Macnn | The Macintosh News Network

Verizon ads label iPhone a "misfit toy"

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/iphone-verizonchristmasad.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Verizon this weekend stepped up the pressure in its anti-AT&T campaign with three new ads (viewable below). The lead ad, "Misfit Toys," attacks the iPhone's attachment to AT&T and says it belongs on Rudolph's Island of Misfit Toys for running on a network with relatively low 3G coverage. Unlike the recent Droid ads, the new commercials take care to praise the phone but attack the network, suggesting Verizon is backing away from direct criticism of Apple....

Droid sells one tenth iPhone's numbers on launch

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:25:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/motodroid-box.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />The Motorola Droid's quiet launch achieved just a tenth the sales of the iPhone 3GS, according to estimates by Broadpoint AmTech analyst Mark McKechnie. He determines in a note released yesterday that Verizon sold 100,000 of the Android phones on launch weekend, or just a fraction of the 1 million iPhone 3GS units that were sold when AT&T launched that device in June. The researcher also estimates that Verizon still had 100,000 Droids in stock by the end of Sunday where Apple's phone encountered weeks-long shortages, particularly outside of the US....

Early Windows 7 sales smash all-time records

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/steveballmer-sm.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Sales of Windows 7 have broken Microsoft's sales records for an initial operating system launch, company CEO Steve Ballmer said at a Japanese press event today. The executive said early sales have been "fantastic" and that the new OS has generated more revenue in its first 10 days than any earlier version of Windows during a similar timeframe. He declined to provide specific revenue or unit numbers....

The Beatles offer catalog on USB drive without DRM

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:40:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/beatlesusbstick.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />The Beatles on Wednesday surprised the music industry by offering their collection outside of a disc for the first time. The Limited Edition USB Stick carries the entire LP collection of the British band in a stereo mix along with the mini-documentaries, album art and liner notes from the remastered CDs. Significantly, all of the songs come both in unprotected 320Kbps MP3 as well as in a similarly unguarded, lossless FLAC and should work on most any computer or portable player....

Verizon dismisses lack of Droid queues, calls lines "flashy"

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/motodroid-lineup2.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />The absence of long lines at most Verizon stores for the Motorola Droid is a positive sign, company spokesman David Samberg claimed today. According to the representative, Verizon believes early queues as "not really the goal" and that they are "flashy" more than a sign of actual built-up demand. The carrier would prefer to see a regular flow over coming weeks rather than an initial rush....

Droid sees short launch lines [U]

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:10:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/motodroid-lineup.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />(Updated with additional lineup details) Early reports have suggested relatively small lineups for the Droid at Verizon stores. Visitors to most stores have seen lines of several people or less, with others seeing no lineups even with later early opening 8AM openings. The midnight opening at Verizon's 34th Street Manhattan store has also been described as modest, with one report so far suggesting that only 20 were in queue roughly an hour before it opened and no reports of the line growing much larger by 12AM....

Kaspersky intros Anti-Virus for Mac

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:15:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/kasptemp.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Kaspersky has introduced Anti-Virus for Mac, a port of its long-running Windows and Linux software designed to cope with threats such as worms, Trojans and bots. Some features include e-mail and attachment protection, as well as download scans, and alerts on blocked files and programs. The software recognizes up to 30,000 threats; self-protection functions guard settings with a password, and attempt to prevent techniques from being modified or deleted....

Comcast implements new throttling system [U]

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/comcastcablemodem-sm.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />(Update clarifying timing) Comcast in a new FCC notice (PDF) revealed that it has already begun implementing a new throttling system. The approach is now service-agnostic and will lower the priority of any data packets if a user's cable modem either tops 70 percent of download or upload bandwidth for more than 15 minutes or else is flagged as bogging down the CMTS node, which manages a neighborhood's cable modem traffic....

Final Mac OS X 10.6.2 update breaks Atom support

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:30:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0910/intelatomz500-sm.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Apple's final Mac OS X 10.6.2 update breaks support for Intel's Atom CPUs, according to an OSNews report. The company's intent was unclear as the software was under development. Early builds dropped compatibility for the components, although subsequent versions seemingly returned the support....

Spanish translation of Mein Kampf appears on App Store

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:50:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/meinkampf.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />A Spanish translation of Mein Kampf has been launched at the App Store, observers note. Written in the 1920s by Adolf Hitler, the book is both an autobiography and a charter of the fascist, anti-Semitic policies that would come to guide the Third Reich. No other version of the book is available as a standalone app, and its icon is the Nazi Party emblem, complete with swastika....

Users encounter early Magic Mouse issues

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:35:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/mm1.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />In spite of the relative newness of the Magic Mouse, some complaints have begun emerging on Apple's support forums. Anticipated drag and swipe functions are sometimes said to be failing, leaving only regular click commands available. When the special wireless mouse software is applied, a Mac may still fail to detect a Magic Mouse....

First iPhone worm targets Australians

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:55:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/worm.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />The first known iPhone worm has been observed in the wild, reports say. Called Ikee, the worm is considered relatively inoffensive, as it does not steal information or sabotage hardware or software. Instead the package merely changes a phone's wallpaper to a photo of singer Rick Astley before seeking out more points to infect....

Steve Jobs takes Fortune CEO of the Decade title

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:05:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0909/jobs.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Apple head Steve Jobs has been chosen as Fortune's CEO of the Decade. The magazine claims that "the past decade in business belongs to Jobs," not only because of his personal and corporate wealth, but the way he has "radically and lucratively reordered three markets," specifically movies, music and cellphones. His impact is also said to extend to computers, though it is less pronounced....

Apple breaking Atom chip support in 10.6.2?

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:20:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0910/intelatomz500-sm.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Apple may have taken out support for Atom processors in its latest beta seed of Mac OS X 10.6.2, one user says. Those testing it claim Apple has changed support in a way that breaks compatibility with the small Intel chips, including their ability to enter sleep mode through an unofficial extension. If it reaches the final build, the move leaves those making "Hackintosh" systems with little choice either to stay with 10.6.1 or else to wait for an unofficial fix....

AT&T sues Verizon over "there's a map for that" ads

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:40:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/htcimagio-verizon.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />AT&T on Tuesday sued Verizon for allegedly misleading customers with its...

Apple rejects Bobble Rep app for objectionable caricatures

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:45:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/bobblesml.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Apple has rejected an iPhone app for containing caricatures of politicians, frustrating yet another developer. The app, Bobble Rep, provides a database with the members of Congress, enabling users to navigate through list of politicians and view contact information. Representatives can be located using a zip code or GPS information....

Time changeover generates Snow Leopard problems

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0908/snowleopard.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />The flip from daylight savings to standard time has created unusual problems for Snow Leopard owners, Apple's support forums indicate. Some Mac users note that nearing the point of the official changeover, 2AM on November 1st, their CPU usage peaked as high as 100 percent for no apparent reason. Aside from rendering software unusable, such spikes also run the risk of overheating a computer....

Apple to up-end TV with $30 iTunes subscription?

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:10:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0909/itunes9.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Apple could upturn the entire TV market by offering an iTunes TV subscription service, a prominent rumor says today. iTunes head Eddy Cue is believed to be pitching the idea of a $30 monthly plan that would give users much broader access, much like conventional TV. The exact terms aren't specified by the "multiple" MediaMemo tips but wouldn't confine the service to a single device....

Windows 7 SP1 due in less than a year?

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0910/windows7startmenu-sm.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Despite having launched less than two weeks ago, Windows 7 is already on track to have its first service pack ready in less than a year, a timetable posted today suggests. Wzor, one of the sites that slipped out pre-release betas of Windows 7 earlier this year, says Microsoft is already aiming to release its first beta of Service Pack 1 to testers by December and to offer a public beta by January. After this and a second beta, Microsoft is scheduled have two release candidates and to release to manufacturing (RTM) as early as June or as late as August....

Patent suggests simpler sync for Apple devices

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:35:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/grabgo.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Apple may be working on an easier and more comprehensive method of syncing data between devices, a new patent application hints. Even the company's current technology, built into iTunes and iSync, is described as too complex. "Though a user may have access to two similarly capable electronic devices, sharing data between the two devices may involve a number of steps," the application reads....

Radio Shack to sell iPhone

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:40:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/radioshack-sm.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Radio Shack in a terse notice today said it would begin selling the iPhone 3G and 3GS in its retail stores later this month. The initial rollout is small and will be limited to certain company-run stores in the Dallas/Fort Worth area as well as in New York City. Expansion to all of its stores isn't expected until 2010....

Apple readying dual-mode GSM/CDMA iPhone?

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:50:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/iphone3gs-sm.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />An analyst report sent today hints at Apple producing an iPhone that would work with both GSM and CDMA networks. The OTR Global note obtained by AppleInsider claims to know of an iPhone in development with a hybrid Qualcomm chipset that will support the two normally incompatible standards. It would support UMTS-based 3G on carriers like AT&T and would presumably support EVDO-based 3G on Verizon and similar CDMA carriers....

iPhone hits 17% smartphone share, passed by BlackBerry

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:45:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/iphone3gs-3sm.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Apple gained market share in the summer but slipped in the face of tougher competition, according to new IDC data. The iPhone's share of smartphones grew from 16.6 percent to 17.1 percent during the quarter but was overtaken by Research in Motion's record BlackBerry sales, which pushed it above Apple from 14.6 percent to 19 percent. The reversal is credited to the BlackBerry's wider distribution and the launch of a pair of key phones, the Tour and the Curve 8520....

Dell Adamo XPS launches above MacBook Air's price

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/delladamoxps.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Dell today officially launched the Adamo XPS, the highest-end version of its designer ultraportable. The system is championed as the thinnest notebook ever and measures just 0.39 inches at its thickest point. Dell accomplishes the feat by tucking most of the computer components into the display section and relying on a unique hinge that opens underneath and acts as a built-in prop . In spite of its slimness, the notebook still has a removable battery, two USB ports and DisplayPort output but also weighs slightly more than its MacBook Air r...

Bell, Telus iPhone plans leaked?

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:15:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0909/iphone-1.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Anonymous sources have leaked the iPhone plans of Canadian carriers Bell and Telus, a report claims. Bell is said to be launching on November 4th with three individual plans, beginning with one costing $55 per month. It includes 300 regular voice minutes, and free calling to local Fab 5 numbers as well as on evenings and weekends after 9PM. The plan also includes 1GB of data with tethering support, and unlimited Wi-Fi at Starbucks Coffee....

Doom creator discusses experiences with Apple

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST

<img align='left' src=' http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/iphonegame.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />id Software co-founder John Carmack has described working with Apple as a "rollercoaster ride" in a new interview, arguing that Apple executives are not happy with the increasing popularity of the iPhone and iPod touch as a gaming platform. Carmack -- responsible for Doom, Quake and other titles -- has spent several years working with Apple in order to get games such as Doom Classic onto the App Store....

Microsoft demos transparent, touchless interface

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/microsofttransparentdisplay.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Microsoft chief research officer Craig Mundie as part of his college tour this week demonstrated a unique concept for a future computing interface that would in many cases go without any touch input. Although it would support pens for precise input, the transparent glass display would also recognize voices and detect touch-free gestures, much as with the Xbox 360's upcoming Project Natal. The system can also detect eyes and navigate based on their gaze....

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Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST

Parallels 5: Faster, more Mac-like

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:00:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0910/parallels.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />The Parallels 5 launch marks the latest salvo in the ongoing battle for those who run Windows on their Macs. The virtualization software has been updated with significant interface and speed improvements aimed at keeping the company's market share lead over the recently updated VMware Fusion. The new software adds substantial interface improvements, allowing users to choose how much, or how little, they want to see of the Windows interface. Parallels 5 is faster, while graphics performance has been substantially increased....

Senator's bill would bar cellphone ETF rate spikes

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:10:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/htcimagio-verizon2.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Minnesota Democrat Senator Amy Klobuchar said on Monday that she will introduce a measure to prevent US cellular carriers from raising their early termination fees (ETFs) quickly. The move is a direct reaction to Verizon's decision to double ETF rates for "advanced devices" like the Droid to deter customers from exiting their service early. Klobuchar claims the rate hike has "little to no relation" to the cost of the phone and that it punishes those who depend on cellphones and have to quit for honest reasons, such as moving into regions that don't have coverage....

Windows 7 sends PC sales up 40% in first week

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:35:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/windows7homepremium-sm.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />The launch of Windows 7 has triggered at least a temporary spike in PC sales, Morgan Stanley analyst Katheryn Huberty says in an investment note issued yesterday. Pointing to NPD sales data, the researcher notes that computer sales jumped about 40 percent during the week of Microsoft's OS launch compared to the same time a year earlier. The number is partly offset by buyers holding off on purchases during the previous two weeks, when sales dropped 29 percent and then 2 percent versus 2008, but is well above earlier weeks, when sales were up by at most 19 percent....

Samsung to abandon Windows Mobile for Android?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/samsunggalaxy.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Samsung is about deal Microsoft one of its most severe blows yet by dropping Windows Mobile from most of its phones, an investment note issued today says. HMC Investment Securities analyst Greg Noh understands that the Korean company's use of Windows Mobile will crash from 80 percent this year to just 50 percent in 2010 and will lower further still in future years. Just 20 percent of Samsung's phones should use the platform by 2012....

T-Mobile suffers nationwide outage

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:45:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/samsungbeholdii-2.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />T-Mobile users tonight have been reporting a widespread outage of service across the US. Those affected are finding themselves unable to call or use data services like 3G or messaging. The exact cause of the outage isn't currently known....

BlackSn0w jailbreaks iPhones with 05.11.07 baseband

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:50:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/blacksnow.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Blackra1n coder George Hotz has released blacksn0w, a new jailbreaking utility that unlocks iPhone firmware v3.1.2 and the latest baseband v05.11.07. The tool now allows users to upgrade to v3.1.2 from older firmware without losing the unlock. The process also enables tethering, allowing the handset to be used as a computer-connected modem even on carriers, such as AT&T, that still block the function....

Italian company entering Mac clone business

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:45:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/evo.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />An Italian computer maker is the latest company to ignore Apple's Mac OS X license agreement and launch a new series of Mac clones, according to the Italian site Macity. The startup Engineering Project recently launched a site promoting its upcoming EVO computers, which are allegedly compatible with several platforms including Mac OS X....

Apple TV 3.0.1 fixes "disappearing" media

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:25:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/appletv-sm.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Apple in a rare weekend update released Apple TV 3.0.1. The firmware upgrade, accompanied by a support document, mends a flaw which made music, video and other content from "disappearing" until the Apple TV next syncs with its host iTunes computer. The company urges customers to apply the update "immediately" and suggests rebooting the Apple TV followed by checking for an update in the Settings menu....

Verizon to topple AT&T, take smartphone lead?

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:15:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0910/motodroid-2.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />A slip of new data today suggests Verizon may be planning a full assault on AT&T's command of the US smartphone market. One historically accurate contact for BGR says Verizon is watching its launch of the Motorola Droid very closely and, if successful, will accelerate smartphone launches it would have put off until early 2010. These would include particularly advanced devices like the Android-based HTC Dragon and Motorola Calgary, the former of which could launch on November 27th in place of the BlackBerry Curve2....

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Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:15:00 EST

ACTA terms may force ISP anti-piracy, 3 strikes rules

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:35:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/gavel-sm.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />A leaked set of proposals for the Anti-Counterfeit Trade Agreement (ACTA) suggests the international deal will require harsh online anti-piracy measures. The draft will reportedly force Internet providers in all member states to actively police copyright on their networks. To qualify for safe harbor and reduce their liability, the ISPs would also have to implement "gradual response" rules like France's three-strike law that initially warn and eventually punish those said pirating content, likely forcing them offline....

Orange UK responds to iPhone data plan criticisms

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:25:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/iphonesml.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Orange UK has begun publicly responding to criticisms of its upcoming iPhone plans. At the center of complaints is the company's unlimited data provision, attached to each iPhone subscription. In reality data use is restricted by a 750MB "fair usage" policy, in sharp contrast to other iPhone carriers, such as O2 UK and AT&T....

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Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:25:00 EST

Analyst warns Droid will hurt BlackBerry, Palm

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:15:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0910/motodroid-sm.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Citigroup analyst Jim Suva today signaled a major rethink of its approach to cellphone shares by downgrading both Palm and Research in Motion stock to a "sell" recommendation. The about-face comes as a direct result of the Motorola Droid and a belief that the Android phone is a dark horse which will upset phones like the BlackBerry range or the Pre by upstaging them both at work and through sheer publicity....

Apple continues to block 3G VoIP on iPhones

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0910/iphone-skype.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Apple is still preventing the use of 3G VoIP on iPhones, according to observers. While Wi-Fi has always been an option for Skype and other iPhone VoIP apps, 3G calling has typically been blocked out of bandwidth concerns, and the potential for depriving cellphone carriers -- namely AT&T -- of voice revenue. In regions with unlimited data, 3G VoIP could effectively circumvent minute limitations....

Apple tops in retail, universal stores lead online

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:20:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/applestorerideau.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Apple leads in brick-and-mortar retail stores but is no match for more universally oriented stores online, Consumer Reports says in its December issue (subscription needed for results). Of all major physical retailers, Apple scores the highest in a reader study. Although tied with Costco for an official 90-point score, it ranks highest through its perceived product quality, customer help and the ease of the buying process....

Kingston, Paramount to sell movies on flash memory

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:20:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0910/kingston32gbsdhc-sm.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Kingston and Paramount unveiled an unusual deal today that will see the latter's movies made available on SD cards and USB flash drives. The partners haven't detailed the formats involved but say the movies will be available both in bundles as well as individually. Neither company has committed to a release date....

Hilton to launch several iPhone hotel apps

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:35:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/hiltonapp.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Hilton Worldwide has announced plans to launch several free iPhone applications, supporting the company's various hotel chains. When arriving in a particular city, users will be able to locate the nearest Hilton-owned hotels, and make, cancel or alter reservations. Other planned options include room service, and the ability to check loyalty points....

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Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:35:00 EST

Ionic batteries could multiply battery life by 11

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:40:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/macbookpro-batteryindicator.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />A new development by partly government-backed Fluidic Energy could potentially extend the battery life of notebooks, cars and other devices well beyond existing lithium-ion cells. Known as Metal-Air Ionic Liquid (MAIL), it would improve energy storage beyond relatively efficient zinc-air batteries by using an ionic liquid salt to conduct electricity that is much more stable and isn't prone to drying out either by accident or by eventual decay. The move would let battery makers use metals denser than zinc and therefore hold a much larger charge in a given volume....

Apple to hire new iPhone security manager

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:45:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0910/dutchhack.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Apple is looking to hire a new iPhone manager with significant responsibilities, observers note. In particular the company is now searching for an "iPhone OS Platform Security Manager," who will be responsible for a team securing the booting, installation and running of the firmware. The worker is also expected to help plot a roadmap for iPhone security, and bring at least three years of experience running a development team, plus hands-on knowledge in designing against hardware and software exploits....

Microsoft cuts 800 extra jobs

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:05:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/windows7ultimate-photo.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Microsoft today confirmed late rumors and said it has cut 800 additional jobs. The positions are spread across many of the company's divisions and are above and beyond the 5,000 cuts planned at the start of the year. No direct explanation is given other than that the company says it still has to "manage [its] businesses closely" and watch for where it can trim costs....

Windows 7 retail sales 234% higher than for Vista

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:45:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/windows7homepremium-sm.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />The NPD Group today revealed that initial Windows 7 sales were more than twice as strong as for Vista. Although declining to provide the number of copies estimated sold, the researchers note that boxed, retail unit sales of the new OS were 234 percent higher in the first few days than the 2007 release. The jump is credited to both to steep pre-order discounts, strong marketing and similar approaches that helped ship a large number of initial copies....

Sony Ericsson debuts flagship X10 with 1GHz Snapdragon CPU

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:55:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/x10_sml.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Sony Ericsson has unveiled its latest flagship handset, the XPERIA X10, which had been previously referred to by the codename Rachael. The smartphone is promised to be the first of many devices built upon the company's Android-based UX "Open OS" platform. The X10 is the highest-end Android phone to date and features a fast 1GHz Snapdragon CPU, a 4-inch capacitive touchscreen with a 480x854 resolution, and an 8.1 megapixel camera with LED flash and autofocus....

Apple's Wireless Keyboard update supports new features

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:35:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/keyboard.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Apple on Monday released a Leopard software update for its latest aluminum Wireless Keyboard released this year. The update provides support for the keyboard's special features including the function keys for display brightness, Dashboard, Spaces, iTunes playback control and speaker volume....

Sony launches 1,000 Ringtones DVD for iPhone

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:35:00 EST

<img align='left' src='http://photos.macnn.com/news/0911/1000ringtones.jpg' border='0' width='176' height='120' />Sony's Creative Software division has released 1,000 Ringtones, a collection primarily intended for iPhone owners. The $20 DVD contains both M4R and MP3 files, the former of which can simply be added to iTunes for later device sync. The MP3s are meant for a broader selection of phones, such as those made by Sony Ericsson....