The 404 735: Where we left Wilson on a rooftop in Vegas (podcast)
Wilson's taking a day off after powering through CNET's video coverage of CES 2011, so Caroline McCarthy fills in to give us the spectator's perspective of the show and the keynote speeches. Unsurprisingly, the Samsung keynote looked just as over the top online as it did in person.DragCloseThis 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.We saw a lot of cool things at CES this year, least of which was this arcade cabinet for the iPad, but this year was definitely about tablet PCs. They stole the show and came in multiple sizes, but CNET's annual Best in Show Award goes to the Motorola Xoom, although we're hoping this isn't how they show their appreciation. Poised to go head-to-head with the Apple iPad, the Xoom is a touch screen-tablet that trumps the iPad in a few ways. It has front- and rear-facing cameras (the front is HD); it has a larger screen with a higher resolution than the iPad; and it operates on the Verizon network instead of AT&T.It's also the first device to run the latest version of Google Android OS 3.0, code-named Honeycomb, so when it comes out sometime in the first quarter of this year, expect it to support multitasking and Verizon's ultrafast 4G network. Verizon is also rumored to be offering the iPhone 4 pending tomorrow's announcement, and Caroline and I are both excited and nervous about its release. The Wall Street Journal reported that the company will keep its $30-a-month unlimited data plan, but our own Bonnie Cha tells us it might not get LTE 4G support until later this year--as usual, it's all up to Apple.Aside from CES wrap-up stuff, check out the second half of today's show for Jeff's review of "American Idiot," the Broadway musical based on Green Day's music and featuring lead vocalist Billy Armstrong. And if you're into that sort of thing, we also learn that a "Fight Club" and "American Psycho" musical are both in the works!Episode 735PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Pandora now shares with Facebook, Twitter
Pandora now shares with Facebook, Twitter
Pandora on Wednesday announced the arrival of some new sharing features for the service.In the past, you have been able to share Pandora stations, but you were forced to do it via e-mail instead of taking advantage of one of the modern social networks.Now, Pandora is enabling station and song sharing via much more efficient means: Facebook and Twitter.These features work pretty much exactly how you would think they would.Clicking on the Facebook icon pops out a Facebook window, allowing you to share either the current song or station.The Twitter integration works in much the same way, enabling you to tweet out a link to the current song or station.When you click on the station link that someone has shared, it whisks you away to their Pandora station and lets you listen.However, the song links only go to a landing page that gives you a 30-second preview and an option to create a station based on that song.Oddly, this page does not give the user the "Buy from Amazon/iTunes" option that Pandora's main app features.In addition, Pandora is bringing more attention to its station-gifting feature.This feature basically allows users to create an entirely new station, pair it with an eCard and send it off to someone.Pandora is essentially trying to create the modern version of the mixtape.This feature has been around for a little while, but it has gained little attention to this point.The more prominent placing in Pandora's music player may change that.These new sharing features should boost usage of Pandora.Tapping into the previously untouched power of Facebook's social graph and Twitter can only be a good thing.Pandora is just coming off of reaching an agreement on new royalty rates for music this summer and it's working toward its goal of being profitable by the end of the year.They're also facing some stiff competition from companies like Slacker.Pandora still has a long road ahead, but opening up its service to sharing on Facebook and Twitter is definitely a step in the right direction.
Pandora on Wednesday announced the arrival of some new sharing features for the service.In the past, you have been able to share Pandora stations, but you were forced to do it via e-mail instead of taking advantage of one of the modern social networks.Now, Pandora is enabling station and song sharing via much more efficient means: Facebook and Twitter.These features work pretty much exactly how you would think they would.Clicking on the Facebook icon pops out a Facebook window, allowing you to share either the current song or station.The Twitter integration works in much the same way, enabling you to tweet out a link to the current song or station.When you click on the station link that someone has shared, it whisks you away to their Pandora station and lets you listen.However, the song links only go to a landing page that gives you a 30-second preview and an option to create a station based on that song.Oddly, this page does not give the user the "Buy from Amazon/iTunes" option that Pandora's main app features.In addition, Pandora is bringing more attention to its station-gifting feature.This feature basically allows users to create an entirely new station, pair it with an eCard and send it off to someone.Pandora is essentially trying to create the modern version of the mixtape.This feature has been around for a little while, but it has gained little attention to this point.The more prominent placing in Pandora's music player may change that.These new sharing features should boost usage of Pandora.Tapping into the previously untouched power of Facebook's social graph and Twitter can only be a good thing.Pandora is just coming off of reaching an agreement on new royalty rates for music this summer and it's working toward its goal of being profitable by the end of the year.They're also facing some stiff competition from companies like Slacker.Pandora still has a long road ahead, but opening up its service to sharing on Facebook and Twitter is definitely a step in the right direction.
Free Bing app streams thousands of top-100 tunes
Free Bing app streams thousands of top-100 tunes
Microsoft isn't known for giving away software, but right now you can download the Top 100s by Year by Bing app free of charge. (Catchy name, huh?)The app streams the top 100 songs of every year from 1947 to 2009. That's 62 years, for a grand total of 6,200 songs.Whose top 100? Not Billboard's, as you might expect. Nor is the list based on sales. Instead, according to developer Nutsie, these are "lists of songs that have stood the test of time based on their initial and lasting popularity, and on their impact on the overall scope of musical history."Um, OK. Sounds a little strange, but I can't say I find fault with any of the lists. Look back to, say, 1976, and you'll find every gem from Tom Petty's "American Girl" to The Sex Pistols' "Anarchy in the UK." It's worth noting that the lists include some live performances, an unexpected treat.Now for the bad news. Each top-100 list can be played only in random order. Although you can scroll through the selected list and tap any song to preview it, buy it from iTunes, or even see a YouTube video, you can't choose individual songs to play. As the app notes, "we are required to play all the songs in shuffle like a premium radio channel."At least you can skip past songs you don't want to hear, but don't be surprised to see intrusive Bing ads from time to time. In fact, this app is really a Bing-branded promotional version of an eponymous app from Nutsie, which sells for $1.99. In exchange for saving two bucks, you have to put up with occasional come-ons to download Microsoft's Bing search app. And after listening to a few songs, you have no choice but to download it.That's annoying, to be sure, but ultimately a small price to pay for so much great music. And even though I was born in 1968, I'm having a blast perusing and playing the songs that were popular in the '50s and even '40s. It's like an on-demand lesson in music history.So gripe all you want about the app's ads and limitations--I think Microsoft deserves a thank-you for this seriously entertaining freebie.
Microsoft isn't known for giving away software, but right now you can download the Top 100s by Year by Bing app free of charge. (Catchy name, huh?)The app streams the top 100 songs of every year from 1947 to 2009. That's 62 years, for a grand total of 6,200 songs.Whose top 100? Not Billboard's, as you might expect. Nor is the list based on sales. Instead, according to developer Nutsie, these are "lists of songs that have stood the test of time based on their initial and lasting popularity, and on their impact on the overall scope of musical history."Um, OK. Sounds a little strange, but I can't say I find fault with any of the lists. Look back to, say, 1976, and you'll find every gem from Tom Petty's "American Girl" to The Sex Pistols' "Anarchy in the UK." It's worth noting that the lists include some live performances, an unexpected treat.Now for the bad news. Each top-100 list can be played only in random order. Although you can scroll through the selected list and tap any song to preview it, buy it from iTunes, or even see a YouTube video, you can't choose individual songs to play. As the app notes, "we are required to play all the songs in shuffle like a premium radio channel."At least you can skip past songs you don't want to hear, but don't be surprised to see intrusive Bing ads from time to time. In fact, this app is really a Bing-branded promotional version of an eponymous app from Nutsie, which sells for $1.99. In exchange for saving two bucks, you have to put up with occasional come-ons to download Microsoft's Bing search app. And after listening to a few songs, you have no choice but to download it.That's annoying, to be sure, but ultimately a small price to pay for so much great music. And even though I was born in 1968, I'm having a blast perusing and playing the songs that were popular in the '50s and even '40s. It's like an on-demand lesson in music history.So gripe all you want about the app's ads and limitations--I think Microsoft deserves a thank-you for this seriously entertaining freebie.
Foursquare checks in with a slick new UI
Foursquare checks in with a slick new UI
The Foursquare app for both iPhone and Android got a complete redesign in the latest update out moments ago. The streamlined interface uses fewer buttons than older versions but adds changes in functionality based on millions of users' feedback, says Alex Rainert, head of product at Foursquare.The new redesign simplifies the look with only three buttons across the bottom for Friends, Explore, and your profile. The new Friends tab lets you view a feed of latest activity from your friends with big photographs; lets you comment and "Like" any activity; and check out tips and lists that are near your current location.The Explore tab now gives you ideas of where to go automatically based on whether you're at home or traveling with the best results for where you are presently. Using data from millions of check ins, Rainert says, Foursquare Labs is able to make suggestions not only based on friends and people with similar interests; it can narrow it down to the best results for the time of day. In one example, Rainert talked about looking at the Explore tab on Friday at 5PM, which would give you results for happy hour locations in your area along with showing where your friends were celebrating the end of the work week.The Profile tab got an overhaul as well, now adding more information you can view about your history with Foursquare. You can now look at a history of your check-ins, Friends, badges you've earned, comments and tips you've left at various locations, and your lists.The Check In button itself has moved to the upper right of the Interface, a design choice Rainert says will make it easier to touch with your thumb.The newly redesigned Foursquare app is available now for free at the iTunes App Store. For a closer look at the new features, check out our First Take for Foursquare .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
The Foursquare app for both iPhone and Android got a complete redesign in the latest update out moments ago. The streamlined interface uses fewer buttons than older versions but adds changes in functionality based on millions of users' feedback, says Alex Rainert, head of product at Foursquare.The new redesign simplifies the look with only three buttons across the bottom for Friends, Explore, and your profile. The new Friends tab lets you view a feed of latest activity from your friends with big photographs; lets you comment and "Like" any activity; and check out tips and lists that are near your current location.The Explore tab now gives you ideas of where to go automatically based on whether you're at home or traveling with the best results for where you are presently. Using data from millions of check ins, Rainert says, Foursquare Labs is able to make suggestions not only based on friends and people with similar interests; it can narrow it down to the best results for the time of day. In one example, Rainert talked about looking at the Explore tab on Friday at 5PM, which would give you results for happy hour locations in your area along with showing where your friends were celebrating the end of the work week.The Profile tab got an overhaul as well, now adding more information you can view about your history with Foursquare. You can now look at a history of your check-ins, Friends, badges you've earned, comments and tips you've left at various locations, and your lists.The Check In button itself has moved to the upper right of the Interface, a design choice Rainert says will make it easier to touch with your thumb.The newly redesigned Foursquare app is available now for free at the iTunes App Store. For a closer look at the new features, check out our First Take for Foursquare .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
Tributes to Steve Jobs, by the numbers
Tributes to Steve Jobs, by the numbers
Curious what people have been saying about Steve Jobs on histribute page, but don't want to scroll through all 10,975 messages Apple has made public?Worry no more. Instead, check out the following frequency analysis of Jobs tributes, courtesy of Neil Kodner, a CBS data engineer and developer. CBS publishes CNET.According to Kodner:Related stories:• Apple launches Steve Jobs tribute page• Apple co-founder, Chairman Steve Jobs dies• The death of Steve Jobs, 1955-2011 (roundup)2,186 messages, or just under 20 percent of all the notes on the page, mention an Apple product. "Mac" was most common, appearing in 10 percent of all notes, with Apple's iPhone, iPod, and iPad trailing. The fifth most popular gadget? The Apple II.Many well-wishers also mentioned "Newton"--but in reference to Sir Isaac, not Apple's ill-fated PDA.After Newton, people most often likened Jobs to Henry Ford--then Thomas Edison. Albert Einstein, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Bill Gates rated honorable mentions, although their names only appeared in a handful of messages.On the adjective front, "great" appeared in 1,961 messages. "Visionary" made its way into 645 messages, while "creative" turned up in 471.The most common three-word phrase by far was "rest in peace," appearing ina full one-sixth of all messages. "Thank you for" and "will be missed" made cameos in 1,446 and 827 messages, respectively.Surprisingly, "changed the world" only made its way into 551 messages--just 5 percent of the total.
Curious what people have been saying about Steve Jobs on histribute page, but don't want to scroll through all 10,975 messages Apple has made public?Worry no more. Instead, check out the following frequency analysis of Jobs tributes, courtesy of Neil Kodner, a CBS data engineer and developer. CBS publishes CNET.According to Kodner:Related stories:• Apple launches Steve Jobs tribute page• Apple co-founder, Chairman Steve Jobs dies• The death of Steve Jobs, 1955-2011 (roundup)2,186 messages, or just under 20 percent of all the notes on the page, mention an Apple product. "Mac" was most common, appearing in 10 percent of all notes, with Apple's iPhone, iPod, and iPad trailing. The fifth most popular gadget? The Apple II.Many well-wishers also mentioned "Newton"--but in reference to Sir Isaac, not Apple's ill-fated PDA.After Newton, people most often likened Jobs to Henry Ford--then Thomas Edison. Albert Einstein, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Bill Gates rated honorable mentions, although their names only appeared in a handful of messages.On the adjective front, "great" appeared in 1,961 messages. "Visionary" made its way into 645 messages, while "creative" turned up in 471.The most common three-word phrase by far was "rest in peace," appearing ina full one-sixth of all messages. "Thank you for" and "will be missed" made cameos in 1,446 and 827 messages, respectively.Surprisingly, "changed the world" only made its way into 551 messages--just 5 percent of the total.
Touch-panel shipments dipping as iPhone 5 looms, report says
Touch-panel shipments dipping as iPhone 5 looms, report says
Apple is cutting its orders of iPhone touch panels, indicating that it's preparing to transition to its next handset, according to the DigiTimes.Apple's touch-panel suppliers, TPK Holding and Wintek, will see shipments of the components decline sequentially by 15 percent to 20 percent during the second quarter, according to Taiwan-based DigiTimes, citing sources. The publication's sources say Apple's current iPhone line is "moving into the final stage," and the company is moving to a new technology, called in-cell touch, for the iPhone 5.Related storiesNext iPhone said to get new touch panel techNext iPhone said to ditch glass for liquidmetal, arrive in JuneiPhone 5 launching with 4-inch screen, new Dock connectorCNET's review of the iPhone 4SIn-cell touch technology has been rumored to be coming to the iPhone 5 for well over a month. The offering delivers multitouch technology into the thin-film transistor LCD manufacturing process, eliminating the need for more glass and sensors. The result is a thinner, lighter screen, among other benefits.Unfortunately for TPK and Wintek, the companies won't be making the in-cell touch panels for Apple, according to DigiTimes.Aside from the new touch-screen technology, Apple's iPhone 5 is rumored to be launching with 4G LTE support, a 4-inch display, and a new Dock connector featuring fewer pins than the current 30-pin port.CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the DigiTimes report. We will update this story when we have more information.
Apple is cutting its orders of iPhone touch panels, indicating that it's preparing to transition to its next handset, according to the DigiTimes.Apple's touch-panel suppliers, TPK Holding and Wintek, will see shipments of the components decline sequentially by 15 percent to 20 percent during the second quarter, according to Taiwan-based DigiTimes, citing sources. The publication's sources say Apple's current iPhone line is "moving into the final stage," and the company is moving to a new technology, called in-cell touch, for the iPhone 5.Related storiesNext iPhone said to get new touch panel techNext iPhone said to ditch glass for liquidmetal, arrive in JuneiPhone 5 launching with 4-inch screen, new Dock connectorCNET's review of the iPhone 4SIn-cell touch technology has been rumored to be coming to the iPhone 5 for well over a month. The offering delivers multitouch technology into the thin-film transistor LCD manufacturing process, eliminating the need for more glass and sensors. The result is a thinner, lighter screen, among other benefits.Unfortunately for TPK and Wintek, the companies won't be making the in-cell touch panels for Apple, according to DigiTimes.Aside from the new touch-screen technology, Apple's iPhone 5 is rumored to be launching with 4G LTE support, a 4-inch display, and a new Dock connector featuring fewer pins than the current 30-pin port.CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the DigiTimes report. We will update this story when we have more information.
TomTom beats the drums for its own map-based ecosystem
TomTom beats the drums for its own map-based ecosystem
TomTom, the company best known for its auto navigation systems, has opened its mapping data for app developers, making it easier for companies to make programs that could rival those from Google and Apple. The company, which is one of the main data providers for Apple's Maps app, says it's providing access to its location and navigation services, including map display, routing, and traffic details. TomTom noted its program, dubbed the TomTom Location Based Services Platform and Developer Portal, will expand its capabilities over time.Related stories:TomTom Android app won't support Galaxy S3, Nexus 7 -- yetCNET's GPS buying guideTomTom's iOS app updates with Foursquare search, check-insIt currently includes the following content and services:Map Toolkit API with a map display Web service, a geocoding Web service, routing Web service, and traffic Web serviceDownloadable iOS, Android, and JavaScript software development kitsCloud-based performance and scalability for constant accessManagement tools that make it easy for developers to track usageTomTom is one of the world's biggest navigation product makers. Like its rivals, it has struggled as more people use their smartphones and tablets to find their way round. It supplies maps and related content to the majority of handset makers, including Apple, RIM, HTC, Samsung, and Google, but the new developer program could boost its customer base even further. Reuters noted that the new program is free on a trial basis, but it charges a fee if developers use the data for commercial purposes.Stocking stuffers for gadget fansSee full gallery1 - 4 / 6NextPrev
TomTom, the company best known for its auto navigation systems, has opened its mapping data for app developers, making it easier for companies to make programs that could rival those from Google and Apple. The company, which is one of the main data providers for Apple's Maps app, says it's providing access to its location and navigation services, including map display, routing, and traffic details. TomTom noted its program, dubbed the TomTom Location Based Services Platform and Developer Portal, will expand its capabilities over time.Related stories:TomTom Android app won't support Galaxy S3, Nexus 7 -- yetCNET's GPS buying guideTomTom's iOS app updates with Foursquare search, check-insIt currently includes the following content and services:Map Toolkit API with a map display Web service, a geocoding Web service, routing Web service, and traffic Web serviceDownloadable iOS, Android, and JavaScript software development kitsCloud-based performance and scalability for constant accessManagement tools that make it easy for developers to track usageTomTom is one of the world's biggest navigation product makers. Like its rivals, it has struggled as more people use their smartphones and tablets to find their way round. It supplies maps and related content to the majority of handset makers, including Apple, RIM, HTC, Samsung, and Google, but the new developer program could boost its customer base even further. Reuters noted that the new program is free on a trial basis, but it charges a fee if developers use the data for commercial purposes.Stocking stuffers for gadget fansSee full gallery1 - 4 / 6NextPrev
T-Mobile reportedly prepping for new iPhone offensive
T-Mobile reportedly prepping for new iPhone offensive
T-Mobile is apparently already prepping to battle the iPhone 5 on September 21.Published by blog site TmoNews, an internal memo allegedly from T-Mobile reveals upcoming training material to help workers sell against the iPhone.The memo discusses a Grab & Go suite available through the company's electronic learning system. It also refers to a mobile game designed to help employees practice their sales skills. But even more significant is the date.The memo points to September 21 as the date that the new training material will go online. That's the same day the new iPhone is rumored to go on sale, according to recent reports. Citing its own sources, AllThingsD added to those reports last week by saying that the iPhone 5 would launch on September 12 and hit the sales channel on September 21.Does T-Mobile know for sure that the iPhone will reach customers September 21, or is the company just following the trail of reports citing that date? Either way, it seems to be a clear sign that T-Mobile won't be getting the iPhone this time around, assuming the memo is accurate.Related storiesT-Mobile: iPhone network compatibility coming this yearT-Mobile to improve support for unlocked iPhone usersWho has the better unlimited plan? Sprint vs. T-MobilePhone 5 rumor roundupThat would still leave the phone in the sole hands of the other three major U.S. carriers -- Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and Sprint.However, T-Mobile may be about to enhance its support for unlocked iPhones. Another memo posted by TmoNews says that the carrier will offer new Monthly4G microSIM kits to let iPhone 4 and 4S owners bring their unlocked phones onto its network.
T-Mobile is apparently already prepping to battle the iPhone 5 on September 21.Published by blog site TmoNews, an internal memo allegedly from T-Mobile reveals upcoming training material to help workers sell against the iPhone.The memo discusses a Grab & Go suite available through the company's electronic learning system. It also refers to a mobile game designed to help employees practice their sales skills. But even more significant is the date.The memo points to September 21 as the date that the new training material will go online. That's the same day the new iPhone is rumored to go on sale, according to recent reports. Citing its own sources, AllThingsD added to those reports last week by saying that the iPhone 5 would launch on September 12 and hit the sales channel on September 21.Does T-Mobile know for sure that the iPhone will reach customers September 21, or is the company just following the trail of reports citing that date? Either way, it seems to be a clear sign that T-Mobile won't be getting the iPhone this time around, assuming the memo is accurate.Related storiesT-Mobile: iPhone network compatibility coming this yearT-Mobile to improve support for unlocked iPhone usersWho has the better unlimited plan? Sprint vs. T-MobilePhone 5 rumor roundupThat would still leave the phone in the sole hands of the other three major U.S. carriers -- Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and Sprint.However, T-Mobile may be about to enhance its support for unlocked iPhones. Another memo posted by TmoNews says that the carrier will offer new Monthly4G microSIM kits to let iPhone 4 and 4S owners bring their unlocked phones onto its network.
Time Warner CEO wants Apple to make a TV
Time Warner CEO wants Apple to make a TV
NEW YORK--Bring on the new TV, Apple, the chief executive of Time Warner said today. Jeff Bewkes, speaking during a Business Insider conference in New York, said he hopes Apple makes an innovative TV. And he expects other companies to create similar products as well. "I think Apple's a great device company," with the ability to take products that were called commodities, create differentiation, charge premium prices, build ecosystems, and create loyalty, he said. "If they bring good interface navigation skills to the interface of TV and devices, when we're talking about 200 channels of really good content people really love, that's solving the problem we're talking about," Bewkes said. "I think that's great."However, he said Apple won't be the only company working on this. He noted that "no digital intermediary can get rights or exclusivity to rights. There's just too many of them."Related storiesAnalyst: Apple TV launch is 'imminent'Apple HDTV rumor roundupNo new Apple TV this year, report saysApple exec: Television may not be in the cards for nowAs for Netflix, Bewkes said the company has done a "very good job" and is a good place for syndicated, rerun, serialized shows. He added that Netflix and others will make their own shows, and some of them will be good. But the money they're spending can't measure up to the $5 billion a year Time Warner spends on production. "So, welcome," he said. Meanwhile, Bewkes said TV isn't dying. Some consumers are just watching it in different ways and on different devices. "Here's a better business than the Internet -- television," he said.
NEW YORK--Bring on the new TV, Apple, the chief executive of Time Warner said today. Jeff Bewkes, speaking during a Business Insider conference in New York, said he hopes Apple makes an innovative TV. And he expects other companies to create similar products as well. "I think Apple's a great device company," with the ability to take products that were called commodities, create differentiation, charge premium prices, build ecosystems, and create loyalty, he said. "If they bring good interface navigation skills to the interface of TV and devices, when we're talking about 200 channels of really good content people really love, that's solving the problem we're talking about," Bewkes said. "I think that's great."However, he said Apple won't be the only company working on this. He noted that "no digital intermediary can get rights or exclusivity to rights. There's just too many of them."Related storiesAnalyst: Apple TV launch is 'imminent'Apple HDTV rumor roundupNo new Apple TV this year, report saysApple exec: Television may not be in the cards for nowAs for Netflix, Bewkes said the company has done a "very good job" and is a good place for syndicated, rerun, serialized shows. He added that Netflix and others will make their own shows, and some of them will be good. But the money they're spending can't measure up to the $5 billion a year Time Warner spends on production. "So, welcome," he said. Meanwhile, Bewkes said TV isn't dying. Some consumers are just watching it in different ways and on different devices. "Here's a better business than the Internet -- television," he said.
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