Observations made at more than two dozen Apple retail stores over the last few weeks show Apple to be maintaining healthy sales of Macs and iPhones that aren't far off from rates seen during the lead-in to last year's holiday shopping season.
Towards Greener Graphic Cards!?
While CPU manufacturers have already started defining power consumption and performance per watt as the new reference standards for comparing/developing new CPU models; so far, graphic cards manufacturers did not really feel concern about such parameters and every new GPUs were racing towards the same goal: be the fastest irrespective to the power consumption.
Things might change in a near future, if one considers the screen capture related to the future presentation of the forthcoming AMD/ATI Radeon HD4770.
AMD/ATI have used performance per watt as one of the marketing parameters. They compare the forthcoming entry level model Radeon HD 4770 with the aging NVidia GeForce 9800 GT. According to their figures, the Radeon is almost 3 fold faster per watt. AMD takes advantage of an exclusive 40 nm engraving process, even thinner than the one currently used by Intel.
AMD most likely decided to apply this new engraving process to entry-level GPU as their architecture is usually not as complex as the high-end models. However, AMD will most likely transfer it to all other models, and the benefit of thin engraving could rather be used for high-end GPU to push core frequency higher, while controlling heat release. In other words, power consumption might not be the future marketing parameter of 40 nm engraved future flagship GPU from AMD. Especially, if one considers the growing importance of GPGPU, synonym of growing needs for raw power. This could be associated to greener behavior if the power management of the GPU is really improved to switch off unused cores as today in CPUs.
Sonos adds more firepower to iPhone app
Filed under: iPhone, App Store, iPod touch, App Review
Sonos, maker of the highly regarded multi-room music system, has updated the free controller software the company provides for the iPhone. The Sonos Controller [App Store link] allows the selection of music or playlists, selection of internet radio stations, control of Pandora, Napster, Last.fm and other music services, and now adds the ability to set, edit and delete alarms as well as set up networked music folders. If you have an iPhone or iPod touch, this free app is an alternative to the $399.00US controller that is sold with the system, and it is actually easier to use because of the iPhone touch screen. The iPhone app requires users to update their Sonos software to version 2.8, which is a free upgrade that was released yesterday.
The app works very well, without glitches or drama. The screens look stunning, and the reflection effects for album art are a nice touch. Sonos could have easily charged for this app, but getting it free is a major bonus.
The Sonos product is one of many that distributes music around the house and is Mac friendly. Of course Apple has its own solution, the Airport Express Base Station, which effortlessly streams music from your iTunes library to to speakers or a stereo within range of the device. Logitech also has several solutions including the Squeezebox, the Squeezebox Duet, and the Squeezebox Boom. Olive has a well regarded high end solution that includes music servers and players for individual rooms.
Here are some screen grabs of the Sonos Controller in action:
TUAWSonos adds more firepower to iPhone app originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Go Apple, Young Man
Macs are making their way into the enterprise, and eWEEK Labs' Cameron Sturdevant wants to stay one step ahead of them by "going Apple." A lifelong Microsoft/PC user, Sturdevant is making the switch to be able to articulate the real benefits, drawbacks and costs of integrating the Apple/Mac platform into your organization. His journey begins here.
Rumor: Upcoming iPhone parts list published
Filed under: Hardware, Rumors, iPhone
Once again, the folks at DigiTimes have leaked information about a forthcoming Apple product. Citing "Industry sources in Taiwan," they've published an alleged parts list for the next generation iPhone. Standout items include the 3.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor from OmniVision, which seems in line with the rumored video features in iPhone OS 3.0. Also listed is NAND flash from Samsung and Toshiba and Mobile DDR DRAM from Samsung.
Most interesing is what missing from the list. Namely, the processor. So far, there are no solid rumors on what this could be, so it's really anyone's guess. We think it's safe to say, however, that Apple will release new iPhones this summer. Those who purchased original phones two years ago will have their contracts expire in June, just around the time that iPhone OS 3.0 and WWDC will drop. Here's to this summer!
Thanks to everyone who sent this in.
[via theAppleBlog]
TUAWRumor: Upcoming iPhone parts list published originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Apple to sell $899 20-inch aluminum iMac to schools
Apple this week quietly announced plans to begin selling an aluminum 20-inch iMac configuration to qualified educational institutions for just $899, effectively closing the book on the white 17-inch legacy model that had previously assumed a similar role.
AT&T wants the iPhone until 2011
Why wouldn't they? I know about a dozen people who have switched to AT&T precisely because they are the only US iPhone game in town (mostly). The exclusivity ends 2010, but SAI asks, will Apple renew its contract with AT&T? The biggest problem plaguing iPhones appears to be the network -- AT&T is notorious for dropped calls and spotty 3G coverage, whereas now-number 1 service provider Verizon has a great reuptation for coverage (both voice and data).The issue for Apple is compounded by the fact that AT&T uses the globally-accepted network standard of GSM, where Verizon uses the other, less-used standard CDMA. So now you've got two radios to deal with (as provided in the Blackberry 8830 World Edition), something I think Cupertino isn't eager to implement.
TUAWAT&T wants the iPhone until 2011 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Ask TUAW: Online file syncing, CD ripping, Time Machine to NAS, and more
Filed under: Features, Troubleshooting, Ask TUAW
This time around in Ask TUAW we've got questions about online file syncing services, installing a faster drive for CD ripping, using a FreeNAS box for Time Machine backup, Twitter clients and more.As always, your suggestions are welcome. Questions for next week should be left in the comments. When asking a question please include which machine you're running and which version of Mac OS X (we'll assume you're running Leopard on an Intel Mac if you don't specify). And now, on to the questions!
Continue reading Ask TUAW: Online file syncing, CD ripping, Time Machine to NAS, and more
TUAWAsk TUAW: Online file syncing, CD ripping, Time Machine to NAS, and more originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Reports: Mac OS 10.5.7 release imminent
Filed under: OS, Rumors, Leopard
Several outlets are reporting today that Mac OS 10.5.7 is due to drop any time now. Build 9J47 was released on Friday, less than a week after 9J44, and build 9J50 is said to have been distributed on Tuesday. Until now, these updates have been delivered weekly. This accelerated distribution, along with a shortening list of fixes (the latest build only addresses three) are clues that 10.5.7 is nearly ready.Additionally, some customers have reported that the ATI Radeon HD 4850-equipped iMacs that they ordered have had their ship dates bumped up to this week (there's a rumor that the graphics card requires 10.5.7).
We'll let you know when this shows up, and report any changes (or problems) we experience after installation.
TUAWReports: Mac OS 10.5.7 release imminent originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Bluetooth 3.0 in the Future iPhone?
Instead of launching new rumors, Fudzilla speculates on the availability of the Bluetooth version 3.0 in the future iPhone to be released in June. Thanks to pre-version of iPhone OS 3.0, one can learn that apple will integrate in its future models the Broadcom BCM4329 chip. despite the FM receiver function, which will most likely never be activated, this component supports BT 2.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11n, exactly the hardware specifications required to manage Bluetooth 3.0.
If one adds to this analysis that the iPhone 3.0 will allow P2P connections between iPhones without requiring any difficult settings, the BT 3.0 is the perfect tool for such function. If this remains only hypothesis, it makes sense. Hhowever, having the hardware compatibility does not imply that Apple will implement and develop those functions. It could also decide to activate it only later on when BT 3.0 will really be a true marketing point and the new standard, so in about 6 months from now.
Apple selling 22 iPhones, 28 Macs per store each day
Observations made at more than two dozen Apple retail stores over the last few weeks show Apple to be maintaining healthy sales of Macs and iPhones that aren't far off from rates seen during the lead-in to last year's holiday shopping season.
Towards Greener Graphic Cards!?
While CPU manufacturers have already started defining power consumption and performance per watt as the new reference standards for comparing/developing new CPU models; so far, graphic cards manufacturers did not really feel concern about such parameters and every new GPUs were racing towards the same goal: be the fastest irrespective to the power consumption.
Things might change in a near future, if one considers the screen capture related to the future presentation of the forthcoming AMD/ATI Radeon HD4770.
AMD/ATI have used performance per watt as one of the marketing parameters. They compare the forthcoming entry level model Radeon HD 4770 with the aging NVidia GeForce 9800 GT. According to their figures, the Radeon is almost 3 fold faster per watt. AMD takes advantage of an exclusive 40 nm engraving process, even thinner than the one currently used by Intel.
AMD most likely decided to apply this new engraving process to entry-level GPU as their architecture is usually not as complex as the high-end models. However, AMD will most likely transfer it to all other models, and the benefit of thin engraving could rather be used for high-end GPU to push core frequency higher, while controlling heat release. In other words, power consumption might not be the future marketing parameter of 40 nm engraved future flagship GPU from AMD. Especially, if one considers the growing importance of GPGPU, synonym of growing needs for raw power. This could be associated to greener behavior if the power management of the GPU is really improved to switch off unused cores as today in CPUs.
Sonos adds more firepower to iPhone app
Filed under: iPhone, App Store, iPod touch, App Review
Sonos, maker of the highly regarded multi-room music system, has updated the free controller software the company provides for the iPhone. The Sonos Controller [App Store link] allows the selection of music or playlists, selection of internet radio stations, control of Pandora, Napster, Last.fm and other music services, and now adds the ability to set, edit and delete alarms as well as set up networked music folders. If you have an iPhone or iPod touch, this free app is an alternative to the $399.00US controller that is sold with the system, and it is actually easier to use because of the iPhone touch screen. The iPhone app requires users to update their Sonos software to version 2.8, which is a free upgrade that was released yesterday.
The app works very well, without glitches or drama. The screens look stunning, and the reflection effects for album art are a nice touch. Sonos could have easily charged for this app, but getting it free is a major bonus.
The Sonos product is one of many that distributes music around the house and is Mac friendly. Of course Apple has its own solution, the Airport Express Base Station, which effortlessly streams music from your iTunes library to to speakers or a stereo within range of the device. Logitech also has several solutions including the Squeezebox, the Squeezebox Duet, and the Squeezebox Boom. Olive has a well regarded high end solution that includes music servers and players for individual rooms.
Here are some screen grabs of the Sonos Controller in action:
TUAWSonos adds more firepower to iPhone app originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Go Apple, Young Man
Macs are making their way into the enterprise, and eWEEK Labs' Cameron Sturdevant wants to stay one step ahead of them by "going Apple." A lifelong Microsoft/PC user, Sturdevant is making the switch to be able to articulate the real benefits, drawbacks and costs of integrating the Apple/Mac platform into your organization. His journey begins here.
Rumor: Upcoming iPhone parts list published
Filed under: Hardware, Rumors, iPhone
Once again, the folks at DigiTimes have leaked information about a forthcoming Apple product. Citing "Industry sources in Taiwan," they've published an alleged parts list for the next generation iPhone. Standout items include the 3.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor from OmniVision, which seems in line with the rumored video features in iPhone OS 3.0. Also listed is NAND flash from Samsung and Toshiba and Mobile DDR DRAM from Samsung.
Most interesing is what missing from the list. Namely, the processor. So far, there are no solid rumors on what this could be, so it's really anyone's guess. We think it's safe to say, however, that Apple will release new iPhones this summer. Those who purchased original phones two years ago will have their contracts expire in June, just around the time that iPhone OS 3.0 and WWDC will drop. Here's to this summer!
Thanks to everyone who sent this in.
[via theAppleBlog]
TUAWRumor: Upcoming iPhone parts list published originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Apple to sell $899 20-inch aluminum iMac to schools
Apple this week quietly announced plans to begin selling an aluminum 20-inch iMac configuration to qualified educational institutions for just $899, effectively closing the book on the white 17-inch legacy model that had previously assumed a similar role.
AT&T wants the iPhone until 2011
Why wouldn't they? I know about a dozen people who have switched to AT&T precisely because they are the only US iPhone game in town (mostly). The exclusivity ends 2010, but SAI asks, will Apple renew its contract with AT&T? The biggest problem plaguing iPhones appears to be the network -- AT&T is notorious for dropped calls and spotty 3G coverage, whereas now-number 1 service provider Verizon has a great reuptation for coverage (both voice and data).The issue for Apple is compounded by the fact that AT&T uses the globally-accepted network standard of GSM, where Verizon uses the other, less-used standard CDMA. So now you've got two radios to deal with (as provided in the Blackberry 8830 World Edition), something I think Cupertino isn't eager to implement.
TUAWAT&T wants the iPhone until 2011 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Ask TUAW: Online file syncing, CD ripping, Time Machine to NAS, and more
Filed under: Features, Troubleshooting, Ask TUAW
This time around in Ask TUAW we've got questions about online file syncing services, installing a faster drive for CD ripping, using a FreeNAS box for Time Machine backup, Twitter clients and more.As always, your suggestions are welcome. Questions for next week should be left in the comments. When asking a question please include which machine you're running and which version of Mac OS X (we'll assume you're running Leopard on an Intel Mac if you don't specify). And now, on to the questions!
Continue reading Ask TUAW: Online file syncing, CD ripping, Time Machine to NAS, and more
TUAWAsk TUAW: Online file syncing, CD ripping, Time Machine to NAS, and more originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Reports: Mac OS 10.5.7 release imminent
Filed under: OS, Rumors, Leopard
Several outlets are reporting today that Mac OS 10.5.7 is due to drop any time now. Build 9J47 was released on Friday, less than a week after 9J44, and build 9J50 is said to have been distributed on Tuesday. Until now, these updates have been delivered weekly. This accelerated distribution, along with a shortening list of fixes (the latest build only addresses three) are clues that 10.5.7 is nearly ready.Additionally, some customers have reported that the ATI Radeon HD 4850-equipped iMacs that they ordered have had their ship dates bumped up to this week (there's a rumor that the graphics card requires 10.5.7).
We'll let you know when this shows up, and report any changes (or problems) we experience after installation.
TUAWReports: Mac OS 10.5.7 release imminent originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Bluetooth 3.0 in the Future iPhone?
Instead of launching new rumors, Fudzilla speculates on the availability of the Bluetooth version 3.0 in the future iPhone to be released in June. Thanks to pre-version of iPhone OS 3.0, one can learn that apple will integrate in its future models the Broadcom BCM4329 chip. despite the FM receiver function, which will most likely never be activated, this component supports BT 2.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11n, exactly the hardware specifications required to manage Bluetooth 3.0.
If one adds to this analysis that the iPhone 3.0 will allow P2P connections between iPhones without requiring any difficult settings, the BT 3.0 is the perfect tool for such function. If this remains only hypothesis, it makes sense. Hhowever, having the hardware compatibility does not imply that Apple will implement and develop those functions. It could also decide to activate it only later on when BT 3.0 will really be a true marketing point and the new standard, so in about 6 months from now.
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