The 404 673: Where we turn it off and on again (podcast)
Peter Ha from TIME Magazine's Techland joins us again today to wrap up a week's worth of stories, including yesterday's Facebook meltdown, Adidas sneakers inspired by Boba Fett, Wil Wheaton, Halo: Reach, Moleskines, and more!We kick off the show with Peter showing off his new limited-edition Star Wars X Adidas Originals ZX800 sneakers with side panels inspired by Boba Fett! You can see that the shoes are influenced by Boba Fett's weathered armor, and the special Mandalorian patches on the heels. Peter definitely made the right choice...the Adidas Chewbacca shoes from the same collection aren't quite as subtle.Peter also tells us about the news around Techland, and apparently actor Wil Wheaton (Wesley Crusher from Star Trek: The Next Generation) is now writing for the Web site. Check out all of Wil's articles online, including The Evolution of E-mail Spam, Why I Hate DRM, and Recovering from W00tstock.Apparently CNET wasn't the only office that almost went up in smoke after Facebook mysteriously displayed a DNS error yesterday afternoon. Soon after, Facebook software engineering director Robert Johnson blamed the technical error on a change to the site that caused configuration value errors for every client, causing Facebook's clusters to be "overwhelmed by hundreds of thousands of queries a second.To fix this error, engineers utilized a classic troubleshooting method that's spanned a hundred of years of electrical design: turn it off, and then back on again. That's all it took, and while some users might still experienced intermittent errors over the next few days, the majority of us can sleep well knowing our profiles are still intact and open for liking.Today is the last day to sign up for our Twitter contest for a chance to win a pair of tickets to see "The Social Network" with The 404 next Tuesday, September 28. To enter, simply follow us @The404 and RETWEET THIS. You can also become a fan of The 404 Facebook Fan Page to enter, and while you're at it, add Peter Ha on Twitter as well!Episode 673PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Nintendo DS lookalike app hits the App Store
Nintendo DS lookalike app hits the App Store
Dubbed DS Double Sys, the iPhone app from ZM2 Dev "can turn your device into a 'Handheld Game Console.'"When users boot up the app, the DS's familiar design is featured on the screen, including its dual displays.App owners can change the color of the DS to match their real-life version, zoom in on individual screens, and even play games.ZM2 Dev said that gamers receiving higher scores on its Pixel Mania title will be able to unlock more DS colors and a "secret game."According to the app's App Store listing, more games, case colors, and microphone functionality will be made available at some point in the future.After fielding several complaints over its app-approval policy, it seems rather ironic that Apple would allow an app that looks (and works) exactly like a Nintendo DS into its App Store.That said, it could have something to do with the way the app works.Early last month, Apple rejected a Commodore 64 emulator called C64 that was trying to gain entry into its App Store.The app, which allowed owners to use Commodore BASIC, also allowed users to play authentic Commodore 64 titles.In a rejection notice sent to the app's developers, Apple cited section 3.2.2 of its iPhone Developer's Agreement, which states that "an application may not itself install or launch other executable code by any means."DS Double Sys is not, theoretically, an emulator.The game is a simulation of a Nintendo DS.That might have helped the app gain admission into the App Store.Regardless, it should be interesting to see how long it stays in the store.Nintendo can't be happy about an app that costs $4.99 depicting its hardware.And if more games are made available, it might cause even more trouble for the app's developers.Look for more news on this once Nintendo catches wind of it.Via Gizmodo (Link)
Dubbed DS Double Sys, the iPhone app from ZM2 Dev "can turn your device into a 'Handheld Game Console.'"When users boot up the app, the DS's familiar design is featured on the screen, including its dual displays.App owners can change the color of the DS to match their real-life version, zoom in on individual screens, and even play games.ZM2 Dev said that gamers receiving higher scores on its Pixel Mania title will be able to unlock more DS colors and a "secret game."According to the app's App Store listing, more games, case colors, and microphone functionality will be made available at some point in the future.After fielding several complaints over its app-approval policy, it seems rather ironic that Apple would allow an app that looks (and works) exactly like a Nintendo DS into its App Store.That said, it could have something to do with the way the app works.Early last month, Apple rejected a Commodore 64 emulator called C64 that was trying to gain entry into its App Store.The app, which allowed owners to use Commodore BASIC, also allowed users to play authentic Commodore 64 titles.In a rejection notice sent to the app's developers, Apple cited section 3.2.2 of its iPhone Developer's Agreement, which states that "an application may not itself install or launch other executable code by any means."DS Double Sys is not, theoretically, an emulator.The game is a simulation of a Nintendo DS.That might have helped the app gain admission into the App Store.Regardless, it should be interesting to see how long it stays in the store.Nintendo can't be happy about an app that costs $4.99 depicting its hardware.And if more games are made available, it might cause even more trouble for the app's developers.Look for more news on this once Nintendo catches wind of it.Via Gizmodo (Link)
DOJ- Apple colluded with publishers to raise e-book prices
DOJ: Apple colluded with publishers to raise e-book prices
Apple violated antitrust laws by colluding with book publishers to raise the price of e-books in an effort "to strip retailers of pricing authority," federal prosecutors said in a court filing released Tuesday, according to Bloomberg.In an antitrust lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice in April 2012, the government accused Apple and five book publishers of conspiring to illegally fix e-book prices to boost profits and force e-book rival Amazon to abandon its discount pricing. All five of the publishers involved -- Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Simon & Schuster (owned by CBS, which publishes CNET), Macmillan Publishers, and Penguin Group -- have now settled.The prosecutors' filing, which was released Tuesday but originally filed on April 26, detailed e-mails and depositions of some of Apple's top brass, including the company's late founder Steve Jobs and Senior Vice President Eddy Cue, according to Bloomberg. In one published e-mail, Jobs told James Murdoch, then CEO of News Corp, the parent company of HarperCollins, that Apple's millions of customers could be an important asset to publishers. "Apple's iTunes Store and App Store have over 120 million customers with credit cards on file and have downloaded over 12 billion products," Jobs wrote, according to Bloomberg. "This is the type of online assets that will be required to scale the e-book business into something that matters to the publishers." For its part, Apple also filed a document with the court that was released to the public Tuesday and originally filed on April 26. In this document, the tech giant denied prosecutors' accusations and said no collusion took place but rather constant, detailed, one-on-one negotiations. "Early -- and constant -- points of negotiation and contention were over Apple's price caps and 30 percent commission. After Apple sent draft agency agreements to each publisher CEO on January 11, each immediately opposed Apple's price tiers and caps," Apple said its 81-page filing, according to Reuters.In March, U.S. District Judge Denise Cote ruled that Apple CEO Tim Cook must testify in the case if it goes to court. Currently, the case is set to go to trial in Manhattan in June.CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.
Apple violated antitrust laws by colluding with book publishers to raise the price of e-books in an effort "to strip retailers of pricing authority," federal prosecutors said in a court filing released Tuesday, according to Bloomberg.In an antitrust lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice in April 2012, the government accused Apple and five book publishers of conspiring to illegally fix e-book prices to boost profits and force e-book rival Amazon to abandon its discount pricing. All five of the publishers involved -- Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Simon & Schuster (owned by CBS, which publishes CNET), Macmillan Publishers, and Penguin Group -- have now settled.The prosecutors' filing, which was released Tuesday but originally filed on April 26, detailed e-mails and depositions of some of Apple's top brass, including the company's late founder Steve Jobs and Senior Vice President Eddy Cue, according to Bloomberg. In one published e-mail, Jobs told James Murdoch, then CEO of News Corp, the parent company of HarperCollins, that Apple's millions of customers could be an important asset to publishers. "Apple's iTunes Store and App Store have over 120 million customers with credit cards on file and have downloaded over 12 billion products," Jobs wrote, according to Bloomberg. "This is the type of online assets that will be required to scale the e-book business into something that matters to the publishers." For its part, Apple also filed a document with the court that was released to the public Tuesday and originally filed on April 26. In this document, the tech giant denied prosecutors' accusations and said no collusion took place but rather constant, detailed, one-on-one negotiations. "Early -- and constant -- points of negotiation and contention were over Apple's price caps and 30 percent commission. After Apple sent draft agency agreements to each publisher CEO on January 11, each immediately opposed Apple's price tiers and caps," Apple said its 81-page filing, according to Reuters.In March, U.S. District Judge Denise Cote ruled that Apple CEO Tim Cook must testify in the case if it goes to court. Currently, the case is set to go to trial in Manhattan in June.CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.
Does streaming lift music sales-
Does streaming lift music sales?
Free streaming music turns people on to new music and encourages them to buy, says social-networking site Last.fm. In the music industry, this will not come as a huge revelation. Last.fm, acquired by CBS last May, announced Wednesday that since the company launched its on-demand streaming service two months ago, CD and download sales through its partnership with Amazon.com have more than doubled.So what does that mean? Music discovery continues to be one of digital music's greatest vulnerabilities. Nobody has come up with a sure or simple way to help people wade through the millions of tracks available on the Web. Last.fm's numbers seem to confirm long-held beliefs of many that enabling people to sample full-length tracks is one way to spur demand. So Last.fm can take pride in knowing it was early to an offering that some music fans might find useful--albeit one that isn't exclusive to Last.fm. Indeed, when it comes to allowing users to test drive music before they buy, Last.fm is definitely in the back seat. Imeem offers unlimited plays while London-based Last.fm only allows a user to listen to an individual song three times. In addition, MySpace.com is preparing to launch its own streaming service that will offer unlimited plays. Christian Ward, a Last.fm spokesman, said the company is talking to the labels about rolling back some of the restrictions, presumably the three-play rule. "We wanted to see how this service works first," Ward said. "(The spike in sales) will encourage more discussion about pushing those limits back." Ward added that his company isn't worried much about competitors. He said what separates Last.fm from the others is its music-discovery engine that can suggest songs based on what a user has listened to in the past. "Offering free access to music is one thing but finding your way through all that is another," Ward said. "Music discovery is a lot easier on Last.fm."
Free streaming music turns people on to new music and encourages them to buy, says social-networking site Last.fm. In the music industry, this will not come as a huge revelation. Last.fm, acquired by CBS last May, announced Wednesday that since the company launched its on-demand streaming service two months ago, CD and download sales through its partnership with Amazon.com have more than doubled.So what does that mean? Music discovery continues to be one of digital music's greatest vulnerabilities. Nobody has come up with a sure or simple way to help people wade through the millions of tracks available on the Web. Last.fm's numbers seem to confirm long-held beliefs of many that enabling people to sample full-length tracks is one way to spur demand. So Last.fm can take pride in knowing it was early to an offering that some music fans might find useful--albeit one that isn't exclusive to Last.fm. Indeed, when it comes to allowing users to test drive music before they buy, Last.fm is definitely in the back seat. Imeem offers unlimited plays while London-based Last.fm only allows a user to listen to an individual song three times. In addition, MySpace.com is preparing to launch its own streaming service that will offer unlimited plays. Christian Ward, a Last.fm spokesman, said the company is talking to the labels about rolling back some of the restrictions, presumably the three-play rule. "We wanted to see how this service works first," Ward said. "(The spike in sales) will encourage more discussion about pushing those limits back." Ward added that his company isn't worried much about competitors. He said what separates Last.fm from the others is its music-discovery engine that can suggest songs based on what a user has listened to in the past. "Offering free access to music is one thing but finding your way through all that is another," Ward said. "Music discovery is a lot easier on Last.fm."
Report- Foxconn workers charged for iPad 2 leaks
Report: Foxconn workers charged for iPad 2 leaks
Three employees of Foxconn, which manufactures Apple products and other electronics, are said to have been charged for violating the company's trade secret agreement by allegedly leaking design details of Apple's iPad 2 ahead of its release.Citing reporting from Chinese-language source Sznews, Digitimes says the three employees were arrested by local police in Shenzhen, China near the end of December of last year, and were formally charged last week. The alleged leaks gave several accessory makers time to draw up designs ahead of the iPad 2's unveiling. While some of those designs did not match up to what Apple eventually unveiled on March 2, a handful nailed features like the cameras, rounded back, relocated speaker and microphone, and thinner enclosure. Foxconn, which is part of Hon Hai Precision Industries, produces the iPhone, iPad, and MacBooks for Apple along with consumer electronics for other companies including, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Microsoft, Sony, and Samsung. The company employs more than a million workers in China, and is in talks with Brazil to expand its operations to South America as part of a reported $12 billion investment.Following controversy over worker suicides at the manufacturer, Apple, Dell and HPbegan investigations into working conditions. Apple released its report based on audits of 127 facilities back in February. Foxconn has since raised worker wages, with Apple working to train workers and supervisors alike in worker rights, labor laws, and safety measures.
Three employees of Foxconn, which manufactures Apple products and other electronics, are said to have been charged for violating the company's trade secret agreement by allegedly leaking design details of Apple's iPad 2 ahead of its release.Citing reporting from Chinese-language source Sznews, Digitimes says the three employees were arrested by local police in Shenzhen, China near the end of December of last year, and were formally charged last week. The alleged leaks gave several accessory makers time to draw up designs ahead of the iPad 2's unveiling. While some of those designs did not match up to what Apple eventually unveiled on March 2, a handful nailed features like the cameras, rounded back, relocated speaker and microphone, and thinner enclosure. Foxconn, which is part of Hon Hai Precision Industries, produces the iPhone, iPad, and MacBooks for Apple along with consumer electronics for other companies including, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Microsoft, Sony, and Samsung. The company employs more than a million workers in China, and is in talks with Brazil to expand its operations to South America as part of a reported $12 billion investment.Following controversy over worker suicides at the manufacturer, Apple, Dell and HPbegan investigations into working conditions. Apple released its report based on audits of 127 facilities back in February. Foxconn has since raised worker wages, with Apple working to train workers and supervisors alike in worker rights, labor laws, and safety measures.
Report- Backlit keyboards returning to MacBook Air
Report: Backlit keyboards returning to MacBook Air
It's not unusual for Apple to remove features in new versions of things. It happens in software, and it happens in the company's computers, too. One notable removal that accompanied the MacBook Air's overhaul last October was the nixing of the backlit keyboard--the feature that lights up the keys so you can see them in the dark. According to AppleInsider, the eyeball-friendly feature is making a comeback in the much-expected refresh of the MacBook Air line, which is the same update that's expected to bring Intel's Sandy Bridge Core i series processors, along with a Thunderbolt port to bring high-speed I/O connectivity.The MacBook Pro and iMac lines already received those last two features in updates earlier this year.Apple first introduced its backlit keyboard technology as a top-of-the-line feature in the 17-inch model of its PowerBook G4 notebook, later adding it to the rest of the Pro notebook line. The original MacBook Air, which made its debut at the Macworld expo in 2008, came with the feature from the get-go.In a poll last month, CNET readers voted it the second-most wanted feature in an updated Air, beating out Thunderbolt, a black version, and a mobile broadband antenna.Alleged part numbers for the new MacBook Air models, along with new versions of Apple's Mac Pro desktop towers, popped up yesterday. New versions of those products are expected to coincide with Lion, Apple's upcoming Mac OS X update, scheduled for release this month.
It's not unusual for Apple to remove features in new versions of things. It happens in software, and it happens in the company's computers, too. One notable removal that accompanied the MacBook Air's overhaul last October was the nixing of the backlit keyboard--the feature that lights up the keys so you can see them in the dark. According to AppleInsider, the eyeball-friendly feature is making a comeback in the much-expected refresh of the MacBook Air line, which is the same update that's expected to bring Intel's Sandy Bridge Core i series processors, along with a Thunderbolt port to bring high-speed I/O connectivity.The MacBook Pro and iMac lines already received those last two features in updates earlier this year.Apple first introduced its backlit keyboard technology as a top-of-the-line feature in the 17-inch model of its PowerBook G4 notebook, later adding it to the rest of the Pro notebook line. The original MacBook Air, which made its debut at the Macworld expo in 2008, came with the feature from the get-go.In a poll last month, CNET readers voted it the second-most wanted feature in an updated Air, beating out Thunderbolt, a black version, and a mobile broadband antenna.Alleged part numbers for the new MacBook Air models, along with new versions of Apple's Mac Pro desktop towers, popped up yesterday. New versions of those products are expected to coincide with Lion, Apple's upcoming Mac OS X update, scheduled for release this month.
Report- Apple's 30-year ban at California resort lifted
Report: Apple's 30-year ban at California resort lifted
Thirty years is a long time to suffer for the bad behavior of a few young and boisterous tech workers. But after being permanently banned from the posh La Playa Carmel resort in 1983 for an evening of skinny-dipping and other misdeeds, Apple executives appear to be back in the fold.According to SFGate, the new ownership of the La Playa Carmel has decided to extend an olive branch, and Apple seemingly has booked an event there.Welcome back, Apple: All is forgiven.That was the message from the new owner of the recently restored La Playa Carmel, where Cupertino's i-Thingies company has booked its first meeting since a raucous Macintosh team retreat in 1983 that reportedly included skinny-dipping and led the previous owners to ban further Apple gatherings.Author Frank Rose memorialized the hijinks in his book "West of Eden: The End of Innocence at Apple Computer," writing that the 1983 retreat was like a "college beer bash" and noting that some of the hotel's guests were none too pleased with the behavior. As a result, the whole team was asked to leave the following day and never come back.According to the SFGate report, La Playa Carmel's new ownership seems to recognize the value of having Apple as a client. The resort, located in Carmel, Calif., is about three hours south of San Francisco. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.It does appear that the hotel still has a pool. So future guests, beware: Apple is back.
Thirty years is a long time to suffer for the bad behavior of a few young and boisterous tech workers. But after being permanently banned from the posh La Playa Carmel resort in 1983 for an evening of skinny-dipping and other misdeeds, Apple executives appear to be back in the fold.According to SFGate, the new ownership of the La Playa Carmel has decided to extend an olive branch, and Apple seemingly has booked an event there.Welcome back, Apple: All is forgiven.That was the message from the new owner of the recently restored La Playa Carmel, where Cupertino's i-Thingies company has booked its first meeting since a raucous Macintosh team retreat in 1983 that reportedly included skinny-dipping and led the previous owners to ban further Apple gatherings.Author Frank Rose memorialized the hijinks in his book "West of Eden: The End of Innocence at Apple Computer," writing that the 1983 retreat was like a "college beer bash" and noting that some of the hotel's guests were none too pleased with the behavior. As a result, the whole team was asked to leave the following day and never come back.According to the SFGate report, La Playa Carmel's new ownership seems to recognize the value of having Apple as a client. The resort, located in Carmel, Calif., is about three hours south of San Francisco. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.It does appear that the hotel still has a pool. So future guests, beware: Apple is back.
Report- Apple slips in mobile market, remains in top five
Report: Apple slips in mobile market, remains in top five
Despite ZTE's surge, the horse race to win one of top five spots in shipments and market share is one that can easily change from quarter to quarter, IDC noted."Change-up among the number four and five vendors could be a regular occurrence this year," Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst with IDC's Mobile Devices Technology and Trends team, said in a statement. "Motorola, Research In Motion, and Sony Ericsson--all vendors with a tight focus on the fast-growing smartphone market who had ranked among the top five worldwide vendors during 2010--are well within striking distance to move back into the top five list."Overall, the global mobile phone market rose 17.9 percent in the fourth quarter compared with 2009's final quarter. Collectively, vendors shipped 401.4 million units in the quarter versus 340.5 million a year ago.For 2010 as a whole, the industry saw shipments of 1.39 billion units, a jump of 18.5 percent from the 1.17 billion shipped in 2009.The surge in annual shipments came courtesy of an improved economy and a wider selection of more affordable smartphones, helping the industry enjoy its highest annual growth rate since 2006.Looking ahead, the worldwide mobile phone market will continue to be boosted by demand for smartphones."Feature phone users looking to do more with their devices will flock to smartphones in the years to come," Kevin Restivo, a senior IDC research analyst, said in a statement. "This trend will help drive the smartphone sub-market to grow 43.7 percent year over year in 2011."
Despite ZTE's surge, the horse race to win one of top five spots in shipments and market share is one that can easily change from quarter to quarter, IDC noted."Change-up among the number four and five vendors could be a regular occurrence this year," Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst with IDC's Mobile Devices Technology and Trends team, said in a statement. "Motorola, Research In Motion, and Sony Ericsson--all vendors with a tight focus on the fast-growing smartphone market who had ranked among the top five worldwide vendors during 2010--are well within striking distance to move back into the top five list."Overall, the global mobile phone market rose 17.9 percent in the fourth quarter compared with 2009's final quarter. Collectively, vendors shipped 401.4 million units in the quarter versus 340.5 million a year ago.For 2010 as a whole, the industry saw shipments of 1.39 billion units, a jump of 18.5 percent from the 1.17 billion shipped in 2009.The surge in annual shipments came courtesy of an improved economy and a wider selection of more affordable smartphones, helping the industry enjoy its highest annual growth rate since 2006.Looking ahead, the worldwide mobile phone market will continue to be boosted by demand for smartphones."Feature phone users looking to do more with their devices will flock to smartphones in the years to come," Kevin Restivo, a senior IDC research analyst, said in a statement. "This trend will help drive the smartphone sub-market to grow 43.7 percent year over year in 2011."
Report- Apple, RIM losing market share to Android
Report: Apple, RIM losing market share to Android
The explosive growth of Android phones at the expense of the competition has been noted by several market researchers. Recent reports from Gartner and IDC both forecast Android's market share as surpassing Apple's by 2014. Another study from Quantcast has also tracked the gains in Android against Apple.Although rivals may have shed market share to Android, overall smartphone platforms are still scooping up more subscribers in total as demand continues to surge. For the three months ending in July, 53.5 million people in the U.S. owned a smartphone, an 11 percent jump from the prior three-month period, ComScore said.In a broader look at the wireless segment, ComScore also ranked all mobile phone makers in the U.S. market. Samsung took the top spot with a 23.1 percent of the market for the period, a gain of 1 percentage point. In second place was LG with a 21.2 percent share (down 0.6 point), followed by Motorola with a 19.8 percent share (down 1.8 points), RIM with 9 percent (0.6 point), and Nokia with 7.8 percent (down 0.3 point).What are people doing with their mobile phones these days besides talking? Texting was the most popular activity, according to ComScore, with 66 percent of mobile users sending text messages on their devices. That was followed by Web browsing (33.6 percent), using a downloaded app (31.4 percent), playing games (22.3 percent), accessing social networks and blogs (21.8 percent), and listening to music (14.7 percent).
The explosive growth of Android phones at the expense of the competition has been noted by several market researchers. Recent reports from Gartner and IDC both forecast Android's market share as surpassing Apple's by 2014. Another study from Quantcast has also tracked the gains in Android against Apple.Although rivals may have shed market share to Android, overall smartphone platforms are still scooping up more subscribers in total as demand continues to surge. For the three months ending in July, 53.5 million people in the U.S. owned a smartphone, an 11 percent jump from the prior three-month period, ComScore said.In a broader look at the wireless segment, ComScore also ranked all mobile phone makers in the U.S. market. Samsung took the top spot with a 23.1 percent of the market for the period, a gain of 1 percentage point. In second place was LG with a 21.2 percent share (down 0.6 point), followed by Motorola with a 19.8 percent share (down 1.8 points), RIM with 9 percent (0.6 point), and Nokia with 7.8 percent (down 0.3 point).What are people doing with their mobile phones these days besides talking? Texting was the most popular activity, according to ComScore, with 66 percent of mobile users sending text messages on their devices. That was followed by Web browsing (33.6 percent), using a downloaded app (31.4 percent), playing games (22.3 percent), accessing social networks and blogs (21.8 percent), and listening to music (14.7 percent).
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