written by Michael Rockwell
These entries have been updated with new information in the last 24 hours.
Motorola DROID, originally published Oct 29, 2009
I regularly update previously published entries. This entry is a way of letting RSS feed and homepage readers know about the new information. You can find past updates here.
Despite TheStreet.com’s previous report, Google’s head of Android development, Andy Rubin had this to say regarding Google making Android hardware:
We’re not making hardware, we’re enabling other people to build hardware.
Sounds pretty clear to me. I wouldn’t want Google making hardware anyway, they haven’t given me any indication that they would build something worth while.
Google: We’re not making Android hardware | Relevant Results – CNET News.
Update 11/21/09: Michael Arrington Has Heard That Google is Building Android Hardware
Yesterday Apple released their Apple TV 3.0 software update. With the update the Apple TV now has a fancy new user interface and support for iTunes Extras, iTunes LPs, and Genius Mixes.
Apple has moved “My Movies,” “My TV Shows,” etc. to the top of the menu lists, added Radio as a menu option under “Internet,” and has switched the system font from Lucida Grande to Helvetica.
I’ve heard some complaints about the new interface not looking as attractive as the 2.0 interface but I have to disagree. The placement of your content at the top left of the main menu looks gorgeous and the new font looks much cleaner. The interface is laid out in a very simple way and it’s quicker and easier to navigate.
When I first saw the “Internet” menu option, I went bananas. I had no idea what to expect because I hadn’t read any of the coverage before updating. I was obviously disappointed when the only two options under Internet were YouTube and Radio but it’s interesting to note that iTunes Extras and LPs are built using HTML, JavaScript, and CSS, the same standards used for building web pages. Is it possible that Apple could build either a browser or add some other web content partners and place them under the Internet section?
The first thing I attempted to do after updating to 3.0 was to view my iTunes Extras or LPs on my HDTV. After about 30 minutes of changing sync settings and trying to figure out why I couldn’t get my Extras or LP content to work I found this knowledge base article on Apple’s site. It turns out that users who had purchased iTunes Extras or iTunes LPs prior to the release of the 3.0 update will have to wait until Apple allows them to download the updated version to view it on their Apple TV.
I purchased Batman Begins on my Apple TV to try out iTunes Extras and I like it a lot. It feels a lot like watching a DVD but I appreciate the lack of trailers and ads before I get to the menu. Within the more section there are links to the Warner Bros. website and items in the iTunes Store that aren’t viewable on the Apple TV, when chosen they currently display “To view this item, use iTunes on your computer.” on the screen, I hope Apple eventually allows users to follow those links.
iLounge has posted an extensive gallery to their Flickr account showing off all of the new Apple TV features.
Previously:
9/15/09: iTunes LP and Extras Destined for the Apple TV
Update 11/8/09: Apple has started sending out emails to Extras and LP owners informing them that newer versions are available to download that are compatible with the Apple TV. Wall-E was available for me but I still haven’t received an update to Paramore’s Brand New Eyes LP.
Apple has also sent out emails to Apple TV owners about Apple TV 3.0.1 update which fixes a bug which could cause media to disappear from your Apple TV until it is synced again.
Apple has released iTunes 9.0.2 to software update. This new version adds support for Apple TV 3.0 and an option to use the dark background in grid view.
I’m really happy to see that Apple has brought back the dark background for grid view. I hated the whitish one, it just looked terrible.
And yes, Pre syncing has been blocked again. This cat and mouse game likely isn’t going to end until Palm either finds a way to do it where Apple can’t block it or Palm finally gives up. I’m actually surprised that Palm hasn’t released a stand-alone syncing tool yet, even just as a way of letting users continue to sync their devices until Palm finds a fix to Apple’s blocks.
iTunes goes 9.0.2: adds support for Apple TV 3.0, kills Pre sync.
Previously:
6/17/09: Apple Posts Knowledge Base Article Regarding Pre iTunes Syncing
5/29/09: Palm Pre Syncs Media with iTunes
Update 10/30/09: Apple TV 3.0 Software Update
Update 11/18/09: webOS 1.3.1 Does Not Enable iTunes Syncing
TechFlash’s Todd Bishop regarding Microsoft’s new retail stores:
People visiting Microsoft’s new store in Scottsdale, Ariz., have started noticing something interesting, apart from its shameless similarities to Apple’s retail outlets. The computers on display in the Microsoft Store come without any run-of-the-mill “crapware” — the derisive term used for generic trial software and other unwanted programs that commonly clog new PCs when they’re shipped by computer makers.
I think Microsoft’s retail strategy will be a complete failure but this is the smartest part of the whole endeavor.
Microsoft’s ‘Signature PCs’ show its vision of computing perfection.
Verizon has officially announced the Motorola DROID. The device will cost $199.99 on contract (after mail-in rebate) and will be available November 6.
DROID will be running Android 2.0 and have visual voicemail. The device features a large 3.7-inch 854×480 display, 5 megapixel camera, a 16GB memory card, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, 3G, Wi-Fi, and Amazon MP3 downloads.
This is really the first Android device that has really made me take notice. Engadget has had some hands-on time with the device and seems to like it, mentioning noticeable speed improvements compared to other Android devices.
- That big screen is killer. Bright, crisp, and tons of room for your icons and widgets.
- Speed is noticeably improved — particularly when moving from app to app. We did notice that some of the home screen scrolling looked laggy.
- Android 2.0 is definitely cleaned up — but it’s most definitely still Android
The biggest new feature in the Motorola DROID is Google Maps Navigation, which will be available to Android 2.0 devices. All of the standard turn-by-turn navigation features are there but with Google’s implementation you also get the most up-to-date map and business data (using your data connection), voice search, and street view.
The Wall Street Journal is already reporting that shares of TomTom and Garmin have dropped dramatically after Google’s announcement. It appears that stand-alone navigation units will soon be a thing of the past.
Previously:
10/18/09: Verizon Debuts Teaser for ‘Droid’ Handset
Update 10/31/09: Wilson Rothman, of Gizmodo, regarding Google Maps Navigation:
You might still see the occasional sale of a Navigon or a CoPilot, because of particular necessary features and because of the onboard map databases (which people who go off-grid prefer), but really, this thing would—and probably will—swallow the GPS app market alive.
Because of that, I am hoping Google’s developers pay close attention to this review, too. The app is still in beta, but there’s a lot of user-interface work yet to be done. Google: If you’re going to knock everyone else off the mountain, at least give us an app worthy of a king.
Joshua Topolsky, of Engadget, has published his review of the Motorola DROID. He likes it, especially the hardware — calling it “easily the best Android phone to date.”
Greg Kumparak published his comparison of the iPhone 3GS and the Motorola DROID on MobileCrunch. Aside from the Palm Pre, these are the only two phones I would currently recommend anyone purchase.
Update 11/6/09: Network World is reporting that the Motorola DROID will have a $30 per month unlimited (which means 5GB) data plan. If you want to add tethering to that plan it will cost an extra $30, doubling the price of data to a total of $60 per month.
Update 11/8/09: HTC DROID Eris
Update 11/12/09: DROID Limited to 256MB of App Storage
Update 11/21/09: Amazon currently has the Motorola DROID for $149.99 with a 2-year contract, that’s $50 off Verizon’s price.
Update 11/24/09: Once exclusive to the DROID, Google Maps Navigation has finally come to Android 1.6.
These entries have been updated with new information in the last 24 hours.
Garmin Nuvifone G60, originally published Oct 7, 2009
The BlackBerry Storm2, originally published Oct 17, 2009
TomTom Car Kit Comes to Apple’s Online Store, originally published Oct 23, 2009
FCC May Investigate Google Voice, originally published Oct 14, 2009
Apple Introduces Magic Mouse, originally published Oct 20, 2009
I regularly update previously published entries. This entry is a way of letting RSS feed and homepage readers know about the new information. You can find past updates here.
The Sydney Morning Herald’s Asher Moses claims in a recent piece that Apple has been in discussion with media companies about including their content on the device.
It is understood that Apple has been in direct talks with Australian media companies to launch a new app for the tablet that would allow them to distribute their content in digital form and charge for it.
Moses also mentions that Apple has sent device specifications to Australian media companies, but none of them were willing to talk about the device on the record.
The tablet is tipped to be a larger version of the iPhone. It is small enough to carry in a handbag but too big to fit in a pocket.
It doesn’t sound to me like Moses knows any more information than we already do. The note about the size of the device is interesting, but it could just be based off of previous rumors and speculation.
Apple shops tablet around Australia.
Update 12/8/09: ‘TabletMac’ Trademark and Apple Tablet Pricing
Update 12/28/09: Apple Tablet May be Announced in January
Update 1/6/10: Apple May Ship Tablet in March
Android 2.0 is coming soon and a video tour of the new version has been released.
Android now has a combined inbox for all of your email accounts, double-tap to zoom has been added to the Android browser, as well as support for HTML5 with databases, geolocation, and the new video tag.
Solid improvements.
These entries have been updated with new information in the last 24 hours.
MacBook Pro Could Go Quad-Core Soon, originally published Oct 26, 2009
Roku XR Coming Soon, originally published Oct 23, 2009
Plastic Logic’s QUE, originally published Oct 22, 2009
I regularly update previously published entries. This entry is a way of letting RSS feed and homepage readers know about the new information. You can find past updates here.