Steven P. Jobs 1955-2011

From Apple Store SoHo shrine

It's with profound sadness that our latest post here at PMB is announcement of Apple co-founder, Steven Paul Jobs' death. Mr. Jobs' contributions through his work at Apple have shaped the world we live in today and will undoubtedly affect the future of computing and technology. He was a visionary, he wasn't without his faults, he just was. Below is a gallery of the many that passed to pay their respects at the Apple Store in SoHo (NYC).

Apple Store SoHo shrine

Apple now selling unlocked iPhones

Well I'll be. I never thought I'd see the day but sure enough, Apple is now officially selling unlocked iPhones online and in stores. But there's a catch.

No I'm not talking about the $650 for a 16GB model or the $750 for 32GB model (shown above); the problem is that it is unlocked but can only get 3G speeds on supported networks. In the US that means AT&T's network. So if you plan on using this with T-Mobile or a regional GSM carrier you're pretty much stuck with EDGE. On the flip side of that argument, if you travel internationally, you may be better off paying for the unlocked model and avoid paying hefty international roaming data charges.

We here at the Poor Mac know you value your hard earned cash and ultimately you want to know, is it worth it? Honestly I'm not entirely sure. I've been using a Motorola Defy on T-Mobile for close to a year now and I miss having iOS. Battery life is abysmal, Google Maps just doesn't work, Android 2.2 was not available on the phone while everyone was getting 2.3 updates, and if you want to sync on your home computer, there's really no clean way of doing it on a Mac- everything is drag and drop. (There are third party apps to help you do this but that's like a car and being told the steering wheel is optional.) However, my fiance's Galaxy S works a lot better than the Defy, has fewer issues with getting updates but she's quite happy using iTunes for syncing her phone, buying music, and arranging playlists. For her an unlocked iPhone is a dream come true and worth every cent.

I don't think I'll be willing to drop $750, especially not for half the features, however $650 (the average unsubsidized smartphone goes for about $500-$550) and being able to choose your carrier does have its benefits.

iCloud to be Announced at WWDC

Well here's today's Apple (non) News: El Jobso himself will be on hand to reveal Apple's latest foray into cloud computing - iCloud. No, really that's what it's called.

As far as tech news is concerned, this has the biggest underwhelming "secret" since Sony announced it's NGP aka PSP2. But for all two of you out there that would like to hear (again) what to expect, iCloud will most likely be bundled as a subscription based music service. The reported licensing agreements that Apple has already signed with major lables EMI, Warner and Sony, suggests that unlike "music locker" services like Amazon's or Google Music, this may be a true service that will allow you to take all your music with you and discover new music where ever your travels take you. (See HuffPo for more rumor mongering, I mean rumored information.)

So as far as what will be announced at next week's WWDC keynote (June 6th) it's pretty much more non-news: expect to hear about the new iOS5, OSX 10.7 "Lion", iCloud, and more goodies for the developers. In fact here's the press release:

Apple to Unveil Next Generation Software at Keynote Address...

CUPERTINO, California—May 31, 2011—Apple® CEO Steve Jobs and a team of Apple executives will kick off the company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) with a keynote address on Monday, June 6 at 10:00 a.m. At the keynote, Apple will unveil its next generation software - Lion, the eighth major release of Mac OS® X; iOS 5, the next version of Apple’s advanced mobile operating system which powers the iPad®, iPhone® and iPod touch®; and iCloud®, Apple’s upcoming cloud services offering.

WWDC will feature more than 100 technical sessions presented by Apple engineers. Mac® developers will see and learn how to develop world-class Mac OS X Lion applications using its latest technologies and capabilities. Mobile developers will be able to explore the latest innovations and capabilities of iOS and learn how to greatly enhance the functionality, performance and design of their apps. All developers can bring their code to the labs and work with Apple engineers.

For more details, visit the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2011 website at developer.apple.com/wwdc.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced iPad 2 which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.

Goodbye Bertrand - Senior VP of Mac Software Engineering Leaves Apple

The man who has pretty much shaped your Mac OSX experience has announced that he is stepping down as VP of Mac Software Engineering. After 14 years working at Apple, Bertrand Serlet is stepping down and leaving Craig Federighi in charge of the day-to-day work.

From the statement released by Apple, Serlet is going on to pursue other endeavors in the field of Science (Serlet has a doctorate in Computer Science). Also of note, Serlet does not see his absence creating any waves and all should be "seemless" for the upcoming release of OS X - Lion.

As a user I can appreciate all the work that went into OS X all the way up to Snow Leopard. So to that end, thank you Mr. Serlet.

You can read more about Bertrand Serlet here.

Full press release after the jump.

Apple via Mashable

Bertrand Serlet to Leave Apple

CUPERTINO, California—March 23, 2011—Apple® today announced that Bertrand Serlet, Apple’s senior vice president of Mac® Software Engineering, will be leaving the company. Craig Federighi, Apple’s vice president of Mac Software Engineering, will assume Serlet’s responsibilities and report to Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. Federighi is responsible for the development of Mac OS® X and has been managing the Mac OS software engineering group for the past two years.

“I’ve worked with Steve for 22 years and have had an incredible time developing products at both NeXT and Apple, but at this point, I want to focus less on products and more on science,” said Bertrand Serlet, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “Craig has done a great job managing the Mac OS team for the past two years, Lion is a great release and the transition should be seamless.”

Federighi worked at NeXT, followed by Apple, and then spent a decade at Ariba where he held several roles including vice president of Internet Services and chief technology officer. He returned to Apple in 2009 to lead Mac OS X engineering. Federighi holds a Master of Science degree in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley.

Serlet joined Apple in 1997, and has been involved in the definition, development and creation of Mac OS X, the world’s most advanced operating system. Before joining Apple, Serlet spent four years at Xerox PARC, then joined NeXT in 1989. Serlet holds a doctorate in Computer Science from the University of Orsay, France.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced iPad 2 which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.

Happy iPad 2 Day!

In just a few hours our lives will change forever, until the next refresh. So grab some popcorn, get your bingo cards out, and let's get ready for Apple buzzword shots!

Or if you're like me you'll just be trying to keep up with the news as it happens from your desk.

What to Expect:

1. New iPads. It's on their invite (which we didn't get) so why not announce it.
2. MobileMe announcement; it's everywhere and it seems imminent just don't be too disappointed if some of the best features aren't free.
3. FaceTime for iPad. If you're on a Mac that isn't the latest MBP series, download the app. It's worth the $.99 (US App Store).

What NOT to Expect:

1. iTunes Streaming service (aka Apple using Lala's acquisition efficiently). It's not gonna happen because iTunes makes enough money with its purchase only model, there really isn't any viable competition... yet.
2. iPhone 5 announcement. We go through this every time Apple holds an event. IPhones have their own event, that's when we'll hear about them.

Maybes:

1. Although this isn't an announcement for Lion , Apple's latest version of OS X, don't be surprised if we hear a few more morsels of info as how Apple plans on blurring the line between desktop and mobile.
2. iPad 2 will be on sale immediately after the announcement. It's not too likely but it would be a great way to reaffirm Apple's dominance in the mobile space. It ain't easy to project selling 6.5 million iPads in one quarter without having a lot of sway in the manufacturing world; this will just show how much clout Apple really has.

If there's anything you think we missed, drop a line in the comments.

New MacBook Pros: Rumor Round 1

Seems like it's Apple Rumor Monday around these parts, but here's the first (hopefully the only) MacBook Pro refresh rumor: New MacBook Pros out March 1, 2011.

If MacRumors is correct, then you really shouldn't be buying a MacBook Pro just yet.

via MacRumors

MobileMe For Free?

IPhone season is in full effect over at the Wall Street Journal, as reports rumors of a newer cheaper iPhone are coming out (again). However, one of the biggest pieces of anonymously sourced pieces of info come from Apple's MobileMe is expected to be free in its latest revamp.

Currently MobileMe subscribers dish out $99 per year for what can be basically broken down to a Dropbox account and the ability to remote wipe your iPhone/iPad, so having it go free will be a big deal for folks who either said $99 per year is steep or couldn't justify the cost by not having an iPhone to remote wipe. It will be interesting to see if/how Apple will sweeten the pot for folks who've been paying the $99.

Also, lost (buried) in the original article, is mention of Apple's streaming music service which may or may not be ready in time for the MobileMe announcement. Gotta love those anonymous sources.

WSJ Online via TUAW

Only Apple Can Screw Your iPhone

Apple's Diabolical Plan to Screw your iPhone from iFixit on Vimeo.

Let's face it, companies don't want you playing with your gadgets. That's why Sony has the black sticker covering screws, Motorola insists on using Motoblur, and why Apple has now begun using this crazy new screw on all repairs.

No worries, the good folks over at ifixit.com are on the case and we're appreciative of that.

ifixit via Gizmodo

Trouble in Paradise

Image from technologymadness.com

Been a long time Verizon wireless cutomer? You've endured the seemingly endless teases of the rumors that the iPhone would make it's way into your life. No gripes of dropped calls like with the other guys?

Well seems like there's trouble in paradise; only 3 days after Verizon announced they will be carrying the iPhone comes word they're also discontinuing their "New Every Two" plan. So if you thought you'd get that $199 iPhone at $100 discount - think again.

via Techland

iPad and iPhone to Lose Home Button?

A BGR exclusive says that the phone Steve Jobs had envisioned, a phone without any buttons, may soon be a reality. According to their source, the news of 4 and 5-finger multitouch gestures being supported in iOS4.3 was designed for devices without a Home Button.

Bigger still are reports from this same source, that Apple is testing iPads and iPhones without Home Buttons at the Apple campus.

Though I'm sure a redesign of this scope would take into account that iOS devices occasionally tend to freeze - not that Apple would ever release anything that wasn't 100% ready to go.

Still with news like this, and this, I can't help but to be a little excited what's going to be unveiled in just a few short weeks.

via BGR

Mayor Michael Bloomberg & Spider-Man Team Up on iPad

In a real-life Marvel cross-over team up; Spider-Man joined forces with New York City's Mayor-for-life Michael Bloomberg to fight the City's 9.3% unemployment rate.

An eight-page comic follows an out of work Peter Parker as his job hunt starts in the City's Subway system and a chance encounter with Mayor Bloomberg at the City Hall station (we're assuming the comic stays true to its source and it was on the 4, 5, 6 or R lines).

The comic was commissioned at the request of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment to spread the word of Workforce 1 Career Centers; the City's free to the public job resource center.

As Joe Quesada, Marvel Entertainment's Editor-in-Chief, said, "Even New York's most famous superhero needs a day job."

Available as a free Marvel Comics in-app purchase on iTunes for all iOS devices.

via Reuters

iPad 2 Ads Shot & Ready For Post Production

We knew it was coming, but now reports of an ad being shot at New York's Pier 59 by David Sims means that it's officially a matter of 'when' and not 'if.' According to 9 to 5 Mac's report, the photographer used current gen models for the shoot and the new models will be rendered in during post production.

Clearly the new iPad 2 will be of similar dimensions to the current one; goodbye rumors of a 7-inch iPad. Since we know that an iPad 2 is forthcoming, is it too early to get started on the fake iPad 2 rumors? I'm going with full Flash support and Verizon exclusivity.

via 9to5 Mac

RIP Xserve - 2002-2010

Image via TUAW.com

Oh Xserve; I only begun to know you. Actually come to think of it I must've seen you about 4 times in your short life. You were something of an enigma huh? You were there and maybe we took it for granted that you'd always be there.

Guess El Jobso was right in saying, "hardly anyone was buying [you]."

Via TUAW

Back to Mac Apple Event

In about an hour we here at The Poor Mac will be meta-liveblogging the event.

If speculation and rumors are correct today we'll see the new Mac OS X release, dubbed "Lion" by the bloggosphere, a much needed update to the MacBook Air, and almost definitely the official announcement of the latest iLife software bundle. Beyond that it's a matter of specifics.

What not to expect today?

Well I'm not expecting any news of iPhone on Verizon or any iPad hardware updates. Neither should you.

As the name suggests this will be all about the Mac platform and a major update to the OSX line.

What I'd like to see?

The only obvious choice is to make "Lion" more iOS friendly and blur the line between the operating systems. This means a touch friendly OS that offers the convenience of the iOS platform with the power and stability to run full applications that we enjoy in OSX.

Well in either case we'll see soon enough. What would you like to see in the next iteration of OSX? Drop us a line in the comments.

Keeping Secrets - But Not Really

It's always funny to see how people react to "secret meetings" of the most powerful companies in tech. Whenever a company like Apple keeps a secret, the press is immediately given a "we do not comment on rumors or speculation" and almost out of thin air, boom, an iPad (which was probably the best and worst kept secret in the tech world to date).

But what happens when other companies try to run a play out the Apple playbook? Well apparently that means a nearly 500-word piece in the New York Times' Bits Blog. In all seriousness this is probably a non-story about two CEO's meeting and trying to get some kind of strategy going for future releases or updates. We wish the best to both Adobe and Microsoft; and pretend like we didn't see Ballmer meet with Shantanu Narayen.

via The New York Times

UPDATE: Looks like Ballmer couldn't keep his mouth shut.

New iPads with FaceTime Due Out Q1 2011?

Here we go again with more rumors of a camera equipped iPad coming out in the very near future. Ars Technica brings us FaceTime ready iPad tease, citing Digi Times that various component manufacturers have begun testing a 9.7-inch iPad, pressumably with a camera for use with FaceTime.

Though no new info has really been announced in this latest rumor, the time frame - First Quarter 2011 - is spot on for the usual 1 year refresh rate of most Apple products (the iPad was announced in March 2010). Although sources have told AppleInsider that we can expect to see a new FaceTime compatible iPad in stores in time for the holiday season, I'm sticking to the conservative Q1 2011 guestimate.

via Ars Technica

Smash-And-Grab San Diego

In the early morning hours, two hooded men smashed the front windows of the University Town Center mall's Apple Store and made off with several iPhones. This is yet another smash-and-grab burglary to hit an Apple Store in less than a month.

To the thieves and would-be thieves out there: Hey fucktards, would you take a brick to St. Patrick's Cathedral? Would you think it okay to smash a section of the Prayer Wall in Israel? How 'bout try to steal the meteor fragment from Mecca. No you wouldn't so please let's put an end to these smash-and-grabs. The pristine glass facade that adorns each Apple Store is a testament to restored sense of child-like wonder that awaits on the inside; just be sure to buy that sense of child-like wonder and don't do anything that would be illegal.

10news.com via EBone (twitter)

No No Apple is not Giving away free stuff

Well apparently someone mistook Samsung's generosity as Apple's and decided it would be a good idea to smash-and-grab $22K worth of merchandise from an Apple Store in Suburban Square, PA. The burglary occurred at 5:18AM, the thieves ran off with " 11 laptops and three iPods plus iPhones, including the iPhone 4"

These smash and grab burglaries have gotten the attention of multiple police departments; although there doesn't seem to be any link between the robberies, law enforcement officials have begun sharing information in hopes to create a multi-State dragnet of sorts.

via Cult of Mac

White iPhone Delayed - Again

Well, the unicorn of the mobile world proves to be as elusive as ever. Today Apple released a statement announcing the delay of the much coveted white iPhone 4. Yet again there seem to be issues with the manufacturing process. See the full release below:

CUPERTINO, Calif., July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- White models of Apple's new iPhone® 4 have continued to be more challenging to manufacture than we originally expected, and as a result they will not be available until later this year. The availability of the more popular iPhone 4 black models is not affected.

After confirming yet another market defying quarter and weathering the antennagate scandal, this bit of news will not be welcomed over in Cupertino. His Steveness is not amused.

PRNewswire via Engadget

Apple to Recall iPhone4?

As if the Consumer Report's retraction of their recommendation of the iPhone 4 isn't enough, Cult of Mac spoke to some PR heavy weights and they all seem to be convinced the only option for Apple at this point is a full-on recall of the iPhone 4.

Many of the tech, business, news pundits have all chimed in calling this "Apple's Toyota Prius;" it's not. Not by a long shot.

First, let's put this into perspective - the Prius was allegedly suffering from an issue where the car would randomly accelerate due to a brake defect. This defect would've theoretically affected millions, resulting in injury or death. That's heavy.

The iPhone by contrast is just that - a luxury cellular phone with lots of bells, whistles, wrapped up nicely in PR magic. Things like Retina displays, Face Time, helicopter windshield grade glass, and of course the blood of unicorns powering this sucker. Great sounding stuff but at the end of the day it's a phone; unless it started blowing up in users hands a recall would be heavy-handed all around.

The truth is that a lot of people have had the problem with disappearing bars; a lot of people have only heard about the issue through blogs, magazines, or television news. Apple's biggest folly in all this is their reluctance to admit there may be an issue in the first place. I'd be amazed if Apple didn't 1. acknowledge the actual problem (instead of their previous responses) or 2. offer some kind of "fix" like offering a free Bumper.

Addressing the issue will allow them to focus on the bigger issue: making sure that all future iPhones sold will NOT have the "death grip" problem. I've read research that suggests in instances where a doctor lost a patient, the families of the decease were less likely to sue if a doctor were to admit fault; those who feel spited by Apple may well fall into this line of thinking. Points for Apple PR and brand image.

The Bumper is a silly rubber band that costs $30; but having the Bumper on your iPhone will improve reception because you're no longer directly touching the antenna (the steel bezel). Realistically this makes sense; the Bumper costs YOU $30, Apple makes these cheaper: f=Cost of manufacturing product < msrp =" Profit.">

The last possible option - one that won't be announced at this afternoon's keynote - is a silent recall. It's not a matter of secrecy but a matter of effectively handling customer issues. A recall will prompt all iPhone owners to seek a replacement phone whether or not they have a problem. Again, this isn't a problem that may cause bodily harm just a big ass annoyance.

Due to the large backlash from both mainstream media outlets and the blogosphere, Apple hastily scheduled a press conference/announcement for today (1PM EST); we here at PMB will keep up with all of today's news.

via Cult of Mac