Author

Jordan Kahn

Dir. Partnerships

9to5Mac / 9to5Google / 9to5Toys / Electrek.co / DroneDJ / SpaceExplored

Jordan manages the internal Partner Program for sponsorships and partnerships across the 9to5 network’s media brands including 9to5Mac, 9to5Google, 9to5Toys, Electrek.co, SpaceExplored and DroneDJ.com.

Jordan also writes about all things Apple as a Senior Editor of 9to5Mac. He covers Google for 9to5Google.com, the best gadgets and deals on 9to5Toys.com, and EV and solar news on Electrek.co. He also co-authors 9to5Mac’s Logic Pros series and makes music sometimes.

Contact Jordan with partnership inquiries and long-winded complaints:

Connect with Jordan Kahn

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Cue on agency model: ‘I don’t think you understand. We can’t treat newspapers or magazines any differently than we treat FarmVille.”

Jordan Kahn Apr 23 2012 - 6:59 am PT

By now you probably know that the U.S. Department of Justice launched an antitrust lawsuit against Apple and two publishers this month following an investigation into Apple’s eBook pricing agency model. Three publishers, including Hachette, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster, decided to reach a settlement with the Department of Justice to return to Amazon’s set-your-own price wholesale model. Meanwhile, Apple, Macmillan, and Penguin will take the fight to court.

Interestingly, a report from The Wall Street Journal, which is owned by the HarperCollins’ parent company News Corp, suggested Apple was only ever trying to continue its App Store business model. The Wall Street Journal’s L. Gordon Crovitz described visiting Senior Apple Executive Eddy Cue to discuss changing Apple’s policies for publications. He quoted Cue as comparing book pricing to apps and not wanting to treat publications differently than app developers:

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Apple to drop 17-inch MacBooks, slim down iPhone w/ in-cell?

Jordan Kahn Apr 23 2012 - 6:05 am PT

You can read into these reports from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities as much as you want. Kuo claimed this morning that Apple is about to axe the 17-inch MacBook Pro line entirely while introducing a rumored all new MacBook design by Q3 2012 (via MacRumors). Kuo also alleged Apple will adopt in-cell display technology to help slim down the next-generation iPhone by up to 1.4mm to under 8mm. IHS told Wired earlier about the advantages of in-cell displays:

“The advantage of in-cell is that you’re streamlining the manufacturing process, so in time you should be able to drive efficiencies and reduce cost.” IHS analyst Rhoda Alexander told Wired. “Additionally, by reducing the number of layers, you reduce the size and thickness of the device, making it thinner and lighter.”

According to the report, Kuo said in-cell would provide a reduction of approximately 0.5mm, while other reductions could come from the battery and a thinner metal casing on the back.

Since Apple’s smartphone competitors have generally slimmed down their high-end offerings to 7-8mm, Apple needs to make a leap forward from 4S’ 9.3mm thickness. We believe Apple will aim at 8mm or below (at least 1.4mm slimmer) for iPhone 5, in a bid to ensure brisk sales through 2014, while peers will also continue to introduce increasingly slim models next year… As such, all iPhone 4S components that account for thickness must be slimmer, specifically, touch panel, battery and casing. Moreover, a marginal amount of space is required between the three parts for the sakes of assembly tolerance and thermal expansion of components.

Report: Apple building thinner and lighter Liquidmetal next-gen iPhone (9to5mac.com)

Museum display company sues Apple over touchscreen patent

Jordan Kahn Apr 20 2012 - 12:14 pm PT

Yesterday, law firm Hagens Berman filed a lawsuit in a California U.S. District Court against Apple Inc. related to “gesture recognition technology for touchscreens” covered in patents owned by Flatworld Interactives. The company, which originally developed its technology for museum exhibits in the 1990s, is seeking an “injunction enjoining Apple from continued infringement, and an award of damages to compensate Flatworld” for the millions of iOS devices and MacBooks using its technology.

Flatworld Interactives, LLC received U.S. Patent No. RE 43,318, which includes claims to touch screen based systems that allow users to manipulate images using gestures, such as selecting an image by touching it, and flicking images off of the screen.

The full press release is below:

Hagens Berman: Lawsuit Claims Wide Range of Apple Devices Infringe Patents for Screen Manipulation

A lawsuit filed yesterday against Apple, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) by the Hagens Berman law firm claims that the computing and consumer-products giant has built many of its most popular devices including the iPhone and iPad using intellectual property owned by a Villanova, Penn. company that developed gesture recognition technology for touchscreens in the mid-1990s.

Flatworld Interactives, LLC received U.S. Patent No. RE 43,318, which includes claims to touch screen based systems that allow users to manipulate images using gestures, such as selecting an image by touching it, and flicking images off of the screen.

The company designed touchscreen systems originally for use in video displays for museums and other exhibit applications.

Hagens Berman’s lawsuit was filed on Flatworld’s behalf in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. It alleges that numerous best-selling Apple devices, including the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, iPod Nano, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air infringe the patent. The complaint also alleges that Apple knew about the patent but continued to sell the infringing products.

“Reading Flatworld’s patent is like reading the description of gesture recognition features of any of the accused products on Apple’s website,” said Steve Berman, Hagens Berman’s managing partner. “It is clear that Flatworld owns technology that Apple has used to drive billions of dollars in infringing sales.”

Flatworld was founded by Dr. Slavko Milekic, a Professor of Cognitive Science & Digital Design at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Penn. Professor Milekic first developed gesture recognition touch screens for use by children as an easier and more intuitive means of interacting with a computer.

The lawsuit seeks a ruling from the court affirming that Apple has infringed the patent, an injunction enjoining Apple from continued infringement, and an award of damages to compensate Flatworld.

More information about this case is available at www.hbsslaw.com/Flatworld.

HTC fights ‘slide-to-unlock’ in London as Samsung continues patent war with Apple ahead of settlement talks (9to5mac.com)

Apple eBook price-fixing lawsuits hit Canada following DOJ suit

Jordan Kahn Apr 20 2012 - 11:25 am PT

Following an investigation into alleged eBook price-fixing, the U.S. Department of Justice filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple and publishers Macmillan and Penguin earlier this month, who refused to settle. Other publishers, including Hachette, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster, settled and reached an agreement to return Amazon to its previous wholesale model and dismantle Apple’s agency model. The settlement also included agreements with select states that would see $51 million in restitution paid to those who purchased eBooks through Apple’s platform. Now, several Canadian publications are reporting class-action lawsuits were filed against Apple and the five publishers throughout Canada.

Lawyer Normand Painchaud spoke with The Montreal Gazette about his class-action suit filed in Quebec Superior Court and talked about two others filed in Ontario and British Columbia:

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Tip: Bring Siri’s voice to your Mac with Samantha downloadable Voice for Lion

Jordan Kahn Apr 20 2012 - 9:36 am PT

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOCA-nqIzz4&feature=player_embedded]

Since the introduction of Nuance speech technology in OS X Lion, which provides several new voice options in system preferences for the System Voice, many have compared the voice of Nuance-powered Siri on iPhone 4S to the improved text-to-speech included as free downloads within Lion. As noted by Reddit user Moosehadley, what you might not have realized is the downloadable “Samantha” voice for Lion is the same as Siri’s in the United States. Here is how to download it:

Open System Preferences> Speech> Text to Speech>System Voice> Customize> and select “Samantha” from the list. Apple will ask you to confirm the 469MB install.

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Anyone got a catchy title for a creepy iPhone hand case?

Jordan Kahn Apr 20 2012 - 8:52 am PT

This case comes from Japanese retailer Rakuten (via Reddit user samx18), but it is not quite as elegant as that one-of-a-kind leather creation we showed you earlier. Unlike the one-off leather iPad case, this creepy iPhone 4S case is available to purchase for 4,762 yen ($58 USD); although, it is currently listed as out of stock. The images below speak for themselves:

Turn your iPad into a netbook sized MacBook Pro with this awesome case (9to5mac.com)
One of a kind handmade leather iPad case with original Apple logo (9to5mac.com)

One-of-a-kind handmade leather iPad case with original Apple logo

Jordan Kahn Apr 20 2012 - 8:20 am PT

The one-off, handmade case above featuring the original Apple Newton logo engraved in thick premium leather was commissioned by Reddit user 44oz. The logo featuring Sir Isaac Newton sitting under an apple tree with the text “Apple Computer Co” is said to have been designed by Apple’s third cofounder Ronald Wayne. Handmade by Attila Acs in Australia, the one-of-a-kind case sports black kangaroo leather bands to hold the iPad in place and red suede lining. The whole process of carving the design into the leather is documented on Snapguide, and you can learn more on the creator’s website at Highonglue.com.

This is a handmade iPad cover made from 3.5mm thick premium leather, suede lining, kangaroo leather spine and parts.

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Munster: Next iPhone will be ‘Mother of all Upgrades’ (video)

Jordan Kahn Apr 20 2012 - 7:34 am PT

Yesterday, we reported that Qualcomm announced it was having “trouble meeting demand” for its next-generation chips that would likely find their way into an LTE-enabled iPhone 5. While the announcement was a clear indication that Apple’s rumored October release window was much more likely than talk of a June unveiling at WWDC, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster agreed and said the new device will be the mother of all hardware upgrades:

“We think one of the big features of iPhone 5 is going to be LTE… when iPhone 4S came out it was obviously the same form factor… this is going to be a big hardware upgrade… this is going to be the year of the hardware… the mother of all upgrades “

Blizzard’s Diablo III open beta weekend starts at noon today

Jordan Kahn Apr 20 2012 - 6:45 am PT

Blizzard announced today that one of its most anticipated titles, previously in closed beta, would become a free Open Beta Weekend for all users with a Battle.net account beginning April 20. All you have to do is download the client here and starting 12:01 PDT, you will have access to five heroic classes up to level 13. This open beta will act as a stress test for the servers leading up to the May 15 release date for the game.

What steps do I need to take?

Log in or create a Battle.net account at http://www.battle.net
Create your BattleTag™, which is required to play Diablo III (What is BattleTag?)
Download the game client, install, and play between 12:01 p.m. PDT April 20 and 10:00 a.m. PDT April 23

Apple to hire 500 employees at European HQ in Cork, Ireland

Jordan Kahn Apr 20 2012 - 6:18 am PT

Apple made official plans to hire additional employees at its European headquarters. Reuters reported that the current workforce of 2,800 would expand by up to 500 over the next 18 months at the building located in Cork, Ireland. According to a report from local RTE News Ireland, revenues in the markets handled by Cork HQ grew 55 percent year-on-year for October/December:

Apple’s Senior Director for Corporate Communications Alan Hely said the company plans to increase its workforce in the city to 3,300 over the next 18 months… Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton and senior officials in IDA Ireland have been involved in meetings on the project in Ireland and with Apple management in the US over several months.

Yet another reason Apple has to make its products in China: Rare Earths

Jordan Kahn Apr 19 2012 - 12:40 pm PT

With all of the controversy and media attention Apple has experienced since The New York Times’ “How the U.S. Lost Out on iPhone Work” article, a post from Motherboard (via iFixit) provides yet another reason why Apple makes its products in China—rare earths. While noting China’s cheap labor and lack of environmental regulations certainly contribute to Apple’s decision, the post explained how Apple’s use of rare earth elements might make it hard to move manufacturing elsewhere:

But there’s another important reason why Apple and other manufacturers have their heels stuck in Chinese mud. iPad manufacturing, like the manufacturing of other electronics, requires a significant amount of rare earth elements, the 17 difficult-to-mine elements used in all kinds of green technology. It’s hard to say exactly what rare earths are in an iPad, since Apple is really tight-lipped about their materials

iFixit ‘s Elizabeth Chamberlain spoke with Cambridge engineering professor Dr. Tim Coombs who “guesses that there may be lanthanum in the iPad’s lithium-ion polymer battery, as well as ‘a range of rare earths to produce the different colours’ in the display.” He also thinks the magnets in Smart Covers and the iPad itself contain neodymium alloy. So how does rare earths keep Apple tied to China? The report explained:
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Apple LTE chip supplier Qualcomm unable to meet demand, could push back next iPhone launch

Jordan Kahn Apr 19 2012 - 11:48 am PT

According to a report from Reuters, Apple’s LTE chip supplier Qualcomm is having “trouble meeting demand” for smartphone chips and will continue experiencing manufacturing constraints throughout the rest of the year. Qualcomm Chief Executive Paul Jacobs told analysts on a conference call yesterday, “At this stage we cannot secure enough supply to meet the increasing demand we are experiencing.”

With Apple’s next-generation iPhone expected to include LTE capabilities like the recently launched third-gen iPad, many are speculating Qualcomm’s supply issues could lead to delays. It would also make the rumored September or October unveiling and holiday launch all the more likely opposed to June. Is it possible Qualcomm’s supply constraints have anything to do with Apple buying up its capacity?

Apple recently began internally seeding prototype N96— a faster iPhone with 1GB of RAM and an A5X variant to test the performance of the new chip on iPhones.

Qualcomm’s Chief Financial Officer Bill Keitel told Reuters the constraints have lead to increased operating expenses:
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Apps: Quake 4, Plants vs Zombies, Plex, Sketch Nation Studio…

Jordan Kahn Apr 19 2012 - 11:04 am PT

A number of notable apps received updates today in addition to Aspyr Media announcing the release of “Quake 4” for Mac as a digital download through the Mac App Store for $20. Another new release today is “Sketch Nation Studio” from Engineous Games, which is “an amazing free app where users create and play their own games or download games from other users.” You can even potentially sell your games through the App Store and make money.

Below is a list of some of our favorite apps that received updates today:

Plex: The Plex media server iOS companion app received tons of fixes today and localizations for dozens of countries.

NEW: Allowed selecting an additional video quality for cellular connections in addition to the required 64Kbps stream (requires Plex Media Server 0.9.6.1 or later).

VLC Remote for iPad: While a full re-design of the app is on the way to match the design of the iPhone counterpart, version 5.80 of VLC remote for iPad is available now with Retina graphics for the new third-genration iPad.

Dragon Dictation: Localization updates in version 2.0.20

Plants vs Zombies: All of the Plants vs Zombies iOS apps received huge updates today to version 1.9.2. The biggest is for the HD iPad version. Here’s what you will get:

New fun-dead action on iPad! Zen Garden, Vasebreaker, new mini-games and much more to munch on:

-ZEN GARDEN: Relax and start a plant collection in your Zen Garden. Find new plants in the game, or get Marigolds and Mystery Sprouts from Crazy Dave. Treat your plants well, and they’ll reward you nicely.

-VASEBREAKER ENDLESS: It’s not just a mini-game anymore! Try to survive all 9 unique levels as you battle zombies hiding in vases. It’s smashing fun!

-I, ZOMBIE ENDLESS: Change sides for a while and give your fun-dead friends a hand through this 9-level game mode. Help zombies get past the plants to their brainy rewards.

-FOUR NEW MINI-GAMES: Try your hand at Slot Machine, Zombiquarium, Portal Combat, and Beghouled Twist — a fun new set of mini-game challenges!

More awesome fun:

-28 NEW ACHIEVEMENTS: Earn even more ways to prove your zombie-zapping prowess.

-LEADERBOARDS: Check out the 5 unique Game Center leaderboards and see where you rank.

-COIN PACKS: Want great new stuff? Check out the brand-new coin packs for purchase on the Main Menu.

And now, the zombies are speaking your language! We’ve added language support for French, Italian, German and Spanish!

Apple defends iPad ‘4G’ name in Australian federal court

Jordan Kahn Apr 19 2012 - 9:58 am PT

The last we heard in the case of Australia’s Competition and Consumer Commission taking Apple to court over the “4G” branding of the new iPad was a meeting earlier this week that ended without resolution. Apple offered users a refund for the third-gen 4G iPad and changed some of its “4G LTE” advertising on its Australian website following complaints the device did not operate on frequencies used by 4G networks in the country. However, the ACCC wanted Apple to change the Wi-Fi + 4G branding of the actual device.

Today, a report from The Australian claimed Apple is defending the name by claiming, despite operating only on 3G networks, the new iPads on Telstra, Optus and Vodafone deliver speeds “in accordance with accepted industry and regulatory use of the descriptor ‘4G’.” In other words, Apple thinks the carrier’s 3G networks should be referred to as 4G networks. This is what Apple told an Australian federal court this week:

Apple says the iPad is compatible with data networks run by Telstra, Optus and Vodafone “which are 4G networks in accordance with accepted industry and regulatory use of the descriptor ‘4G’ “…. The iPad with WiFi + 4G is a device which performs in accordance with the descriptor ‘4G’ in terms of data transfer speed… The descriptor ‘4G’ … conveys to consumers in Australia that the iPad with WiFi + 4G will deliver a superior level of service in terms of data transfer speed (consistent with accepted industry and regulatory use of that term), and not that the iPad with WiFi + 4G is compatible with any particular network technology promoted by a particular mobile service provider in Australia.”

Apple also claimed:

“There was at all material times information widely published in Australia which informed consumers that the iPad with WiFi + 4G was not compatible with Telstra’s 4G LTE network”

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Kaspersky: 30,000 Mac users left infected with Flashback, more Mac malware on the way

Jordan Kahn Apr 19 2012 - 9:17 am PT

As of yesterday, security company Symantec released a statement claiming there were still 140,000 Macs infected from the recent Flashback malware outbreak that originally infected an estimated 600,000 Mac users. That was despite Apple issuing a Java security update to remove the malware. Today, security researchers from Kaspersky said during a press conference (via Ars Technica) that it estimated infections dropped to 30,000, while still warning more “mass-malware” on OS X is on the way:

“Market share brings attacker motivation… Expect more drive-by downloads, more Mac OS X mass-malware. Expect cross-platform exploit kits with Mac-specific exploits.”

Kaspersky also clarified that much of the Flashback infections were spread through trusted WordPress websites that have been hijacked rather than through malicious downloaded files as many assume. Ars explained:

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HTC fights ‘slide-to-unlock’ in London as Samsung continues patent war with Apple ahead of settlement talks

Jordan Kahn Apr 19 2012 - 8:43 am PT

With court moderated settlement talks between Apple and Samsung executives set to take place within the next 90 days, Samsung has now filed a counterclaim in a California federal court alleging Apple’s iOS devices are infringing eight patents. The counterclaim is part of an original patent infringement lawsuit initiated by Apple in February. Foss Patents reported:

It comes as no surprise that Samsung retaliated with infringement claims. Samsung owns roughly 30,000 U.S. patents. It has from the outset of its dispute with Apple demonstrated its belief that a good offense is the best defense. So far, none of Samsung’s infringement claims against Apple has succeeded anywhere on Earth, despite efforts in nine different countries, but Samsung keeps on fighting.

Apple is also in the middle of patent infringement cases with HTC, which just told a court in London that its touchscreen devices, specifically its “slide-to-unlock” functionality, do not infringe on Apple’s patents. Bloomberg reported today that HTC’s lawyers described the functionality in question as “extremely simple implementations of commonly known techniques.” Apple’s lawyer Simon Thorley argued HTC is “attacking the validity of four patents” and claimed, “It is clear the inventions make the requisite contributions.”

If HTC is successful, it could have an impact in ongoing patent infringement related cases with Apple in Dutch and German courts. The report described the functionality Apple claims is covered in the patents:

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Apple releases version 1.0.1 of Configurator Mac app

Jordan Kahn Apr 18 2012 - 11:00 am PT

Apple released an updated version of its “Apple Configurator” Mac app for deploying multiple iOS devices in a school or business environment. Version 1.0.1 of the tool includes a number of stability and performance enhancements. It also includes fixes for .ipa files, redemption codes, and bookmarks for iTunes U and iBooks, and more.

You can grab the free updated Configurator app from the Mac App Store now. The full list of changes is below:

What’s New in Version 1.0.1

This update improves overall stability and performance and addresses a number of issues, including the following:

Enterprise apps packaged as .ipa files are imported and installed correctly.
Redemption codes for apps that contain a comma in their title can now be imported.
A redemption code may be reused to install an app on another device if the original device is unsupervised and erased by Apple Configurator, or if the app’s installation did not complete on the original device.
The redemption code used to purchase an app in iTunes may also be used to install the app on one device with Apple Configurator.
The number of redemption codes remaining for an app is now displayed correctly.
Notes and bookmarks entered into iBooks and iTunes U are deleted when a backup is restored to a supervised device.
The WPA2 password is saved when editing a Wi-Fi profile payload.
The name of a stored backup is saved when edited.
The storage capacity of an 8 GB iPod touch is now displayed correctly.
The “Erase all contents and settings” checkbox on the Prepare pane has been relabeled “Erase before installing”.

Apple working on iTunes 11 with iOS 6 support, improved iCloud integration (9to5mac.com)

Sergey Brin clarifies: “I have always admired Apple’s products”

Jordan Kahn Apr 18 2012 - 9:08 am PT

A recent interview with Google’s cofounder Sergey Brin received a lot of attention due to his view that Apple and Facebook are the biggest threats to the open Internet. Today, Brin took some time to clarify his thoughts about the coverage of his interview, which he feels has been “particularly distorted.” In a Google+ post, Brin noted he has “always admired Apple’s products,” and he currently uses an iMac (Imac?):

Moreover, I have much admiration for two of the companies we discussed — Apple and Facebook. I have always admired Apple’s products. In fact, I am writing this post on an Imac and using an Apple keyboard I have cherished for the past seven years.

9to5Google has the full story.

Besides governments and the entertainment industry, Google cofounder sees Facebook and Apple as the biggest threat to the open Internet (9to5mac.com)

Report: Apple building thinner and lighter Liquidmetal next-gen iPhone

Jordan Kahn Apr 18 2012 - 7:54 am PT

A new report from Korean publication ETNews.com claimed industry sources confirmed Apple will use “liquid metal” technology to make a thinner and lighter next-generation iPhone. Apple acquired rights to the patented amorphous metal alloys from Liquidmetal Technologies’ in August 2010.

According to industry sources, the next flagship phones of the companies are expected to adopt unprecedented materials for their main bodies, that is, ceramic for the Galaxy S3 and liquid metal for iPhone5, both being thin, light and highly resistant to external impacts. The new phase of the rivalry is because neither one of them can get a decisive edge over the other solely with its OS and AP specifications, features or design.

Apple has been rumored in the past to be using Liquidmetal in batteries and SIM card tools, but no solid evidence has backed these claims. Today’s report continued to assert that the iPhone 5, as ETNews.com referred to the device, is expected to launch at WWDC in San Francisco this June. However, the publication does not cite a source for the location and timeframe, so it is possible it is just basing this expectation on a rumor. As MacRumors pointed out, the website has a less than perfect track record. Many industry analysts expect Apple to move its iPhone release window to September or October due to the launch date of the iPhone 4S in 2011.

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T-Mobile Test Drives 4G vs 3G in unfair network comparison

Jordan Kahn Apr 18 2012 - 7:35 am PT

Following the launch of its new Alter Ego ad campaign yesterday, T-Mobile just made its new “Test Drive” tool available for comparing the speed of “American’s Largest 4G Network” to other guys— Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon. Unfortunately, as pointed out by TMONews, the carrier is comparing 4G LTE Android handsets, such as the Galaxy S II, to the 3G speeds of the iPhone 4S. This is obviously not a fair comparison of LTE network speeds…

T-Mobile’s TestDrive website is now live and I will say at first glance, I’m disappointed. I’ll just get right to it — T-Mobile, I’m really puzzled by this. The idea that you claim “America’s largest 4G network” and design a new commercial campaign around speed and then compare your “4G” network against “3G” smartphones is a questionable act. Speed should no longer be the focus of T-Mobile’s marketing campaign, Value and Technology should. Speed should be a secondary thought. If you can’t win on speed, highlight where you can, Value, Value, Value.

Report: Four carriers fight for fastest 3G and 4G speeds, only two debut on top (9to5mac.com)

Apple CEO Tim Cook gets report card from Al Gore in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list

Jordan Kahn Apr 18 2012 - 6:52 am PT

Time Magazine just released its list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2012, and Apple’s Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook—following in the footsteps of Steve Jobs— made the list alongside Hilary Clinton, Tim Tebow, Rihanna, and Salman Khan. Also featured on the list this year, after stemming from the incredible success of his “Steve Jobs“ biography, is author Walter Isaacson.

Each entry on the list includes a description written by someone close to the influential person. In the case of Cook, former U.S. Vice President and Apple board member Al Gore did the honors. Gore said Cook has already “led the world’s most valuable and innovative company to new heights while implementing major policy changes smoothly and brilliantly.” Gore’s full entry on Cook is below:

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Logitech unveils Ultrathin Keyboard Cover iPad case

Jordan Kahn Apr 18 2012 - 6:28 am PT

Available for $100 in the United States and Europe, Logitech just announced its new Ultrathin Keyboard Cover that acts as super slim Bluetooth keyboard and screen cover when not in use. Like Apple’s Smart Cover, the cover has a magnetic clip and automatically wakes the iPad when removed. You can get it here now for second and third-generation iPads.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=zsIJUiTlrGI]

This product replaces Logitech’s Zagg-infused iPad case that was reviewed positively.

Refurb Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard & Case for iPad 2 for $33 + $4 s&h (9to5toys.com)
Logitech Bluetooth Wireless Boombox for iPad for $100 + free shipping (9to5toys.com)
Refurb Zagg ZAGGfolio with Bluetooth Keyboard for iPad 2 for $50 + $2 s&h (9to5toys.com)
Flashpoint iKey Bluetooth Keyboard Case for iPad for $20 + free shipping (9to5toys.com)

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Apple and Samsung CEOs to meet in court for patent dispute settlement talks within 90 days

Jordan Kahn Apr 17 2012 - 12:12 pm PT

According to a report from Foss Patents (and confirmed by Reuters), Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook and Samsung Chief Executive Officer Gee-Sung Choi will meet within the next 90 days for settlement talks over ongoing patent disputes. Judge Lucy Koh, who is presiding over the two cases in California, initiated the meeting after ordering the companies to submit their CEOs and legal counsels to an Alternative Dispute Resolution.

“As directed by the Court, Apple and Samsung are both willing to participate in a Magistrate Judge Settlement Conference with Judge Spero as mediator. At Apple, the chief executive officer and general counsel are the appropriate decision-makers, and they will represent Apple during the upcoming settlement discussions. At Samsung, the chief executive officer and general counsel are also the appropriate decision-makers, and they will represent Samsung during these settlement discussions.”

The report called the talks “semi-voluntary,” because the companies did not have to submit to the Alternative Dispute Resolution. However, as pointed out by Foss Patents, “if only one of them had made the CEO available, the other one would have appeared to be less than constructive.” Apple and Samsung executives will meet in San Francisco with U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero sometime over the next three months:

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Rolling Gmail outages affecting many

Jordan Kahn Apr 17 2012 - 9:56 am PT

[tweet https://twitter.com/#!/gmail/status/192300847617687552]

Update: Google confirmed it is “investigating reports of an issue with Google Mail. We will provide more information shortly.”

Reports have been coming in that Gmail is experiencing outages in many parts of the world. 9to5Google reported:

Google’s App Status Dashboard, which offers performance information for Google Apps services, is currently claiming that Gmail is down.

Google just switched Gmail to “Service Disruption” status, but we will let you know if it is upgraded to a full “Service Outage.”