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The TUAW Daily Update Podcast for June 10, 2014
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get some the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the player at the top of the page. The Daily Update has been moved to a new podcast host in the past few days. Current listeners should delete the old podcast subscription and subscribe to the new feed in the iTunes Store here.
Apps, social sharing and other news for June 10, 2014
Today in the news bin we've got a beautiful new Apple Store, changes to Apple's App Store review policies and a cool new feature for Amazon's Kindle app for iOS. Apple has begun rejecting some apps that reward social sharing. TechCrunch reports that Apple has rejected apps that incentivize sharing on Facebook or watching videos. Think of Candy Crush, for example, and how Facebook sharing has played such a significant role in its success. The updated Amazon app syncs Kindle text with audio books. I love this idea. Now I can listen to a book for a while as I drive around, and then pick up the story on the Kindle app at home. Note that this feature is currently restricted to about 45,000 book/recording matches. A new Tokyo Apple Store has been unveiled. Construction workers have removed the barrier that was previously hiding the new Omotesando (Tokyo) Apple Store. ifoAppleStore has some great photos and video of the gorgeous location. As of now, there's no grand opening date.
Looking back at the Apple online store
Before Apple retail stores began sprouting up all over the place in the early 2000s, there weren't many ways for users to get their hands on a Mac and give it a proper test drive. Indeed, the shoddy presentation and second-class status afforded to Apple products at stores like Office Max and CompUSA is what prompted Apple's foray into the retail space. But Apple's insistence on controlling the Apple shopping experience can be traced back even a few years earlier, back to 1997, shortly after Steve Jobs had rejoined the fold following Apple's acquisition of NeXT. One of Jobs' early initiatives was to transform Apple into a more visible entity in the growing ecommerce space. To that end, Seth Fiegerman of Mashable last week published a fascinating piece charting Apple's early efforts at creating an Apple online store where users could peruse products and order Macs directly to their specifications. For four months, a team of Apple and former NeXT employees worked around the clock to build a better online store, one that Jobs believed would leap past Dell's. On Nov.10, 1997, Jobs walked on stage for an Apple keynote wearing a button-down shirt and vest, and unveiled the Apple online store for the first time. "In 1996, Dell pioneered the online store and Dell's online store has become, up till now, the standard of ecommerce sites," Jobs said in his presentation. "We're basically setting a new standard for online ecommerce with this store." Today, Apple's online retail arm is a revenue generating machine. Though Amazon remains the top dog with respect to ecommerce, Apple in 2013 was the number 2 top ecommerce retailer according to Internet Retailer. Note, though, that in tabulating Apple's ranking, Internet Retailer included revenue generated from hardware, iTunes, and App Store sales. Fiegerman also details how Apple in the mid-2000s completely revamped the online store's backend. Though the store ostensibly was operating just fine, it wasn't built to accommodate the volume of ecommerce it would soon be hosting on a daily basis. Throughout 2006 and much of 2007, the engineering team worked to re-architect the online store. These efforts were complicated by the fact that there were actually thousands of online stores at the time - slightly different variations for countries, government bodies, schools. The end result, pushed out in late 2007, was a more Web 2.0 store built on javascript with new features like infinite scroll and interactive galleries to view products. And speaking of Apple's online store, Ken Segall, who oversaw the creative direction of many of Apple's marketing efforts, recently published a post of his own reflecting on some of Apple's marketing materials touting the arrival of its new online store.
Free shipping from Apple's online store and more news for May 23, 2014
Friday is typically a "slow news day," but we've got four stories this week. Apple's online store offers free shipping for a time, iAd Producer has gotten an update, Apple agrees to a large settlement in court and hackers claim to have around a pretty nasty iCloud exploit. Onward! Apple's online store is offering free shipping through May 29. Perhaps they're prepping for the Father's Day shopping season or just looking for a pre-summer boost. If it's the former, here's a note to my family: a Mac Pro will look great on dad's desk. Apple has released iAd Producer 4.2. The updated software allows for the creation of full-screen banner ads for the iPhone and an option to upload Producer projects to iAd workbench. Minor changes include folder reorganization in the Assets sidebar and iAd Workbench support for existing iAd Producer projects. Apple, others agree to US$325M settlement in Silicon Valley wage fixing case. The group reached a preliminary agreement about a month ago, and now everyone has agreed upon a settlement of $325 million. Judge Lucy Koh -- a name probably familiar to many of you -- must still approve the settlement. Hackers claim to have exploit for iCloud, specifically affecting Activation Lock (Google translate). A group going by the name "Team DoulCi" has demonstrated the problem. It seems that iTunes on Windows does not verify security certificates properly, allowing hackers to execute a "man-in-the-middle" attack and intercept a user's Apple ID creds. The vulnerability can also let attackers into iDevices that have been rendered unusable by Activation Lock.
YouTube Find: The best viral Apple Store videos from the past 13 years
This week marks the 13th anniversary of the opening of the first two U.S. Apple retail stores in May of of 2001. To commemorate this noteworthy occasion, we gathered some of the top viral videos involving Apple Stores, both real and fake. We will kick off this compilation with the vintage Steve Jobs video that kicked off all this craziness. Steve Jobs Introduces the Apple Store (2001) The Apple Store Challenge by Mark Malkoff Apple Store Meltdown Song by The Backstreet Boys BMW Apple Store heist Fake Apple Store 30 seconds Apple Store heist Apple Store Dance Hayley Kiyoko - Apple Store Flash Mob: Determinate (Lemonade Mouth) Somersby Cider - The Somersby Store
Apple now letting UK customers trade in their iPad at retail stores
Seven months after it began letting customers trade in their iPhones at its retail stores, Apple's expanded its Reuse and Recycle programme to include iPads. From today, anyone with an iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4 and iPad mini can walk into an Apple Store, hand over their tablet and receive credit towards a new iOS device. However, the company will not accept current-generation devices like the iPad Air or iPad mini with Retina display. As with its iPhone programme, Apple will assess the condition of devices before providing a trade-in value, so don't expect a huge return if your iPad has seen better days.
Another Apple Store for NYC and more news for May 19, 2014
The sun rises on yet another Monday and like a phoenix from the ashes, a new week is born. Here's a bit of news to get you going. NYC gets yet another Apple Store (Apple Store Cape Cod. Make it happen, Apple) and Apple gets sued. Stop me if any of this sounds familiar. NYC will get yet another Apple Store, according to city building permits issued last week. The permits, dated last week, bear the names of Apple's typical architect and structural engineer. IFO Apple Store confirmed the Upper East Side construction project on May 6. Android user sues Apple over "iMessage Purgatory." Some former iPhone owners who switch to Android are finding that their text messages aren't making the transition. Instead, the missives are trapped in an iMessage purgatory and unattainable. Adrienne Moore claims that Apple has "interfered" with cell contracts by hindering her text messages.
Evernote, LinkedIn team up and other news for May 7, 2014
Remember business cards? Remember feeling badly about tossing them into the hotel trash can after the conference? There's a fix in this morning's news, plus two new Apple Stores and Swatch gets cranky (but not too cranky) with Apple. Evernote and LinkedIn want to digitize those business cards you always lose anyway. The way it works is quite simple: tap the "business card" button in Evernote's iOS app and snap a photo. That's it. The app then scours LinkedIn for you until it finds a match. Now you can toss that thing into the trash without the guilt. Head's up, Atlanta. You're getting a new Apple Store. The Cumberland Mall, northeast of city proper, will be the latest store's new home. In other Apple retail news, it looks like the company will have a presence in the forthcoming World Trade Center mall in NYC. The project is drawing huge names in retail, like Apple, Disney, LEGO, Swarovski, Moleskin, Bose and more. Swatch isn't happy about Apple acquiring a trademark for "iWatch," but it won't pursue legal action, either. While the long-time watch manufacturer is opposing Apple at both trademark and copyright offices, a spokesperson told ZDNet that the opposition is "...not a legal action treated at a law court."
Apple announces 7-1 stock split, dividend increase, and expanded captial return program
Apple today released its earnings results from its second fiscal quarter of 2014, posting revenue of $45.6 billion and EPS of 11.62 in the process. Overall, iPhone sales came in stronger than expected while iPad sales came in weaker than expected. Alongside its earnings report, Apple today also announced a 7-1 stock split for shareholders who own Apple shares as of the close of business on June 2, 2014. Shares that reflect Apple's new split-adjusted stock price will begin trading on June 9, 2014. Over and above that, Apple today also announced an increase to its quarterly dividend by 8% to $3.29 per share. Naturally, Apple also expressed plans to expand he scope of its capital return program to over $130 billion, with the majority of those funds set to be used for repurchasing shares. To assist in funding the program, the Company expects to access the public debt markets during 2014, both domestically and internationally, for an amount of term debt similar to what the Company raised during 2013. The management team and the Board of Directors will continue to review each element of the capital return program regularly. "We are announcing a significant increase to our capital return program," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO. "We're confident in Apple's future and see tremendous value in Apple's stock, so we're continuing to allocate the majority of our program to share repurchases. We're also happy to be increasing our dividend for the second time in less than two years." For any curious Apple investors out there, Apple just put up a stock split FAQ up on its website. In after-hours trading, shares of Apple are now up nearly $40.
Hands-on with Hearthstone for iPad
While I was part of the early beta crowd for Hearthstone last year, I haven't played it in quite some time. It wasn't because I became disenfranchised with the game but rather because I felt it truly belonged on a tablet -- and playing it on a PC just felt wrong somehow. So I've been waiting for Hearthstone to finally make the leap to the iPad, and when that happened yesterday, I was all over it like a murloc swarm on a noobie. In many ways, Hearthstone is absolutely tailor-fit for mobile gaming. It requires minimal manipulation; poking, holding, and the occasional swipe is about as complex as the physical mechanics get. It's a turn-based thinker's game that gives you ample time to plot your strategy and get a few other things done between moves. On an iPad, that's pretty easy; I would read a book while my opponent took his/her/its turn. The game actually kept me up past my bedtime because of the "just one more match" temptation, which tells me that the magic that fueled my interest in this game in beta is roaring more now than ever. But how does it actually handle on Apple's devices?
Hearthstone comes to iPad
After a soft launch in a few countries, Hearthstone is now available to iPad owners worldwide. Blizzard announced today that Hearthstone is on the app store as an alternative to the PC version. The title is available on iPads 2 and newer as well as the iPad minis. New and returning players will be treated to a free card pack as part of this release. Hearthstone has a funny trailer for the Apple release, which you can watch after the jump.
The TUAW Daily Update Podcast for April 7, 2014
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get some the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the player at the top of the page. The Daily Update has been moved to a new podcast host in the past few days. Current listeners should delete the old podcast subscription and subscribe to the new feed in the iTunes Store here.
German Apple Stores get iPhone trade-in and more news for April 7, 2014
Monday, everyone's favorite day. Here's some Apple news to help you get through it: Apple's official iPhone trade-in program has expanded to Germany. Good news for customers in Germany looking for an easy way to upgrade their iPhone. According to a sign posted by 9to5, customers will be able to swap an eligible phone in-store for a credit of €230 toward the purchase of an iPhone 5s or 5c. Apple fans stand in line for six hours to visit Istanbul Apple Store. Turkey's first Apple Store finally opened and it drew a huge crowd of customers, many of who waited in line for six hours before getting inside. The new store is gorgeous, by the way... As MacObserver notes, Apple's WWDC 2014 ticket lottery ends today at 10 AM PDT / 1 PM EDT. So you'd better get clicking if you want a chance to win the golden ticket.
Judge denies Apple and other news for April 4, 2014
Happy Friday, folks. I've just emerged from my RSS reader with these nuggets to share with you. Judge Lucy Koh denies Apple motion regarding Samsung's opening statements. Apple was not happy with opening statements made by Samsung counsel, which claimed that Apple does not use some of the patents named in the suit. Apple felt Samsung was being misleading and asked the judge for curative actions, which she denied. Members of the press got to tour Turkey's first Apple Store (Apple's 424th store overall) prior to its opening, and boy is it beautiful. I'd love to visit this location. Opening day is tomorrow. Here's a nifty fact: more glass was used in this location than any other Apple Store. The GameSpy game hosting service is shutting down. This change will affect a huge number of games, including titles for iOS, OS X and others. Those concerned for their favorite games are being prompted to contact the game's developer.
8 GB iPhone 5c appears in UK online Apple Store
This morning Apple released an 8 GB iPhone 5c for customers in the UK, priced at £429. As the day progresses, the device has also shown up in the company's Australian and Chinese online stores. As of this writing, the 8 GB iPhone 5c is not available in the US online Apple store. The only difference between the 8 GB 5c and its counterparts is the storage capacity. All other hardware is the same. If you've been holding out for an even cheaper 5c, there you go.
Apple kills iPad 2 in favor of 4th-gen Retina display model
When Apple launched the iPad Air, it swiftly kicked the fourth-generation iPad to the curb, but kept the iPad 2 around as an "entry level" option. At the same time as the company has tweaked the iPhone lineup, it's also pulling a switcheroo in the tablet space -- dumping the iPad 2 and replacing it with the Retina-and-Lightning model. The unit is back on the Apple store for the same price as the Retina iPad Mini, so now it's just a decision as to what size slab your hands can carry.
Refurbished iPad Airs now available and other news from March 14, 2014
Apple now has refurbished iPad Airs for $419 for 16 GB and $509 for 32 GB. As always, this comes with a year of AppleCare, new shell and a new battery. As 9to5Mac points out, Wal-Mart does have refurbished iPads for lower prices, but it doesn't come with AppleCare. Other news from Friday afternoon includes: A minor update to the Apple Store app includes in-store in-app notifications for the iPhone version thanks to iBeacon technology being deployed and gift-card purchasing for the iPad version. 9to5Mac noted that Serbia and Lebanon will be gaining the iPhone, along with Canadian carrier Vidéotron. Macworld has a great look at the release of the new "Veronica Mars" movie to Kickstarter backers and how it only made people even more angry with the UltraViolet distribution method. And kick back with these features: Titanfall developer wants to see game on OS X Here's a neat new physics feature in iOS 7.1 control center Is it too early to call Facebook Paper a failure? Help a child in need by not touching your iPhone Dear Apple, please let us delete whole albums from our iPhones again
Where old Macs go to die
Flickr user Miskan has some fantastic photos of an old Apple Store in Kuwait that has been stuck in time. It's like the grim reaper of Apple retail. Check it out. [Photo credit: Miskan]
The TUAW Daily Update Podcast for March 12, 2014
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get some the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the player at the top of the page. The Daily Update has been moved to a new podcast host in the past few days. Current listeners should delete the old podcast subscription and subscribe to the new feed in the iTunes Store here.
Daily Update for February 18, 2014
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get some the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the player at the top of the page. The Daily Update has been moved to a new podcast host in the past few days. Current listeners should delete the old podcast subscription and subscribe to the new feed in the iTunes Store here.
