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4,146 'Tech Industry' stories June 2007 - December 2013
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Steve Jobs’ biographer Walter Isaacson crowdsources new book on digital innovators

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Dec 30 2013 - 4:53 am PT
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Anyone who has ever written anything on the Internet and read the comments it attracts will salute the bravery of Walter Isaacson, author of the highly-acclaimed biography Steve Jobs, who is inviting comments on drafts of his next book before it is even published.

The book, which Isaacson describes as “a multi-part history of innovators of the digital age”, is due to be published in around a year’s time, and Isaacson has so far put online drafts of two chapters on several blogging sites, including LiveJournal, Medium and Sribd.

Online collaboration is why the Internet was originally built, and I’m interested in any comments or corrections readers might want to make before I publish in a year.

It should be entertaining, not least because many of the people featured in the book are still living and able to comment on Isaacson’s telling of their stories. You can see an example of this here.

Via TechCrunch

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iPad takes top spot in 2013 tablet market, but MacBooks lose out to Google-powered Chromebooks

Avatar for Mike Beasley Dec 28 2013 - 5:31 pm PT
31 Comments

Editor’s note: As noted in the graph above, the numbers in this article refer only to the commercial channel, as NPD does not measure direct sales. Some of the language below has been updated to clarify this point.

A new release from the NPD Group indicates that notebooks running Google’s Chrome OS have gained significant ground in the past year, with Google’s free operating system managing to overtake Apple’s entire lineup of MacBooks for the first time. According to the statistics, Chromebooks outsold Apple’s notebooks in the consumer channel at an over five-to-one margin.

Of course, it should be noted that the numbers presented don’t take built-to-order machines into account, instead relying on sales of pre-configured options, but even with custom orders included the numbers indicate a significant shift in consumer notebook selection. Luckily for Apple, the biggest hit seems to be to Microsoft, whose notebooks lost a significant 8% of the market to Google.


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Yahoo’s ‘commitment to mobile’ continues with Siri-like competitor

Avatar for David Beren Dec 18 2013 - 12:24 pm PT
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From 9to5Google:

Update: TechCrunch reports that this video is fake.

Update #2: TechCrunch now reports the video is real and commissioned by Yahoo!, but not a real product yet.

With Yahoo’s acquisition of SkyPhrase, a natural language processing startup this month questions immediately arose as to how Yahoo would incorporate the technology. Now, thanks to a video on Daily Motion discovered by Android Police, we may have our answer as Yahoo prepares a Siri voice-controlled personal assistant.


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Pebble announces dedicated smartwatch appstore coming next year

Avatar for David Beren Dec 18 2013 - 10:48 am PT
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From 9to5Google:

There was little question at some point, somewhere in their roadmap Pebble’s smartwatch was going to get a dedicated appstore. That day has arrived as a new company blog post indicates the new developer portal is now open. The app store will launch to the public in 2014 and be the “first-of-its-kind wearable application directory.”


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Comparing the newest Apple, Nokia marketing spots makes us weep for humanity

Avatar for David Beren Dec 18 2013 - 12:01 am PT
14 Comments

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7xVrI-tUIQ]

There’s been no shortage of debate regarding Apple’s latest holiday commercial as some have found it inspiring and emotional as others find it ridiculous and lacking a clear message. There will be debate in the coming weeks over Apple’s intentions with the message and whether or not they succeeded in tugging at our heartstrings. That being said, Apple looks like a gem, an angel, a bright light on a dark road compared to Nokia’s newest ad for the Lumia 2520. It’s true that Apple may have paused its traditional product-first advertising angle and replaced it with an arguably emotional holiday spot for the iPhone 5s, but it works leaps and bounds better than Nokia’s latest embarrassing excuse for advertising.


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Quick video: Tim Cook & other CEOs meet w/ Obama to discuss healthcare.gov, NSA surveillance, House of Cards

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Dec 17 2013 - 10:37 am PT
3 Comments

Update: Bloomberg caught up with Tim Cook on his way out of the White House today and reports Cook described the talk as “a great meeting.” Video report below.

Following yesterday’s announcement that Apple CEO Tim Cook along with other tech executives would be meeting with President Obama today, we now have some of the first images from inside the meeting.

While Politico’s report is light on details regarding what was discussed at the meeting, we get a brief video clip below showing Cook seated across from Obama (and next to Google chairman Eric Schmidt and Netflix CEO Reed Hastings) as the President makes a joke about if Hastings brought advanced copies of Netflix show “House of Cards.”

“I’m just wondering if you brought advance copies of ‘House of Cards’?” Obama said to Netflix head Reed Hastings. The executive laughed and invited the president to show up for a cameo, according to a pool report.

“I wish things were that ruthlessly efficient,” Obama said in reference to the show and its Machiavellian lead character. “This guy’s getting a lot of stuff done.”

It looks like cameras were asked to leave following the brief introduction, but on top of the expected discussions regarding the controversial launch of Healthcare.gov, the report also notes that “industry leaders made it clear they wanted to prioritize” issues related to NSA surveillance programs. The White House also announced today following the meeting that it has hired former Microsoft Office exec Kurt DelBene to oversee fixing issues that still exist with the Healthcare.gov website.

[ooyala code=”5veDlvaTolNHDp-9WOJlT-ckxr-ot8Cm” player_id=”null”]

Report: Sprint wants to buy T-Mobile USA in 2014

Avatar for Zac Hall Dec 13 2013 - 1:29 pm PT
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(via <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jbtaylor/5725362250/in/photolist-9HVYJf-dUa6Vv-9p5wzz-dktAoT-8zr6jL-8niyxG-ahWGGU-ahWGHh-ahWGHm-ahWGH3-8oqttH-dnDryR-8nfrfD-9HFdUX-c83Cah-7JfazN-e2xr5t-bURuKH-e1kDuL-9MSHjY-adVi2Z-aptqJu-ccdK8C-bmKsbu-bURuWi-ccdKcf-ccdKi5-e1faCa-8SdCBv-8MmowQ-dMm3Uk-dMrBxA-fmgSPT-dFmKF4-dFmqQ4-cCuqoG-ccdKb9-e1eY4P-8jshhM-e1eYeV-9GDiuc-9GGb4A-9MSF1E-dLUyCK-8niyGq-8nixJY-8nfrBp-g2sFSy-g2t57H-9Tufzo-9Trpo6/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>)

Almost two years to date since AT&T pulled its bid for T-Mobile USA, rival carrier Sprint is reportedly preparing its own offer to purchase the fourth largest carrier in the US.

That’s according to a The Wall Street Journal report which claims Sprint is currently looking into regulatory concerns that could be voiced if the third largest US carrier acquired the company which runs the fourth largest US carrier.

Sprint hasn’t yet decided whether to move ahead with a bid. Going forward despite regulators’ concerns would be highly risky. Any pursuit of a bid by Sprint could be aimed at testing antitrust officials’ reaction to a deal, and a bad reaction could put an end to the effort.
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Wireless carriers, FCC finally close deal to allow cell phone unlocking for consumers

Avatar for David Beren Dec 12 2013 - 12:10 pm PT
17 Comments
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From 9to5Google:

 

Update: Well, would you look at that, just moments after reports of a deal being near comes the news that a deal has actually been reached. The CTIA has posted a PDF document that reveals some of the agreed upon terms of the negotiations. The bottom line is no matter what, this is a major win for consumers and the overall industry even if the carriers are probably steaming over the deal.


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Chromecast adds support for 10 new apps including Plex, Vevo, & Songza

Avatar for Zac Hall Dec 10 2013 - 8:33 am PT
7 Comments
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(via <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/apollo_zac/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>)

Google announced today a major round of app additions for its media streaming Chromecast HDMI stick including Plex, Vevo, Songza, and more.

Chromecast, which retails for $35 (currently $32.88 on Amazon Prime), can now play local files synced with your Plex media library from iOS, Android, or Chrome. Plex support is highly requested and offers a major advantage for content consumers looking to play content from a device to an HDTV.


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Former Apple accessories engineer helps trim down the Square card reader

Avatar for Mike Beasley Dec 9 2013 - 7:30 pm PT
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Old Square reader compared to the new model (image via Wired)

While Apple’s former hardware chief was busy flattening the company’s iconic software, Apple’s former accessory hardware division leader Jesse Dorogusker was flattening something else entirely. The Square card reader has been an iconic staple for many small businesses for quite some time now. Compared to other card readers on the market, the Square is already pretty small, but Dorogusker set out to shrink it anyway.

The first order of business was to shrink and improve the reader head responsible for scanning the magnetic strip on the back of the card and transferring the data to the smartphone app. The chip that handles all of the data between the reader head and the smartphone also needed to be tweaked. Rather than have an outside party build a chip that suited Square’s needs, Dorogusker decided to build an in-house custom solution.


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Apple joins tech titans in calling for government spying reform and limitations

Avatar for Mike Beasley Dec 8 2013 - 9:46 pm PT
4 Comments
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The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple has joined Microsoft, Twitter, Google, Yahoo!, Facebook, and other giants in the tech industry in calling for a reform of the NSA’s surveillance tactics. Earlier this year it was revealed that the National Security Agency was using information from these companies and more to monitor citizens across the nation without warrants.

The companies allegedly involved in the “PRISM” program denied turning over any user data to the government, but a leaked NSA slidedeck (seen above) seemed to imply the opposite.

The new collaborative campaign, called Reform Government Surveillance, cites five driving principles in its drive to curb excessive government spying:


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T-Mobile finally takes advantage of MetroPCS merger, will use new spectrum to enhance LTE network

Avatar for Mike Beasley Dec 6 2013 - 4:45 pm PT
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All Things D reports that T-Mobile is finally taking advantage of this year’s MetroPCS merger. The fourth-largest mobile carrier in the U.S. plans to use the new spectrum to offer even faster speeds on its LTE network nationwide. Some markets are already seeing an increase in speed, and more will see faster service next year. The company says it hopes to cover up to 90% of its current subscriber base with improved service.

In direct contrast to this data network improvement, T-Mobile is also planning to launch new pre-paid plans with no data allowance included, according to TMo News. The carrier confirmed that the new plans will come with unlimited talk and text, but will not include any data. These new pre-paid plans will be available on December 8th, the the same day AT&T is launching its new selection of plans.

Add some sick modular hardware controls to your Mac for $99 (Kickstarter project)

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Dec 6 2013 - 5:05 am PT
2 Comments
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[kickstarter url=http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cchu/palette-a-freeform-interface-that-controls-any-sof width=640]

Trackpads and keyboards are great for many things, but there are some tasks where there’s no substitute for a physical dial, slider or button. In video editing, for example, there’s a reason that professional kit uses a rotary dial to move forward or backward through the video clip. Photo editing and audio work are also far easier with physical dials and sliders.

While there’s a whole world of dedicated hardware controllers out there, the Palette project on Kickstarter takes a particularly neat approach: a modular system that you can design to your own requirements. There’s a power block, button, rotary dial and slider, and you can mix-and-match them in any layout you like, and they can be made to work with any software … 
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Bluetooth 4.1 will bring more reliable, automatic connections, multiple roles, & more via software update

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Dec 5 2013 - 8:15 am PT
8 Comments
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The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has announced that it has updated its Bluetooth specification to 4.1 with new features for both developers and users of Bluetooth Smart enabled devices. The update brings coexistence support for LTE, better connections, and improved data transfer, all of which lets you connect, stay connected, and interact with your Bluetooth 4.1 devices faster and more reliably. The improved connections, for example, means developers can control reconnection intervals so your devices will automatically disconnect when you leave the room and then reconnect when in close proximity. That in return could also bring better battery life:
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Amazon teams up with BMW for Cloud Player integration

Avatar for Zac Hall Dec 3 2013 - 6:43 am PT
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(via automotive.com)

Amazon announced today an update to Amazon Cloud Player for iOS that brings sync support between its streaming music service and several BMW and Mini cars. Models from 2011 and forward which feature BMW Apps or Mini Connect will be able to access Amazon Cloud Player libraries with dashboard control support as well, Amazon says.
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Roundup: More 4K monitor options emerge in runup to Mac Pro Launch

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Dec 2 2013 - 10:24 am PT
8 Comments
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When Apple introduced its all-new Mac Pro earlier this year, Marketing SVP Phil Schiller made a point of noting that machine would be capable of driving three 4K displays simultaneously. Since then, there has been much speculation over whether or not Apple will eventually introduce its own 4K displays as an update to its Thunderbolt Display. However, with the Mac Pro expected this month, it looks like displays from third-parties will be the only option at launch. Below we’ve put together a roundup of 4K displays already ready for the Mac Pro launch (which could be any day now –Apple said “December”), including a new model just launched by Dell today.
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Crowdfunding roundup: affordable custom molded earphones, seamless wireless charging, more

Avatar for Scott Buscemi Dec 1 2013 - 11:13 am PT
3 Comments
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Rather than make you sift through all of these projects, we’re tracking down the best or most notable crowdfunding projects from around the web and delivering them to you in a simple roundup. If there’s a project that you’ve backed – or even a project that you founded – be sure to leave a link below so it can be considered for the next roundup. Check out our complete list of roundups here.

Decibullz: Easy and Affordable Custom Molded Earphones (Kickstarter project)

Earpods were supposed to be the earbuds to win them all, but we all know that they still manage to fall out of some ears and the lack of noise-canceling capabilities is a huge loss. With Decibullz, these buds are made of “thermoplastic that makes the molding process remarkably simple.” By using your stove or microwave, you can heat up the material in water then shape it to your ear. Re-shaping is just as easy.

The early bird pledge is all gone, but you can grab these for just $39+.
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LifeProof announces waterproof, Touch-ID compatible nüüd and frē case

Avatar for Sarah Guarino Nov 28 2013 - 10:19 am PT
3 Comments
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LifeProof has announced an updated version of it’s nüüd and frē cases. The cases both offer the same level of  water, dirt, snow and shock protection as the previous nüüd and frē case for the iPhone 5, but now they support using the Touch ID sensor that is built into the home button on the newer iPhone 5s.
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Microsoft hits iPad Air in new holiday-themed ads geared towards family usage

Avatar for Sarah Guarino Nov 27 2013 - 3:38 am PT
10 Comments

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsknmA96Jv0]

Microsoft has previously aired commercials that targeted the iPad comparing multitasking and mocked Siri. Microsoft airs new commercials in time for the holidays that pits the Surface 2 against Apple’s iPad Air. These three new ads demonstrate that Windows 8 can handle hands free mode, multiple accounts and has a USB port.

Microsoft’s first ad (above) shows the Surface 2 being propped up with the kickstand, using Bing’s Food and Drink app to demonstrate hands free mode. While cooking you can turn the pages by swiping them in the air, as opposed to touching the display and getting it messy. We admit it, that’s a nice (if niche) feature – though most recipes fit on one page, of course.

The second shows the Surface 2 being used in family scenarios, with multiple user accounts on the same device. These user accounts can have different apps, games, background – with parents able to monitor what their children are using. I’m not sure too many families bother to set up different accounts on PCs, let alone tablets.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knSd7-i9u1c]

The third shows how the Surface 2 has a standard USB 3.0 port, allowing users to easily connect to an external display. Because having to use a lead is so much better than Air Play …

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENxd851LuCw&w=640&h=360]

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Court denies Samsung’s attempt to stay damages in Apple patent retrial

Avatar for Mike Beasley Nov 25 2013 - 11:23 pm PT
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Last week a jury determined that Samsung violated several of Apple’s smartphone patents, a ruling which resulted in Samsung being faced with hefty fees for damages and lost revenue to Apple. Following the decision, Samsung then filed an emergency motion with the court to stop the payments while the United States Patent and Trademark Office re-evaluates the validity of Apple’s key patent.

Specifically, the Patent Office has issued an advisory that declares the patent on Apple’s “pinch to zoom” gesture invalid. This is the only patent in this case for which Apple can collect damages for lost revenue. Samsung argues that the jury’s decision should also be overturned since Samsung cannot be held liable for violating an invalid patent.

Tonight the court disagreed with Samsung, however, noting that Apple still has several options for appealing the invalidation and reclaiming the patent, at which point the jury’s decision would remain valid. US District Court Judge Koh ruled that the $290 million in damages is to be paid until the final word on the patent’s validity is determined. Only then can Samsung petition for a stay of damages.


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Incipio announces waterproof, Touch ID-compatible Atlas ID case

Avatar for Mike Beasley Nov 25 2013 - 2:58 pm PT
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Incipio announced an updated version of its Atlas iPhone case today. The new case, dubbed “Atlas ID,” provides the same level of dirt, dust, drop, and water protection as the previous Atlas case for iPhone 5, but now supports the use of the Touch ID sensor built into the home button of the newer iPhone 5s.

Along with the standard physical protections afforded by the Atlas ID, the case also comes with a one-year warranty that cover any accidental water damage that may occur while your phone is in the case.

The Atlas ID is available for pre-order now and is expected to begin shipping in about two weeks. The case is available in four colors for $89.99.

Incipio® Announces ATLAS ID™ Ultra Protective, Rugged, Waterproof Case with Intelligent Touch ID Interface for iPhone 5/5s

Next Generation Technology: Incipio® Announces ATLAS ID™ Waterproof Case For iPhone 5/5s

IRVINE, CA –November 25, 2013 – Incipio®, designer and manufacturer of award-winning mobile device accessories, announces the launch of the ATLAS™ ID Waterproof Case for iPhone 5/5s. The ATLAS ID™ Case features intelligent Touch ID interface, compatible with the iPhone 5s’ Touch ID sensor and includes a device limited warranty and simple-to-use registration App. The ATLAS ID™ embodies the most important and essential elements of device protection; resistance to water, dust, drops, and defense against unforgiving circumstances.

The ATLAS ID™ Waterproof Case for iPhone 5/5s is designed with five layers of protection inclusive of a water-resistant structure, intelligent Touch ID interface layer, co-molded rugged exterior, protective inner core, and scratch resistant tempered glass for next-level screen protection.

“The ATLAS ID™ allows iPhone 5/5s users to stay connected and protected in all circumstances no matter the conditions,” said Andy Fathollahi, Chief Executive, Incipio. “We are pleased to offer the ATLAS ID™ as a follow-up to the highly lauded ATLAS™ Case for iPhone 5. The new ATLAS ID™ is by far and away the most advanced rugged waterproof accessory available for iPhone 5/5s.”

Incipio’s ATLAS ID™ Case is waterproof up to 2 meters (6.56 feet) for 30 minutes, meets US Military Standard 810G for drop protection, water and dust ingress, and has an IP68 ingress protection rating against water and dust. To ensure optimal protection, Incipio’s ATLAS ID™ Waterproof Case for iPhone 5/5s features a water-proof structure sealing the iPhone 5/5s off from external pressures while maintaining complete access to all ports, buttons and controls for extensive use. The case also offers water-proof seals for the charging port and headphone jack. The ATLAS ID™ allows users to capture pictures, video and enjoy uninterrupted mobile features without sacrificing the safety of their device.

Incipio’s ATLAS ID™ Waterproof Case for iPhone 5/5s includes a free one-year device limited warranty that covers accidental device water damage (US Domestic). Users can also enjoy the free, easy-to-use registration App to complete limited warranty registration in a matter of minutes and store their receipt for convenient future access.

Additionally, the ATLAS ID™ is engineered to deliver unsurpassed audio performance while remaining completely waterproof; convenient for use in and out of the water. The case’s precision engineered tempered glass screen provides optical clarity, offers a seamless touchscreen experience, and is the strongest screen protection available for a mobile device accessory.

Incipio’s ATLAS ID™ Waterproof Case for iPhone 5/5s is offered in 4 bold color combinations, including: Black/Dark Gray, Light Gray/Dark Gray, White/Gray and Pink/Gray for $89.99.

To download high-resolution images of Incipio’s ATLAS ID™ Waterproof Case for iPhone 5/5s visit, ATLAS ID™ high resolution images.

To purchase the ATLAS ID™ for US residents visit, ATLAS ID™ US

To purchase the ATLAS ID™ for International residents visit, ATLAS ID™ International

For the latest product news and announcements connect with Incipio on Facebook, Twitter @myincipio, and Instagram @incipio.

About Incipio:

Incipio® is a Southern California based designer and manufacturer of award winning mobile device accessories and technology. Established in 1999, Incipio® is widely recognized for consistently creating state of the art protective solutions for the mobile world. Through an untiring commitment to innovative and original designs, Incipio® is globally recognized for the functional and premium accessories the brand produces. Incipio’s products are sold worldwide in leading consumer and electronics retailers, mobile retailers and through www.incipio.com.