Apple

6,141 'Apple News' stories November 2008 - May 2012

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Apple News and Brief History

Before you can properly understand Apple News, it’s important to know its history. Apple was founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in 1976. In 1977, Apple’s sales were growing with the success of its early computers. Within a few years, Jobs and Wozniak hired designers and a production line crew. Apple went public in 1980 and was an instant success. Over the next few years, Apple shipped new computers featuring new graphical user interfaces, such as the original Macintosh in 1984. As the market for personal computers expanded through the 1990s, Apple lost market share to the cheaper Microsoft Windows on PC clones. Eventually, Wozniak and Jobs both left Apple. Jobs would go on to found NeXT and would return to Apple when NeXT was acquired in the late 90s. Apple then began a journey to the great second act in the history of the business world.

Since the release of the iPod in 2001, Apple has become a major player once again in the technology industry. After releasing the iPhone in 2007, the iPad in 2010, and the Apple Watch in 2015, Apple is now one of the largest companies in the world. Apple’s worldwide annual revenue totaled $274.5 billion for its 2020 fiscal year.

Today, Apple operates retail stores all across the world, has a growing services division, and an ever-expanding hardware lineup. The technology industry follows Apple news to see where the company is headed in the future.

Keep reading for the latest Apple news

Apple to judge: Samsung intentionally ‘spoiled’ documents

Élyse Betters May 11 2012 - 5:27 am PT

Apple filed a motion in the Northern District of California on May 1 that claimed Samsung ruined documents it needed to submit for the discovery process in a “spoilation of evidence,” according to the legal jargon that described the act. NetworkWorld elaborated:

In effect, Apple wants the Judge to instruct the jury as follows:

1. Samsung had a duty to preserve relevant evidence, failed to do so, and acted in bad faith in failing to meet its legal duty.

2. The jury may infer that documents Samsung failed to produce would have been advantageous to Apple’s position.

3. If the jury finds Samsung liable for infringement, they may presume that the infringement was “intentional, willful, without regard to Apple’s rights.”

Apple’s motion doesn’t pull any punches, accusing Samsung of spoilating “vast quantities of relevant evidence in blatant disregard of its duty to preserve all such evidence.” Consequently, Apple writes that strong adverse inference instructions are required.

A hearing on Apple’s motion is scheduled for June 7, with Samsung’s reply brief due by May 15. However, Samsung said the claims are without merit, and it wants the due date extended to May 29. It is also seeking to have the matter’s hearing pushed to July 10, 2012, but Apple wasted no time and quickly filed a reply on May 7 that asked Samsung’s motion to be denied.

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Apple’s redesigned One to One website (Gallery)

Jordan Kahn May 10 2012 - 4:58 pm PT

Earlier this week, we reported that Apple was planning changes to its One to One program, which offers setup and training assistance to iOS and Mac users. The majority of the changes we reported included in-store changes like new, shorter half-hour sessions, and the renaming of “workshops” to “group sessions.” However, we also told you that the One to One members website would get a redesign scheduled to roll out as early as May 15. Today, we get a look at the new One to One site that features a redesigned interface for selecting and viewing tutorials and tips based on specific topics. It also offers an interface for creating and adding sticky notes, quick links to user guides and video content, and it is fully VoiceOver compatible.

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RadioShack is offering $50 discount on iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S

Élyse Betters May 10 2012 - 4:19 pm PT

RadioShack is having a $50 discount sale on the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S on all carriers until June 30. The deal is valid at every RadioShack location and can combine with trade-ins through the company’s Trade and Save program. Target is also offering a similar $50 price cut on the iOS smartphones. That means the 8GB iPhone 4 is $49, and the 16GB iPhone 4S is $149, etc., at both retail stores.

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Rumor: 7-inch iPad coming in October for under $250?

Jordan Kahn May 10 2012 - 11:53 am PT

Following yesterday’s report from DigiTimes claiming Apple had a new 7-inch iPad in the works for August, iMore’s Rene Ritchie today claimed Apple is actually targeting an October release, alongside the next iPhone. He also claimed his unnamed source said the device will launch for $200 to $300 and pack-in a Retina display and specs almost identical to the current iPads:

Apple will be going forward with the 7-inch iPad, currently targeting an October 2012 release alongside the new iPhone, and — here’s the killer — at a $200 to $250 price point… Our source has indicated, however, that the 7-inch iPad will be identical to the current 9.7-inch iPad, just scaled down. That seems to include a 2048×1536 resolution display, just like the new iPad. If accurate, that would put the pixel density at around 326 ppi, the same as the iPhone 4S (and higher than the 264 ppi new iPad) retina display.

Ritchie noted his source is not sure of the exact dimensions, but past rumors indicated a 7.85-inch size could work. According to the report, one way Apple will meet the low price point is to offer the new 7-inch iPad with just 8GB of storage. We are taking this report for what it is until we have some solid proof, but we know iMore’s Ritchie has been accurate with several Apple product launches in the past, including the third-gen iPad and iPhone 4S.

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LeviSync is an industrial strength, elevated iPad dock for iMac

Jordan Kahn May 10 2012 - 8:55 am PT

Just launched on Kickstarter, the LeviSync iPad cradle arm for iMac is not the most elegant solution to have an iPad float next to your Mac’s display, but its industrial strength aluminium and steel design certainly looks made to last.

The LeviSync’s arm swings to position on either side of your of your iMac, builds in a four-port USB hub, and is compatible with every generation of iPad and iMacs starting from the late 2007 model. It also works in landscape or portrait mode and makes it easy to hook up to your iMac’s audio output source. Another great feature is the stand. It requires no screws or additional parts for installation and simply slides onto your iMac’s existing stand. This is perhaps most useful for those taking advantage of solutions such as AirDisplay for using iPad as a second monitor.

You will have to pledge at least $199 to get your hands on the LeviSync when it lands in production, but it will eventually retail for $249. The inventors will first have to reach their $60,000 funding goal…

Introducing LeviSync, the Missing iPad Dock for iMac

Pipestone, MN—May 10, 2012—LevTech, Inc is pleased to introduce LeviSync, a new way to sync and charge any iPad with an iMac. LeviSync, the only premium iPad accessory for your iMac, is an iPad docking arm that mounts on the back of an iMac computer. It doesn’t take up desk space and helps you to charge and sync your iPad with your iMac. LeviSync’s unique design supports iPads in a new way.

“I was tired of my iPad just lying on the desktop when it wasn’t in use. I figured it needed its own place” said Ryan Christensen, President and Co-Founder of LevTech, Inc.

LeviSync connects seamlessly to all current iMac models. Simply slide LeviSync onto the back of an iMac, plug in the USB cables, and start enjoying the best iPad dock on the market. This will allow you to keep your desk free and clear of cables while keeping your iPad at eye level, charged, and synced.

Featuring an aluminum and steel design, zero configuration installation, zero footprint, built-in USB hub, and a secure elevated iPad dock connection, LeviSync is launching from kickstarter.com* now with an introductory price of $199.

Along with a sleek design, LeviSync provides four USB ports, allowing for even more accessories to be connected to your iMac. The iPad dock allows you to position the iPad on either the right or left side of the iMac to suit your preference. Best of all, LeviSync eliminates interaction with charge and sync cables.

Now you can enjoy a clutter free desk and simultaneously use your iPad all with an exceptional build quality and smooth user experience.

Report: Apple sold 7.25 million iPhones in Japan during 2011 as No.1 smartphone vendor

Jordan Kahn May 10 2012 - 8:19 am PT

According to a report from research firm MM Research Institute translated by Japanese blog Macotakara, iPhone sales in the Unites States during fiscal year 2011 hit 7.25 million units:

Research Institute released “General situation of mobile handsets shipment in Japan at 2011”. According to this MM Research Institute report, the number of iPhone sales reached 7.25 million units in Japan at 2011.

Amount of shipment of cell-phone was 42.74 million, which was 13.5% bigger than 2010, and smart-phone sales was 24.17 million in amount. In this market, Apple occupied 7.25 million (17% of all mobile phone sale) and got 2nd position by handset maker.

Focusing on smartphone market, Apple got 1st position as 30% share by handset vendor. Androids got 69% share by platform, and iOS got 30%.

As of the latest numbers from comScore, Apple’s growth in Japan outpaced Android during the three-month period ending February 2012 to take 34.2-percent of smartphone subscribers.

Japan inches closer to Android/iPhone duopoly, as Apple gains marketshare (9to5mac.com)

Google plans to copy Apple and develop Game Center-like app

Élyse Betters May 10 2012 - 8:00 am PT

Apple introduced Game Center, an online multiplayer social gaming network, in 2010 that allows app users to invite friends, start multiplayer games, track achievements, and compare scores on a leader board, and now reports claim that Google is looking to copy Apple by creating a similar system for Android.

While not naming any sources, Business Insider claimed Google is developing a native Android app similar to Game Center, but the publication detailed Apple’s offering as “an app on the iPhone that connects players in most of Apple’s iOS games.” However, that description is selling the network short. Game Center comes standard with the current iOS, and Apple announced in February that the service would soon integrate with Mountain Lion, which is set for a late summer 2012 release (image, above).

Google’s flavor will allegedly include a social-based achievement system, as well as a leader board. The similar client would poise Google as a legitimate contender in the exploding mobile games market. Developers who build Android games use a variety of third-party solutions, like the iOS-compatible OpenFeint, but Google wants to create its own native app in the wake of Apple’s popularity with gaming.

Read the full story at 9to5Google.

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Apple, Foxconn to share costs of improving factories

Élyse Betters May 10 2012 - 6:50 am PT

Apple plans to improve work conditions at its iPhone and iPad-assembling Chinese factories, and Foxconn executives announced today that it would share the initial price of that venture with the Cupertino, Calif.-based Company. According to Reuters:

Foxconn chief Terry Gou did not give a figure for the costs, but the group has been spending heavily to fight a perception its vast plants in China are sweatshops with poor conditions for its million-strong labor force. It regards the criticism as unfair.

‘We’ve discovered that this (improving factory conditions) is not a cost. It is a competitive strength,’ Gou told reporters on Thursday after the ground-breaking ceremony for a new China headquarters in Shanghai.

‘I believe Apple sees this as a competitive strength along with us, and so we will split the initial costs.’

It was unclear if the split would be 50/50 or in some other ratio.

Apple and Foxconn began bettering conditions for workers earlier this year by raising wages in mid-February from 16 percent to 25 percent, and then they hired thousands of new laborers the next month to reduce overtime in the factories.

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Lost ‘Blue Busters’ Apple video featuring Steve Jobs surfaces (video)

Jordan Kahn May 10 2012 - 6:38 am PT

[ooyala code=JteXBuNDobnZVO8RQQ-Wf9aGCW58INoJ]

You may have come across versions of the “Blue Busters” Ghostbusters-style internal sales video originally created to be shown at an international sales meeting in Hawaii in October 1984. The version featured on YouTube is clearly lacking an appearance from then-Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs. Today, former Apple employee Craig Elliot, the same one who released that video of Jobs playing FDR, has provided Bloomberg with a copy of the original that indeed features Jobs in full Ghostbusters attire with an Apple II strapped to his back. He also explained in the interview above that the video was made to rally the troops during the height of big blue’s (IBM’s) success.

The full ad, minus the interview, is below:

[ooyala code=9iOXRuNDrulbO4hy5_flfqTmT_fP68b3]

Here’s who they picked to play Woz in the Steve Jobs movie (9to5mac.com)

Apple reportedly offers Proview $16M for Chinese iPad trademark

Seth Weintraub May 10 2012 - 5:35 am PT

A judge in the United States dismissed Proview’s suit two days ago against Apple in the U.S., and it seems the dispute may be wrapping up soon, because the companies have been discussing a settlement amount.

A report by Sina (via the Beijing Times/TNW) claims that Apple offered $16 million as a settlement for the iPad trademark in China, which Apple was duped out of prior to the product’s 2010 launch. Apple bought the Chinese trademark using secret subsidiary IPAD, but the Taiwanese arm of Proview had no right to sell it, because it was a separate entity from the Chinese company that owned rights to “IPAD” in China.

Proview China is now in bankruptcy to the tune of $63 million to Chinese banks and others; so $16 million is a long way from bringing it back from the dead. However, the creditors may choose to take what they can get.

By the way, the new iPad is conspicuously late to China—with some even wondering if it is because of the trademark dispute.

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Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 hits the Mac App Store for $150

9to5 Staff May 10 2012 - 5:13 am PT

[slideshow]

Along with the $80 Photoshop Elements, Premiere Elements and Revel, Adobe now offers its popular pro/sumer photo management software Lightroom 4 in the Mac App Store for $150.

Though it generally gets better reviews than Apple’s own $80 Aperture, it is almost double the price and can often be found offline for less.

Adobe fans are hoping the titles continue and with the recent release of Creative Suite 6, there are many other opportunities for Adobe in the Mac App Store. Apple, as always, gets 30 percent of the take in the Mac App Store, so Adobe might not be willing to throw a huge chunk of its cash cow Apple’s way.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 description follows:

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Apps & updates: Instapaper 4.2, Yelp, and more

Jake Smith May 9 2012 - 7:07 pm PT

While Google+ got the most notable update earlier this afternoon, there are three other nice little updates to apps this evening. Most notably, Instapaper was updated to version 4.2, which adds an iBook style “pagination” feature. Other key features include:

All-new Fast Pagination mode, a complete rewrite from the old pagination code that greatly improves accuracy and page-turn speed
New draggable dot bar to replace the scroll bar in pagination mode
New two-finger-swipe gesture to close an article
Full-screen now has “Auto” mode to switch to full screen after a few seconds
The subtle Twilight Sepia color tint can now be selected at any time
Added sharing to Drafts and the upcoming Quotebook 2.0
Many bugfixes and performance improvements

Furthermore, community driven business reviews app Yelp was updated to version 5.8.0. It added the ability to comment on your friends’ checkins. Other features include:

Comment on your friends’ check-ins! Know of a killer dish at a place your buddy just checked into? Let ’em know instantly.
Support for Norway! Yelp is now live in the land of vikings, death metal, and chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen.
Now write longer, more expressive tips. You know, if you’re not into the whole brevity thing.

Lastly, new up-and-coming game Dice With Buddies was updated to version 2.0 and has been marked down to a free app for a limited time. In version 2.0, the app now features a new redesign of the main menu. Some other nice additions:

Rematch and Nudge your buddies from the main menu
Made it easier to delete completed games
Check your stats directly from the main menu
Pull down and release to refresh your game list
Tweet your friends (iOS 5 only)
Tap the status bar to quick scroll to the top (iOS 5 only)

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Orangutans at Miami zoo communicating with iPads

Jordan Kahn May 9 2012 - 8:51 am PT

[slideshow]

According to a report from Associated Press, orangutans at Miami’s Jungle Island zoo are taking a liking to Apple’s iPad in a new program that has six of them communicating with the device:

The software was originally designed for humans with autism and the screen displays pictures of various objects. A trainer then names one of the objects, and the ape presses the corresponding button… While other trainers have developed strong relationships with the orangutans, the iPad and other touchscreen computers offer an opportunity for them to communicate with people not trained in their sign language

Linda Jacobs, who is in charge of the mental stimulus program, explained the younger orangutans seem to immediately respond to the iPads:

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HP addresses Apple-like laptop design, tells fanboys it didn’t copy

Élyse Betters May 9 2012 - 7:57 am PT

HP’s Vice President of Industrial Design Stacy Wolff discussed his company’s current design philosophy in Shanghai today and claimed its laptop styles were developed by research centers across 11 different cities. Despite his anecdotes, Engadget said one journalist asked Wolff if he feared being sued, because the new Envy Spectre XT looks strikingly like Apple’s MacBook Air.

The V.P. simply replied:

“I would go back to the TC1000 [Tablet PC] from about 10 years, and that’s a tablet. I think if you look at the new Spectre XT, there are similarities in a way, not due to Apple but due to the way technologies developed. Apple may like to think that they own silver, but they don’t. In no way did HP try to mimic Apple. In life there are a lot of similarities.”

Oh, but it does not end there: Wolff even addressed fanboys’ reaction to HP’s Apple-esque design approach:

“Yeah, fanboys are wonderful, right? You guys gotta be my fanboys, come on. [Laughs] I think the big thing for me is that we’re doing what’s right for the customers, so one of the things is by going with the isolated island style of keyboard, there’s only so many ways to do it, right? If I put it on a black surface you’d go, ‘Oh you didn’t copy.’ If I put it on a silver surface, ‘Oh you’re copying.” How can that be? You know, it’s a change of color, there’s no intent to mimic or to follow. What you have is a common theme of island style keyboard, use of silver, wedge design. So if I measure things on a macro level, well, you know, maybe you can judge it that way. I don’t.”

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Apple’s nano-SIM design modified to ease concerns, standard decision looms

Élyse Betters May 9 2012 - 7:05 am PT

The Verge met with SIM manufacturer Giesecke & Devrient at the CTIA Wireless trade show to get an update on the 4FF standard, also known as the “nano-SIM,” which caused Apple and Nokia to duke it out in recent times. The firm is exhibiting Apple’s design at the show (above), a 3FF micro-SIM expansion that iOS users are familiar with, while none of Nokia’s competing design was present. When questioned if that suggested the company is going with Apple, G&D said, “We work with everybody,” and then elaborated:

The company tells [The Verge] that the ETSI vote on the 4FF standard that had been delayed back in March is actually now underway. Voting began for ETSI members in mid-April and wraps up in mid-May, mere days away. G&D is a voting member, though it wouldn’t tell [The Verge] which way it’s leaning — needless to say, the presence of Apple’s design here signals that they’ll almost certainly put their votes in that direction and away from Nokia’s more radical design that limits backward compatibility with micro-SIM and mini-SIM slots on older phones.

The delay in the vote had been due largely to Nokia’s vocal displeasure in Apple’s design, saying in March that Apple explicitly violated ETSI’s design guidelines for 4FF — guidelines that specified that a nano-SIM should be shaped in such a way that it would be difficult or impossible for a customer to accidentally jam it into a micro-SIM slot. G&D noted to [The Verge] that Apple’s design has now been modified: a small amount of plastic has been added around the edges of the electrical contacts, making the new nano-SIM just long enough so that it can’t be forced lengthwise into an incompatible socket. (The tradeoff, of course, is that the revised design is even less different than the micro-SIM it’s designed to replace, saving relatively little room inside the phone for other components.)

G&D also mentioned the micro-SIM took roughly five years before it introduced in the iPhone, but that same time frame is not expected now, because “adoption is being driven by a supplier […]we’ll see a product very soon after ratification.” Therefore, it is assumed we would see a nano-SIM in at least next year’s iPhone, as long as the ETSI passes the tech this month.

Digitimes’ latest rumor: new iPhone coming September, 7-inch iPad in August, and new 10-inch iPad in Q4

Jordan Kahn May 9 2012 - 7:05 am PT

The ever-sketchy DigiTimes does not have the best reputation when it comes to predicting Apple product launches, but today the publication is reporting Apple OEM Pegatron began receiving orders for a new iPhone and a next-generation 10-inch iPad. It also reported Apple plans to release a 7-inch iPad in August:

Pegatron Technology reportedly has landed orders for a new-generation iPhone to be launched in September and a 10-inch iPad to be launched in the fourth quarter, according to Taiwan-based supply chain makers. Pegatron is currently an OEM for the iPhone 4S and new iPad… A 7-inch iPad, which reportedly will be released in August, will be manufactured by Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry).

With the release of Apple’s new iPad last March, we find it hard to imagine Apple plans to break its yearly release window with a new 10-inch iPad, in addition to a 7-inch variant in August. We heard many rumors lately about a 7-inch or 7.85-inch tablet, indicating Apple could be experimenting with smaller screen sizes. In April, a translated report from a Chinese publication claimed Apple was prepping 7.85-inch iPad minis to launch in Q3 for $250 to $300, but we have not heard anything concrete on Apple’s plans to release a 7-inch tablet. As for iPhone, we are still expecting an October launch at this point.

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New iPad launches in 30 countries this month starting May 11

Jordan Kahn May 8 2012 - 11:53 am PT

As noted by MacRumors, Apple is getting ready to launch the third-generation iPad in 30 additional countries this month beginning with 23 countries on May 11. Among the countries included in this Friday’s launch is Brazil, where Apple currently assembles some of its iPad 2 and iPhone 4 units at a Foxconn plant in Jundiai. China is still not included in this month’s international roll out.

All countries receiving the iPad on May 11 include: Argentina, Aruba, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Kenya, Madagascar, Malta, Martinique, Mauritius, Morocco, Peru, Taiwan, Tunisia, and Vietnam.

The remaining seven countries to receive the device this month will do so on May 12: Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates.

Related articles

You can now buy an iPad from the Apple Store for $279 and an iPad 2 for $319 (9to5mac.com)
New iPad launches in nine more countries today (9to5mac.com)
Apple offers to settle Proview iPad trademark dispute, ‘Big Gap’ remains in reaching agreement (9to5mac.com)

Samsung’s Tizen prototype has a familiar home button

9to5 Staff May 8 2012 - 8:49 am PT

Samsung just cannot shake the blatant copying—almost like it is part of its DNA. Its latest Tizen reference device, besides an OS that copies the look and feel of Android, has a circular home button right where Apple’s iPhone has one.

Samsung is being dragged through the courts the world over for copying the iPhone’s look and feel. That behavior does not seem to be abating any, and might even be increasing. Samsung is now the world’s largest handset and smartphone maker.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rJ1y7CpIaVA
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RIM announces new COO, CMO following anti-Apple ‘Wake Up’ reveal

Élyse Betters May 8 2012 - 6:45 am PT

[youtube=http://youtu.be/Ldq2tNLRDwA]

The big May 7 uncloaking that revealed Research in Motion is behind the seemingly anti-Apple “Wake Up” flash mob from last week occurred on schedule, but not too many people appeared to care as the steam from the confusing campaign already ran its quick course.

The “Wake Up. Be Bold” marketing scheme unveiled yesterday at wakeupbebold.com by BlackBerry Australia & New Zealand, and it included a Star Wars-like running script read aloud by a narrator prompting viewers and listeners to “Wake up.” Now, less than 24 hours after the brains behind the campaign came to light, RIM announced a newly appointed Chief Operating Officer and Chief Marketing Officer—Kristian Tear and Frank Boulben, respectively.

Tear joins RIM from Sony Mobile Communications, where he served as Executive Vice President, and Boulben is the former Executive Vice President of Strategy, Marketing, and Sales for LightSquared.

More information about the fledging company’s new executives is available in the presser [here].

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Target discounting iPhone 4S to $149, iPhone 4 to $49 – in store only

Jake Smith May 7 2012 - 1:23 pm PT

If you are looking to pick up the iPhone 4S in the next couple of days, make sure to check your local Target store before purchasing. Thanks to a couple of tips sent to us by email, we now know that various Target locations are running a deal on the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 for all carriers. The 16GB iPhone 4S is available for $149.99 on a two-year contract, while the iPhone 4 is $49.99 on two-year contract — both at a $50 discount. Let us know in the comments if your local Target is running this deal. Sadly, it is not available online.

Cheers Laurenty, Caleb, iDannyOcean!

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You can now buy an iPad from the Apple Store for $279 and an iPad 2 for $319

9to5 Staff May 7 2012 - 11:59 am PT

From 9to5Toys.com:

Apple today lowered the prices of its refurbed iPads across the board. The Original iPad 16GB Wifi is now down to just $279. Meanwhile, iPad 2s are down to starting a base price of just $319, a price drop of $30 over previous $349 clip. Higher capacity iPads are dropped as low as $50 over prices set when Apple debuted the new iPad in March.

One reason for a drop could be Apple’s move to a “new iPad 2” with increased battery life due to its more efficient processor which may be worth more than a $50 premium at #499.

It is going to be hard to find an excuse not to get mom that white iPad 2 now, isn’t it?

MacRumors has the full list of reductions, below.
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NPD: iOS plummets to 29 percent of total US smartphone sales in Q1

Élyse Betters May 7 2012 - 11:44 am PT

Apple’s iOS United States smartphone market share slide 12 percent in the year’s first quarter, which helped Google’s Android to capture nearly two-thirds of the market.

According to CNET, market research firm NPD Group placed Android’s U.S. market share at 61 percent, which is a dramatic gain from the holiday quarter’s 49 percent.

Meanwhile, Apple’s iOS slid from 41 percent in Q4 2011 to 29 percent in Q1 2012. It is assumed Apple’s October iPhone 4S launch boosted the holiday sales, but Android eventually reclaimed its Q3 2011 crown once the new year settled.

It is worth mentioning that advertising research company Neilsen measured the two smartphone OS manufacturers in March and placed Android at 49.5-percent and iOS at 32 percent for Q1 2012.

This article is cross-posted on 9to5Google.

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Microsoft: ‘iCloud might not be enough for you’

Jordan Kahn May 7 2012 - 11:12 am PT

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=agth2M00lvk#!]

We covered the release of Microsoft’s new SkyDrive for Mac and updated iOS apps last month, and today the company is once again trying to convince iCloud users to make the switch. On the Office for Mac blog and SkyDrive blog, Microsoft posted a video today titled “iCloud not enough? Try SkyDrive,” alongside the following three reasons to choose its cloud service over Apple’s:

Access files and Office docs, anywhere:

With iCloud, you can only access certain files across devices—like iWork files or photos you take on your iPhone.

With SkyDrive, you can access or manage any file from anywhere. It doesn’t matter whether the file is a document, photo, video, PDF, or anything else—just drag files to theSkyDrive folder on your Mac and they’ll automatically be available on youriPhone, iPad, or PC. If you don’t have your devices with you, you can still access, view, or edit any file by signing in to SkyDrive.com on any browser.

Share and work toegether with anyone:

With iCloud, you can only collaborate with people who have the right software.

But with SkyDrive, you can share any type of file—even big ones up to 2 GB—with anyone. SkyDrive works seamlessly with Office. Anyone you share with can view or edit Word,PowerPoint, or Excel files using Officefor Mac, Office for Windows, or withOffice Web Apps in their browser (it’s free!).

Your notes, everywhere:

With iCloud, you can access notes across your devices but can’t share them.

SkyDrive and OneNote, both free, are integrated so you can take notes, track to-dos and lists all in one place, and share your lists with friends and family so they can coordinate shopping or other tasks you’re working on together. You can share and keep your lists automatically updated from any device.

Microsoft also linked to a page with instructions for moving from iDisk to SkyDrive.

Microsoft releases SkyDrive for Mac app, updates iOS app (9to5mac.com)
Microsoft’s revamped SkyDrive cloud service to take on iCloud on OSX? (9to5mac.com)

Apple releases iOS 5.1.1

Jordan Kahn May 7 2012 - 10:19 am PT

Apple just released iOS 5.1.1 (build number 9B206) for iPad, iPod touch, and iPhone. As you can see from the release notes above, the 54.4 MB update includes: improved reliability for the HDR option when accessing the camera app from the lock screen and a number of other fixes for bugs affecting AirPlay video playback; the ability to switch between 2G and 3G networks on third-gen iPad; and, an “Unable to purchase” alert.

-Improves reliability of using HDR option for photos taken using the Lock Screen shortcut.

-Addresses bugs that could prevent the new iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks.

-Fixes bugs that affected AirPlay video playback in some circumstances.

-Improved reliability for syncing Safari bookmarks and Reading List.

-Fixes an issue where ‘Unable to purchase’ alert could be displayed after successful purchase.

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