The 404 1,036: Where they should make a movie out of that (podcast)
Nike is introducing a new RSVP system on Twitter to handle the release of its limited edition sneakers, and we think Microsoft and Sony should adopt a similar model for their new consoles so fools like Jeff won't have to camp out in the cold.Here's how it works: Nike will send out a Tweet at random on release day that includes a specific hashtag that prospective buyers will then have to copy into a Direct Message back to the company, along with the last four digits of any government-issued ID and shoe size. Stores will then contact buyers on a first come, first serve basis and arrange for local pick up, and confirmed recipients must present their ID to redeem the sneakers. Make sense? Death to lines!It's just me and Jeff on today's show, but Richard will chime in as well when we discuss some of our favorite TV shows on the air right now in a segment about Netflix releasing a new season of "Arrested Development." We read today that the streaming site will also make all ten episodes in the new season available at the same time, so we might all collectively skip a week of 404 episodes when they drop next year.Lastly, Richard and I let Jeff go off for a couple minutes on people that complain about a lack of privacy in their cars--these are the same people that willingly giving up far more personal information online to sites like Google and Facebook, so what difference is one black box going to make? Check out today's show and let us know what you think!Bathroom break video: Domino's Pizza safe soundThis 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 1,036Listen nowYour 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 YuAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff Bakalar
iTunes Store opens in Russia, 55 other countries in hefty expansion
iTunes Store opens in Russia, 55 other countries in hefty expansion
Just days after releasing a new version of iTunes, Apple has announced an expansion of its iTunes Store into Russia and dozens of other countries, nearly doubling the number of countries in which it has a presence.In addition to Russia, the popular music platform has landed in Turkey, India, South Africa, and 52 other countries, Apple announced today. The addition of the 56 countries brings the total number of countries with iTunes Store access to 119.With the launch, Apple touted the selection of local and international music tailored to its new audiences."The iTunes Store features local artists including Elka in Russia, Sezen Aksu in Turkey, AR Rahman in India, and Zahara in South Africa, international artists including The Beatles, Taylor Swift and Coldplay, and world-renowned classical musicians including Lang Lang, Yo Yo Ma and Yuja Wang," the company said in a statement.Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)The 404 Podcast 498: Where Jeff battles the TriadBuzz Out Loud Podcast 1145: China to Google: Suck itRussia, in particular, will prove one of Apple's greatest challenges in the music sector. While the home of Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky, and Pussy Riot has several legitimate download services, is also home to rampant piracy. The Intellectual Property Alliance, an organization dedicated to eliminating piracy, has placed Russia on its "priority watch list" as a major pirate.Despite the challenges posed by piracy, Russia could be a revenue goldmine for Apple -- if it can persuade Russians to purchase rather than pirate.After a monthlong delay, Apple last week released iTunes 11. The latest version of its popular music software features a visual redesign that takes a cue or two from Apple's iOS software, with a focus on large album covers that can expand to show you songs -- both in your library, and other tracks from Apple's iTunes Music Store.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
Just days after releasing a new version of iTunes, Apple has announced an expansion of its iTunes Store into Russia and dozens of other countries, nearly doubling the number of countries in which it has a presence.In addition to Russia, the popular music platform has landed in Turkey, India, South Africa, and 52 other countries, Apple announced today. The addition of the 56 countries brings the total number of countries with iTunes Store access to 119.With the launch, Apple touted the selection of local and international music tailored to its new audiences."The iTunes Store features local artists including Elka in Russia, Sezen Aksu in Turkey, AR Rahman in India, and Zahara in South Africa, international artists including The Beatles, Taylor Swift and Coldplay, and world-renowned classical musicians including Lang Lang, Yo Yo Ma and Yuja Wang," the company said in a statement.Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)The 404 Podcast 498: Where Jeff battles the TriadBuzz Out Loud Podcast 1145: China to Google: Suck itRussia, in particular, will prove one of Apple's greatest challenges in the music sector. While the home of Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky, and Pussy Riot has several legitimate download services, is also home to rampant piracy. The Intellectual Property Alliance, an organization dedicated to eliminating piracy, has placed Russia on its "priority watch list" as a major pirate.Despite the challenges posed by piracy, Russia could be a revenue goldmine for Apple -- if it can persuade Russians to purchase rather than pirate.After a monthlong delay, Apple last week released iTunes 11. The latest version of its popular music software features a visual redesign that takes a cue or two from Apple's iOS software, with a focus on large album covers that can expand to show you songs -- both in your library, and other tracks from Apple's iTunes Music Store.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
Apple's Chinese iPad opponent faces possible liquidation
Apple's Chinese iPad opponent faces possible liquidation
The Chinese company creating legal headaches for Apple over the iPad name could be close to shutting down.Computer-monitor maker Proview has been battling Apple over the rights to the iPad trademark at the same time it's been struggling to stay afloat. (A cynic might suggest those two events aren't exactly coincidental.) Now one of Proview's major creditors is trying to sink the company permanently.Taiwan-based Fubon Insurance is looking to grab $8.68 million in outstanding debt and has filed an application to declare Proview bankrupt and its assets liquidated. And a decision on the matter may not take long.An official at the Intermediate Court in Shenzhen, home to Proview's main Chinese subsidiary, said he expected an announcement on the case soon, the AP reported, citing information from the Xinhua News Agency.Related storiesApple throws a hail mary in China iPad caseApple arch-nemesis Proview: We want to 'make a comeback'Apple sidesteps iPad ban in Shanghai, but Proview is far from doneApple iPad 2 (review)Even if Proview goes under, though, Apple may still have a legal thorn in its paw. Proview attorney Ma Dongxiao said the company doesn't believe its financial problems will affect the legal case.Apple is currently arguing its position before the Higher People's Court of Guangzhou, maintaining that it legally bought the rights to the iPad name several years ago.Proview has been busy suing Apple in both China and the U.S., insisting that the deal didn't include the right to use the iPad trademark in mainland China. Proview said it's even reached out to Apple to try to work out a settlement. But the tablet maker has reportedly been unwilling to negotiate, affirming that it owns the iPad name.The stakes are high. If Apple loses the case, it would no longer be able to call its popular tablet the iPad in China. If Proview loses, then the reported $1.6 billion in damages it's seeking from Apple would be gone, virtually assuring that the ailing company would have to shut its doors.
The Chinese company creating legal headaches for Apple over the iPad name could be close to shutting down.Computer-monitor maker Proview has been battling Apple over the rights to the iPad trademark at the same time it's been struggling to stay afloat. (A cynic might suggest those two events aren't exactly coincidental.) Now one of Proview's major creditors is trying to sink the company permanently.Taiwan-based Fubon Insurance is looking to grab $8.68 million in outstanding debt and has filed an application to declare Proview bankrupt and its assets liquidated. And a decision on the matter may not take long.An official at the Intermediate Court in Shenzhen, home to Proview's main Chinese subsidiary, said he expected an announcement on the case soon, the AP reported, citing information from the Xinhua News Agency.Related storiesApple throws a hail mary in China iPad caseApple arch-nemesis Proview: We want to 'make a comeback'Apple sidesteps iPad ban in Shanghai, but Proview is far from doneApple iPad 2 (review)Even if Proview goes under, though, Apple may still have a legal thorn in its paw. Proview attorney Ma Dongxiao said the company doesn't believe its financial problems will affect the legal case.Apple is currently arguing its position before the Higher People's Court of Guangzhou, maintaining that it legally bought the rights to the iPad name several years ago.Proview has been busy suing Apple in both China and the U.S., insisting that the deal didn't include the right to use the iPad trademark in mainland China. Proview said it's even reached out to Apple to try to work out a settlement. But the tablet maker has reportedly been unwilling to negotiate, affirming that it owns the iPad name.The stakes are high. If Apple loses the case, it would no longer be able to call its popular tablet the iPad in China. If Proview loses, then the reported $1.6 billion in damages it's seeking from Apple would be gone, virtually assuring that the ailing company would have to shut its doors.
Apple's Christmas gift -- app downloads jump 87 percent
Apple's Christmas gift -- app downloads jump 87 percent
Apple certainly enjoyed a jolly Christmas, at least to judge from its App Store downloads.Data out yesterday from mobile analytics firm Distimo revealed an 87 percent jump in iPhone and iPad app downloads on Christmas Day as compared with the average for the month. Sales from all those downloads rose by 70 percent on December 25. The iPad seemed to be an especially popular gift this season, according to Distimo. App downloads for Apple's tablet lineup grew by 140 percent on Christmas compared to the monthly average, while revenue for iPad apps shot up by 83 percent.Related stories'Twas a holly jolly Christmas for smartphones, tablets, and appsRetail sites see 27 percent traffic jump on Christmas DayAmazon again tops in e-tail customer satisfaction; Apple slipsAmong the ten most downloaded iOS apps on Christmas Day, YouTube took first place, followed by Google Maps, ElfYourself by OfficeMax, Where's My Holiday? from Disney, and Skype for the iPad.Rounding out the bottom half were Subway Surfers, Flow Free, Furby, Instagram, and Emoji & Unicode Icons.Christmas rang in good cheer for smartphones, tablets, and apps in general.A new report from fellow mobile analytics firm Flurry found that device activations surged to 17.4 million on Christmas Day from 4 million on average for the month, a gain of 332 percent. Overall app downloads doubled on Christmas compared with the December average, as device owners download 20 million apps per hour.
Apple certainly enjoyed a jolly Christmas, at least to judge from its App Store downloads.Data out yesterday from mobile analytics firm Distimo revealed an 87 percent jump in iPhone and iPad app downloads on Christmas Day as compared with the average for the month. Sales from all those downloads rose by 70 percent on December 25. The iPad seemed to be an especially popular gift this season, according to Distimo. App downloads for Apple's tablet lineup grew by 140 percent on Christmas compared to the monthly average, while revenue for iPad apps shot up by 83 percent.Related stories'Twas a holly jolly Christmas for smartphones, tablets, and appsRetail sites see 27 percent traffic jump on Christmas DayAmazon again tops in e-tail customer satisfaction; Apple slipsAmong the ten most downloaded iOS apps on Christmas Day, YouTube took first place, followed by Google Maps, ElfYourself by OfficeMax, Where's My Holiday? from Disney, and Skype for the iPad.Rounding out the bottom half were Subway Surfers, Flow Free, Furby, Instagram, and Emoji & Unicode Icons.Christmas rang in good cheer for smartphones, tablets, and apps in general.A new report from fellow mobile analytics firm Flurry found that device activations surged to 17.4 million on Christmas Day from 4 million on average for the month, a gain of 332 percent. Overall app downloads doubled on Christmas compared with the December average, as device owners download 20 million apps per hour.
Apple's cash hoard could reach $170 billion by year's end
Apple's cash hoard could reach $170 billion by year's end
Apple could end up with $170 billion in cash by the end of 2012 unless it learns to share more with investors.With around $137 billion in cash as of the end of 2012, Apple is the biggest cash-rich company outside of the banking industry, according to Moody's. As such, it's faced increasing pressure to return more of that money to its investors.Greenlight Capital's David Einhorn, a major Apple investor, recently filed a lawsuit against Apple over guidelines regarding the issuance of preferred stock. Though Einhorn dropped the suit early this month, Apple still is being called upon to share more cash beyond just its current dividend.Related storiesApple may up dividend by more than 50 percent, say analystsApple ready to issue cash dividend to stockholders?Apple readying new plan for cash pile, investor saysApple taps $100B cash pile to pay dividend, buy back stockWhy technology companies loathe dividends"Unless Apple changes its philosophy towards liquidity/shareholder returns by increasing its $10 billion annual common dividend, or if Apple increases its stock buyback program, we estimate Apple's cash balances could increase by another $35 billion in 2013 and exceed $170 billion," Moody's researchers said yesterday, according to MarketWatch.Apple said it's been discussing ways to return more money to stockholders, but so far the company has had nothing concrete to offer.A group of analysts polled by Bloomberg said they believe Apple may up its dividend by as much 56 percent. That bump would offer investors a quarterly dividend of $4.14 per share, a higher yield that that offered by most of the dividend-paying corporations on the S&P 500.
Apple could end up with $170 billion in cash by the end of 2012 unless it learns to share more with investors.With around $137 billion in cash as of the end of 2012, Apple is the biggest cash-rich company outside of the banking industry, according to Moody's. As such, it's faced increasing pressure to return more of that money to its investors.Greenlight Capital's David Einhorn, a major Apple investor, recently filed a lawsuit against Apple over guidelines regarding the issuance of preferred stock. Though Einhorn dropped the suit early this month, Apple still is being called upon to share more cash beyond just its current dividend.Related storiesApple may up dividend by more than 50 percent, say analystsApple ready to issue cash dividend to stockholders?Apple readying new plan for cash pile, investor saysApple taps $100B cash pile to pay dividend, buy back stockWhy technology companies loathe dividends"Unless Apple changes its philosophy towards liquidity/shareholder returns by increasing its $10 billion annual common dividend, or if Apple increases its stock buyback program, we estimate Apple's cash balances could increase by another $35 billion in 2013 and exceed $170 billion," Moody's researchers said yesterday, according to MarketWatch.Apple said it's been discussing ways to return more money to stockholders, but so far the company has had nothing concrete to offer.A group of analysts polled by Bloomberg said they believe Apple may up its dividend by as much 56 percent. That bump would offer investors a quarterly dividend of $4.14 per share, a higher yield that that offered by most of the dividend-paying corporations on the S&P 500.
Apple's Black Friday- $101 off Macs, up to $61 off iPad 2-
Apple's Black Friday: $101 off Macs, up to $61 off iPad 2?
Apple's Black Friday plans have apparently been leaked, and if they prove true, there might not be much to write home about.According to 9to5Mac, it has received a"pamphlet" from a "trusted tipster" showing all of Apple's Black Friday sales. That pamphlet shows Apple cutting the price of its MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMac lines by $101. In addition, the company apparently will be cutting the price of the iPod Touch by $21 to $41, depending on the model customers choose. The iPod Nano would get an $11 price cut and the iPad 2 will be $41 to $61 less that day.Apple will also be offering discounts on accessories, the pamphlet claims. Related LinksApple teases Black Friday deals, but what about the iPhone?Apple's 2009 Black Friday deals: All MacBook Pro models $101 offBlack Friday deal-hunting apps for AndroidApple announced yesterday that it would be holding a special "one-day Apple shopping event" on its Web site Friday. Although the company didn't announce the discounts it was apparently planning to offer, the company cited the iPad, iPod, and Macs, seeming to indicate that those products would receive price cuts on Friday. As CNET pointed out in its report on that event yesterday, Apple made no mention of the iPhone.And as it turns out, the iPhone is conspicuously missing from the pamphlet that 9to5Mac obtained.Although Apple has not responded to CNET's request for confirmation of 9to5Mac's report, the sales included in the pamphlet seem to follow the kind of stingy deals the iPhone maker has offered in the past. In 2009, for example, Apple took $101 off its MacBook Pro models and $31 off its iPod Touch.Even so, until Apple unveils its deals on Friday, don't take 9to5Mac's report to heart--Apple has a tendency to do exactly what you wouldn't expect.
Apple's Black Friday plans have apparently been leaked, and if they prove true, there might not be much to write home about.According to 9to5Mac, it has received a"pamphlet" from a "trusted tipster" showing all of Apple's Black Friday sales. That pamphlet shows Apple cutting the price of its MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMac lines by $101. In addition, the company apparently will be cutting the price of the iPod Touch by $21 to $41, depending on the model customers choose. The iPod Nano would get an $11 price cut and the iPad 2 will be $41 to $61 less that day.Apple will also be offering discounts on accessories, the pamphlet claims. Related LinksApple teases Black Friday deals, but what about the iPhone?Apple's 2009 Black Friday deals: All MacBook Pro models $101 offBlack Friday deal-hunting apps for AndroidApple announced yesterday that it would be holding a special "one-day Apple shopping event" on its Web site Friday. Although the company didn't announce the discounts it was apparently planning to offer, the company cited the iPad, iPod, and Macs, seeming to indicate that those products would receive price cuts on Friday. As CNET pointed out in its report on that event yesterday, Apple made no mention of the iPhone.And as it turns out, the iPhone is conspicuously missing from the pamphlet that 9to5Mac obtained.Although Apple has not responded to CNET's request for confirmation of 9to5Mac's report, the sales included in the pamphlet seem to follow the kind of stingy deals the iPhone maker has offered in the past. In 2009, for example, Apple took $101 off its MacBook Pro models and $31 off its iPod Touch.Even so, until Apple unveils its deals on Friday, don't take 9to5Mac's report to heart--Apple has a tendency to do exactly what you wouldn't expect.
Apple's big Mac Pro revamp to debut this month, report says
Apple's big Mac Pro revamp to debut this month, report says
Mac Pro users who have played the waiting game with Apple to completely revamp its desktop machine might get the goods soon, according to a new report.Citing an accurate source, Mac Daily News says Apple plans to announce a new model of the machine sometime this month.An Apple spokesman told CNET the company does not comment on rumors or speculation.Mac Daily News warns that the April date could "slip" all the way through June, which is when Apple is expected to once again hold its annual developers conference in San Francisco. A source familiar with Apple's plans says an April event for a new machine is absolutely not happening.Apple last updated the Mac Pro this past June, though it was just a bump in the processors and the amount of built-in RAM. The update excluded several other items including USB 3.0, speedier Serial ATA, or Thunderbolt -- the high-speed connection Apple began shipping on all its other computers in early 2011.One peeved customer subsequently sent a nastygram to Apple CEO Tim Cook, who then promised a "really great" update sometime this year. A memo sent by one of Apple's authorized resellers in early February then suggested the company was at work on a spring release.Related storiesApple to stop Mac Pro sales in much of Europe on March 1Why Apple's secrecy is frustrating Mac Pro customersApple CEO says Mac Pro update to come 'next year'At a starting price of $2,499, the Mac Pro is one of Apple's most expensive products. It's also been passed by in terms of hardware updates and new technologies, with Apple instead focusing on its portable devices. Even so, the hardware continues to be used by many in creative industries like TV and film.Apple was forced to stop selling the machine in Europe at the beginning of last month, after a law went into effect requiring more stringent electrical regulations. Apple opted to simply stop selling the devices instead of making adjustments to the design.(via MacRumors)
Mac Pro users who have played the waiting game with Apple to completely revamp its desktop machine might get the goods soon, according to a new report.Citing an accurate source, Mac Daily News says Apple plans to announce a new model of the machine sometime this month.An Apple spokesman told CNET the company does not comment on rumors or speculation.Mac Daily News warns that the April date could "slip" all the way through June, which is when Apple is expected to once again hold its annual developers conference in San Francisco. A source familiar with Apple's plans says an April event for a new machine is absolutely not happening.Apple last updated the Mac Pro this past June, though it was just a bump in the processors and the amount of built-in RAM. The update excluded several other items including USB 3.0, speedier Serial ATA, or Thunderbolt -- the high-speed connection Apple began shipping on all its other computers in early 2011.One peeved customer subsequently sent a nastygram to Apple CEO Tim Cook, who then promised a "really great" update sometime this year. A memo sent by one of Apple's authorized resellers in early February then suggested the company was at work on a spring release.Related storiesApple to stop Mac Pro sales in much of Europe on March 1Why Apple's secrecy is frustrating Mac Pro customersApple CEO says Mac Pro update to come 'next year'At a starting price of $2,499, the Mac Pro is one of Apple's most expensive products. It's also been passed by in terms of hardware updates and new technologies, with Apple instead focusing on its portable devices. Even so, the hardware continues to be used by many in creative industries like TV and film.Apple was forced to stop selling the machine in Europe at the beginning of last month, after a law went into effect requiring more stringent electrical regulations. Apple opted to simply stop selling the devices instead of making adjustments to the design.(via MacRumors)
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