Sep 26, 2007 Sep 28, 2007 Thursday September 27, 2007
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AOL releases its first Mac OS X software in five years
AOL has released its first Mac OS X application in over five years, called AOL Desktop. Offering a modernized version of the company's traditional services, this might be just the thing mom needs.Read More...
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Gateway One review roundup
Filed under: Desktops The first reviews of the Gateway One are starting to trickle in, and while the sexy all-in-one is garnering universal praise for its sleek, accessible design and innovative power brick breakout box, it looks like beauty's only skin-deep in this case: both Computer Shopper and CNET found the machine's performance to lag behind competitors like the 20-inch iMac, with Computer Shopper saying that looks aside, the One is just a "regular midrange PC." Other annoyances included the smallish 1440 x 900 19-inch screen, which CNET says lacks "pop," and the odd decision to break the webcam out into an easily-lost attachment. All that aside, however, both reviewers found it hard to argue with the direction Gateway's gone with the One -- it seems like the iMac finally has some serious competition.Read -- Computer Shopper review (7.9 out of 10)Read -- CNET review (7.1 out of 10) Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
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Article: Ask iLounge 9-27-07
This week's Ask iLounge topics: iPod classic audio quality, New iPod models: features and accessory compatibility, Transferring music from iPod 5G to classic, iPod nano voice recording, Storing multiple bitrates in iTunes
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iWork '08 and iWeb '08 get in on the Apple Update festivities
The Apple updates just keep coming. Now the updates are all about the components of Apple's iWork '08 software bundle and a straggler from yesterday's iLife '08 update bonanza. The for Best iWork update, the nominees are: Keynote 4.0.1 for... :: This is a content summary only. Visit MacMerc.com for full links, images, other content, and more! ::
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EFI Firmware updates posted for iMac, MacPro, MacBook, MacBook Pro and Xserve
Workers at Apple seem to be focusing on updates this week. Today the company issued EFI Firmware updates for much of its hardware: iMac EFI Firmware Update 1.2 Mac Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.2 MacBook EFI Firmware Update 1.1 MacBook Pro EFI Firmware... :: This is a content summary only. Visit MacMerc.com for full links, images, other content, and more! ::
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Apple makes good on Monday's warning with a hacked iPhone bricking update
Apple today released the iPhone 1.1.1 update, downloaded to the device via iTunes. This update comes with no iPhone features as well as a dire warning; if you have hacked your iPhone, the update may render the device permanently inoperable. The... :: This is a content summary only. Visit MacMerc.com for full links, images, other content, and more! ::
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iPhone Central: Bricking my iPhone
Macworld’s Jonathan Seff: I decided to try the 1.1.1 iPhone update on my unlocked and hacked phone. The process went along just fine until the iPhone restarted. Then I got a message on the screen that I had an incorrect SIM. He went to an AT&T store, got a new SIM, and still no dice — his iPhone won’t work. ★
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Apple Geniuses are reportedly unbricking iPhones
Filed under: Apple Corporate, Retail, Bad Apple, iPhone Apple continues posting warning signs around their stores, cautioning customers that unlocked and modded iPhones fall outside their warranty. And at the same time, Apple Geniuses around the country quietly are reportedly accepting bricked iphones, slipping into the back and returning with functioning units. We're not sure whether they're doing a low-level reflash or just swapping units out. We have reports of at least four customers who walked in with iBricks and walked out with iPhones. It is unclear at this time whether these customers unlocked their iPhones or not--we're also receiving reports of iBricks from people who never unlocked or modded their units. Thanks to Ronald Ishak and "Martyn".Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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The iPhone 1.1.1 Update
As promised in my last post, Apple released a major update to the iPhone’s firmware. Here’s what’s new: * New encryption system. Ready for this? NONE of the existing third-party iPhone programs–including “unlocking” hacks, non-Apple ringtone generators, and most of the cool programs I demo’ed in my Times video today–will work anymore, and they’ll all be [...]
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JVC unveils the KT-HDP1 "plug and play" portable HD radio
Filed under: Portable Audio We've seen a lot of slick tabletop HD radios hit the market in the past few months, but for those of you just looking to add a little high-res broadcast goodness to an existing stereo, JVC's KT-HDP1 seems like a simpler solution. The $129 device rocks an AM / FM / HD tuner and a white LCD screen to display track info and other data. JVC's also releasing three home / car docking kits that should allow you to just pop the HDP1 in and out without a lot of fuss. These should be trickling into Best Buys relatively soon, according to JVC, and should signal the start of a wave of similar products that'll be out in the next 18 months. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
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Apple fixes iWeb publishing problems, site upgrading issues
iWeb catches up to the rest of the iLife '08 updates from yesterday with an update today to version 2.0.2. With it comes fixes related to upgrading iWeb 1.x websites.Read More...
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You Like Us, You Really Like Us
Mystery package arrives at Mac|Life. Sugar high ensues.
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SIM-Unlocked iPhones No Longer Work With Non-AT&T SIM Cards
iPhoneSimFree is reporting that there’s nothing “bricked” about an iPhoneSimFree-unlocked iPhone updated with 1.1.1 software — but, of course, they no longer activate with non-AT&T SIM cards. ★
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iPhone Unlocking Made Easy: One Click Download & Install
As iPhone unlocking gains popularity, it must get easier and easier to accommodate the average user and fortunately it just go as simplistic as possible: anySIM, the premier unlocking tool has found a home on Installer.app. In addition to anySIM…
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Say Hello to Web Standards
Jeffrey Zeldman: There’s something new at Apple’s online store: web standards and accessibility. ★
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iPhoneSimFree-unlocked iPhones require AT&T SIM to reactivate
Filed under: CellphonesAs we've sure a few readers have noticed, unlocked iPhones upgraded to 1.1.1 today aren't exactly unlocked anymore. Unlocking aside, the jailbreaking procedure that was used to load pretty much every application onto firmwares of old isn't working at the moment, so it seems the community's got a little work ahead of it in the next few hours. In the meantime, though, iPhoneSimFree has updated its site with the results of preliminary testing on the latest revision. The good news for buyers is that they apparently aren't getting the "Incorrect SIM" lockdown messages being observed by some anySIM users -- the bad news, though, is that you've gotta reactivate the darned thing with your original AT&T SIM after the upgrade takes place, then you're cool after that. Until the jailbreak is reestablished, activations won't be possible with alternative SIMs. EDGE usage looking a little lighter at the moment, there, T-Mobile?[Thanks, Wireless Imports] Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
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iWeb 2.0.2 is available
Filed under: iLife, Internet ToolsThe folks at Apple have had a busy day. iWeb 2.0.2 is now available, with the following changes:"This update to iWeb addresses issues with upgrading iWeb 1.x websites, and fixes some common publishing problems, and supports general compatibility issues."I haven't experienced any issues with iWeb. If you have - and if this update provides the fix - let us know.Thanks to everyone who sent this in!Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Backstage: iPod touch Screen Issues After Version 1.1.1
When version 1.1.1 of the iPod touch software was released earlier today, we had a dilemma: we didn't have an iPod touch on hand. Our two purchased units had the screen problems mentioned in our review, and since Apple hasn't provided any actual guidance on when properly working units would arrive in stores, we opted to return both of them and wait until the good ones arrived. We've read too many reports on our own Forums (and Apple's)…
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A Bark Worse Than Its Bite
My email inbox becomes quite full with requests to show how to recognize this or that market turn; in truth, it is even easier than that to recognize. All the investor need do is pay attention to each tick, if he is a day trader and each daily (or weekly) bar if she is an investor.
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Apple's latest version of Leopard a release candidate?
Apple gave Apple Developer Connection members a mostly complete version of their latest OS last Friday. Are they getting close to unchaining Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard?
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Apple's latest version of Leopard a release candidate?
(Credit: CNET Networks) Apple's iPhone has been the source of most of the buzz on tech sites over the past several months, but let's not forget Apple is more than just a sweet touch-screen mobile phone company--Apple made their name with stylish hardware and intuitive software meant to ...
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Breaking News: iPhone 1.1.1 Update Released!
Despite some of the forum rumors going around that the update would be released later than this month, Apple did in fact manage to get the Update out as promised--before the end of the week. The update has a few more features than I expected. Take a look:…
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Orange prematurely blows load in France: Apple hasn't agreed to iPhone pricing
Whoops--it turns out Orange announced the iPhone a little too soon in France. Apple hasn't agreed on their share of monthly service revenues just yet.Read More...
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Breaking News: iPhone 1.1.1 Update Released!
Despite some of the forum rumors going around that the update would be released later than this month, Apple did in fact manage to get the Update out as promised--before the end of the week. The update has a few more features than I expected. Take a look:…
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iPod touch gets some 1.1.1 firmware lovin' too
Apple's not content to just update the iPhone to version 1.1.1, as the iPod touch also got a 1.1.1 update today. It only has "bug fixes," however, and some think it has to do with the screen.Read More...
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Steve Jobs Girds for the Long iPhone War
After a software update, iPhones that have been modified do, as Apple warned, turn into bricks. The company must prepare for a long, nasty fight with its own customers.
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What iPhone Feature Exceeded Your Expectations?
It seems like just yesterday we were anticipating the arrival of the iPhone in the United States and were worried about a host of issues: the battery life would not be long enough. The iPhone will be too slippery. 8GB is not nearly enough space. But now, 3…
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News: Retail Apple Stores deny unlocked iPhones Genius Bar, tech support
Following publication of its statement earlier this week that the use of unlocking software voids iPhone warranty coverage, Apple has posted a similar warning in its retail Apple Stores, denying Genius Bar assistance and technical support to users of unlocked iPhones. The warning contains a modified version of the text found in Apple's earlier statement, omitting the reference to the “next iPhone software update… later this week,”…
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Keynote, Pages and Numbers updates available
Filed under: Software, iWorkApple keeps the updates coming with new versions of Keynote (version 4.0.1), Pages (version 3.0.1) and Numbers (1.0.1). The description of each is typically cryptic. According to Apple... The Keynote update primarily addresses issues with builds and performance. The Pages update primarily addresses issues with change tracking and performance. The Numbers update primarily addresses issues with tables and performance. Sound good? If you've purchased iWork '08, launch software update.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Unlocked iPhone owners hosed by software update
As warned, several owners of unlocked iPhones are reporting that the latest software update to the iPhone has rendered their phone essentially useless.
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Update Extravaganza
Apple opens the update floodgate.
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Apple updates Keynote, Pages, Numbers, iTunes for Windows—oh my!
Apple has issued a number of minor updates to the iWork '08 suite and iTunes for Windows that fixes issues with the iPod touch setup.Read More...
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EFI Firmware Update for Mac Pro, Core Duo 2 Macs
Filed under: iMac, Software Update, Apple, Macbook Pro, MacBook, Mac ProApple is pumping out lots of firmware updates today. Here are the latest for Macs: iMac EFI Firmware Update 1.2 Mac Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.2 MacBook EFI Firmware Update 1.1 MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.4 Xserve EFI Firmware Update 1.0 Most of the firmwares are targeted at improving performance with Intel Core 2 Duo processors (and Xeon procs in the case of the Xserve) as well as fixing issues with Bootcamp. The Mac Pro update also addresses some issues with the fans.Thanks to everyone who sent these in.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Apple posts video about iPhone 1.1.1
Filed under: Video, Apple, iPhoneJust in case you don't have an iPhone, or have one of those naughty unlocked iPhones, and want to see what all the fuss is about the iPhone 1.1.1 firmware update Apple has posted a video tour that highlights all the new features. The video even features the same dude as the original iPhone video tour.I am all for Apple releasing all these cool video tours, and I hope this is just a taste of what we'll see with feature Apple releases (Leopard anyone?).Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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The Reason It’s Called the Wi-Fi Music Store
Just in case you had any doubt, the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store doesn’t work via EDGE. ★
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iPhone firmware 1.1.1 released; breaks everything
Today Apple released iPhone Firmware version 1.1.1 via iTunes and it appears to be pretty nasty toward unlocked and otherwise hacked iPhones. According to Gizmodo and Engadget the update re-locks unlocked phones and renders the brilliant AppTapp installer and other third-party applications useless. Features of the 1.1.1 update include: • iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store • Louder speakerphone and [...]
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iPod touch gets updated to 1.1.1, too
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video It looks like the iPhone's not the only touchscreen-based Apple device getting an update today, with the iPod touch now also moving on up to version 1.1.1. While it's yet to be confirmed, some users at the MacRumors forums are reporting that the update (which clocks in at a hefty 150MB) actually fixes some of the screen problems that users have been experiencing on the device -- still no calendar editing though. For its part, Apple only describes the update as containing "bug fixes," although touch users needn't go very far to see exactly what that entails, with the update now available though iTunes. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
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Don’t Care About the Update and Want an Easier Way to Unlock Your iPhone?
Some people are panicking, trying to relock their iPhones before the update, and some of you just don’t care. If you don’t care, and haven’t tried unlocking your phone, there is a much easier way. AnySIM 1.0.2…
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iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store for iPhone
Filed under: iTS, iPhoneOur weeks of obsessively checking for iPhone updates were rewarded today with software version 1.1.1. There are several changes, like a new Calculator icon (it now matches that of the iPod touch) and additional text message alert sounds.The big news for iPhone users, however (those that survived the update, that is), is the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store. Here are my impressions after spending a few minutes with it.Look and FeelUpon first launch, you're brought to the main screen. I had an excellent Wi-Fi connection and the store came up very quickly. Across the top are three buttons: "New Releases," "What's Hot" and "Genres." Below that are two banner ads and a scroll-able list of top releases. Flipping through the list was snappy, though it did take a second or two to draw album art towards the bottom of the list.At the very bottom of the screen are four icons: "Featured," "Top Tens," "Search" and "Downloads."It feels much snappier than I expected. The album art is nice and big and everything is quite legible.Purchasing MusicI touched The Shepard's Dog by Iron & Wine (I intended to buy it anyway) and got a listing of the album's tracks. Tapping any title launches its 30 second preview almost immediately, just as tapping the price tag reveals the "Buy now" button. I bought the album, and was prompted for my iTunes Store password. The selected music seems to "jump" down into the "Downloads" icon, and a small, red indicator slowly flashes red, indicating the number of tracks remaining.Again I was amazed at how quickly it downloaded: 3MB and 4MB songs were taking 3 and 4 seconds.Once the download was complete, a button for the newly-created "Purchased" playlist appeared in the upper right hand corner. Clicking it quit iTunes and launched the iPod software, where my music was ready to play. The whole process was fast and dead simple. Apple obviously contemplated (and nailed) every last detail.Synchronizing with iTunesAgain, this was laughably easy. With my iPhone connected to my Mac, I launched iTunes and started a sync. iTunes saw and imported the new music. It also created a new, "Purchased on Dave's iPhone" playlist. Other Features Live search: iTunes begins searching as soon as you start typing, which is pretty cool. Top Tens: Quickly jump to the top ten songs across genres, or view the store's over all top ten downloads. Download Extras: If an album contains extras, like a digital booklet or a video, it's described beneath the list of album tracks. This is a very nice piece of software: Speedy, simple and similar enough to the "full"version of the iTunes Store that there's no learning curve at all. Feel free to share your own experiences in the comments.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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iPhone Update: September ’07
QuickTime movie from Apple showing off the new features in the 1.1.1 iPhone update. ★
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Apple posts EFI firmware updates for Intel Macs
Apple has posted firmware updates for almost all of its Intel Macs, including the Mac Pro, iMac, MacBook, and MacBook Pro. "Issues with Boot Camp" is the phrase of the day.Read More...
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TUAW Talkcast #8: The week in review
Filed under: PodcastsOur regular Sunday night talkcast featured bloggers Mat Lu and Mike Schramm, along with special guest Kai Cherry, covering the week's most popular stories (including the iPhone unlock) and bringing up a few overlooked gems. We've changed production tech for this show, going with Audio Hijack and Skype prior to bridging into the live TalkShoe session, so I hope the final product reflects the new approach. The show clocks in at 28 MB and 41 minutes; you can download it directly here, or pick it up in our RSS & iTunes feeds (the show is also streamable over at Talkshoe).The fine folks who joined us live got a bonus 20 minute aftershow, including more tips and tricks plus a selection of 80s hit songs. One correction to make: I misattributed CNET's walkthrough of the tvrss.net/Miro combination for television downloads to Wired (not to mention that I said tvrss.com instead of .net... sorry!). If you hear other gaffes please let me know.We'll have a guest host this Sunday night and more fun for all, so please join us at 9pm Eastern; we look forward to hearing you.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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iWork Updates: Pages, Keynote, Numbers
Available now via Software Update: Keynote 4.0.1, Pages 3.0.1, and Numbers 1.0.1. Love these detailed release notes displays in Software Update: (Keynote:) This update primarily addresses issues with builds and performance. (Pages:) This update primarily addresses issues with change tracking and performance. (Numbers:) This update primarily addresses issues with tables and performance. ★
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Macworld: Apple Releases iPhone Update 1.1.1
Jim Dalrymple has the run-down on what’s new: New for the iPhone with software update 1.1.1 is loud speaker and receiver volume; Home button double-click shortcut to phone favorites or music controls; Space bar double-tap shortcut to intelligently insert period and space; Mail attachments are now viewable in portrait and landscape modes; Stocks and cities can be reordered; Apple Bluetooth Headset battery status is now in the Status Bar; support has been added for TV Out; Preference to turn EDGE/GPRS off when roaming internationally has been added; Passcode lock time intervals; and adjustable volume alerts. ★
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Security Fixes in iPhone 1.1.1 Update
Mostly in MobileSafari. ★
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Apple Gearing Up for a Newton Take 2?
With the iPhone and the revamped iPod line now out of the starting gates, rumors have emerged that Apple is working on a new personal digital assistant reminiscent of the early Newton. A small team of Apple engineers have been working on a reinvented version of the ill-fated Newton for 18 months, this time incorporating the company's revolutionary multitouch technology, AppleInsider reports. Those engineers were pulled off the project to help complete the iPhone, but the PDA effort is now moving ahead full-bore, AppleInsider said.
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iPhone Hackers Challenge Apple On Developing Software, Unlocks
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iPhone Software Version 1.1.1
Best new feature: double-tapping Home button to jump to your phone favorites. (It’s configurable in Settings → General → Home Button.) Unsurprisingly, it breaks all known methods for adding third-party software, as well as breaking Ambrosia’s iToner. I installed 1.1.1 directly on top of my hacked 1.0.2 system. All my custom apps were wiped out, of course (because the restore process that installs the 1.1.1 upgrade installs the entire OS from scratch), but all my data is intact. Worth pointing out that I’d only “hacked” my phone with custom software — no diddling with the SIM unlocking. ★
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iPhone update re-locking handsets, disabling 3rd-party apps?
Filed under: Cellphones So as the first iPhone owners update their phones to firmware 1.1.1, we're getting reports in that not only do third-party applications no longer work, but a post-update reactivation requires a genuine AT&T SIM. In other words, it looks like Apple may have just disabled thousands of unlocked phones around the world. Stay tuned for more as we test this ourselves... Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
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News: Apple updates iPod touch software to v1.1.1
In addition to updates for both the iPhone and iTunes, Apple today released iPod touch software v1.1.1. Reports indicate that the update attempts to alleviate the “negative black” screen issue; the official release notes from Apple list only “bug fixes”. According to an Apple support document, the update may also be connected to iTunes 7.4.3 and issues regarding the initial setup of the iPod touch on some non-English versions…
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What does and doesn't work with iPhone 1.1.1 (Updated)
As iPhone owners examine what works and what broke with iPhone firmware 1.1.1, we'll update this post to let you know whether it's safe to proceed with your third-party hacks and software.Read More...
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Apple patches ten iPhone flaws
Seven of the updates affect the mobileSafari browser within iPhones.
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Apple patches ten iPhone flaws
Apple today released ten iPhone security updates, including seven within the mobileSafari browser. The update is available only through iTunes and is not available from the Apple Downloads page. The version users should see within their iPhone after applying this update should be 1.1.1 (3A109a). Further, Apple refuses ...
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iPhone Update 1.1.1
Get it while it's hot. The Macalope's still downloading it but he likes it already. The ones seem especially oney and the zeros are much rounder than the old ones.
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Moment of Truth: iPhone Software 1.1.1 is out
Filed under: Software Update, iPhone Earlier in the week, Apple's press release about how future software updates might well brick SIM-unlocked iPhones lit something of a fire - especially as the release stated "Apple plans to release the next iPhone software update, containing many new features including the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store, later this week."It's now later in the week, and the moment of truth for those who chose to unlock their SIMs, as the 152MB v1.1.1 update is now available via the iTunes Auto-Update. If you were one of the adventurous ones, the general consensus is to hold off from upgrading as the iPhone Dev Team have promised a re-locking tool within a week that should prevent your iPhone becoming an overpriced paperweight and allow you to enjoy the new iTunes Wi-Fi Store (and more) on your iPhone.Thanks to everyone who sent this in!Permalink | Email this | Comments
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iPhone firmware 1.1.1 released, WiFi Music Store included
Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds What goodies does Apple have in store for us this time around? Quite a few, we'd say! Follow the break for more![Thanks, JS]Update: We deleted installer.app on ours and kicked off the update, things are taking a while but no obvious problems yet. Stay tuned.Update 2: Success! The phone's restarting now.Update 3: WiFi Music Store, check. New calculator icon to match the iPod touch, check. Phone had to be reactivated. Update 4: We're hearing numerous reports of "Incorrect SIM" errors on unlocked iPhones after the update -- user beware!Continue reading iPhone firmware 1.1.1 released, WiFi Music Store included Permalink | Email this | CommentsOffice Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!
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Article: What's Changed: iPhone 1.0.2 versus 1.1.1
On Thursday, September 27, 2007, Apple updated the iPhone's software from version 1.0.2 (1C28) to 1.1.1 (3A109a). In addition to warning users of hacked iPhones that this software update would likely permanently disable their phones, Apple added a number of features and new settings to the iPhone, most of them small. Since the company does not publish comprehensive changelogs for its software updates, we've catalogued them below. The most…
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Important Notes on my Video
I had just wrapped up my Times video for today–a tour of some of the most fun iPhone third-party hacks–when a little birdy let me know that at 4 PM today (EST), a new iPhone firmware update would be pushed out to the world from Apple. And the little birdy told me that this firmware will [...]
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Apple Gazette daily 127 - iPhone France delay, First impressions of iPhone update and more
French iPhone fans be have unmerry Christmas, Gateway One looks familiar, First impressions on the iPhone software update and more. You can subscribe via iTunes, or by RSS feed, or… you can directly download the episode right here. In addition to that, you should be able to play every episode of the podcast directly in your browser by using the widget which is now located in the side column of the site. Just click on the headphones to play the podcast inside the widget with full audio controls.
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iPhone 1.1.1 update working its way down the pipes (Updated)
Apple has finally released its fabled 1.1.1 firmware update to the iPhone that brings the Wi-Fi Music Store, louder speaker volume, and a number of other improvements. News on bricking and other hacks is still pending.Read More...
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Leopard Lurking, iPhone 1.1.1 Update, iLife '08 Updates, Apple Ecards, French iPhone Put on Hold
Apple warns that its major iPhone update may render hacked iPhones inoperable. Plus, Leopard may ship on time, and the French have to wait for their iPhone.
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The Halo of Marketing
Microsoft announced that yesterday was the "biggest day in entertainment history" with over $170 million worth of Halo 3 sold for XBox in the first 24 hours, beyond even movie blockbusters like Spiderman or books like Harry Potter. Granted, a copy of Halo costs nearly $60 but the announcement points to a successful marketing strategy. That strategy is known as "platform exclusives" and it can make or break a new product. Many Mac diehards cringe when Halo is mentioned...it is the one clear example of Microsoft out-marketing Apple. Here is the short story: One of the best games ever for the Mac was a little product known as Marathon from a little company known as Bungie. Keep in mind that Steve Jobs did NOT want the Mac to be a gaming system for he feared it would not be taken seriously by business users who were the target audience way back in 1984. As a result the Mac suffered (and continues to suffer) from not having great games, and very few exclusive games. But, at the MacWorld 1999 tradeshow during his keynote, Steve Jobs introduced the follow up to that Bungie hit, another Mac-only game simply called Halo. It was a ground breaking demo - the effect being that the Mac had the power to redefine the PC gaming experience. However, Microsoft was watching the keynote and they were searching for a breakthrough platform exclusive for their yet-to-be-released system, Xbox. So on June 19, 2000 Microsoft acquired Bungie and in one fell swoop killed the Mac version, got the killer app they were looking for, transferred the buzz into interest in their system, blocked the Mac from encroaching on the PC's territory as a gaming system, and stuck it to the Mac faithful who were waiting for Halo for more than a year. Now Halo eventually got ported to the Mac, but that's not the point. This is an example of drafting the momentum of a rival, and it is fair game in the sales and marketing world. I'd like to hear from readers about other examples they know about - either done to them or by them. If I get some good responses - say 5 or 6 - I'll use my next few posts to tell you another true story about Apple getting outfoxed that has never been told before...
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VOIP Over IP on Your iPhone
Endgadget posted a video demo yesterday of an iPhone successfully making a phone call over IP. The demo came from a company called Truphone, who released a press release stating: 1.…
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Warning: Wait to Hack the iPhone
Do not download the third-party software applications for the iPhone until after you have downloaded the latest system software updates later this week or weekend.
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News: Apple releases iTunes 7.4.3 for Windows
Apple today released iTunes 7.4.3 for Windows, the latest update to the company's jukebox software. According to the release notes, iTunes 7.4.3 addresses issues concerning “the initial setup of the iPod touch on some international versions of Windows.” The download weighs in at 49MB and is available through Apple's Software Update utility and from Apple's website. [via MDN] ...
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iPhone Update Now Available!
The new iPhone Update is now available. The download is 152 Mbs. I'll update again as soon as it is complete, and we'll take a look at the new features. UPDATE: The installation process, thus far, is not going well. The iPhone wouldn't update after the download because of an “unknown error” and had to be Restored before it would work. It is still restoring now. And before you ask - no - I haven't had it unlocked. My iPhone is locked down, and I am an AT&T customer - we'll see what happens…. UPDATE AGAIN: It's restored - an updated. iTunes Wi-Fi store won't even open when connected to the Edge network. You can find a video of all the upates at Apple's official site.
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Another iPhone IM alternative - Mundo
Mundo is another IM alternative application out there for those of you looking to Instant Message on your iPod Touch or iPhone. I tried it out last night, and I have to say it's one of my favorites. The interface is slick and easy to use, I had no problems with the service getting up and running, and the client fits in perfectly on the iPhone. Mundo offering IM solutions on a variety of hand helds. If you want to check it out, iPhone users can click here. If you ever want to chat with me you can feel free to add me to your contact lists under the AIM ID: applegazettemike
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News: Apple releases iPhone Software Version 1.1.1 [updated]
Apple has released iPhone Software Version 1.1.1, which is currently available as a download through iTunes. The Software Update is a 152.3MB download, and begins with a warning that those who have modified their iPhones' software may find that “applying this software update may result in your iPhone becoming permanently inoperable.” More details coming shortly. ...
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News: Apple releases iPhone Software Version 1.1.1 [updated x4]
Apple has released iPhone Software Version 1.1.1, which is currently available as a download through iTunes. The Software Update is a 152.3MB download, and begins with a warning that those who have modified their iPhones' software may find that “applying this software update may result in your iPhone becoming permanently inoperable.” We experienced only one hiccup in our installation process, which you can read about by clicking…
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If (OK, when) I get that sexy new iMac, will I be able to mount it on one of those slick VESA arm things?
Armed and not-so-dangerous.
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Woot's Zune Discount Parodies iPhone Rebate Missteps
In one corner, there is Apple -- big technology company utterly lacking in humor. In another, there is Woot.com -- nimble little Internet sales machine, serving up one product per day, populated by some of the funniest writing anywhere on the Web, especially in Friday's offering, a perfectly conceived parody of Apple's apology to its early iPhone buyers. Apple lowered the price of its iPhone dramatically -- you may have heard -- got howls of protest, then issued a non-apology apology from Chief Turtleneck Officer Steve Jobs.
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create. share. enjoy. (Part 1)
Do more on your Mac with iLife ’08 and iWork ’08.
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Analyst: New iPods won't affect September quarter much
Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster predicts that Apple's new iPods will lead into a good holiday season, but suggests the launch won't make much of a difference for the September quarter.Read More...
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15 Things Computerworld Wants In iPhone 2.0
The advent of future iPhone generations along side the imaginative spark of our minds probably exceed the limitations and feasibility of technology but Computer World has compiled a list of 15 things they want to see on iPhone 2.0, 13 of which…
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Newton 2.0, Apple Tablet, and the Endless Reincarnations of the iPhone
The rumor is out there: Apple is developing an iPhone-like device that will compete with other “ultra-mobile PCs� and will boast a touchscreen and an approximate 720x480 high-resolution display. My question is why would anyone bother to purchase something that is only 1.5 times…
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After the storm: iPhone & the U.K.
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Apple September 18th was perhaps one of the most hotly-anticipated days for us Apple-loving Brits. The iPhone, arguably one of the most hyped and hotly anticipated mobile phone handsets, was rumoured to be coming to our fair isle. Our resident iPhone code-guru Erica posted after the event on the most disappointing aspect of the announcement - the lack of 3G despite its prevalence this side of the pond, the contract pricing, and the 30% coverage of O2 EDGE services in the U.K. Let's take a look at these concerns, and see whether they are unfounded.Continue reading After the storm: iPhone & the U.K.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Google intros mobile calendar, feed reader for iPhone
Earlier this week, Google introduced a new mobile interface for the Google Calendar specifically made for iPhone. Yesterday, the Google Web Toolkit team also released something new for iPhone use. Read More...
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The new Gateway One Looks strikingly familiar…
Now, before I even begin - I'm not bashing Gateway (although I bet some of you might). I like this machine. I don't want one - because it's going to run Windows - but it's nice to have aesthetically pleasing computers on the market - and I applaud Gateway for giving it a shot…even if they did seem to understand what “Think Different” actually means. I probably wouldn't have even posted about this, had it just looked like an iMac knock off. Which it does (although, I do have to wonder if they even had time to rip the new iMac off - it's only been out for a few weeks). What really strikes me is how much it looks like a certain other Macintosh…. The 20th Anniversary Mac and the Gateway One look like they're cousins, or fraternal twins separated at birth. If the new iMac and the 20th Anniversary Macintosh got together and produced a child, it would be this new Gateway machine…at least, that's what I think. What about you?
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Widget Watch: Refurb Store
Filed under: Retail, Widget Watch, DealsI've always maintained that a good Dashboard widget should be simple with a well-defined, useful purpose that requires it to be close at hand. The Refurb Store widget meets my desiderata perfectly. All it does is display the latest deals from the US Apple Store Special Deals section on refurbished equipment. Having the deals in the Dashboard is a great way to keep on top of new stuff so you can jump right on them when they appear. I've always had good luck with refurbished stuff from Apple, all of which carries Apple's normal warranty.The Refurb Store widget is a free download from Widgetinfo.Thanks Simo!Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Pink iPod Shuffle Available in Target
If you didn't get a chance to get the Pink iPod Shuffle when it was a standard color, fear not - you can get one exclusively at Target for a limited time. A portion of the sales of these iPod Shuffles will be going to fight breast cancer. I'm not sure how much longer Target will be offering the iPods, so you if you want one - get one now, before they're history.
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This Day: September 27, 1979: $500 Mac? Not Possible
When Jef Raskin first proposed the Macintosh, he envisioned a $500 machine that was so simple it wouldn’t require a manual. Raskin’s concept was very interesting; coupled with the low price point and the promised ease of use, the thought was that the Macintosh would really be the machine…
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MIT launches authentication consortium
If MIT has its way, consumers will be enjoying the same single-sign on authentication and authorization system that large corporations have been able to deploy. MIT on Thursday launched the Kerberos Consortium, whose sponsors include Google, Sun Microsystems, universities and Apple. The consortium is looking to take the Kerberos network ...
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Gateway mimics Apple with 'One'
Jumping on the design-and-simplicity bandwagon, Gateway unveils a desktop it touts as an alternative for those who don't want to shell out the bucks for, well, Apple.
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Gateway mimics Apple with 'One'
Gary Elsassor, senior vice president of products, demonstrates the Gateway One.(Credit: Candace Lombardi/CNET News.com) And here it is, officially, the Gateway One. Touting the slim, all-in-one desktop as the first move toward a new strategy focused on industrial design (is there any PC manufacturer that isn't...
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An Ode to the 30" Cinema Display
Dear 30" Cinema Display, Your maker chooses to call you simply an accessory, but for me, you are the reason to have a computer. The reason to own a digital camera, to have a DVD drive. To have 27 windows open and actually be able to…
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Possible Solution to the notMac Challenge
Filed under: Software, Internet ToolsLate last year we mentioned the notMac Challenge. Basically they were offering a largish sum of money (now upwards of 8 grand) for anyone who could duplicate the functionality of .mac for free. Now finally Ben Spink of CrushFTP has stepped to the plate with a possible solution, and they're calling for testers. The initial reports (including from one of our tipsters) seem promising, but more real-world testing is needed to assure that Ben has met the challenge conditions (with slight modification). So if you need .mac functionality, but balk at the price, this may very well be worth checking out.The file for testing is available (dmg link) from Ben's server. Be sure to check out the discussion thread first, however.Just for the record, Mark/Space offers a similar commercial product SyncTogether, but it sells for $49.95.Thanks to everyone who sent this in!Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Add Sony Ericsson S500i to Address Book
To add support for the Sony Ericsson S500i in Address Book, do the following. In the Finder, control-click on Address Book and choose Show Package Contents from the pop-up menu. Navigate into Contents » Resources, then control-click on Telephony.bundle and again choose Show Package Contents from the pop-up menu. In the new window that opens, navigate into Contents » Resources, and then edit ABDeviceCommandSets.plist in your favorite pure text editor (perhaps make a backup first, just in case). Search for K700, and when you find it (it will look like K700), add this new entry below it:S500Save the changes and quit the editor, and you'll now be able to dial and send SMS directly from Address Book. It will also enable you to pick up the phone from Address Book.
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10.4: Use Automator to create standardized screen grabs
One of my sites required that I supply it images that were all the exact same size: 100 pixels by 100 pixels. After twiddling around with various Photoshop actions, robg suggested that I use Automator. This was a great suggestion in theory, but quickly posed some problems when trying to accomplish my task with only the actions Apple supplied. The solution: Using the following tools and some help from robg, I managed to put together a nice little workflow that would allow me to grab a partial screen shot at any size and ratio, save the image to a folder, resize the image to 100 pixels on the largest side of the image, and finally, pad the shorter size of the image up to 100 pixels with white space. Using these tools, you can easily pad the image to any size, and select the background colour you w...
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Use AmazonMP3 to find iTunes album art
I just checked out the new AmazonMP3 site to see what all the hype is about. Since I already have an existing Amazon account, it started to recommend music to me. Turns out that most of the recommendations were albums that I already have, ripped long before the days of including album art.Since iTunes' "Download album art" feature is terribly hit or miss, I've tried to complete my library manually. I was delighted to discover that AmazonMP3 is easier to search than the corresponding Amazon CD stores, and the artwork on the site is higher quality than the CD store! Combined with the recommendation aspect, I'm able to quickly retrieve and add art for lots of artists in my Library. Thanks Amazon!
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New York Fifth Avenue Apple Store now out of iPhone stock
[Click on the image for a live map from the Blackfriars Web site]Following up on yesterday's story, it appears this morning that more Apple stores are out of stock of iPhones today, including Apple's flagship Fifth Avenue store in New York. That's 36 today versus 25 yesterday. The out-of-stock contagion has spread even to Florida, Michigan, and California now. Of course, Web site stock reports may not be updated during the day, so your availability may vary. The holiday shopping season starts earlier every year.Technorati Tags:Apple, iPhone, iPhone availability
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Secure your Mac: SecuriKey USB dongle
Filed under: Peripherals, SecurityAs we recently mentioned with regards to the newly available Mac support for the Eikon USB fingerprint scanner, hardware security peripherals on the Mac have been rather thin on the ground. But coming on the heels of the Eikon, GT Security has announced an update to their SecuriKey USB security dongle for Mac which adds encrypted Volume support. Basically the SecuriKey software creates a virtual secure Volume protected by AES 128-bit encryption on which you keep your sensitive data. To access that Volume all you have to do is plug in the USB dongle (which they call a "token"). If you remove the dongle the Mac will reset to the login screen. It's a lot like Knox but locked via a hardware key instead of a password.The SecuriKey Professional Edition is $129.99; there's a software only upgrade for $50 if you should already have one of the dongles.[via MacNN]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Some NBC Shows appear in iTunes…Some Don’t.
There seem to be differing views online about what the addition of new NBC shows Chuck and Journeyman mean for the deal between Apple and NBC. It appears to me that NBC is getting its way - to a degree. After Apple decided to pull all new NBC shows, NBC came back a few hours later and said that their shows WOULD be appearing in iTunes, and they were going to use their current contract with Apple and make sure it was honored. My guess is, Apple can't keep these shows from appearing in iTunes due to the contract…but what's really interesting is what ISN'T there. Namely - Heroes. One of the most downloaded shows in iTunes debuted its season right along with Chuck and Journeyman on Monday night - but you don't see it in iTunes. What's more interesting is that, while Chuck has a season pass available that includes the entire first season - Journeyman appears to only be available per episode. I don't know if that's because NBC has more confidence in Chuck lasting a full season, or not. Honestly, I find the whole thing tiresome. I firmly believe NBC is being trite and obnoxious about the entire situation, and that their actions only encourage piracy. I think they are shooting themselves in the foot, and that they will ultimately regret this whole thing…but I could be wrong - only time will tell.
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News: SRS Labs updates iWOW iTunes Plug-In for Mac
SRS Labs has released its iWOW 2 iTunes Plug-In for Mac, the latest version of the audio enhancement software. iWOW 2 uses several patented audio enhancement technologies from SRS Labs to provide 3D audio from desktop and laptop computers as well as external speakers and headphones. Features include the ability to create and save presets for specific songs, videos and podcasts, an 'Auto-preset' option that automatically chooses the best…
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Amazon's music store should dispell the lousy iTunes business myth
[Blackfriars projections of FY07-08 iTunes Store revenue. Click the image for a larger view, excerpted from our June report, Analyzing Apple: Waiting For The iPhone]In a recent article, John Gruber of Daring Fireball takes on the launch of the Amazon music download store and dispells one of my favorite media falsehoods: that the iTunes Store is a loss-leading business"So why Amazon is even bothering with a music download store, given that ‘everyone knows’ the iTunes Store is a loss-leader that Apple offers just to sell more iPods?Because that’s bull****. Apple is making good money from the iTunes Store.John estimates gross margin from iTunes at about $900 million from the 3 billion songs sold at the iTunes store to date. Our estimate just for FY07, which ends September 30, 2007 is that iTunes revenue just in this fiscal year is $2.1 billion, with gross margin of $630 million just in this fiscal year. Just to put those numbers in perspective, it was only about three or four years ago that $600 million was a respectable gross margin number for Apple's entire business, Macs to iPods. And the $630 million in gross margin from the iTunes Store this year is about 1/4 of Amazon's gross profit for its entire business. And the whole, "Amazon's DRM-free MP3s will give it an advantage over Apple's DRM-laden music," doesn't play either. 95% of consumers never experience Apple's DRM in any way shape or manner. They buy their music from the iTunes store, load them on their iPods, play them on their computers, and never give DRM a second thought. The convenience of one-stop impulse shopping from their iTunes music player vastly outweighs the lower prices and DRM-less features