You've probably had the experience of listening to the radio and wondering the name of the song that's playing—maybe it's new to you and you're wondering who the artist is, or maybe it's familiar but you can't remember the name. Now with iOS 8, Siri can help. In the past, you could ask Siri to identify music playing on your device, but with iOS 8 you can ask Siri to identify any ambient music. And, conveniently, Siri also makes it easy to purchase the song or album.
Jim Karpen
WWDC14 Wrap Up: A Stunning Display of Innovation
By Jim Karpen
If there was a common theme for WWDC 2014, Tim Cook articulated it at the end. He said what's great about Apple products is that their operating system, devices, and services work together in harmony, creating a seamless experience for users. And that seamless experience was expanded in dramatic fashion today, with the announcement of new technologies such as HomeKit, HealthKit, iCloud Drive, and Continuity. Apple also announced a ton of new features for built-in apps in iOS 8 such as Mail, Messages, Photos, and Safari.
In a previous post, I reported on the story from Bloomberg that Apple was closing in on a deal with Time Warner and was hoping to introduce a new Apple TV device by April. That's starting to look unlikely. An article in the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that one source familiar with Apple's plans said Apple hopes to release a new device by June, and another said it may not be ready until several months after that. The WSJ article also helps to clarify the earlier reports of Apple's possible deal with Time Warner. The question was whether Apple was still trying to make a deal that would allow it to offer its own cable channels or if it's simply hoping to offer the cable companies a better set-top box. Apple had earlier wanted to offer full seasons of TV shows along with live programming. However, the article says Apple has given up on that idea, given the resistance of the cable providers. Most recently Apple is asking just for the five most recent episodes of TV shows. It's also possible, the article says, that Apple would simply sell the new Apple TV devices to the cable companies, who would then rent them as set-top boxes to subscribers, rather than Apple selling the device directly to consumers.
Rumor: Apple iWatch Facing Manufacturing Challenges
By Jim Karpen
We just keep hearing about an iWatch, so it seems pretty definite Apple is working on such a device. The question is whether they'll bring it to market, since they're known for developing devices that they eventually decide not to release.
Walmart Scan & Go — Use Your iPhone or iPad to Check Out
By Jim Karpen
Walmart's iPhone app, simply called Walmart (free), has a great feature allowing shoppers to use their phones to scan barcodes of the products they’re purchasing. The app totals the cost and lets you quickly check out via the self-checkout lane. The app provides both an electronic and paper receipt.
CBS Launches Free Streaming App for iPhone and iPad
By Jim Karpen
CBS launched a new app Thursday, simply titled CBS (Free), which allows U.S. viewers to stream full HD episodes of many of its popular TV shows from daytime, primetime, and late night. The videos are free, but are offered on a delayed basis. Daytime and late-night shows will be available 24 hours after their original broadcast.
New apps offering a different approach to email is an exciting trend in iOS. And the apps are free! I've recently reviewed the revolutionary Mailbox (for iPhone) and Cloze (iPhone and iPad app), and now comes Incredimail, an email app for the iPad that takes a stunning new approach to visual presentation.
The annual Macworld/iWorld trade show is underway in San Francisco, and Macworld magazine already has named its Best of Show winners. They include some gotta-see gadgets for the iPad and iPhone, such as an iPad robot, an iPad case that doubles as a speaker, and a 1TB external hard drive for the iPhone and iPad.
Today Apple posted their Best of 2012 lists, including Best Apps of 2012. This is an excellent guide to apps that you should consider for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
Why Rush Limbaugh loves Apple
By Jim Karpen
The irony. When Rush Limbaugh and co tried to get Apple to advertise on his popular radio talk show, Apple wouldn't even talk to him. Limbaugh acknowledges that, politically, Apple doesn't have anything in common with him. And he acknowledges that Apple's technology is highly restrictive. But despite all that, he loves Apple products. And on his show yesterday he talked at length why he loves Apple products in response to a caller's questions, making assertions such as: "It's just the stuff works.