Apple Archives - Page 72 of 89

When an Apple TV Falls Far from the Tree

Seriously, what is up with Apple TV? It’s been such a spectacular commercial failure (in my opinion), that I now have to wonder (in paranoid fashion) if there’s a master plan we the public are simply not aware of. Since the Apple TV launched earlier this year, it’s been heavily eclipsed by other online video … Read more

Nano “Fatty” Misaligned

Based on feedback in the Apple forums, Engadget reports that new iPod nano components are misaligned in some units:

the screen doesn’t appear to be completely level within the casing

Having played with several of these in the Apple Store, I encountered the defect on just one. The degree of tilt is pretty small, but it is noticeable (and surprised me). Assuming Apple hasn’t replaced the model I saw Saturday at Montgomery Mall (MD), you can see for yourself – in the front section, check out the silver Nano attached to the iMac furthest in on the far left.

Supposedly Apple is replacing these units. As they should.

Digital Media Bytes: iPod/iTunes Edition

A periodic roundup of relevant news… Apple-style: iTunes Store Slip Reveals Movie Rentals: Engadget iTunes TV Shows May See 50% Price Cut: Variety iPod Touch May Have Bluetooth Support: Gizmodo Apple axes iPod Hi-Fi: Boy Genius

Apple, the Musical; Apple (Hearts) Starbucks

Today’s Apple event was all about the iPod, with a little iPhone thrown in for good measure. (Nothing on Apple TV) Engadget and Ars Technica live-blogged the show. Here are the basics: New ringtone maker – pay another $.99 to make ringtones out of your iTunes songs New iPod Shuffle colors – pretty (P)hat new … Read more

And a Note About Apple TV – It’s Not Selling Well

Buried toward the end of this morning’s WSJ article on Sony is a short blurb on Apple TV:

Apple’s set-top device called Apple TV, which lets users play music and video from their computer-based iTunes library, has not been selling strongly since it went on sale earlier this year, analysts say.

I had numerous debates with people when Apple TV first launched about how successful it could be. Then and now the biggest argument for Apple TV has always been that it has the potential to become so much more. If you add HD content to iTunes it could be a great HD video machine. If you add a TV tuner and DVR features it could replace your set-top. If you give people a chance to pay a premium for no DRM, it could transform the video purchasing experience.

Unfortunately, each “if” is fraught with complications. The content companies are fiercely protective of their content and only want to work with Apple on their own terms. This goes double where HD video is concerned given fears of piracy and lost revenue. As for consumers, they (we) want access to content they’re used to getting from their cable, satellite or telecom company, and that means dealing with CableCARDs or some other workaround technology. No simple task.

NBC Dumps iTunes (for now)

According to the New York Times, NBC has notified Apple they will not renew their digital download contract – covering 1,500 hours of content responsible for 40% of iTunes television downloads. Apparently NBC wants more control over “pricing and packaging matters.” However, the existing deal is good through December. So I’d say this is merely … Read more

The Altec Lansing iM500 Giveaway (and mini-review)

Quite a few products make their way through my door. Many I purchase and others are review units – like the Altec Lansing inMotion 500 above. I have to say that this is one of the very few devices I’m reluctant to let go of. (All review items are returned or given away.) The iM500 … Read more

Mac Netflix Streaming Coming In ’08?

Netflix confirms what we knew to be the holdup in bringing “Watch Now” streaming movies to OS X: A key issue for delivering movies online is that the studios require use of DRM (Digital Rights Management) to protect titles. And that’s our holdup for the Mac – there’s not yet a studio-sanctioned, publicly-available Mac DRM … Read more