[MobileRatty] tag: 0-megapixel

Should Apple license FairPlay?

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:03:01 +0000

I wrote a post the other day about how (apparently) the BBC were none too amused that Apple isn’t willing to budge in terms of licensing FairPlay DRM. The context of the post was that the BBC iPlayer team, on the back of uproarious success in the last 12 months, were seeking to add download functionality to the iPhone, on top of the current streaming solution.

Having a streaming-only solution limits you to a watch-now type deal, and that’s really only if you have WiFi handy. With download, place-shifting and time-shifting of TV shows that the BBC has becomes a reality. However, Apple would not play ball and give out the info needed to utilise FairPlay.

As an end-user, I don’t use iPlayer at all on my iPhone – precisely because of the above reason – I don’t want to watch programmes on-demand, it doesn’t interest me at all. What I want to do is select a catalogue of content, that can be downloaded to my device largely whenever. I’ll then pick and choose what to ‘snack’ on, in terms of viewing, when I have a bit of free time.

So the question arises as to whether Apple are doing the right or wrong thing in keeping FairPlay to themselves…

Looking at things from a purely business perspective, Apple are doing exactly the right thing – if you own the entire delivery system, and you have it locked down, then why would you compromise it by having third parties use it? Not only would it present a technical weakness, but Apple’s other business models could potentially suffer. It’s suggested that iTunes doesn’t make that much profit (as compared with the hardware sales of iPods and the like), so breaking the iTunes revenue stream in any small way doesn’t make sense.

But of course appreciating Apple’s business strategy doesn’t make the end-user’s life any easier – I’d like iPlayer truly multi-platform, and it’s infuriating knowing that the BBC are well up for it – it’s just Apple that won’t “PlayFair” (do you see what I did there with that, reversing the word “FairPlay”… ok… nevermind!).

Seriously though, other manufacturers (a la Nokia) have stepped in and enabled download of iPlayer content for the N96 – and I’m sure we’ll see more manufacturers moving the same direction. But Apple is known for marching to it’s own beat, so I expect we are going to have to just wait up until a point where big changes come. And sometimes they can come – a few years back, no-one envisaged DRM-free tracks in iTunes, but, eventually it did happen!

What do you guys think? Should Apple open things up? Or are they right to maintain a closed ecosystem?

Ben

Related News from IntoMobile:

Apple releases iPhone 2.2 OS with Google Maps Street View!

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:29:21 +0000

Apple’s iPhone 2.2 OS has long been expected to bring a host of new features to the iPhone and iPhone 3G. With new feature highlights like Google Maps Street View and a refreshed iPhone Safari UI, the iPhone 2.2 OS promises to take your iPhone to the next level.

And, wouldn’t you know it? Apple has launched the iPhone 2.2 OS, as expected, today!

The iPhone 2.2 OS brings with it these new features:

Google Street View
- Street View takes you on a virtual walking tour: Navigate street-level photographs of places you’ve located in Maps.
Public Transit and Walking Directions
- Get walking directions, find public transit schedules, check fares, and estimate your travel time.
Podcasts
- Get access to millions of free podcasts on the iTunes Store via Wi-Fi or your cellular network.
Safari Improvements
- A new search-friendly user interface, better performance, and more stability make Safari even easier to use.
Home Screen Shortcut
- Take a shortcut from any Home screen back to your first Home screen by pressing the Home button.
Enhancements to Maps
- Display address of dropped pins
- Share location via email
Decrease in call setup failures and dropped calls
Preference to turn on/off auto-correction in Keyboard Settings
Enhancements to Mail
- Resolved isolated issues with scheduled fetching of email
- Improved formatting of wide HTML email
Improved sound quality of Visual Voicemail messages

Jailbreak fanatics looking forward to a future iPhone 3G software-based unlock solution would do well to take heed. Do NOT update your iPhone 3G to this latest iPhone 2.2 OS until the iPhone Dev Team releases their PwnageTool jailbreak solution for the iPhone 2.2 OS. Updating your iPhone 3G to iPhone 2.2 OS without using PwnageTool jailbreak procedures will flash your iPhone 3G with a newer baseband firmware that may not be compatible with a future unlock solution from the iPhone Dev Team. Sit tight, The Team has already jailbroken a beta version of the iPhone 2.2 OS, so it shouldn’t be too long before PwnageTool gets updated to handle the new firmware.

Related News from IntoMobile:

Nextar Peanut MP3 Player

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:25:30 +0000

MP3 Players are nothing new, especially those non-video playing brands like the iPod nano and the Creative Zen Stone. It appears that Nextar is getting in on this midget MP3 action with the Nextar MA588, otherwise known as the Peanut.

It is called the Peanut for its shape, and it is available in both 1GB and 2GB capacity. It also has high speed 2.0 USB interface for fast file transfer, and it can provide 12 hours of continuous playback with one AAA battery.

The Nextar Peanut also has seven equalizer modes including normal, pop, rock, classical, jazz, bass, and soft. There are also associated play modes such as repeat one, repeat all, shuffle, intro, repeat folder, and random. The user support is available in seven different languages, and the entire device is only 2 inch long.

It sounds like Nextar wants this to arrive around Christmas, and they seem to market the Peanut as a stocking stuffer. I have to admit, that this device sounds like one of those “perfect gift” items.

The MA588 is available in five different colors including black, pink, red, blue, and silver. It is available at Staples, K-Mart, Bon Ton, Canadian Tire and other retailers. The price is about $19.99 for the 1GB version, and $29.99 for the 2GB.

Source

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool
[ Nextar Peanut MP3 Player copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Otterbox Impact - for iPhone 3G

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:52:34 +0000

Otterbox, which makes the pretty-much indestructible Defender series of cases for iPhones and iPods now has a new line, dubbed the Impact Series which offers protection without the bulk.

Available in black or white, the Impact Series features durability, impact absorbing features and style in a single, slim-fit Silicone layer. All buttons, ports and functions are accessible right through the case, of course. The ergonomic design also has a function - the inner corners have been engineered to dissipate impact AWAY from your device in case of an accidental fall.

If you're prone to dropping your electronics, stick with the Defender, but if your favorite gadget has never met the floor, feel free to switch to the form-fitting Impact case. ($19.99 at Otterbox). Also available at Amazon.

Posted by Evan Category: accessories | cell phones | portable media
Tags: apple iphone
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Toxix - stereo headhphones

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:44:33 +0000

When I initially saw these on the ifrogz website, they looked so cool I had to own a pair. But when they arrived I was so disappointed - they look and feel cheap and the sound is only fair. For $19.99, maybe we were expecting too much, but they should re-think their pitch and aim them to kids, who might be thrilled.

We're still a big fan of their cases though, and check out the awesome sale on iPod and iphone cases (25% off new 3G cases!).

Posted by Evan Category: accessories | devices | portable media
Tags: headphones
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Neuros Link gives your Television Access to Online Video Streaming

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:36:25 +0000

Since I do a lot of work on my computer during prime time hours, I miss a lot of shows. I do most of my serious TV watching from network websites on my laptop. Personally, I think video streaming is one of the greatest inventions for those who don’t own a TiVo. Now I can watch Chuck, Heroes, and all my favorite television shows with limited commercial interruptions.

The only thing that I miss is watching my favorite programs on my television itself. Generally I watch them on a tiny screen in the corner while I am doing other work. However, I could get a Neuros Link, which will give my television access to sites such as CBS, Hulu, CNN.com, FanCast, NBC.com, even YouTube.

The Neuros Link can be connected to the television via HDMI, with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1200 of 1080p. Other features include 1GB of RAM, 4GB of flash, Gigabit Ethernet support, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, and 6 USB 2.0 ports. Control of the Neuros Link is attainable with the wireless Neuros Keymote, a 2.4 GHz keyboard with a trackball mouse.

Right now, this is still in the Gamma phase of launch, but it should be about $299 with no additional subscription fees when becomes available.

Source

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Neuros Link gives your Television Access to Online Video Streaming copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Mark/Space Brings Fliq to the App Store

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:56:48 +0000

Last month the folks over at Mark/Space launched Fliq in the App Store. Not sure how I missed this one but I figured I should mention it here. Fliq is a free social networking app that allows you to send or ‘beam’ photos and contacts to one another on the same Wi-Fi network. The handy thing about Fliq is there are no configurations to setup. It’s a stand alone app that just works.

Using Fliq is extremely easy. First, choose the contact you want to ‘Fliq’ to. Second, pick a contact or photo you want to send to that contact. Third… Fliq it! Easy!

In the official launch press release CEO of Mark/Space Brian Hall said:

“Fliq offers real-time social networking between friends in close proximity…There’s no emailing, texting or instant messaging configurations to set because Fliq is a stand-alone app that allows users to sync up to share photos and contacts with anyone else on the same Wi-Fi network.”

As I’m punching out this post here, I’m installing Fliq on my iPhone. The app is completely free, and weighs in at a tiny 430KB. You can grab Fliq in the App Store right here (iTunes link alert). I think I may try sending some photos to some others around my office here….

Thanks Lakeith!

Related News from IntoMobile:

Motorola QA4 site Bluetooth SIG

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:04:40 +0000

At the site of the organization Bluetooth SIG was a reference to the new mobile device from Motorola - QA4. As usual, the documentation for Bluetooth SIG, very little information is known only that the model is designed for the North American market. Although there has been rumors that the code name Motorola QA4 - Halo, as well as become familiar features of the phone, though not confirmed officially.

Characteristics of Motorola QA4 Halo:

• Networks CDMA 1x EV-DO Rev. A (800/1900 MHz and 1700/2100 MHz)
• 2,8-inch display with a resolution of 240x400 pixels, support for 65K colors and tactile response
• Interface-based widgets
• 2-Mp camera
• accelerometer
• microSD-slot
• Interface - USB 2.0, Bluetooth 2.0

Dual Alarm Clock Radio

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:04:26 +0000

Docking connector for all iPod / iPhone.
Price: US$38.00 from brando

Features:
Volume control
Powered by AC power
iPod mode - Press the function button to reach iPod mode (rest & up button to shuffle songs forwards and backwards on your iPod)
Radio mode - Press the function button to select the radio mode (up button to select the desired frequency and reset button to return the 87.80mhz frequency)
Alarm mode - Press alarm1/alarm2 button adjust the alarm.
Connect to your CD, MP3 or MP4 - Press the function button to the AUX mode
Snooze Nap Sleep Setting
Connect the iPod to Dock connector and plug the AC adapter to charge iPod battery

Specification:
Frequency: FM87.8-108mhz
Antenna FM: Wire Antenna
Power required: DC 9V, 6x1.5V AA/UM3 battery for play & time memory
Adapter: AC/DC DC9V 800mA

Package Include:
AC Power adapter (US Type ; Input: 100-240V~50/60Hz 0.30A MAX ; Output: 9.0V=800mA)
iPod Dock
3.5mm Stereo converter

Model:
iPhone 2G
iPhone 3G
iPod mini
iPod Touch 1-2nd Generation
iPod nano 1-3rd Generation
iPod 1-5th Generation
iPod classic
iPod Shuffle 1-2nd Generation

Taiwan market: Chunghwa Telecom reveals details of new value-added service platform to launch alongside iPhone 3G

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:04:22 +0000

Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) on November 20 unveiled Hami, a package of free value-added services specifically designed for CHT 3G subscribers using iPhone 3G handsets. Hami will be launched alongside the iPhone 3G in December, according to CHT.

The name Hami derives from the Chinese for honeydew melon, continuing the fruity theme of the iPhone, and was chosen as it sounds like "happy me" in English, according to CHT's explanation. (This "creative" use of naming is not uncommon in the local market.) More interesting, the fact that CHT has demonstrated Hami in action this week despite announcing it had inked the deal with Apple to distribute the iPhone in Taiwan only last weekend, is evidence that the companies must have reached an agreement some time earlier.

Hami consists of 11 services including news, weather, stock market tracker etc., CHT indicated. CHT will set up an editing team responsible for producing audio/video and image content for Hami, the company noted.

Although CHT has not yet announced pricing for the iPhone 3G and related services, it is speculated the telco will subsidize the handset to cost NT$0 for an 8GB model and NT$2,990 (US$90) for a 16GB model along with a two-year contract, according to industry sources.

CHT currently offers the HTC Diamond at a subsidized cost of NT$2,990 alongside a NT$1,683 per month two-year 3G service contract. The company also announced recently a voice and 3G data tariff costing N$1,789 per month. As is typical for the Taiwan market, neither of these tariffs include any free call or data allowance, instead charges are deducted from the monthly subscription fee, before the company bills for any excess or ineligible charges (as defined by the contract).

Chunghwa Telecom will offer Hami, value-added services tailored for its iPhone 3G users