Hasta La Gadget!

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

Apple’s App Store has more smartphone apps than those of its competitors. But the sheer size of the library is not the only source of consternation for Google or Microsoft, which would both readily concede that it’s also important to obtain the kind of key apps, optimized apps and platform-first apps the iPhone enjoys. The iPhone’s commanding marketplace lead is due to several factors. These include the huge number and historical affluence of its users and the ease of its App Store.

The iPhone, though, was not the first phone to have apps. In fact, in its early days, it didn’t have apps at all as the company urged developers to create optimized web apps for the platform similar to what Mozilla is now advocating for its streamlined mobile operating system Boot2Gecko. Apple originally put its efforts into creating archetypical apps for tasks such as calling, browsing, email and mapping. Rather than open the iPhone to third-party developers at first, it handpicked partners for various features, such as Google for maps and Yahoo for weather and stocks.

Continue reading Switched On: iOS 6 gets back from the app

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Software

Switched On: iOS 6 gets back from the app originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 Sep 2012 17:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With the big event only a few hours away Apple has already taken its shop offline. It’s become standard practice for the Cupertino crew, so it’s hardly a surprise. Still, it’s a good sign that some new products will be available, at least for pre-order, starting today. Interestingly, the store isn’t the only Apple property out of commission currently — reports have been trickling in since yesterday that iCloud is out for some customers as well. The down time could just be a bug that needs fixing, but perhaps iCloud will also get some significant updates this morning to accompany the launch of the iPhone 5 and iOS 6.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under: Internet

Apple Store goes down ahead of iPhone announcement originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 08:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Despite Russia’s size, Apple has always had to sell in the country through carriers and resellers — a pain for customers who might have to wait weeks beyond the initial launch of a device to see it in stores. If we’re to believe tips from distributor insiders speaking with Kommersant, Apple wants at least some kind of first-party presence in the country. The company has supposedly set up a majority-owned local branch, Apple Rus, to run an operation that would start direct sales as soon as 2013. As for official retail stores, we simply don’t know. Apple executives were reported as disappointed in available locations following a trip to Moscow in 2011, but there’s been no chatter since. Apple certainly hasn’t commented on the subject. We do know that iOS- and Mac-loving Russians in at least major cities will be happy if Apple establishes a more official presence, even if it still leaves us mourning the lost opportunity for an obvious Snow Leopard tie-in.

Filed under: Cellphones, Desktops, Laptops

Apple reported to be preparing direct sales in Russia, wanting more Macs for Moscow originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 17:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink The Moscow News, 9to5 Mac  |  Kommersant (translated)  | Email this | Comments

Back when Apple’s third-gen slate was originally unveiled to the world, the company very quietly slashed down the prices of its first and second generation refurbed iPads. Now, some five months after its triumphant launch in the US of A and other countries, Cupertino’s started selling the pixel-packed new iPad for 50 bucks less than the original price — that’s if, of course, you don’t mind a refurbished unit. Still, as we’ve said before, Apple includes a one-year warranty with each iPad sold via its “Certified Refurbished” online store, which is considerably better than any Craigslist deal you might find out there. Currently, stock appears to be quite loaded, but you never know how long that’s going to last. In other words, you may want to get ’em while they’re hot.

Filed under: Tablet PCs

Apple starts selling refurbished ‘new’ iPads for $50 less than MSRP originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 14:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Cult of Mac  |  Apple Store  | Email this | Comments

IBM first tried to make people “Think” using a pop-up art installation in New York, but now it’s switched to something rather more traditional: a tablet app that is available free on iOS and Android. It lays out the timeline of scientific advances like the metal detector, airplane and telescope, and contains a ten-minute HD film on tech innovation, to boot. IBM claims the app will be used in schools to create lesson plans, so you might want to grab it (see coverage link below) before your kids start clueing you in on technology — even more than usual, that is.

Filed under: Tablet PCs, Software

IBM’s Think app brings history of innovation to iPad and Android tablets originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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