The 404 338: Where we boldly go to see 'Star Trek'
We try to keep the show spoiler-free today, but in case you didn't know from the movie poster, Tyler Perry is in the movie. Overall, we think it's a great, fun film, but there are some deep plot holes you could fly the Enterprise through.Check out our video wrap-up from the opening here in New York on CNET TV.On today's show, we find out the origins of the name Twitter.Apparently, its etymology is whale-based.The Natural History Museum Whale also follows us today.In more crazy news from the Web, "DJ Hero" comes out soon to ensure that the next generation of children will not know how to play a single real musical instrument.In more video game news, Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier is rated T for teen, but on the box, it contains "alcohol references, fantasy violence, mild language, partial nudity, and suggestive themes."We wonder what you have to do to get a M-rating now.Finally, if you're still living your mother's basement and playing World of Warcraft, we've got a gadget for you that will ensure that you will never get a girlfriend.It is a hut that will let players isolate themselves from the outside world, feed them, and possibly even wipe their butts.We're not sure if the last one is really a feature, but it's definitely in the same vein.Keep calling into the show at 1-866-404-CNET (2638).We love your voice mails.Next week, we've got Molly Wood joining us on the show along with the equally lovely @LizMoney from the Gadget411 and Anna David!Episode 338Download today's podcast |Â Subscribe in iTunes audio Subscribe in RSS Audio | Â Subscribe in RSS VideoThe 404 at the opening of 'Star Trek' in NYDJ Hero coming outNever leave your mother's basement while playing World of WarcraftT-rated "Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier"Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson Tang
Learn to save lives with useful iPhone app
Learn to save lives with useful iPhone app
Pocket First Aid & CPR was created by the American Heart Association in collaboration with Jive Media. It's is a 65MB application (so make sure you install it via iTunes or a Wi-Fi connection) thatfeatures hundreds of pages of text and illustrations, with topics ranging from CPR andchoking to bites, bruises, burns, seizures, and diabetic emergencies. The app also features detailed and high-quality video demonstrations showing how to respond in critical first-aid situations. These include instructions for taking care of someone who is choking, giving CPR, responding to seizures, and treating cuts and wounds. I personally like the section about choking and breathing problems, as those are common emergencies that require immediate assistance.It's important to note that the application is not designed to be used in an emergency, but rather is something for you to study during idle time. Unlike the Human Atlas app that requires an active Internet connection to use, Pocket First Aid & CPR works completely offline, thus making it a useful time-killer during a long flight.The app also comes with a section in which you can enter personal medical information, such as emergency contacts, allergies, current medications, and insurance information, for quick access in an emergency. The information isstored on your individual phone only and is deleted if the application is removed from the phone.Pocket First Aid & CPR works with iPhones and iPod Touches and is available at Apple's App Store for $3.99. That price will be entirely justified the first time you are able to take the lessons in this app and successfully apply them. Saving a life: priceless.
Pocket First Aid & CPR was created by the American Heart Association in collaboration with Jive Media. It's is a 65MB application (so make sure you install it via iTunes or a Wi-Fi connection) thatfeatures hundreds of pages of text and illustrations, with topics ranging from CPR andchoking to bites, bruises, burns, seizures, and diabetic emergencies. The app also features detailed and high-quality video demonstrations showing how to respond in critical first-aid situations. These include instructions for taking care of someone who is choking, giving CPR, responding to seizures, and treating cuts and wounds. I personally like the section about choking and breathing problems, as those are common emergencies that require immediate assistance.It's important to note that the application is not designed to be used in an emergency, but rather is something for you to study during idle time. Unlike the Human Atlas app that requires an active Internet connection to use, Pocket First Aid & CPR works completely offline, thus making it a useful time-killer during a long flight.The app also comes with a section in which you can enter personal medical information, such as emergency contacts, allergies, current medications, and insurance information, for quick access in an emergency. The information isstored on your individual phone only and is deleted if the application is removed from the phone.Pocket First Aid & CPR works with iPhones and iPod Touches and is available at Apple's App Store for $3.99. That price will be entirely justified the first time you are able to take the lessons in this app and successfully apply them. Saving a life: priceless.
Apple's Tim Cook called on to sub for Jobs again
Apple's Tim Cook called on to sub for Jobs again
As Apple CEO Steve Jobs takes another medical leave of absence, he again leaves the company he founded in the care of his chief operating officer, Tim Cook. So who is Cook?A reserved and private man, Cook has been thrust into the spotlight for the third time in eight years, taking over temporarily for what many would say is the irreplaceable Jobs.A former Compaq executive, Cook joined Apple in 1998 as a senior vice president of worldwide operations. He was promoted to chief operating officer in 2004. Before Compaq, Cook also spent 12 years at IBM, where he ran manufacturing and operations for the company's PC business.Known for completely restructuring Apple's manufacturing operations, Cook insisted that Apple shut down its overseas factories and farm out the work to third-party manufacturers. As a result, the company has cut down its inventory and improved margins on its entire product lineup. He's intensely focused on cutting costs as well, and though far from the leading computer maker in the world by volume, Apple is known for reaping the most profits per computer it produces.Since Cook's last time subbing for an ailing Jobs two years ago, Apple has better than doubled its cash reserves to more than $50 billion.Though Apple refuses to publicly comment on its eventual succession plans for who will head the company after Jobs leaves someday, Cook is regarded by some as the logical choice. He doesn't have Jobs' charisma or knack for knowing what customers want in a phone or computer product, but he runs the company in the way Jobs has long envisioned. Cook's profile has grown steadily in the last few years. He is Jobs' right-hand man at shareholder events, and has completely handled earnings calls with analysts for last few years. Recently he has played a more prominent role at product launches. Perhaps foreshadowing today's news, it was Cook and not Jobs who flew to New York last week to join Verizon COO Lowell McAdam at the high-profile launch of the first iPhone on Verizon's network.Apple is scheduled to report its first-quarter fiscal 2011 earnings tomorrow after 1 p.m. PT.
As Apple CEO Steve Jobs takes another medical leave of absence, he again leaves the company he founded in the care of his chief operating officer, Tim Cook. So who is Cook?A reserved and private man, Cook has been thrust into the spotlight for the third time in eight years, taking over temporarily for what many would say is the irreplaceable Jobs.A former Compaq executive, Cook joined Apple in 1998 as a senior vice president of worldwide operations. He was promoted to chief operating officer in 2004. Before Compaq, Cook also spent 12 years at IBM, where he ran manufacturing and operations for the company's PC business.Known for completely restructuring Apple's manufacturing operations, Cook insisted that Apple shut down its overseas factories and farm out the work to third-party manufacturers. As a result, the company has cut down its inventory and improved margins on its entire product lineup. He's intensely focused on cutting costs as well, and though far from the leading computer maker in the world by volume, Apple is known for reaping the most profits per computer it produces.Since Cook's last time subbing for an ailing Jobs two years ago, Apple has better than doubled its cash reserves to more than $50 billion.Though Apple refuses to publicly comment on its eventual succession plans for who will head the company after Jobs leaves someday, Cook is regarded by some as the logical choice. He doesn't have Jobs' charisma or knack for knowing what customers want in a phone or computer product, but he runs the company in the way Jobs has long envisioned. Cook's profile has grown steadily in the last few years. He is Jobs' right-hand man at shareholder events, and has completely handled earnings calls with analysts for last few years. Recently he has played a more prominent role at product launches. Perhaps foreshadowing today's news, it was Cook and not Jobs who flew to New York last week to join Verizon COO Lowell McAdam at the high-profile launch of the first iPhone on Verizon's network.Apple is scheduled to report its first-quarter fiscal 2011 earnings tomorrow after 1 p.m. PT.
Apple's Thunderbolt cable gets a price drop, shorter version
Apple's Thunderbolt cable gets a price drop, shorter version
Apple has quietly dropped the price of one of its most expensive accessory cables, along with releasing a shorter, cheaper model. The company now sells its $49, 2-meter Thunderbolt cable for $39. There's also a new 0.5 meter version (that's 1.64 feet) for $29, notes 9to5mac. Thunderbolt is the input/output technology that brings transfer speeds that exceed what is currently available with USB 3.0 (though not for long), as well as extending that speed across several devices at once. The port was introduced following a collaboration between Apple and Intel in early 2011, and is now found on nearly all of Apple's computers, save the Mac Pro tower. One of the most expensive aspects of creating the cables is that they make use of active electronics, something that's proved difficult for third parties to create less expensive versions of at competing lengths. Kanex, for example, makes four sizes of Thunderbolt cable up to 3 meters but had its 2 meter version on sale for the same $49 price as Apple.The price changes, while minor, come at a time when third-party companies are gearing up mass production of optical Thunderbolt cables that promise to deliver lengths of up to 30 meters. That's as opposed to the current, copper Thunderbolt technology, which must remain shorter but that can supply 10 watts of power to connected devices. Worth noting is that those newer optical cables will require optical Thunderbolt ports.
Apple has quietly dropped the price of one of its most expensive accessory cables, along with releasing a shorter, cheaper model. The company now sells its $49, 2-meter Thunderbolt cable for $39. There's also a new 0.5 meter version (that's 1.64 feet) for $29, notes 9to5mac. Thunderbolt is the input/output technology that brings transfer speeds that exceed what is currently available with USB 3.0 (though not for long), as well as extending that speed across several devices at once. The port was introduced following a collaboration between Apple and Intel in early 2011, and is now found on nearly all of Apple's computers, save the Mac Pro tower. One of the most expensive aspects of creating the cables is that they make use of active electronics, something that's proved difficult for third parties to create less expensive versions of at competing lengths. Kanex, for example, makes four sizes of Thunderbolt cable up to 3 meters but had its 2 meter version on sale for the same $49 price as Apple.The price changes, while minor, come at a time when third-party companies are gearing up mass production of optical Thunderbolt cables that promise to deliver lengths of up to 30 meters. That's as opposed to the current, copper Thunderbolt technology, which must remain shorter but that can supply 10 watts of power to connected devices. Worth noting is that those newer optical cables will require optical Thunderbolt ports.
Apple's Taiwanese App Store gets refund policy
Apple's Taiwanese App Store gets refund policy
To comply with local consumer-protection laws, Apple has rolled out a new refund policy in the Taiwanese versions of its App Store, Mac App Store, and iBookstore. The changes, reported by IDG News this morning, give app buyers the option to get a refund on paid applications and e-books within seven days of buying them from one of Apple's digital storefronts. As part of the new policy, Apple is requiring that users delete all downloaded copies of the content. Apple's updated terms and conditions document now spells out the change right up near the top:You may cancel your purchase within seven (7) days from the date of delivery and iTunes will reimburse you for the amount paid, provided you inform iTunes that you have deleted all copies of the product. Upon cancellation you will no longer be licensed to use the product. This right cannot be waived. News that Apple had agreed to the local policy, and was unofficially offering such a refund program emerged late last month in a story by the WantChinaTimes (via Macrumors), which said controversy had erupted after a number of customers found themselves unable to get refunds on a phone-tracking app that didn't work as advertised.Refunds on digital goods continue to be one of the big differences among digital application stores. While Apple, Microsoft, and Research In Motion all maintain an "all sales are final" policy, Google gives buyers a short grace period after making a purchase. Google's Android and Chrome Web Store efforts offer users a 15- and 30-minute window, respectively, to return an application for a full refund from the time they downloaded it. Application developers on the two Google platforms are also able to issue refunds to buyers after the window has closed. Despite the grace period and developer return options, Google's policy has proved to be a problem in Taiwan, IDG says, with the local city government requiring a similar timeframe to the one Apple has instated. "The two groups are still in talks," IDG noted, with Google having been fined last month for not amending its sales policy to comply.
To comply with local consumer-protection laws, Apple has rolled out a new refund policy in the Taiwanese versions of its App Store, Mac App Store, and iBookstore. The changes, reported by IDG News this morning, give app buyers the option to get a refund on paid applications and e-books within seven days of buying them from one of Apple's digital storefronts. As part of the new policy, Apple is requiring that users delete all downloaded copies of the content. Apple's updated terms and conditions document now spells out the change right up near the top:You may cancel your purchase within seven (7) days from the date of delivery and iTunes will reimburse you for the amount paid, provided you inform iTunes that you have deleted all copies of the product. Upon cancellation you will no longer be licensed to use the product. This right cannot be waived. News that Apple had agreed to the local policy, and was unofficially offering such a refund program emerged late last month in a story by the WantChinaTimes (via Macrumors), which said controversy had erupted after a number of customers found themselves unable to get refunds on a phone-tracking app that didn't work as advertised.Refunds on digital goods continue to be one of the big differences among digital application stores. While Apple, Microsoft, and Research In Motion all maintain an "all sales are final" policy, Google gives buyers a short grace period after making a purchase. Google's Android and Chrome Web Store efforts offer users a 15- and 30-minute window, respectively, to return an application for a full refund from the time they downloaded it. Application developers on the two Google platforms are also able to issue refunds to buyers after the window has closed. Despite the grace period and developer return options, Google's policy has proved to be a problem in Taiwan, IDG says, with the local city government requiring a similar timeframe to the one Apple has instated. "The two groups are still in talks," IDG noted, with Google having been fined last month for not amending its sales policy to comply.
Apple's stock crosses the $700 barrier
Apple's stock crosses the $700 barrier
Apple's stock ended on a high note, crossing $700 mark at the end of day, capping off a strong run over the summer. Its share price closed up 1.2 percent to $699.78. In after-hours trading, it hovered above $700 for a few minutes. It last traded at $699.80.Apple gave investors another reason to cheer today when it said the pre-orders for the iPhone 5 topped 2 million in the first 24 hours, more than doubling the 1 million iPhone 4S pre-orders from nearly a year ago. AT&T chimed in to say it saw record pre-orders over the weekend, while Sprint Nextel told CNET that its orders had quickly hit expectations.The announcement already has some analysts scrambling to raise their estimates for iPhone sales. While the $700 mark is a significant psychological benchmark, it doesn't mean much to the value of the company, which is measured by its market capitalization. Apple is worth $654.81 billion, and last month set the record for being the most valuable company of all time.Apple's stock has largely ignored the convention of selling on the news, continuing to rise after the announcement of the iPhone 5. After a brief dip heading into the summer, the stock has had a strong run over the last few months and is up by roughly a third since May. The stock could also be rising in anticipation of a smaller iPad, which some had expected to be announced last week. Instead, many believe that the company will unveil the so-called iPad Mini next month.Flash Player 9 or higher is required to view the chartClick here to download Flash Player nowView the full AAPL chart at Wikinvest
Apple's stock ended on a high note, crossing $700 mark at the end of day, capping off a strong run over the summer. Its share price closed up 1.2 percent to $699.78. In after-hours trading, it hovered above $700 for a few minutes. It last traded at $699.80.Apple gave investors another reason to cheer today when it said the pre-orders for the iPhone 5 topped 2 million in the first 24 hours, more than doubling the 1 million iPhone 4S pre-orders from nearly a year ago. AT&T chimed in to say it saw record pre-orders over the weekend, while Sprint Nextel told CNET that its orders had quickly hit expectations.The announcement already has some analysts scrambling to raise their estimates for iPhone sales. While the $700 mark is a significant psychological benchmark, it doesn't mean much to the value of the company, which is measured by its market capitalization. Apple is worth $654.81 billion, and last month set the record for being the most valuable company of all time.Apple's stock has largely ignored the convention of selling on the news, continuing to rise after the announcement of the iPhone 5. After a brief dip heading into the summer, the stock has had a strong run over the last few months and is up by roughly a third since May. The stock could also be rising in anticipation of a smaller iPad, which some had expected to be announced last week. Instead, many believe that the company will unveil the so-called iPad Mini next month.Flash Player 9 or higher is required to view the chartClick here to download Flash Player nowView the full AAPL chart at Wikinvest
Apple's stock buyback not a lasting tonic, says analyst
Apple's stock buyback not a lasting tonic, says analyst
Apple may have pleased investors with its recent stock buyback, but analyst Mark Moskowitz doesn't see the news as a big cause for celebration.Speaking with The Wall Street Journal this week, Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed that the company had taken advantage of the recent price drop to repurchase $14 billion of its own shares. Activist investor Carl Icahn and others have been pressing Apple to move more aggressively to buy back stock. However, the buyback doesn't do much to address other problems facing the company, according to JP Morgan's MoskowitzThe analyst said he would rather see Apple spend more of that money to invest in new technologies and services, especially given the increasingly saturated smartphone market and the growing threat to the company from the competition."We do not think this buyback activity overcomes the slowdown in the all-important iPhone business," Moskowitz said in an investors note released Friday. "The last two iPhone launches have not resulted in multi-quarter sales growth spurts as previously seen. We think this lack of follow-through indicates end users are slowing their refresh rates, and recent technology advancements have not been enough to change that."Moskowitz also said he thinks Apple should spread its wealth to bump up the dividend and invest in more acquisitions. In the interview with the Journal, Cook said Apple is open to buying the right company as long as such a deal would be in its best long-term interests.The future isn't all gloomy, though, according to Moskowitz."We think Apple still has 2014 catalysts that could restore meaningful, above-peer revenue growth to the model," the analyst said. "The China Mobile launch stands to set the stage for a larger-sized iPhone rollout later this year, which could boost unit sales. Another silver lining is that we think Apple's crossover to 64-bit processors, ahead of the competition, could usher in new features, potentially jumpstarting growth in the next 12 to 18 months."
Apple may have pleased investors with its recent stock buyback, but analyst Mark Moskowitz doesn't see the news as a big cause for celebration.Speaking with The Wall Street Journal this week, Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed that the company had taken advantage of the recent price drop to repurchase $14 billion of its own shares. Activist investor Carl Icahn and others have been pressing Apple to move more aggressively to buy back stock. However, the buyback doesn't do much to address other problems facing the company, according to JP Morgan's MoskowitzThe analyst said he would rather see Apple spend more of that money to invest in new technologies and services, especially given the increasingly saturated smartphone market and the growing threat to the company from the competition."We do not think this buyback activity overcomes the slowdown in the all-important iPhone business," Moskowitz said in an investors note released Friday. "The last two iPhone launches have not resulted in multi-quarter sales growth spurts as previously seen. We think this lack of follow-through indicates end users are slowing their refresh rates, and recent technology advancements have not been enough to change that."Moskowitz also said he thinks Apple should spread its wealth to bump up the dividend and invest in more acquisitions. In the interview with the Journal, Cook said Apple is open to buying the right company as long as such a deal would be in its best long-term interests.The future isn't all gloomy, though, according to Moskowitz."We think Apple still has 2014 catalysts that could restore meaningful, above-peer revenue growth to the model," the analyst said. "The China Mobile launch stands to set the stage for a larger-sized iPhone rollout later this year, which could boost unit sales. Another silver lining is that we think Apple's crossover to 64-bit processors, ahead of the competition, could usher in new features, potentially jumpstarting growth in the next 12 to 18 months."
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