Mobile menu toggle

News - page 1240

Maybe Apple killed off the iPod Classic too soon?

By •

Photo: Apple
Photo: Apple

After years without updates, September 9th was a sad day for iPod fans: it marked the formal extinction of the iPod Classic, the last of Apple’s chunky, non-flash-based music players.

Three months after the last iPod Classic was sold through Apple.com, though? The iPod Classic is more in demand — and more expensive — than ever.

This painter sees the world through 8-bit glasses

By •

R2-D2 is just one of Adam Lister's 8-bit-inspired pop culture artworks.

Remember being lost in the 8-bit world of Atari and Nintendo? When Adam Lister was a boy, he couldn’t spend enough time in his basement playing Pong, Space Invaders or Donkey Kong.

Games and graphics, of course, evolved, and the chiptune music of those game consoles went silent long ago. But the graphic language where characters are a rough collection of cubes and rectangles still speaks to Lister.

It is the lens through which he views art history and pop culture in a series of more than 250 watercolor paintings he created over a three-year period.

63% of users have now upgraded to iOS 8

By •

20140407_iOS-tips_0058_final
iOS 8 adoption continues to pick up. Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

It was a rocky start for iOS 8, but adoption figures continue to creep upwards. As per the latest figures released by Apple, 63% of active iOS users are now running the latest version of the company’s mobile OS, while 33% are using iOS 7, and 4% are running earlier versions of the operating system.

Apple measured usage via visits to the App Store on Monday this week.

The increase is likely related to the continued high sales of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus — which are predicted to sell a massive 71.5 million units over the holidays. Most recently, Apple released iOS 8.1.2 to the public, helping to solve the mystery of disappearing ringtones on iOS devices.

Apple’s legal team blasts the media over requests to release Steve Jobs video

By •

Steve Jobs introducing the iPod mini. Photo: Apple
Steve Jobs footage may not be released to the public after all. Photo: Apple

Apple’s latest class-action lawsuit made the news primarily because it featured none other than Steve Jobs as a key witness, as he appeared courtesy of a video deposition taken shortly before his untimely death in 2011.

Immediately, news outlets jumped on the opportunity to publicly release the footage, with The Associated Press, Bloomberg, and CNN filing a motion to have the tape released.

“Steve Jobs is not your typical trial witness, and that’s what makes this a unique circumstance,” said a lawyer acting on behalf of the media companies, adding that, “We’re not asking for anything other than what the jury heard.”

However, it seems like cooler heads may prevail — and we won’t see the footage after all.

Sony hack reveals dirty secrets behind Aaron Sorkin’s Steve Jobs movie

By •

New leaks reveal the dramatic backroom details behind Aaron Sorkin's Steve Jobs screenplay, including his top choice to play the leading role. (Photo courtesy of MGM)
New leaks reveal the dramatic backroom details behind Aaron Sorkin's Steve Jobs screenplay, including his top choice to play the leading role. (Photo: MGM)

If Aaron Sorkin had his way, Tom Cruise would be Steve Jobs.

That’s one of the juicy details to have surfaced from leaked emails between Sorkin and Sony, the studio Sorkin had originally partnered with to make the film. The leaks also reveal the controversial casting decision that ultimately caused Sony to give up the film to Universal.

HBO will use Game of Thrones to break cable’s iron grip

By •

hbo-gameofthrones

HBO is planning to launch a new standalone streaming service in 2015, and if you’re like me and can’t wait to watch the latest chapter in Khaleesi’s quest to become take back the iron throne, you’ll be happier than Hodor on Maiden’s Day to hear the a la carte service could land just in time for the Game of Thrones season 5 premiere.

The new HBO streaming service will offer viewers access to HBO’s entire catalog of shows, movies, documentaries and live programming without need a cable subscription, for the first time ever. There’s no word yet on pricing, but its expected to be a cord-cutter’s dream, giving Apple TV users more premium content to watch on demand.

Fortune reports development of the technology underpinning HBO’s streaming service has been rife with conflict. Rather than using in-house technology built by its new CTO, HBO struck a deal with MLB Advanced to use their white-label streaming technology. A special project codenamed “Maui” was recently killed off by HBO, after executives determined a third-party could help them offer a stand alone service faster.

Tim Cook met privately with Rev. Jesse Jackson to discuss inclusiveness

By •

Tim Cook. Photo: Apple
Tim Cook. Photo: Apple

Tim Cook met with Rev. Jesse Jackson on Monday in a private sit down that was described as ‘positive and productive’ by the civil rights leader.

Jackson is in the Bay Area this week to promote a workshop hosted by his Rainbow PUSH Coalition that is focused on closing the racial gap in the tech industry. USA Today reports that the Cook and Jackson talked for over an hour, and while Jackson wouldn’t mention what they talked about specifically, he said he came away impressed.

With iCloud switch, Apple completes purge of Google Maps

By •

iCloud.com is free of Google Maps. Photo: Cult of Mac
iCloud.com is free of Google Maps. Photo: Cult of Mac

Apple Maps has been out for over two years, but it’s just finally completing its original mission to completely replace Google Maps in all of Apple’s products.

Starting today, iCloud.com users will see an online version of Apple Maps when using Find My iPhone instead of Google Maps.

Grumpy Cat’s outrageous earnings are the talk of the tabloids

By •

Tardar Sauce, aka Grumpy  Cat, isn't talking about her bank account. Photo: Ricky Brigante/Flickr CC
Tardar Sauce, aka Grumpy Cat, isn't talking about her bank account. Photo: Ricky Brigante/Flickr CC

Whatever she earns, Grumpy Cat has plenty of reasons to smile. The Internet-famous feline just knows her earning power would dry up if she expressed happiness.

The world’s favorite sourpuss has reportedly earned more than $100 million in two years, according to British tabloid The Daily Express. That’s more than Hollywood stars Nicole Kidman, Matt Damon or Mathew McConaughey.

Jeff Daniels slated to play ex-Apple CEO in Steve Jobs movie

By •

Steve Jobs and John Sculley. Photo: Apple
Steve Jobs and John Sculley. Photo: Apple

Jeff Daniels is just finishing up his last season as Will McAvoy, but he could be reunited with The Newsroom creator Aaron Sorkin sooner than anyone anticipated, as Daniels is the top choice to play the role of former Apple CEO John Sculley in the upcoming Steve Jobs movie.

Daniels just won an Emmy for his role in The Newsroom on HBO, and multiple people familiar with Universal’s Steve Jobs project have told TheWrap that the studio wants to add him to the project that is set to star Michael Fassbender as Steve Jobs.

iOS 8.1.2 update is here to fix your disappearing ringtones

By •

A new day, a new iOS bug...
iOS 8.1.2 is here. Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Apple released iOS 8.1.2 to the public today to help solve the mystery of disappearing ringtones on iOS devices.

The iOS update is being made available to the public despite never being made available to developers for testing before its wide release. iOS 8.1.2 fixes a bug that caused ringtones to disappear from iPhones even if they were purchased through iTunes.

To restore any missing ringtones, Apple advises users to visit iTunes.com/restoretones from your iOS device. The free update is available now via OTA download or directly from iTunes. Because this build hasn’t been tested yet though, you might want to wait for the early downloaders to report that it’s ok.

Lovable platformer Leo’s Fortune gets a holiday sale

By •

post-305570-image-1ea7a1c0c7b876b5f79d765593f9e3f0-jpg

In a very strong year for iOS games, inventive platformer Leo’s Fortune was one of my undisputed favorites — a game that Cult of Mac described in its review as “one of the most beautiful iOS games” we’d seen in ages.

Currently seen as part of Google’s giant billboard display in Times Square, Leo’s Fortune is celebrating its success by going on sale for $2.99 in the App Store.

Drool over the spectacular home of one of Apple’s top industrial designers

By •

Photo: Craig Steely
Photo: Craig Steely

Great design doesn’t finish when you go home if you’re a member of Apple’s Industrial Design team.

San Francisco’s SFGate has published new pictures showing the home of long-time Apple industrial designer Peter Russell-Clarke, one of the inner sanctum of designers who work with Jony Ive.

Russell-Clarke is named on multiple Apple design patents — including ones for the iMac, iPod nano, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. With that kind of résumé, a house that is anything less than a stunner would be a missed opportunity.

Fortunately, Peter Russell-Clarke doesn’t disappoint.

Uber offers lunch on demand to benefit No Hungry Kids

By •

uber-donate

Uber has been no stranger to delivering odd things like kittens and ice cream, but on Thursday, December 11th the ride-sharing app is teaming up with local restaurants to offer lunch on-demand to users, with the benefits going to support No Kid Hungry.

As part of its first ‘national giving campaign’ aimed at helping end child hunger in America, Uber added a $5 donate button to its app today that sends money directly to No Kid Hungry each time you request a ride. The option is available in 100 cities and can connect kids with up to 50 meals with each ride.

To promote its effort to raise funds for 3 million meals, Uber announced this morning it will deliver UberLUNCH to a users door in 10 minutes as a one day special.

Here are the cities and restaurants participating:

Apple TV gets four new channels and YouTube redesign

By •

The new YouTube experience on Apple TV has ads. Blech.  Photo: Buster Hein/Cult of Mac
Apple TV adds three new channels. Photo: Buster Hein/Cult of Mac

Apple TV received a huge update this morning with four new channels getting added to the lineup, plus a completely redesigned YouTube channel that makes it easier to find your favorite viral videos.

MMA-addicts will be happy to hear that a dedicated UFC channel was added this morning, along with Fusion, Dailymotion, and Conde Nast’s new offering The Scene, giving users more free video content options than ever.

Brooklyn hipsters get an Apple Store to call their own

By •

A-rendering-of-247-Bedford-Avenue
A CGI rendering showing how Apple's first Brooklyn store may well look when it opens in 2015. Photo: The Real Deal

Apple is set to open its seventh New York Apple Store, with its long-awaited first brick-and-mortar retail premises in Brooklyn. The store will be located at 247 Bedford Avenue, on the corner of North 3rd Street, according to The New York Post.

The Brooklyn store boasts an impressive 20,000-square-feet of space over two floors. Prior to opening, the building will be refurbished, with the highlights being dramatic arching windows which will keep the space airy and light. Work is set to be completed in April 2015.

5 new comic book series you should start reading now

By •

comics-you-should-read
Sure, comic books are an old art form, dating back to the 1930s in American culture. The four-color sequential art format has had some major success as well as several dips in its fortunes over the intervening eighty years, but the comic book is very much alive and well at this point in time, thanks to a resurgence of the comic book movies and television series currently in vogue.

There are so many new books out there as a result, that it’s hard to choose which ones to pick up and read when you head to your local comic book shop (still the way most of us get our comics). If you’re picking up two to three-dollar single issues, things can add up quickly. That’s why we’re here — to get you a sampling of the finest comics your money should buy, right now. Scroll through the images above to see what we’ve put together for you.

Photo: Rob LeFebvre, Cult of Mac

DIY electric train lets you build your own Polar Express

By •

Transform copper wire, magnets and a battery into a simple electric train. Screen grab from Amazing Science YouTube video
Transform copper wire, magnets and a battery into a simple electric train. Screengrab: Amazing Science

For the kid expecting a Lionel model train set under the Christmas tree, unwrapping a pack of copper wire, a couple of magnets and a battery is sure to disappoint.

But show them how to make a train out of those items, and you just might spark their curiosity and instill a love of science. Now that’s a gift — here’s how it works.

Apple antitrust hearing will continue despite every plaintiff being disqualified

By •

Steve Jobs introducing the iPod mini. Photo: Apple
Steve Jobs introducing the iPod mini. Photo: Apple

A class action suit accusing Apple of violating antitrust laws with the iPod and iTunes will continue — despite every plaintiff in the case being disqualified.

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers disqualified the last remaining plaintiff in the case on Monday, after Apple’s lawyers successfully argued that she did not buy any of the iPods she is seeking damages for.

Apple wanted the case thrown out of court, but Judge Rogers has given the plaintiff lawyers one more chance: ordering them to find more iPod customers ready to step into the case. The qualifications of these new plaintiffs will be analysed at a hearing on Tuesday, to take place out of earshot of the jury.

Natalie Portman is latest actor to shun Steve Jobs movie

By •

Photo: Mira (on the wall)/Flickr CC
Excited about seeing Natalie Portman in a Steve Jobs movie? Prepare to be disappointed. Photo: Mira (on the wall)/Flickr CC

Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin previously claimed that Steve Jobs’ life was rich enough that it could make 10 movies. Based on the evidence we’ve been presented with, however, it’s having a tough enough time making one.

This week’s setback is the news that Natalie Portman, who was reportedly in talks to play a role in the movie, has decided to part ways with the project for unknown reasons.

This is the latest in a long line of challenges for the movie adaptation of Walter Isaacson’s bestselling movie. Multiple A-list actors and directors passed on the project early on, before Sorkin’s handpicked Steve Jobs thesp Christian Bale was cast as Apple’s co-founder, only to later throw in the towel.

Most recently, the movie was put up for sale by its original studio Sony, which wound up selling to Universal Studios for development costs only.

Apple’s weird iCloud Drive rule could cripple apps

By •

Apple announced the ability for third-party apps to share files at WWDC in June. Photo: Roberto Baldwin/ The Next Web
Apple announced the ability for third-party apps to share files at WWDC in June. Photo: Roberto Baldwin/ The Next Web

Apple’s new interpretation of a particular iOS 8 feature could severely cripple countless third-party apps like Dropbox and Evernote.

The new interpretation came to light after Panic, a very respected indie developer, was told to remove the ability to send files to iCloud Drive in its file transfer app Transmit. And because of the way iOS 8 is designed, the app can no longer send files to any other storage provider.

What’s worse is that Apple provided little to no explanation for why it was implementing the policy change, and there’s no telling which app will forced to comply next.

Apple Stores might let Bose products back in for Christmas

By •

Be cool. Stay in school.
Is there room for Bose now that Apple has Beats? Photo: Beats
Photo: Beats

Bose’s lineup of headphones and speakers were kicked out of the Apple Store earlier this year after the company filed a patent lawsuit against Beats Electronics, but now that the beef has been squashed, it appears that Apple is having a change of heart.

Apple Stores are set to bring Bose products back to shelves in time for Christmas, according to a source at iGen.fr, which claims some stores have already received inventory.