Another tough week for Facebook
It's been another brutal and busy week for Facebook, which saw its stock dip below $20 a share for the first time since its May IPO. And the bleeding just won't stop.Facebook closed on Thursday just above$20 a share -- almost half the debut price. This despite Facebook's latest wave of selling, which began when Zynga spooked investors with its lousy earnings report last Wednesday and continued with Facebook's own unspectacular earnings. And word that some big boys have dumped the stock hasn't helped. The Wall Street Journal reported that Fidelity, one of Facebook's largest institutional investors, sold some 1.9 million shares across 21 of its mutual funds in June. The stock, however, is up this morning. But that doesn't change the outlook much. On Wednesday came word of three executives leaving the company: Director of Platform Partnerships Ethan Beard; Platform Marketing Director Katie Mitic; and Mobile Platform Marketing Manager Jonathan Matus.Meanwhile, Facebook announced on Thursday that it has relaunched Facebook Stories, "meant to celebrate the people who connect and share in innovative ways." Of course they're also meant to boost the public's opinion of the social network.Facebook also said this week that it plans to move all of its 950 million users to Timeline this fall. That means it's time for users to weed their profiles of any potentially embarrassing old posts, which may become more prominent with the Timeline-style presentation.• Facebook: 8.7 percent are fake users• Firm ditches Facebook for Twitter, claims clicks are bots• Questions mount as Facebook advertisers lose to clickbotsMore headlinesApple v. Samsung re-opens with plenty of dramaJudge in the case asks for no sideshows or antics, and questions jurors on whether they've heard anything about the patent struggle outside the courtroom.• Apple seeks 'emergency' sanctions against Samsung• Samsung in Olympic form showing how to work the refs• Samsung lashes back at Apple in excluded evidence spat• Apple: Misconduct part of Samsung's legal strategy• Samsung to Apple: It's not copying, it's competing• Complete coverage: Apple v. SamsungTwitter apologizes for Guy Adams 'mess-up'Following debacle surrounding the suspension of journalist Guy Adams' account, the microblogging service says it made a mistake.• Twitter's breach of trust• Guy Adams' Twitter ban liftedMicrosoft previews Hotmail successor, Outlook.comRedmond is rolling out a preview of a new e-mail service that combines elements of Exchange and Hotmail into a Metro-influenced client.• Microsoft's Outlook.com lures 1M users in 6 hoursDropbox confirms it was hacked, offers users helpAfter a two-week investigation, the online file-storage service confirms that usernames and passwords were stolen from third-party Web sites and then used to access Dropbox accounts.Windows 8 takes big RTM step toward consumersMicrosoft's Windows 8 development is done, and the OS is off to PC makers. Some users will be able to get the final bits within days. Also RTM'd: Windows Server 2012, Visual Studio 2012, and IE10. • Is 'Metro' now a banned word at Microsoft?• Windows 8 store now up to 450 Metro-style appsGoogle Wallet goes cloud; supports all credit, debit cardsGoogle might have figured out the key to mass adoption of its Wallet product: accept every major credit and debit card that's available.• Amex didn't sign on to Google Wallet's major app upgradeFacebook to shuttle all users to Timeline this fallThe social network says it will roll over its 950 million users to Timeline by "fall." It's time to get your affairs in order.• Facebook touts relaunched 'Facebook Stories'Republicans block vote on cybersecurity billDemocrats fail to overcome a GOP filibuster to bring the bill to the Senate floor before the August recess.• Cybersecurity bill bombarded with amendmentsDigg has a new clean look, lacking in featuresDigg had a mass exodus of users back in 2010 when the site let major news agencies dominate the front page with sponsored listings. Can a cleaner design and a new attitude bring the site back to its former glory? • New Digg is now live, with focus on 'top stories'The new Digg is not ready for prime time...See full gallery1 - 4 / 5NextPrevAmazon unveils Instant Video app for iPad ownersiPad users can now watch their favorite movies and TV shows from Amazon's video library directly on their tablets.• iTunes vs. Amazon: What's the best video service on the iPad?Curiosity rover drives $2.5B make-or-break Mars missionThe Mars Science Laboratory is the most expensive and complex lander ever sent to the Red Planet. It's a nuclear-powered rover that will scale a 3-mile-tall mountain to seek the building blocks of life.• Aging NASA science satellite on call to confirm Mars landing• High-stakes Mars mission relies on untried 'sky crane'Stark Mars terrain awaits Curiosity (pic...See full gallery1 - 4 / 32NextPrevAlso of note• Google passes Apple to become 'top global brand,' study says• Court to TSA: Hey, what about your nude scanners?• Senate to debate whether online retailers must collect sales tax• Social marketing a big deal? Google thinks so, buys Wildfire• Amazon's cloud music service gets scan and match• Why it's not doom and gloom for HTC yet.postBody h4, .postBody h4{font-size: 1.2em;margin: 10px 0 0 0 ;padding: 0px;font-weight: bold;border-bottom: none;}
iPad, iPhone, notebook, Netbook- A gadget glut-
iPad, iPhone, notebook, Netbook: A gadget glut?
First, let me count the ways I can be connected: a couple of MacBooks, an iPad 3G, an iPhone 3GS, an old HP tower, and, if I need it, a BlackBerry Storm 2 (though Wi-Fi access only for the BlackBerry, as I recently discontinued service).That covers most of what I use everyday.(And I know people that add a Netbook to a similar mix of devices.)Of course, I got to this state of excess voluntarily.Nobody held a gun to my head.That said, on most days--in myriad ways I won't go into here--this entourage of devices enhances productivity and sustains the computer-related hobbies I have. But on the bad days it's get-thee-to-an-IT-department--at least, that's the feeling.Compounding glitches can hit critical mass in minutes. Does the following, or a variation of the theme, sound familiar? The Internet connection goes south, freezing the browser and the 15 or so tabs that are open.And the Windows machine is pestering you about a massive critical update while a message is telling you it can't connect to the printer.The wireless printer disconnects inexplicably.Meanwhile, iTunes crashes on the iPhone.And the iPad 3G runs out of juice just when you need it. Oh, and the cable guy (in this case, the AT&T IP guy) is knocking on the door because he wants to check the fiber-to-the-node connection at your house. And this brings us to the iPad. That is the X factor that didn't exist before.So, is the iPad the tipping point?I would say no. The iPad is actually relatively innocuous, I think.While a Windows machine can be a ticking time bomb of crash-happy applications requiring--depending on how bloated the PC is--user oversight to keep things from exploding, the iPad, in my experience, has little overhead (beyond charging the battery).You don't need an IT guy to show you how totransfer photos to your iPad.You do need (or, in my case, would like to have) an IT guy to get you out of a crash loop that occurs when you start up a particular application in Windows Vista.(One of my machines, by the way, still runs Windows Vista for reasons I won't go into here.) So, the gadget overload occurs when you have too many devices that require a disproportionate amount of time fixing, configuring, and updating rather than productive use.Of course, a private gadget glut can occur, I suppose, by just having too many devices.In that case, simple things like trying to orchestrate the recharging of all of the batteries in laptops, smartphones, and cameras can trigger soul searching and philosophical quandaries about how necessary technology really is (not to mention the environmental impact).
First, let me count the ways I can be connected: a couple of MacBooks, an iPad 3G, an iPhone 3GS, an old HP tower, and, if I need it, a BlackBerry Storm 2 (though Wi-Fi access only for the BlackBerry, as I recently discontinued service).That covers most of what I use everyday.(And I know people that add a Netbook to a similar mix of devices.)Of course, I got to this state of excess voluntarily.Nobody held a gun to my head.That said, on most days--in myriad ways I won't go into here--this entourage of devices enhances productivity and sustains the computer-related hobbies I have. But on the bad days it's get-thee-to-an-IT-department--at least, that's the feeling.Compounding glitches can hit critical mass in minutes. Does the following, or a variation of the theme, sound familiar? The Internet connection goes south, freezing the browser and the 15 or so tabs that are open.And the Windows machine is pestering you about a massive critical update while a message is telling you it can't connect to the printer.The wireless printer disconnects inexplicably.Meanwhile, iTunes crashes on the iPhone.And the iPad 3G runs out of juice just when you need it. Oh, and the cable guy (in this case, the AT&T IP guy) is knocking on the door because he wants to check the fiber-to-the-node connection at your house. And this brings us to the iPad. That is the X factor that didn't exist before.So, is the iPad the tipping point?I would say no. The iPad is actually relatively innocuous, I think.While a Windows machine can be a ticking time bomb of crash-happy applications requiring--depending on how bloated the PC is--user oversight to keep things from exploding, the iPad, in my experience, has little overhead (beyond charging the battery).You don't need an IT guy to show you how totransfer photos to your iPad.You do need (or, in my case, would like to have) an IT guy to get you out of a crash loop that occurs when you start up a particular application in Windows Vista.(One of my machines, by the way, still runs Windows Vista for reasons I won't go into here.) So, the gadget overload occurs when you have too many devices that require a disproportionate amount of time fixing, configuring, and updating rather than productive use.Of course, a private gadget glut can occur, I suppose, by just having too many devices.In that case, simple things like trying to orchestrate the recharging of all of the batteries in laptops, smartphones, and cameras can trigger soul searching and philosophical quandaries about how necessary technology really is (not to mention the environmental impact).
Apple rejects update to CastCatcher iPhone app
Apple rejects update to CastCatcher iPhone app
Updated 5:15pm with comment from Return7.The fourth time was definitely not the charm for the developers behind the CastCatcher streaming radio application for the iPhone.Apple rejected CastCatcher 1.3 from the App Store on Monday, according to Return7 developer Amro Mousa. The reason? "CastCatcher Internet Radio cannot be posted to the App Store because it is transferring excessive volumes of data over the cellular network, which as outlined in the iPhone SDK Agreement section 3.3.15, is prohibited."If that's Apple's policy regarding streaming radio applications, Mousa is a little puzzled, because he has already released three versions of CastCatcher with no problems since it was first released to the App Store in September. And there are several other streaming radio applications on the App Store, such as the one developed by CBS subsidiary and CNET corporate sibling Last.fm, that also operate over the cellular network using the same amount of bandwidth as CastCatcher, according to Mousa.Mousa says he's trying to get an answer out of Apple, and I'll update this post if and when he updates the company blog or responds to an e-mail inquiry. CastCatcher 1.2 is still available on the App Store as of this writing, so perhaps there is something specific to the latest update that triggered the bandwidth concerns, although Amro said in the comments on his blog that he left the bit transfer rates unchanged on the new version.The CastCatcher incident has to once again bring up questions about how Apple is handling App Store rejections. Earlier this year Apple killed an application called Podcaster that let users download podcasts over-the-air directly to their iPhones without using iTunes--a feature Apple did not offer at the time but reportedly plans to offer with the OS X 2.2 update.Should we soon expect to see an iPhone version of the streaming radio channels offered on iTunes?UPDATED 5:15pm - Mousa responded to an e-mail asking for further details, quoted in part below.At any rate, some of my thoughts on why this might have happened are (purely speculation):1) Their review process might have been outsourced and some decision tree is being taken too literally2) An honest mistake3) They're adding support for streaming audio in iPhone 2.3 or thereaboutsI honestly have no idea why this has happened. There were no changes to the streaming code since 1.2 (really nothing significant outside of metadata parsing since 1.0). Bandwidth used depends entirely on the stream provided by the user (i.e. 128kbps streams require that much bandwidth).For the record, it's not been a terribly long time since Apple rejected the app -- roughly a week and in the past they've been helpful. Lately, not so much though.Mousa wanted to point out that he holds no grudge against Apple, but is frustrated that he is unable to deliver the bug fixes and feature upgrades that his users requested.
Updated 5:15pm with comment from Return7.The fourth time was definitely not the charm for the developers behind the CastCatcher streaming radio application for the iPhone.Apple rejected CastCatcher 1.3 from the App Store on Monday, according to Return7 developer Amro Mousa. The reason? "CastCatcher Internet Radio cannot be posted to the App Store because it is transferring excessive volumes of data over the cellular network, which as outlined in the iPhone SDK Agreement section 3.3.15, is prohibited."If that's Apple's policy regarding streaming radio applications, Mousa is a little puzzled, because he has already released three versions of CastCatcher with no problems since it was first released to the App Store in September. And there are several other streaming radio applications on the App Store, such as the one developed by CBS subsidiary and CNET corporate sibling Last.fm, that also operate over the cellular network using the same amount of bandwidth as CastCatcher, according to Mousa.Mousa says he's trying to get an answer out of Apple, and I'll update this post if and when he updates the company blog or responds to an e-mail inquiry. CastCatcher 1.2 is still available on the App Store as of this writing, so perhaps there is something specific to the latest update that triggered the bandwidth concerns, although Amro said in the comments on his blog that he left the bit transfer rates unchanged on the new version.The CastCatcher incident has to once again bring up questions about how Apple is handling App Store rejections. Earlier this year Apple killed an application called Podcaster that let users download podcasts over-the-air directly to their iPhones without using iTunes--a feature Apple did not offer at the time but reportedly plans to offer with the OS X 2.2 update.Should we soon expect to see an iPhone version of the streaming radio channels offered on iTunes?UPDATED 5:15pm - Mousa responded to an e-mail asking for further details, quoted in part below.At any rate, some of my thoughts on why this might have happened are (purely speculation):1) Their review process might have been outsourced and some decision tree is being taken too literally2) An honest mistake3) They're adding support for streaming audio in iPhone 2.3 or thereaboutsI honestly have no idea why this has happened. There were no changes to the streaming code since 1.2 (really nothing significant outside of metadata parsing since 1.0). Bandwidth used depends entirely on the stream provided by the user (i.e. 128kbps streams require that much bandwidth).For the record, it's not been a terribly long time since Apple rejected the app -- roughly a week and in the past they've been helpful. Lately, not so much though.Mousa wanted to point out that he holds no grudge against Apple, but is frustrated that he is unable to deliver the bug fixes and feature upgrades that his users requested.
Shazam-powered Siri can now name that tune in iOS 8
Shazam-powered Siri can now name that tune in iOS 8
Do you often find yourself listening to a great but unfamiliar song on the radio and wanting to know its name? Apple device owners who've upgraded to iOS 8 can now ask Siri.Siri has long been able to identify a song being played on the same device. For example, if you're listening to a tune on your iPhone, you can ask Siri: "What song is this," and it will tell you. But in iOS 8, Siri's musical abilities have gone a step further.You can now play a song on a different device, on the radio, on a CD, or on some other source, and Siri should be able to name that tune for you. Here's how it works:Start playing the song you want to identify if it's not already playing. Ask Siri the question: "What song is this?" Siri responds by saying: "Let me listen." Depending on how far along you are in the track, Siri will probably take at least a few seconds to recognize the song. Once it does, Siri will respond by saying something like "I can name that tune." And then it proceeds to do so.Siri's new music prowess in iOS 8 sounds a lot like an app called Shazam, which can also identify the name of a song currently playing. And the similarity is no coincidence. Apple teamed up with Shazam to integrate the app's capabilities directly into Siri.As the folks at Shazam phrased it on a new support page: "With the release of iOS 8, the magic and convenience of Shazam is now fully integrated into Siri. To know the details of the music/media around you, open Siri, and ask a question..."On my iPhone, I tested Siri's new musical talents against a few devices, including an iPad, a CD, and an old-fashioned radio. I also quizzed Siri on a variety of songs, including modern pop tunes, classical selections, and some of my favorite jazz music. And it was able to name that tune each time.The new music recognition feature is one way in which Siri is trying to keep up with the competition. Both Google Now and Windows Phone's Cortana voice assistant offer their own music ID talents. Of course, Apple is also hoping the new feature will rack up more music sales. The identified song includes a Buy button that you can tap to purchase the song or its entire album directly on iTunes.For more helpful iOS 8 tips, be sure to check out our complete guide on how to use iOS 8.
Do you often find yourself listening to a great but unfamiliar song on the radio and wanting to know its name? Apple device owners who've upgraded to iOS 8 can now ask Siri.Siri has long been able to identify a song being played on the same device. For example, if you're listening to a tune on your iPhone, you can ask Siri: "What song is this," and it will tell you. But in iOS 8, Siri's musical abilities have gone a step further.You can now play a song on a different device, on the radio, on a CD, or on some other source, and Siri should be able to name that tune for you. Here's how it works:Start playing the song you want to identify if it's not already playing. Ask Siri the question: "What song is this?" Siri responds by saying: "Let me listen." Depending on how far along you are in the track, Siri will probably take at least a few seconds to recognize the song. Once it does, Siri will respond by saying something like "I can name that tune." And then it proceeds to do so.Siri's new music prowess in iOS 8 sounds a lot like an app called Shazam, which can also identify the name of a song currently playing. And the similarity is no coincidence. Apple teamed up with Shazam to integrate the app's capabilities directly into Siri.As the folks at Shazam phrased it on a new support page: "With the release of iOS 8, the magic and convenience of Shazam is now fully integrated into Siri. To know the details of the music/media around you, open Siri, and ask a question..."On my iPhone, I tested Siri's new musical talents against a few devices, including an iPad, a CD, and an old-fashioned radio. I also quizzed Siri on a variety of songs, including modern pop tunes, classical selections, and some of my favorite jazz music. And it was able to name that tune each time.The new music recognition feature is one way in which Siri is trying to keep up with the competition. Both Google Now and Windows Phone's Cortana voice assistant offer their own music ID talents. Of course, Apple is also hoping the new feature will rack up more music sales. The identified song includes a Buy button that you can tap to purchase the song or its entire album directly on iTunes.For more helpful iOS 8 tips, be sure to check out our complete guide on how to use iOS 8.
Huge iPhone game sale- Capcom, EA, and Gameloft titles 99 cents each
Huge iPhone game sale: Capcom, EA, and Gameloft titles 99 cents each
I love 99-cent games. Wait, that's not right: I love games that are priced at 99 cents. Which is why today is my lucky day: three major game developers have slashed prices on some of their bestselling titles.Between them, Capcom, EA Games, and Gameloft are selling nearly 50 iPhone/iPod Touch games for 99 cents apiece--and a handful of iPad titles as well. (Update: SEGA titles are on sale as well.) That's fairly unprecedented. The only tricky part is figuring out where to spend my shiny new dollar. (Oh, who am I kidding, I'll probably end up spending a dozen of them.)Capcom's list is the shortest, so I'll start there:Devil May Cry 4 RefrainPhoenix WrightResident Evil 4 (also for iPad)Street Fighter IVOn the flipside, EA Games (which is "welcoming Verizon users to the iPhone") has the longest list of goodies, including:Battlefield: Bad Company 2FIFA 10FIFA 11Madden NFL 11Mirror's EdgeMonopolyMonopoly Here & Now: The World EditionNBA Elite 11NCAA FootballNeed For Speed Hot PursuitNeed For Speed ShiftNeed For Speed UndercoverPictureka! (also for iPad)Reckless Racing (also for iPad)Risk: The Official GameScrabbleSimCity DeluxeSnood (also for iPad)TetrisThe Game of Life Classic EditionThe Sims 3The Sims 3 AmbitionsThe Sims 3 World AdventuresThe Simpsons ArcadeYahtzee (also for iPad)Whew! Quite a list. Finally, we come to Gameloft, which has 13 titles on sale as part of a Valentine's Day promotion (which ends Feb. 14, natch). Here's the rundown:Brothers In Arms 2: Global FrontDriverFishing Kings Hero of Sparta IILet's Golf! 2 Prince of Persia: Warrior WithinRayman 2: The Great EscapeReal Golf 2011Shadow Guardian (also for iPad)Shrek KartSpider-Man: Total MayhemStar Battalion (also for iPad)Zombie InfectionGameloft is also letting users vote on a 14th game, one that will go on sale for 99 cents on Feb. 14. The only catch: to cast your vote, you have to "like" Gameloft on Facebook (a step I know some users won't want to take).My question for you: if you had only $1 to spend, which of these games would you buy--and why? I'd probably have to give the nod to Madden NFL 11, but, man, it's a tough call.Update: SEGA also has a bunch of games on sale for 99 cents, including Altered Beast, ChuChu Rocket (also for iPad), and Super Monkey Ball 2.
I love 99-cent games. Wait, that's not right: I love games that are priced at 99 cents. Which is why today is my lucky day: three major game developers have slashed prices on some of their bestselling titles.Between them, Capcom, EA Games, and Gameloft are selling nearly 50 iPhone/iPod Touch games for 99 cents apiece--and a handful of iPad titles as well. (Update: SEGA titles are on sale as well.) That's fairly unprecedented. The only tricky part is figuring out where to spend my shiny new dollar. (Oh, who am I kidding, I'll probably end up spending a dozen of them.)Capcom's list is the shortest, so I'll start there:Devil May Cry 4 RefrainPhoenix WrightResident Evil 4 (also for iPad)Street Fighter IVOn the flipside, EA Games (which is "welcoming Verizon users to the iPhone") has the longest list of goodies, including:Battlefield: Bad Company 2FIFA 10FIFA 11Madden NFL 11Mirror's EdgeMonopolyMonopoly Here & Now: The World EditionNBA Elite 11NCAA FootballNeed For Speed Hot PursuitNeed For Speed ShiftNeed For Speed UndercoverPictureka! (also for iPad)Reckless Racing (also for iPad)Risk: The Official GameScrabbleSimCity DeluxeSnood (also for iPad)TetrisThe Game of Life Classic EditionThe Sims 3The Sims 3 AmbitionsThe Sims 3 World AdventuresThe Simpsons ArcadeYahtzee (also for iPad)Whew! Quite a list. Finally, we come to Gameloft, which has 13 titles on sale as part of a Valentine's Day promotion (which ends Feb. 14, natch). Here's the rundown:Brothers In Arms 2: Global FrontDriverFishing Kings Hero of Sparta IILet's Golf! 2 Prince of Persia: Warrior WithinRayman 2: The Great EscapeReal Golf 2011Shadow Guardian (also for iPad)Shrek KartSpider-Man: Total MayhemStar Battalion (also for iPad)Zombie InfectionGameloft is also letting users vote on a 14th game, one that will go on sale for 99 cents on Feb. 14. The only catch: to cast your vote, you have to "like" Gameloft on Facebook (a step I know some users won't want to take).My question for you: if you had only $1 to spend, which of these games would you buy--and why? I'd probably have to give the nod to Madden NFL 11, but, man, it's a tough call.Update: SEGA also has a bunch of games on sale for 99 cents, including Altered Beast, ChuChu Rocket (also for iPad), and Super Monkey Ball 2.
Tim Cook tops 2011 executive compensation study
Tim Cook tops 2011 executive compensation study
Apple's chief executive was the highest-paid CEO during 2011, according to a study put out by the Wall Street Journal and the Hay Group consulting firm earlier today.Cook was granted a pay package worth $378 million after becoming Apple's chief executive last August. Though as the Journal notes, there are some serious strings attached.The stock grant, which was unveiled in a January proxy filing, had restrictions that keep Cook from collecting the first half of the shares until 2016, with the other half in 2021. Nonetheless, Apple's stock price at the time they were valued puts Cook at the top of the heap. Behind Cook was:Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, who picked up $76 million in compensation, most of which were stock options. CBS Corporation's chief executive Leslie Moonves, who picked up $69.3 million, $30 million of which was part of a bonus. (Disclosure: CBS owns CNET)J.C. Penney chief executive Ron Johnson (formerly Apple's senior vice president and head of retail), who received $53.3 million worth of restricted stock.Motorola Mobility chief executive Sanjay Jha, who pulled in $46.6 worth of compensation, most of which were stock options. The results follow a feature piece on executive compensation by the New York Times last month, which referred to the Apple exec as "the $378 million man."
Apple's chief executive was the highest-paid CEO during 2011, according to a study put out by the Wall Street Journal and the Hay Group consulting firm earlier today.Cook was granted a pay package worth $378 million after becoming Apple's chief executive last August. Though as the Journal notes, there are some serious strings attached.The stock grant, which was unveiled in a January proxy filing, had restrictions that keep Cook from collecting the first half of the shares until 2016, with the other half in 2021. Nonetheless, Apple's stock price at the time they were valued puts Cook at the top of the heap. Behind Cook was:Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, who picked up $76 million in compensation, most of which were stock options. CBS Corporation's chief executive Leslie Moonves, who picked up $69.3 million, $30 million of which was part of a bonus. (Disclosure: CBS owns CNET)J.C. Penney chief executive Ron Johnson (formerly Apple's senior vice president and head of retail), who received $53.3 million worth of restricted stock.Motorola Mobility chief executive Sanjay Jha, who pulled in $46.6 worth of compensation, most of which were stock options. The results follow a feature piece on executive compensation by the New York Times last month, which referred to the Apple exec as "the $378 million man."
Tim Cook says Apple has sold 13M Apple TVs
Tim Cook says Apple has sold 13M Apple TVs
Apple has sold more than 13 million Apple TV devices, and half of those set-top box devices were sold last year, CEO Tim Cook said Tuesday evening at the All Things Digital Conference in Southern California.While Cook was forthcoming with the number of devices sold, he wouldn't give any details on a possible Apple television. The company is currently focused on its set-top box device but is still interested in TV, Cook told All Things D's Kara Swisher and Walt Mossberg during an interview at the conference.When asked about whether Hollywood, or the entertainment industry, is keeping an Apple high-tech TV set from happening, Cook sidesteps the question.TV is still "of great interest" to Apple, he replied.Cook often avoids questions related to the Apple's next moves for television, a particular area of interest for late CEO Steve Jobs.Check out more of Cook's interview on the CNET live blog.
Apple has sold more than 13 million Apple TV devices, and half of those set-top box devices were sold last year, CEO Tim Cook said Tuesday evening at the All Things Digital Conference in Southern California.While Cook was forthcoming with the number of devices sold, he wouldn't give any details on a possible Apple television. The company is currently focused on its set-top box device but is still interested in TV, Cook told All Things D's Kara Swisher and Walt Mossberg during an interview at the conference.When asked about whether Hollywood, or the entertainment industry, is keeping an Apple high-tech TV set from happening, Cook sidesteps the question.TV is still "of great interest" to Apple, he replied.Cook often avoids questions related to the Apple's next moves for television, a particular area of interest for late CEO Steve Jobs.Check out more of Cook's interview on the CNET live blog.
Apple's high-res wallpaper suggests Retina iMac, monitor
Apple's high-res wallpaper suggests Retina iMac, monitor
The release of a 5,120x2880-pixel wallpaper image indicates that Apple could bring high-resolution Retina displays to its iMac line of desktop all-in-one computers and external monitors.The 3.3MB "OSX_hero_2x" image shows the blue and green ocean wave that's featured in the upcoming OS X Mavericks version of Apple's operating system. Its width and height are exactly double that of of the 2,560x1,440-pixel screen on the current 27-inch iMac.More from WWDCCNET Editors' Take: Apple's Pandora-like streaming radio service is finally here Apple gives the iPhone a user interface face-lift with iOS 7 The fresh new look of Apple iOS 7 (pictures) Editors' Take: Apple updates MacBook Air Editors' Take: A bold new look for the Mac Pro desktop Mac Pro sneak peek (pictures) Editors' Take: Apple Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks Getting to know Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks (pictures) WWDC 2013: Full coverageMarvin Scharle of German Web site design firm Conclurer flagged the high-res Mavericks wallpaper on Twitter.As Apple has spread its Retina displays across iPhones, iPads, and MacBook Pros, it's released double-resolution graphics for user-interface elements such as icons and wallpapers.The Retina displays have yet to arrive on iMacs, MacBook Airs, or Apple's standalone external monitors, though.At its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) Monday, Apple announced some hardware details of a new tubular Mac Pro, though not how much it would cost or when exactly it would arrive. The machine can support up to three external monitors with 4K video resolution, and Apple is working on a Final Cut Pro X update also geared for that high resolution.The new Mac Pro: You have to see to believe...See full gallery1 - 4 / 10NextPrevA Retina-class external monitor would be a good match for that Mac Pro hardware, and video-editing pros are often better able to withstand the sticker shock of what would likely be expensive hardware.Via MacRumors. Updated at 4:09 a.m. PT to correct the list of Macs that have Retina displays, which currently is only MacBook Pros.Web programmer Marvin Scharle spotted the high-resolution wallpaper.screenshot by Stephen Shankland/CNET
The release of a 5,120x2880-pixel wallpaper image indicates that Apple could bring high-resolution Retina displays to its iMac line of desktop all-in-one computers and external monitors.The 3.3MB "OSX_hero_2x" image shows the blue and green ocean wave that's featured in the upcoming OS X Mavericks version of Apple's operating system. Its width and height are exactly double that of of the 2,560x1,440-pixel screen on the current 27-inch iMac.More from WWDCCNET Editors' Take: Apple's Pandora-like streaming radio service is finally here Apple gives the iPhone a user interface face-lift with iOS 7 The fresh new look of Apple iOS 7 (pictures) Editors' Take: Apple updates MacBook Air Editors' Take: A bold new look for the Mac Pro desktop Mac Pro sneak peek (pictures) Editors' Take: Apple Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks Getting to know Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks (pictures) WWDC 2013: Full coverageMarvin Scharle of German Web site design firm Conclurer flagged the high-res Mavericks wallpaper on Twitter.As Apple has spread its Retina displays across iPhones, iPads, and MacBook Pros, it's released double-resolution graphics for user-interface elements such as icons and wallpapers.The Retina displays have yet to arrive on iMacs, MacBook Airs, or Apple's standalone external monitors, though.At its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) Monday, Apple announced some hardware details of a new tubular Mac Pro, though not how much it would cost or when exactly it would arrive. The machine can support up to three external monitors with 4K video resolution, and Apple is working on a Final Cut Pro X update also geared for that high resolution.The new Mac Pro: You have to see to believe...See full gallery1 - 4 / 10NextPrevA Retina-class external monitor would be a good match for that Mac Pro hardware, and video-editing pros are often better able to withstand the sticker shock of what would likely be expensive hardware.Via MacRumors. Updated at 4:09 a.m. PT to correct the list of Macs that have Retina displays, which currently is only MacBook Pros.Web programmer Marvin Scharle spotted the high-resolution wallpaper.screenshot by Stephen Shankland/CNET
Apple's back-to-school deal gets download focus
Apple's back-to-school deal gets download focus
Instead of offering student Mac buyers a free iPod--as it's done for the past several years--Apple this morning launched its annual back-to-school promotion with a $100 credit for digital downloads. That $100 can be spent in iTunes, the iBookstore, and in the iOS and Mac App Stores. One trend you might notice there is that Apple's found a way to get a return on that $100, which could be the whole amount if someone ends up buying Apple's own software like iWork and Aperture, which can be found in the Mac App Store. Apple makes 30 percent on sales made on all those stores, with the exception of iTunes. As part of the deal Apple is heavily promoting that $100 be spent in the Mac App Store. The company's curated a special back-to-school collection of apps in the Mac App Store, though not yet in its other stores. That collection includes Evernote (which is pictured above), Things and Scrivener. There are also "apps for study breaks," which are mostly made up of games. Details on Apple's deal leaked out earlier this week. A rumor near the end of May incorrectly suggested that Apple would be offering $229 towards an iPod model, or $200 off the purchase of a new iPad to those making Mac purchases. To qualify for this year's deal, Mac buyers need to be college students, or students who have been accepted to college. The deal is also good for parents of those students, as well as faculty and staff members. The deal runs from today through September 20, 2011.Worth noting is that Apple plans to release the next major version of its Mac OS X software next month, which will only be delivered through the Mac App Store. Apple has said it will be giving everyone who's purchased a Mac between WWDC last week and its release a free copy of the upgrade.Competitor Microsoft launched its back-to-school program last month, offering students who buy a new PC at $699 or more a free Xbox 360 console.
Instead of offering student Mac buyers a free iPod--as it's done for the past several years--Apple this morning launched its annual back-to-school promotion with a $100 credit for digital downloads. That $100 can be spent in iTunes, the iBookstore, and in the iOS and Mac App Stores. One trend you might notice there is that Apple's found a way to get a return on that $100, which could be the whole amount if someone ends up buying Apple's own software like iWork and Aperture, which can be found in the Mac App Store. Apple makes 30 percent on sales made on all those stores, with the exception of iTunes. As part of the deal Apple is heavily promoting that $100 be spent in the Mac App Store. The company's curated a special back-to-school collection of apps in the Mac App Store, though not yet in its other stores. That collection includes Evernote (which is pictured above), Things and Scrivener. There are also "apps for study breaks," which are mostly made up of games. Details on Apple's deal leaked out earlier this week. A rumor near the end of May incorrectly suggested that Apple would be offering $229 towards an iPod model, or $200 off the purchase of a new iPad to those making Mac purchases. To qualify for this year's deal, Mac buyers need to be college students, or students who have been accepted to college. The deal is also good for parents of those students, as well as faculty and staff members. The deal runs from today through September 20, 2011.Worth noting is that Apple plans to release the next major version of its Mac OS X software next month, which will only be delivered through the Mac App Store. Apple has said it will be giving everyone who's purchased a Mac between WWDC last week and its release a free copy of the upgrade.Competitor Microsoft launched its back-to-school program last month, offering students who buy a new PC at $699 or more a free Xbox 360 console.
Apple patent aims to stifle noise from iPhone's vibrate mode
Apple patent aims to stifle noise from iPhone's vibrate mode
Annoyed by that buzzing sound triggered by your phone's vibrate mode? Apple may one day provide a solution. Dubbed "Vibration In Portable Devices," a patent filed today with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office details an Apple invention in which that annoying sound can be monitored and reduced.Apple's technology would use sensors to detect the vibrations of the phone when in vibrate mode. If the sensors determine that the sound given off by the vibration exceeds a certain level, that noise is automatically toned down. The technology could also decrease the sound and even the movement of a vibrating phone when it's on top of a hard surface."When a mobile phone is set to actuate a silent alert while it is in contact with a hard surface (e.g., on a table or a shelf, or in a drawer), the rotating eccentric weight may cause the mobile phone to vibrate and rattle against the surface," Apple said in the patent. "In some cases, the noise caused by the rattling exceeds that of audible alerts and may be much more disruptive. Further, the mobile phone may move along the surface when the vibrating device is activated, thus placing the mobile phone at risk of falling."Related storiesA display that resizes as your face moves? Apple zooms inApple patent could transform headphones into loudspeakersApple wins patent on illumination across devicesThe patent also suggests other methods of alerting the user. The phone could flash a light or the screen could turn on.Of course, Apple and other vendors already provide a notification system to alert you of incoming messages and other items. But Apple seems to be thinking of alternative solutions as well.If it ever sees the light of day, Apple's new technology would be a boon to all of us who've ever had a vibrating phone interrupt a meeting or interview at just the wrong moment.(Via AppleInsider)This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Annoyed by that buzzing sound triggered by your phone's vibrate mode? Apple may one day provide a solution. Dubbed "Vibration In Portable Devices," a patent filed today with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office details an Apple invention in which that annoying sound can be monitored and reduced.Apple's technology would use sensors to detect the vibrations of the phone when in vibrate mode. If the sensors determine that the sound given off by the vibration exceeds a certain level, that noise is automatically toned down. The technology could also decrease the sound and even the movement of a vibrating phone when it's on top of a hard surface."When a mobile phone is set to actuate a silent alert while it is in contact with a hard surface (e.g., on a table or a shelf, or in a drawer), the rotating eccentric weight may cause the mobile phone to vibrate and rattle against the surface," Apple said in the patent. "In some cases, the noise caused by the rattling exceeds that of audible alerts and may be much more disruptive. Further, the mobile phone may move along the surface when the vibrating device is activated, thus placing the mobile phone at risk of falling."Related storiesA display that resizes as your face moves? Apple zooms inApple patent could transform headphones into loudspeakersApple wins patent on illumination across devicesThe patent also suggests other methods of alerting the user. The phone could flash a light or the screen could turn on.Of course, Apple and other vendors already provide a notification system to alert you of incoming messages and other items. But Apple seems to be thinking of alternative solutions as well.If it ever sees the light of day, Apple's new technology would be a boon to all of us who've ever had a vibrating phone interrupt a meeting or interview at just the wrong moment.(Via AppleInsider)This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Apple patches Bash vulnerability on Macs
Apple patches Bash vulnerability on Macs
All of Apple's recent Mac computers are now safe from a security flaw that could potentially allow hackers to take over an operating system.Known as the "Shellshock" or "Bash" bug, the latest vulnerability for the world's computers involves the execution of malicious code within a bash shell --a command-line shell used in many Linux and Unix operating systems, and by Apple's Mac OS X operating system.Apple on Monday said it has now patched the Bash vulnerability for its OS X Lion, Mountain Lion and Mavericks software. The company also created a site for users to download the Bash update.The move followed a statement by Apple late last week that most Mac users were safe from the security flaw, but it was "working to quickly provide a software update for our advanced UNIX users."See also'Vast majority' of Mac users safe from Shellshock Bash bug, Apple saysâ€&lsqauo;'Bigger than Heartbleed': Bash bug could leave IT systems in shellshock"Bash, a UNIX command shell and language included in OS X, has a weakness that could allow unauthorized users to remotely gain control of vulnerable systems," Apple said last week. "With OS X, systems are safe by default and not exposed to remote exploits of bash unless users configure advanced UNIX services."The Bash glitch is reminiscent of the Heartbleed security flaw that left information stored on data servers potentially vulnerable to hackers. Heartbleed was first identified in April, and an estimated 300,000 servers were still exposed two months later.Some security experts have said the Bash bug is bigger than Hearbleed because it "interacts with other software in unexpected ways" and because an "enormous percentage" of software interacts with the shell. Bash, a quarter-century-old security flaw, allows malicious code executionwithin the bash shell (commonly accessed through Command Prompt on PC orMac's Terminal application) to take over an operating system and access confidential information.
All of Apple's recent Mac computers are now safe from a security flaw that could potentially allow hackers to take over an operating system.Known as the "Shellshock" or "Bash" bug, the latest vulnerability for the world's computers involves the execution of malicious code within a bash shell --a command-line shell used in many Linux and Unix operating systems, and by Apple's Mac OS X operating system.Apple on Monday said it has now patched the Bash vulnerability for its OS X Lion, Mountain Lion and Mavericks software. The company also created a site for users to download the Bash update.The move followed a statement by Apple late last week that most Mac users were safe from the security flaw, but it was "working to quickly provide a software update for our advanced UNIX users."See also'Vast majority' of Mac users safe from Shellshock Bash bug, Apple saysâ€&lsqauo;'Bigger than Heartbleed': Bash bug could leave IT systems in shellshock"Bash, a UNIX command shell and language included in OS X, has a weakness that could allow unauthorized users to remotely gain control of vulnerable systems," Apple said last week. "With OS X, systems are safe by default and not exposed to remote exploits of bash unless users configure advanced UNIX services."The Bash glitch is reminiscent of the Heartbleed security flaw that left information stored on data servers potentially vulnerable to hackers. Heartbleed was first identified in April, and an estimated 300,000 servers were still exposed two months later.Some security experts have said the Bash bug is bigger than Hearbleed because it "interacts with other software in unexpected ways" and because an "enormous percentage" of software interacts with the shell. Bash, a quarter-century-old security flaw, allows malicious code executionwithin the bash shell (commonly accessed through Command Prompt on PC orMac's Terminal application) to take over an operating system and access confidential information.
Apple parts ways with hacker famous for iPhone jailbreaking
Apple parts ways with hacker famous for iPhone jailbreaking
Apple's experiment with employing a hacker famous for jailbreaking the iPhone has ended.Nicholas Allegra, also known as Comex, was hired at Apple after gaining fame with the JailBreakMe, a Web site that simplified the process of removing Apple-installed protections from the phone -- a practice Apple opposes. When Apple hired him as an intern in August 2011, Allegra was a high-profile member of the jailbreaking community, regularly publicizing security vulnerabilities in Apple's iOS software.However, Apple ended the 20-year-old Brown University student's employment last week, Allegra revealed today. "So... no point in delaying. As of last week, after about a year, I'm no longer associated with Apple," he tweeted this afternoon. "As for why? Because I forgot to reply to an email," he wrote in a follow-up tweet.The e-mail he didn't reply to was an offer to extend his employment at Apple as a remote intern, Allegra told Forbes. After not responding to the original e-mail, he learned that the offer had been rescinded."I wasn't too happy about it, but it didn't seem like I was able to fix it," he told Forbes. "So that's what it is."CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update this report when we learn more.Hackers have proven to be popular hires at tech companies these days. Charlie Miller, famous for his hacks on the iPhone and MacBook Air, joined Twitter last month, and well-known PlayStation 3 hacker George Hotz, a.k.a. Geohot, had a brief stint at Facebook last year.
Apple's experiment with employing a hacker famous for jailbreaking the iPhone has ended.Nicholas Allegra, also known as Comex, was hired at Apple after gaining fame with the JailBreakMe, a Web site that simplified the process of removing Apple-installed protections from the phone -- a practice Apple opposes. When Apple hired him as an intern in August 2011, Allegra was a high-profile member of the jailbreaking community, regularly publicizing security vulnerabilities in Apple's iOS software.However, Apple ended the 20-year-old Brown University student's employment last week, Allegra revealed today. "So... no point in delaying. As of last week, after about a year, I'm no longer associated with Apple," he tweeted this afternoon. "As for why? Because I forgot to reply to an email," he wrote in a follow-up tweet.The e-mail he didn't reply to was an offer to extend his employment at Apple as a remote intern, Allegra told Forbes. After not responding to the original e-mail, he learned that the offer had been rescinded."I wasn't too happy about it, but it didn't seem like I was able to fix it," he told Forbes. "So that's what it is."CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update this report when we learn more.Hackers have proven to be popular hires at tech companies these days. Charlie Miller, famous for his hacks on the iPhone and MacBook Air, joined Twitter last month, and well-known PlayStation 3 hacker George Hotz, a.k.a. Geohot, had a brief stint at Facebook last year.
Apple partnership boosting Foxconn market share
Apple partnership boosting Foxconn market share
"Foxconn's customers are some of the hottest companies in the electronics business today, most notably Apple," Thomas Dinges, an iSuppli associate, said in a statement. "As Apple and others have gained share, so has Foxconn."Though Foxconn makes products for Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Sony, and Nokia, Apple is its fastest-growing customer, according to iSuppli. Apple just last week raised production targets for the iPad to its Asian providers, a move that could help it ship as many as 12.9 million iPads around the world this year and 36.5 million next year. Global shipments of the iPhone are forecast to reach 53.5 million next year, more than double the 25.1 million shipped in 2009, iSuppli said.To help reach those new production targets, Apple is also boosting its spending on semiconductors. By next year, the company will become the world's second-largest buyer of semiconductor chips, both directly and indirectly through providers such as Foxconn.The only problem area for Foxconn is the performance of its gross margins, which fell 8.7 percent in the first quarter from 9.5 percent a year ago."Margins are a key area for Hon Hai, as the company is working to implement higher wage rates in its large facilities in China, while shifting production over the next several quarters to lower-cost regions in that country," Dinges said.Those wage increases have been driven by the intense scrutiny and controversy that surrounded Foxconn after a rash of suicides at its plant in Shenzhen, China, a few months ago. The suicides prompted key customers such as Apple, HP, and Dell to announce that they would open their own investigations into factory conditions.
"Foxconn's customers are some of the hottest companies in the electronics business today, most notably Apple," Thomas Dinges, an iSuppli associate, said in a statement. "As Apple and others have gained share, so has Foxconn."Though Foxconn makes products for Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Sony, and Nokia, Apple is its fastest-growing customer, according to iSuppli. Apple just last week raised production targets for the iPad to its Asian providers, a move that could help it ship as many as 12.9 million iPads around the world this year and 36.5 million next year. Global shipments of the iPhone are forecast to reach 53.5 million next year, more than double the 25.1 million shipped in 2009, iSuppli said.To help reach those new production targets, Apple is also boosting its spending on semiconductors. By next year, the company will become the world's second-largest buyer of semiconductor chips, both directly and indirectly through providers such as Foxconn.The only problem area for Foxconn is the performance of its gross margins, which fell 8.7 percent in the first quarter from 9.5 percent a year ago."Margins are a key area for Hon Hai, as the company is working to implement higher wage rates in its large facilities in China, while shifting production over the next several quarters to lower-cost regions in that country," Dinges said.Those wage increases have been driven by the intense scrutiny and controversy that surrounded Foxconn after a rash of suicides at its plant in Shenzhen, China, a few months ago. The suicides prompted key customers such as Apple, HP, and Dell to announce that they would open their own investigations into factory conditions.
Apple overhauling iPhone notification system-
Apple overhauling iPhone notification system?
To cap off a week chock-full of Apple-related rumors, we now have this: is Apple about to acquire a company in the process of giving its iOS notifications system a major makeover?Apple blog Cult of Mac says it's hearing exactly that from a source, who is not named. The company Apple is allegedly buying isn't confirmed in the report, but is said to be "small" and currently has an application available for sale in the iOS App Store.Now that would describe about a thousand companies. But there aren't that many that do slick notification apps. Cult of Mac has zeroed in on App Remix, the company that makes the app called Boxcar.Boxcar pools all of your social media feeds and delivers your notifications from each into one app. (App Remix's CEO apparently had "no comment" on Cult of Mac's query as to whether Apple plans on making the company an offer.)Apple's own notification system isn't regarded as the most stellar implementation. The original iPhone actually shipped without any real push notification system for third-party apps. It took Apple three iterations of the iPhone's software before it found a system it liked. But the system employed in Palm's original Pre smartphone featuring WebOS is still roundly praised as the best in the business. Hewlett-Packard, of course, owns WebOS now and recently introduced the software on several new phones and a tablet.The man who invented the WebOS notification system, Rich Dellinger, actually quit Palm just after the HP acquisition last year to return to his former employer, Apple. The rumor mill heated up then that iOS' notifications were in for a big change, but nothing more has come of that--at least not yet. Apple updates its iOS software on a yearly basis, usually in June, and there's a preview event usually around March to see what will be in the next version, in this case iOS 5. It's possible we could see a new push notification process included in the next big software update for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.
To cap off a week chock-full of Apple-related rumors, we now have this: is Apple about to acquire a company in the process of giving its iOS notifications system a major makeover?Apple blog Cult of Mac says it's hearing exactly that from a source, who is not named. The company Apple is allegedly buying isn't confirmed in the report, but is said to be "small" and currently has an application available for sale in the iOS App Store.Now that would describe about a thousand companies. But there aren't that many that do slick notification apps. Cult of Mac has zeroed in on App Remix, the company that makes the app called Boxcar.Boxcar pools all of your social media feeds and delivers your notifications from each into one app. (App Remix's CEO apparently had "no comment" on Cult of Mac's query as to whether Apple plans on making the company an offer.)Apple's own notification system isn't regarded as the most stellar implementation. The original iPhone actually shipped without any real push notification system for third-party apps. It took Apple three iterations of the iPhone's software before it found a system it liked. But the system employed in Palm's original Pre smartphone featuring WebOS is still roundly praised as the best in the business. Hewlett-Packard, of course, owns WebOS now and recently introduced the software on several new phones and a tablet.The man who invented the WebOS notification system, Rich Dellinger, actually quit Palm just after the HP acquisition last year to return to his former employer, Apple. The rumor mill heated up then that iOS' notifications were in for a big change, but nothing more has come of that--at least not yet. Apple updates its iOS software on a yearly basis, usually in June, and there's a preview event usually around March to see what will be in the next version, in this case iOS 5. It's possible we could see a new push notification process included in the next big software update for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.
Apple backtracks on 'most powerful' map app claim
After CEO Tim Cook's rare apology for Apple's beleaguered map application, the company has retreated on claims that the app was the "most powerful mapping service ever."Apple's Web site had formerly boasted that, "Designed by Apple from the ground up, Maps give you turn-by-turn spoken directions, interactive 3D views, and the stunning Flyover feature. All of which may just make this app the most beautiful, powerful mapping service ever."However, after Cook said Friday that Apple was "extremely sorry" for the frustration felt by customers and vowed to improve the program, the company has also removed a superlative from the app description and replaced the last sentence with: "All in a beautiful vector-based interface that scales and zooms with ease."CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the change and will update this report when we learn more.Apple ignited consumer fervor earlier this month when it opted to dump Google Maps from iOS6, forcing users to switch to Apple's app, which many users found to be underwhelming or inaccurate when compared with Google's offering.In addition to his apology, Cook also took the unusual step of recommending alternatives such as the Bing, MapQuest, or Waze maps apps, or using Google or Nokia's map Web sites while the company works to improve its own app.Maps woes in Apple iOS 6: How bad? (pict...See full gallery1 - 4 / 16NextPrev
Apple asks retail employees to test Mountain Lion
Apple store employees can now join the party of people testing OS X Mountain Lion before it hits the streets next month.In an e-mail to store workers revealed by 9to5Mac, Apple has invited its Genius Bar members and Creatives to partake in the AppleSeed testing program. Available to select customers as well as employees, this program gives participants access to pre-release software so they can test the products and provide feedback to the company.Those who join the program adhere to a confidentiality agreement that prevents them from sharing the software with anyone else. Apple provides various tools for users to offer their feedback, including Web forms, discussion lists, mailing lists, engineering questionnaires, and bug reports.Related storiesApple's Mountain Lion roars to life with 200 new featuresMountain Lion shipping in JulyOS X Mountain Lion upgrade to sell in July for $19.99How to prepare your Mac for Mountain LionStore employees who volunteer to test Mountain Lion must use their own personal machines, 9to5Mac added.Beyond providing feedback, workers will get a feel for the latest OS X version before it goes on sale, a useful training exercise if they're to explain and demo the product to customers.Outfitted with around 200 new features, Mountain Lion will be available as a $19.99 update for current Lion and Snow Leopard users.
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