The 404 1,002: Where Peter Ha has no inner monologue (podcast)
Peter Ha takes a cab straight to our studio from the airport, so we'll forgive him if he drops a few expletives during today's recording. He also received an invite to an Apple event in San Francisco next week, so it looks like the West Coast can't wait to welcome him back!Peter deals in tech news everyday at The Daily so we'll start things off with an offbeat chat about the 2011 Razzie nominations, an awards tribute to the year's worst movies.No surprise here, but Adam Sandler broke the record with 11 nominations for his "performance" in "Jack and Jill."Stick around and you'll hear more stories about Whole Foods prototyping a Kinect on its next-generation shopping carts, and a horrible idea from Planned Parenthood to put location-tracking QR codes on free condoms.Leaked from 404 Podcast 1,002:Apple sends out invites for March 7 iPad event.Adam Sandler breaks Razzie record with 11 nominations.How I became Amazon's involuntary pitchman for a 55-gallon drum of personal lubricant on Facebook.Whole Foods prototype puts Kinect on shopping cart, follows people around store.QR-coded condoms let you share the site of your tryst.Bathroom break video 1: Play AngryBirds with a real USB slingshot.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.PlayEpisode 1,002PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
iTunes claims 25B total downloads, 15B since 2010
iTunes claims 25B total downloads, 15B since 2010
iTunes music downloads officially outnumber human beings on this planet by 3-to-1. That's the word today from Apple, which announced that the 25 billionth song has been downloaded from the iTunes store.Almost a decade after beginning its quest to supposedly save the music industry from the likes of nasty file-sharing meanies such as the original incarnation of Napster, Kazaa, Limewire and others, Apple's little digital music stand now claims a catalog of 26 million songs -- up from 12 million just two years ago -- available in 119 countries, not to mention the billions of dollars it has made selling them to all of us.While competing services and new models for music consumption like Pandora and Spotify are gaining in popularity, there seems to be little indication that the public's fervor for downloading from iTunes is abating. It took Apple nearly seven years to sell its first 10 billion songs, reaching that milestone a little less than two years ago. In the 24 months that have followed, another 15 billion songs have been added to the tally.Related storiesApple promoting iBooks Author books in iTunesiTunes Terms of Service gets the RapGenius treatment, hilarity ensuesWhy we would've been better off without the iPodApple's Eddy Cue, senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, said in a press release that an average of 15,000 songs are downloaded from the store per minute. Cue cites Adele and Coldplay as some of the more popular artists in the store, along with newer artists like the Lumineers. Apple hasn't yet given us a list of the most downloaded tracks of all time, as it did back in 2010 with the 10 billionth download announcement, but that list included mostly contemporary hits rather than classics, which would seem to be further evidence of the platform's continuing growth. In 2010, the most downloaded song of all time was the oft flash-mobbed "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas. I've got a feeling that if we were to see the current all-time list of top downloads, it would have much more of a Korean flavor, a "Gangnam Style" if you will.
iTunes music downloads officially outnumber human beings on this planet by 3-to-1. That's the word today from Apple, which announced that the 25 billionth song has been downloaded from the iTunes store.Almost a decade after beginning its quest to supposedly save the music industry from the likes of nasty file-sharing meanies such as the original incarnation of Napster, Kazaa, Limewire and others, Apple's little digital music stand now claims a catalog of 26 million songs -- up from 12 million just two years ago -- available in 119 countries, not to mention the billions of dollars it has made selling them to all of us.While competing services and new models for music consumption like Pandora and Spotify are gaining in popularity, there seems to be little indication that the public's fervor for downloading from iTunes is abating. It took Apple nearly seven years to sell its first 10 billion songs, reaching that milestone a little less than two years ago. In the 24 months that have followed, another 15 billion songs have been added to the tally.Related storiesApple promoting iBooks Author books in iTunesiTunes Terms of Service gets the RapGenius treatment, hilarity ensuesWhy we would've been better off without the iPodApple's Eddy Cue, senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, said in a press release that an average of 15,000 songs are downloaded from the store per minute. Cue cites Adele and Coldplay as some of the more popular artists in the store, along with newer artists like the Lumineers. Apple hasn't yet given us a list of the most downloaded tracks of all time, as it did back in 2010 with the 10 billionth download announcement, but that list included mostly contemporary hits rather than classics, which would seem to be further evidence of the platform's continuing growth. In 2010, the most downloaded song of all time was the oft flash-mobbed "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas. I've got a feeling that if we were to see the current all-time list of top downloads, it would have much more of a Korean flavor, a "Gangnam Style" if you will.
Apple, Samsung, others urged to help thwart mobile phone thefts
Apple, Samsung, others urged to help thwart mobile phone thefts
Apple and other mobile phone vendors are being asked to amp up the fight against cell phone theft.In a series of letters sent today to the heads of Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola, and Microsoft, New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman requested information on what they're doing to make their phones more safe and secure from thieves. Schneiderman also urged the companies to work with his office to devise ways to cut down on the lure of cell phones to criminals.The attorney general pointed to a rise in the theft of phones and other mobile devices in a practice known as "Apple picking." Criminals steal the phones, wipe them clean, and then resell them on the black market. Sometimes the thefts turn violent; Schneiderman cited just a few examples in which cell phone owners were mugged, stabbed, or even killed. Related storiesPrepare for and respond to a lost or stolen smartphoneli>Undercover cops' devious new method to stop iPhone theft"Cracking down on violent and dangerous cell phone thefts is important for New Yorkers," Schneiderman said in a statement. "The companies that dominate this industry have a responsibility to their customers to fulfill their promises to ensure safety and security. This is a multibillion-dollar industry that produces some of the most popular and technologically advanced consumer electronic products in the world.Surely we can work together to find solutions that lead to a reduction in violent street crime targeting consumers."In his letters, Schneiderman asked why companies such as Apple and Samsung, which develop such sophisticated devices, can't also create technology to render stolen devices inoperable and eliminate the expanding black market.Of course, owners whose phones are stolen can contact their carriers to disable their accounts. Apple's "Find my iPhone" app helps users locate their missing iPhone and issue a command to erase the information on it. But such measures still leave the phone in operating condition, allowing a thief with the right know-how to easily wipe it and then resell it.
Apple and other mobile phone vendors are being asked to amp up the fight against cell phone theft.In a series of letters sent today to the heads of Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola, and Microsoft, New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman requested information on what they're doing to make their phones more safe and secure from thieves. Schneiderman also urged the companies to work with his office to devise ways to cut down on the lure of cell phones to criminals.The attorney general pointed to a rise in the theft of phones and other mobile devices in a practice known as "Apple picking." Criminals steal the phones, wipe them clean, and then resell them on the black market. Sometimes the thefts turn violent; Schneiderman cited just a few examples in which cell phone owners were mugged, stabbed, or even killed. Related storiesPrepare for and respond to a lost or stolen smartphoneli>Undercover cops' devious new method to stop iPhone theft"Cracking down on violent and dangerous cell phone thefts is important for New Yorkers," Schneiderman said in a statement. "The companies that dominate this industry have a responsibility to their customers to fulfill their promises to ensure safety and security. This is a multibillion-dollar industry that produces some of the most popular and technologically advanced consumer electronic products in the world.Surely we can work together to find solutions that lead to a reduction in violent street crime targeting consumers."In his letters, Schneiderman asked why companies such as Apple and Samsung, which develop such sophisticated devices, can't also create technology to render stolen devices inoperable and eliminate the expanding black market.Of course, owners whose phones are stolen can contact their carriers to disable their accounts. Apple's "Find my iPhone" app helps users locate their missing iPhone and issue a command to erase the information on it. But such measures still leave the phone in operating condition, allowing a thief with the right know-how to easily wipe it and then resell it.
Apple, Samsung urged to do more to protect customers
Apple, Samsung urged to do more to protect customers
Apple and Samsung have taken some steps in the right direction when it comes to curbing smartphone theft, but they -- and the industry -- can do much more. That's according to San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon and New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who issued a statement after Thursday's smartphone summit. The law enforcement officials earlier kicked off the day with a press conference, when they announced their intent to push the handset industry to install a "kill switch" in their products that would render the device useless if stolen. Executives from Apple, Samsung, Google/Motorola, and Microsoft participated in the summit. "Apple and Samsung have taken steps in the right direction, but it is clear to us that the industry as a whole has more workto do to protect consumers from violent street crimes," according to an e-mailed statement.The Secure Our Smartphone or SOS coalition has provided a series of parameters for what it wants the companies to do. The group wants to the companies to have some sort of kill switch in new products within a year. Apple on Monday showed off the "activation lock" feature in iOS 7 that would prevent the reactivation of a stolen phone, while Samsung has beefed up its enterprise and security features with its SAFE and Knox initiatives.Samsung declined to comment. CNET contacted Apple for comment, and we'll update the story when the company responds.
Apple and Samsung have taken some steps in the right direction when it comes to curbing smartphone theft, but they -- and the industry -- can do much more. That's according to San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon and New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who issued a statement after Thursday's smartphone summit. The law enforcement officials earlier kicked off the day with a press conference, when they announced their intent to push the handset industry to install a "kill switch" in their products that would render the device useless if stolen. Executives from Apple, Samsung, Google/Motorola, and Microsoft participated in the summit. "Apple and Samsung have taken steps in the right direction, but it is clear to us that the industry as a whole has more workto do to protect consumers from violent street crimes," according to an e-mailed statement.The Secure Our Smartphone or SOS coalition has provided a series of parameters for what it wants the companies to do. The group wants to the companies to have some sort of kill switch in new products within a year. Apple on Monday showed off the "activation lock" feature in iOS 7 that would prevent the reactivation of a stolen phone, while Samsung has beefed up its enterprise and security features with its SAFE and Knox initiatives.Samsung declined to comment. CNET contacted Apple for comment, and we'll update the story when the company responds.
Apple, Samsung to offer wireless phone charging, claims report
Apple, Samsung to offer wireless phone charging, claims report
Owners of the iPhone 5S or Galaxy S4 will be able to charge their phones wirelessly, claim the folks at DigiTimes.Based on "industry sources," Taiwan-based DigiTimes said today that the next-generation iPhone will use wireless charging technology developed by Apple. But the sources couldn't say whether the phone would be built with the wireless charging feature or rely on an attached accessory.Samsung's Galaxy S4 is expected to support the Qi wireless charging technology, which already is used by Nokia and other mobile vendors. The S4 may not include the capability itself but instead require users to buy a back cover that can access a charging pad.DigiTimes has a history of hits and misses as far as reliability goes, so this report should be taken with a grain of salt.Apple, at least, doesn't seem to be sold on the idea of wireless charging.In an interview with AllThingsD last September, Apple Senior Vice President Phil Schiller questioned the convenience of wireless charging systems since they still need to be plugged into a wall outlet. In contrast, the current USB cables can be plugged into computers, outlets, and even on airplanes, he added."Having to create another device you have to plug into the wall is actually, for most situations, more complicated," Schiller told AllThingsD.For those enamored with wireless charging, third-party products like the Powermat and Energizer Qi already provide the technology for many smartphones and other devices.
Owners of the iPhone 5S or Galaxy S4 will be able to charge their phones wirelessly, claim the folks at DigiTimes.Based on "industry sources," Taiwan-based DigiTimes said today that the next-generation iPhone will use wireless charging technology developed by Apple. But the sources couldn't say whether the phone would be built with the wireless charging feature or rely on an attached accessory.Samsung's Galaxy S4 is expected to support the Qi wireless charging technology, which already is used by Nokia and other mobile vendors. The S4 may not include the capability itself but instead require users to buy a back cover that can access a charging pad.DigiTimes has a history of hits and misses as far as reliability goes, so this report should be taken with a grain of salt.Apple, at least, doesn't seem to be sold on the idea of wireless charging.In an interview with AllThingsD last September, Apple Senior Vice President Phil Schiller questioned the convenience of wireless charging systems since they still need to be plugged into a wall outlet. In contrast, the current USB cables can be plugged into computers, outlets, and even on airplanes, he added."Having to create another device you have to plug into the wall is actually, for most situations, more complicated," Schiller told AllThingsD.For those enamored with wireless charging, third-party products like the Powermat and Energizer Qi already provide the technology for many smartphones and other devices.
Apple, Samsung devices said to be near Pentagon security OK
Apple, Samsung devices said to be near Pentagon security OK
Both Apple and Samsung have been in ongoing talks with the Department of Defense to bring their devices to the agency's employees, and now it looks like approval for device security is finally around the corner.According to the Wall Street Journal, the Defense Department reportedly plans to give security approval for Samsung's Galaxy smartphones and Apple's iPhones and iPads within the next few weeks.The Defense Information Systems Agency, which rules what commercial technology the Pentagon can use, will decide within the next two weeks whether to accept Samsung's Galaxy smartphones loaded with Knox security software for sending and receiving internal e-mails, according to the Wall Street Journal. Separately, the agency also plans to decide in early May whether Apple's iOS 6 security is safe enough to be used by military agencies for non-classified communication.The Department of Defense dropped its exclusive contract for BlackBerry devices last October, which opened up bidding to Apple, Samsung, and any other tech company.Despite the agency opening up contracts to other companies, the Pentagon has confirmed that it isn't completely dropping BlackBerry. Currently, of the more than 600,000 mobile devices used by the department, 470,000 are BlackBerry, 41,000 are Apple products, and 8,700 are running on Google Android. The department has said that eventually it wants to handle as many as 8 million devices. And, any company that can meet its strict classified security guidelines can try to get a piece of the department's profitable government contract.According to the Wall Street Journal, BlackBerry devices still dominate the U.S. government market -- so, even if Apple and Samsung do get security approval, it doesn't necessarily mean immediate contracts for hundreds of thousands of devices. Approvals "do not directly result in product orders, but facilitate the process by eliminating the need for security reviews at the individual DOD organization level," a Defense Department spokesman told the Wall Street Journal.
Both Apple and Samsung have been in ongoing talks with the Department of Defense to bring their devices to the agency's employees, and now it looks like approval for device security is finally around the corner.According to the Wall Street Journal, the Defense Department reportedly plans to give security approval for Samsung's Galaxy smartphones and Apple's iPhones and iPads within the next few weeks.The Defense Information Systems Agency, which rules what commercial technology the Pentagon can use, will decide within the next two weeks whether to accept Samsung's Galaxy smartphones loaded with Knox security software for sending and receiving internal e-mails, according to the Wall Street Journal. Separately, the agency also plans to decide in early May whether Apple's iOS 6 security is safe enough to be used by military agencies for non-classified communication.The Department of Defense dropped its exclusive contract for BlackBerry devices last October, which opened up bidding to Apple, Samsung, and any other tech company.Despite the agency opening up contracts to other companies, the Pentagon has confirmed that it isn't completely dropping BlackBerry. Currently, of the more than 600,000 mobile devices used by the department, 470,000 are BlackBerry, 41,000 are Apple products, and 8,700 are running on Google Android. The department has said that eventually it wants to handle as many as 8 million devices. And, any company that can meet its strict classified security guidelines can try to get a piece of the department's profitable government contract.According to the Wall Street Journal, BlackBerry devices still dominate the U.S. government market -- so, even if Apple and Samsung do get security approval, it doesn't necessarily mean immediate contracts for hundreds of thousands of devices. Approvals "do not directly result in product orders, but facilitate the process by eliminating the need for security reviews at the individual DOD organization level," a Defense Department spokesman told the Wall Street Journal.
Apple, Samsung CEOs speak but fail to reach settlement
Apple, Samsung CEOs speak but fail to reach settlement
The attempt to goad Apple and Samsung into settling at least part of their ongoing patent dispute has apparently been fruitless.Apple CEO Tim Cook and Samsung CEO Kwon Oh Hyun were asked by U.S. District Court Judge Lucy Koh to discuss possible resolutions of their patent litigation, which is nearly in jurors' hands. However, that conversation failed to break the deadlock between the two companies."The CEOs did speak... [but] there was no resolution," Samsung counsel Kevin Johnson told Koh late this afternoon.The court-mandated conversation was an 11th-hour attempt to settle the companies' high-stakes charges before closing arguments begin tomorrow. The two sides met in person twice as part of court-mandated settlement talks ahead of the trial. Koh instructed the chief executives at both companies last week to meet once more as a last-ditch effort, saying it was "time for peace."Upon the conclusion of counsels' closing arguments, the nine-person jury will receive a 100-page deliberation instruction document, which is expected to take a couple of hours to read. Jurors will also receive a 21-page tentative verdict form from which they must pick which devices from either side infringe on various patents, a document that Koh is concerned will confuse jurors because it was "so complex.""I am worried we might have a seriously confused jury here," Koh told legal counsel from both companies today. "I have trouble understanding this, and I have spent a little more time with this than they have." Jurors will also face the tedious task of assigning damages, a tally that ranges from millions to billions of dollars based on which expert report is used as the guideline. Apple sued Samsung in 2011, claiming that Samsung copied "the look and feel" of its iPad tablet and iPhone smartphone, costing it more than $2.5 billion. Samsung countersued, claiming Apple infringed on some of its patents.CNET's Josh Lowensohn contributed to this report from San Jose, Calif.
The attempt to goad Apple and Samsung into settling at least part of their ongoing patent dispute has apparently been fruitless.Apple CEO Tim Cook and Samsung CEO Kwon Oh Hyun were asked by U.S. District Court Judge Lucy Koh to discuss possible resolutions of their patent litigation, which is nearly in jurors' hands. However, that conversation failed to break the deadlock between the two companies."The CEOs did speak... [but] there was no resolution," Samsung counsel Kevin Johnson told Koh late this afternoon.The court-mandated conversation was an 11th-hour attempt to settle the companies' high-stakes charges before closing arguments begin tomorrow. The two sides met in person twice as part of court-mandated settlement talks ahead of the trial. Koh instructed the chief executives at both companies last week to meet once more as a last-ditch effort, saying it was "time for peace."Upon the conclusion of counsels' closing arguments, the nine-person jury will receive a 100-page deliberation instruction document, which is expected to take a couple of hours to read. Jurors will also receive a 21-page tentative verdict form from which they must pick which devices from either side infringe on various patents, a document that Koh is concerned will confuse jurors because it was "so complex.""I am worried we might have a seriously confused jury here," Koh told legal counsel from both companies today. "I have trouble understanding this, and I have spent a little more time with this than they have." Jurors will also face the tedious task of assigning damages, a tally that ranges from millions to billions of dollars based on which expert report is used as the guideline. Apple sued Samsung in 2011, claiming that Samsung copied "the look and feel" of its iPad tablet and iPhone smartphone, costing it more than $2.5 billion. Samsung countersued, claiming Apple infringed on some of its patents.CNET's Josh Lowensohn contributed to this report from San Jose, Calif.
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