Several readers have reported, and subsequently confirmed by Apple, that their iCloud accounts have been inaccessible for the good majority of the afternoon. On its official status page, Apple said, “<1% of users are affected”. It is also working to restore the service “asap”. The service does not seem to be down for the vast majority of users, but those who are experiencing the unfortunate outage are either jumping around the office in frustration or enjoying an afternoon away from email. At any rate, we will be sure to let you know when things are in the clear. Let us know what you are experiencing in the comment section below. [Apple]
Update: According to Apple’s status page, now 1.1% of users are now being effected.
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Update: Outage over. but we’re still hearing reports of problems.
According to a report from theWall Street Journal, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Design, Sir Jonathan Ive, has just purchased a 7,274-square-foot house on San Francisco’s “Gold Coast”. The well-known executive, given credit or designing a slew of Apple products, paid $17 million for the home that is said to be located on “one of the city’s most exclusive blocks.”
Designed by the architectural firm Willis Polk & Co, the five-level brick home was completed in 1927 and has six bedrooms and eight full bathrooms and one half bathroom. The 7,274-square-foot house also features views of the San Francisco Bay, an oak-paneled library, a courtyard garden and six wood-burning fireplaces. An upstairs bedroom has cathedral ceilings with exposed beams, while on the lower level there is a two-bedroom, one bathroom staff apartment.
Ive joined Apple in 1996, and he has since played a crucial role in the company. In May, he was even knighted by the Princess Royal. At any rate, it looks like Ive will be around for a while, despite rumors about him possibly going back to the United Kingdom. [WSJ]
In light of Apple’s upcoming fall media event that could include new iPods, the Wall Street Journal reports that Apple is currently developing a new music streaming service that may rival current services such as Pandora and Spotify. According to the publication, the folks in Cupertino are currently in talks with record labels to get radio streaming rights to the music. We imagine it would work similar to Pandora and Spotify’s radio feature, which allows users to pick custom stations based off artists and songs. Unsurprisingly, the streaming service is said to work across all of Apple’s devices, including the iPhone, iPad, and Mac and may even be accessible via Windows machines. Expand Expanding Close
For the Twitter fanatics out in the crowd, the following news may make you weep a little. According to TechCrunch columnist MG Siegler, Twitter made the decision that it will no longer develop updates for Twitter for Mac. The application, used by many, will not be completely killed off and users will still be able to download it from the App Store. The news quite honestly should not come as a shocker to anyone, as Twitter in recent months has quit updating the application with what seems like necessary features. For example, even with its deep Apple ties, Twitter still has not updated Twitter for Mac to support the new Retina MacBook Pro. It also has not tied the application to Mountain Lion’s new notification system.
9to5Mac heard a Retina version of Twitter for Mac is finished but has been “shelved.” We also separately heard what Siegler heard; Twitter wants to kill the application rather than push out the update. It appears Twitter wants to move everyone to the web.
The decision may temporarily drive power users to adopting third-party applications like TweetBot. TweetBot recently entered beta and is expected to hit final within the next few months. The beta is currently limited to TweetBot alpha users due to recent Twitter API changes. When the application is available on the App Store, TweetBot said the application would be open for all. The perception of TweetBot looks to be mostly positive.
Loren Brichter, the original developer of Twitter for Mac, then called “Tweetie”, seems at peace with the move:
At the end of August, Apple announced that set-to-retire Bob Mansfield would continue his role with the company and Craig Federighi and Dan Riccio would step into executive roles. Federighi was appointed as the Senior Vice President of Mac Software Engineering and Riccio was appointed as the Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, which resulted in them joining the ranks of Apple’s nine other SVPs.
Being on the executive team brings a hefty bonus, as one would imagine. According to a recent filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Federighi and Riccio were each awarded 75,000 shares of AAPL stock. The shares are worth $50.62 million at current AAPL prices. The execs can vest their awarded bonus three times over the next four years. According to the filing, 25,000 of the shares can be vested Dec. 23, 2013, with 25,000 more available April 23, 2015. The last of it can be vested on Aug.23, 2016, but who knows what the stock price will be then.
Stock awards for the team at Apple are common practice. iOS chief Scott Forstall cashed in 64,151 shares of AAPL stock worth roughly $38.7 million just recently, which came just after CEO Tim Cook sold 20,000 shares. A slew of stock bonuses were also given in November 2011, and they can be vested in 2013.
TechCrunch reported that Steve Jobs’ widow, Larene Powell Jobs, would be appointed on Stanford University’s Board of Trustees later this afternoon. Powell Jobs is known for her work in the education field and is a graduate of Stanford University, where she got her MBA in business in 1991.
Stanford is the place where the couple met just after he gave a talk in one of her business classes in 1991. The Jobs’ family has strong ties to the university, which led to Jobs’ famous 2005 Stanford graduation commencement speech, as seen below.
Given Powell Jobs’ work in the education field, it makes sense for her to join the board. She has been involved with College Track, where she serves as the president of the board, and her other education duties include non-profit work like being the founder and chair of Emerson Collective.
Powell Jobs will join the ranks of 32 other board members, which includes Apple’s creator of the retail store and genius bar, Ron Johnson. He recently left Apple in November 2011 to join J.C. Penny as its CEO.
Another month, another batch of numbers from ComScore that give us a glimpse into the United States smartphone market. The research firm is out with July 2012 numbers today, and the results show market share across the mobile platforms from April 2012 to July 2012, without many big surprises. During the period, Cupertino-based Apple led in total gains. It boasted a 2-point change in overall smartphone platform (OS) market share and a 1.9-point change in total U.S. smartphone and non-smartphone sales. However, South Korea-based Samsung continued its strong lead as the world’s top handset manufacturer. It boasted 25.6-percent of the total marketshare in July 2012, while Apple held 16.3-percent behind LG. Furthermore, Android continued to lead in OS marketshare with 52.2-percent. Apple fell behind in second place with 33.4-percent.
The amount of growth could be considered a little odd for Apple, especially considering the much-anticipated iPhone 5 nearing its release (remember these numbers are from July). Apple invited select members of the media today to a Sept. 12 event where the next iPhone out of Cupertino is expected to be unveiled. A Sept. 21 release date is also rumored and could kick off what analysts think may be record-setting sales for the September quarter. You would think the slow down of sales for the iPhone 4S would contribute to a slow down in growth, as indicated earlier today:
The folks at Tapbots offered an alpha version of the highly anticipated Tweetbot for Mac for close to a month until Twitter’s new API restrictions caused it to be taken down. Tapbots grabbed our attention once again this afternoon, as the official beta for Tweetbot for Mac has officially been released. Due to the recent API changes that Twitter placed on its app developer community, the Tweetbot for Mac beta is only accessible to users who authorized their account with the alpha. In the beta, you cannot add or remove accounts, which is definitely disappointing. However, if your account is authorized, you will be happy to know there are a slew of new features awaiting you, as seen below:
Change log (version 0.8.0):
lots of bug fixes
can paste images into new tweet window again
can copy tweets on timeline
can do ‘open in new column’ (they also have keyboard shortcuts)
multi-column swiping and keyboard support much improved. Use tab shift/tab to move between columns.
better keyboard support: status detail + many other views
profile view: can scroll user information so can see more tweets
The App Store on iOS 6 beta, which is software currently only available to those a part of Apple’s Developer Program, scored a nice little update this evening. Most notably: the layout when searching for an app was given a considerable redesign. It now displays apps in swipeable cards on both the iPhone and iPad. In the nifty cards, users are presented with a screenshot of the app, along with the five-star rating system, and a handy button to install the app on your device.
Also adding to the iOS 6 App Store updates, Apple enabled the Genius recommendation section this evening to provide users with apps that may be in their interest to download. Furthermore, the purchased section also joined the party. It displays all the apps users have downloaded to their accounts, making it easy to retrieve favorite apps. Last but certainly not least, the iTunes Store was updated with the ability to once again search for podcasts. When a podcast link is opened, it requires Apple’s Podcast app to listen. All three features were available in the previous version of the App Store on iOS 5, so there is really nothing new here—except that Apple has finally chosen to give them the light of day within iOS 6.
The revamped iOS App Store and iTunes Store were both introduced at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference in June as a part of iOS 6. Apple is expected to unleash iOS 6 to the masses this fall, with more details expected to be announced at the company’s rumored Sept. 12 media event. We previously reported that Apple is working on a revamped desktop version of iTunes, but there is no word if it will be highlighted at the upcoming event. At any rate, this evening’s changes seem to show that Apple is getting closer and closer to a final product for its iOS 6 stores. Find any thing we have not mentioned? Let us know below!
Apple notified participants of its AppleSeed program today that OS X Mountain Lion beta build 12C35 is now available for download. The 671MB update contains no known issues, Apple stated. Furthermore, Apple would like developers to focus on messages, Facebook, Game Center, Safari and Reminders when testing the pre-release software.
The release notes say “TDB,” which indicates this is not a final release. It is also worth noting this is not a release to members of Apple’s Developer Program, as that will presumably come later on.
President Barack Obama just began a Reddit “AMA” (ask me anything) that invites Internet folk to ask questions and hopefully get answers. He is notably using a MacBook Pro and Magic Mouse to work his magic. We previously noted his fondness of Apple, as he has been caught several times with a MacBook at his side. Someone go ask about the next-generation iPhone. [Reddit]
By the way, is he rocking the same tie from when he tweeted?
Several rumors and leaks have pointed to the next-generation iPhone as having an updated, smaller dock connector. With the updated connector, this will force many accessory manufacturers to make changes to their lineup. iLoungejust shared a first look at some accessories for the new dock connector. One of the accessories leaked is from company Scosche. You can see a dual-device wall charger above, from a company called the “syncABLE Pro”, featuring a cable that converts a standard microUSB cord to a compatible cord with the smaller dock connector.
The Telegraph reported Apple would unveil an update to its AirPlay platform at its rumored Sept. 12 media event alongside the next-generation iPhone. Currently being referred to as “AirPlay Direct” internally, the updated platform will allow users to stream media from an iOS device to speakers without the need for Wi-Fi. According to the report, AirPlay Direct is a working title and could be subject to change. The feature, perhaps called “AirPlay 2.0”, would virtually allow AirPlay to setup its own network via Bluetooth 4 between devices to play music—which could be very useful.
A report surfaced this morning about T-Mobile sending a memo to its sales staff that encourages them to sell against Apple’s iPhone beginning Sept. 21. Unsurprisingly, the memo confirmed T-Mobile would not be a carrier for the next-generation iPhone due out next month. Adding a bit to this morning’s story, TmoNews followed up with a new flyer that T-Mobile aims to show customers. The flyer boasts just how much iPhone users will save if they ditch AT&T and bring their unlocked iPhone to T-Mobile. Magenta is promising customers can save up to $1,500 over two years if they switch. T-Mobile’s single line offering actually sounds fabulous, as it offers customers truly unlimited data, text and minutes for only $75. That seems like a plan you can’t beat…unless you want 3G speeds. T-Mobile made a recent push to iPhone-compatible 1900MHz 3G network (and 4G at WWDC), but we are not sure how well it is doing on that front. Until then, EDGE 2.5G is as fast as you will get.
T-Mobile has not been able to sign up as an official iPhone carrier, so it has always made strides to welcome unlocked iPhone users. We previously reported there are roughly 1 million iPhone users on T-Mobile’s network. T-Mobile offers a MicroSIM kit to make the switch on your iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S a little easier. An updated version of the kit will hit stores beginning Aug. 29.
In what should not be a surprise to anyone, it looks like T-Mobile won’t carry Apple’s next-generation iPhone. In a memo to employees, leaked by TmoNews, T-Mobile is encouraging its retail staff to begin “selling against the iPhone” on Sept. 21. Of course, Sept. 21 is the rumored launch date for the latest handset out of Cupertino. T-Mobile is probably just making an assumption, rather than having inside knowledge, but you never know.
T-Mobile has been battling for the iPhone for years and does not have much to show for it. Last holiday quarter alone, the nation’s fourth-largest carrier lost 802,000 contract customers (many of whom moved to pre-paid plans).
T-Mobile hosts over a million iPhone customers on its network. Thanks to T-Mobile’s recent push to 1900MHz 3G network (and 4G at WWDC), customers are able to enjoy magenta’s network. Luckily, for those who want to take the unlocked route, another leaked memo today shows that T-Mobile will sell an updated MicroSIM kit that allows customers to use their iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S on the network. The new “Monthly4G microSIM kits” will begin arriving in stores Aug. 29 and will allow for T-Mobile’s awesome new unlimited data plan to be used. [TmoNews]
Update: The attack vulnerability is in Java 1.7 which almost no Mac Users are using (you’d need to update to 1.7 manually)
In what seems like a flashback to a couple of months ago, several security experts are now warning folks about a new Java 7 exploit that is said to be super dangerous for Mac owners. As Metasploit’s Tod Beardsley told ComputerWorld, the bug can be exploited through any browser (including browsers on Windows and Linux) on a machine that has Java installed.
Beardsley called the bug “super dangerous,” noting that it was “totally a drive by,” meaning that attackers could compromise a Mac, or other personal computers, simply by duping users into browsing to a malicious or previously-hacked website that hosts the attack code.
The unpatched bug can even be found on Mountain Lion, Apple’s latest operating system released, but Apple stopped bundling Java in 2011 when it began shipping Lion. For users on Lion and Mountain Lion, who have Java installed, the operating system asks them if they would like Java to run. So, most should be in the clear. The situation is particularly dangerous for Snow Leopard and Leopard users, because they do not have the same safety parameters.
Apple won a preliminary injunction on Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1 in late June after claiming Samsung’s hot-selling tablet infringed on its iPad D’889 design patent. During the Apple vs. Samsung case that ended on Friday, it was ruled the Galaxy Tab 10.1 did not infringe on any of the iPad’s patents—specifically the one questioned in June. Consequently, Samsung now wants the injunction tossed out and damages placed on Apple.
The Verge reported that Samsung filed a motion last evening to have the injunction thrown out, and the company wants it done quickly. Since the jurors did not find the Galaxy Tab 10.1 infringing on the patent called up in the preliminary injunction hearing in June, Samsung wants to be let off the hook:
NPD DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim, per CNET, said Apple is set to release a 13.3-inch MacBook Pro, with manufacturing already started. The 13-inch version is said to be cheaper than the current 15.4-inch Retina model (obviously) and will rock a 2,560-by-1,600 display. A smaller device at a cheaper price point could make for a better buy in the consumer eye.
The report also noted Samsung, LGD, and Sharp will manufacture the display for the 13.3-inch MacBook Pro. Production for the display is said to be much greater than the 15.4-inch. “With 15.4 it’s production of a few hundred thousand units versus one to two million for the 13.3,” the analyst said. With production beginning in the third-quarter, this could mean a fall release. Apple is also rumored to release a Retina iMac this fall.
Of course, analyst claims should always be taken with a grain of salt.
Today, at its Evernote Trunk Conference in San Francisco, Evernote announced a partnership with expensivehigh-quality notebook maker Moleskine. The surprising partnership yielded a new offering called “Evernote Smart Notebook”. Since many people still take notes with pen and paper, it is a partnership that makes sense.
The Evernote Smart Notebook allows people to take notes by hand and then make the notes available online, TechCrunchfirst noted. To upload the notes, a photo of a page from the notebook is taken with the Evernote app. The notes are then saved to a user’s Evernote account where they can be browsed, searched and organized. Special stickers are provided to tell Evernote which virtual notebook to organize the note into.
The consensus for the past month is that Apple will simultaneously announce the next-generation iPhone with the rumored iPad Mini at a media event in September. Rene Ritchie at iMore, who was first to “reveal” the event dates, said:
The iPad mini will be announced at the same September 12 event, as will the new iPod nano. We haven’t heard a release date for the iPad mini yet, but it could be the same as the iPhone 5.
Reports further noted the iPhone would ship Sept. 21, with the iPad Mini shipping later in the fall. This evening, however, some new speculation is afoot:
Google unveiled a new feature within its iOS search app in August that reminds us a lot of Siri. Taking features from its Siri competitor Google Now, Google announced the search app would now allow folks to use natural voice commands to make searches. For example, a user can “ask for the weather in a natural way and it will provide results,” Google explained. Google noted during its announcement that the updated app would be available in a few days. But, two weeks later…nothing.
After the announcement, Google told reporters the app was submitted a week before the event. So, Google’s updated app has been going through Apple’s App Store approval for three weeks. We have to wonder: What is the hold up?
Yesterday, Gizmodo posted a harrowing piece about one of the most corrupt Apple Stores in the United States. The story profiled many unethical tactics done by the store managers and employees. In one instance, a regional manager actually gave away a free Apple product in exchange for a weight loss surgery, and also leant Apple products out for months at a time. In another case, Apple Store Geniuses would actually take iPhones at their leisure, often breaking them and replacing them. But perhaps the most disconcerting bit from the Gizmodo piece is what Geniuses did to customer’s products. In one instance, a Genius actually “just erased people’s hard drives that are —holes.” Certainly shocking out of the company that’s already had 300 million visitors in its stores this year.
We weren’t sure how accurate the story was or if the sources had perhaps been embellishing at best and fabricating at worst. However a separate second source has come forward with a separate but similar story and has named the store in question. Expand Expanding Close
Spotify made a huge stride when it launched in the United States in July 2011, which opened a partnership with Facebook that has paid off. The music streaming company looks to be expanding even further, as the Wall Street Journal reported this morning that Spotify is expected to launch in Canada soon. Furthermore, Spotify may also expand into Asia and South America. Spotify’s latest annual accounts tipped WSJ off on the news:
Last year, Spotify established subsidiaries in Canada, Singapore and Hong Kong, all places where its service isn’t yet available. Spotify is currently available in 15 countries, including the U.S., the U.K. and Germany, and recently launched in Australia and New Zealand. Company spokeswoman Sofie Grant declined to elaborate on the details of the company’s expansion plans, but said Spotify “of course plans to launch in new countries.”
Many ditched Apple’s iTunes and services like Pandora for Spotify, including me, because the ease of building playlists and finding new music on Spotify is certainly impressive. The only downfall is that the premium plan costs $10 a month, which offers unlimited music without ads, but I find the money to be worth it. Spotify recently introduced a free unlimited radio — launched on its Android — in July.
Update: According to Apple’s status page, now 1.1% of users are now being effected.
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