Crank it up: Russell Simmons, Universal Music launch label -- on YouTube
Russell Simmons, one of the founders of hip-hop behind such acts as LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys, is getting back into the music business after more than a decade "sitting on the sidelines." And he's getting back in a big way to take advantage of what's arguably become the most powerful showcase for music on the planet -- YouTube.Simmons's latest venture, a YouTube multichannel network called All Def Digital -- which he and business partner Brian Robbins announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in January but which has yet to officially launch -- has teamed up with Universal Music Group to create a new label, All Def Music. When it rolls out later this summer, All Def Music will become the first label created to discover and develop artists on YouTube that's tied to one of the majors, a move that Universal's CEO is betting will go down as a key moment for his company."Finding new artists in different ways and in different places has to be the common denominator of what we do," said Lucian Grainge, the chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Music Group. "It's our cardiac function, what keeps the blood pumping. ...We believe that we can add a new dimension and bring something new in the same way that the talent contests did a decade ago."Turning a YouTube music destination into something on the scale of "American Idol" sounds like tall talk. But after a decade mired in the post-Napster doldrums, as CD sales plummeted and music labels contracted, the recorded music business is at long last infused with optimism -- even if the major labels still suffer an image hangover from such tactics as suing college kids for downloading pirated songs.Universal Music CEO Lucian Grainge with Katy PerryUMGAll the three major labels (down from six in the 1990s) are embracing new digital opportunities, and Grainge is positioning Universal to lead the pack. That YouTube has become the outlet with the biggest potential comes with a nice narrative twist, considering that the labels once viewed it as nothing short of the Antichrist -- a freewheeling venue that emboldened people the world over to upload licensed music. Shortly after YouTube emerged in 2005, Universal Music's then CEO, Doug Morris, who now heads Sony Music Group, threatened to sue YouTube for copyright infringement. We know how that standoff ended. Today, Google-owned YouTube boasts more than 1 billion monthly viewers, and music videos are consistently among the most popular content. Most importantly, YouTube has become the go-to place for young people to find, listen to and share music -- not just from the majors but from aspiring artists hoping to break through all the noise. Which, in short, is why Simmons and his team knew they needed to be there. In Simmons's view, the world he knows best -- urban, hip-hop -- is crying out for some professional help. Future stars lurk across YouTube in all genres but are usually ignored until they become Internet phenoms, such as happened with Psy and Justin Bieber, both of whom, incidentally, are now Universal artists."When I looked at this, I saw a big, giant white space," said Simmons, who, at 55, speaks with the enthusiasm of a man who's just getting started. "There's a lot happening online that's not being managed properly. These artists are in separate worlds, and not everything bubbles up to the top. That's my job."To take this on, Simmons has brought in another icon of urban music: Steve Rifkind, who is responsible for breaking some of hip-hop's biggest acts, such as Wu-Tang Clan, is now president and CEO of All Def Music and ADD Artist Management. And Robbins, who Simmons refers to as "my boss," is a veteran Hollywood producer and the founder of AwesomenessTV, a YouTube network that Dreamworks paid $33 million for in May -- less than a year after it launched. If you don't know AwesomenessTV, don't fret: It just means you're beyond your teen years. Data mining for starsThe team at All Def Music will marry years of old-school experience with new technology, watching every decision along the way with analytic tools developed by both AwesomenessTV and Universal. UMG has been investing in such tech for the past five years, and while the company won't share details of how it all works, people there say little goes unnoticed. "There isn't anything we can't monitor or can't track," said Rob Wells, who heads digital for Universal Music. "That may sound Orwellian, but that's just what the digital environment empowers us to do."Related storiesYes, iTunes Radio could crush Pandora. But that's just for startersHow YouTube could ignite streaming music: Go mobile, go freeBeats trying to launch streaming music service with AT&TSpotify: Growing like mad, yet so far to goThe future of music, according to Spotify's Daniel EkAnd Simmons, whose track record for picking stars is unparalleled, knows full well that the Internet might prove his gut wrong. "All Def is a combination of instincts and the people's will," he said. "The Internet will surprise you. All the things we're starting to put up, you just don't know what's going to pop." That means ADD might spot an artist, on YouTube or even in a brick-and-mortar club, then make a video and decide where to go from there. It all depends on what the fans and the data tell them. "We can move so much quicker," said Rifkind, who in the 1990s pioneered the street team concept of building buzz. "We have too much at our fingertips. We like something, we put up a few videos, get the feedback from the community, then go in and make changes. I really feel this is a slam dunk."Buying into YouTubeSimmons hadn't expected his next big venture to be on YouTube. In fact, a couple of years ago he was set to buy a cable network on which to build out new acts. Then he met Robert Kyncl, who heads of global content for YouTube. Kyncl helped convince him that YouTube was the place to be. Simmons began exploring the idea. He turned to Robbins, who was building out AwesomenessTV, for advice. The two had been friends since Robbins directed a hip-hop documentary in 1995 called "The Show," which featured Simmons. They ended up creating All Def Digital, which now carries the tagline, "If you don't have ADD, you're not paying attention." And last Fall, ADD became one of dozens of online channels receiving Google investments to create original content. Brian Robbins of AwesomenessTV and All Def DigitalAwesomenessTVThe success of AwesomenessTV has, in the vernacular of the day, been nothing short of awesome. And that's what ADD wants to replicate, albeit for a different audience. The parallel is this: Robbins took an underserved market -- the millions of teens and tweens on YouTube -- and brought together YouTubers and created original programming, shows like "IMO" and "Truth or Dare," that it posts daily. AwesomenessTV's programs have spread the usual way, by kids sharing them across the Web, and the results would make any old-media exec drool: The main channel, which launched just over a year ago, has 700,000 subscribers; and the multichannel network, which went live in December, has 21 million subscribers, who together have logged 1.2 billion views to date. An Awesomeness show then jumped to old-fashioned TV, and when it premiered early this month on Nickelodeon, it drew 1.7 million viewers."We feel we can do the same with ADD, to create an urban destination," said Robbins. "There is a giant hole in the marketplace." Since announcing the creation of ADD in January, Simmons has been snapping up acts, and shooting videos for the launch, which he keeps pushing back -- "I want to know I have a smash," he said -- even as his partners are eager to get started. There will be All Def Comedy, All Def Lifestyle, All Def Poetry, and now All Def Music -- all on a single destination, or multichannel network, the likes of which have been proliferating at a rapid clip. Networks such as Tastemade, for instance, is going after for food lovers; Maker Studios is also aggregating YouTube pop entertainers. "I couldn't do All Def Digital without playing in the space I know best," said Simmons, whose career includes producing such hits as the HBO series, "Def Comedy Jam." "All Def Music had to happen," he said.So Simmons approached Grainge at Universal. It was a logical choice. Simmons's biggest success was his first effort, Def Jam Recordings, which he launched with producer Rick Rubin in the early 1980s and which became the pioneering rap label. Through a series of mergers, Def Jam ended up as part of Universal Music, which is a division of the Paris-based conglomerate Vivendi. Simmons left Def Jam in 1999.If the venture plays out as planned, All Def Music will become a thriving feeding ground for Universal, which can then try to supercharge artists' careers across all outlets globally -- through various music services, radio, video outlets or promotional deals."Our farm team is for them," said Simmons. "What we develop further is for Lucian. What Lucian has, we can develop, too."So far, the first signings to ADD Management include John A. Baker Jr., known as "Spoken Reasons," a poet, comedian and musician, who has almost 1.4 million YouTube subscribers. ADD is also developing an unscripted music-themed show with rapper Asher Roth titled "Lemonade." Roth has garnered more than 20 million views on YouTube.From ADD's offices on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, Simmons and his small team are always on the lookout. One of their latest finds is New Orleans rapper 3D Na'Tee, who's had some success but isn't backed by a label. To get a sense of what All Def Music is all about, check out this video of Simmons watching Na'Tee:"You can't tell me she can't rap," Simmons almost shouted into the phone. "But do you know how expensive it is to make Na'Tee a star? You need to dress her, and, oh, she needs to get her hair done. She needs somebody like to me to pay attention to her at the early stage. Because if she's running around in sweatsuits, she's going to be just another girl, even though she's fantastic. Nobody wants to sign her. Nobody wants to give a break. I want to give her a break. But she needs to be styled and she needs the best producer on the planet."All of which Simmons and All Def Music can provide -- unless, of course, the fans and data tell him he's betting on the wrong rapper.
'Rides' Genesis is an Apple fanboy's dream car
'Rides' Genesis is an Apple fanboy's dream car
The Mac Mini is particularly valued by automobile customizers, because its small size makes it easy to hide/integrate into a cramped vehicle interior. Hyundai Motor America and Rides Magazine have taken this idea to the next level by tossing darn-near the entire Apple Computer product line into the cabin of the new Hyundai Genesis, for display at the 2008 SEMA Show.The Rides Genesis is truly an Apple fanboy's dream car, featuring two Mac Mini computers, a MacBook Air, iPod Touch, iPhone 3G, high-speed Wi-Fi Internet connection, and movie theater-quality surround sound all integrated into the interior.Within the center console will be the iPhone 3G, Mac Book Air laptop and wireless keyboard and mouse for the Mac Mini mounted on the rear deck.Each passenger in the back seat has their own computer with Internet connectivity. The 8.4-inch VGA headrest monitors are wrapped in the original leather to maintain the OE look and feel, while the seats contain suede accents. Back in the trunk, you'll find yet another Mac Mini, a 20-inch Apple Cinema Display, and a motorized tray for the mouse and keyboard. The Rides Genesis is equipped with an in-car Wi-Fi connection that supplies high-speed Internet to the various onboard Mac computers, the iPhone, and the iPod Touch. The network will also be distributing 5,000 Rides Digital Genesis iTunes cards from the car's Wi-Fi network during the show.The Genesis' already handsome exterior will be upgraded with new wheels, bodywork, and paint.Hyundai Motors America"This Genesis perfectly suits the mobile executive, with multiple Mac computers and its own mobile Wi-Fi network," said Ben Harris, associate publisher, Rides. "All of the modifications complement the Genesis' natural attributes and emphasize the sleek look and luxury interior.We are looking forward to the SEMA show and displaying this amazing vehicle."The upgrades continue outside of the cabin with 22-inch custom-made staggered fitment MHT three-piece wheels, Pirelli tires, custom-molded front body kit and side skirts, lowered suspension, and smoked headlights. Rides has added custom dual-tip stacked exhausts and a custom-molded rear bumper to the Genesis' already handsome exterior to accentuate the metallic silver and blue paint job.We'll be bringing you more details and photos of the Rides Hyundai Genesis, and much more, as our coverage of the 2008 SEMA Show continues.
The Mac Mini is particularly valued by automobile customizers, because its small size makes it easy to hide/integrate into a cramped vehicle interior. Hyundai Motor America and Rides Magazine have taken this idea to the next level by tossing darn-near the entire Apple Computer product line into the cabin of the new Hyundai Genesis, for display at the 2008 SEMA Show.The Rides Genesis is truly an Apple fanboy's dream car, featuring two Mac Mini computers, a MacBook Air, iPod Touch, iPhone 3G, high-speed Wi-Fi Internet connection, and movie theater-quality surround sound all integrated into the interior.Within the center console will be the iPhone 3G, Mac Book Air laptop and wireless keyboard and mouse for the Mac Mini mounted on the rear deck.Each passenger in the back seat has their own computer with Internet connectivity. The 8.4-inch VGA headrest monitors are wrapped in the original leather to maintain the OE look and feel, while the seats contain suede accents. Back in the trunk, you'll find yet another Mac Mini, a 20-inch Apple Cinema Display, and a motorized tray for the mouse and keyboard. The Rides Genesis is equipped with an in-car Wi-Fi connection that supplies high-speed Internet to the various onboard Mac computers, the iPhone, and the iPod Touch. The network will also be distributing 5,000 Rides Digital Genesis iTunes cards from the car's Wi-Fi network during the show.The Genesis' already handsome exterior will be upgraded with new wheels, bodywork, and paint.Hyundai Motors America"This Genesis perfectly suits the mobile executive, with multiple Mac computers and its own mobile Wi-Fi network," said Ben Harris, associate publisher, Rides. "All of the modifications complement the Genesis' natural attributes and emphasize the sleek look and luxury interior.We are looking forward to the SEMA show and displaying this amazing vehicle."The upgrades continue outside of the cabin with 22-inch custom-made staggered fitment MHT three-piece wheels, Pirelli tires, custom-molded front body kit and side skirts, lowered suspension, and smoked headlights. Rides has added custom dual-tip stacked exhausts and a custom-molded rear bumper to the Genesis' already handsome exterior to accentuate the metallic silver and blue paint job.We'll be bringing you more details and photos of the Rides Hyundai Genesis, and much more, as our coverage of the 2008 SEMA Show continues.
The 404 777- Where 10 bucks says it's a hoax (podcast)
The 404 777: Where 10 bucks says it's a hoax (podcast)
Fooling people on the Internet is far from a difficult feat, but Web magicians are finding creative ways to make us question our own skepticism. Take YouTube user BITcrash44's concept video that shows him hacking video screens in Times Square.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.This guy supposedly fashioned a broadcast device that pulls video data from the headphone jack in an iPhone and can hijack any feed in the process. The accompanying video makes creative use of After Effects, but real techies should be able to spot the discrepancies--even still, without dissecting it to death like everyone else has online, can we at least appreciate the humor and ingenuity in this project? Well done BITcrash44!Unfortunately, not everyone uses the Internet in jest like our buddy BITcrash44--some people use it to exploit the philanthropy of innocent people who just want to donate money to charities in Japan to assist the relief effort. Be careful if you receive an e-mail that claims to be from the British Red Cross using the subject line "Japan Tsunami Appeal | British Red Cross"; it's a charity scam.You should also keep a lookout for traps hidden within your Facebook news feed. It's despicable, but some lowlife scammers are using the earthquake to trick people into clicking on a fake video showing a whale being launched into a building in Japan.If you made the mistake of clicking on the link, you can mitigate the "hack" by removing any irrelevant posts from your own profile in Facebook with the "X" that appears in the right corner of every post.We're starting yet another contest with Kodak this week with the chance to win a Kodak 7250 all-in-one printer! This time we want you to add us on Twitter and tell us what you think is the most overpriced product on the market. It doesn't have to be tech related, just make sure you add #kodak404 and @the404 to the end of your tweet so we can see it!Episode 777PodcastYour 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
Fooling people on the Internet is far from a difficult feat, but Web magicians are finding creative ways to make us question our own skepticism. Take YouTube user BITcrash44's concept video that shows him hacking video screens in Times Square.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.This guy supposedly fashioned a broadcast device that pulls video data from the headphone jack in an iPhone and can hijack any feed in the process. The accompanying video makes creative use of After Effects, but real techies should be able to spot the discrepancies--even still, without dissecting it to death like everyone else has online, can we at least appreciate the humor and ingenuity in this project? Well done BITcrash44!Unfortunately, not everyone uses the Internet in jest like our buddy BITcrash44--some people use it to exploit the philanthropy of innocent people who just want to donate money to charities in Japan to assist the relief effort. Be careful if you receive an e-mail that claims to be from the British Red Cross using the subject line "Japan Tsunami Appeal | British Red Cross"; it's a charity scam.You should also keep a lookout for traps hidden within your Facebook news feed. It's despicable, but some lowlife scammers are using the earthquake to trick people into clicking on a fake video showing a whale being launched into a building in Japan.If you made the mistake of clicking on the link, you can mitigate the "hack" by removing any irrelevant posts from your own profile in Facebook with the "X" that appears in the right corner of every post.We're starting yet another contest with Kodak this week with the chance to win a Kodak 7250 all-in-one printer! This time we want you to add us on Twitter and tell us what you think is the most overpriced product on the market. It doesn't have to be tech related, just make sure you add #kodak404 and @the404 to the end of your tweet so we can see it!Episode 777PodcastYour 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
Phling- Streaming music library to the phone
Phling: Streaming music library to the phone
What do you get when you cross Facebook with iTunes and Slingbox? A big fat trainwreck of an application, you'd have thought. So it's something of a surprise to see a company produce a different result to this equation: Phling, a "free" music streaming service for mobile phones, with social-networking elements built in.Silly name aside, Phling's service is simple: An application sits on your desktop computer and creates a library of your MP3, AAC or WMA collection. A Java app then sits on your mobile phone (downloaded over the air) and lets you browse and stream your entire library over GPRS or 3G.There's also a social-networking aspect of the service, which lets you share your collection with up to six friends (or strangers, should you agree). You can also stream an unlimited amount of music from other peoples' collections (again, as long as they agree to your request) and leave messages on other people'sprofiles. Simple, no? Record labels shouldn't complain, Phling claims, as the usage of digital audio in this way is legal under fair and private use regulations.So how does it work? Phling is to strike deals with network operators across Europe to split the profit of data charges between the operator and Phling, promoting the idea that streaming music in this way can co-exist alongside operators' existing over-the-air music-download services. Such deals are already in place in Switzerland. Currently, before any deals are in place, users can stream as much as they like over GPRS or 3G, though they'll incur normal data charges as they do, unless they already have an unlimited flat-rate tariff.In theory, this all sounds very appealing. We saw it in action last week on a Nokia N73 handset. Music was indeed streaming over the air from various libraries stationed in the US, and others in the UK. The quality, over 3G, was akin to a 64Kbps stereo MP3.Back in our office, however, we ran into a hurdle immediately, when the installation software told us Windows Media Player 10 wasn't installed on our PC, despite WMP 11 sitting there quite happily. Still, we have seen it working, and in fairness, the software is still in its early stages.In principle, the system will work on over 100 handsets, anywhere in the world. Just make sure you've got an unlimited data bundle before you hemorrhage your earnings on a gargantuan phone bill.(Source: Crave UK)
What do you get when you cross Facebook with iTunes and Slingbox? A big fat trainwreck of an application, you'd have thought. So it's something of a surprise to see a company produce a different result to this equation: Phling, a "free" music streaming service for mobile phones, with social-networking elements built in.Silly name aside, Phling's service is simple: An application sits on your desktop computer and creates a library of your MP3, AAC or WMA collection. A Java app then sits on your mobile phone (downloaded over the air) and lets you browse and stream your entire library over GPRS or 3G.There's also a social-networking aspect of the service, which lets you share your collection with up to six friends (or strangers, should you agree). You can also stream an unlimited amount of music from other peoples' collections (again, as long as they agree to your request) and leave messages on other people'sprofiles. Simple, no? Record labels shouldn't complain, Phling claims, as the usage of digital audio in this way is legal under fair and private use regulations.So how does it work? Phling is to strike deals with network operators across Europe to split the profit of data charges between the operator and Phling, promoting the idea that streaming music in this way can co-exist alongside operators' existing over-the-air music-download services. Such deals are already in place in Switzerland. Currently, before any deals are in place, users can stream as much as they like over GPRS or 3G, though they'll incur normal data charges as they do, unless they already have an unlimited flat-rate tariff.In theory, this all sounds very appealing. We saw it in action last week on a Nokia N73 handset. Music was indeed streaming over the air from various libraries stationed in the US, and others in the UK. The quality, over 3G, was akin to a 64Kbps stereo MP3.Back in our office, however, we ran into a hurdle immediately, when the installation software told us Windows Media Player 10 wasn't installed on our PC, despite WMP 11 sitting there quite happily. Still, we have seen it working, and in fairness, the software is still in its early stages.In principle, the system will work on over 100 handsets, anywhere in the world. Just make sure you've got an unlimited data bundle before you hemorrhage your earnings on a gargantuan phone bill.(Source: Crave UK)
Norway Prime Minister governs with the iPad
Norway Prime Minister governs with the iPad
The iPad might be a fine alternative to a laptop for simple tasks, but can it really be relied upon to run an entire country? Norway Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg certainly thinks so.Stoltenberg--stranded in New York City because of a volcanic eruption in Iceland entering European airspace and disrupting travel--has been using the iPad to get his daily work done, according to a CNN report. The network said that it spoke with the prime minister, who said it's business as usual for his government."It's very normal for a prime minister to travel abroad, so this is not different from the other travels, it's just lasts some days more than expected," Stoltenberg told CNN. "We have the Internet, the mobile phone. I also use an iPad, which is excellent."Stoltenberg plans to get back to his country on Saturday, but he will be forced to travel in a roundabout way to do so. Until then, it seems that his iPad could be his best friend as he attempts to keep his government running amid an unlikely roadblock.For Apple's part, the company could use Stoltenberg's iPad use for its own gain. What better way for Apple to promote the iPad as a mobile companion than to say that it can help a prime minister run his country?
The iPad might be a fine alternative to a laptop for simple tasks, but can it really be relied upon to run an entire country? Norway Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg certainly thinks so.Stoltenberg--stranded in New York City because of a volcanic eruption in Iceland entering European airspace and disrupting travel--has been using the iPad to get his daily work done, according to a CNN report. The network said that it spoke with the prime minister, who said it's business as usual for his government."It's very normal for a prime minister to travel abroad, so this is not different from the other travels, it's just lasts some days more than expected," Stoltenberg told CNN. "We have the Internet, the mobile phone. I also use an iPad, which is excellent."Stoltenberg plans to get back to his country on Saturday, but he will be forced to travel in a roundabout way to do so. Until then, it seems that his iPad could be his best friend as he attempts to keep his government running amid an unlikely roadblock.For Apple's part, the company could use Stoltenberg's iPad use for its own gain. What better way for Apple to promote the iPad as a mobile companion than to say that it can help a prime minister run his country?
Nokia takes on iPhone 5, Galaxy S3 in latest Lumia video
Nokia takes on iPhone 5, Galaxy S3 in latest Lumia video
Nokia is taking the fight to Samsung and Apple in a new video posted to YouTube.Dubbed "The Hurricane," the video follows a roller coaster going around its track as it's being filmed by Nokia's new Lumia handset, the Lumia 928, as well as by Apple's iPhone 5 and Samsung's Galaxy S3. Thanks to the handset's 8.7-megapixel PureView camera, Nokia argues, Lumia's visuals will be much better than those of its rivals when recording video.After showing the roller coaster moving around the track, Nokia's video compares frames to those captured by the iPhone 5 and Galaxy S3. It's clear, based on those frames, that the PureView takes the top spot, though whether it is truly a fair comparison is unknown.Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Apple seeks ban on U.S. Nokia importsNokia patent shows shape-shifting phonePhotos leaked earlier this week of the Lumia 928. Nokia hasn't officially revealed all the details on the device, and has instead decided to slowly offer up tidbits.Notably, Nokia compares the Lumia 928 camera to that of the Galaxy S3 and not Samsung's latest handset, the Galaxy S4. It would be interesting to see how those two devices match up on an amusement-park ride.Here is Nokia's video:
Nokia is taking the fight to Samsung and Apple in a new video posted to YouTube.Dubbed "The Hurricane," the video follows a roller coaster going around its track as it's being filmed by Nokia's new Lumia handset, the Lumia 928, as well as by Apple's iPhone 5 and Samsung's Galaxy S3. Thanks to the handset's 8.7-megapixel PureView camera, Nokia argues, Lumia's visuals will be much better than those of its rivals when recording video.After showing the roller coaster moving around the track, Nokia's video compares frames to those captured by the iPhone 5 and Galaxy S3. It's clear, based on those frames, that the PureView takes the top spot, though whether it is truly a fair comparison is unknown.Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Apple seeks ban on U.S. Nokia importsNokia patent shows shape-shifting phonePhotos leaked earlier this week of the Lumia 928. Nokia hasn't officially revealed all the details on the device, and has instead decided to slowly offer up tidbits.Notably, Nokia compares the Lumia 928 camera to that of the Galaxy S3 and not Samsung's latest handset, the Galaxy S4. It would be interesting to see how those two devices match up on an amusement-park ride.Here is Nokia's video:
Will you buy the new iPad- (poll)
Will you buy the new iPad? (poll)
Finally, the rumor mill (and our heads) can stop spinning for a little while, as Apple officially introduced the new iPad in San Francisco today.New iPad: To buy or not to buy?Will you buy the new iPad?Due out on March 16 with preorders starting today, the iPad HD ushers in a handful of improvements. As many expected, the iPad 2's successor now features a 9.7-inch Retina Display with a 2,048x1,536-pixel resolution. With four times the pixels on the tablet's display, you need more power, and Apple gave us just that, as its new A5X chip promises to deliver four times the graphics performance.Also getting a boost? The iPad's connectivity speeds. Apple touted the fact that the new iPad has the most wireless bands of any device that's ever shipped, as it now supports HSPA+ for up to 21Mbps download speeds, dual-carrier HSDPA for up to 42Mbps, and 4G LTE for a maximum of 72Mbps. Other goodies include an improved rear-facing 5-megapixel iSight camera with 1080p HD video recording and built-in stabilization, as well as speech-to-text capabilities. So now that all the details are out, it's decision time: to buy or not to buy? The iPad HD will come in various flavors. The Wi-Fi-only version will cost $499 for the 16GB model; $599 for 32GB; and $699 for 64GB. Meanwhile, the 4G iPad, which will be compatible with AT&T and Verizon's respective LTE networks, is going for $629 (16GB); $729 (32GB); and $829 (64GB).There's something else to think about. Apple also dropped the price of the 16GB Wi-Fi iPad 2 to $399 from $499.There's a lot to consider, so take our poll and share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
Finally, the rumor mill (and our heads) can stop spinning for a little while, as Apple officially introduced the new iPad in San Francisco today.New iPad: To buy or not to buy?Will you buy the new iPad?Due out on March 16 with preorders starting today, the iPad HD ushers in a handful of improvements. As many expected, the iPad 2's successor now features a 9.7-inch Retina Display with a 2,048x1,536-pixel resolution. With four times the pixels on the tablet's display, you need more power, and Apple gave us just that, as its new A5X chip promises to deliver four times the graphics performance.Also getting a boost? The iPad's connectivity speeds. Apple touted the fact that the new iPad has the most wireless bands of any device that's ever shipped, as it now supports HSPA+ for up to 21Mbps download speeds, dual-carrier HSDPA for up to 42Mbps, and 4G LTE for a maximum of 72Mbps. Other goodies include an improved rear-facing 5-megapixel iSight camera with 1080p HD video recording and built-in stabilization, as well as speech-to-text capabilities. So now that all the details are out, it's decision time: to buy or not to buy? The iPad HD will come in various flavors. The Wi-Fi-only version will cost $499 for the 16GB model; $599 for 32GB; and $699 for 64GB. Meanwhile, the 4G iPad, which will be compatible with AT&T and Verizon's respective LTE networks, is going for $629 (16GB); $729 (32GB); and $829 (64GB).There's something else to think about. Apple also dropped the price of the 16GB Wi-Fi iPad 2 to $399 from $499.There's a lot to consider, so take our poll and share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
Will AT&T charge you for FaceTime over its network-
Will AT&T charge you for FaceTime over its network?
AT&T might charge customers to run FaceTime over its cellular network, according to a report.The folks over at Apple blog 9to5Mac yesterday published a screenshot of an error message that popped up in their developer version of iOS 6 when they attempted to place a FaceTime call over AT&T's network. The message reads that users must "enable FaceTime over cellular" by contacting AT&T or visiting their online account.FaceTime has historically been available only via Wi-Fi. However, in iOS 6, Apple will allow iDevices to hold video chats over cellular networks. That AT&T and more than likely, Apple's other carrier partners, might want to charge for FaceTime chatting, isn't much of a surprise. Video chats use up an inordinate amount of data, which could put significant pressure on the carriers' networks. The best way to ensure costs don't soar would be to charge for that.Charging for a feature is by no means new. AT&T, for example, charges for Personal Hotspot, which allows several people to share a single wireless connection through a device.So far, AT&T and its carrier competitors have not confirmed that they'll charge for FaceTime, and in a statement to 9to5Mac, the carrier said that it'll "share more information with our customers as it becomes available."Apple, meanwhile, has laid down some hints that charges are on the way. On its iOS 6 page, it notes that "carrier data charges may apply" for FaceTime over a cellular network.
AT&T might charge customers to run FaceTime over its cellular network, according to a report.The folks over at Apple blog 9to5Mac yesterday published a screenshot of an error message that popped up in their developer version of iOS 6 when they attempted to place a FaceTime call over AT&T's network. The message reads that users must "enable FaceTime over cellular" by contacting AT&T or visiting their online account.FaceTime has historically been available only via Wi-Fi. However, in iOS 6, Apple will allow iDevices to hold video chats over cellular networks. That AT&T and more than likely, Apple's other carrier partners, might want to charge for FaceTime chatting, isn't much of a surprise. Video chats use up an inordinate amount of data, which could put significant pressure on the carriers' networks. The best way to ensure costs don't soar would be to charge for that.Charging for a feature is by no means new. AT&T, for example, charges for Personal Hotspot, which allows several people to share a single wireless connection through a device.So far, AT&T and its carrier competitors have not confirmed that they'll charge for FaceTime, and in a statement to 9to5Mac, the carrier said that it'll "share more information with our customers as it becomes available."Apple, meanwhile, has laid down some hints that charges are on the way. On its iOS 6 page, it notes that "carrier data charges may apply" for FaceTime over a cellular network.
Will 350,000 people file taxes on smartphones-
Will 350,000 people file taxes on smartphones?
Intuit's SnapTax app for Apple's iPhone and Android-based smartphones has been downloaded 350,000 times since its launch last month, Intuit executives have told All Things Digital.All Things Digital's Ina Fried reported today that so far, it has seen more than twice as many downloads on the iPhone than on Android-based devices.SnapTax is designed for simple tax returns that include little more than a W-2 wage statement. After downloading the free app, users need only to snap a picture of their W-2 from their smartphone, and the program will automatically input that information into the user's return. The data is also encrypted to ensure it's kept secure from others. After inputting their personal information and reviewing the return, users can then file it with the Internal Revenue Service for $14.99.Actually paying that fee is somewhat difficult on an Android smartphone. Users must first download the free version of the program and then when they're ready to file, they have to dole out the $14.99 for the paid version of the app. The iPhone offering requires users to pay through an in-app payment system.Even with 350,000 downloads, there's no telling if all those people will actually file their taxes with the app. In fact, Intuit told All Things Digital that it was "surprised" that people would want to file their taxes with a smartphone, given that sensitive data is included in returns. But after performing its research, the company found that younger taxpayers aren't especially worried about that.For those with security concerns or with more sophisticated returns, hiring a tax preparer or using a software program is still the go-to way to pay Uncle Sam.
Intuit's SnapTax app for Apple's iPhone and Android-based smartphones has been downloaded 350,000 times since its launch last month, Intuit executives have told All Things Digital.All Things Digital's Ina Fried reported today that so far, it has seen more than twice as many downloads on the iPhone than on Android-based devices.SnapTax is designed for simple tax returns that include little more than a W-2 wage statement. After downloading the free app, users need only to snap a picture of their W-2 from their smartphone, and the program will automatically input that information into the user's return. The data is also encrypted to ensure it's kept secure from others. After inputting their personal information and reviewing the return, users can then file it with the Internal Revenue Service for $14.99.Actually paying that fee is somewhat difficult on an Android smartphone. Users must first download the free version of the program and then when they're ready to file, they have to dole out the $14.99 for the paid version of the app. The iPhone offering requires users to pay through an in-app payment system.Even with 350,000 downloads, there's no telling if all those people will actually file their taxes with the app. In fact, Intuit told All Things Digital that it was "surprised" that people would want to file their taxes with a smartphone, given that sensitive data is included in returns. But after performing its research, the company found that younger taxpayers aren't especially worried about that.For those with security concerns or with more sophisticated returns, hiring a tax preparer or using a software program is still the go-to way to pay Uncle Sam.
Wi-Fi-only Xoom launching March 27 for $599
Wi-Fi-only Xoom launching March 27 for $599
It took a while for Motorola Mobility to confirm it, but the Wi-Fi-only Xoom is now official.On March 27, the tablet will launch in the U.S. for $599, Motorola Mobility announced today. The device will feature the same 10.1-inch display as its 3G-equipped counterpart. It will also come with Android 3.0 Honeycomb, 32GB of onboard storage, and a 1GHz dual-core processor.Motorola Mobility currently offers a 3G version of the Xoom that retails for $799.99 without a contract and $599.99 with a two-year commitment with Verizon Wireless.With the upcoming launch of the Wi-Fi-only Xoom, Motorola Mobility is taking a page out of Apple's book. Apple, which released the iPad 2 last week, offers both Wi-Fi-only and 3G models. Pricing for the Wi-Fi-only iPad 2 starts at $499 for 16GB of storage. The 32GB model, which might be the best comparison to the Wi-Fi-only Xoom, retails for $599.Rumors have been swirling for weeks now that Motorola would be launching a Wi-Fi-only version of the Xoom. Earlier this month, photos leaked of a Wi-Fi-only-Xoom display at a Sam's Club. The photos suggested that the retailer, which is owned by Walmart, would be selling the Xoom for $539. That report was followed up earlier this week by a leaked flyer from Staples that turned out to be spot-on--it was promoting the Wi-Fi-only Xoom retailing for $599 and launching on March 27.According to Motorola Mobility, both Staples and Sam's Club will be among retailers selling the Wi-Fi-only Xoom in-store and online when the tablet launches. They will be joined by Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, RadioShack, and Walmart.
It took a while for Motorola Mobility to confirm it, but the Wi-Fi-only Xoom is now official.On March 27, the tablet will launch in the U.S. for $599, Motorola Mobility announced today. The device will feature the same 10.1-inch display as its 3G-equipped counterpart. It will also come with Android 3.0 Honeycomb, 32GB of onboard storage, and a 1GHz dual-core processor.Motorola Mobility currently offers a 3G version of the Xoom that retails for $799.99 without a contract and $599.99 with a two-year commitment with Verizon Wireless.With the upcoming launch of the Wi-Fi-only Xoom, Motorola Mobility is taking a page out of Apple's book. Apple, which released the iPad 2 last week, offers both Wi-Fi-only and 3G models. Pricing for the Wi-Fi-only iPad 2 starts at $499 for 16GB of storage. The 32GB model, which might be the best comparison to the Wi-Fi-only Xoom, retails for $599.Rumors have been swirling for weeks now that Motorola would be launching a Wi-Fi-only version of the Xoom. Earlier this month, photos leaked of a Wi-Fi-only-Xoom display at a Sam's Club. The photos suggested that the retailer, which is owned by Walmart, would be selling the Xoom for $539. That report was followed up earlier this week by a leaked flyer from Staples that turned out to be spot-on--it was promoting the Wi-Fi-only Xoom retailing for $599 and launching on March 27.According to Motorola Mobility, both Staples and Sam's Club will be among retailers selling the Wi-Fi-only Xoom in-store and online when the tablet launches. They will be joined by Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, RadioShack, and Walmart.
Where do most people accidentally destroy their iPhone-
Where do most people accidentally destroy their iPhone?
Where exactly do most people accidentally ruin their iPhone? If you guessed the toilet you'd be wrong, says a new survey.According to device warranty provider Squaretrade, most people -- 21 percent to be precise -- damaged their device in the kitchen. The runner up, at 18 percent, is the living room, followed by the bathroom at 16 percent. All in all, 51 percent of iPhone accidents happen inside the house instead of out in the wild, says Squaretrade. To find that out, the company tapped Survey Sampling International and asked 35 questions to 2,004 iPhone owners in August.Related storiesDoes iPhone damage rate suggest bathroom confusion?It's dangerous to be an iPhone or iPad in MississippiiPhone records 1,000-foot free-fall, survivesOther findings from the survey include that water is overwhelmingly the most common when it comes to liquid damage at 43 percent, followed by soda at 19 percent, and beer and coffee/tea, which both came in at 12 percent. The results follow a similar study published by SquareTrade last month that claimed Americans alone have spent $5.9 billion on damaged iPhones. That same survey noted that the main reason phones became damaged in the first place was falling out of user hands (at 30 percent of issues), followed by liquid damage at 18 percent. Of course, there's also an infographic for all this information, which you can view below:Click to enlarge.SquareTrade
Where exactly do most people accidentally ruin their iPhone? If you guessed the toilet you'd be wrong, says a new survey.According to device warranty provider Squaretrade, most people -- 21 percent to be precise -- damaged their device in the kitchen. The runner up, at 18 percent, is the living room, followed by the bathroom at 16 percent. All in all, 51 percent of iPhone accidents happen inside the house instead of out in the wild, says Squaretrade. To find that out, the company tapped Survey Sampling International and asked 35 questions to 2,004 iPhone owners in August.Related storiesDoes iPhone damage rate suggest bathroom confusion?It's dangerous to be an iPhone or iPad in MississippiiPhone records 1,000-foot free-fall, survivesOther findings from the survey include that water is overwhelmingly the most common when it comes to liquid damage at 43 percent, followed by soda at 19 percent, and beer and coffee/tea, which both came in at 12 percent. The results follow a similar study published by SquareTrade last month that claimed Americans alone have spent $5.9 billion on damaged iPhones. That same survey noted that the main reason phones became damaged in the first place was falling out of user hands (at 30 percent of issues), followed by liquid damage at 18 percent. Of course, there's also an infographic for all this information, which you can view below:Click to enlarge.SquareTrade
Update: Krysten Ritter Is 'Jessica Jones' for Marvel Studios and Netflix
Update 12/4: Since Krysten Ritter just landed the role of Jessica Jones in the Marvel/Netflix series, we;re republishing our recent guide to the character.Out of all of Marvel’s upcoming projects, the one with the least amount of “legacy” behind it is the Netflix series Jessica Jones. In fact, Marvel’s never even published a comic called Jessica Jones; the comic was called Alias, but that title was already claimed for TV by another popular action show. Casting rumors for the lead role on Jessica Jones have just started to ramp up, as Marvel builds towards itsDefenders miniseries.Krysten Ritter (Breaking Bad, Don’t Trust the B--- in Apartment 23), Alexandra Daddario (Percy Jackson, True Detective), Teresa Palmer (Warm Bodies), Jessica De Gouw (Arrow) and Marin Ireland (Homeland) are in the running, according to Deadline’s sources. All the candidates seem like reasonable choices -- working actors with some measure of recognizability, right on the cusp of a higher profile. Casting feels a little young for this character, who we meet in the Marvel universe after she’s already had her day in the sun as a wannabe superhero.When we meet Jones for the first time in her 2001 comic book series, she’s a private investigator trading in on the connections she made during her short time as a superhero (alias Jewel). She was given superstrength and flight after a radioactive accident, but gave up on superheroics after one too many run-ins with the darkest nature of supervillains. Her comic (written by Brian Michael Bendis and drawn by Michael Gaydos) inspired the MAX imprint at Marvel so that the publisher could tackle more adult subject matter within the fringes of its superhero universe. She’s streetwise and if there’s a word for being “superhero universe”-wise, she’s that too.No surprise then that she has romantic sparks with Luke Cage, a streetwise superhero if ever there was one. Cage is also due for his own Netflix series, and Deadline mentions Mike Gross, Mike Colter and Cleo Anthony as actors in the running for that part. Sorry, Terry Crews, but Marvel’s looking for younger actors right now. Under Bendis’ guidance, Cage and Jones become one of Marvel’s power couples, anchoring a team of Avengers while raising a child together.We likely won’t see that happen across the first seasons of their shows, but each show is implicated into the other in interesting ways. Besides the Cage and Jones relationship, Daredevil has appeared in the pages of Alias, and the other Netflix show, Iron Fist, is about Cage’s best friend and partner Danny Rand (no casting news on Rand just yet). They’re building a street-level universe across the streaming network that should grow the Marvel brand in interesting, and possibly more mature, ways. There’s even the possibility that they’re casting so young with the potential of having Cage or Jones be a part of whatever a fifth Avengers movie looks like beyond 2020.Jones doesn’t have a supporting cast to speak of (outside of Luke Cage), but there are a few characters that have been associated with her, off and on, through her brief time in the Marvel universe. The most popular of these is Squirrel Girl, a comic-relief mutant with the ability to control squirrels, who acted as the trusted nanny for Jones and Cage’s baby for a time. It sounds ridiculous now, but if Marvel’s looking for another Rocket Raccoon breakout character, this one has all the fan support in place. Bob Gunton is playing the Owl on the Daredevil series, and interestingly, Jones and Cage met busting the Owl (the same incident that caused Jones to leave the superhero game for a while), so we might expect Gunton to bring the character over into her series. There’s also some chance we might see Killgrave, the Purple Man, a mind-controlling villain more closely associated with Daredevil, who once took over Jones’ mind for almost a year. Characters who appear often in her comics, like J. Jonah Jameson, Man Mountain Marko and Spider-Woman are less likely to appear, due to complications with Sony’s Spider-Man franchise.Whoever plays Jones will need to immediately come across as tough and smart and with little patience for superheroic shenanigans. She should banter well with whomever plays Cage and have palpable sexual chemistry with that actor. More than any other single Marvel Cinematic Universe title character, this part will be the first time many are even hearing about this individual. It’s a huge first impression to make. I don’t envy the pressure, but, damn, what a role.
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