Buzz Out Loud 1587: Buzz Out Loud is Dangerously Delicious (Podcast)
Comedian Aziz Ansari joins us to talk about putting his stand up show Dangerously Delicious online. The House shoots down legislation that would prevent employers from asking for our Facebook passwords, and you too can make $30,000 a day from Pinterest!This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayPodcastYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe: iTunes (MP3) | iTunes (320x180) | iTunes (640x360) RSS (MP3) | RSS (320x180) | RSS (640x360)EPISODE 1587 INTERVIEW WITH AZIZ ANSARIhttp://www.azizansari.com/NEWS:-House Shoots Down Legislation That Would Have Stopped Employers From Demanding Your Facebook Password-Best Buy feels Amazon squeeze, to close 50 big-box stores-Smartphones Account for Half of all Mobile Phones, Dominate New Phone Purchases in the US-Dell Ends Smartphone Sales in the US-Spotify extends free-play ‘honeymoon’ indefinitely-Has the Music Business Turned a Corner? RIAA Reports First Revenue Increase in 7 Years-The Next PlayStation is Called Orbis, Sources Say. Here are the Details.-T-Mobile reportedly eyes sale of wireless towers again-Survey pegs Apple gear in half of U.S. homes-OH NO: Apple TV Isn’t Coming Until 2013, Says Research Group-iPhone 4 Antennagate site goes live, lets you collect $15QUICK HITS:-Giving you more insight into your Google Account activity-Comcast, Time Warner Don’t Support HBO GO On Xbox 360-Comcast XFINITY TV, HBO GO and MLB.TV now available on Xbox LIVE-Pinterest Spammer Makes $30,000 in a Month-Uniforms With Microchip Notify Parents If Their Children Skip SchoolVOICEMAIL:Caller who wants to know what can she listen to as a commuter?Chris says thanks and good luckEMAIL:From Jim in Vegas:Hey buzz crew,I can’t believe the show is coming to an end. I started watching BOL a couple days before Tom left the show, Due to this I really cant say that time period of the show affected me that much, then Rafe hosted, he made the show fun and is an excellent journalist. But this last time period of BOL is what truly made the show Great! Molly, Brian, & Stephen you guys were the perfect mix of intelligence, fun, and entertaining. I’m a Junior in high school and when I went into high school I really didn’t know what I wanted to do when I grew up, now because of all of you I know what I want to do with my life, I want to be a journalist and hopefully a tech one. Thank (all) you guys for making the last couple of years great and impacting my life. I will miss Buzz Out Loud greatly but I wish you guys luck in all your endeavors. For the last time,Love the show! :_ (â€"â€"WAHH!First you made me fat by going to 1 show a week (I listen to BOL while walking)NOW! Your going to make me Dumb!â€" How am I going look smart when I don't have the tech news?I can't stand the 404 and video is no good to me while walking so please recommend some other cnet tech audio podcasts before you go,Bryan - the Fat & Dumb (maybe) Aussie.â€â€"â€"Why is cnet so determined to get rid of its podcast listeners? I like to listen to podcasts at work. Streaming video is too distracting. Watching web shows on my computer at home after staring at a computer all day at work does not appeal to me.So long guys. You often felt like family. Loved the show.No Nameâ€"â€"Dear Steven, Brian, and Molly,What the BLEEP? I mean really, what the BLEEP? I’ve been a loyal listener for BLEEPING eons. I live in MassaBLEEPINGchusetts. I drive 5 BLEEPING days a week on BLEEPING 128. Before you BLEEPING went to a BLEEPING weekly format, my BLEEPING afternoon drives were filled with BLEEPING great technology news. You see, I’m a BLEEPING nerd. I need my BLEEPING nerd news. Then you up and went to a BLEEPING weekly format. Fine. No one gives a BLEEP about my ride home anyway. Oh, and BLEEP YOU!Your friend,Ron, the BLEEPING Android Nerd from Massachusettsâ€"â€"http://bol.cnet.com, 800-616-2638 (CNET), buzz@cnet.comFollow us on Twitter: @mollywood @brian_tong @stephenbeacham @donald @azizansari
Qloud puts your (almost) entire iTunes library on Facebook
Qloud puts your (almost) entire iTunes library on Facebook
What was apparent from the get-go with this app is that it's not quite a replacement for some of the other music-streaming services out there, like Orb, MediaMaster (coverage), and Simplify Media (coverage). Many of the fairly popular bands I had in my library had music videos with decent audio, but the majority were live recordings from concerts made by fans. This translates to bad video, and even worse audio. Audiophiles will not be pleased, nor will those who enjoy a particular version of a song that's on their library, be it live or an alternate studio recording.For bad music, there is some salvation, however; you can flag any piece of media without leaving the app. There are two ways to flag--either vote for an alternate version from a list Qloud aggregates, or submit your own URL for source material. Ideally, if others find your version to be of a better quality, your version will take the bad one's place for everyone.The app's other saving grace is its simplicity. While iLike and Last.fm accomplish similar feats of serving up music based on your tastes, Qloud is one of the easier ways to amass a large library of music to share with your friends, considering you've already spent so much time on it in a regular desktop application. Likewise, it's incredibly viral, linking up whatever song you've just listened to in iTunes, and mirroring it on your recently played list in Qloud. This is as cool as it is potentially embarrassing. Qloud keeps tabs on your listening habits by installing itself as a plug-in in your iTunes music library.CNET NetworksThere are a few things I'd like to see added to this app to really take it to the next level. One is a personal listening service that would let you stream your files to yourself and nobody else (for the sake of being DMCA compliant), and a video app that would cross-reference whatever videos you had in your library and pull up versions you could watch online. I'm still a bit skittish of using their plug-in, as it will constantly stream your activity to its server farm. My concern isn't privacy so much as it is that iTunes is already a quirky and resource-intensive application. Despite my fears, there really is nothing cooler than seeing the song you just played on iTunes show up on your profile--making Facebook one step closer to having complete control of everything I'm doing.The service plans to roll out a plug-in for Windows Media player and other platforms in the near future. They're also at work designing a version of Qloud for Google's Open Social initiative.
What was apparent from the get-go with this app is that it's not quite a replacement for some of the other music-streaming services out there, like Orb, MediaMaster (coverage), and Simplify Media (coverage). Many of the fairly popular bands I had in my library had music videos with decent audio, but the majority were live recordings from concerts made by fans. This translates to bad video, and even worse audio. Audiophiles will not be pleased, nor will those who enjoy a particular version of a song that's on their library, be it live or an alternate studio recording.For bad music, there is some salvation, however; you can flag any piece of media without leaving the app. There are two ways to flag--either vote for an alternate version from a list Qloud aggregates, or submit your own URL for source material. Ideally, if others find your version to be of a better quality, your version will take the bad one's place for everyone.The app's other saving grace is its simplicity. While iLike and Last.fm accomplish similar feats of serving up music based on your tastes, Qloud is one of the easier ways to amass a large library of music to share with your friends, considering you've already spent so much time on it in a regular desktop application. Likewise, it's incredibly viral, linking up whatever song you've just listened to in iTunes, and mirroring it on your recently played list in Qloud. This is as cool as it is potentially embarrassing. Qloud keeps tabs on your listening habits by installing itself as a plug-in in your iTunes music library.CNET NetworksThere are a few things I'd like to see added to this app to really take it to the next level. One is a personal listening service that would let you stream your files to yourself and nobody else (for the sake of being DMCA compliant), and a video app that would cross-reference whatever videos you had in your library and pull up versions you could watch online. I'm still a bit skittish of using their plug-in, as it will constantly stream your activity to its server farm. My concern isn't privacy so much as it is that iTunes is already a quirky and resource-intensive application. Despite my fears, there really is nothing cooler than seeing the song you just played on iTunes show up on your profile--making Facebook one step closer to having complete control of everything I'm doing.The service plans to roll out a plug-in for Windows Media player and other platforms in the near future. They're also at work designing a version of Qloud for Google's Open Social initiative.
Dunkin' Donuts iPhone app makes coffee more social
Dunkin' Donuts iPhone app makes coffee more social
If there is one way to win me over, (take note PR flacks) it's through Dunkin' Donuts and the delicious DD coffee. While I was on the East Coast two weeks ago, I drank so much DD coffee in the first two days, I couldn't sleep for the next two days.So, when I saw that the company launched a new "Dunkin' Run" iPhone application today, I bought the shiny new Apple product. But then I was dismayed to learn that Dunkin' is not in the San Francisco Bay Area (or really west of the Mississippi.)Dunkin Run is basically a social game, with a payoff of coffee and baked goods. Users can start a "Dunkin' Run" from their computer, mobile device, or iPhone, and let everyone know they are hitting the road. This type of application that comes with a tangible payoff would drive membership in a variety of social networks, and would certainly keep me logged into my otherwise useless Facebook profile. Dunkin' Run brings customers a completely new and unique social online group ordering experience and tools. To begin, "Runners" can initiate a group order on www.DunkinRun.com through their computer or mobile device, or via an iPhone application available for free download at the iTunes online store. Immediately, interactive alerts are sent to the Runner's list of friends or co-workers, telling them when a trip to Dunkin' Donuts is planned along with a personal message inviting them to place an order online. Invitees can view the Dunkin' Donuts menu to place their order, and registered users can select from their own personal list of favorites and/or previous orders. All Dunkin' Donuts core foods and beverages are presented using interactive product images to make personalizing an order both simple and fun.All of the orders are integrated onto a single page/screen which the Runner either prints or uses their iPhone or mobile device to bring to any Dunkin' Donuts store. Dunkin' Donuts crew members will use this checklist to fulfill orders quickly and ensure order accuracy. The Runner can also use this page as a checklist to ensure that everyone in the group gets what he or she ordered. My coffee addiction aside, this is actually a great idea and I'm surprised more takeout places and coffee shops haven't gone down this path yet. The obvious next step is a receipt generator to see who's not paying their share so you can humiliate them across your social network. Follow me on Twitter @daveofdoom.
If there is one way to win me over, (take note PR flacks) it's through Dunkin' Donuts and the delicious DD coffee. While I was on the East Coast two weeks ago, I drank so much DD coffee in the first two days, I couldn't sleep for the next two days.So, when I saw that the company launched a new "Dunkin' Run" iPhone application today, I bought the shiny new Apple product. But then I was dismayed to learn that Dunkin' is not in the San Francisco Bay Area (or really west of the Mississippi.)Dunkin Run is basically a social game, with a payoff of coffee and baked goods. Users can start a "Dunkin' Run" from their computer, mobile device, or iPhone, and let everyone know they are hitting the road. This type of application that comes with a tangible payoff would drive membership in a variety of social networks, and would certainly keep me logged into my otherwise useless Facebook profile. Dunkin' Run brings customers a completely new and unique social online group ordering experience and tools. To begin, "Runners" can initiate a group order on www.DunkinRun.com through their computer or mobile device, or via an iPhone application available for free download at the iTunes online store. Immediately, interactive alerts are sent to the Runner's list of friends or co-workers, telling them when a trip to Dunkin' Donuts is planned along with a personal message inviting them to place an order online. Invitees can view the Dunkin' Donuts menu to place their order, and registered users can select from their own personal list of favorites and/or previous orders. All Dunkin' Donuts core foods and beverages are presented using interactive product images to make personalizing an order both simple and fun.All of the orders are integrated onto a single page/screen which the Runner either prints or uses their iPhone or mobile device to bring to any Dunkin' Donuts store. Dunkin' Donuts crew members will use this checklist to fulfill orders quickly and ensure order accuracy. The Runner can also use this page as a checklist to ensure that everyone in the group gets what he or she ordered. My coffee addiction aside, this is actually a great idea and I'm surprised more takeout places and coffee shops haven't gone down this path yet. The obvious next step is a receipt generator to see who's not paying their share so you can humiliate them across your social network. Follow me on Twitter @daveofdoom.
The 404 650- Where we don't bachelor party and tell (podcast)
The 404 650: Where we don't bachelor party and tell (podcast)
The hassle of scouring the Web for free porn is just too much for some people to handle, but a new company called FleshDrive is taking all the work out of your "research" time with USB keys filled with adult content. The not-so-discreet FleshDrives come in 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB capacities, and while Jeff doesn't seem to think that's enough for one man's treasury, they're actually meant to be a handy travel accessory that can save you from buying a $16 hotel movie that stays with the room when you leave...at least I think they're $16, I personally would have no idea. Finally, the FleshDrive Web Site (link withheld; you do it dummy) lets you choose "genres" to go on the key for your own customized "Now That's What I Call Porn" compilation.Only a handful of smartphones on sale today carry built-in FM radios, but the RIAA is putting pressure on Congress to mandate their inclusion in all forthcoming mobile phones. Traditional FM radio broadcasters are finding that users are no longer to to broadcasts as muchthanks to online digital radio services like Last.fm and Pandora that allow users to customize their music for free.The bigger issue is that radios in cell phones can also function as a last ditch safety feature in times of emergency. The National Association of Broadcastersdescribe the measure as a "critically important lifeline service" that would allow the public to stay informed when cell towers and internet go down.There's plenty more to talk about on today's show, but don't forget that you only have one more week left to get in touch with us through our Blackberry! Jeff's on phone duty, so add us on BBM 2482F452 and chat with us directly! If you don't own a BlackBerry, you can still shoot us a line at 1-866-404-CNET (2638) or e-mail the404(at)cnet{dot}com. Now click that play button!Episode 650PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jill SchlesingerJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
The hassle of scouring the Web for free porn is just too much for some people to handle, but a new company called FleshDrive is taking all the work out of your "research" time with USB keys filled with adult content. The not-so-discreet FleshDrives come in 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB capacities, and while Jeff doesn't seem to think that's enough for one man's treasury, they're actually meant to be a handy travel accessory that can save you from buying a $16 hotel movie that stays with the room when you leave...at least I think they're $16, I personally would have no idea. Finally, the FleshDrive Web Site (link withheld; you do it dummy) lets you choose "genres" to go on the key for your own customized "Now That's What I Call Porn" compilation.Only a handful of smartphones on sale today carry built-in FM radios, but the RIAA is putting pressure on Congress to mandate their inclusion in all forthcoming mobile phones. Traditional FM radio broadcasters are finding that users are no longer to to broadcasts as muchthanks to online digital radio services like Last.fm and Pandora that allow users to customize their music for free.The bigger issue is that radios in cell phones can also function as a last ditch safety feature in times of emergency. The National Association of Broadcastersdescribe the measure as a "critically important lifeline service" that would allow the public to stay informed when cell towers and internet go down.There's plenty more to talk about on today's show, but don't forget that you only have one more week left to get in touch with us through our Blackberry! Jeff's on phone duty, so add us on BBM 2482F452 and chat with us directly! If you don't own a BlackBerry, you can still shoot us a line at 1-866-404-CNET (2638) or e-mail the404(at)cnet{dot}com. Now click that play button!Episode 650PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jill SchlesingerJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
New York Times confirms future iPhones to get NFC payments
New York Times confirms future iPhones to get NFC payments
Though rumors about the next iPhone, expected to be released this summer, have consistently contained mentions of near field communication technology, The New York Times has confirmed that Apple has indeed been working on the feature, though how soon it may debut is still up for speculation.The information comes to the paper from two people who say they have knowledge of the inner-workings of a future version of Apple's iPhone. Apparently, Qualcomm will produce an NFC chip to be included on the iPhone's processor, allowing people to simply scan their iPhone near a qualifying NFC reader to make quick payments on the go."One person familiar with the new Apple feature said the phone's credit card information would be tied to information currently used on iTunes, which would make it simple for customers to set up the new mobile payment method on the iPhone." For many, near field communications is being touted as the next step in mobile technology and it would seem Apple wants to be at the forefront of that revolution. Steve Jobs often touts the 200 million-plus credit cards Apple retains for its iTunes accounts, all of which could be easily integrated to iOS devices sporting NFC technology.It is entirely possible that NFC is still too new for Apple's traditionally conservative adoption policy to add to the iPhone 5 this summer. Reports of Google and Microsoft exploring the technology have surfaced though, which may or may not give Apple enough incentive to be among the first to market with NFC-enabled devices here in the U.S.There is also the issue of where iPhone users could take advantage of an NFC-enabled iPhone. Do you know where you could? I can't think of a place offhand. Is NFC technology a must-have for iPhone 5 this summer, or can it wait? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Though rumors about the next iPhone, expected to be released this summer, have consistently contained mentions of near field communication technology, The New York Times has confirmed that Apple has indeed been working on the feature, though how soon it may debut is still up for speculation.The information comes to the paper from two people who say they have knowledge of the inner-workings of a future version of Apple's iPhone. Apparently, Qualcomm will produce an NFC chip to be included on the iPhone's processor, allowing people to simply scan their iPhone near a qualifying NFC reader to make quick payments on the go."One person familiar with the new Apple feature said the phone's credit card information would be tied to information currently used on iTunes, which would make it simple for customers to set up the new mobile payment method on the iPhone." For many, near field communications is being touted as the next step in mobile technology and it would seem Apple wants to be at the forefront of that revolution. Steve Jobs often touts the 200 million-plus credit cards Apple retains for its iTunes accounts, all of which could be easily integrated to iOS devices sporting NFC technology.It is entirely possible that NFC is still too new for Apple's traditionally conservative adoption policy to add to the iPhone 5 this summer. Reports of Google and Microsoft exploring the technology have surfaced though, which may or may not give Apple enough incentive to be among the first to market with NFC-enabled devices here in the U.S.There is also the issue of where iPhone users could take advantage of an NFC-enabled iPhone. Do you know where you could? I can't think of a place offhand. Is NFC technology a must-have for iPhone 5 this summer, or can it wait? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Photos of purported iPhone 5 leak onto the Web
Photos of purported iPhone 5 leak onto the Web
As we anticipate the eventual unveiling of Apple's next iPhone, the rumor mill is churning out reports at a rapid clip. This time around, two Apple-tracking blogs have published pictures that they claim might be showing off the new iPhone.The fun started this morning when 9to5Mac, along with repair company iFixYourI, published photos of a new part from a Chinese supplier. The part appears to be the back plate for an iPhone featuring an aluminum piece. In addition, the back plate features a smaller dock connector than the one found in Apple's other products.9to5Mac's findings follow several reports that have cropped up over the last several months suggesting Apple might bring back aluminum to its iPhone. Back in December, Boy Genius Report said, citing "a close source," that the next iPhone would come with a mix of aluminum and a "rubber or plastic material" flanking it. The images from 9to5Mac seem to show the same.Related storiesCNET's iPhone 5 rumor roundupMetal-backed iPhone 5 rumor rides againiPhone 5 to look more like iPad 2?CNET's review of Apple's iPhone 4SThe smaller dock connector follows a host of reports saying Apple is reducing the size of the port on its mobile products.Not to be outdone, Apple rumors site MacRumors published its own set of photos of what the blog suggests might be the next iPhone. Those images, which come from another repair firm, uBreakiFix, show the same aluminum part surrounded by a white casing. The blog also published a picture from another site, Sw-Box, showing a new iPhone part with the headphone jack at the bottom of the device, rather than the top.CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the leaked images. We will update this story when we have more information.
As we anticipate the eventual unveiling of Apple's next iPhone, the rumor mill is churning out reports at a rapid clip. This time around, two Apple-tracking blogs have published pictures that they claim might be showing off the new iPhone.The fun started this morning when 9to5Mac, along with repair company iFixYourI, published photos of a new part from a Chinese supplier. The part appears to be the back plate for an iPhone featuring an aluminum piece. In addition, the back plate features a smaller dock connector than the one found in Apple's other products.9to5Mac's findings follow several reports that have cropped up over the last several months suggesting Apple might bring back aluminum to its iPhone. Back in December, Boy Genius Report said, citing "a close source," that the next iPhone would come with a mix of aluminum and a "rubber or plastic material" flanking it. The images from 9to5Mac seem to show the same.Related storiesCNET's iPhone 5 rumor roundupMetal-backed iPhone 5 rumor rides againiPhone 5 to look more like iPad 2?CNET's review of Apple's iPhone 4SThe smaller dock connector follows a host of reports saying Apple is reducing the size of the port on its mobile products.Not to be outdone, Apple rumors site MacRumors published its own set of photos of what the blog suggests might be the next iPhone. Those images, which come from another repair firm, uBreakiFix, show the same aluminum part surrounded by a white casing. The blog also published a picture from another site, Sw-Box, showing a new iPhone part with the headphone jack at the bottom of the device, rather than the top.CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the leaked images. We will update this story when we have more information.
Photographer sues Apple over promotional eyeball image
Photographer sues Apple over promotional eyeball image
Apple has been sued by a Swiss photographer who claims the electronics giant misused one of her images by including it in a promotion for its latest MacBook Pro computers. Photographer Sabine Liewald claims Apple acquired the rights to use the image of a model's eye (complete with make up) for "layout purposes only," as opposed to commercial use. The complaint specifically points to examples where Apple ended up using the image in its advertising, including on its Web site.The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York earlier this week, seeks a trial by jury to determine damages and potential lost profits. Liewald says the image itself is covered under copyright, and "protected under the Byrne Convention as a non-United States work." Apple did not immediately return a request for comment on the lawsuit.Related storiesApple unveils next-gen MacBook Pro with Retina Display (video)Two new lawsuits for Apple: a photograph and an Avril Lavigne songCNET Review: MacBook Pro with Retina DisplayThis is not the first time Apple's been sued by a photographer. Louis Psihoyos sued Apple twice, once in 2007 and again in 2009 for using something resembling his "1000 TVs" image in a promotion for its Apple TV set-top box product. (Disclosure: Psihoyos also sued CBS Corporation, the parent company of CBS Interactive, which publishes CNET over use of the same photo.) Apple is also well known for making some obscure shots famous, such as the photo that became the default background on the first iPad.The suit was reported earlier today by Patently Apple.You can read the whole complaint below:Complaint -- SL vs. A
Apple has been sued by a Swiss photographer who claims the electronics giant misused one of her images by including it in a promotion for its latest MacBook Pro computers. Photographer Sabine Liewald claims Apple acquired the rights to use the image of a model's eye (complete with make up) for "layout purposes only," as opposed to commercial use. The complaint specifically points to examples where Apple ended up using the image in its advertising, including on its Web site.The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York earlier this week, seeks a trial by jury to determine damages and potential lost profits. Liewald says the image itself is covered under copyright, and "protected under the Byrne Convention as a non-United States work." Apple did not immediately return a request for comment on the lawsuit.Related storiesApple unveils next-gen MacBook Pro with Retina Display (video)Two new lawsuits for Apple: a photograph and an Avril Lavigne songCNET Review: MacBook Pro with Retina DisplayThis is not the first time Apple's been sued by a photographer. Louis Psihoyos sued Apple twice, once in 2007 and again in 2009 for using something resembling his "1000 TVs" image in a promotion for its Apple TV set-top box product. (Disclosure: Psihoyos also sued CBS Corporation, the parent company of CBS Interactive, which publishes CNET over use of the same photo.) Apple is also well known for making some obscure shots famous, such as the photo that became the default background on the first iPad.The suit was reported earlier today by Patently Apple.You can read the whole complaint below:Complaint -- SL vs. A
Penguin settles state e-book pricing suits for $75M
Penguin settles state e-book pricing suits for $75M
Penguin has agreed to pay $75 million to settle e-book pricing lawsuits filed by many states and private class plaintiffs, bringing an end to the long-running complaints in the U.S. The settlement would resolve claims filed by 33 state attorneys general against Penguin, as well as class-action lawsuits filed by consumers who alleged the company's behavior violated unfair competition laws and caused consumers to overpay for e-books. Related stories:Penguin settles DOJ lawsuit over e-book pricingPenguin reaches pact with EU to end e-book price fixing probeAlong with the $75 million in damages, Penguin also agreed to pay costs and fees related to the claims and abide by the same "injunctive relief" as in its settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice. A court must approve Penguin's settlement. A hearing is expected later this summer. Penguin said its parent company, Pearson, had set aside $40 million in its 2012 accounts in anticipation of Wednesday's settlement. An additional charge will be expensed in Pearson's 2013 accounts, it said. Meanwhile, the Justice Department's case against Apple should go to trial June 3. Apple and five book publishers have faced investigations and lawsuits for the past couple of years related to how they sell digital books. The companies have been accused of conspiring to hike prices artificially, forcing retailers, like Amazon, to raise prices. Government agencies in the U.S. and elsewhere have argued the pricing agreements hurt customers and limited competition in the marketplace.Most companies have worked to resolve the suits over the past few months. Penguin recently reached settlements with the Justice Department and the European Union.
Penguin has agreed to pay $75 million to settle e-book pricing lawsuits filed by many states and private class plaintiffs, bringing an end to the long-running complaints in the U.S. The settlement would resolve claims filed by 33 state attorneys general against Penguin, as well as class-action lawsuits filed by consumers who alleged the company's behavior violated unfair competition laws and caused consumers to overpay for e-books. Related stories:Penguin settles DOJ lawsuit over e-book pricingPenguin reaches pact with EU to end e-book price fixing probeAlong with the $75 million in damages, Penguin also agreed to pay costs and fees related to the claims and abide by the same "injunctive relief" as in its settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice. A court must approve Penguin's settlement. A hearing is expected later this summer. Penguin said its parent company, Pearson, had set aside $40 million in its 2012 accounts in anticipation of Wednesday's settlement. An additional charge will be expensed in Pearson's 2013 accounts, it said. Meanwhile, the Justice Department's case against Apple should go to trial June 3. Apple and five book publishers have faced investigations and lawsuits for the past couple of years related to how they sell digital books. The companies have been accused of conspiring to hike prices artificially, forcing retailers, like Amazon, to raise prices. Government agencies in the U.S. and elsewhere have argued the pricing agreements hurt customers and limited competition in the marketplace.Most companies have worked to resolve the suits over the past few months. Penguin recently reached settlements with the Justice Department and the European Union.
PC shipments continue decline, slip 6.9 percent in Q4 2013
PC shipments continue decline, slip 6.9 percent in Q4 2013
Worldwide PC shipments, including desktops and laptops, suffered their seventh consecutive quarter of decline, according toGartner. Over the last two years, tablets and smartphones have replaced PCs, especially in emerging markets, contributing to the decline. But Gartner analyst Mikako Kitagawa contends that a bottom has been reached. "Although PC shipments continued to decline in the worldwide market in the fourth quarter, we increasingly believe markets, such as the US, have bottomed out as the adjustment to the installed base slows," he said in a statement Thursday."Lowering the price point of thin and light products started encouraging the PC replacement and potentially some PC growth in 2014."Data includes desk-based PCs and mobile PCs, including mini-notebooks, but not media tablets such as the iPad. Data is based on the shipments selling into channels.GartnerGlobal PC shipments for 2013 totaled 315.9 million units, declining 10 percent from 2012. Lenovo overtook Hewlett-Packard as the leading vendor in 2013, while Dell held steady in the third spot. Taiwanese manufacturers Acer and Asus both saw substantial declines year over year in the fourth quarter. The two companies have cut back on PCs, focusing more on mobile, connected devices such as tablets and Chromebooks. GartnerApple's fourth-quarter performance in the US, buoyed by new MacBook laptops, was the best among all PC vendors on a percentage basis. Macintosh sales grew 28.5 percent year over year, earning 13.7 percent market share, compared with 9.9 percent in the same quarter in 2012.
Worldwide PC shipments, including desktops and laptops, suffered their seventh consecutive quarter of decline, according toGartner. Over the last two years, tablets and smartphones have replaced PCs, especially in emerging markets, contributing to the decline. But Gartner analyst Mikako Kitagawa contends that a bottom has been reached. "Although PC shipments continued to decline in the worldwide market in the fourth quarter, we increasingly believe markets, such as the US, have bottomed out as the adjustment to the installed base slows," he said in a statement Thursday."Lowering the price point of thin and light products started encouraging the PC replacement and potentially some PC growth in 2014."Data includes desk-based PCs and mobile PCs, including mini-notebooks, but not media tablets such as the iPad. Data is based on the shipments selling into channels.GartnerGlobal PC shipments for 2013 totaled 315.9 million units, declining 10 percent from 2012. Lenovo overtook Hewlett-Packard as the leading vendor in 2013, while Dell held steady in the third spot. Taiwanese manufacturers Acer and Asus both saw substantial declines year over year in the fourth quarter. The two companies have cut back on PCs, focusing more on mobile, connected devices such as tablets and Chromebooks. GartnerApple's fourth-quarter performance in the US, buoyed by new MacBook laptops, was the best among all PC vendors on a percentage basis. Macintosh sales grew 28.5 percent year over year, earning 13.7 percent market share, compared with 9.9 percent in the same quarter in 2012.
PC forecast cut in wake of HDD shortage- analyst
PC forecast cut in wake of HDD shortage: analyst
The investment bank cut its global PC growth forecast for the fourth quarter to 4.3 percent from 7.2 percent "due to continued weak demand and a shortage of hard drive disks (HDD) resulting from the flooding in Thailand," according to a number of Asia-based outlets such as the China Post, citing a Barclay's research note. And the bank didn't stop there, lowering its full-year forecast to 3.4 percent from 4.4 percent.Kirk Yang, a Barclay's analyst, said the"concerns will likely continue into the first quarter of 2012, before normal HDD production in Thailand resumes." This follows another Asia-based report from DigiTimes on Friday that claimed that some vendors are in a"panic" because of HDD inventory shortfalls. That report says vendors' orders for HDDs are not being filled, forcing them to turn to the gray market. Japan-based HDD motor supplier Nidec--which accounts for more than 70 percent of the global HDD motor market--has shut down enough manufacturing equipment that a full recovery may take two years, according to DigiTimes.Apple CEO Tim Cook said last month during the company's earnings conference call that he's "virtually certain there will be an overall industry shortage of disk drives as a result of the disaster." But prices for systems should not rise appreciably. At least not in the immediate future.For example, if the price of an HDD rises $30, then the cost of a PC will inch up only a few percentage points at most, according to Digitimes.And this is not bad news for everyone.Makers of Windows-based Ultrabook laptops, which compete with Apple's MacBook Air, use solid-state drives for the most part, which are not affected.
The investment bank cut its global PC growth forecast for the fourth quarter to 4.3 percent from 7.2 percent "due to continued weak demand and a shortage of hard drive disks (HDD) resulting from the flooding in Thailand," according to a number of Asia-based outlets such as the China Post, citing a Barclay's research note. And the bank didn't stop there, lowering its full-year forecast to 3.4 percent from 4.4 percent.Kirk Yang, a Barclay's analyst, said the"concerns will likely continue into the first quarter of 2012, before normal HDD production in Thailand resumes." This follows another Asia-based report from DigiTimes on Friday that claimed that some vendors are in a"panic" because of HDD inventory shortfalls. That report says vendors' orders for HDDs are not being filled, forcing them to turn to the gray market. Japan-based HDD motor supplier Nidec--which accounts for more than 70 percent of the global HDD motor market--has shut down enough manufacturing equipment that a full recovery may take two years, according to DigiTimes.Apple CEO Tim Cook said last month during the company's earnings conference call that he's "virtually certain there will be an overall industry shortage of disk drives as a result of the disaster." But prices for systems should not rise appreciably. At least not in the immediate future.For example, if the price of an HDD rises $30, then the cost of a PC will inch up only a few percentage points at most, according to Digitimes.And this is not bad news for everyone.Makers of Windows-based Ultrabook laptops, which compete with Apple's MacBook Air, use solid-state drives for the most part, which are not affected.
Marvel Studios Countdown: Predicting the Seven Mystery Movies Just Announced
San Diego International Comic-Con (SDCC) is looming, and as always, Marvel is demanding all eyes onit asit unveils itsupdated film-release-date schedule. It’s the hype before the hype; get people talking about what those dates could possibly mean before any announcements are made.TheMarvel folks haveadded five new dates to two previous ones, with nary a title announcement in sight. That brings the total up to seven unknown Marvel films.Let’s dive in! Here arethe dates we do know:- Guardians of the Galaxy August 1, 2014-Avengers: Age of Ultron May 1, 2015-Ant-Man July 17, 2015-Captain America 3 (Not the official title, this may get a formal title at SDCC ala The Winter Soldier) May 6, 2016The rest of the announced schedule looks like this so far:-Untitled Film, July 8, 2016-Untitled Film, May 5, 2017-Untitled Film, July 28, 2017-Untitled Film, November 3, 2017-Untitled Film, July 6, 2018-Untitled Film, November 2, 2018-Untitled Film, May 3, 2019Marvel has signed Scott Derrickson for Doctor Strange and that July 8 date seems timed right for it, especially if production starts creeping forward soon (even more likely if Marvel announces the actor playing Strange, the Master of the Mystic Arts, at SDCC). It seems apparent that May 5, 2017 date is for Avengers 3 (can we start calling it Avengers: Infinity Gauntlet yet?). That leaves the remaining five dates as the mysteries.We’re going to guess that two of those dates are sequels. We like July 28, 2017 for Guardians of the Galaxy 2 and November 3, 2017 for Thor 3. That would put Guardians 2 released in the same window as this year, only three years later -- pretty standard turnaround for a Marvel sequel. Thor 3 feels like a given at some point and Marvel has proven it can draw audiences with Thor in that pre-Thanksgiving holiday release date. Thor 3;s plot is anybody’s guess at this point, though fans are clamoring for Thor characters Beta Ray Bill and Enchantress to make their Marvel cinematic universe debut at some point.If we’re right, an updated schedule would look like this:-Guardians of the Galaxy, August 1, 2014-Avengers: Age of Ultron, May 1, 2015-Ant-Man, July 17, 2015-Captain America 3 (Not the official title, this may get a formal title at SDCC ala The Winter Soldier), May 6, 2016-Doctor Strange, July 8, 2016-Avengers 3, May 5, 2017-Guardians of the Galaxy 2, July 28, 2017-Thor 3, November 3, 2017-Untitled Film, July 6, 2018-Untitled Film, November 2, 2018-Untitled Film, May 3, 2019That leaves three “mystery spots.” One of those, May 3, 2019 is prime real estate. Movies released the first week of May are tailor-made to kick off the summer movie season and the date is so far out there at this point that it wouldn’t surprise me at all for May 3, 2019 to be Avengers 4. Maybe it will be titled New Avengers to accommodate a modified roster, as it’s expected that some of Avengers’ core cast will move on before 2019, and begin a new trilogy of Avengers films.If that’s true, then there are two remaining slots for nonsequel Marvel films. The most requested solo character films from fans are Black Widow, Black Panther and Captain Marvel. I think the July 6 date could work for any of the them, but if we were forced to choose between just those three, Captain Marvel is the one that feels the most right. If the schedule doesn’t change, that means July 6 is the only Marvel Studios film for the summer of 2018. Captain Marvel is the character amongst those three that lends itself to the most summer spectacle (with her alien origins and limitless storyline potential). Black Widow is grounded in “real world” espionage (as real as Marvel gets anyway), which sort of reduces its cache as Marvel’s sole release for that summer, and Black Panther, sadly, just doesn’t feel like a priority for Marvel at this time (but the studiocould surprise us).November 2, 2018 looks perfect for The Inhumans. It has the same kind of cosmic fantasy that Thor delivers (in the same proven box office release window) and it’s a property that Marvel is keenly interested in cultivating both in comics and on the screen. We’ve often wondered how these characters -- otherworldly descendants of alien experimentation on human DNA -- would translate to film, but two recent comic book examples, Inhuman and Ms. Marvel, chronicle regular folks whose entire world is turned upside down when they discover they have latent Inhuman genes that give them superpowers. Either Dante from Inhuman or Kamala Khan from Ms. Marvel would provide perfectly relatable characters to guide audiences into the larger, unbelievable world of the Inhumans.We’ll know more the evening of July 26 when Marvel presents its panel at San Diego’s notorious Hall H. Maybe we’re right across the board, but knowing the people at Marvel, they’ll surprise us. And that’s perfectly fine! As fans, we’d rather be surprised than right! Still doesn’t make it any less fun to make an educated guess.What do you think Marvel Studios has upits sleeve?
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