IBM bans the use of Siri on its network over data privacy fears

by Cody on May 23, 2012

Have you ever wondered what happens to your conversations with Siri? Obviously your queries are sent over the internet to Apple’s servers for processing, but what then? Does Apple store these conversations? Does anyone have access to them?

These questions seem to be heavy on the mind of IBM’s Jeanette Horan, as the CIO recently told MIT’s Technology Review that her company has banned Siri from their network over fears that the assistant could be logging sensitive information… Read More

 

Meta Watch smart watch now supports iOS devices and Bluetooth 4.0

by Cody on May 22, 2012

Last month, a Kickstarter project by the name of “Pebble” took the iOS community by storm. The iPhone-compatible wristwatch broke practically every Kickstarter record in existence, nabbing $10 million in pledges from 70k backers.

Capitalizing on this newfound demand for iPhone-connected smart watches, Meta Watch has just released an update to its Android companion. The new version includes support for the iPhone 4S and the iPad 3, along with Bluetooth 4.0… Read More

 

Apple ranked as number one brand in the world

by Cody on May 22, 2012

TheNextWeb points to Millard Brown’s 2012 Brandz Top 100 report — an annual study that calculates the brand value of the most popular companies in the world by combining their financial valuations with consumer loyalty and appeal.

As you’ve probably already guessed by now, Apple came in first place with a brand value of $183 billion. This was enough to finish ahead of IBM, Google, McDonalds and Microsoft, who finished in 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th place respectively… Read More

 

Steve Jobs honored at Webby Awards

by Cody on May 22, 2012

This is kind of cool: as noted by CNET, Apple’s late co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs was honored by a number of celebraties and political figureheads, including US President Barack Obama, during the 16th annual Webby Awards yesterday.

The touching video tribute was introduced by actors Justin Long and John Hodgman, known for their roles in the popular “I’m a Mac” TV spots, and came about midway through the award show. Keep reading to see the clip… Read More

 

Rumor: Apple testing new iPhones with 3.95-inch, 1136 x 640 displays

by Cody on May 22, 2012

Reports that Apple will be finally increasing the screen size of its next-generation iPhone have certainly been piling up over the past few weeks. And today, the credible 9to5Mac is throwing its proverbial hat into the ring.

The site has just published a report that, if true, confirms a number of existing theories regarding Apple’s next handset including display size and resolution, and the oft-rumored smaller charging port. Read on for details… Read More

 

Rumor: Sony tapped to provide in-cell displays for next iPhone

by Cody on May 21, 2012

AppleInsider points to a new report from the Taipei Times today claiming that Sony has been tapped to manufacturer displays for Apple’s upcoming smartphone, joining Sharp, Toshiba Mobile and LG.

The most interesting part of the report is that these display panels are going to be using in-cell technology, something we touched on a bit last month, as it could have major implications for the handset… Read More

 

WWDC alternative Indiedevlab announces Saurik and other speakers

by Cody on May 21, 2012

Late last month, Apple finally put the tickets for its highly-anticipated WWDC event up for sale. But within two hours, the tickets were gone, leaving hundreds of developers out to dry. Luckily, there’s another option.

If you’re going to be in the San Francisco area around June 11-14, you might want to check out Indiedevlab. No, Scott Forstall won’t be there giving a rundown of iOS 6 features. But Saurik and others will be attending… Read More

 

The gTar: an iPhone-powered digital guitar

by Cody on May 21, 2012

Wondering where music technology is headed? Look no further than the gTar, by Incident. The iPhone-powered electric guitar not only puts hundreds of songs and digital effects at your finger tips, but it’ll also teach you how to play.

Simply drop your iPhone into the gTar’s 30-pin dock, load up the accompanying app, and an array of interactive LEDs along the fretboard will guide you through your favorite songs. Playing a real instrument has never looked so easy… Read More

 

Despite Qualcomm chip shortages, analyst says next iPhone will feature LTE

by Cody on May 21, 2012

With all of the recent talk regarding the next-generation iPhone’s display, the LTE rumors seem to have faded to the background. Maybe it’s because folks are assuming that, after the third-gen iPad, the feature is a lock for Apple’s next smartphone.

Gene Munster certainly seems to think so. PiperJaffray’s senior Apple analyst told investors today that even though there has been some speculation that a Qualcomm chip shortage could affect Apple’s upcoming handset, it will still ship with LTE compatibility… Read More

 

Why developers aren’t worried about rumored 4-inch iPhone

by Cody on May 21, 2012

After three major news outlets confirmed that Apple was ordering larger smartphone displays last week, the 4-inch iPhone theory is quickly going from rumor to fact. It seems like everyone is giving into the idea, including developers.

GigaOM recently polled a handful of high-profile iOS app-makers regarding the prospect of a larger-screened iPhone. And the general consensus seems to be that they aren’t too worried about it causing any major headaches… Read More