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Yesterday, Microsoft announced that it would introduce a new Zune mp3 device this fall called the Zune HD. The new Zune will feature an OLED multi-touch screen and an HD Radio receiver. It will also have WiFi capability and an Internet browser. Zune HD owners will be able to access the Zune Marketplace wirelessly and purchase music directly from the service.
TechVi host and videographer extraordinaire Randall Bennett invited me to participate in a discussion on recent rumors about a new device from Apple. I appeared on today’s episode of TechVi along with CNET journalist Erica Ogg. We talked about the rumored Mac tablet, a gadget that Apple may offer by 2010 that will compete against netbooks in the $500 to $700 price range. Clues pointing to the Mac tablet include numerous patents, information leaks throughout the supply chain, a rumored relationship with Verizon and some vague language from the upper echelons of Apple. Many tech journalists (including myself) think it’s only a matter of time before we see this new device. The questions we have now are on the details — will it have a full operating system or will it end up being an iPod Touch on steroids?
I first heard the story about the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism requiring incoming freshmen to own an iPhone or iPod Touch on CNET’s Buzz Out Loud podcast. Blogs across the Web covered the story from practically every angle. Many focused on the “requirement” aspect of the announcement — would the University penalize students who didn’t own or purchase an iPhone or iPod Touch?
The other day, Justin Berka posted about a patent application that Apple filed for biometric technology that could be embedded into electronics such as the iPhone. That means that rather than sliding to unlock your iPhone or iPod, perhaps the machine will read your fingerprint instead. A diagram included with the application suggests that sensors may be embedded in the same part of the screen used to unlock the devices now.
In a typical Apple touch (sorry for the pun), the company’s application said the point is to make biometric recognition as simple as possible, which is the reason for the embedded sensors. You’d let your i(whatever) scan your fingerprint to log you in rather than making it a secondary process.
AppleInsider’s Aidan Malley said Apple computers might use the trackpad or embedded cameras for biometric validation.
Hey iPhone users, if you’ve been waiting for your very own copy of Skype, you don’t have much longer to wait. Jessica Dolcourt of CNET’s CTIA blog wrote Sunday that the Skype application promised at CES 2009 will be available on March 31. Unless someone’s gotten his or her calendar mixed up, this isn’t an April Fool’s joke.
The application works very much like Skype‘s regular computer-based application, Dolcourt said, with some notable exceptions. For one, it looks more like an iPhone app than it does Skype’s normal appearance.
So you might say, “why on Earth would Apple permit the Skype application on the iPhone? Doesn’t it conflict with their customers using the AT&T network?” Well, sort of. But not really. To use iPhone Skype, you have to be within range of a WiFi network. VoIP doesn’t work over the AT&T network, which would sort of defeat the purpose anyhow.
Apple’s updating its operating system for the iPhone and iPod Touch. In addition, there’s a new version of the software development kit (SDK) for developers to create new applications for the mobile platform. I’ve been following Dan Moran and Jason Snell’s live blog at Macworld.com and the coverage at Electronista. I like what I’m hearing.
Before you ask, yes, cut and paste has finally made its arrival on the iPhone.So what else is new and amazing about the software update? Peer-to-peer networking, so your iPhone or iPod can see all the others nearby. You can play games or (I assume) share files. Push notification is on its way. That means that you’ll be able to get your e-mail sent to you while you’re doing other stuff. You still won’t be able to use programs in the background because, according to Apple, it will run your battery down.
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