided adding to any of its laptops, even though it sells a tablet computer with the functionality. Interestingly, Apple has waited so long on this feature that its primary objection -- the need to pick a specific carrier over another -- has disappeared thanks to Qualcomm's Gobi chipset. On the other hand, most people get 3G data onto their laptops these days through tethering, whether it be with their phone or a dedicated MiFi-style device, and Apple's survey seems to be designed to pick up on the prevalence of all these tendencies. Other aspects of the survey deal with data storage and syncing (MobileMe and Dropbox get shout outs), missing functionality that keeps the Air from being a primary computer, and other miscellany. If you want to get overanalytical with the whole thing, Apple might actually be trying to feel out the dividing line between an iPad and a MacBook Air, instead of the dividing line between a MacBook Pro. Perhaps this year's expected Sandy Bridge or (we wish) Fusion refresh of the MacBook Air could have something more in store? Check out the source link for the whole thing.

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]]> 3gairapplecustomer surveyCustomerSurveydropboxmacbookmacbook airMacbookAirmobilemerumorsurvey Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:45:00 -0500 21|19844976 <![CDATA[The iPhone nano to forgo local storage? Common sense says 'no']]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/the-iphone-nano-to-forgo-local-storage-common-sense-says-no/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/the-iphone-nano-to-forgo-local-storage-common-sense-says-no/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/the-iphone-nano-to-forgo-local-storage-common-sense-says-no/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Well, MWC is in full swing, where folks like LG, Samsung, Sony, and Nokia are pouring their souls out in front of us in device form. So, naturally, the rumors are swirling about... the iPhone nano. In a followup to the Wall Street Journal's big story, Cult of Mac is claiming some additional inside info from a source with a "great track record." The main idea is that the iPhone nano would rely on the cloud to such an extent that the device wouldn't really have any local storage to speak of, outside of a streaming buffer. This would of course go hand in hand with a MobileMe / Lala-powered streaming music service, and result in significant component cost savings (flash memory is still pretty spendy). While this sounds like a beautiful dream, it doesn't make much sense in 2011. Streaming all your music and other media over a capped 3G connection doesn't sound very consumer-friendly, and there are still plenty of situations where having a nice offline stash of music is a lifesaver. But there's a bigger problem: where do you put your apps without local storage? Android's historic shortage of app storage really bit it in the ass, and we doubt Apple wants to go down that route. Sure, we can see a 4GB or so ultracheap device, with a heavy reliance on streaming media (many people get most of their music from Pandora these days, anyways), but a memory-free iPhone just doesn't sound feasible at this point in time.

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]]> applecloudcult of macCultOfMaciphoneiphone nanoIphoneNanolalamini iphoneMiniIphonemobilememusic streamingMusicStreamingrumorstreaming Mon, 14 Feb 2011 13:44:00 -0500 21|19843337 <![CDATA[WSJ corroborates the mini-iPhone, says Apple may make MobileMe free (update: 'edge-to-edge' screen)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/wsj-corroborates-the-mini-iphone-says-apple-may-make-mobileme-f/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/wsj-corroborates-the-mini-iphone-says-apple-may-make-mobileme-f/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/wsj-corroborates-the-mini-iphone-says-apple-may-make-mobileme-f/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments The Wall Street Journal has weighed in on rumors of Apple's smaller iPhone, and citing "people familiar with the matter" the publication says that the rumors are likely true. One such familiar person reportedly saw a device half the size of the iPhone 4, bearing the codename "N97," and said that the handset will be only about half the size of the original, and at only around half the price too. Amazingly, those anonymous sources continued to divulge information, expressing the idea that Apple could finally make its MobileMe cloud service suite free, and that it just might be the platform from which Apple could finally launch a streaming music platform and lessen the need for all those gigabytes of flash storage in your pocket. We'll let you know if or when any of that happens, okay?

Update: The WSJ's source proved even more talkative after getting an eyeful of the Samsung and Sony announcements this morn; the publication's article has been updated to read that the device is "significantly lighter" than the iPhone 4, has an "edge-to-edge" touchscreen, and "voice-based navigation" of some sort.

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]]> AppleiOSiphoneiphone nanoIphoneNanomini iphoneMiniIphoneMobileMemusicN97rumorrumor millRumorMillrumorssmartphonestreaming musicStreamingMusic Sun, 13 Feb 2011 18:40:00 -0500 21|19841829 <![CDATA[iPhone rumor two-pack: multitasking gestures and MobileMe Photo Streams? (Update: those pics are real)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/iphone-rumor-two-pack-multitasking-gestures-and-mobileme-photo/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/iphone-rumor-two-pack-multitasking-gestures-and-mobileme-photo/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/iphone-rumor-two-pack-multitasking-gestures-and-mobileme-photo/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Looks like the iPad might not have an exclusive on those new "multitasking" gestures unearthed in the latest iOS 4.3 beta, because BGR's got some shots up of an purported internal build that seem to indicate Cupertino intends to push them down to the iPhone line as well. Now, there are a couple of obvious red flags here -- using "four or five fingers" sounds pretty unreasonable for a 3.5-inch display, though it'd certainly tie in with recent rumors that Apple's turning sour on the physical Home button and might indicate that the complete redesign we're hearing about could include a slightly larger display. Of course, it could also indicate that this is really early software with the wrong (read: iPad) wording -- but at any rate, we could definitely see the benefit of, say, a two-finger gesture to swipe between apps.

Now, on to part two: 9to5 Mac seems to have unearthed traces in the iOS 4.3 beta of a new feature called "Photo Streams" that seems to be -- you guessed it -- a way to share continuous streams of photos with friends you approve, presumably through MobileMe (which would fit in nicely with the Find my Friends stuff). Alone, that's not worth $99 a year -- plenty of other services offer similar functionality -- but we wouldn't be surprised if this were bundled in with a bunch of MobileMe refreshes this year.

Update: We just received an interesting tidbit of information on the above pic (and others that BGR has its hands on). According to sources, after the iPhone 4 barroom debacle, Apple made significant changes to how it keeps track of -- and identifies to third parties -- its devices. Namely, the company began adding clauses to screens on the phones which read "Confidential and Proprietary, if found, please contact..." followed by a 408 number (that's Cupertino, of course). This prevents any misunderstanding from parties who may come across these devices. So what does it all mean? Well, not much, save that it seems these photos we're viewing are in fact the real deal... which means gestures may be headed to your iPhone. Intrigue!

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]]> applegesturegesturesiosiphoneiphone 4Iphone4mobilememultitaskingmultitouchphoto streamPhotoStreamrumorstream Wed, 19 Jan 2011 21:37:00 -0500 21|19807782 <![CDATA['Find my Friends' MobileMe feature revealed in iOS 4.3 developer build]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/13/find-my-friends-mobileme-feature-revealed-in-ios-4-3-developer/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/13/find-my-friends-mobileme-feature-revealed-in-ios-4-3-developer/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/13/find-my-friends-mobileme-feature-revealed-in-ios-4-3-developer/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Looks like Apple will be adding a new "Find My Friends" feature to its MobileMe service in the not too distant future. The settings pictured above were unearthed in the latest iOS 4.3 developer build that's already yielding a healthy list of new devices and functionality including in-app AirPlay video support, a carrier-dependent personal WiFi hotspot, the return of the physical orientation lock switch, and a host of new multitouch gestures. Presumably Find My Friends will offer functionality akin to the free Google Latitude app doing little to justify Apple's $99 MobileMe annual cost.

Update: Remember Apple's iGroups location-based social networking patent application? We just did.

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]]> applefind my friendsFindMyFriendsiosios 4.3iOS 4.3 betaIos4.3Ios4.3BetalatitudeLocationlocation based servicesLocationBasedServicesmobileme Thu, 13 Jan 2011 03:52:00 -0500 21|19799353 <![CDATA[Apple's Find My iPhone / iPad service now free, doesn't require MobileMe]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/apples-find-my-iphone-ipad-service-now-free-doesnt-require/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/apples-find-my-iphone-ipad-service-now-free-doesnt-require/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/apples-find-my-iphone-ipad-service-now-free-doesnt-require/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
We'd been sort of hoping Apple would just make MobileMe a completely free service, but it looks like we're taking baby steps instead: Find My iPhone / iPad is now free for iPhone 4, the iPad, and the fourth-gen iPod touch running iOS 4.2.1. As with the paid feature, you'll be able to locate your device on a map, lock it, display a message, play a sound, or remotely wipe your data from any browser or the updated iOS app, which should presumably go live sometime today along with iOS 4.2.1 itself. Like we said, it's a baby step, but hey -- we never say no to free.

Update: Okay, so this is strange -- Find My iPhone is free for all devices running iOS 4.2.1, but you can only register for the service from an iPhone 4, iPad, or new iPod touch, unless you pay for MobileMe. Why? We'd guess it's to limit it to owners of the newest gear, but whatever -- if you've got an iPhone 4-toting friend you can totally get in on the action.

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]]> applefind my ipadfind my iphoneFindMyIpadFindMyIphonefreeiosios 4.2.1Ios4.2.1mobile meMobileMe Mon, 22 Nov 2010 08:54:00 -0500 21|19728441 <![CDATA[iOS 4.2 goes gold, available now to developers (updated)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/01/ios-4-2-goes-gold-available-now-to-developers/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/01/ios-4-2-goes-gold-available-now-to-developers/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/01/ios-4-2-goes-gold-available-now-to-developers/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments The iPad's ticket to multitasking freedom -- better known as iOS 4.2 -- has moves past the beta phase and onto GM, which means retail units should be seeing it soon. Besides the iPad, Apple is also providing builds for the second, third, and fourth generations of the iPod touch, along with the iPhone 3G, 3GS, and 4... so if you've got a friend with an iPhone Developer Program subscription, now would be a great time to get cozy.

Update: Apple made some last minute tweaks that give fast access to brightness, volume, and AirPlay controls right in the multitasking bar (pictured after the break). Apple's also on the verge of allowing MobileMe service logins using an Apple ID.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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]]> airplayappleapple idAppleIdbreaking newsBreakingNewsiosios 4.2Ios4.2ipadiphoneiphone developer programIphoneDeveloperProgrammobile meMobileMemultitasking barMultitaskingBar Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:11:00 -0400 21|19698460 <![CDATA[Motorola suing Apple for patent infringement]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/motorola-suing-apple-for-patent-infringement/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/motorola-suing-apple-for-patent-infringement/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/motorola-suing-apple-for-patent-infringement/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments It's getting hard to keep track of, isn't it? The way we hear it told, most of these patent disputes and overlaps in the mobile space used to be settled in quiet ways, mutually assured destruction-style, but lately there's a whole lot of nukes going off. Motorola is now suing Apple over a wide range of technology patents which it claims Apple is infringing on with its iPhone, iPad, "iTouch," and even some Macs. The company is leveling three complaints which include 18 patents on "early-stage innovations" by Motorola, covering a pretty wide swath of the mobile landscape, including WCDMA, GPRS, 802.11, antenna design, wireless email, proximity sensing, software application management, location-based services and multi-device synchronization. Outside of the devices, Apple's MobileMe and App Store services get called out specifically. At the end of its press release Motorola makes a very similar claim to the one Nokia made at the outset of its own lawyer salvo against Apple:
We have extensively licensed our industry-leading intellectual property portfolio, consisting of tens of thousands of patents in the U.S. and worldwide. After Apple's late entry into the telecommunications market, we engaged in lengthy negotiations, but Apple has refused to take a license. We had no choice but to file these complaints to halt Apple's continued infringement.
We'll of course be digging deeper as we get more info, and covering the blow by blow with perhaps just a little too much enthusiasm. Oh, and before you go, riddle us this: do you think this is a preemptive strike on Motorola's part, afraid of another Android-related lawsuit from Apple, or has Apple been holding off for precisely the threat this lawsuit represents? Or maybe Moto's still mad about that antenna thing? Perhaps we'll never know.

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]]> androidapp storeappleAppStorebreaking newsBreakingNewsipadiphoneipod touchIpodTouchlawsuitmobile meMobileMemotorolapatentpatents Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:03:00 -0400 21|19663809 <![CDATA[Palm webOS 2.0 preview video hits the wilds]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/15/palm-webos-2-0-preview-video-hits-the-wilds/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/15/palm-webos-2-0-preview-video-hits-the-wilds/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/15/palm-webos-2-0-preview-video-hits-the-wilds/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments First things first -- before you jump on past the break and mash play, mute your speakers. Mute. As in, off. Alrighty, now that you're prepared, you've got two minutes and 14 seconds of teasing just a click away, as some sure-to-be-yelled-at developer has leaked a sneak peak into the wide, mysterious world of webOS 2.0. Not that we haven't seen a cornucopia of screenshots already, but at least this emulation vid gives you a better idea of how things will actually flow once it gets released to end users. Oh, and as for those DropBox and MobileMe integration rumors? Looks like that's just QuickOffice being QuickOffice.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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]]> dropboxemulationemulatormobile osmobilemeMobileOsoperating systemOperatingSystemOSpalmpalm webosPalmWebosquickofficesmartphonesoftwarevideoweboswebos 2.0WebOS 2.0 betaWebos2.0Webos2.0Beta Wed, 15 Sep 2010 14:43:00 -0400 21|19635123