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Apple posts iAd Workbench tool, eases minimum ad spend requirement

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated April 18, 2016

It is no secret that iAd, Apple's mobile advertising network based on its Quatro Wireless acquisition, is struggling. Originally conceived to help app makers improve their bottom line by injecting highly engaging interactive iAds into their warez, the platform has been marred with high ad rates, big brand exodus, executive reshuffling and Apple's relative inexperience in running a mobile ad network.

But Apple isn't standing still. Today, the company launched a new iAd Workbench tool that helps its registered developers better target their users, manually, automatically or both. This allows for a much finely-graded targeting criteria, down to the specific device, gender, age, location and preferences...

Ashton Kutcher’s Jobs flick to debut on August 16

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 12, 2013

Following Funny or Die's awfully received iSteve flick, another Steve Jobs biopic is slated for release later this summer. Ashton Kutcher's jOBS film, which debuted at the Sundance festival back in January, was originally slated for a worldwide release on April 19, but got delayed. According to the latest Hollywood chatter, the movie is now set to launch on August 16 in the United States...

Apple’s marketing goes back to its roots

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 12, 2013

Earlier this week, Apple showed the WWDC crowd what could only be described as a pair of mission-statement videos. As we reported, these highlight Apple's renewed focus on simplicity in iOS 7 and underscore its famous 'Designed by Apple in California' signature.

The commercials didn't escape the attention of the eagle-eyed Bloomberg reporters who found out that Apple's long-time advertising agency TBWA\Chiat\Day is responsible for these videos.

Watchful readers will remember that the same agency is behind the company’s most memorable advertisements like the 'Think Different' campaign and the now legendary '1984' ad that launched the original Macintosh.

These clips are reportedly part of Apple's ongoing branding campaign and more will follow soon...

What happened to all of the curse words in iTunes Radio?

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 11, 2018

As expected, Apple introduced a new streaming music service on Monday during its WWDC keynote. It's built into the Music app in iOS 7, and it plays full songs, at random, based on a genre, album or artist of your choosing. It's a lot like Pandora.

But it's better than Pandora. I can't explain it, but I've been using it non stop the past two days and it almost always feels like the DJ is playing my song. Maybe it's magic. Or maybe it's my 5+ years of iTunes purchase history. Either way, it rocks.

My only complaint about the service is that, for some reason, there doesn't seem to be any music with explicit lyrics. Even with rap songs, all I get are edited versions. So I have to ask, Apple, what happened to all of the curse words in iTunes Radio?

Meet Craig Federighi, the head of OS X and iOS

Cody Lee ∙ June 12, 2013

Despite the decidedly polarizing reactions to the completely redesigned iOS 7, most folks seem to agree that Apple's WWDC keynote on Monday was a success. It showed off new software, new hardware and even gave folks a sneak preview of its unfinished Mac Pro.

And the whole team looked confident. Every executive that took the stage did a great job—particularly the relatively unknown Craig Federighi. Apple's newly-appointed head of software seemed to be a crowd favorite as he introduced everyone to the future of OS X and iOS...

Hacked T-Mobile carrier update brings HD Voice to the iPhone 4S

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Folks with an iPhone on T-Mobile might be interested to hear that there's a new hacked carrier update available that promises a number of enhancements. It was created by the same folks who brought you hacks for Sprint, Verizon and AT&T.

This time around, the developers say that the modded update is good for more than just speed improvements. For iPhone 5 users, it adds a 4G toggle so you can switch it off to conserve battery life. And for 4S users, it adds HD Voice support...

Let’s Talk Jailbreak 14: WWDC chitchat

Jeff Benjamin ∙ June 11, 2013

It's WWDC week, and that can only mean one thing: iOS 7! Hence, today is a special episode, as we focus on the new features announced for iOS 7 via Apple's WWDC keynote. In addition, we discuss the various apps and tweak ideas that Apple borrowed from the jailbreak community. We also talk OS X Mavericks, and Sebastien gives Jeff a timely lesson in surfing.

New in iOS 7: Wi-Fi HotSpot 2.0

Cody Lee ∙ June 11, 2013

Yesterday we posted a list of 24 iOS 7 features that Apple didn't talk about during its keynote. Well, there's probably hundreds of features it didn't talk about. But these were listed on a slide shown behind Tim Cook towards the end of the event.

One of the features listed, which you can see in the image above, is WiFi HotSpot 2.0. For those unfamiliar with the technology, it allows devices to switch seamlessly between cell networks and public WiFi networks without needing authentication...

Gameloft teases Asphalt 8: Airborne

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 11, 2013

French games maker Gameloft is on a roll lately. Hot on the heels of teasing its upcoming Modern Combat 5 for iOS and Android and releasing Gangstar Vegas on the App Store, just a few hours ago it posted the first Asphalt 8: Airborne teaser.

Yup, the next installment in the Asphalt franchise promises to up the ante with high-octane action.

This usually entails smashing vehicles into each other and taking control of crazy fast racing cars that defy gravity and fly all over the place, almost as if someone's watched a tad too many Fast and Furious movies. We're not complaining, though. Asphalt 8: Airborne looks business and we can't wait to get our hands on it. Your action-packed trailer is right after the break...

AT&T brings push-to-talk to the iPhone 4S and 5

Cody Lee ∙ June 11, 2013

AT&T's big announcement got lost somewhere in the cracks of the onslaught of WWDC news yesterday. The carrier launched a new iPhone app this weekend that brings enhanced push-to-talk (EPTT) to the popular handset.

The app, which is aptly named AT&T Enhanced Push-To-Talk, allows iPhone 4S and 5 users to communicate quickly using next-generation VoIP technology to deliver one-to-one or group calls over AT&T's 3G and 4G networks...

New in iOS 7: dynamic and panoramic wallpapers

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 11, 2013

Good news for those who love to personalize their iPhone with the photos depicting their significant other, kids, dogs, kittens and what have you: with iOS 7 Apple has gone beyond adding a bunch of new wallpapers, having implemented cool new enhancements to really bring those wallpapers to life.

Taking a page from Google's Android (obviously), iOS 7 includes dynamically animated wallpapers created by Apple's design team. Not only that, the operating system lets you set any panoramic image from your Camera Roll as your Lock/Home screen background for a jaw-dropping effect. But wait, there's more...

WWDC 2013 keynote now available for download through iTunes

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 9, 2016

Shortly following its live-streamed WWDC keynote talk yesterday, Apple has posted a streamable replay to their home page.

I like to keep those keynotes handy for offline viewing, but saving a video stream to a computer is unfortunately a mess which involves too much trickery without guarantees for success.

Luckily, Apple has catered to the archivist in us by making the entire presentation available for download through iTunes...