Apple TV leads pack
A new breed of retail-based Internet video delivery devices has emerged over the past few years, lead by the $300 Apple TV wireless set-top-box, claims ABI Research. However, the firm notes in a new report that these devices have had difficulty resonating with consumers, largely due to their higher prices and competition from legacy set-top boxes, as well as confusion over the benefits they will ultimately bring to the buyer.
Overall, ABI Research believes that this new breed of devices will see shipments of 1.2 million in 2008.
�Since this category first emerged in 2004-2005 with the debut of Akimbo�s public Internet VOD product, vendors of these products have struggled with a number of hurdles that have so far made this market relatively unsuccessful,� said research director Michael Wolf. �The high cost of these devices, their reliance on the home network, the need for consumer self-installation, and the scarcity of content have all contributed to their lack of commercial success.�
Nonetheless, ABI believes that two factors offer new hope for these devices. While early examples lacked significant amounts of content, new models such as Vudu�s video device have significant libraries, including high definition movies. Additionally, the firm noted that consumers� growing hunger for both user-generated and professionally produced content on the Internet could create greater demand for these new devices.
�This market will continue to be challenged by traditional set-top boxes, which are incorporating more VOD and public Internet delivery features, and by the emergence of VOD services on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and those such as the TiVo/Amazon Unbox offering,� Wolf added. �However, we believe that there is a possibility of a break-out success among these new entrants if they can create compelling content offerings, make consumer installation and management incredibly easy, and offer both the hardware and content at compelling pricing. We believe one way to achieve this is by incorporating some premium content using advertising support."
QuickBooks warning
Meanwhile, some users of Intuit's Mac QuickBooks software
were blind-sided this weekend when an automatic software update to the accounting software wound up deleting the entire contents of their Mac's desktop folder.
Apparently, there was a problem with the update for QuickBooks Pro Mac for version 2006 and 2007 that displayed the following message: "there is not enough disk space to install." User's who agreed to proceed with the installation knowing they did have the required space subsequently found the contents of their Desktop folder missing upon restart.
Intuit claims to have identified and resolved the issue, removing the automatic software update from its servers. However, those users who have already installed the update should contact
Intuit's technical support team, which has undoubtedly scurried into emergency damage control mode.
Pension fund to press forth with suit
The pension fund for New York City's public employees is
pushing forward with its lawsuit against Apple, even though a federal judge's ruling suggests shareholders don't have a case against the company.
Last month, U.S. District Judge Jeremy Fogel of San Jose granted Apple's
motion for dismissal in the stock options backdating suit brought against chief executive Steve Jobs and thirteen other current and former members of the company's leadership, stating that shareholders hadn't suffered financial damages from the events because the company's shares continued to surge.
Fogel advised the shareholders to join a derivative suit, on behalf of the company, which would mean plaintiffs would not stand to receive payouts. However, the NY Sun reports that the New York City group decided not to heed the advice, and on Friday re-filed a new version of the suit seeking damages.
Apple seeks 'Triple Play' trademark
Finally, AppleInsider has learned that Apple recently filed for a trademark on the phrase 'Triple Play' through an overseas trademark office.
The filing, which remains under examination, described Triple Play as a "retail store services in the field of entertainment, namely, musical, audio and audiovisual works and related merchandise, provided via the internet and other computer and electronic communication networks."
While Apple does not offer a distinct service under the "Triple Play" name, it does currently offer "
3 for 2 Triple Plays" via its iTunes download service. Essentially a video discount deal, iTunes Triple Plays offer three music videos ($1.99 each) from select artists for the price of two ($3.99).
People familiar with the matter say developers could receive an initial test build as early as this week. Mac OS X 10.5.2 will serve as the second maintenance and security update to Leopard since the software went on sale in late October.
Thus far, details of what to expect from the 10.5.2 update are unknown, though rumors published last month by MacBidouille suggested the software was being positioned for a release alongside new hardware at next month's Macworld Expo.
The Mac news and rumor publication cited sources who said the update would be instrumental to the launch of Apple's new Penryn-based 45-nanometer Mac Pro workstations -- the same systems which AppleInsider said earlier this year would clock up to the 3.2GHz via two quad-core Intel "Harpertown" Xeon chips.
MacBidouille said Apple is reworking some of Leopard's codebase via Mac OS X 10.5.2 to optimize it for the SSE4 instructions found within the new Penryn chips and the Penryn architecture as a whole, both of which promise speed gains above and beyond clock speed boosts.
The current version of Leopard is Mac OS X 10.5.1, which was released a little over a month ago. Since then, Apple has begun updating all retail copies of Leopard to include the enhancements and bug fixes delivered by that release.
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Click the image to read the full review(Credit: CNET Networks)Forget the smog-spewing oil-burners of old--a whole new generation of cleaner diesel cars is on its way to U.S. showrooms. In anticipation of the new wave of European-sourced diesels, we got our hands on an Euro-spec Audi A6 3.0 CDI to see how it compared with its gasoline equivalent. Having put it through a number of highly scientific emissions tests and the obligatory zero-to-60 run, we have to admit to being fairly impressed. Check out our photos of the Euro-spec Audi A6 diesel.
 (Credit: BestBuy) You gotta love flash memory for MP3 players right now: it's dirt cheap. I'm in the midst of reviewing the Insignia Pilot, Best Buy's latest portable media device, and I discovered that the company's Web site is selling the 8GB version for just $150--that's a pretty freakin' sweet deal if you ask me. The player features built-in stereo Bluetooth, an SD card expansion slot for adding more memory, an FM radio, recording features, dual headphone jacks, Rhapsody DNA integration, Windows and Mac compatibility...not to mention compatibility with MP3, WMA, WMA Lossless, WMA DRM, WMA Pro, OGG, WAV, and Audible. Um, I'm pretty sure my jaw just hit the floor. Not that it's perfect--the sound quality is about average, for example--but I don't know where you can find a better value at this moment. (If you do, feel free to share in the comments.)
 Darth Vader's lightsaber(Credit: CNET Networks) Crave's sister site News.com has excerpted another of TechRepublic's "Cracking open" series, where they dive into the insides of some favorite electronic devices. Today it's Darth Vader's lightsaber. No, really--a Lucas-licensed reproduction manufactured with care. Must be seen to be believed. Check it out here: " Photos: Cracking open a lightsaber"
Filed under: Portables, Software Update, Macbook Pro, Mac Pro  If you own a MacBook or MacBook Pro and have had keyboard problems, Apple just released a software update that will (hopefully) fix this issue! This problem was first spotted when users started upgrading to Leopard. Some users have reported that their keyboards temporarily freeze, especially in Carbon apps such as MS Office 2004. Apple states, "Some MacBook and MacBook Pro systems may occasionally experience a temporary suspension of keyboard input which can last a minute or longer." You can download the update from the Apple Support website or via Software Update. Thanks to everyone who sent this in.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Click the image to read the full review(Credit: CNET Networks)Audi's performance team obviously had plenty of creative juices left after completing the R8. With a 354-horsepower V-8, an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system, and the boldest beltline since the BMW 335i coupe, the A5-based S5 is a great combination of performance, onboard gadgetry, and gorgeous exterior styling. Check out our review and photos of Ingolstadt's new M3 killer.
 Segas Sonic the Hedgehog can now be found (legally) on your iPod. Dont keep him waiting.(Credit: CNET Networks) Excuse our lack of productivity today--we've got a hedgehog in the office. Sonic the Hedgehog that is. Sega's 16-bit classic has made its way onto the iPod games section of iTunes ( link) this morning and can be had for a mere $4.99. In comparison, the Wii version of the title, which launched just a month ago runs for nearly twice as much at 800 Wii points ($8). The controls use the circular iPod touch wheel as a four-way d-pad, with the center button acting just like the original ABC buttons from the first Genesis controller. They take a little bit of time to get used to, but manage to do the job admirably, at least on the earlier levels. However for the bonus levels, and more platform intensive stages where jumping must be exact, you'll find yourself wishing for something with a little more finesse. Despite the fudgy controls, the game's got some added goodies not found in the original. You can turn off the game's soundtrack in place of your own, while retaining some of the wonderful 90s era sound effects. There's also a save anywhere system, and support for multiple player profiles in case you want to share the game with someone else without losing your progress. We're still not sold on the controls, but for $5 it's got a lot going for it compared to some of the other iPod gaming titles.
Filed under: Macworld  As Macworld creeps nearer, locals may want to start searching Craigslist for part-time Macworld jobs. Typical listings include Booth/Promo Girls, Spokesmodels and Bouncer Type Males. If last year is anything to go by, you should be able to get hired up until the last second. SFGate writes that models could earn from $100 per day and bouncers from $150 up. I suppose that hiring and payrates will depend on your Macbabalicious or Frankenscary-bouncer quotient but given our reader pool, I'm sure you guys will be earning top Macworld dollar! Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Gaming, iPod Family, iTS, Apple, Stocking Stuffers  Listen up iPod nano (3rd Generation), iPod Classic and 5th Generation iPod owners! Your ability to abstain from buying iPod games could be challenged, for Apple have quietly released Sonic the Hedgehog for your favorite pocket music players. Yes, Sonic the Hedgehog. I can wait here -- you go celebrate this gaming icon making it to Cupertino. You're back? Excellent. Complete with MIDI-esque soundtrack for true 'throw-back-to-Sonic's-golden-era' effect, this new game will cost you $4.99 / £3.99 (yes, almost $8 - pity us Brits) or €4,99 via the iTunes Store and is available now; there's also the usual gifting option, should there be an iPod user in your life you've yet to find gift inspiration for. [Via CVG / David Chartier] - UK iTS Link - US iTS LinkRead | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Macworld, Analysis / Opinion, Cult of Mac, Apple, One More Thing, Holidays  Date: 12/19/2007 To: Santa Steve Re: Making your list, checking it twice
I have been a very good girl been a good girl attempted to be pleasant and accommodating not been indicted this year, even as a co-conspirator, and I sincerely hope that you will inscribe me in the book of life send me the following presents this year: An unlocked G3 iPhone with an optional yet affordable data-only + WiFi service. I know, I know. You're rolling your eyes at Rudolf right now and making snide comments about how much money you earn from the AT&T kickbacks on the cellular voice plans -- but I'm telling you, St. Steve, it's all about volume, volume, volume. If you earn a bit less per customer but you quadzipple your installed base, we're talking win-win here... Continue reading Dear Santa Steve: Newton, Rentals and a Consumer Tower please Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: How-tos, Tips and tricks, Leopard  Over at MurphyMac, Murphy has posted a great tutorial about the new Leopard selection tools for Preview.app. As usual, there's an excellent screencast that walks you through the entire process. The new "Extract Shape" tool lets you draw a rough outline around an object and then use selection handles to fit the outline to the shape. The screen cast then goes on to describe how you can matte around the selection to control the edge texture. It's a tidy and easy-to-follow technique that seems to produce nicely trimmed results. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Stocking Stuffers, Deals, Holidays  Still looking for gifts for your friendly neighborhood switcher or new Leopard user? Nothing says "I love you, but I'm sadly incapable of planning ahead and getting organized enough to buy actual, physical presents" like the gift of eBooks. Well, maybe cash says that too. Anyway, if you were in the market for some topnotch Mac guides, you could take advantage of today's 20%-off MacSanta discount on the Take Control line from TidBITS. Your choices include classics like " Take Control of Thanksgiving Dinner" and " Take Control of Your Domain Names..." not to mention plenty of Mac, iPod and Leopard help. At $8 for most titles with the discount, it's a steal. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Internet Tools, Apple  For those of you running Safari on Windows... yes, we see you there in the back, howzitgoin? The 3.0.4 update version of SfW is now available, featuring a bundle of new features and stability/performance improvements (yay for keyboard shortcuts & horizontal mouse wheel scrolling) and a fix for one security flaw, a bit of a doozie: a cross-site scripting vulnerability that could have opened the browser and the host machine to attack. See the Apple site for the full feature lists. If you're r unning Safari on XP or Vista, we'd love to hear about it; in particular, why? Better security and performance? Less trouble than Firefox, less hackable than IE? Testing sites for Mac or iPhone users? Speak up, the Internet is listening. Continue reading Safari beta for Windows gets security & feature updates Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, OS, Software  NPR hits up the issue of Mac hacking (the bad malware kind, not the good kind), and suggests that Macs are supposedly becoming a bigger target for exploitative folk. While this is a topic that could easily (and does often) degenerate into complete misinformation and FUD, NPR basically acknowledges that Macs are showing up in more and more places (and that includes the iPhone, where even Apple is concerned about security), and that means that they're becoming a juicier target for malware developers. Fortunately, however, a familiar voice shows up later in the report (dig those dulcet tones!) to remind everyone that throughout five iterations of OS X, the malware problems have been hard to find. Malware developers may be trying, but it ain't working. Of course, we can't let this go without noting that this story was inspired in the first place by a PR report released by... you guessed it: an antivirus company. The people who profit off of programs that supposedly prevent malware are claiming that malware is a bigger threat than ever before? Go figure. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Hacks, How-tos, iPhone  A little while back, I posted about some undocumented SpringBoard settings on the iPhone. Many readers seemed to enjoy learning about these settings, but they wanted to avoid performing the esoteric property list edits needed to adjust them. In response, I give you the following: controls that actually show up in your Settings application and allow direct manipulation. Here's what you need to do. You will need secure shell access to your iPhone's command line (ssh).
- Start by backing up your /Applications/ Preferences.app/ Settings-iPhone.plist file. Make sure you copy the file to a safe place so you can recover it if needed.
- Replace that file with http://pastie.textmate.org/124408. Copy the entire property list from the field at the bottom of the screen and paste it into a new text file. Rename that file to Settings-iPhone.plist and place it in /Applications/Preferences.app.
- Run settings, and voila! I divided the settings into two groups. The first group works instantly and you can immediately see their results. For the second group, you must restart SpringBoard (my restart utility may help) for the settings to take effect.
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