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1,032 'Google' stories August 2010 - November 2012
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Walmart unveils two Apple deals in 2012 Black Friday sales ad

Avatar for Élyse Betters Nov 8 2012 - 4:15 am PT
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Walmart just released its annual Black Friday sales flyer for both in-store and online shopping with two Apple deals unwrapped.

The only in-store Apple deal is a second-generation iPad 16GB Wi-Fi model for $399. The tablet obviously does not come with a discounted price tag, but customers will receive a $75 bonus Walmart gift card with purchase.

The only online Apple deal is a fourth-generation iPod touch and bonus accessory kit in 16GB and 32GB capacities for $179 and $249, respectively. So, folks are only saving $20 if they purchase the 16GB flavor and zilch for the 32GB. Well, I guess the free accessory kit saves money too. Meh.

And…that’s it. Check it out:

More information on Walmart’s sales and event hours is available in the press release below. Oh, online shipping fees depend on customers’ selected options (more details here).


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Jailbreak tweak augments Siri with Google Voice Search (Video)

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Nov 7 2012 - 8:52 am PT
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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=e54gK0UpAxs#!]

The Google Now-like voice recognition features introduced to the Google Search for iOS app last month have been getting a lot of attention. Maps might not be the only area Apple cannot compete with Google. As highlighted in a video comparison we posted earlier this week, Google’s voice search feature has Siri beat. And many users are taking note. Today, AppAdvice pointed us to a new Jailbreak tweak called “NowNow” that allows you to call up Google voice search (from within the Google Search iOS app) by holding down the Home button—just like Siri. It appears you can also select alternate methods to invoke the feature, so you should be able to continue to use both if want. The tweak is available via the BigBoss repository now for free.


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PanoPerfect, Spotify goes iPhone 5, Fandango, WolframAlpha, app sales, and more

Avatar for Élyse Betters Nov 6 2012 - 11:58 am PT
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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCbR8wEQyys]

9to5Mac compiled another list of the top app news, updates, and launches in our usual roundup below. The highlights from today include a new photo-sharing app designed for Panoramas, iPhone 5 and iPad 4 optimizations, and a couple of notable app sales for iOS. As always, we will continually update this list throughout the day.

New:

1. PanoPerfect for iOS | Free
PanoPerfect is now live—just think Instagram for Panoramas. It is optimized for iPhone 5 and subsequently perfect for sharing and displaying Panorama snapped with iOS 6. Check out the video promo above.

Check out more below.


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How Google wants to own the iPhone and how Apple is trying to stop it

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Nov 6 2012 - 11:17 am PT
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A Google Zombie iPhone?

With Android now on 75 percent of all smartphones sold, and Apple and Samsung battling in and out of court for the top vendor position, the smartphone wars usually come down to units sold. Apple vs. Samsung. Android vs. iOS. Less of a focus has been Google’s steady invasion of iOS, providing users with an alternative universe to most of the core features of Apple’s mobile operating system. The importance of Google’s ecosystem of iOS apps has never been more apparent than following the recent controversy over the removal of YouTube and Google Maps as default features of iOS. Apple realized the necessity of controlling key experiences on iOS, such as Maps, but it is running into a backlash from users in the process. It is not just facing competition from Android vendors; it is also now engaged in a struggle to keep Google from creating its own layer on top of iOS.

Google’s iOS apps are not just driving iPhone and iPad users to use Google services instead of Apple’s; they are increasingly an important aspect of the iOS experience for a large amount of users. Sixty-one percent of iOS users in our own polls said they were hesitant to even update to iOS 6 because of Apple’s new Maps app, many of which are still waiting for a standalone Google Maps app that Apple has yet to approve. Some say the Maps fiasco coupled with Siri might have even led to the departure of long-time iOS chief Scott Forstall, which many think could result in a new direction for iOS. What this means for Google’s presence on iOS going forward remains to be seen, but Apple does not appear to be ignoring the control Google’s apps have over its users.


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Microsoft ‘already’ has an answer to the iPad Mini: The XBOX Surface 7-inch gaming tablet

Avatar for 9to5 Staff Nov 6 2012 - 7:40 am PT
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The Verge reports that Microsoft’s fashionably-late entry into the smaller tablet market will be the smaller “XBOX Surface”.

Microsoft is building its own 7-inch gaming tablet. Multiple sources familiar with plans within Redmond have confirmed to The Verge that initial hardware planning for an Xbox Surface is underway. Specifications for an Xbox Surface 7-inch tablet computing deviceleaked back in June ahead of Microsoft’s Surface RT and Surface Pro announcement. We’re told that the initial specs were accurate and that the final implementation is being worked on.

Not sure how heavy a ‘gaming tablet’ needs to be, but the thing I like the most about the iPad mini is how little it weighs.
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Watch Siri go up against Google Voice Search in speed test (Video)

Avatar for Élyse Betters Nov 5 2012 - 12:38 pm PT
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[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/52497584 w=600&h=500]

So, in case you were wondering why Apple Senior Vice President of Internet Software and Services Eddie Cue is now in charge of Siri, watch the Siri vs. Google Voice Search video above. The most notable difference between the two speech-recognition services —by far— is the response time.

[via Gizmodo]


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Google/Motorola says Apple’s patent claims thrown out ‘with prejudice’

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Nov 5 2012 - 11:52 am PT
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According to a report from Reuters, Google issued a statement that a Wisconsin federal court has decided to dismiss Apple’s “patent lawsuit with prejudice.” The report explained this particular case was brought on by Apple in part to determine what the courts considered fair and reasonable licensing terms for the patent portfolio Google acquired when purchasing Motorola.

Google said in a statement that it is still interested in making a deal with Apple “at a reasonable and non-discriminatory rate in line with industry standards”:

“We’re pleased that the court has dismissed Apple’s lawsuit with prejudice,” a Google spokeswoman said in an emailed statement on Monday…”Motorola has long offered licensing to our extensive patent portfolio at a reasonable and non-discriminatory rate in line with industry standards,” Google said in its statement. “We remain interested in reaching an agreement with Apple.”

Reuters explained the case being dismissed with prejudice means it is officially over at the trial court level. However, Apple can still appeal:
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Report profiles Google’s internal feelings over whether Apple will approve Google Maps app

Avatar for Élyse Betters Nov 5 2012 - 9:01 am PT
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iOS 5 Maps with Google’s backend

The Guardian published a new report today that cited unnamed sources and throws around phrases like “not optimistic” and “unlikely event” in regards to Apple ever allowing a Google Maps iOS app.

The story claimed Google’s app is ready to ship by the end of 2012, but Google is torn about the likelihood of Apple ever giving an official go-ahead:

While one source indicated increased hopes that the dedicated Google Maps iOS app will eventually be approved now that Apple’s maps leader, Scott Forstall, has departed the company, another was less than enthusiastic about any increased prospects, citing industry politics and Apple’s need to save face as much as possible and “keep moving forward in an effort to make its obviously inferior product better”. Apple unveiled the section, which on Monday listed ten free and paid-for apps, to spotlight alternative mapping apps for iOS in an effort to placate users over response to criticisms of its own Maps app.

The Guardian specifically noted Apple’s reluctance to give Google Maps any attention in iOS. The company apparently went as far as to neglect apps in the “Find maps for your iPhone” section of the App Store that use Google Maps APIs:

Further, a source at Google told me the feeling is that those apps were purposely left out of the new section because they promote Google and its “superior product” – at a time when there is so much bad blood between the companies over the continuing smartphone patent litigation (following allegations from the late Steve Jobs that Google’s Android OS ripped off iOS). In other words, no matter how bad Apple’s Maps are, the company still wants its users to move on from Google – and forget about them. This doesn’t bode well for the approval of an official Google Maps app, the source says.

Despite the pessimistic outlook of the anonymous Google sources, the Guardian said Apple and the folks in Mountain View are in constant talks. So, the tide could potentially change without any notice. With that said, they firmly believe Apple will never again make Google Maps a default mapping solution in iOS.


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Belkin unveils first third-party Lightning accessories

Avatar for Élyse Betters Nov 5 2012 - 8:31 am PT
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Belkin just unveiled the market’s first third-party Lightning accessories.

The manufacturer said it will launch several new products designed for Apple’s Lightning connector this year, but today it specifically revealed a hardwired car charger for $29.99 and a Charge + Sync dock for $29.99.

The Lightning accessories are available for pre-order now and will become available in mid-November. Full specs for each product are available in the press release below.


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Poll: Is it socially acceptable to take photos/video with your iPad Mini?

Avatar for 9to5 Staff Nov 3 2012 - 5:16 am PT
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With the release of Apple’s new iPad Mini, you now have a device that lives somewhere between an iPhone and a full-sized iPad. We know that while iPhone photo taking is fully acceptable, taking pictures in public with your iPad certainly is not (see middle image).

But the question, first posed on Reddit, is: with the high quality 5MP camera in the 7.9-inch display iPad Mini, is it socially acceptable to grab a snapshot with your Mini or should you keep the photos for the iPod touch and iPhone sized devices?

Oh, then there are these guys:


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First Nexus 10 reviews show off a laggy Android 4.2 (Video)

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Nov 2 2012 - 10:25 am PT
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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dt1ZKiZaem8&feature=youtu.be&start=72]

Reviews are starting to hit the web for Google’s new Nexus 10 tablet, its first true 10-inch iPad competitor. Most reviewers are praising the device’s display—some even calling it equal to or better than the full-sized iPad’s Retina display. Hardware aside, it appears even the latest version of Android might be the biggest source of frustration as perfectly highlighted at 1:17 in The Verge’s hands-on review above.

Stay tuned for the 9to5Google review of the Nexus 10 this weekend.

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S. Korea demanding changes to naming of island in Apple’s Maps app

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Nov 2 2012 - 7:13 am PT
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This is not the first time Apple has been asked by government to alter imagery in its new Maps app. Google and others already work with authorities around the globe to obscure imagery of sensitive locations such as military bases. Taiwan wants images of an early-warning radar facility blurred in the app, and the Korea Times (via SearchEngineLand) reported the South Korean government is now requesting changes too:

Korea has protested to Apple Inc. over its new English-language mapping service for the iPhone, which shows both Korean and Japanese names for Dokdo, the South’s easternmost islets, an official said Wednesday… iOS 6 mobile operating software simultaneously uses Korean, Japanese and a Franco-English name, the Liancourt Rocks, to describe Dokdo, which is also claimed by Japan.

“We protested to Apple’s Korean unit that, because Dokdo is clearly an integral part of our territory, the new reference is unacceptable and it should be marked as the Korean name of Dokdo wherever it is searched for,” the official said.

“Although Apple is a private organization, this is an issue that our government cannot concede on. So, we will continue reiterating our stance and requesting Apple to accept our demand,” the official said.

Google also takes the approach of using both the Korean and English names in its Maps, as does Apple for other locations where naming varies by language. That approach isn’t acceptable to South Korean officials.

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Apple has pushed back Maps turn-by-turn navigation launch to November for Australia

Avatar for Jake Smith Oct 29 2012 - 6:10 pm PT
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Apple was initially set to release turn-by-turn navigation for Australia sometime this month, however an update to Apple’s Maps availability webpage this evening has clued us in that the launch has been delayed. Apple is now saying the feature will be available in November, just a month after ex-iOS chief Scott Forstall announced that the turn-by-turn feature was in “qualifying stages” for Australia. The Maps feature did launch in Brunei, Egypt, Macau, Malaysia, Morocco, South Africa, Taiwan and Thailand during October — one commenter pointed out below.

We assume the delay comes after the flurry of problems that have plagued Apple’s iOS Maps. In September, CEO Tim Cook issued a public apology for Maps, saying “we strive to make world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to our customers. With the launch of our new Maps last week, we fell short on this commitment. We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better.” He went on to recommend alternatives.

It looks like Apple may also miss another October deadline. During its September press event, the company promised the redesigned iTunes 11 by the end of October. Apple has two days to hit its promise. As for Australia users, you may as well rejoice for the delay, as turn-by-turn has lead users to some pretty strange places. It happened to me last week when I was thrown nine miles off course, causing a pesky back-track.

Thanks, Ivan Pavlov!
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Google’s launches Android holiday lineup: LG Nexus 4, Samsung Nexus 10, $299 4G 32GB Nexus 7

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Oct 29 2012 - 10:16 am PT
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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pHuoDqcIyqk]

Google is making some big product announcements today, despite having to cancel its event due to Hurricane Sandy. Among the announcements: a new Nexus smartphone from LG, a Samsung-built Nexus 10 tablet, and updates to Google’s 7-inch Nexus 7 lineup.

LG Nexus 4: Google is launching the much-rumored LG Nexus 4 on Nov. 13 starting at $299. Much of the specs were confirmed previously, but Google has interestingly decided to not offer an LTE-capable model of the device. It is, however, including a wireless charging dock. T-Mobile is Google’s premier launch partner for the Nexus 4. Full specs on 9to5Google.

Samsung Nexus 10: Clearly, Google’s iPad competitor, its new 10-inch offering, is a Samsung-built tablet that packs in iPad-like specs starting at $399. The Verge said its 10-inch 2,560-by-1,600-pixel resolution (same as 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro) display is “on par with the iPad’s Retina display, with sharp text, excellent color fidelity, and great viewing angles.” Full specs and more here.

Nexus 7: Google has also confirmed today that its 7-inch Nexus 7 lineup is being refreshed. Google’s iPad mini competitor will now start at $199 for 16GB, and it will offer a 32GB model for $249. Those are both Wi-Fi-only, but Google will also offer an HSPA+ 32GB model for $300, $30 less than Apple’s entry-level iPad mini. The 8GB model is gone. That 32GB HSPA+ Nexus 7 is going up the bigger iPad mini that starts at $329.

Head over to 9to5Google.com for more coverage of Google’s leaked product announcements. Oh, and Microsoft is launching Windows Phone 8 as well.

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Spoof ‘banned’ iPad mini promo [Video]

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Oct 29 2012 - 5:43 am PT
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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os87PLlyU4k]

You might have seen past “banned” Apple promo videos from John Elerick and crew on YouTube. The guys are out with their latest spoof Apple commercial today, but this time it is for the iPad mini. On a serious note, Amazon is taking note of some of the iPad mini’s shortcomings, as pointed out in the video, by posting a comparison of the Kindle Fire HD and the iPad mini on its website. Amazon already included the comparison in its recent earnings release, but today it posted a large graphic on its homepage that reads “Much more for much less” while comparing specs of the two devices:

Elerick’s recent banned iPhone 5 promo, also worth a watch, is below:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFUz6vHEQCM&feature=share&list=SPEFE01BA954950D82]

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Tim Cook clarifies Apple’s position on 7-inch tablets

Avatar for Élyse Betters Oct 25 2012 - 3:01 pm PT
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Image via <a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02377/cook_2377342b.jpg" target="_blank">Telegraph</a>

Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook just clarified, during Apple’s fiscal Q4 earnings call, that the iPad mini is not a 7-inch tablet because Apple does not “think they’re good products.”

Cook specifically stressed the 7.9-inch screen size of the iPad mini provides 35 percent more screen area than the 7-inch competition:

“(…) referencing all comments Steve made before about 7-inch tablets: Let me be clear, we would not make one of the 7-inch tablets. We don’t think they are good products, and we would never make one. Not just because it’s 7 inches, but for many reasons. One of the reasons…is size. I’m not sure if you saw our keynote. The difference in just the size between 7.9—almost 8—versus 7 is 35 percent. And when you look at the usable area, it is much greater than that. You know, it is from 50 percent to 67 percent. The iPad mini has the same number of pixels as iPad 2 does. You have access to all 275,000 apps in our App Store. So, iPad mini is a fantastic product. It is not a compromise product like the 7-inch tablets. It is a whole different league.”

Follow 9to5Mac’s live blog for more minute-by-minute details from the call.

[tweet https://twitter.com/llsethj/status/261588725874696192]


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Google teases ‘next version’ of Google Wallet, gauges interest among iOS users

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Oct 22 2012 - 1:30 pm PT
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Google is teasing the next version of its Google Wallet service today as carriers team up to launch their own ISIS mobile wallet competitor. What happens when requesting an invite to the new Google Wallet is interesting… Google asks users to select what device they use: Android, iOS, and Other. 9to5Google has the full story.

More 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro pictures surface: 2 Thunderbolt ports, HDMI, 2560×1600 resolution

Avatar for 9to5 Staff Oct 19 2012 - 4:08 pm PT
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15″ Retina MacBook Pro above, 13″ Retina MacBook Pro below (note no speaker and port/keyboard alignment):

.

Another visit to WeiPhone.com forum thread [Google translation] (via MacRumors) from last week yields some additional new pictures of the upcoming 13-inch MacBook Pro. You can see different placement of the side jacks as they relate to the keyboard and lack of speaker.

There’s nothing unexpected but it does seem to confirm a few things:

  • 2 Thunderbolt ports like 15-inch Retina and unlike 13-inch Pros
  • The Windows screens seem to confirm the 2560×1600 pixel display
  • HDMI port like Retina 15, unlike Pro 13.

We expect to see the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro at the October 23rd event with a base price in the $1599-1699 area. More pictures below:


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Apple has reportedly acquired HTML 5 design firm Particle for the talent

Avatar for Jake Smith Oct 16 2012 - 7:42 pm PT
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According to CNET, Apple has acquired HTML 5/web-app design firm Particle for an undisclosed amount. Particle has had big-name clients, such as Google, Sony, Motorola, and even Apple, over the years. The acquisition is said to be for the sole purpose of acquiring talent —or an “acqui-hire,” as one might call it—to boost Apple’s current services. CNET provided the specifics:

The deal went through late last month, though not all its less than a dozen employees stayed on to work at Apple. Those who did are listed as “creative technologists” as well as one “user interface engineer,” according to their public LinkedIn profiles.

Here is the firm’s website talking about past work for Apple:

Particle brings positive and energetic relationships with Google and the Chrome team specifically, as well as great Apple relationships and execution experience around iAds, iTunes Extras, and Apple.com. We have participated in and piloted much of the technology which will display the next generation of advertising and deliver media content for the next decade.

The iCloud web-interface is one area where the Particle team might focus in particular.


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Developer allegedly gets his hands on photos of Google’s Maps for iOS?

Avatar for Jake Smith Oct 14 2012 - 2:12 pm PT
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Developer Ben Guild posted alleged screenshots of Google’s upcoming Maps for iOS app. He claimed the photos show the alpha version of the app that is “speedy” and supports the iPhone 5. Further details in the report assert that Maps for iOS is vector-based and supports two-finger rotation.

The photos do not show anything too mind-boggling. However, if real, they show Google is actively working on the app which many hope is coming. Last month, we reported that Google has a Maps for iOS coming—and others agree.

The hope for Google to release a standalone app came after the flop of Maps that Apple introduced in iOS 6. Users have complained, while Apple CEO Tim Cook promised Maps would get better over time. Google chairperson Eric Schmidt voiced last week in Tokyo that Apple should have kept Google Maps: “We think it would have been better if they had kept ours. But what do I know?” He would neither confirm nor deny working on a Maps app for iOS, but he mentioned Apple would “have to approve it. It’s their choice.”

If it is released, I think it is safe to say that a Google Maps for iOS would quickly reach top of the charts in the App Store.

Update: A Twitterer shows how easy these are to fake:

[tweet https://twitter.com/r_gonzalezagui/status/257603183675850753]


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iPhone 5 beats Galaxy S III in Web traffic already despite negative Maps app press

Avatar for Élyse Betters Oct 12 2012 - 10:42 am PT
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Not the best looking pie chart—especially for Samsung.

Apple’s iPhone 5, at just three weeks old, is apparently experiencing more Web traffic than its three-month-old arch nemesis Samsung Galaxy S III.

The latest report from research firm Chitika depicts the iPhone 5 as gobbling up 56 percent of Web traffic volume, compared to the S III’s 44 percent, in just 18 days since it officially released. Chitika attributed the sudden growth to record-breaking sales numbers and 4G speeds:

Record-breaking sales numbers, along with new 4G browsing speeds which encourage data usage, are the most likely explanation for this tremendous growth. This latest shift in the mobile ecosystem is not welcome news for Samsung, which has positioned its device as a direct competitor to the iPhone 5.

Chitika has notably come under fire recently for publishing incorrect information on Google’s local search queries. The firm realized its errors after reading an article by SearchEngineLand. While today’s Web traffic report is significant—yet sudden— for Apple, lets hope Chitika has straightened out its metrics for analyzing Web data.


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Apple lands No. 2 spot for ‘most inDemand employer’ globally, considered desirable among students and recent grads

Avatar for Élyse Betters Oct 11 2012 - 11:19 am PT
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Apple just landed the No. 2 spot on LinkedIn’s fresh list of most “inDemand” employers from around the world.

The occupation-aimed social network pinpointed the most attractive companies for job seekers, and it subsequently broadcasted the list, along with its new Most InDemand Employers website, at the Talent Connect event in Las Vegas this afternoon. LinkedIn further detailed a few insights regarding the results, including: tech/software as the most represented on the list, consumer brands ranked highly, and 50-percent of the top 100 companies had under 7,000 employees.

Apple also earned third-place in the United States, just behind Walt Disney, and students and recent graduates perceive it as the second-best possible employer after Google.

Check out more details in the infographic below, or read LinkedIn’s blog post to learn more about the list’s ranking metrics.

This article is cross-posted on 9to5Google.


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US court reverses Apple’s injunction on Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Oct 11 2012 - 9:42 am PT
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U.S. Judge Lucy Koh granted Apple’s request for a preliminary injunction against Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus smartphone in June, and the decision resulted in the temporary removal of the device from Google Play pending a software fix with Android 4.1. Today, Reuters reported that Apple’s U.S. injunction on the Galaxy Nexus has been reversed. TheNextWeb got its hands on the official order:

Samsung argued, somewhat humiliatingly, that the sales of the Galaxy Nexus were so poor that they didn’t pose a threat to Apple’s iPhone and that the unified search feature was not essential to the success of its device. The appeals court apparently agrees, as it states in its official order:

…it may very well be that the accused product would sell almost as well without incorporating the patented feature. And in that case, even if the competitive injury that results from selling the accused device is substantial, the harm that flows from the alleged infringement (the only harm that should count) is not.

According to Reuters, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled the court “abused its discretion in entering an injunction” and will send the case back to the California court for consideration.
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