TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog

TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Webloghttp://www.tuaw.comTUAW - The Unofficial Apple Webloghttp://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/feedlogo.gifTUAW - The Unofficial Apple Webloghttp://www.tuaw.comen-usCopyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/New Apple VP to address product qualityhttp://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/22/new-apple-vp-to-address-product-quality/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/22/new-apple-vp-to-address-product-quality/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/22/new-apple-vp-to-address-product-quality/#commentsIf you thought Apple wasn't serious about quality you haven't been paying much attention for the past decade. In addition to making better hardware every year (with the exception of iBook keyboards), Apple has now promoted Jeff Williams to Senior VP of Operations; he'll be working alongside Tim Cook (Apple's COO, possibly the successor-designate to Steve Jobs) to ensure the company's products are of the highest quality.

Williams will also keep an eye on the supply chain management side, a critical element in keeping costs low while pushing quality into the stratosphere. As AppleInsider reports, Williams cut his teeth at IBM before moving to Apple, and his expertise in supply chain management shone as he helped get the pieces for the iPod back when it was largely "off the shelf" components -- the shelves being mostly located in China. Williams was instrumental in global rollouts of the iPod and, more recently, the launch of the iPhone. We hope his new position will improve Apple's track record for quality gear.

New Apple VP to address product quality originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

New Apple VP to address product quality originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>applejeff williamsJeffWilliamsqualityVictor Agreda, Jr.Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST'Antennagate' press conference video and official pages uphttp://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/16/antennagate-press-conference-video-and-web-pages-up/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/16/antennagate-press-conference-video-and-web-pages-up/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/16/antennagate-press-conference-video-and-web-pages-up/#comments

Now that Apple's command performance for journalists in Cupertino this morning to deliver the full story on the iPhone 4's image problem is concluded, the company has posted the video of the event [link fixed] for your viewing pleasure. See the fetching Keynote presentation and the demonstrations of other smartphones' reception issues with your very own eyes! Enjoy.

Along with the video, there's a new section on apple.com that shows the anechoic chambers, the design process, videos of other smartphones and more than you ever wanted to know about antenna engineering for modern cellphones. Apple clearly wants us to understand that the iPhone 4 wasn't just thrown together by some cavemen in a cubicle.

[For those who were getting the WWDC video off that link, the CDN redirect was flaky -- the canonical link for it is http://www.apple.com/apple-events/july-2010/]

'Antennagate' press conference video and official pages up originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

'Antennagate' press conference video and official pages up originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>antennagateappledeath gripDeathGripiphoneiphone 4Iphone4signalstevenotevideoMichael RoseFri, 16 Jul 2010 16:15:00 ESTThe iPhone 4 Apple Press Event metalivebloghttp://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/16/theyre-holding-it-wrong-the-iphone-4-apple-press-event-metaliv/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/16/theyre-holding-it-wrong-the-iphone-4-apple-press-event-metaliv/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/16/theyre-holding-it-wrong-the-iphone-4-apple-press-event-metaliv/#comments

Welcome to our iPhone 4 live press conference event! Today we'll be metaliveblogging Apple's iPhone 4 announcements, adding our traditional TUAW twist to the proceedings. Will Steve Jobs offer a $29 bounty or free bumpers to all early iPhone 4 adopters? Or will the iPhone 4 itself be recalled? (We seriously doubt it!) Or is today's announcement about new service providers for those mysterious iPhone3,2 and iPhone3,3 models that Engadget uncovered a while back? Join us as we find out!

Sources for today's metaliveblog include:

The iPhone 4 Apple Press Event metaliveblog originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The iPhone 4 Apple Press Event metaliveblog originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>AntennaAppleApple CorporateApple EventAppleCorporateAppleEventBluetoothBumperiPhone 4Iphone4Press ConferenceProximityProximitySensorReceptionReception issuesSignalSteve JobsSteveJobsErica SadunFri, 16 Jul 2010 12:50:00 ESTJoin us tomorrow: Apple's iPhone 4 Press Conferencehttp://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/15/join-us-tomorrow-apples-iphone-4-press-conference/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/15/join-us-tomorrow-apples-iphone-4-press-conference/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/15/join-us-tomorrow-apples-iphone-4-press-conference/#comments

Please join us tomorrow at 10AM Pacific (1PM Eastern) for a live TUAW blogging event as Apple addresses the press over its controversial iPhone 4 device. CEO Steve Jobs is expected to lead the event.

The question on everyone's mind is, of course, will Apple be holding the event in the right place? Your guess is as good as ours. As the reception from the press might turn out to be a little cheeky in the proximity of such a big announcement, expect a bumper crop of interest from Apple enthusiasts. You can signal your interest by signing up for an e-mail reminder of the event from CoverItLive.

What: Apple iPhone 4 Press Event
Where: Here on TUAW! Except in the bottom-left-hand corner of the site.
When: 10AM Pacific, 1PM Eastern

Join us tomorrow: Apple's iPhone 4 Press Conference originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Join us tomorrow: Apple's iPhone 4 Press Conference originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>AntennaAppleApple CorporateAppleCorporateBad AppleBadAppleBluetoothBumperiPhone 4Iphone4liveblogother eventsOtherEventsProximity sensorProximitySensorSignalSignal strengthSignalStrengthSteve JobsSteveJobsErica SadunThu, 15 Jul 2010 17:30:00 ESTReport: Apple has purchased mapping company Poly9http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/14/report-apple-has-purchased-mapping-company-poly9/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/14/report-apple-has-purchased-mapping-company-poly9/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/14/report-apple-has-purchased-mapping-company-poly9/#comments

Apple's been on a bit of a shopping spree lately. French-Canadian newspaper cyberpresse.ca is reporting that Apple has purchased the online mapping company Poly9. The paper reports that many of Poly9's employees have been moved to California, and that their website is no longer online.

One of Poly9's products was Poly9 Globe, which presented a zoomable, cross-browser globe that could be rotated and manipulated by the user. You can see it in action here at Skype. If this rumor turns out to be true, it will be the 2nd maps-related purchase Apple has made lately. You'll remember the company grabbed Placebase last year.

What's up with Apple's sudden interest in cartography? I'm sure we'll find out via a future software update.

[Via AppleInsider]

Report: Apple has purchased mapping company Poly9 originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Report: Apple has purchased mapping company Poly9 originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>applefinancialpoly9poly9 globePoly9GlobeDave CaoloWed, 14 Jul 2010 12:00:00 ESTApple and Psystar still battling in courthttp://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/13/apple-and-psystar-still-battling-in-court/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/13/apple-and-psystar-still-battling-in-court/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/13/apple-and-psystar-still-battling-in-court/#comments

Like a league of zombies that just won't go away, Mac clone maker Psystar just keeps coming back for more punishment. In the most recent chapter of this ongoing courtroom drama, Psystar filed an Opening Brief with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in its request for an appeal to the permanent injunction that keeps the company from making Mac clones. Contrary to its former tactic of making all court filings open, Psystar requested that the Opening Brief be sealed.

Apple, on the other hand, made its Answering Brief public and the contents were interpreted for The Mac Observer by an attorney who said that Psystar's strategy seems to be focused on "getting the court to adopt a radical revision of the Copyright Misuse doctrine that would in effect destroy copyright and force all copyrighted works to be licensed."

Apple's Answering Brief noted that "Because Psystar has no proof that Apple has inhibited competition or suppressed creativity, Psystar urges this Court to abandon long-standing precedent and create a new doctrine of per se copyright misuse. Under this doctrine, any license agreement - such as Apple's SLA - that restricts the use of copyrighted software to particular hardware is per se copyright misuse."

Apple also stated that "Psystar's grossly overbroad per se theory of copyright misuse would eliminate fundamental rights guaranteed by the Copyright Act -- the rights to control the reproduction, modification, and distribution of copyrighted works." The court system is unlikely to completely revamp the long-established tenets of copyright law, but the way this case seems to keep coming back from the dead, anything is possible.

Apple and Psystar still battling in court originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple and Psystar still battling in court originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>9th Circuit Court of Appeals9thCircuitCourtOfAppealsagreementappleclonescopyrightcourtslegalmac clonesMacClonespsystarSteven SandeTue, 13 Jul 2010 18:00:00 ESTFound footage: Maroon 5 rocks the Apple campushttp://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/12/found-footage-maroon-5-rocks-the-apple-campus/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/12/found-footage-maroon-5-rocks-the-apple-campus/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/12/found-footage-maroon-5-rocks-the-apple-campus/#comments

Sure, you may be working 80 hour weeks, sleeping at your desk, and be completely stressed out from working on a series of secret projects, but at least Apple is providing you with free beer and a band on-site to relieve a bit of the stress.

And it's not just any neighborhood garage band (no pun intended) -- it's Maroon 5. The video above, posted by goulartem on YouTube, was one of many posted by Apple workers who attended a company beer bash on Friday, July 9th.

The Apple employees in the crowd seem to be having a great time, with a lot of iPhones being waved around capturing the free mini-concert. See if you can spot what looks like a white iPhone 4 on the right side of the crowd near the front.

Found footage: Maroon 5 rocks the Apple campus originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Found footage: Maroon 5 rocks the Apple campus originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>apple campusAppleCampusbeerfriday afternoon clubFridayAfternoonClubmaroon 5Maroon5Steven SandeMon, 12 Jul 2010 12:00:00 ESTApple issues official word on iPhone 4 reception: it's the bars, manhttp://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/02/apple-issues-official-word-on-iphone-4-reception-its-the-bars/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/02/apple-issues-official-word-on-iphone-4-reception-its-the-bars/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/02/apple-issues-official-word-on-iphone-4-reception-its-the-bars/#commentsIf you didn't see the thorough reports from AnandTech and Richard Gaywood on the behavior of the iPhone 4 in low-signal areas, one of the conclusions they came to is that 'bars are bogus.'

The behavior of the signal indicators on the phone is wildly shifted toward the optimistic, with over half the available signal range displayed as a cheery five bars. This contributes to the death grip problem: users who are giving up some antenna sensitivity when they grab the phone may not realize that their signal was iffy to begin with.

Guess what: Apple agrees with them, at least in part. The company posted a letter/press release today (unsigned, rather than the attributed-to-Steve past Thoughts on Music and Thoughts on Flash; they could have called this one Thoughts on Bars, but that would have been a little cruel) that admits "We have discovered the cause of this dramatic drop in bars, and it is both simple and surprising." The letter continues: "Upon investigation, we were stunned to find that the formula we use to calculate how many bars of signal strength to display is totally wrong."

Totally wrong? Golly.

Apple says it will be releasing a software update to recalibrate the signal display so that users will be aware of the low signal that they didn't think they had, and as a result the problem of not being able to make calls when they hold the phone 'the wrong way' will be less evident. I guess.

We're all for clarity in signal displays, but what's not clear is how a more sophisticated formula for computing the "more bars in more places" will help users who have bought bumpers, or returned phones, because their iPhone 4s could not make calls in places their 3GS phones did. As Apple notes, there are plenty of users who are not having problems, and in fact get better reception and fewer dropped calls than they did with previous generations; all that does not invalidate the issues that are causing grief for Death Grip Nation.

In their review, Anandtech acknowledged that the iPhone 4's antenna capabilities and performance in low-signal areas are much improved over the earlier generation, with the ability to hold calls in conditions where the 3GS would have dropped them. Still, their conclusion is sound and straightforward: "At the end of the day, Apple should add an insulative coating to the stainless steel band, or subsidize bumper cases. It's that simple."

Note: Whether you are having reception issues or not, please be respectful and constructive in your comments.

Apple issues official word on iPhone 4 reception: it's the bars, man originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple issues official word on iPhone 4 reception: it's the bars, man originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>attbarsdeath gripDeathGripfeaturesiphoneiphone 4Iphone4receptionMichael RoseFri, 02 Jul 2010 10:00:00 ESTApple's search for wireless antenna engineering talenthttp://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/01/apples-search-for-wireless-antenna-engineering-talent/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/01/apples-search-for-wireless-antenna-engineering-talent/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/01/apples-search-for-wireless-antenna-engineering-talent/#comments

Apple is hiring! Can you guess what kind of talent they're after? Wireless antenna engineers, of course.

On June 23rd, just after the Death Grip was discovered by the public, Apple published three listings for iPhone and iPad antenna engineers who can "define and implement antenna system architecture to optimize the radiation performance for wireless portable devices."

Additionally, Apple is looking for two iPhone OTA Wireless Systems Engineers. All of these positions require several years worth of experience and Master's Degrees. Here's a chance to work for Apple, build something cool and keep us from having to wrap our iPhones in bracelets. Good luck to all applicants.

[Via Engadget and TechCrunch]

Apple's search for wireless antenna engineering talent originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple's search for wireless antenna engineering talent originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>antennaapple corporateAppleCorporateipadiphonejobsDave CaoloThu, 01 Jul 2010 13:00:00 ESTFoxconn offers Shenzhen factory workers another raisehttp://www.tuaw.com/2010/06/07/foxconn-offers-shenzhen-factory-workers-another-raise/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/06/07/foxconn-offers-shenzhen-factory-workers-another-raise/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/06/07/foxconn-offers-shenzhen-factory-workers-another-raise/#commentsThe Foxconn factory in Shenzhen, China (where many Apple products are assembled) has come under scrutiny recently as employees were committing suicide at an alarming rate. Factory management have finally taken a proactive response, offering immediate pay increases to workers. Today it was announced that additional raises would be distributed in October.

The company said in a statement this week that the increase should lessen the burden on individuals who must complete overtime hours to make ends meet financially. "While overtime work was always voluntary, this wage increase will reduce overtime work as a personal necessity for some employees and make it a personal choice for many workers."

The suicides and attempted suicides are terrible, but below China's national average. According to a Nov. 2008 study published in The Lancet medical journal, China averaged 15.05 suicide-related deaths per 100,000 people between 2000 and 2006. Foxconn employs over half a million workers, and 10 suicide-related deaths since January is fewer than the average. Of course, even one is one too many.

Last month officials brought in an exorcist to help the situation and installed nets around the building's perimeter to catch jumpers.

Foxconn offers Shenzhen factory workers another raise originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Foxconn offers Shenzhen factory workers another raise originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>chinafoxconnDave CaoloMon, 07 Jun 2010 12:30:00 ESTApple won't support iPhone to iPad tetheringhttp://www.tuaw.com/2010/06/04/apple-disallows-iphone-to-ipad-tethering/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/06/04/apple-disallows-iphone-to-ipad-tethering/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/06/04/apple-disallows-iphone-to-ipad-tethering/#commentsIf you thought that when iPhone OS 4.0 gets released and you can buy the 2GB "Datapro" plan for $25, along with an additional $20 per month to tether your iPhone's WiFi connection to your iPad, think again. It's just not going to happen. This is consistent with Steve Jobs' answer to an email asking him about this possibility. His response was a terse "no."

According to Apple, once enabled, you will be able to tether your iPhone to a PC or Mac either via ~~WiFi~~, Bluetooth, or a USB cable, but they didn't make mention of the iPad. It turns out that WiFi isn't possible on the tablet: the required Bluetooth profile isn't enabled, and using the camera connection kit to connect to a mini-USB port on your camera won't work either, although it will work with a USB keyboard and headset.

Not allowing iPhone-iPad tethering doesn't seem to be an oversight. It seems like a carefully planned decision on Apple's part to keep AT&T happy. It is very possible for Apple to make tethering work via a software update perhaps along with a new connection cable, but I really don't see that happening since it will interfere with AT&T's iPad cellular connection plan pricing while maintaining the value of charging an extra $130 for a 3G-enabled iPad.

I understand that this is a business decision and that making as much money as possible warms shareholders' hearts, but to me this premeditated decision is dirty pool and another good reason to Jailbreak your iPhone.

[via AppleInsider]

Apple won't support iPhone to iPad tethering originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple won't support iPhone to iPad tethering originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>atTipadiphonesteve jobsSteveJobstetheringDavid WinogradFri, 04 Jun 2010 14:30:00 ESTMore concerns over suicides at Foxconnhttp://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/28/foxconn-suicides-update/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/28/foxconn-suicides-update/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/28/foxconn-suicides-update/#commentsThere was more bad news out of China this week -- manufacturer Foxconn (who makes quite a few parts for Apple devices) has been dealing with a rash of employee suicides, as low pay and long hours on the workers seems to be taking their toll. Yesterday, another worker reportedly tried to take his own life [Ed. note: original 9to5Mac link broken], and there are reports of more than 15 other attempts within the plant. Apple has responded, saying that they're working closely with the company to try and solve the issue.

In order to do that, the company claims it's going to raise wages by 20%, although it's not clear yet when or how that plan will be implemented. It also says that some employees will be relocated closer to their homes -- about a fifth of the workforce will be moved to plants closer to their families. Apple isn't alone in helping Foxconn deal with the problem, either -- Sony, Nokia, Nintendo, Dell, and HP all get parts from these factories and are pressuring the company to do better.

Finally, John Gruber points out that as bad as this Foxconn story is, it might not be all that remarkable, unfortunately. Even with the reported 13 suicides, Foxconn has over 800,000 workers, which means the company's suicide rate is below the national average in China, and China is number 26 on the worldwide list. But numbers and averages aside, a death is a death, and everything Foxconn can do to help their employees lead better lives should be worth it.

More concerns over suicides at Foxconn originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 28 May 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

More concerns over suicides at Foxconn originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 28 May 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>applecompaniesdaring-fireballdellemployeefactoriesfoxconngruberhpnintendonokiaratessonysuicidesuicideswagesMike SchrammFri, 28 May 2010 16:00:00 ESTAnother death at Foxconn, CEO makes statementhttp://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/26/another-death-at-foxconn-ceo-makes-statement/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/26/another-death-at-foxconn-ceo-makes-statement/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/26/another-death-at-foxconn-ceo-makes-statement/#commentsLooks like Foxconn's troubles are far from over -- hiring an exorcist must not have worked, because another worker jumped to their death last week. That's the 10th such employee death at the plant where many of Apple's parts are manufactured. Foxconn's CEO made a statement earlier this week saying that "we are not a sweatshop," and promising that the company will "soon be able to stabilize this situation."

The company has also starting hanging nets around factories to try and save jumpers (that's pretty grisly), and they've asked all employees to sign a pledge to help stop the problem, which Gawker has obtained. The pledge asks workers to seek help before doing something to harm themselves, and to help those around them who need it.

Foxconn claims it's not a sweatshop, but reports say the company is asking employees to work 60 hours of overtime a month (far over the legal limit of 36 hours of overtime), and paying only about $132 a month. Clearly something is wrong at the company that Apple depends on for much of its manufacturing labor.

Another death at Foxconn, CEO makes statement originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Another death at Foxconn, CEO makes statement originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>appledeathsemployeesfoxconniphonemanufacturingsuicidessweatshopwagesMike SchrammWed, 26 May 2010 15:30:00 ESTUS Department of Justice to investigate Apple over iTuneshttp://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/26/us-departmet-of-justice-to-investigate-apple-over-itunes/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/26/us-departmet-of-justice-to-investigate-apple-over-itunes/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/26/us-departmet-of-justice-to-investigate-apple-over-itunes/#commentsThe New York Times is reporting that an "early stage" investigation at the US Department of Justice (DoJ) is looking at whether Apple is using its considerable position in the online music sales business to hinder Amazon's efforts. Specifically, the probe will focus on whether Apple unfairly leveraged iTunes to deny Amazon's MP3 store exclusive access to songs.

It's been alleged that Apple threatened to withhold their typical promotional activities from labels who continued to offer exclusives to Amazon. Those songs would still see sales in iTunes, of course, but significantly less without Apple's promotional efforts behind them.

Back in March, Billboard reported that Apple's iTunes team had tried to talk publishers out of participating in Amazon's low-priced, exclusive "Daily Deals" promotions, which often motivated labels to offer Amazon first dibs on major releases at a significant discount. This allegedly prompted Apple to threaten to pull advertising if participation continued. Several labels supposedly relented and abandoned the Amazon deal as a result.

You'll remember that the DoJ also recently began an inquiry into a clause in the iPhone OS 4 SDK that bans the porting of software originally written for Adobe's Flash, Sun's Java or Microsoft's Silverlight/Mono to the iPhone OS. What a mess!

[Hat tip to Ars & Electronista]

US Department of Justice to investigate Apple over iTunes originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

US Department of Justice to investigate Apple over iTunes originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>amazonappledepartment of justiceDepartmentOfJusticeitunesDave CaoloWed, 26 May 2010 13:00:00 ESTFoxconn looking to hire an exorcist, Wintek dealing with lawsuithttp://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/14/foxconn-looking-to-hire-an-exorcist-wintek-dealing-with-lawsuit/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/14/foxconn-looking-to-hire-an-exorcist-wintek-dealing-with-lawsuit/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/14/foxconn-looking-to-hire-an-exorcist-wintek-dealing-with-lawsuit/#comments

This one's just plain weird. After being plagued with a series of suicides recently, Apple supplier Foxconn has brought in an exorcist to try and end the "negative incidents" at the plant. What a mess.

Foxconn has been called out for bad labor conditions before, and call us skeptical, but the problem probably isn't demons that need to be exorcised by a monk. Still, the company is aiming to bring in the religious ceremonies to "bring peace to employees," so hopefully it'll help.

Foxconn isn't the only Chinese Apple supplier troubled by "negative incidents" recently -- Wintek was accused by dozens of workers that a chemical used to clean iPhone screens during manufacturing made them sick. 62 workers at the plant have been hospitalized, and 44 of them claim it was due to n-hexane poisoning and are suing the company (a rarity, we're told, in China). Wintek also had to deal with a violent strike situation earlier this year over the same n-hexane issue.

So two messy situations with Apple-contracted suppliers overseas. Apple probably doesn't have the choice any more (or the responsibility, they might say) to control what these companies do, although it is troubling that people are getting hurt or even dying just to produce cheap electronics. Hopefully both of these issues will find a just resolution.

Foxconn looking to hire an exorcist, Wintek dealing with lawsuit originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 14 May 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Foxconn looking to hire an exorcist, Wintek dealing with lawsuit originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 14 May 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>contractorsexorcistfoxconnhospitalizediphonelawsuitmanufacturingplantspoisonedwintekworkersMike SchrammFri, 14 May 2010 16:30:00 ESTMore details on Disney's Apple-inspired retail redesignshttp://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/11/more-details-on-disneys-apple-inspired-retail-redesigns/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/11/more-details-on-disneys-apple-inspired-retail-redesigns/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/11/more-details-on-disneys-apple-inspired-retail-redesigns/#comments

Last October, The New York Times reported on Disney's plans to introduce sweeping redesigns to its 340 retail stores, turning to board member Steve Jobs for input. That collaboration marked the first time Steve's handiwork would be overtly applied to a Disney product since he joined the board in 2006. Today, ifoAppleStore points out this interview with Paul Gainer, Disney's VP and general manager for Disney Store, North America, that Chain Store Age magazine published in April. It offers some updates and insights on their collaboration with Jobs.

According to Gainer, Apple's influence has permeated aspects the model store's physical appearance as well as the retail team's philosophy and process. Contrary to common industry practice, Steve convinced Disney to build a full-scale and fully-stocked store model inside an unmarked Glendale, Calif. warehouse. Apple did the same thing before opening its own retail chains. All the while, Gainer reports, Jobs prompted Disney to think big and take the time to get everything right.

"Apple's main involvement was to inspire Disney to think big, to think new and to think creatively," Gainer told the magazine. "Early on, they told us to take our time to do it right, which was very sound advice."

[Via ifoAppleStore]

Continue reading More details on Disney's Apple-inspired retail redesigns

More details on Disney's Apple-inspired retail redesigns originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Tue, 11 May 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

More details on Disney's Apple-inspired retail redesigns originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Tue, 11 May 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>disneyretailsteve jobsSteveJobsDave CaoloTue, 11 May 2010 12:00:00 ESTApple's biometric heartbeat patent: And the beat goes onhttp://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/06/apples-biometric-heartbeat-patent-and-the-beat-goes-on/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/06/apples-biometric-heartbeat-patent-and-the-beat-goes-on/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/06/apples-biometric-heartbeat-patent-and-the-beat-goes-on/#comments

The US Patent and Trademark Office has posted information about a really interesting patent that Apple applied for in January. Patent application 20100113950 describes a new technology that would bring a heart monitoring biometric security system to electronic devices. Biometrics are nothing new. These technologies are being currently used to recognize fingerprints, eye scans, and sometimes voice. This is the first time it's being done as an EKG, measuring electrical activity in the heart.

The patent allows for building monitoring sensors into a case, screen or even earbuds. Depending upon the method used, when someone holds the device or swipes a finger across the screen to unlock, embedded leads will read the EKG information and allow the device to perform actions based upon result. A built in EKG has far-reaching medical potential, but the patent deals mostly with issues of authentication. Different profiles can be saved on the device, similar to having multiple user accounts on a computer. This would allow multiple people with different profiles to be accurately authenticated and provide differing device capabilities. Uses can include anything from preventing children from using certain apps, to allowing the proper user access to online banking and other financial transactions. It can also be used to save different user information that's embedded in apps allowing a great deal of personalization such as one device keeping individual Dropbox information, allowing the proper Dropbox to be accessed by the person holding the device.

[via 9to5Mac]

Continue reading Apple's biometric heartbeat patent: And the beat goes on

Apple's biometric heartbeat patent: And the beat goes on originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 06 May 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple's biometric heartbeat patent: And the beat goes on originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 06 May 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>biometricbiometricsekgpatentDavid WinogradThu, 06 May 2010 14:00:00 ESTApple sells one millionth iPadhttp://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/03/apple-sells-one-millionth-ipad/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/03/apple-sells-one-millionth-ipad/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/05/03/apple-sells-one-millionth-ipad/#comments

Apple announced today that on Friday the one millionth iPad was sold. The figure does not break out Wi-Fi vs. 3G iPads, yet the number is still staggering considering it only took 28 days. For the original iPhone, the million unit milestone was not hit until 74 days after release.

Apple also announced that iPad users had purchased 12 million apps and 1.5 million eBooks from its fledgling store. Friday was the release of the iPad 3G in the US; it's likely that this was the source of the final push that got Apple to the millionth unit. Those first-year sales projections from analysts are beginning to look a little conservative.

Although Apple has not provided any details on which iPad models make up that million-unit total, a very conservative assumption of a $550 average selling price (weighting heavily towards the cheapest 16GB Wi-Fi model) means the iPad has generated well over half a billion dollars in revenue already.

[h/t The Wall Street Journal]

Apple sells one millionth iPad originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 03 May 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple sells one millionth iPad originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 03 May 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ebooksiPadmillionsalesAron TrimbleMon, 03 May 2010 10:00:00 ESTApple has purchased mobile assistant app Sirihttp://www.tuaw.com/2010/04/28/apple-has-purchased-mobile-assistant-app-siri/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/04/28/apple-has-purchased-mobile-assistant-app-siri/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/04/28/apple-has-purchased-mobile-assistant-app-siri/#commentsSiri, the so-called mobile assistant for iPhone, has been purchased by Apple, according to Business Insider (we first looked at Siri in February). Siri reps did not comment on the deal's details, but Business Insider suggests that "a $200 million to $250 million ballpark" is within reason.

Siri is a terrifically useful app. Basically, you ask it a question like "nearest cheeseburger" with your voice or by typing. It then notes your location, scours the web and returns the best results. I've used it out here in the middle of nowhere with much success. The speech recognition is quite good. It comes from Nuance, the company who's software powers both Dragon Dictation and Dragon Search.

What will Apple do with it? Essentially, it's a mobile, location-based search engine. Steve Jobs recently criticized Google for "...getting in the phone business." Does that mean Apple is getting into the (mobile) search business? Perhaps the technology behind the application will appear in a future iPhone update, perhaps as a standalone app. We imagine it could be a part of the next-generation maps application.

Congratulations to the Siri team.

[Via Robert Scoble]

Apple has purchased mobile assistant app Siri originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Apple has purchased mobile assistant app Siri originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>app storeapple corporateAppleCorporateappsAppStoresiriDave CaoloWed, 28 Apr 2010 14:00:00 ESTSome retailers in Japan stopping online sale of Apple productshttp://www.tuaw.com/2010/04/27/some-retailers-in-japan-stopping-online-sale-of-apple-products/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/04/27/some-retailers-in-japan-stopping-online-sale-of-apple-products/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/04/27/some-retailers-in-japan-stopping-online-sale-of-apple-products/#commentsThe Nikkei Business Daily is reporting that several large discount chains have stopped selling Apple products online. Some of the retailers have been quoted as saying the request comes from Apple.

The dropped products include iPods and iMacs.

Yodobashi Camera Company posted a notice online saying it wasn't going to be selling any more Apple products out of respect for Apple's wishes. It said it would be glad to sell Apple products in any of its retail stores.

Several other Japanese discounters have said they won't be selling Apple products online, but are available to customers who come into the retail outlets.

Apple has had no comment on the report. Some online companies like Amazon Japan are still selling products from Apple.

It's likely Apple doesn't want to see its products discounted online, which could lead to a price war. There are, however, inconsistencies in this policy. When I ordered an upgrade to Aperture 3 in mid-February, it was US$49.99 from Amazon, half the price from Apple. Today, for whatever reason, that upgrade is $89.99, but still $10.00 cheaper than the Apple Store price.

[Via The Inquirer]

Some retailers in Japan stopping online sale of Apple products originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Some retailers in Japan stopping online sale of Apple products originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Apple online salesApple retailJapan Apple salesJapanAppleSalesMel MartinTue, 27 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST