Monday, November 19, 2012

Apple : Report: Apple testing Maps and Siri for Mac OS X 10.9

Apple : Report: Apple testing Maps and Siri for Mac OS X 10.9


Report: Apple testing Maps and Siri for Mac OS X 10.9

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Report: Apple testing Maps and Siri for Mac OS X 10.9

Apple is examining the possibility of integrating Siri and Maps within the next version of its Mac OS X desktop software, according to reports.

The 9to5Mac blog posted information from "reliable sources" claiming that both features are being tested in early builds of Mac OS X 10.9, which is likely to be released next summer.

Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion currently features a Dictation app, built on the same infrastructure as the Siri voice-controlled personal assistant app, so extending that functionality certainly seems plausible.

The inclusion of Siri would continue Apple's recent efforts to broaden the software's reach. In 2012 the company brought the software to newer iPad and iPod touch models, as well as the iPhone 5.

Maps for developers?

Beyond Siri, the same sources claimed the Apple Maps architecture could also be made available to developers who'd like to use it within apps for the Mac App Store.

"It is also possible that Apple will extend its own work on mapping on the Mac besides integration for developers. It is possible that Apple will want its own full-fledged Maps app on the Mac, but we have not been able to confirm that as of yet," 9to5Mac speculated.

Both Siri and Maps may not make it past these early testing stages, the report added.

Meanwhile Applescoop reported Tuesday that Apple will continue its feline-inspired naming conventions (Tiger, Leopard, Lion etc.) by naming Mac OS X 10.9 'Lynx.'

Those reports are unconfirmed.

Intel announces May retirement for CEO Paul Otellini

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Intel announces May retirement for CEO Paul Otellini

After nearly 40 years of continuous service with the chipmaker, Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini will retire in May as the company steps up efforts to stay relevant in an era of mobile devices.

Intel announced Monday that Otellini has entered an "orderly leadership transition" timed six months ahead of the company's annual stockholders' meeting in May, at which point the executive will retire.

"I've been privileged to lead one of the world's greatest companies," Otellini said. "After almost four decades with the company and eight years as CEO, it's time to move on and transfer Intel's helm to a new generation of leadership."

The board of directors will spend the next six months choosing a successor from a wide variety of candidates both internally and externally, with Otellini only the fifth CEO in the company's 45-year history.

Transition to mobile

Following Otellini's appointment as CEO in early 2005, the chipmaker raked in $105 billion from its operations, establishing record revenue from $38.8 billion to $54 billion by the end of 2011.

Otellini is also credited with reinventing the PC thanks to Intel's current push toward Ultrabook devices, although that initiative - and other mobile ambitions - have yet to pay off for the company.

Intel Chairman of the Board Andy Bryant said Otellini "managed the company through challenging times and market transitions.

"The board is grateful for his innumerable contributions to the company and his distinguished tenure as CEO over the last eight years."

Intel's board of directors also announced promotions for three senior leaders who will now act as executive vice presidents, including Renee James from the company's software division, Brian Krzanich from manufacturing and Director of Corporate Strategy Stacy Smith.

Buying Guide: Best iPad mini cases: 10 to choose from

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Buying Guide: Best iPad mini cases: 10 to choose from

Best iPad mini cases

The convenience of the iPad mini is stark. It's big enough to comfortably read a magazine or watch video on, yet small enough to fit in a shoulder pack or handbag.

It's also light enough to hold throughout long-haul flights and media marathons without getting dead arm.

All things considered, your average iPad mini will likely get more user time than any tablet ever did.

So how about protecting it with a case? Here are 10 of the best iPad mini cases we've come across so far...

1. QDOS Libris Leather Case - £34.99

Throw away that raggedy old notepad because this red case from Libris really looks the part. Inside the padded imitation-leather outer lives a well-formed holster for your mini, the inner lined in suede for an extra snug fit.

Two stands unfold to support both landscape and portrait viewing, while a diary-esque elastic strap keeps the case firmly closed when you're on the move.

QDOS Libris Leather Case

2. Griffin Slim Folio - $39.99 (£25)

Griffin stays true to its word with the Slim Folio, a thin-fabric flip case with all the charm and style of a traditional notebook. Cutouts trace neatly around the camera lens, controls and connectors while the cover doubles as a landscape stand.

A microsuede inner lining keeps your iPad safe from scratches, but don't expect the folio to save your device from drops.

Griffin Slim Folio

3. Gumdrop Drop Tech - $59.95 (£37.80)

Gumdrop's multi-layered case redefines ruggedness without hindering access. The taut polycarbonate inner shell is encased in thick rubberised silicone, so any sudden shocks are absorbed across the outer body, ensuring maximum protection. A snap-on screen protector seals in your tech, capping the hardcore feel.

Gumdrop Drop Tech

4. Tucano Folio Case ALA - £29.99

Italian fashion has a reputation to live up to and the latest folio case from Tucano doesn't disappoint. The soft-to-touch ALA series looks even more suave in mini dimensions, offering the same two-position stand function and microfiber inner lining protecting on the inside. A magnetic plate on the back fastens the cover when the device isn't in use.

Tucano Folio Case ALA

5. Griffin Survivor - $59.99

At the core of the Survivor case is a polycarbonate frame enmeshed in silicone to absorb vibration. Shock physics inform this rubber exterior for excellent protection against drops, while sealed ports and a screen protector fend off rain and sand. If it's protection you want above all else, the Survivor delivers in spades.

Griffin Survivor

6. Proporta Quiksilver - £14.95

Proporta extends the Quiksilver iOS series to the mini with this soft and slender carry pouch. The same surf-styled blue check design adorns the front and back, while your device stays zipped inside, snug against a furry lining. As carry pouches go, this one's a bargain.

Proporta Quiksilver

7. Waterfield Slip Case - $39 (£28)

If you're after a more rustic carry case for your mini then check out the Outback from Waterfield. The waxed canvas of its exterior gives a vintage time-worn feel, while the neoprene inner offers modern protection. The neat Leather lining and clip-strap complete the look.

Waterfield Slip Case

8. Cygnett Vector - £29.95

The designers of the Vector claim inspiration from the sharp angles of skyscrapers and stealth jets; who are we to argue? All we know is this snap-on cover provides snug, curvaceous mid-grade protection across the back of any mini, with well-raised edges safely lining the rim. The etched 3D-line design comes in red or black and adds a neat glossy finish to your device.

Cygnett Vector

9. Striiiipes Envelope - €33 (£26.50)

Aping the classic string envelope design is Striiiipe's tactile suedette carry case. A soft stripey cotton lining protects on the inside, while a white cotton string ties the flap shut. Your device will be safe from scratches and dust, just don't expect military-standard protection from this elegant accessory. Available in blue, pink and yellow.

Striiiipes Envelope

10. Zaggkeys Mini 7 - £89.99

Some thought it couldn't be done - and those with pudgy digits, look away now - but Zagg has pulled off a keyboard-cum-case solution for the iPad mini. A classic folio back frame houses the touchscreen device, appending an island-style Bluetooth keyboard/cover at 90% standard size, special function keys (copy, paste etc) included. Zagg says: a complete mobile experience for a tablet. We say: try before you buy.

Zaggkeys Mini 7

AC/DC back in black on iTunes

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AC/DC back in black on iTunes

If a band's success is judged by how long they can hold off from selling their music on iTunes, AC/DC were bigger than the Beatles. But the Australian rock outfit has today joined the Fab Four, releasing their back-catalogue on Apple's store.

Like the Beatles, Acca Dacca is selling all its individual albums "Remastered for iTunes", as well as offering two album collections.

The first is the Studio Collection, which includes all the albums in a single digital box set, with iTunes LP liner notes and photos. The Complete Set includes all the albums, plus rarities, demos and four live albums along with extensive essays and iTunes LP liner notes.

Individual tracks are all priced at AUD$2.19/£0.99/$US1.29, albums cost AUD$16.99/£7.99/$US9.99. The Studio collection will set you back AUD$149/£79.99/$US99.99 and the Complete Set costs AUD$230/£99.99/$US149.99

For those about to rock (won't be streaming)

Despite the delayed release of its digital collection, it seems that the iconic Aussie rock band still wants to take baby steps into the online distribution world.

There's still no sight of the band on streaming services like Spotify or RDIO. Given the rise of similar services in recent times, this move may seem odd, although discussions of what artists actually make from a Spotify stream could explain the band's reluctance.

Still, for music fans, the addition of AC/DC to iTunes is the fall of one of the last remaining digital holdouts.

And it doesn't look like iTunes killed music after all...

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