Noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple’s much-rumored iWatch will hit store shelves late next year, not in 2013 as many market watchers expect, with a 1.5- to 2-inch screen, focus on biometrics and deep integration with existing iOS devices.
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Nearly a year after Apple introduced its own Maps service in iOS 6 with Flyover 3D satellite views, Google is expanding own online Maps to support similar 3D satellite imagery, with the same sorts of buckled roads and visual distortions Apple was castigated for last summer.
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Former Gartner analyst Michael Gartenberg has been hired onto Apple’s marketing staff, Forbes sources say. Exactly which position he’s filling is unknown, but he’s expected to work under Apple’s head of worldwide product marketing, Phil Schiller. Gartenberg is well-known amongst analysts; aside from employment at Gartner, he was once an analyst and partner at the Altimeter Group, and a research director at Jupiter Research….
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It’s no one’s business but theirs, according to an appeals court in the DC Circuit…
Opinion seems to be divided as to whether Apple’s tax avoidance schemes…
With Google Reader fading into the sunset in July more and more users are looking to replace its functionality. Zite for iOS (free) has some solutions that should please many news hounds. The app was originally born out of a desire to replace Google Reader with something that learned your interests and had a more compelling display. In a new release, released today, Zite is trying to go further to embrace what’s good in Google Reader and add some bells and whistles.
First, Zite has increased the prominence of sources. Those sources now appear in a topic drawer after you mark an article that you like. Another welcome feature is that articles grey out ofter you read them. One of the best additions is the ability to highlight sources that are obscure. Google Reader always had a bit of a signal to noise problem because the volume of feeds could overwhelm some of the smaller sources. Zite fixes that and will aggressively display more obscure content that you like.
Zite has also made setting up the app easier for new users. There are on-screen guides and built-in tips that explains how Zite works and what you can expect.
Gallery: Zite update
There are some subtle interface changes as well this time around, and some new sponsored sources have been added.
I’ve found Zite a frequent and preferred stop for my news browsing on iOS. What I’d really like to see is a Mac app that gets me the same content so I’m covered on my desktop and laptop. I’m told this is under consideration and I hope to see it sooner rather than later.
Zite is a universal app and requires iOS 6 or later.
Zite update is aimed at Google Reader orphans originally appeared on TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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OtterBox, a pioneer in smartphone case technology based in Ft. Collins, Colorado, today got a little bit larger. The company acquired LifeProof, a company that builds a line of waterproof cases that provide superior protection without adding a lot of bulk or weight to devices.
OtterBox will begin incorporating the LifeProof line into its own line of cases over the next month, and it appears that both companies will retain existing employees for the time being. OtterBox has about 650 employees worldwide, while LifeProof has about 250 in its San Diego office.
It will be interesting to watch this acquisition unfold. Could this be the start of consolidation of accessory manufacturers in the booming Apple market? We’ll keep an eye out for other rumor or takeover talk.
Much like OtterBox, LifeProof is a rapidly growing, multi-million dollar business with a strong global brand, comprehensive product offering, impressive intellectual property and thriving company culture. Over the next 30 days, OtterBox will begin incorporating the LifeProof brand into the OtterBox family. More information about product availability and alignment will be determined at the completion of the integration.
“The joining of OtterBox and LifeProof is a way to combine two great brands and provide customers with even more great products, services and choices for smartphone accessories,” OtterBox CEO Brian Thomas said. “Both companies are successful because we foster an environment where everyone takes pride in being part of a culture that knows how to identify opportunities and grow them quickly. Our goal in this acquisition is to create more value for our customers than we ever could have generated while operating individually.”
A key driver for the acquisition is about creating customers who are passionate about the OtterBox brand. “Our strategy is to utilize our combined brand momentum, and world-class talent to create a great customer experience that generates OtterBox brand ambassadors for life,” Thomas said. “Our customers and our employees are the ones who have the passion for the brand that allows us to succeed. This passionate spirit motivates us to build better teams, better companies and ultimately, better communities. At the end of the day, that is our goal.”
OtterBox employs approximately 650 people worldwide. LifeProof employed approximately 250 people, who are now members of the OtterBox family and will remain in their San Diego location for the foreseeable future.
OtterBox has been a family-owned business since 1998. The financial details and terms of the agreement are confidential.
About LifeProof:
Based in San Diego, LifeProof designs, manufactures and markets cases for smartphones and tablets that deliver protection, style and functionality. LifeProof is built on the idea of giving everyone the complete freedom and confidence to use their mobile devices in any environment. Designed to defend against water, dirt, snow, shock and the hazards of daily life, LifeProof lets consumers use their mobile device every day, everywhere, and for everything, without worry.
For more information, visit lifeproof.com.
About OtterBox:
Founded in 1998, OtterBox creates premium technology accessories for smartphones, tablets and mobile devices. The top mobile device manufacturers, big box retailers and wireless services providers in the world value their partnership with OtterBox to increase device sales and to strengthen their own brand equity. OtterBox works endlessly to create a strong connection with consumers through first-class customer service, commitment to premium product quality and constant voice-of-the-consumer efforts.
OtterBox has been a five-time honoree on the Inc. 500 list of fastest growing private companies in the US, recognized in the Top 10 by the Forbes Magazine America’s Most Promising Companies list and is a repeat honoree in the Great Place to Work annual survey published by FORTUNE Magazine. The multi-million dollar company has global headquarters in Fort Collins, Colo. and offices in Boston, San Diego, Cork, Ireland and Hong Kong.
OtterBox is the No. 1-selling case for smartphones* and offers an extensive lineup of screen protectors, cases and other accessories that enhance various consumer lifestyles.
For more information, visit otterbox.com. We’ve Got Technology Covered.
OtterBox acquires LifeProof originally appeared on TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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We recently asked if Apple’s ongoing legal battles with Samsung were worth the effort for the computer giant. As if to answer our question, this week Apple amended their infringement claims with a new motion filed in the second California patent case targeting five patents that the Galaxy S4 infringes on. But the motion contained a new component; the targeting of Google Now’s search app.
Foss Patents has a thorough run down of Apple’s claims, including the specific five patents Apple says Samsung is in violation of. The main point of contention that the Android Quick Search Box and Google Now infringe upon several of their patients covering their own voice search program Siri.
In a footnote found in their motion Apple sums up their claim thusly:
Apple determined that the Galaxy S4 product practices many of the same claims already asserted by Apple, and that the Galaxy S4 practices those claims in the same way as the already-accused Samsung devices.”
It will be interesting to see how the courts rule on this motion. Head over to Foss Patents to read the complete motion and find an explanation of the patents Apple says are currently being violated. We will keep you updated as this case continues to develop.
Apple: Google Now violates Siri patents originally appeared on TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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In a post to its Chrome blog on Wednesday, Google announced plans to bring intuitive voice searches directly into the Chrome Web browser for iOS.
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Following Apple’s testimony before the US Senate, Ireland’s finance minister Michael Noonan declared that neither he nor his country would be the “whipping boy” for US tax loopholes. The US-led investigation demonstrated that Apple had paid two percent of $74 billion in international income, assisted by Irish tax law — in particular, one holding company including Apple’s retail effort throughout Europe had paid zero tax in five years….
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A voice search option is being added to the iOS version of Chrome in “the coming days,” according to Google. Users will just have to tap a microphone icon and ask the same sort of queries Google supports in Android and the iOS Google Search app. The change should in fact reduce the need to use Search, although that app is still iOS’ gateway to Now and various other Google services….
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A new study from BookNet Canada notes that the ebook market may be in trouble. Paperback books, says BookNet, made up 58% of all purchases last year, with hardcover taking 24%. But ebooks were only 15% of total sales last year, a figure that’s down overall from 2012′s first quarter, where they made up 17.6%. In other words, ebooks are selling, but they’re hardly taking over the market.
Now, those numbers reflect sales in Canada. In the US, ebooks make up 22% of the market, so the numbers are higher here. But still, given how ubiquitous ebooks now are, it’s surprising to not see them taking more of the market. BookNet says buyers cite the convenience of shopping for other items at the same time and pricing as two reasons they’re still looking for books in brick-and-mortar stores rather than online.
Finally, Apple’s iPad only made its way up to number three on the list of the most popular ebook readers in Canada. The Kobo ebook reader was the most popular up in the Great White North, followed by Amazon’s Kindle and then Apple’s tablet.
Ebooks not growing much in Canada, slightly better in the US originally appeared on TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Software will be the big focus for Apple’s annual developers event…
Today on TUAW TV Live, cohost Shawn “Doc Rock” Boyd and I will be conversing about a number of topics. Yesterday saw Apple CEO Tim Cook being grilled by a Senate committee about corporate taxes and at the same time passing along a hint that a “refreshed Mac line” will be manufactured in the Great State of Texas, so both of those are worthy of banter. There are also some new products that have made it to the TUAW Labs in recent days, so we’ll have some quick unboxings for your viewing pleasure.
To view the livestream and join the chat, visit the TUAW TV Live page here. Be sure to bookmark that page on your browser for future TUAW TV events. Past episodes can be found on our YouTube channel, and today’s show will also appear on this page within 24 hours.
TUAW TV Live: Taxes, Texas and Tim originally appeared on TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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There are a couple of Warhammer-related titles on their way to iOS soon, but this is the most interesting yet. Developer Slitherine has revealed that it’s working on a title called Warhammer 40K: Armageddon, a turn-based, hex-tiled strategy game coming to PC and iOS next year. The game will set Space Marines against Orks across 35 different scenarios, and feature over 100 units with upgradeable stats and attributes, along with a modding system and a separate set of maps balanced out for multiplayer.
Armageddon joins a number of other Warhammer games in progress, including Warhammer Quest and the upcoming Space Hulk adaptation. This is an extremely popular game franchise, and iOS is quickly becoming the home of choice for its games. Unfortunately, we won’t get to see Armageddon in action until next year at least, but we’ll look forward to seeing it then.
Warhammer(R) 40,000(R) turn-based strategy videogame details are disclosed
Slitherine and Games Workshop(R) are pleased to announce Warhammer(R) 40,000(R): Armageddon[TM]. Having announced an exciting partnership with Games Workshop a few weeks ago, Slitherine are delighted to release further details. Slitherine have acquired the exclusive rights to Games Workshop’s “Battle for Armageddon” setting in order to create a series of amazing multiplatform, turn-based, hex-based games. Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon will make full use of Slitherine’s expertise in creating compelling and challenging strategy gaming experiences. The initial game is set during the Second War of Armageddon and players will lead the Imperial forces of the Armageddon Steel Legion and Space Marines(R) from the Ultramarines, Blood Angels and Salamanders Chapters against Ghazghkull Thraka’s massive Ork Waaagh! invasion through over 30 scenarios, on the hostile terrain of the planet and its gigantic Hive Cities.
“It is very exciting to see a game like this come alive – I just can’t wait to play it!”, said Iain McNeil, Development Director of the Slitherine Group. “It’s been almost 15 years since a turn-based strategy game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe has been released and we think it is now time to deliver that experience to all fans around the world”.
“The Battle for Armageddon is a classic event in the lore of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, having been detailed in games, models and novels over the past 20 years.” said Jon Gillard, Head of Licensing at Games Workshop. “Slitherine’s masterful use of their classic digital wargame style applied to this seminal setting will delight fans of both.”
The game is currently in development for PC and iOS and will release in the first quarter of 2014.
Main features of the game include:
The game portrays the Second War for Armageddon[TM] in great detail, from the initial Ork landings to the final liberation of the planet;
It contains a large branching campaign with 30 major scenarios, plus additional 5 tutorial scenarios that explore the story in detail;
A complex plot, which can develop during a mission, right in the middle of battle, creating an engaging story line with unexpected twists;
Players lead Imperial troops of the Armageddon[TM] Steel Legion, with supporting assets from a number of Space Marine chapters against the ferocious Orks;
Fight alongside Commissar Yarrik and Commander Dante against the cunning Ork Warboss Ghazghkull Thraka;
Carry over battle-hardened veterans from scenario to scenario, using their experience and upgrading their equipment;
Detailed combat model with terrain, weather and morale effects;
Extensive modding options delivered through a powerful and easy-to-use game editor.
Some numbers:
Over 35 scenarios;
Over 100 unit types, with unique roles, stats and special abilities;
20 different units stats;
A separate set of maps are designed and balanced specifically for multiplayer via Slitherine’s PBEM++ system.
Warhammer 40K Armageddon gets details, coming in 2014 originally appeared on TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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It’s time to save some of that hard-earned cash with our Daily Deals, featuring a handy list from Dealnews and our own hand-picked selections that include some sweet deals on iOS and OS X software (all prices are USD).
Penumbear [iOS Universal; Category: Games; On sale for $0.99, down from $1.99] Penumbear is a classic platformer with an emphasis on danger, exploration and puzzle solving.
Stick Stunt Biker 2 [iOS Universal; Category: Games; Now free, down from $0.99] Bike fun and challenging tracks in different beautiful atmospheric locations and unlock various bikes.
Unmechanical [iOS Universal; Category: Games; On sale for $2.99, down from $3.99] Unmechanical is all about the adventure of a little helicopter trapped in a strange, but fascinating world.
DinoCap 3 Survivors [iOS Universal; Category: Games; Now free, down from $0.99] Fight off those ferocious species and this time make sure they are right on the path to afterlife.
PDFpen for iPad [iPad; Category: Productivity; On sale for $14.99, down from $9.99] With PDFpen, use your iPad to sign a contract, make corrections, fill out an application, make comments on a presentation and much more.
ComicBook! [iOS Universal; Category: Photography & Video; Now free, down from $1.99] ComicBook! is your FULL featured comic book creation app.
FlickStackr for Flickr [iOS Universal; Category: Photography & Video; Now free, down from $1.99] FlickStackr brings Flickr photo sharing to the iPad.
TiltShift Video – Miniature effect for movies and photos [iOS Universal; Category: Photography & Video; On sale for $0.99, down from $4.99] TiltShift Video gives you all the editing features you need to turn your videos and photos into awesome tilt-shift creations.
Flickr Studio [iPad; Category: Photography & Video; Now free, down from $4.99] All your Flickr photos and videos, one smart app.
Oldify [iPhone; Category: Entertainment; Now free, down from $0.99] Oldify ages AND animates your face in 3D.
Stress Check 2 [iPhone; Category: Health & Fitness; Now free, down from $1.99] Stress Check 2 turns your iPhone into a smart device that quantifies your physical and emotional stress level.
Tunable – Instrument Tuner [iOS Universal; Category: Music; Now free, down from $2.99] Tunable is a chromatic tuner, tone/chord generator, metronome, and recorder that helps you learn to play steadily, in tune, and on beat.
Checkmark [iPhone; Category: Productivity; Now free, down from $4.99] Checkmark is the fastest way to remind yourself of all the things you have to do in your busy life.
Tiny Troopers [iOS Universal; Category: Games; Now free, down from $0.99] Take control of a platoon of crack soldiers and deploy in a variety or war zones as you battle through the epic campaign.
MoneyWiz – Personal Finance [iPhone; Category: Finance; On sale for $0.99, down from $4.99] Do more with your money. View all your accounts, budgets and bills in one place.
Bottle Cap Blitz [iOS Universal; Category: Games; Now free, down from $1.99] Fire bottle caps to smash ice cubes.
Rolling Hero [iOS Universal; Category: Games; Now free, down from $0.99] The evil Redman has kidnapped our hero’s girlfriend and you’ll have to turn the world upside down to find her – literally.
Pudding Monsters [iPhone; Category: Games; Now free, down from $1.99] Pudding Monsters is a deliciously addicting puzzle adventure with wacky characters and innovative stick-’em-together game-play. Apple’s App of the week.
Pudding Monsters HD [iPad; Category: Games; Now free, down from $1.99] Pudding Monsters is a deliciously addicting puzzle adventure with wacky characters and innovative stick-’em-together game-play.
PipeRoll [OS X; Category: Games; Now free, down from $0.99] New challenges, fantastic graphics. 5 unique ages and 100 new levels.
Two Dollar Tuesday [OS X; Category: Various; On sale for $1.99] Two Dollar Tuesday offers three OS X app for $1.99. Titles include Steps, WriteRoom and Corporate Style Packs. Deal ends May 22dd.
AgingSpine [OS X; Category: Medicine; Now free, down from $4.99] AgingSpine[TM] by Orca Health teaches you about spine anatomy, conditions, best practices, and helps you find a specialist.
xScan [OS X; Category: Utilities; On sale for $0.99, down from $4.99] xScan has been specifically designed to help you monitor the behavior and health of your Mac in a simple and straightforward manner.
Daily Deals for May 22, 2013 originally appeared on TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Ireland is in the spotlight following the U.S. Senate’s investigation of Apple’s alleged tax avoidance, and the low-tax nation is now calling for an international crackdown on tax dodging by multinational corporations.
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Ireland is in the spotlight following the U.S. Senate’s investigation of Apple’s alleged tax avoidance, and the low-tax nation is now calling for an international crackdown on tax dodging by multinational corporations.
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Michael Gartenberg, a longtime industry analyst who most recently covered technology for Gartner, has taken a job on Apple’s marketing team working under executive Phil Schiller.
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Michael Gartenberg, a longtime industry analyst who most recently covered technology for Gartner, has taken a job on Apple’s marketing team working under executive Phil Schiller.
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