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
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.
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