Macazine.net Blog

Doing more with Messages

Macazine.net — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:12:35 +0000

Last week we wandered about Mountain Lion’s Messages application to get a feel for the territory. In today’s lesson we’ll dig into some of Messages’ less obvious features, including screen sharing, initiating remote slideshows and presentations, and viewing past chats.

Messages and screen sharing

When exploring the Mac’s sharing features I explained how to share the screen of another Mac on your local network. Through Messages it’s possible to do the same thing, but over the Internet.

To do this, each participant must use an AIM, Bonjour, Google Talk, or Jabber account. Screen sharing isn’t available through the iMessage protocol (meaning two iCloud accounts) or Yahoo.

To share someone’s screen, select their name in your buddy list and from the Buddies menu choose Ask to Share PersonX’s Screen (where PersonX is the person you want to interact with). That person will receive an invitation via an alert sound and a dialog box. For them to allow their screen to be shared, they simply click the dialog box. They can also elect to send you a text reply. For example, if they are in the middle of something, they can just click the Text Reply button and type I can’t right this second. Try again in 5 minutes.

To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

Macworld

Twitter for Mac finally gains Notification Center support

Macazine.net — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:57:35 +0000

Well, here’s something I thought we would never see — a minor update for Twitter for Mac, which finally brings Notification Center support to the client. You know, it only took just shy of 10 months after the release of OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion for that to happen. The 2.2.1 update also fixes Growl notifications in Lion and Mountain Lion and squashes several other bugs. But reviews are already coming in saying that the Growl fix doesn’t work.

Yes, Twitter for Mac was updated in April, but it languished for a couple years (Twitter for Mac 2.1 was released in May 2011 with a minor update shortly after). The focus is on the iOS and web experience, but here’s a golf clap for Twitter for tossing a bone at the Mac app’s way as well.

[via 9to5 Mac]

Twitter for Mac finally gains Notification Center support originally appeared on TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 23 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog

Mailbox for iOS gains native iPad compatibility

Macazine.net — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:54:57 +0000

Mailbox, the Gmail-based iOS email client that encourages a tidy inbox, was updated on Wednesday with native support for Apple’s iPad lineup.

AppleInsider – Frontpage News

Penguin settles iBooks price fixing lawsuit for $75 million

Macazine.net — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:23:52 +0000

Penguin Group today agreed to a US$ 75 million settlement deal with the US State Attorneys General and a group of private plaintiffs. The settlement stems from allegations that Penguin, along with four other publishing houses, colluded with Apple to raise the price of e-books on Apple’s iBookstore.

Attorney General George Jepsen today announced that Penguin Group (USA) Inc. has entered into a settlement agreement to resolve claims asserted by Connecticut and 32 other states and territories in a lawsuit alleging price-fixing and collusion in the market for electronic books, or eBooks.

Since allegations of price fixing were first levied in April 2012, all five of the accused publishing houses have reached settlement agreements with the government, cumulatively agreeing to pay $ 164 million in damages to affected consumers nationwide.

“Consumers are entitled to a fair, open and competitive marketplace,” Connecticut Attorney General Jepsen said in a press release. “This agreement is yet another step toward providing restitution to those consumers who were harmed by alleged price-fixing within the e-book market and will further ensure that, going forward, consumers benefit from fair competition in the sale of e-books.”

Apple, of course, vehemently denies that there was any attempt to fix the price of e-books. A trial on the matter is slated to begin on June 3 and Apple CEO Tim Cook is expected to testify.

Recently, the Justice Department released evidence which it claims supports the notion that Apple was a “ringmaster” in a price-fixing conspiracy.

Penguin settles iBooks price fixing lawsuit for $ 75 million originally appeared on TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog

All about About This Mac

Macazine.net — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:03:59 +0000

In this week’s tip, I’ll discuss a cool feature that you may be wholly unaware of—even if you’re a long-time Mac user.

In Lion and Mountain Lion, click the Apple menu and choose About This Mac. Yeah, yeah, you’ve seen this before. But now click More Info.

In the old days, you’d be taken to System Profiler, and you’d see a fairly drab list of specs about your Mac—which you can still see in Mountain Lion by choosing Show System Report from the File menu. But now More Info offers a slicker view that puts your Mac’s most important information front and center.

For example, if you need to quickly find out exactly which MacBook Air you have, the Overview screen tells you. Need your serial number? It’s here too—and you can create a text snippet of it by highlighting it and dragging it to the desktop.

To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

Macworld

Apple now allowing Paypal payment for Apple Store purchases (in Germany)

Macazine.net — Thu, 23 May 2013 09:52:24 +0000

German users have noticed one other change from the Apple Store downtime last night, and that is that Apple will now accept Paypal payments through their Apple.com store. You could previously use Paypal as a payment service on the iTunes and Mac App Stores, but you can’t (in most places) on the official Apple website. The German store, however, has now implemented Paypal. So German users can now use that extra eBay money to pick up a new accessory or charger cable.

Odds are that this is a pilot program over there, and it will likely make its way out to the rest of the world very soon. I just checked, and unfortunately this option isn’t yet available on the American Apple.com store. But if German users can use their Paypal accounts to buy Apple products, there’s no reason why the rest of us won’t eventually get the chance to do the same.

[via App Advice]

Apple now allowing Paypal payment for Apple Store purchases (in Germany) originally appeared on TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog

Apple investigating advanced AirPlay system with device-specific UIs

Macazine.net — Thu, 23 May 2013 09:46:27 +0000

An Apple invention filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office describes a method in which a single app provides multiple user interfaces that can be modified according to the type of device being used as a display.

AppleInsider – Frontpage News

Daily Deals for May 22, 2013

Macazine.net — Thu, 23 May 2013 08:21:09 +0000

It’s time to save some of that hard-earned cash with our Daily Deals, featuring a handy list from Dealnews and our own hand-picked selections that include some sweet deals on iOS and OS X software (all prices are USD).

Deals from Dealnews

MacMall: [Apple Computers] MacMall Memorial Day Sale: Up to $ 1,099 off Macs, iPads, and more
MacUpdate Promo: [Mac Software] Phone Amego for Mac downloads for $ 30
Oyen Digital: [Drive Enclosures] DataTale SMART 4-Bay Thunderbolt HDD Enclosure for $ 540 + free shipping
Other World Computing: [Media Receivers] NewerTech NuStand Alloy Display Stands from $ 16 + $ 4 s&h
eBay: [Battery Chargers & Accessories] 12,000mAh USB External Battery Pack for $ 16 + free shipping
eBay: [Digital Cameras] Panasonic Lumix GX1 16MP Micro 4/3 Camera Body for $ 199 + free shipping
Monoprice.com: [24-Inch LCDs Or Larger] Monoprice 30″ 2560×1600 IPS LED LCD Display for $ 648 + $ 31 s&h, more
MegaMacs: [23-Inch LCDs] Refurb Apple 23″ Aluminum Cinema LCD Display for $ 290 + $ 19 s&h
PC Micro Store: [iPhone Cases] rooCASE eXTREME Hybrid Shell Case for iPhone 5 for $ 6 + free shipping
MegaMacs: [24-Inch LCDs Or Larger] Refurb Apple 30″ Cinema HD Widescreen LCD Display for $ 750 + $ 32 s&h
Virgin Mobile: [Apple iPhones] iPhone 4S 16GB Prepaid Phone for Virgin Mobile for $ 382 + free shipping, more
TigerDirect: [Microphones] Yeti USB Microphone for $ 80 + free shipping

iOS Software

Penumbear [iOS Universal; Category: Games; On sale for $ 0.99, down from $ 1.99] Penumbear is a classic platformer with an emphasis on danger, exploration and puzzle solving.
Stick Stunt Biker 2 [iOS Universal; Category: Games; Now free, down from $ 0.99] Bike fun and challenging tracks in different beautiful atmospheric locations and unlock various bikes.
Unmechanical [iOS Universal; Category: Games; On sale for $ 2.99, down from $ 3.99] Unmechanical is all about the adventure of a little helicopter trapped in a strange, but fascinating world.
DinoCap 3 Survivors [iOS Universal; Category: Games; Now free, down from $ 0.99] Fight off those ferocious species and this time make sure they are right on the path to afterlife.
PDFpen for iPad [iPad; Category: Productivity; On sale for $ 14.99, down from $ 9.99] With PDFpen, use your iPad to sign a contract, make corrections, fill out an application, make comments on a presentation and much more.
ComicBook! [iOS Universal; Category: Photography & Video; Now free, down from $ 1.99] ComicBook! is your FULL featured comic book creation app.
FlickStackr for Flickr [iOS Universal; Category: Photography & Video; Now free, down from $ 1.99] FlickStackr brings Flickr photo sharing to the iPad.
TiltShift Video – Miniature effect for movies and photos [iOS Universal; Category: Photography & Video; On sale for $ 0.99, down from $ 4.99] TiltShift Video gives you all the editing features you need to turn your videos and photos into awesome tilt-shift creations.
Flickr Studio [iPad; Category: Photography & Video; Now free, down from $ 4.99] All your Flickr photos and videos, one smart app.
Oldify [iPhone; Category: Entertainment; Now free, down from $ 0.99] Oldify ages AND animates your face in 3D.
Stress Check 2 [iPhone; Category: Health & Fitness; Now free, down from $ 1.99] Stress Check 2 turns your iPhone into a smart device that quantifies your physical and emotional stress level.
Tunable – Instrument Tuner [iOS Universal; Category: Music; Now free, down from $ 2.99] Tunable is a chromatic tuner, tone/chord generator, metronome, and recorder that helps you learn to play steadily, in tune, and on beat.
Checkmark [iPhone; Category: Productivity; Now free, down from $ 4.99] Checkmark is the fastest way to remind yourself of all the things you have to do in your busy life.
Tiny Troopers [iOS Universal; Category: Games; Now free, down from $ 0.99] Take control of a platoon of crack soldiers and deploy in a variety or war zones as you battle through the epic campaign.
MoneyWiz – Personal Finance [iPhone; Category: Finance; On sale for $ 0.99, down from $ 4.99] Do more with your money. View all your accounts, budgets and bills in one place.
Bottle Cap Blitz [iOS Universal; Category: Games; Now free, down from $ 1.99] Fire bottle caps to smash ice cubes.
Rolling Hero [iOS Universal; Category: Games; Now free, down from $ 0.99] The evil Redman has kidnapped our hero’s girlfriend and you’ll have to turn the world upside down to find her – literally.
Pudding Monsters [iPhone; Category: Games; Now free, down from $ 1.99] Pudding Monsters is a deliciously addicting puzzle adventure with wacky characters and innovative stick-’em-together game-play. Apple’s App of the week.
Pudding Monsters HD [iPad; Category: Games; Now free, down from $ 1.99] Pudding Monsters is a deliciously addicting puzzle adventure with wacky characters and innovative stick-’em-together game-play.

OS X Software

PipeRoll [OS X; Category: Games; Now free, down from $ 0.99] New challenges, fantastic graphics. 5 unique ages and 100 new levels.
Two Dollar Tuesday [OS X; Category: Various; On sale for $ 1.99] Two Dollar Tuesday offers three OS X app for $ 1.99. Titles include Steps, WriteRoom and Corporate Style Packs. Deal ends May 22dd.
AgingSpine [OS X; Category: Medicine; Now free, down from $ 4.99] AgingSpine[TM] by Orca Health teaches you about spine anatomy, conditions, best practices, and helps you find a specialist.
xScan [OS X; Category: Utilities; On sale for $ 0.99, down from $ 4.99] xScan has been specifically designed to help you monitor the behavior and health of your Mac in a simple and straightforward manner.

Daily Deals for May 22, 2013 originally appeared on TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog

Apple says Samsung’s Galaxy S4 infringes on five patents

Macazine.net — Thu, 23 May 2013 07:54:43 +0000

Samsung’s Galaxy S4 infringes on 5 Apple patents, according to a court filing by Apple.

Apple wants to add the new Galaxy S4 to an ongoing case involving Apple and Samsung being heard in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, San Jose Division, according to a filing with that court on Tuesday.

Samsung’s newest flagship smartphone was launched in March and went on sale in the U.S. in late April.

“Apple obtained the Galaxy S4 on April 27 and immediately began its infringement analysis, including Samsungs customizations of the Android Jelly Bean platform, covering the eight asserted patents,” Apple stated in the filing, adding that it tested S4′s sold by AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint. “That analysis revealed that the Galaxy S4 infringes five of Apples asserted patents in the same ways as Samsungs already accused products,” it added.

To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

Macworld

Warhammer 40K Armageddon gets details, coming in 2014

Macazine.net — Thu, 23 May 2013 06:49:15 +0000

There are a couple of Warhammer-related titles on their way to iOS soon, but this is the most interesting yet. Developer Slitherine has revealed that it’s working on a title called Warhammer 40K: Armageddon, a turn-based, hex-tiled strategy game coming to PC and iOS next year. The game will set Space Marines against Orks across 35 different scenarios, and feature over 100 units with upgradeable stats and attributes, along with a modding system and a separate set of maps balanced out for multiplayer.

Armageddon joins a number of other Warhammer games in progress, including Warhammer Quest and the upcoming Space Hulk adaptation. This is an extremely popular game franchise, and iOS is quickly becoming the home of choice for its games. Unfortunately, we won’t get to see Armageddon in action until next year at least, but we’ll look forward to seeing it then.

Show full PR text

Armageddon[TM] invasion starts in 2014

Warhammer(R) 40,000(R) turn-based strategy videogame details are disclosed

Slitherine and Games Workshop(R) are pleased to announce Warhammer(R) 40,000(R): Armageddon[TM]. Having announced an exciting partnership with Games Workshop a few weeks ago, Slitherine are delighted to release further details. Slitherine have acquired the exclusive rights to Games Workshop’s “Battle for Armageddon” setting in order to create a series of amazing multiplatform, turn-based, hex-based games. Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon will make full use of Slitherine’s expertise in creating compelling and challenging strategy gaming experiences. The initial game is set during the Second War of Armageddon and players will lead the Imperial forces of the Armageddon Steel Legion and Space Marines(R) from the Ultramarines, Blood Angels and Salamanders Chapters against Ghazghkull Thraka’s massive Ork Waaagh! invasion through over 30 scenarios, on the hostile terrain of the planet and its gigantic Hive Cities.

“It is very exciting to see a game like this come alive – I just can’t wait to play it!”, said Iain McNeil, Development Director of the Slitherine Group. “It’s been almost 15 years since a turn-based strategy game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe has been released and we think it is now time to deliver that experience to all fans around the world”.

“The Battle for Armageddon is a classic event in the lore of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, having been detailed in games, models and novels over the past 20 years.” said Jon Gillard, Head of Licensing at Games Workshop. “Slitherine’s masterful use of their classic digital wargame style applied to this seminal setting will delight fans of both.”

The game is currently in development for PC and iOS and will release in the first quarter of 2014.

Main features of the game include:

The game portrays the Second War for Armageddon[TM] in great detail, from the initial Ork landings to the final liberation of the planet;
It contains a large branching campaign with 30 major scenarios, plus additional 5 tutorial scenarios that explore the story in detail;
A complex plot, which can develop during a mission, right in the middle of battle, creating an engaging story line with unexpected twists;
Players lead Imperial troops of the Armageddon[TM] Steel Legion, with supporting assets from a number of Space Marine chapters against the ferocious Orks;
Fight alongside Commissar Yarrik and Commander Dante against the cunning Ork Warboss Ghazghkull Thraka;
Carry over battle-hardened veterans from scenario to scenario, using their experience and upgrading their equipment;
Detailed combat model with terrain, weather and morale effects;
Extensive modding options delivered through a powerful and easy-to-use game editor.
Some numbers:

Over 35 scenarios;
Over 100 unit types, with unique roles, stats and special abilities;
20 different units stats;
A separate set of maps are designed and balanced specifically for multiplayer via Slitherine’s PBEM++ system.

Warhammer 40K Armageddon gets details, coming in 2014 originally appeared on TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog

Twitter unveils two-factor authentication, updates Mac app with Notification Center support

Macazine.net — Thu, 23 May 2013 06:36:11 +0000

Near ubiquitous microblogging service Twitter on Wednesday released an updated Mac app with built-in Notification Center integration and, more importantly, a system-wide two-factor authentication solution for heightened account security.

AppleInsider – Frontpage News

TUAW TV Live: Taxes, Texas and Tim

Macazine.net — Thu, 23 May 2013 05:17:36 +0000

Today on TUAW TV Live, cohost Shawn “Doc Rock” Boyd and I will be conversing about a number of topics. Yesterday saw Apple CEO Tim Cook being grilled by a Senate committee about corporate taxes and at the same time passing along a hint that a “refreshed Mac line” will be manufactured in the Great State of Texas, so both of those are worthy of banter. There are also some new products that have made it to the TUAW Labs in recent days, so we’ll have some quick unboxings for your viewing pleasure.

To view the livestream and join the chat, visit the TUAW TV Live page here. Be sure to bookmark that page on your browser for future TUAW TV events. Past episodes can be found on our YouTube channel, and today’s show will also appear on this page within 24 hours.

TUAW TV Live: Taxes, Texas and Tim originally appeared on TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog

Google I/O from an iOS perspective

Macazine.net — Thu, 23 May 2013 04:45:22 +0000

Popular as Apple’s iOS mobile platform is, it doesn’t exist in a vacuum. There’s also Google’s Android—a widely used mobile OS in its own right. Last week, Google held its I/O developers conference in San Francisco. And more than a few announcements coming out of that event should be of interest to iOS device owners—for how it may or may not influence what Apple does with its own mobile platform, if nothing else.

I’m joined by senior editor Dan Moren and senior writer Lex Friedman to talk Google I/O. Specifically, we look at where Android is playing catch-up to iOS and where Apple is lagging behind what Google has to offer. (Here’s a hint: It rhymes with “maps.”) We also briefly discuss subscription music services, like the one Google just unveiled as well as Google CEO Larry Page’s unusual Q&A session.

Download Episode #356

Show Notes

Lex took a look last week at how Google’s I/O moves measure up to what Apple offers, and that frames much of our discussion. Specifically, the three of us look at new Android APIs that largely match what Apple already offers, changes to Android gaming that will largely feel familiar to anyone who uses iOS’s Game Center, and a redesign of the Google Play store.

To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

Macworld

Apple: Google Now violates Siri patents

Macazine.net — Thu, 23 May 2013 03:49:34 +0000

We recently asked if Apple’s ongoing legal battles with Samsung were worth the effort for the computer giant. As if to answer our question, this week Apple amended their infringement claims with a new motion filed in the second California patent case targeting five patents that the Galaxy S 4 infringes on. But the motion contained a new component; the targeting of Google Now’s search app.

Foss Patents has a thorough run down of Apple’s claims, including the specific five patents Apple says Samsung is in violation of. The main point of contention that the Android Quick Search Box and Google Now infringe upon several of their patients covering their own voice search program Siri.

In a footnote found in their motion Apple sums up their claim thusly:

Apple determined that the Galaxy S 4 product practices many of the same claims already asserted by Apple, and that the Galaxy S 4 practices those claims in the same way as the already-accused Samsung devices.”

It will be interesting to see how the courts rule on this motion. Head over to Foss Patents to read the complete motion and find an explanation of the patents Apple says are currently being violated. We will keep you updated as this case continues to develop.

Apple: Google Now violates Siri patents originally appeared on TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog

OtterBox buys rival case maker LifeProof, drops ongoing patent suit

Macazine.net — Thu, 23 May 2013 03:27:44 +0000

At the CTIA conference on Wednesday, mobile device case maker OtterBox announced that it has purchased TreeFrog Developments Inc., DBA LifeProof, known commercially as “LifeProof,” for an undisclosed sum and has officially dropped allegations of patent infringement against the company.

AppleInsider – Frontpage News

OtterBox acquires LifeProof

Macazine.net — Thu, 23 May 2013 02:13:19 +0000

OtterBox, a pioneer in smartphone case technology based in Ft. Collins, Colo., today got a little bit larger. The company acquired LifeProof, a company that builds a line of waterproof cases that provide superior protection without adding a lot of bulk or weight to devices.

OtterBox will begin incorporating the LifeProof line into its own line of cases over the next month, and it appears that both companies will retain existing employees for the time being. OtterBox has about 650 employees worldwide, while LifeProof has about 250 in its San Diego office.

It will be interesting to watch this acquisition unfold. Could this be the start of consolidation of accessory manufacturers in the booming Apple market? We’ll keep an eye out for other rumor or takeover talk.

Show full PR text

FORT COLLINS, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–OtterBox(R), the global leader in protection for handheld technology, today announced the acquisition of TreeFrog Developments Inc., DBA LifeProof(R). Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Diego, LifeProof is an award-winning maker of protective cases and complementary accessories for smartphones and tablets.

Much like OtterBox, LifeProof is a rapidly growing, multi-million dollar business with a strong global brand, comprehensive product offering, impressive intellectual property and thriving company culture. Over the next 30 days, OtterBox will begin incorporating the LifeProof brand into the OtterBox family. More information about product availability and alignment will be determined at the completion of the integration.

“The joining of OtterBox and LifeProof is a way to combine two great brands and provide customers with even more great products, services and choices for smartphone accessories,” OtterBox CEO Brian Thomas said. “Both companies are successful because we foster an environment where everyone takes pride in being part of a culture that knows how to identify opportunities and grow them quickly. Our goal in this acquisition is to create more value for our customers than we ever could have generated while operating individually.”

A key driver for the acquisition is about creating customers who are passionate about the OtterBox brand. “Our strategy is to utilize our combined brand momentum, and world-class talent to create a great customer experience that generates OtterBox brand ambassadors for life,” Thomas said. “Our customers and our employees are the ones who have the passion for the brand that allows us to succeed. This passionate spirit motivates us to build better teams, better companies and ultimately, better communities. At the end of the day, that is our goal.”

OtterBox employs approximately 650 people worldwide. LifeProof employed approximately 250 people, who are now members of the OtterBox family and will remain in their San Diego location for the foreseeable future.

OtterBox has been a family-owned business since 1998. The financial details and terms of the agreement are confidential.

About LifeProof:

Based in San Diego, LifeProof designs, manufactures and markets cases for smartphones and tablets that deliver protection, style and functionality. LifeProof is built on the idea of giving everyone the complete freedom and confidence to use their mobile devices in any environment. Designed to defend against water, dirt, snow, shock and the hazards of daily life, LifeProof lets consumers use their mobile device every day, everywhere, and for everything, without worry.

For more information, visit lifeproof.com.

About OtterBox:

Founded in 1998, OtterBox creates premium technology accessories for smartphones, tablets and mobile devices. The top mobile device manufacturers, big box retailers and wireless services providers in the world value their partnership with OtterBox to increase device sales and to strengthen their own brand equity. OtterBox works endlessly to create a strong connection with consumers through first-class customer service, commitment to premium product quality and constant voice-of-the-consumer efforts.

OtterBox has been a five-time honoree on the Inc. 500 list of fastest growing private companies in the US, recognized in the Top 10 by the Forbes Magazine America’s Most Promising Companies list and is a repeat honoree in the Great Place to Work annual survey published by FORTUNE Magazine. The multi-million dollar company has global headquarters in Fort Collins, Colo. and offices in Boston, San Diego, Cork, Ireland and Hong Kong.

OtterBox is the No. 1-selling case for smartphones* and offers an extensive lineup of screen protectors, cases and other accessories that enhance various consumer lifestyles.

For more information, visit otterbox.com. We’ve Got Technology Covered.

OtterBox acquires LifeProof originally appeared on TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog

Remains of the Day: Holey wholesale holograms!

Macazine.net — Thu, 23 May 2013 01:35:13 +0000

A longtime industry watcher moves to Cupertino, Steve Jobs’s email to James Murdoch is marked as read, and Tim Cook dodges an inane “rumor.” The remainders for Wednesday, May 22, 2013 are live, in the flesh.

Longtime Tech Industry Analyst Michael Gartenberg Joins Apple (Forbes)

Occasional Macworld contributor Michael Gartenberg—who has served as an analyst at Gartner, Jupiter Research, Altimeter Group, and Interpret, in addition to a brief stint at Microsoft—has joined Apple in a role that reports to Apple senior vice president of marketing Phil Schiller. Let the iBagel rumors begin!

Here’s That Steve Jobs ebook Email to James Murdoch (AllThingsD)

To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

Macworld

Apple’s Smart Watch May Not Launch Until Late 2014, Use Biometrics and iPod Nano Technology

Macazine.net — Thu, 23 May 2013 01:33:21 +0000

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has on a number of occasions offered accurate information about Apple’s product plans, issued a new research report this week outlining his expectations for Apple’s rumored smart watch device, informally dubbed “iWatch”. Despite some expectations that the device could launch later this year, Kuo believes that both hardware and software issues will result in the iWatch making its debut in the second half of 2014.

Apple may not have adequate resources to develop an iWatch version of iOS because it may require big changes to iPhone and iPad iOS this year. In addition, wearable device components aren’t mature. For these reasons, we think mass production of the iWatch is more likely to begin in 2H14, not 2H13 as the market speculates.

Sony SmartWatch (left) and Pebble e-paper watch (right)
On the hardware front, Kuo projects that the iWatch will use a 1.5-2.0 inch display and unsurprisingly believes that Apple will draw on the iPod nano when it comes to components, particularly with respect to the main processor and the touch technology.

Currently, the iPod nano uses the same GF2 touch technology as used by the iPad mini. Since the size and computing ability requirements of the iWatch are similar to those of the iPod nano, we think iWatch will use iPod nano’s GF2 touch technology and AP [application processor].

Further, Kuo believes that biometrics will be a key feature for the iWatch, allowing for increased security and opening the door to broader health-related applications. The biometric support should also aid in building out the cross-device integration many expect to see from the iWatch.

Rumors regarding Apple’s smart watch project have been relatively quiet over the past few months, although a report from earlier this week claimed that Apple is testing 1.5-inch OLED displays for the device, with Foxconn said to be gearing up for a trial run of 1,000 devices.

Recent Mac and iOS Blog Stories
• Clear Updated with List Emailing Functionality, iPad Version Coming Soon
• Casemaker OtterBox Acquiring LifeProof
• Voice Search Coming Soon to Chrome for iOS
• Former Gartner Research Director Michael Gartenberg Joins Apple's Marketing Team
• Twitter for Mac Updated with Notification Center Integration, Bug Fixes
• FiftyThree Gives Behind-The-Scenes Look at Developing Paper's Zoom Feature
• 'Trunk' Posable Lightning Cable Doubles as iPhone Stand
• Logitech Targets Schools With New $60 Wired Keyboard for iPad

MacRumors: Mac News and Rumors – Front Page

Engadget takes Unikey’s iPhone assisted keyless entry for a spin

Macazine.net — Thu, 23 May 2013 00:41:16 +0000

We’re still a few years away from the self-opening home front door of the Jetsons. But that’s okay — we’re making progress. A few weeks ago we told you about Unikey and Kwikset’s Kevo, a keyless entry system for your own front door. Now the fine folks at Engadget have had a chance to work with the system hands on, and they seem to be impressed.

The system uses the iPhone’s Bluetooth LE to connect with the smartlock. Simply walk up to your front door with your phone in your pocket, tap the lock, and turn the knob. Users and security are handled via iPhone and desktop apps that allow you to share keys with family and friends as administrative, normal or scheduled users.

Having someone house sit for you? Register their iPhone with the house for the week and never worry about them forgetting to return your key. Having family come into town to visit? No need to worry about having enough house keys to go around. You can even set on-off access in case someone needs to come by, but only once.

At the moment the system will only support the iPhone; Android and BlackBerry 10 support is on the way. Kevo is expected to go on sale soon. Head over to Engadget for their complete run down of the system, or check out the video below. Unikey is currently taking emails at their website for people interested in pre-ordering when the lock becomes available.

Engadget takes Unikey’s iPhone assisted keyless entry for a spin originally appeared on TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog

Engadget takes Unikey’s iPhone assisted keyless entry for a spin

Macazine.net — Thu, 23 May 2013 00:41:16 +0000

Engadget takes Unikey’s iPhone assisted keyless entry for a spin originally appeared on TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TUAW – The Unofficial Apple Weblog