Apple's dock connector change is awful, don't kid yourselves
With this week's iPhone 5 announcement, Apple confirmed many rumors about the new phone, both good and bad. The most disappointing confirmation of all, though, is the resized, redesigned, and still proprietary new dock connector.The 5 arrives CNET's hands-on with the iPhone 5 Apple out to prove it's still kingPictures: Apple's big iPhone 5 revealHo-hum. iPhone 5 won't wow anyoneiPhone 5: No Steve Jobs, no sizzleiPhone 5: What we didn't getComparing the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5iPhone 5 vs. Galaxy S3 vs. Lumia 920Poll: Will you buy the iPhone 5?Apple springs leak - rumors were rightApple shares up, down, then upStart your iOS 6 downloads September 19 iOS 6 hits major marksApple reworks, simplifies iTunesNew iPod Touch: Siri and a 4-inch screenNew Nano: Remembering the iPod MiniFull coverage: The iPhone 5 arrives Apple calls the new connector Lightning, but giving it a clever name doesn't mean it adds anything but dollars in Apple's bank account. The company has legendarily built a strong business on licensing its proprietary connection technology to accessory makers, and in selling its own premium cables for a handy $19 each, plus $29 for adapters. But as the rest of the tech industry moves to a standard micro-USB charging format, Apple's decision is unwelcome in a time of smaller budgets for most shoppers and it's ecologically irresponsible, to boot.The move is all the more disappointing since Apple was, as of last year, actually supporting the International Electronics Commission's push for a universal, micro-USB charging standard. Phil Schiller told AllThingsD that the dock connector changed because Apple wanted to continue making devices smaller and thinner, and the old dock connector just didn't cut it. That's true, the old dock connector was pretty big. But you know what's almost the exact same size as the new dock connector? A micro-USB charging port. And the smaller connector doesn't seem to add a single benefit that would justify its continued proprietary nature -- other than, possibly, Thunderbolt compatibility ("adaptive interface"). Although Schiller presented the new connector as a "feature," Apple isn't touting any faster syncing or charging. In fact, the Lightning to USB cable is a mere USB 2.0, not even 3.0. Lightning? Not so much. The Lightning adapter. This shouldn't be necessary.James Martin/CNETThe GSM Association reports that the mobile phone industry produces between 51,000 and 82,000 tons of replacement chargers every year, many of which end up in landfill. The association also notes that a standard charger could eliminate the need for new chargers with each device, reduce packaging, and reduce discarded charging cables, potentially lowering the carbon footprint of the wireless industry by, at minimum, 13.6 million tons per year. Plus, once certified, the chargers are potentially up to three times more energy efficient than unrated chargers, saving energy costs and lowering overall consumption.That all apparently sounded pretty good to Apple in 2011: it's listed here along with Nokia, Research In Motion, Emblaze Mobile, Huawei Technologies, LGE, Motorola Mobility, NEC, Qualcomm, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, TCT Mobile (ALCATEL), Texas Instruments and Atmel (or "everyone else," if you're keeping track at home) as a signatory to the new, universal standard. So, what happened? My hope would be that the iPhone 5 designs were already in the works in February 2011 and the company didn't want to change the plans until the next go-around. But Schiller also told AllThingsD that the smaller dock connector "is the new connector for many years to come."That may be good news for accessory makers -- I'm sure Bose will be happy to sell an upgraded SoundDock or two at $500 a pop -- and it's obviously good news for Apple, the only company currently selling the Lightning to USB and $29 or $39 Lightning adapter. Note, however, that the adapter product page points out, not all 30-pin devices will be supported, and it won't carry video or iPod-out signals (although, despite some earlier confusion, Apple has clarified that it will support analog audio signals). So, yes, the iPhone 5 and 2012 iPods will probably require some all-new accessories.That means Lightning is bad news for your wallet and bad news for the landfill, too. Update: This post has been corrected to note that the Lightning adapter will support analog audio signals. The previous version said it would not.
MySpace Music CEO should come from iTunes_0
MySpace Music CEO should come from iTunes
Those are the only companies that can claim success at selling music online on a large scale. If MySpace could lure away one of Apple's guys, then at least it could point to a proven winner.MySpace has to get this music service right. While Facebook has already elbowed past it as the world's largest social-networking site, one area where MySpace continues to dominate is music. The site has become the online equivalent of Soul Train or American Bandstand, a digital stage where musicians flock to showcase their talents.Music has helped MySpace stay relevant with younger audiences at a time when Facebook holds an edge in the cool factor.Meanwhile, Facebook hasn't shown a lot of interest in challenging MySpace in music. Other competitors have. Sites, such as iMeem, have attracted users by offering free streaming music for more than a year. So who is MySpace Music supposed to turn to for help?The company has already interviewed a slew of execs from both the digital side as well as music industry old timers. Andy Schuon, the former CEO of Universal Music Group's International Music Feed and past president of CBS Radio (CBS is parent company of CNET News.com), is being considered for the job along with a long list of others, said two music industry sources. Schuon could not be reached Wednesday. Hiring an old-school music suit to run a digital shop hasn't met with much success. But is MySpace supposed to hire some Silicon Valley guy with maybe a couple of so-so music start-ups under his belt? Who among that crowd has a winning record?The Deal reported last month that several execs with Internet experience were offered the job and turned it down, including former AOL executive Jim Bankoff, BigChampagne chief executive Eric Garland, and Benchmark Capital entrepreneur-in-residence Dave Goldberg, who also helped guide Yahoo Music. Tough jobThe delay in finding a chief executive also raised the question about whether running MySpace's music service is all that attractive. When it's fully operational, MySpace Music is expected to offer free streaming music, unprotected MP3 downloads, ringtones, and e-commerce offerings such as merchandise and ticket sales. The site is well heeled with backers that include Rupert Murdoch's News Corp., and the three largest recording companies. The new chief won't have to oversee a new download service as Amazon is expected to supply the infrastructure for that. But all that firepower may be part of the problem. Will the CEO be expected to answer to Universal Music Group, as well as to Murdoch? All of the stakeholders will hold a seat on the board, which met for the first time recently. Said one person who was interviewed for the job and turned it down; "It's a case where there might be too many masters." Perhaps, the least attractive part of the job is that whoever gets it will be charged with dethroning Apple CEO Steve Jobs as the grand poo-bah of digital music. Note to future MySpace Music CEO: Don't be frightened. Forget that MySpace has almost no experience in music retail or must compete against Apple's iPod without possessing any significant hardware partnership (that's a trick statement as there isn't any significant hardware in music besides the iPod). If you lose, the bright side is MySpace Music will join other marquee heads on Apple's trophy wall--right alongside Microsoft, MTV, Sony, Yahoo, RealNetworks, and Wal-Mart.
Those are the only companies that can claim success at selling music online on a large scale. If MySpace could lure away one of Apple's guys, then at least it could point to a proven winner.MySpace has to get this music service right. While Facebook has already elbowed past it as the world's largest social-networking site, one area where MySpace continues to dominate is music. The site has become the online equivalent of Soul Train or American Bandstand, a digital stage where musicians flock to showcase their talents.Music has helped MySpace stay relevant with younger audiences at a time when Facebook holds an edge in the cool factor.Meanwhile, Facebook hasn't shown a lot of interest in challenging MySpace in music. Other competitors have. Sites, such as iMeem, have attracted users by offering free streaming music for more than a year. So who is MySpace Music supposed to turn to for help?The company has already interviewed a slew of execs from both the digital side as well as music industry old timers. Andy Schuon, the former CEO of Universal Music Group's International Music Feed and past president of CBS Radio (CBS is parent company of CNET News.com), is being considered for the job along with a long list of others, said two music industry sources. Schuon could not be reached Wednesday. Hiring an old-school music suit to run a digital shop hasn't met with much success. But is MySpace supposed to hire some Silicon Valley guy with maybe a couple of so-so music start-ups under his belt? Who among that crowd has a winning record?The Deal reported last month that several execs with Internet experience were offered the job and turned it down, including former AOL executive Jim Bankoff, BigChampagne chief executive Eric Garland, and Benchmark Capital entrepreneur-in-residence Dave Goldberg, who also helped guide Yahoo Music. Tough jobThe delay in finding a chief executive also raised the question about whether running MySpace's music service is all that attractive. When it's fully operational, MySpace Music is expected to offer free streaming music, unprotected MP3 downloads, ringtones, and e-commerce offerings such as merchandise and ticket sales. The site is well heeled with backers that include Rupert Murdoch's News Corp., and the three largest recording companies. The new chief won't have to oversee a new download service as Amazon is expected to supply the infrastructure for that. But all that firepower may be part of the problem. Will the CEO be expected to answer to Universal Music Group, as well as to Murdoch? All of the stakeholders will hold a seat on the board, which met for the first time recently. Said one person who was interviewed for the job and turned it down; "It's a case where there might be too many masters." Perhaps, the least attractive part of the job is that whoever gets it will be charged with dethroning Apple CEO Steve Jobs as the grand poo-bah of digital music. Note to future MySpace Music CEO: Don't be frightened. Forget that MySpace has almost no experience in music retail or must compete against Apple's iPod without possessing any significant hardware partnership (that's a trick statement as there isn't any significant hardware in music besides the iPod). If you lose, the bright side is MySpace Music will join other marquee heads on Apple's trophy wall--right alongside Microsoft, MTV, Sony, Yahoo, RealNetworks, and Wal-Mart.
Beats Music isn't interested in freeloading listeners, CEO says
Beats Music isn't interested in freeloading listeners, CEO says
Beats Music, the streaming-music service launched earlier Tuesday, doesn't have a free ad-based option, and the company isn't interested in the kind of listener who wants it.Beats Music CEO Ian C. Rogers said in a blog post that anyone who is willing to pay about $1,000 a year on a cable subscription but balks at paying $100 a year on "a great music service" is somebody whose view of the world differs fundamentally from his own. Rogers wrote:If music, and a service that brings you great music experiences and playlists from everyone from Pitchfork to Downbeat to Mojo to Thrasher isn't worth $100/year to you I'm afraid we don't have much in common. Or put more specifically, if you are OK with the playlist below being interrupted by a loud insurance ad, music doesn't define the moments of your life the same way it does mine. The comment was followed by a screenshot of a Beats Music playlist.Beats Music is available for free for anybody with 7-day trial but afterward requires a $9.99-a-month subscription after that. It also offers a yearly subscription for about $120. He said the lack of a free, ad-backed version was a "thoughtful and conscious decision," and he acknowledged its omission has been the biggest criticism the fledgling service has received in recent weeks leading up to its rollout. AT&T customers can access unlimited song streaming and downloads for individuals across three devices for $10 a month, too, or for up to five family members across 10 devices for $15 a month. AT&T Family customers will receive a 90-day free trial, while individual AT&T wireless customers can get the first 30 days free. It will be part of an AT&T customer's regular bill.Striking a deal with AT&T, the country's second-biggest wireless carrier, gives Beats a huge pool of potential customers and a mega marketing machine at its very outset, but its entering a field already crowded with competitors. Not only is Beats going up against relative newcomers like Spotify, it will also face entrenched Internet radio service Pandora and offerings from huge tech companies such as Apple's iTunes Radio and Google's All Access. Beats is seeking to set itself apart by marrying algorithms with curated programming from taste-makers. Rogers calls it the difference between being a service and a server.Jimmy Iovine founded Beats with musician and producer Dr. Dre and bought MOG, an on-demand subscription service. The intent was to combine that technology and the Beats brand to create Beats Music, also known by its codename Daisy.
Beats Music, the streaming-music service launched earlier Tuesday, doesn't have a free ad-based option, and the company isn't interested in the kind of listener who wants it.Beats Music CEO Ian C. Rogers said in a blog post that anyone who is willing to pay about $1,000 a year on a cable subscription but balks at paying $100 a year on "a great music service" is somebody whose view of the world differs fundamentally from his own. Rogers wrote:If music, and a service that brings you great music experiences and playlists from everyone from Pitchfork to Downbeat to Mojo to Thrasher isn't worth $100/year to you I'm afraid we don't have much in common. Or put more specifically, if you are OK with the playlist below being interrupted by a loud insurance ad, music doesn't define the moments of your life the same way it does mine. The comment was followed by a screenshot of a Beats Music playlist.Beats Music is available for free for anybody with 7-day trial but afterward requires a $9.99-a-month subscription after that. It also offers a yearly subscription for about $120. He said the lack of a free, ad-backed version was a "thoughtful and conscious decision," and he acknowledged its omission has been the biggest criticism the fledgling service has received in recent weeks leading up to its rollout. AT&T customers can access unlimited song streaming and downloads for individuals across three devices for $10 a month, too, or for up to five family members across 10 devices for $15 a month. AT&T Family customers will receive a 90-day free trial, while individual AT&T wireless customers can get the first 30 days free. It will be part of an AT&T customer's regular bill.Striking a deal with AT&T, the country's second-biggest wireless carrier, gives Beats a huge pool of potential customers and a mega marketing machine at its very outset, but its entering a field already crowded with competitors. Not only is Beats going up against relative newcomers like Spotify, it will also face entrenched Internet radio service Pandora and offerings from huge tech companies such as Apple's iTunes Radio and Google's All Access. Beats is seeking to set itself apart by marrying algorithms with curated programming from taste-makers. Rogers calls it the difference between being a service and a server.Jimmy Iovine founded Beats with musician and producer Dr. Dre and bought MOG, an on-demand subscription service. The intent was to combine that technology and the Beats brand to create Beats Music, also known by its codename Daisy.
The 404 349- Where it sucks to be back...but we're baaaaaack
The 404 349: Where it sucks to be back...but we're baaaaaack
Welcome back, everyone! Hopefully your weekend was as relaxing as ours was, although sometimes a three-day weekend can be more tiring than a whole week of work! Let's just say that seeing the sunrise as you go to bed can be beautiful and tragic at the same time. We kicked off our Memorial Day weekend with an appearance on Fox News' "Strategy Room" with our buddy Clayton Morris. Most of you have already seen it, but check it out if you haven't and let us know what you think. Were we too serious for our own good? More bathroom humor, perhaps? I'll try harder next time.In related 404 news, Wilson discovers that Dave Matthews Band is using the REMIXED version of our theme song in a promotion on its Pandora channel. What the crap is that all about, DMB? We're calling you guys out on stealing the song from our buddy Jamie Lewis, and we're extra protective since we consider him the unofficial voice of the show, so expect that subpoena in the mail immediately. And Jamie, if you're reading this...we'll be looking for our commission check soon, too.Aside from us tearing apart some d-bag that broke the Rock Band 2 world record, we also have a hilarious call from the public and show off more submissions for our "Design The 404 Logo" competition. Watch the video for today's show to check them out, or see the slideshow below for high-res shots. Send your high-res submissions to the404[at]CNET[dot]com and we'll show them on the air for the chance to win a gigantic prize package that includes a copy of "The Back Book," Anna David's "Bought," and more!The 404 Logo SubmissionsSee full gallery1 - 4 / 8NextPrevThis 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.PlayEPISODE 349Download today's podcast Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video Watch the video and tell us that ain't The 404 theme songKid breaks Rock Band 2 world record, still no kissCircuit City makes a triumphant online comeback thanks to Tiger Direct"Night at the Museum" sequel climbs over "Terminator" in weekend box officeFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson Tang
Welcome back, everyone! Hopefully your weekend was as relaxing as ours was, although sometimes a three-day weekend can be more tiring than a whole week of work! Let's just say that seeing the sunrise as you go to bed can be beautiful and tragic at the same time. We kicked off our Memorial Day weekend with an appearance on Fox News' "Strategy Room" with our buddy Clayton Morris. Most of you have already seen it, but check it out if you haven't and let us know what you think. Were we too serious for our own good? More bathroom humor, perhaps? I'll try harder next time.In related 404 news, Wilson discovers that Dave Matthews Band is using the REMIXED version of our theme song in a promotion on its Pandora channel. What the crap is that all about, DMB? We're calling you guys out on stealing the song from our buddy Jamie Lewis, and we're extra protective since we consider him the unofficial voice of the show, so expect that subpoena in the mail immediately. And Jamie, if you're reading this...we'll be looking for our commission check soon, too.Aside from us tearing apart some d-bag that broke the Rock Band 2 world record, we also have a hilarious call from the public and show off more submissions for our "Design The 404 Logo" competition. Watch the video for today's show to check them out, or see the slideshow below for high-res shots. Send your high-res submissions to the404[at]CNET[dot]com and we'll show them on the air for the chance to win a gigantic prize package that includes a copy of "The Back Book," Anna David's "Bought," and more!The 404 Logo SubmissionsSee full gallery1 - 4 / 8NextPrevThis 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.PlayEPISODE 349Download today's podcast Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video Watch the video and tell us that ain't The 404 theme songKid breaks Rock Band 2 world record, still no kissCircuit City makes a triumphant online comeback thanks to Tiger Direct"Night at the Museum" sequel climbs over "Terminator" in weekend box officeFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson Tang
Live music's not dead. Look at all the iPhone apps
Live music's not dead. Look at all the iPhone apps
But I was struck most by the optimism of Irving Azoff, who's currently the CEO of Ticketmaster Entertainment, but who's better known as a long-time big shot in music management--he handled The Eagles, among many other acts. As he put it: "The performer on stage receiving the adulation of the fans--there's nothing like it, and that's never going away."He's absolutely right, but I still think the days of paying more than a hundred bucks for the right to be herded into a stadium where they charge $8 for a beer and the ushers don't allow dancing and the other "fans" yell if you stand up and the sound sucks and the performers can't play their instruments and they look like tiny ants--that is, the big stadium concert experience--is becoming a relic like corded telephones and huge microwave ovens. It's too expensive, it's not fun enough, and there are far more opportunities for collective entertainment today than when I was a teenager back in the dark (pre-online) ages. Where are kids going to spend their allowance--on Xbox Live for $50 a year, or the latest enormo-tour for $50 (or more) an hour?That's bad news for Ticketmaster, but good news for smaller venues. The only trouble with these smaller shows is that you might not hear about them unless you've got a good local weekly paper and are willing to scan the club listings regularly. That's where a new crop of Web and mobile applications come into play. I'm still enjoying iConcertCal for iPhone, which I've only had for a week, but has already guided me to one amazing band (Garaj Mahal) I had no idea was in town until I opened the app. Today, Seattle social-music company iLike upped the ante with a update to iLike Local Concerts, a very attractive iPhone app that was originally released in May. It downloads and caches a bunch of local concert information on first connection to reduce wait times in the future, and features a slick user interface with images for each listed artist. The updated version, which should be in the iTunes store shortly, will match iConcertCal's ability to build a list of favorite artists based on your iTunes library, and will add notifications when one of your favorites announces a show in your town. Best of all, while iConcertCal costs $2.99, iLike Local Concerts is free.Live music's far from dead. You just have to know where to look.Follow Matt on Twitter.
But I was struck most by the optimism of Irving Azoff, who's currently the CEO of Ticketmaster Entertainment, but who's better known as a long-time big shot in music management--he handled The Eagles, among many other acts. As he put it: "The performer on stage receiving the adulation of the fans--there's nothing like it, and that's never going away."He's absolutely right, but I still think the days of paying more than a hundred bucks for the right to be herded into a stadium where they charge $8 for a beer and the ushers don't allow dancing and the other "fans" yell if you stand up and the sound sucks and the performers can't play their instruments and they look like tiny ants--that is, the big stadium concert experience--is becoming a relic like corded telephones and huge microwave ovens. It's too expensive, it's not fun enough, and there are far more opportunities for collective entertainment today than when I was a teenager back in the dark (pre-online) ages. Where are kids going to spend their allowance--on Xbox Live for $50 a year, or the latest enormo-tour for $50 (or more) an hour?That's bad news for Ticketmaster, but good news for smaller venues. The only trouble with these smaller shows is that you might not hear about them unless you've got a good local weekly paper and are willing to scan the club listings regularly. That's where a new crop of Web and mobile applications come into play. I'm still enjoying iConcertCal for iPhone, which I've only had for a week, but has already guided me to one amazing band (Garaj Mahal) I had no idea was in town until I opened the app. Today, Seattle social-music company iLike upped the ante with a update to iLike Local Concerts, a very attractive iPhone app that was originally released in May. It downloads and caches a bunch of local concert information on first connection to reduce wait times in the future, and features a slick user interface with images for each listed artist. The updated version, which should be in the iTunes store shortly, will match iConcertCal's ability to build a list of favorite artists based on your iTunes library, and will add notifications when one of your favorites announces a show in your town. Best of all, while iConcertCal costs $2.99, iLike Local Concerts is free.Live music's far from dead. You just have to know where to look.Follow Matt on Twitter.
AT&T brings enhanced push-to-talk app to iPhone
AT&T brings enhanced push-to-talk app to iPhone
AT&T has unveiled an iOS app that turns the iPhone into a walkie-talkie for the business world.Known as Enhanced Push-to-Talk (Enhanced PTT), the new app brings two-radio features to the iPhone 5 and 4S. With PTT, mobile users can talk to one person via a private call or a large number of people though a group call. And like a walkie-talkie, a phone equipped with the app can switch between talk and listen mode with the touch of a button.The app supports up to 250 people, gearing it for certain types of workplaces and first responders, according to the Associated Press.Enhanced PTT uses voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to send the conversation over an AT&T Wi-Fi network or the carrier's 3G and 4G networks.In its description of the app, AT&T touts a number of features, including fast call setup times and low latency, several advanced push-to-talk features, the ability to support large contact lists, and an admin tool for managing users of the app.Business users who download the app also need to activate it and work with AT&T to set it up.This is the first time a U.S. carrier is offering push-to-talk capabilities on the iPhone, AT&T said Monday."Across industries such as manufacturing, engineering, hospitality, construction, and government, organizations need instant communications in challenging environments," Mike Troiano, vice president of Advanced Mobility Solutions for AT&T Business Solutions, said in a statement. "From the start, AT&T Enhanced Push-to-Talk was designed specifically for AT&T's speedy 4G LTE networks and now we are offering even more devices so our business customers can communicate faster and to larger talk groups."Enhanced PTT currently supports the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S using AT&T's wireless service.
AT&T has unveiled an iOS app that turns the iPhone into a walkie-talkie for the business world.Known as Enhanced Push-to-Talk (Enhanced PTT), the new app brings two-radio features to the iPhone 5 and 4S. With PTT, mobile users can talk to one person via a private call or a large number of people though a group call. And like a walkie-talkie, a phone equipped with the app can switch between talk and listen mode with the touch of a button.The app supports up to 250 people, gearing it for certain types of workplaces and first responders, according to the Associated Press.Enhanced PTT uses voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to send the conversation over an AT&T Wi-Fi network or the carrier's 3G and 4G networks.In its description of the app, AT&T touts a number of features, including fast call setup times and low latency, several advanced push-to-talk features, the ability to support large contact lists, and an admin tool for managing users of the app.Business users who download the app also need to activate it and work with AT&T to set it up.This is the first time a U.S. carrier is offering push-to-talk capabilities on the iPhone, AT&T said Monday."Across industries such as manufacturing, engineering, hospitality, construction, and government, organizations need instant communications in challenging environments," Mike Troiano, vice president of Advanced Mobility Solutions for AT&T Business Solutions, said in a statement. "From the start, AT&T Enhanced Push-to-Talk was designed specifically for AT&T's speedy 4G LTE networks and now we are offering even more devices so our business customers can communicate faster and to larger talk groups."Enhanced PTT currently supports the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S using AT&T's wireless service.
AT&T brings 4G LTE to five more cities, but still lags Verizon
AT&T brings 4G LTE to five more cities, but still lags Verizon
AT&T said today that it has brought its faster 4G LTE network to five more cities, as well as expanded coverage in a few major cities. Green Bay, Wis.; Springfield, Mass.; Tucson, Ariz.; Melbourne, Fla.; and Oxford, Miss. are the newest additions to AT&T's LTE network. That brings the total to 125 cities.Related storiesAT&T to sell Moto Backflip March 7?Verizon looks for more revenue in wireless dataClearwire may consider 4G alternatives to WiMaxFCC wades through Net neutrality commentsAT&T rolls out unlimited text, voice, and data plans Customers in Phoenix, Los Angeles, New York, and Salt Lake City should all benefit from better coverage as well. The faster connection enabled by a 4G LTE network has been a chief selling point for the carriers this year. Verizon, however, has had a distinct advantage, and has lost no opportunity to tout the breadth of its own coverage -- more than all of the other carriers combined -- alongside its network quality message. After the latest round of deployments that will be turned on Thursday, the carrier will have covered 470 cities. AT&T, however, argues that it has a larger network running on a slower technology called HSPA+, which it and others in the industry all designate as 4G. The company has been rolling along with its deploying, having added seven regions last week.The interest in LTE jumped this year after many marquee smartphones, including the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S3, supported LTE. Apple, in particular, was late to the LTE game.
AT&T said today that it has brought its faster 4G LTE network to five more cities, as well as expanded coverage in a few major cities. Green Bay, Wis.; Springfield, Mass.; Tucson, Ariz.; Melbourne, Fla.; and Oxford, Miss. are the newest additions to AT&T's LTE network. That brings the total to 125 cities.Related storiesAT&T to sell Moto Backflip March 7?Verizon looks for more revenue in wireless dataClearwire may consider 4G alternatives to WiMaxFCC wades through Net neutrality commentsAT&T rolls out unlimited text, voice, and data plans Customers in Phoenix, Los Angeles, New York, and Salt Lake City should all benefit from better coverage as well. The faster connection enabled by a 4G LTE network has been a chief selling point for the carriers this year. Verizon, however, has had a distinct advantage, and has lost no opportunity to tout the breadth of its own coverage -- more than all of the other carriers combined -- alongside its network quality message. After the latest round of deployments that will be turned on Thursday, the carrier will have covered 470 cities. AT&T, however, argues that it has a larger network running on a slower technology called HSPA+, which it and others in the industry all designate as 4G. The company has been rolling along with its deploying, having added seven regions last week.The interest in LTE jumped this year after many marquee smartphones, including the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S3, supported LTE. Apple, in particular, was late to the LTE game.
At least three Kindle Fire 2 tablets, one with 4G, on the way
At least three Kindle Fire 2 tablets, one with 4G, on the way
The Kindle Fire 2 will see the Google's Nexus 7 tablet and then raise it, according to an analyst.Amazon will bring out at least three new Kindle Fire models, according to Richard Shim, an analyst at NPD DisplaySearch.Shim gets his information from sources in the "supply chain" -- a collection of companies that manufacture components and assemble products.Here's what Shim is seeing: 7-inch Kindle Fire 2:1,024x600 display, no camera; August production. 7-inch Kindle Fire 2: 1,280x800 display with camera; August production. 7-inch Kindle Fire 2: 1,280x800 display with camera and 4G; September production. 8.9-inch Kindle Fire 2: With 1,920x1,200 display; Q4 production. Shim believes that a 10-inch class Kindle Fire is unlikely.At least not any time soon. Because the supply chain is dynamic -- based on orders received from brands like Amazon and Apple -- the status can change from month to month. "These are supply chain indications. This is what we are seeing right now," Shim said.(See previous CNET story about a possible summer release.)If the supply chain information is accurate, the Kindle Fire would trump the Nexus 7 by adding 4G and a higher resolution 1,920x1,200 display. Like the Nexus 7, the new Kindle Fires will have displays that boast pixel densities of 216 pixels per inch (PPI), according to Shim.While this falls short of the 264 PPI on the third-generation iPad, anything above 200 is considered competitive, Shim said. The original Kindle Fire had a PPI of about 170. There was no information immediately available from DisplaySearch on pricing or processors.Current speculation calls for either Texas Instruments OMAP processors or Nvidia's widely used quad-core Tegra 3 chip. CNET has contacted Amazon for comment and will update this post when we learn more. Related storiesEthanol alternative gains ground with new plantInterior Secretary sets deadline for Cape WindModern Warfare 2 joins 'Avatar' in ultra-elite $1 billion clubApple's Mac shipments up 23.3 percent in the U.S.Reports: Tech recovery driven by developing nations, cloud
The Kindle Fire 2 will see the Google's Nexus 7 tablet and then raise it, according to an analyst.Amazon will bring out at least three new Kindle Fire models, according to Richard Shim, an analyst at NPD DisplaySearch.Shim gets his information from sources in the "supply chain" -- a collection of companies that manufacture components and assemble products.Here's what Shim is seeing: 7-inch Kindle Fire 2:1,024x600 display, no camera; August production. 7-inch Kindle Fire 2: 1,280x800 display with camera; August production. 7-inch Kindle Fire 2: 1,280x800 display with camera and 4G; September production. 8.9-inch Kindle Fire 2: With 1,920x1,200 display; Q4 production. Shim believes that a 10-inch class Kindle Fire is unlikely.At least not any time soon. Because the supply chain is dynamic -- based on orders received from brands like Amazon and Apple -- the status can change from month to month. "These are supply chain indications. This is what we are seeing right now," Shim said.(See previous CNET story about a possible summer release.)If the supply chain information is accurate, the Kindle Fire would trump the Nexus 7 by adding 4G and a higher resolution 1,920x1,200 display. Like the Nexus 7, the new Kindle Fires will have displays that boast pixel densities of 216 pixels per inch (PPI), according to Shim.While this falls short of the 264 PPI on the third-generation iPad, anything above 200 is considered competitive, Shim said. The original Kindle Fire had a PPI of about 170. There was no information immediately available from DisplaySearch on pricing or processors.Current speculation calls for either Texas Instruments OMAP processors or Nvidia's widely used quad-core Tegra 3 chip. CNET has contacted Amazon for comment and will update this post when we learn more. Related storiesEthanol alternative gains ground with new plantInterior Secretary sets deadline for Cape WindModern Warfare 2 joins 'Avatar' in ultra-elite $1 billion clubApple's Mac shipments up 23.3 percent in the U.S.Reports: Tech recovery driven by developing nations, cloud
At it again- Sellers in China offer iPhone 5 preorders
At it again: Sellers in China offer iPhone 5 preorders
China's Taobao e-commerce platform is home to a host of preorder opportunities for an Apple smartphone that might not even exist.According to Reuters, several sellers on Taobao are offering preorders for Apple's long-rumored iPhone 5. One of the sellers, Reuters says, is currently accepting preorders for 1,000 yuan ($160). Another seller says that the only way to be guaranteed to get the iPhone 5 at launch will be to pay in full -- 6,999 yuan ($1,100) -- up front.China and Taobao have long been home to sellers attempting to take advantage of the iPhone's popularity. Back in August, when the world believed Apple would launch the iPhone 5 and not the iPhone 4S, sellers on Taobao were offering up the "HiPhone 5," a copycat device designed to capitalize on all the excitement surrounding the handset.In order to get consumers to place preorders for the iPhone 5, sellers are listing the device's specifications and showing mock-up images, according to Reuters. It's a rather interesting move, considering Apple has not confirmed that the iPhone 5 exists, let alone shown off its features or design.Still, customers are buying the preorders at a surprisingly rapid clip. According to Reuters, one seller has already received more than 24 orders and nabbed two purchases in one day earlier this week.Apple has so far been silent on what its plans might be for its smartphone. However, the rumor mill suggests the iPhone 5 could come with a 4-inch screen, 4G LTE support, and a host of other additions.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
China's Taobao e-commerce platform is home to a host of preorder opportunities for an Apple smartphone that might not even exist.According to Reuters, several sellers on Taobao are offering preorders for Apple's long-rumored iPhone 5. One of the sellers, Reuters says, is currently accepting preorders for 1,000 yuan ($160). Another seller says that the only way to be guaranteed to get the iPhone 5 at launch will be to pay in full -- 6,999 yuan ($1,100) -- up front.China and Taobao have long been home to sellers attempting to take advantage of the iPhone's popularity. Back in August, when the world believed Apple would launch the iPhone 5 and not the iPhone 4S, sellers on Taobao were offering up the "HiPhone 5," a copycat device designed to capitalize on all the excitement surrounding the handset.In order to get consumers to place preorders for the iPhone 5, sellers are listing the device's specifications and showing mock-up images, according to Reuters. It's a rather interesting move, considering Apple has not confirmed that the iPhone 5 exists, let alone shown off its features or design.Still, customers are buying the preorders at a surprisingly rapid clip. According to Reuters, one seller has already received more than 24 orders and nabbed two purchases in one day earlier this week.Apple has so far been silent on what its plans might be for its smartphone. However, the rumor mill suggests the iPhone 5 could come with a 4-inch screen, 4G LTE support, and a host of other additions.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
At $249, the iPad Mini would be hard to stop, says analyst
At $249, the iPad Mini would be hard to stop, says analyst
Will Apple lowball the iPad Mini?That's a crucial question for competitors staring down the barrel of a smaller Apple tablet, an analyst told CNET.The answer comes down to whether Apple wants to "crush the opposition" or just maintain dominance, said Rhoda Alexander, an analyst at IHS iSuppli."And the price point would be how they do that," she said. While a $299 price tag "would sit in a more comfortable place as far as a profit," Alexander believes Apple could go as low as$249 for an entry level model.At the high end, $349 is price Alexander often hears.That model would come with4G LTE. And it's probably not a stretch to say that Google is already anticipating the imminent arrival of the iPad Mini in the U.S.Ads for the $199 Nexus 7 tablet are everywhere these days, including Google's usually-pristine search page.Related storiesApple iPad Mini: The ultimate rumor roundupIt's a smart strategy: drive more sales of an already popular product before the iPad Mini tsunami hits. "The input I'm getting from the supply side is that [Google] has actually raised the quantity of orders being built this year," Alexander said."We see it on the order of five to six million in 2012 or maybe even a little more than six million."That said, the Wi-Fi-only Nexus 7 is a tougher sell on international markets, particularly Asia, where 3G is necessary, according to Alexander.In contrast, a smaller, cheaper iPad with 3G/4G capability in Asia would be an extremely attractive product, she said. Google is getting aggressive with advertising.A preemptive strike against the iPad Mini?Google
Will Apple lowball the iPad Mini?That's a crucial question for competitors staring down the barrel of a smaller Apple tablet, an analyst told CNET.The answer comes down to whether Apple wants to "crush the opposition" or just maintain dominance, said Rhoda Alexander, an analyst at IHS iSuppli."And the price point would be how they do that," she said. While a $299 price tag "would sit in a more comfortable place as far as a profit," Alexander believes Apple could go as low as$249 for an entry level model.At the high end, $349 is price Alexander often hears.That model would come with4G LTE. And it's probably not a stretch to say that Google is already anticipating the imminent arrival of the iPad Mini in the U.S.Ads for the $199 Nexus 7 tablet are everywhere these days, including Google's usually-pristine search page.Related storiesApple iPad Mini: The ultimate rumor roundupIt's a smart strategy: drive more sales of an already popular product before the iPad Mini tsunami hits. "The input I'm getting from the supply side is that [Google] has actually raised the quantity of orders being built this year," Alexander said."We see it on the order of five to six million in 2012 or maybe even a little more than six million."That said, the Wi-Fi-only Nexus 7 is a tougher sell on international markets, particularly Asia, where 3G is necessary, according to Alexander.In contrast, a smaller, cheaper iPad with 3G/4G capability in Asia would be an extremely attractive product, she said. Google is getting aggressive with advertising.A preemptive strike against the iPad Mini?Google
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