9 to 5 Mac - iPhone - iPod

Sprint tries to get on iPhone bandwagon with 4G hotspot

Seth Weintraub — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:42:02 +0000

Verizon isn't the only one seeing Apple's products as an opportunity. Sprint is advertising their 4G hotspot as a way to make your iPhone faster.

Ummm, why not do what Verizon is doing and aim for the iPad?

9to5mac: What's the best value in monitors?

Seth Weintraub — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:59:30 +0000

I got a good question today via Twitter that I have some expertise in:

What would you consider the "best" monitor for Macs...for a [good] price?

I've been buying monitors for small to mid-size companies for awhile and have one each of a Sharp, Dell, Samsung, Apple and HP monitor in my house so I feel like I have a bit of experience in the area.

Disclaimer: If you are a professional artist, you are going to want something else. There are a lot out there, but this recommendation isn't for you.

Dell has the best value in monitors and has for the last few years. They aren't built like Apple displays but they are very solid and look good.

If every penny counts, you can find the Dell 1600x900 20" display out there every once in awhile for $89. But really, for $40 more you can step up to 1080P resolution.

I say this cold: No one should have anything less than a 1080P 1920x1080 screen on their desktops. You can buy a 22" 1080P display for $129 with free shipping on sale at Dell every once in awhile (currently $149). If it isn't on sale, you can usually find it refurbished for that price or less. Here's a Samsung equivalent (same hardware+$50) as a mediacenter display which works great for Blu-Ray movies at about 4-8 feet away. This is basically the same display (size/pixels/aspect ratio) as the $1000+iMac 22" without LED lighting. The viewing angles aren't what you'll get in a more expensive display and the color takes a little calibration (2 minutes, very easy) but you have a 1080P display on your desk for less than the price of a parking ticket in most cities.

But that's not the best inexpensive monitor you can buy right now. Dell makes the SP2309W, 23" "better than HD" 2048x1152 display with HDMI, VGA and DVI inputs, 4 port USB Hub, cable management, Webcam and analog audio I/O. It also looks great with a "not as glossy as Apple's" 23-inch display. It doesn't have internal audio, but I'd rather use external speakers (for another day's review) for sound. They have a $10 sound bar you could get but I wouldn't reccomend it.

The SP2309W hits every sweet spot for me and you can currently get it for $229+Free shipping at Dell. Compare that to Apple's $900 Cinema Display with fewer pixels and ports. (yes it is lovely and has power for MacBooks, etc.)

The viewing angles are great but it also has an adjustable arm in the back for both angle and height (Apple's are angle only). I've had this monitor as my main display since Apple botched its Mini DisplayPort to dual DVI adapter part over a year ago.

I won't lie. I miss the old 16:10 ratio of the 1920x1200 displays. I think they are better for computer use (16:9 obviously better for movies) but there are only a few vendors still selling those displays and they are usually overpriced and clunky. What's great about the bigger 2048x1152 display is that you get all of the pixels of the 1920x1200,but at a 16:9 ratio.

This display also don't require Apple's horrific $100 Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter. It works with the standard Mini Displayport-DVI (or VGA or HDMI) cable which are $5-$15.

I have an older, second-hand 30-inch Apple Cinema Display in my basement that works fine with Dual DVI Macs but keeps going fuzzy with the newer DisplayPort Macs. The adapter has been replaced a few times but works the same each time and Apple, after over a year on the market, still doesn't have a fix. Until Apple fixes this part, I can't recommend anything with more pixels than this Dell display without native DisplayPort built in like this Dell or the 27-inch iMac.

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10.6.3 Pre-release hits unsuspecting updater?

Seth Weintraub — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 02:15:02 +0000

I'm not quite sure I buy this whole story. A TUAW reader with a new Core i7 iMac says that when they ran Software Update, they got the 10.6.3 Pre-release that was released today:

When finished, they had the new 10D572 build of Snow Leopard 10.6.3.

Is this a Prius acceleration type of phenomenon?

Updated iTunes Connect: Submitting iPad Apps Interface

Mark Gurman — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:21:58 +0000

We've managed to get some screenshots of the updated iTunes Connect interface for submitting iPad applications for those who might be interested. Have a look:

Apple is now accepting iPad apps to the App Store

Mark Gurman — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:09:51 +0000

Apple sent the following email to developers today signalling that they will now accept apps made for the iPad.

Guess we'll start to see what is out there pretty soon.

Verbiage:

iPad will begin shipping soon and your opportunity to be part of the grand opening of the iPad App Store starts today. Submit your iPad app now for an initial review by the App Review Team and receive feedback on its readiness for the grand opening.
Submit Your App by March 27.
•
Build and test your iPad app using iPhone SDK 3.2 beta 5 available on the iPhone Dev Center. Only iPad apps built with iPhone SDK 3.2 beta 5 will be accepted for this initial review.

•
Upload your distribution signed app through iTunes Connect by Saturday, March 27, 5pm PDT.
•
The App Review Team will review your app on iPad and email you details about the readiness of your app.
•
You will also receive additional information about submitting your app for final review before iPad ships.
•
Only apps submitted for the initial review will be considered for the grand opening of the iPad App Store.

Intel falling behind on new laptop chips, Apple may not be first in line

Seth Weintraub — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:19:24 +0000

We know that Intel and Apple's relationship isn't what it once was even a year ago. A few years ago, they were getting processors ahead of launch and Intel even built the original MacBook Air its very own chip. Now things are a bit different, which may be a reason why MacBook Pros haven't been updated to the current generation processors (released in January). Digitimes today says that:

Intel is giving priority to major clients [Acer], and second-tier and smaller notebook players have to wait much longer before receiving supply of the CPUs, the sources noted.

Has Apple dropped to "second tier"?

Samsung to begin producing 3 million iPad screens? Apple ordered 13 million total?

Seth Weintraub — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:41:22 +0000

According to a report by the sometimes spotty (ahem removable battery?!) Korean Times (via DL), Samsung will soon begin producing iPad screens. This follows news this morning that Wintek may or may not be having issues with production yields on their iPad touch screen sensors.

"Samsung Electronics has won a contract worth $240 million from Apple to supply 3 million LCD panels used in the iPads," a high-ranking industry representative told The Korea Times, asking not to be identified. "The most expensive component in the iPad is the display and touch-screen interface that costs $80 for all models. The 9.7-inch display is more than twice the size of the iPhone 3GS screen and costs five times as much," he said.

LG, who has a $500 million/ multi-year display deal with Apple, is already building 10 million iPad displays according to the report, which would put the total order for displays at 13 million. That is a lot of iPads.

If true, it will be interesting to see if there is any difference in the capabilities of the two screens. There was some controversy when Apple changed the quality of the screens in its 13-inch Unibody MacBooks last year.

The Korea Times also states that:

Separately, Samsung Mobile Display ― a flat-screen joint venture between Samsung Electronics and Samsung SDI ― has been in deep talks to supply its LCD panels for Apple's upcoming 4G iPhones and iPads, a company executive told the newspaper. "As far as I know, Apple will use the LCD panels for its next iPhone models. We are receiving related orders from Apple," the executive said, without elaborating further.

The same Korean Times said last year that the 4G iPhone would utilize an OLED display.

WSJ: Apple puts TV subscriptions on hold, should have some $.99 TV episodes at iPad launch

Seth Weintraub — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:14:39 +0000

Apple is abandoning its plans for TV subscriptions (for now) but may have some $.99 television shows for the iPad's launch according to an updated report by the Wall Street Journal.

Apple has narrowed the device's scope. It has put on hold its idea to offer TV subscriptions that would be viewable through the iPad, because few media companies were interested. Instead, Apple is discussing dropping the price of TV shows to 99 cents from the $1.99 and $2.99 charged for most shows on its iTunes store, said people familiar with the situation. Apple hasn't yet reached a deal with many major TV producers on the price cut, these people said.

The WSJ reports that although most eBooks will be ready at launch, Magazines and TV are a harder nut to crack...

People familiar with the matter have said Apple is trying to allay concerns by arguing that lower pricing on iTunes could help create a new market. These people said they still believe Apple may reach deals with some to offer 99-cent shows by the time the iPad ships. It's also possible TV companies could offer access to their shows on the iPad through applications that would stream the videos, rather than selling them through iTunes. But streaming is often limited by a tangle of licenses between producers and TV networks. The iPad platform could also pose technical hurdles.

Which leads to everyone's favorite topic: Adobe's Flash:

Some publishers and TV executives are concerned the iPad doesn't support Adobe Systems Inc.'s Flash video technology, which many publishers use to showcase their multimedia content and is also an underlying technology of online ads.

I'm sure no one will take issue with that last statement.

China Mobile tries to get Apple to adopt its 3G network in upcoming iPhones

admin — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:38:35 +0000

China Mobile is itching to get their hands on the iPhone according to the FT (sub. req.) today.

The head of China Mobile has called on Apple to include Beijing's home-grown standard for third-generation mobile services in the next generation of the iPhone, underscoring the growing pressures on the world's largest mobile operator to attract 3G subscribers. The request comes amid fears that China Mobile risks falling behind rivals China Telecom and China Unicom - the only telecom operator in the country to have a distribution deal with Apple for the iPhone - in signing up subscribers. Wang Jianzhou, China Mobile chairman and chief executive, said at the group's annual results yesterday that "including TD-SCDMA is not that hard to do - RIM is doing it". But he added that Apple had not yet responded to his proposal.

China Mobile has over half a billion subscribers (almost double the US population) and Apple had already made the concession of taking out Wifi (only to put it back in) for China so they might have a shot. Also, Apple is hot for China.

Apple, however, seems to be loyal to its carrier partners no matter how lucrative building devices with different radios for competing carriers might be….at least from my view here in the US.China Mobile's TD-SCDMA standard is a homegrown Chinese 3G technology that has had its issues, according to the FT. China Mobile's 3G adoption has fallen dramatically over the past year, in part due to continued technical problems with its 3G technology. Adding the technology to the iPhone would require a special Chinese chip, something that Blackberry was willing to add but Apple may not.

Elite iPad developers get iPads to test on, are sequestered in rooms with blacked out windows

Seth Weintraub — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:43:09 +0000

Businessweek reports today that an elite group of developers have received iPads to test their applications on, however, these iPads must be kept tethered to a fixed object and in rooms with blacked-out windows.

Would-be testers of the tablet-style computer, due to be released Apr. 3, must promise to keep it isolated in a room with blacked-out windows, according to four people familiar with the more than 10-page pact that bars partners from disclosing information about the iPad. To ensure that it can't be removed, the iPad must also remain tethered to a fixed object, said the people, who asked not to be named because their plans for the iPad have not been made public. Apple won't send out an iPad until potential partners send photographic evidence that they've complied.

Our immediate reaction to this is: What does Apple want to hide at this point? Haven't we seen the iPad in its final form from a hardware perspective? From a software perspective, what is so interesting that they need developers to hide it? This level of secrecy on something already announced piques our interest.

The WSJ is one of the companies who has the iPad under lock and key as outed by Rupert Murdoch himself...among other things, though they'd be an unlikely source for a Bloomberg leak.

iPad delays? Blame Wintek…or don't

Seth Weintraub — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:37:11 +0000

Digitimes gives fair and balanced coverage of possible iPad delays by first quoting Liberty Times as saying Wintek's display panels' low yield rates are hampering iPad production, a fact that has been discussed before.

Taiwan-based touch panel supplier Wintek has been blamed for a delay of Apple's iPad shipments, according to a Chinese-language report on Liberty Times. The report claimed that Wintek is facing a manufacturing bottleneck in its touch panel production, and its low yield rate for touch panels has hampered its shipments to Apple.

But on the flip side of the coin, Digitimes reports that Wintek has reported to the TSE that all of its operations have been running in-line with its plans.

Wintek, in a statement filed with the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE) today, said that all of its operations have been running in line with its plans, and it declined to comment on individual clients or particular orders.

We'll see in coming weeks how well Apple is able to meet demand, which already appears to be pretty high.

What does Steve Jobs have bookmarked on his iPad?

Seth Weintraub — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:53:23 +0000

According to a source of Silicon Alley Insider, Steve Jobs had the following bookmarks on his iPad for the demonstration for the Wall Street Journal last month:

"Well, he has Engadget, Gizmodo, the New York Times tech section, and the Wall Street Journal bookmarked."

He had other sites bookmarked but those were the only ones the source remembered. We know what you are thinking... What about 9to5mac?! …Homepage.

WSJ: Apple has sold "hundreds of thousands of iPads, over a million in first three months"

Seth Weintraub — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:34:30 +0000

The WSJ chimes in with some frustratingly vague information today. Besides the fact that Apple is scrambling to get more content onto the iPad (whole Internet isn't enough?), we got some numbers predictions from someone who knows someone:

Apple has sold hundreds of thousands of the device, say people familiar with the matter. One of these people said Apple could sell more iPads in its first three months than it sold iPhones in the three months after the smart phone's debut.

As a point of reference, Apple sold its first 1 million iPhones in the first 74 days.

Tmobile hopes to start selling the iPhone 'later this year or next year' -Financial Times

Seth Weintraub — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:26:32 +0000

"T-Mobile USA is hoping to start selling the popular smartphone later this year or next year." (Financial Times account login required)

Update: "Hopes". Yeah, who doesn't.

Apple Store update imminent? iPad Camera Kit Coming?

Mark Gurman — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:18:36 +0000

Right now the online Apple Store's list of new products is showing a placeholder for an unknown product. The list shows the term "not defined." When you click the link you are taken to Apple's 404 not found page. This placeholder is right between different iPad accessories so presumably Apple is updating the store to carry the iPad Camera kit which is currently M.I.A.

We'll update the if/when we get confirmation.

Update: Store was updated without anything new

Apple details new 'iGroups' functionality in patent

Seth Weintraub — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:50:31 +0000

Patently Apple today details a new social networking application called 'iGroups' that, in a nutshell, allows members of a group attending an event to stay in communication, including using GPS coordinates and tokens to exchange encrypted information. This might be one of the reasons we don't see Google's Latitude application on our iPhones.

It is also interesting to note, as TechCrunch did last night, that Apple is highlighting location based services on the heels of SXSW.

Oh, and there is that pesky center-mounted camera we keep seeing.

HTC issues statement on Apple lawsuit

Seth Weintraub — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:15:36 +0000

HTC issued via press release a statement of their feelings on Apple's legal actions. It doesn't really address any of the issues and is a pretty broad statement with little in the way of specific Apple concerns. Just a timeline of their accomplishments.

They also don't do themselves any favors by showing a picture of their first Pocket PC Phone 2002 Edition. I had one of these on T-mobile. Man, was that thing horrible.

Full press release below:

HTC Disagrees with Apple's Actions

SEATTLE, March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- HTC Corporation today outlined its disagreement with Apple's legal actions and reiterated its commitment to creating a portfolio of innovative smartphones that gives consumers a variety of choices. Founded in 1997 with a passion for innovation and a vision for how smartphones would change people's lives, HTC has continually driven this vision by consistently introducing award-winning smartphones with U.S. mobile operators.

"HTC disagrees with Apple's actions and will fully defend itself. HTC strongly advocates intellectual property protection and will continue to respect other innovators and their technologies as we have always done, but we will continue to embrace competition through our own innovation as a healthy way for consumers to get the best mobile experience possible," said Peter Chou, chief executive officer, HTC Corporation. "From day one, HTC has focused on creating cutting-edge innovations that deliver unique value for people looking for a smartphone. In 1999 we started designing the XDA(i) and T-Mobile Pocket PC Phone Edition(ii), our first touch-screen smartphones, and they both shipped in 2002 with more than 50 additional HTC smartphone models shipping since then."

The industry has recognized HTC's contributions through a variety of awards including Fast Company's 2010 Top 50 Most Innovative Companies and MIT Technology Review's 2010 50 Most Innovative Companies. The GSMA also recently awarded the HTC Hero as the "Best Phone of 2009." Some of HTC's technology firsts include:

First Windows PDA (1998)
First Windows Phone (June 2002)
First 3G CDMA EVDO smartphone (October 2005)
First gesture-based smartphone (June 2007)
First Google Android smartphone (October 2008)
First 4G WIMAX smartphone (November 2008)

In 2009, HTC launched its branded user experience, HTC Sense. HTC Sense is focused on putting people at the center by making phones work in a more simple and natural way. This experience was fundamentally based on listening and observing how people live and communicate.

"HTC has always taken a partnership-oriented, collaborative approach to business. This has led to long-standing strategic partnerships with the top software, Internet and wireless technology companies in the industry as well as the top U.S., European and Asian mobile operators," said Jason Mackenzie, vice president of HTC America. "It is through these relationships that we have been able to deliver the world's most diverse series of smartphones to an even more diverse group of people around the world, recognizing that customers have very different needs."

For more information on HTC's history of innovation, please visit: www.htc.com/history.

About HTC

HTC Corporation (HTC) is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile phone industry. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC creates innovative smartphones that better serve the lives and needs of individuals. For more information about HTC, please visit www.htc.com.

(i) The O2 XDA by HTC was the first 3.5-inch color touch screen smartphone in the world in 2002.

(ii) The T-Mobile Pocket PC Phone Edition by HTC was the first 3.5-inch color touch screen smartphone in the United Statesin 2002.

SOURCE HTC Corporation

iPhone SDK 3.2 beta 5 - Build: 10M2148 released

Seth Weintraub — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:45:46 +0000

You know the drill - we'll report back with any "abnormalities".

iPhone devs can now schedule releases/sales in iTunes Connect

Seth Weintraub — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:47:03 +0000

Update: Apple has made it more official:

Amro Mousa last night found that developers can now schedule price changes and release dates directly from iTunesConnect. Until now, all releases and price changes had to be done manually. (Via @marcoarment)

Apple no longer endorses screen protectors for its products

Seth Weintraub — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:45:33 +0000

Dan Frakes at Macworld has heard from numerous screen protector vendors that Apple is purging their products from its stores, both online and offline. This even includes products for MacBooks that reduce glare.

Apple introduced an oleophobic screen with the iPhone 3GS that repels fingerprints and other minor oil stains. The iPad and next generation touch products will likely also carry this technology.

Apple updates iPhone Developer Application Loader ahead of iPad launch

Seth Weintraub — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:26:26 +0000

Apple today updated its Application Loader application to version 1.3. Developers can download it here from iTunesConnect. Perhaps this will hasten the delivery of iPad apps?

Wired shows off iPad App at SXSW

Seth Weintraub — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:55:09 +0000

Wired took some time to show off their iPad/ other tablet apps at SXSW this week. Here's a video of that presentation. Non-Flash version.

They kind of lost us at "Adobe Air shown on a Dell". Still...

iWork.com gets iPad/iPod/iPhone update, share button

Seth Weintraub — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:19:35 +0000

The Loop is reporting that iWork.com last night received some social media updates. While the changes aren't groundbreaking, you can now use a public URL to share docs with your friends on Twitter and Facebook. Apple also updated the iWork mobile website for better access on iPhones, iPod touches and presumably anyone with an updated mobile Webkit browser. Pasties below.

Share Your Documents on Websites and Social Networks

iWork.com makes it easy to share your document with large groups, websites, and social networks by creating a public link. Anyone with the public link can see your document in a clean, high resolution view without comments or document notes.

It's easy to create a public link for a document you've shared on iWork.com. Just open your document and select Public in the Document Info pane. Click Show Public URL and copy the link so you can paste it in an email or post it on a website. iWork.com displays the number of views your publicly shared documents receive so you can easily track how often they are viewed.

If you decide to remove public access to your document, just turn off the public link in the Document Info pane.

Do More From Your iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch

Easily access your documents while on the go by using iWork.com's redesigned Sign In and Shared Documents pages for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. The new interface is optimized for scrolling with your fingertips, and makes it easy to find your documents faster. You can see a high resolution view of your document right on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch and even download it to edit with Keynote, Pages, or Numbers on your iPad.

Visit www.iwork.com using Safari on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch to access and view your shared documents.

New Aussie ads show more expensive MacBook Pros/Airs and Mac Pros

Seth Weintraub — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:09:47 +0000

Here's Engadget's thinking: Why would Apple advertise higher priced machines (pictured) if they weren't about to upgrade their products soon with higher price points? It's a stretch.

The MacBook Air is now A$400 more expensive, the MacBook Pros are A$300 more and A$900 more for the Pros. Ouchy.

Update: While these may be the older prices, they've also found pricing irregularities on Apple's Australian and New Zealand Apple Store sites.

Adobe's Flash 10.1 on Palm Pre

Seth Weintraub — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:39:15 +0000

So some dude walked over to the Palm table at GDC and picked up a Pre with Flash 10.1 on it. Naturally, he went to Hulu.

It didn't work. I probably would have left right there, but he tried some other site with some games…whatever.

Adobe, Palm: If you are going to roll out Flash 10.1 for Smartphones, at least get the one site that everyone wants working before launch. Hulu on mobile is a killer app. via PreCentral

iPad Keyboard dock moved back to 'late April'

Seth Weintraub — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:31:51 +0000

Apple must have found that lost container ship full of iPad Keyboard docks because they've moved the ship date back to "Late April". Last night, Apple said 'May'.

Flash in the iPad

Seth Weintraub — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:23:39 +0000

Two stories are getting some airtime today. One has NPR and the WSJ building special iPad versions of their websites without Flash (remember this was one of Steve Jobs requests last month when he visited the Journal?) The sites will be basically the same but the Flash bits will be replaced largely by HTML5 elements.

Some of you might be thinking: Why not just build websites without Flash? Why keep the Flash versions around at all?

The Motley Fool's Eric Jhonsa responds that Flash isn't going anywhere soon. Whether you hate Flash or you love it, there are some realities that will keep Flash developers around for years to come.

The biggest issue is Internet Explorer.

Internet Explorer still accounts for close to 60% of all Web browsing and it can't properly render HTML5. Interestingly, Internet Explorer 9 was previewed today and it apparently is going to be able to do HTML5. But the IE crowd aren't the "quick-to-update" types. In fact, 21% of Web users (Net Applications latest study) use 2001's IE6. (2001 called and wants their browser…)

It will be along time before Apple's iProducts reach 20% of Web users — if at all — though, as an advertiser, would you rather reach the 20% of people who haven't updated their browser in 10 years or the ones that are on the best equipment out there (iProducts)?

So, if you want to build video or interaction into a site, you basically have three choices:

1. Build an HTML5 version that will work on Apple's gadgets and Macs (<10% of the world) and Firefox, Chrome, Opera and Safari on PC and Linux (25% more) and Webkit mobile devices (<5%) . Your website has a chance to work on <40% of browsers

2. Build a Flash version of the site. >95% of browsers use Flash. Even on Macs with ClicktoFlash, you can still view things like Hulu if you so choose.

3. Build two versions of the site. One for the 95% who don't mind using Flash. Another for the influential 5% that use Apple's iProducts.

Remember, not everyone has the resources to build two versions of their website. Most of them will choose Flash no matter how many Apple fans complain.

Jhonsa also puts forth some other sobering realities:

HTML5 is a work in progress. HTML5 represents a complex new technology standard, and history shows that it always takes a long time to develop such standards... and then some additional time to work out all of their bugs so that users have a quality experience. The many years that it took for technologies such as Java and XML to be fully embraced by developers, in spite of their clear benefits, bears this out. While the first draft of the HTML5 standard was completed in early 2008, the standards body isn't expected to give it a full stamp of approval for web use until 2012. Until then, expect the technology to be implemented piecemeal.
Licensing issues remain thorny. YouTube, with much fanfare, recently began giving users the option to view some clips in HTML5 instead of Flash. But not only does this feature have some big limitations – videos with embedded ads aren't supported, for example – and the only browsers it supports are Apple's Safari and Google Chrome. Why? Because they're the only browsers to have licensed the encoding technology that YouTube's HTML5 clips are based on. If you're using Firefox, or Internet Explorer without a Chrome plug-in installed, you're out of luck. Throw in Mozilla's refusal to license the encoding technology used in YouTube's HTML5 clips for its popular Firefox browser, apparently based on principle, and this problem could take a while to resolve itself.

These two issues will iron themselves out over time as HTML5 matures. But the message is the same. For people who are making Websites now or in the next few years, the reality is that companies will continue to build websites in Flash.

Flash in the iPad

Seth Weintraub — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:23:39 +0000

Sorry this is a double post. Comments should go here:

Some of you might be thinking: Why not just build websites without Flash? Why keep the Flash versions around at all?

The Motley Fool's Eric Jhonsa responds that Flash isn't going anywhere soon. Whether you hate Flash or you love it, there are some realities that will keep Flash developers around for years to come.

The biggest issue is Internet Explorer.

It will be along time before Apple's iProducts reach 20% of Web users — though, as an advertiser, would you rather reach the 20% of people who haven't updated their browser in 10 years or the ones that are on the best equipment out there?

So if you want to build video or interaction into a site, you basically have three choices:

1. Build an HTML5 version that will work on Apple's gadgets and Macs (<10% of the world) and Firefox, Chrome and Safari on PC and Linux (25% more) and Webkit mobile devices (<5%) . Your website has a chance to work on <40% of browsers

2. Build a Flash version of the site. >95% of browsers use Flash. Even on Macs with ClicktoFlash, you can still view things like Hulu if you so choose.

3. Build two versions of the site. One for the 95% who don't mind using Flash. Another for the influential 5% that use Apple's iProducts.

Remember, not everyone has the resources to build two versions of their website.

Jhonsa also puts forth some other sobering realities:

HTML5 is a work in progress. HTML5 represents a complex new technology standard, and history shows that it always takes a long time to develop such standards... and then some additional time to work out all of their bugs so that users have a quality experience. The many years that it took for technologies such as Java and XML to be fully embraced by developers, in spite of their clear benefits, bears this out. While the first draft of the HTML5 standard was completed in early 2008, the standards body isn't expected to give it a full stamp of approval for web use until 2012. Until then, expect the technology to be implemented piecemeal.
Licensing issues remain thorny. YouTube, with much fanfare, recently began giving users the option to view some clips in HTML5 instead of Flash. But not only does this feature have some big limitations – videos with embedded ads aren't supported, for example – and the only browsers it supports are Apple's Safari and Google (Nasdaq:GOOG) Chrome. Why? Because they're the only browsers to have licensed the encoding technology that YouTube's HTML5 clips are based on. If you're using Firefox, or Internet Explorer without a Chrome plug-in installed, you're out of luck. Throw in Mozilla's refusal to license the encoding technology used in YouTube's HTML5 clips for its popular Firefox browser, apparently based on principle, and this problem could take a while to resolve itself.

Fake Steve Jobs (Dan Lyons) to write 'iCON' TV comedy

Seth Weintraub — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:48:42 +0000

(NSFW Fake Steve accepting Crunchies award in 2008)

If you aren't familiar with Fake Steve by now, go familiarize yourself. Dan Lyons created the often hilarious and sometimes thoughtful persona while writing his comedic take on the options backdating issues following Steve Jobs a few years ago. Eventually, that writing made it to a book called Options.

The continued success of the blog, however, has drawn interest from the television community and Lyons has just signed a deal to bring his knowledge of the Valley tech and humor to a half-hour TV show. The show will be co-written by Larry Charles of Seinfeld, Entourage, and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

EPIX just signed on Emmy winning writer Larry Charles (“Seinfeld,” “Entourage,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) to create a new original comedy series about Silicon Valley. The show is going to be called "iCON" and it'll be a half-hour, single-camera style satire. Larry Charles will be directing the pilot and overseeing the script development, which is going to be written by Dan Lyons, tech columnist for Newsweek.

The show’s lead charcter, Tom Rhodes, is a composite of Jobs and other Silicon Valley titans, and the comedy is described as a savage satire, a study of ego, power and greed.

Larry Charles says: “We are attempting to do nothing less than a modern Citizen Kane. We needed a bold environment to nurture such a vision. One that was free of pre-conceived ideas. And EPIX made it clear they were that place. They asked us to make their home our home. And we have,” said Larry Charles.

Interestingly, another book with the same name as this TV show called iCon, Steve Jobs: The Greatest Second Act in the History of Business, chronicled Steve Jobs' return to Apple in a light not particularly friendly to Jobs. In fact, Jobs disliked it so much that he ordered all of the publisher's (Wiley) books removed from the Apple Stores.

Honestly, this show sounds pretty entertaining to us. But will we be able to watch it on our iPads? Release below.

Hey Seth,

I work with EPIX, the multiplatform premium entertainment channel, video-on-demand and online service from Viacom Inc., its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate.

Some EPIX programming news here that I think you'll get a kick out of -- they've just signed on Emmy winning writer Larry Charles (“Seinfeld,” “Entourage,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) to create a new original comedy series about Silicon Valley. The show is going to be called "iCON" and it'll be a half-hour, single-camera style satire. Larry Charles will be directing the pilot and overseeing the script development, which is going to be written by Dan Lyons, tech columnist for Newsweek.

EPIX is pulling out all stops for this series and wants it to be a riotous satire of Silicon Valley and its most powerful figures.

Just had to reach out with this - will probably be must-watch viewing for the Valley community and we're really excited about it. Let me know if you have questions.

Highlights follow below.

Cheers,
Ben

Highlights:
EPIX™ and Media Rights Capital (MRC) have announced a deal for Emmy Award-winning writer and producer Larry Charles to develop a new comedy series, “iCON” for the multiplatform premium entertainment channel, video-on-demand and online service, EPIX.
“iCON” will be a half hour single camera comedy from Emmy Award-winner Larry Charles (“Seinfeld,” “Entourage,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm”). Charles will oversee the development of the script and direct the pilot for the series.
The script will be written by Newsweek technology consultant Dan Lyons.

Quotes:
Mark Greenberg, president of EPIX, says: “A comedy series by Larry Charles is the perfect complement to the original comedy specials being produced by EPIX. His incomparable sense of humor, along with Dan’s insight will have hilarious results that we can’t wait to see.”

Joe Hipps, Vice President of Production and Creative affairs at MRC says: “Larry is the ideal candidate to bring this concept to television...MRC is thrilled to be partnering with EPIX to deliver what promises to be a smart, satirical and entertaining series.”
Larry Charles says: “We are attempting to do nothing less than a modern Citizen Kane. We needed a bold environment to nurture such a vision. One that was free of pre-conceived ideas. And EPIX made it clear they were that place. They asked us to make their home our home. And we have,” said Larry Charles.

Press release below:

EPIX ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT DEAL WITH MEDIA RIGHTS CAPITAL FOR “iCON,” A NEW TELEVISION PROJECT FROM

EMMY AWARD-WINNING COMEDY WRITER LARRY CHARLES

Project will be written by Newsweek technology consultant and blogger Dan Lyons
NEW YORK, NY, March 16, 2010 – EPIX™ and Media Rights Capital (MRC) today announced that they have signed a deal for Emmy Award-winning writer and producer Larry Charles to develop a new comedy series, “iCON” for the multiplatform premium entertainment channel, video-on-demand and online service, EPIX.
Produced by MRC, the independent film, television and digital studio, “iCON” is a half hour single camera comedy from the legendary Emmy Award-winner Larry Charles (“Seinfeld,” “Entourage,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm”). Charles will oversee the development of the script and direct the pilot for the series written by Dan Lyons, a technology consultant for Newsweek, the creator of the popular Fake Steve Jobs blog and author of the novel Options: The Secret Life of Steve Jobs – A Parody. The show is a savage satire centering on a fictional Silicon Valley CEO whose ego is a study in power and greed.
Mark Greenberg, president of EPIX, said “A comedy series by Larry Charles is the perfect complement to the original comedy specials being produced by EPIX. His incomparable sense of humor, along with Dan’s insight will have hilarious results that we can’t wait to see.”

“Larry is the ideal candidate to bring this concept to television,” said Joe Hipps, Vice President of Production and Creative affairs at MRC Television. “MRC is thrilled to be partnering with EPIX to deliver what promises to be a smart, satirical and entertaining series.”
“We are attempting to do nothing less than a modern Citizen Kane. A scabrous satire of Silicon Valley and its most famous citizen. We needed a bold environment to nurture such a vision. One that was free of pre-conceived ideas. And EPIX made it clear they were that place. They asked us to make their home our home. And we have,” said Larry Charles.
About EPIX:

EPIX, a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), is a next-generation multiplatform premium entertainment channel, video-on-demand and online service launched on October 30, 2009. With access to more than 15,000 motion pictures spanning the vast libraries of the partner studios, EPIX will deliver films from Paramount, Paramount Vantage, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies released theatrically on or after January 1, 2008 and MGM, United Artists and Lionsgate titles released theatrically on or after January 1, 2009, which will be available exclusively to its subscribers. In addition, it will carry up to 22 Roadside Attractions films slated for theatrical release in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and up to 20 of Samuel Goldwyn's films slated for theatrical release in 2010 and 2011. EPIX is currently distributed by Verizon FiOS on Channel 395 in SD and Channel 895 in HD. Cox Communications, Mediacom and Charter Communications will begin distributing EPIX in April and May 2010.
Providing a powerful entertainment experience with more feature films on demand and online and more HD movies than any other service, EPIX airs new Hollywood titles plus classic feature films, original series, and music and comedy specials. It is the only premium service providing its entire monthly line-up on video-on-demand, online and on the linear channel. Further, EPIX has made the commitment to deliver the industry’s most expansive online collection of movies, making more than 3,000 titles available online to subscribers via its enhanced service EPIX Megaplex.
The joint venture controls all rights to EPIX’s programming and Viacom provides operational support, including marketing and affiliate services through its MTV Networks division.
Follow the EPIX twitter feed at http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD.

Survey finds 40% of Blackberry owners want to switch to iPhone

Luke Bornheimer — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:54:48 +0000

Sillicon Valley-based Crowd Science released results from its survey of 1,140 respondents today revealing some interesting findings. Almost 40% of Blackberry users surveyed said they would "prefer Apple's iPhone for their next smartphone purchase," aka when their contract is up, they are most likely heading to an Apple Store.

The big question left unanswered is: If these Blackberry users want iPhones so bad, why wouldn't they just jump ship? We're not pointing any fingers, but...AT&T is the one area which is considered a weakness in the iPhone ecosystem. Also, for better or worse, some people prefer physical keyboards and may not feel comfortable making the switch to virtual. And finally, there are still a lot of corporate networks out there that support Blackberry but don't support iPhone. This could prevent a Blackberry user from making the switch.

We've got some other interesting tidbits from the survey results below:

Brand loyalty for Android and iPhone are about the same at around 90%
Only 9% of iPhone owners said they'd swap right now for a Nexus One, compared to 32% of RIM owners
Following the launch of the Nexus One, 91% of iPhone users were aware of the phone, while 75% of Blackberry users were aware of it
32% of iPhone owners use their phone only for personal use, whereas 28% of Android users, and 16% of Blackberry users do the same
Only 1% of iPhone owners use their phone only for business use, whereas 0% of Android users, and 7% of Blackberry users do the same
44% of respondents owned a 'dumbphone', 17% owned iPhones, 15% carried Blackberrys, and 3% used Android devices.

You can view the PDF of the survey results here.