The 404 949: Where we drop the SOPA (podcast)
GM announced its new Cadillac User Experience (CUE) navigation display at yesterday's LA Auto Show (full CNET coverage here). Drivers of the SRX coupe and XTS sedan can swipe through various applications on the virtual dock that can display fuel, mileage, speed, or other apps from licensees like Pandora. App store coming soon.Want to buy a porn site? Gawker's Nick Denton is selling Fleshbot, a news engine that gives viewers a peek into the porn industry. Sold on an as-is basis, Web traffic currently boasts 25 million monthly pages, 1 million monthly uniques.As more .xxx top-level domains are getting snatched up, porn bigwig Manwin Licensing International is suing ICANN and the ICM Registry, claiming that those companies command a monopoly in the lucrative space of Internet pornography. Manwin is the company behind YouPorn, Playboy Online, and plenty of other NSFW sites that I'll research later.The HTC Vivid earned a solid 7.6 out of 10 on our CNET review, but the porn studio Vivid Entertainment is charging the smartphone maker for infringing on its label trademark. Lawyers at Vivid Video argue that customers are easily confused and may assume the two companies collaborated on the phone. Actually, why hasn't that happened yet?Bathroom break video 1: Learn Windows 95 with Greta.Bathroom break video 2: Girl and camel face off in a foot race.Click through today's post to stream the audio and video from this episode of The 404 Podcast!Episode 949PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
PopCap Games and Amazon get exclusive
PopCap Games and Amazon get exclusive
Amazon knows what mobile gamers want--popular titles and freebies. By inking high-profile studios to exclusive launches, the company has generated plenty of positive buzz around its Appstore and continues to build momentum, especially with its free App of the Day offers. The first being the hugely popular exclusive free download of Rovio's Angry Birds Rio.So to follow up Amazon's success with its deal with Rovio, the company recently signed an exclusive agreement with casual gaming company PopCap.Chuzzle is the first game to roll out from PopCap and is also the free download of the day. Other PopCap titles will soon follow this month, including Peggle and Plants vs. Zombies--which is slated to arrive to the Appstore towards the end of May and will also be free on launch day, then go back to their standard retail prices after the one-day promotions expire, at $2.99 each. All three games will remain an Amazon exclusive for only two weeks, and then becomes available everywhere else you get your Android fix from.PopCap Games and Amazon get exclusiveSee full gallery1 - 4 / 7NextPrevAmazon is definitely shaking things up in the Androidverse--slowly luring users away from Android's official marketplace as the first place to go for apps--and they have to be paying out some substantial cash to get a deal like this sealed. Remember how absurdly popular Plants vs. Zombies was, or still is? By the way, PopCap, we're still waiting on that sequel.On a mobile platform level, are there any studios banging out successful games in the iTunes store that you would like to see ported over to the Amazon's list of Android apps? Who do you think Amazon should sign up with next?
Amazon knows what mobile gamers want--popular titles and freebies. By inking high-profile studios to exclusive launches, the company has generated plenty of positive buzz around its Appstore and continues to build momentum, especially with its free App of the Day offers. The first being the hugely popular exclusive free download of Rovio's Angry Birds Rio.So to follow up Amazon's success with its deal with Rovio, the company recently signed an exclusive agreement with casual gaming company PopCap.Chuzzle is the first game to roll out from PopCap and is also the free download of the day. Other PopCap titles will soon follow this month, including Peggle and Plants vs. Zombies--which is slated to arrive to the Appstore towards the end of May and will also be free on launch day, then go back to their standard retail prices after the one-day promotions expire, at $2.99 each. All three games will remain an Amazon exclusive for only two weeks, and then becomes available everywhere else you get your Android fix from.PopCap Games and Amazon get exclusiveSee full gallery1 - 4 / 7NextPrevAmazon is definitely shaking things up in the Androidverse--slowly luring users away from Android's official marketplace as the first place to go for apps--and they have to be paying out some substantial cash to get a deal like this sealed. Remember how absurdly popular Plants vs. Zombies was, or still is? By the way, PopCap, we're still waiting on that sequel.On a mobile platform level, are there any studios banging out successful games in the iTunes store that you would like to see ported over to the Amazon's list of Android apps? Who do you think Amazon should sign up with next?
Production of rumored iPad Mini to hit 4M per month, says report
Production of rumored iPad Mini to hit 4M per month, says report
Apple and its suppliers face a busy season if rumors of its iPad Mini are true.The company's manufacturing partners will reportedly kick out 4 million units of the small tablet each month starting in September, according to the folks at Digitimes.Citing the usual "supply chain sources," DigiTimes said that Apple is aiming at those numbers in order to satisfy the expected demand from holiday shoppers. The supply chain has already been building the tiny tablet since June at a rate of around several hundred thousand per month, the sources added.The iPad Mini would reportedly offer a screen size of 7.85 inches with a display thinner than those of rival tablets and a resolution matching that of the iPad 2.Related storiesWhy you should wait for the iPad MiniImagining the iPad Mini: Mockups multiplyRumor Has It: Is the iPad Mini already in production?iPad Mini to debut in September, says analystDigiTimes pointed to October for the unveiling of the new iPad, however, other reports have cited September 12 as the launch date for both the tablet and the next-generation iPhone.The cost of the rumored iPad Mini is a mystery. DigiTimes' sources indirectly suggested that Apple could price it at $299, a figure that would certainly give the Kindle Fire and Google Nexus a run for their money.
Apple and its suppliers face a busy season if rumors of its iPad Mini are true.The company's manufacturing partners will reportedly kick out 4 million units of the small tablet each month starting in September, according to the folks at Digitimes.Citing the usual "supply chain sources," DigiTimes said that Apple is aiming at those numbers in order to satisfy the expected demand from holiday shoppers. The supply chain has already been building the tiny tablet since June at a rate of around several hundred thousand per month, the sources added.The iPad Mini would reportedly offer a screen size of 7.85 inches with a display thinner than those of rival tablets and a resolution matching that of the iPad 2.Related storiesWhy you should wait for the iPad MiniImagining the iPad Mini: Mockups multiplyRumor Has It: Is the iPad Mini already in production?iPad Mini to debut in September, says analystDigiTimes pointed to October for the unveiling of the new iPad, however, other reports have cited September 12 as the launch date for both the tablet and the next-generation iPhone.The cost of the rumored iPad Mini is a mystery. DigiTimes' sources indirectly suggested that Apple could price it at $299, a figure that would certainly give the Kindle Fire and Google Nexus a run for their money.
Preorder problems trip up iPhone 4S sales in U.S.
Preorder problems trip up iPhone 4S sales in U.S.
And here's Apple's error page from around 1:05 a.m. PT. Later orders were stuck in the "processing" page during carrier eligibility checks:CNETApple later ended up switching to a reservation system that would let would-be buyers reserve a device for release day and check their upgrade status later:CNETThis year's iPhone 4S preorder is the biggest yet for Apple in the U.S., launching on AT&T, Verizon, and newcomer Sprint at the same time. In addition, Apple is selling it all three carriers through its own online store.Both Apple and carriers ran into similar problems during last year's iPhone 4 launch, with buyers running into issues getting orders processed. Nonetheless, Apple managed 600,000 preorders or the new device, breaking previous presale records. Shortly thereafter, the device sold out, pushing orders back days, then weeks past launch.There was one other surprise to come out of the preorder process, which is that Apple plans to offer an unlocked and contract-free version of the iPhone 4Sfor sale as soon as next month. Those making preorders though Apple's site can see that option when picking out their phone or plan, but are unable to purchase it. Did you stay up to try to get the new iPhone 4S and come away successful? Let us know what worked for you in the comments.Updated at 1:58 a.m. PT with additional details.CNET News writer Stephen Shankland contributed to this story.
And here's Apple's error page from around 1:05 a.m. PT. Later orders were stuck in the "processing" page during carrier eligibility checks:CNETApple later ended up switching to a reservation system that would let would-be buyers reserve a device for release day and check their upgrade status later:CNETThis year's iPhone 4S preorder is the biggest yet for Apple in the U.S., launching on AT&T, Verizon, and newcomer Sprint at the same time. In addition, Apple is selling it all three carriers through its own online store.Both Apple and carriers ran into similar problems during last year's iPhone 4 launch, with buyers running into issues getting orders processed. Nonetheless, Apple managed 600,000 preorders or the new device, breaking previous presale records. Shortly thereafter, the device sold out, pushing orders back days, then weeks past launch.There was one other surprise to come out of the preorder process, which is that Apple plans to offer an unlocked and contract-free version of the iPhone 4Sfor sale as soon as next month. Those making preorders though Apple's site can see that option when picking out their phone or plan, but are unable to purchase it. Did you stay up to try to get the new iPhone 4S and come away successful? Let us know what worked for you in the comments.Updated at 1:58 a.m. PT with additional details.CNET News writer Stephen Shankland contributed to this story.
Virgin Mobile starts selling Apple's iPhone 4, iPhone 4S
Virgin Mobile starts selling Apple's iPhone 4, iPhone 4S
As promised, Virgin Mobile has started selling Apple's iPhone to its prepaid customers.Customers looking to get their hands on the device can opt for the 8GB iPhone 4 or the 16GB iPhone 4S. The former will set customers back $550, while the iPhone 4S will cost $650. As one might expect, based on those prices, they come with no contract and no fees for activation.Virgin Mobile announced earlier this month that it would start carrying Apple's iPhone. The company says that it's available to prepaid customers with its Beyond Talk unlimited data and messaging plans, starting at $35 per month. Virgin Mobile is offering a $5-per-month discount to customers who set up automatic monthly payments with the company. The iPhones run on the Sprint Nationwide Network.Apple is now offering its device to a host of carrier networks, including major companies, like AT&T and Verizon, and lesser-known services like Leap Wireless' Cricket. However, the company has yet to bring its iPhone to T-Mobile's service. And with each new addition, that omission is becoming increasingly glaring.
As promised, Virgin Mobile has started selling Apple's iPhone to its prepaid customers.Customers looking to get their hands on the device can opt for the 8GB iPhone 4 or the 16GB iPhone 4S. The former will set customers back $550, while the iPhone 4S will cost $650. As one might expect, based on those prices, they come with no contract and no fees for activation.Virgin Mobile announced earlier this month that it would start carrying Apple's iPhone. The company says that it's available to prepaid customers with its Beyond Talk unlimited data and messaging plans, starting at $35 per month. Virgin Mobile is offering a $5-per-month discount to customers who set up automatic monthly payments with the company. The iPhones run on the Sprint Nationwide Network.Apple is now offering its device to a host of carrier networks, including major companies, like AT&T and Verizon, and lesser-known services like Leap Wireless' Cricket. However, the company has yet to bring its iPhone to T-Mobile's service. And with each new addition, that omission is becoming increasingly glaring.
Virgin Mobile plans to offer prepaid iPhone
Virgin Mobile plans to offer prepaid iPhone
Cricket will soon have some competition in the prepaid iPhone market .Sprint's Virgin Mobile plans to sell Apple's smartphone for use on a pay-as-you-go basis, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Sprint is expected to announce later this week that the prepaid carrier will offer the iPhone as early as July 1, sources tell the Journal. Leap Wireless' Cricket announced last week that it would begin selling the iPhone on June 22 for use on its prepaid wireless service. No pricing details were discussed for Sprint's offering, but Cricket plans to sell the 16GB iPhone 4S for $499.99, while the 8GB iPhone 4 for $399.99. Cricket's no-contract plan, which costs $55 a month, includes unlimited calling and text messages and includes 2.3GB of data, after which the carrier will throttle, or slow the connection down. There was no word on what Virgin Mobile's monthly charge would be, but the carrier already offers a similar plan for $35 a month with 2.5GBs of data before throttling.The Journal suggested that the arrangement could help it fulfill its commitment to buy $15.5 billion worth of iPhones during the next four years.CNET has contacted Sprint for comment and will update this report when we learn more.Related video:This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Cricket will soon have some competition in the prepaid iPhone market .Sprint's Virgin Mobile plans to sell Apple's smartphone for use on a pay-as-you-go basis, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Sprint is expected to announce later this week that the prepaid carrier will offer the iPhone as early as July 1, sources tell the Journal. Leap Wireless' Cricket announced last week that it would begin selling the iPhone on June 22 for use on its prepaid wireless service. No pricing details were discussed for Sprint's offering, but Cricket plans to sell the 16GB iPhone 4S for $499.99, while the 8GB iPhone 4 for $399.99. Cricket's no-contract plan, which costs $55 a month, includes unlimited calling and text messages and includes 2.3GB of data, after which the carrier will throttle, or slow the connection down. There was no word on what Virgin Mobile's monthly charge would be, but the carrier already offers a similar plan for $35 a month with 2.5GBs of data before throttling.The Journal suggested that the arrangement could help it fulfill its commitment to buy $15.5 billion worth of iPhones during the next four years.CNET has contacted Sprint for comment and will update this report when we learn more.Related video:This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Vintage Apple sales video surfaces, stars Jobs as FDR
Vintage Apple sales video surfaces, stars Jobs as FDR
A rare, internal video that Apple originally aired during its 1984 international sales conference has been put online.Networkworld today posted a full version of the 9-minute film, which shows an exuberant -- and costumed -- Steve Jobs and other early Apple execs staging a World War II-style assault on tech rival IBM, just ahead of launching the first Macintosh. In it, Apple stages a multi-front attack against IBM, saving office zombies from the mundane with Macs that can talk. Jobs also dons full suit, bow-tie, cigarette, and gray hair coloring to look like Franklin Delano RooseveltNo really. There's even a cameo appearance of the hammer-throwing athlete from Apple's famous 1984 Superbowl ad. The film was provided by former Apple employee Craig Elliott, who is currently the chief executive at Apple's neighbor, Pertino Networks. As Networkworld's Paul McNamara points out, a section of the video appeared in a video tribute made for Jobs on his 30th birthday, which was posted online following Jobs' death last year before being taken down over a copyright notice. You'll have to head to Networkworld to see the video, as it's not available for sharing elsewhere.
A rare, internal video that Apple originally aired during its 1984 international sales conference has been put online.Networkworld today posted a full version of the 9-minute film, which shows an exuberant -- and costumed -- Steve Jobs and other early Apple execs staging a World War II-style assault on tech rival IBM, just ahead of launching the first Macintosh. In it, Apple stages a multi-front attack against IBM, saving office zombies from the mundane with Macs that can talk. Jobs also dons full suit, bow-tie, cigarette, and gray hair coloring to look like Franklin Delano RooseveltNo really. There's even a cameo appearance of the hammer-throwing athlete from Apple's famous 1984 Superbowl ad. The film was provided by former Apple employee Craig Elliott, who is currently the chief executive at Apple's neighbor, Pertino Networks. As Networkworld's Paul McNamara points out, a section of the video appeared in a video tribute made for Jobs on his 30th birthday, which was posted online following Jobs' death last year before being taken down over a copyright notice. You'll have to head to Networkworld to see the video, as it's not available for sharing elsewhere.
Video shows what looks like iOS 7 running on an iPad
Video shows what looks like iOS 7 running on an iPad
Apple has yet to give developers an iPad version of iOS 7, but photos, videos, and reports are popping up left and right about what the new operating system will look like on the tablet.A new iPad iOS 7 video (see below) surfaced Tuesday from a Russian-based YouTube user named Rozetked who claims to have the upcoming OS running on his iPad. In the video, the user holding an iPad taps and swipes through different screens and features. What's shown is awfully similar to what is known about iOS 7 for the iPhone and iPod Touch. When Apple announced the debut of iOS 7 for those devices at WWDC last week, the company said it dramatically redesigned the look and feel of the user interface. This appears to be shown in Rosetked's video. Icons, buttons, and color schemes all look like they've been revamped. The screen also has a swipe feature at the bottom of the device for quick access to various features -- just like with iOS 7 for the iPhone. Still, it's unclear if this video is indeed showing Apple's legitimate iOS 7 for the iPad or just some mock-up. CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.(Via 9to5Mac)
Apple has yet to give developers an iPad version of iOS 7, but photos, videos, and reports are popping up left and right about what the new operating system will look like on the tablet.A new iPad iOS 7 video (see below) surfaced Tuesday from a Russian-based YouTube user named Rozetked who claims to have the upcoming OS running on his iPad. In the video, the user holding an iPad taps and swipes through different screens and features. What's shown is awfully similar to what is known about iOS 7 for the iPhone and iPod Touch. When Apple announced the debut of iOS 7 for those devices at WWDC last week, the company said it dramatically redesigned the look and feel of the user interface. This appears to be shown in Rosetked's video. Icons, buttons, and color schemes all look like they've been revamped. The screen also has a swipe feature at the bottom of the device for quick access to various features -- just like with iOS 7 for the iPhone. Still, it's unclear if this video is indeed showing Apple's legitimate iOS 7 for the iPad or just some mock-up. CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.(Via 9to5Mac)
Video shows purported iPhone 5 internals, front plate
Video shows purported iPhone 5 internals, front plate
So much for post-product-release teardowns.The iPhone 5 is being torn down piece by piece already. Just after alleged photos of the iPhone 5's main circuit board appeared, we now have a video of not only the front plate but items as small as the "flex cable," replete with the sleep-wake button and volume switch, according to SmartPhone Medic, a smartphone repair service based in Columbia, S.C."We just got some new iPhone 5 parts in," the video begins. The SmartPhone Medic guy then goes to show the alleged iPhone 5's front plate with the larger display. Related storiesImages of alleged iPhone 5 logic board, USB cable surfaceIn addition to the obvious display size difference with iPhone 4S (iPhone 5's display is about 30 percent bigger), the camera and proximity sensor locations have changed, SmartPhone Medic claims.They also place the new iPhone 5 front plate on top of the Samsung Galaxy S III, clearly showing that even with the iPhone 5's larger screen, the Galaxy S III's 4.8-inch display is a lot wider and taller.The video also shows an 8-pin dock connector flex cable assembly, and two other flex cables for the iPhone 5. The next iPhone could be announced as soon as next month. [Via MacRumors]
So much for post-product-release teardowns.The iPhone 5 is being torn down piece by piece already. Just after alleged photos of the iPhone 5's main circuit board appeared, we now have a video of not only the front plate but items as small as the "flex cable," replete with the sleep-wake button and volume switch, according to SmartPhone Medic, a smartphone repair service based in Columbia, S.C."We just got some new iPhone 5 parts in," the video begins. The SmartPhone Medic guy then goes to show the alleged iPhone 5's front plate with the larger display. Related storiesImages of alleged iPhone 5 logic board, USB cable surfaceIn addition to the obvious display size difference with iPhone 4S (iPhone 5's display is about 30 percent bigger), the camera and proximity sensor locations have changed, SmartPhone Medic claims.They also place the new iPhone 5 front plate on top of the Samsung Galaxy S III, clearly showing that even with the iPhone 5's larger screen, the Galaxy S III's 4.8-inch display is a lot wider and taller.The video also shows an 8-pin dock connector flex cable assembly, and two other flex cables for the iPhone 5. The next iPhone could be announced as soon as next month. [Via MacRumors]
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