The 404 1,051: Where we were big in the '90s (podcast)
Today we'll take a critical look at the way people respond to celebrity deaths in the wake of Maurice Sendak, Adam Yauch, and Vidal Sassoon. We'll take you through the five typical stages of "grief" based on what Vice Magazine calls the Facebook Death Patrol.We also have some bad news to report to children of millennials: your parents are still getting it on, and they're probably using a smartphone at the same time. A survey from Meredith's Parent Network questioned 1,000 moms born between 1977 and 1994 and found that 21 percent of them used their smartphones in the bathroom, while an astounding 12 percent admitted to using them in coitus! Sorry if we just ruined your day, kids.After the break, we'll dive into a discussion about the gulch of the Internet and whether or not Internet users are legally responsible for the images that appear on their screens.It stems from a New York Court of Appeals case that closed on Tuesday concerning a college IT office that found images of child pornography stored in the cache of a professor's computer. His actions are obviously deplorable, but should some kind of affirmative act be required (in the form of clicking a download button o print button) to show that one actively sought out the images?Tune in for the verdict.Bathroom break video: Le manege pour pauvresMust listen: Justin and Jeff try and get through a CBS Radio spot about iPads and OrangutansThis 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.PlayEpisode 1,051Listen nowYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff Bakalar
iTunes Terms of Service gets the RapGenius treatment, hilarity ensues
iTunes Terms of Service gets the RapGenius treatment, hilarity ensues
RapGenius was created for those of us who just might not be urban enough to understand what the hell Li'l Wayne is rapping about or what specific kind of "gas" 2 Chainz is "smokin' on."The site is basically a huge wiki intended to explain the lyrics of any and all rap songs, and since the entire Internet is invited to participate, there are naturally a few Justin Bieber songs up in the mix as well. But lately, some non-music entries have been uploaded to the site, including the Terms of Service for iTunes, which has already begun to be annotated to hilarious effect.Related storiesAndreessen Horowitz drops $15M on Web-annotation startupThe 404 805: Where real rap geniuses move in silence (podcast)Digital guru Clay Shirky was inspired to upload the iTunes TOS to the site after seeing another entry for the Pilgrims' Mayflower Compact -- you know, the O.G. one drafted by some rhythm-less puritans back around 1620.Unlike the annotations on the Mayflower Compact, which mostly provide historical context, the comments and explanations on the legalese for iTunes are almost all snark. For example, here's the note added for the part of the TOS that reads "And you agree to immediately notify Apple of any security breach of your Account.":... via the contact information clearly provided... wait where did that go? RapGenius hasn't taken down any of the hip-hop-deficient posts because the company sees itself as a platform that it hopes will expand to provide a notating community for everything from poetry to political speeches. In fact, transcripts of the first presidential and vice presidential debates have already been posted to the site, and some fact-checking and analysis (as well as a healthy dose of trolling) have already begun to be added. Let us know what you think of RapGenius as the latest platform hosting our global dialogue, or if you really want to let us know what you think, repost this story at RapGenius and go to town.
RapGenius was created for those of us who just might not be urban enough to understand what the hell Li'l Wayne is rapping about or what specific kind of "gas" 2 Chainz is "smokin' on."The site is basically a huge wiki intended to explain the lyrics of any and all rap songs, and since the entire Internet is invited to participate, there are naturally a few Justin Bieber songs up in the mix as well. But lately, some non-music entries have been uploaded to the site, including the Terms of Service for iTunes, which has already begun to be annotated to hilarious effect.Related storiesAndreessen Horowitz drops $15M on Web-annotation startupThe 404 805: Where real rap geniuses move in silence (podcast)Digital guru Clay Shirky was inspired to upload the iTunes TOS to the site after seeing another entry for the Pilgrims' Mayflower Compact -- you know, the O.G. one drafted by some rhythm-less puritans back around 1620.Unlike the annotations on the Mayflower Compact, which mostly provide historical context, the comments and explanations on the legalese for iTunes are almost all snark. For example, here's the note added for the part of the TOS that reads "And you agree to immediately notify Apple of any security breach of your Account.":... via the contact information clearly provided... wait where did that go? RapGenius hasn't taken down any of the hip-hop-deficient posts because the company sees itself as a platform that it hopes will expand to provide a notating community for everything from poetry to political speeches. In fact, transcripts of the first presidential and vice presidential debates have already been posted to the site, and some fact-checking and analysis (as well as a healthy dose of trolling) have already begun to be added. Let us know what you think of RapGenius as the latest platform hosting our global dialogue, or if you really want to let us know what you think, repost this story at RapGenius and go to town.
Apple's first iAds hit the iPhone
Apple's first iAds hit the iPhone
The first day of July brings the first real-world glimpse of Apple's foray into mobile advertising.As planned, iAds debuted on iOS 4-based devices on Thursday, with the first examples of Apple's program enabling advertisers to present interactive ads directly within iOS apps. Engadget has Dove's entry, starring Major League Baseball's Albert Pujols and Andy Pettitte. There's also a YouTube video of Nissan Motor's interactive campaign for the new electric Leaf. It's essentially the same as the Leaf ad Steve Jobs demonstrated at its Worldwide Developers Conference last month. As promised, the ads are embedded into iPhone applications, and when clicked, they appear as a window within the app. iAds do not send users to a Web advertisement.Dove's first iAd.EngadgetApple shelled out for Quattro Wireless earlier this year so that it could own and control the way ads are served on its devices and have a say over how analytic data is reported. Last month, Apple updated its developer agreement to exclude nonindependent ad networks from collecting analytic data from iAds. It was widely interpreted as targeting Google's newly acquired AdMob mobile-ad network.It's been reported that Apple charged $1 million to the first advertisers participating in the program. Together, companies such as Walt Disney, Nissan, Citigroup, Unilever, AT&T, Chanel, General Electric, Liberty Mutual Insurance, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance, Geico, Campbell Soup, Sears Holdings, J.C. Penney, Target, Best Buy, DirecTV, and Turner Broadcasting System have put up $60 million in promised spending through the end of 2010, according to Apple.Jobs said Apple started the program, which is native to the iOS software developer kit, to help developers make money on free applications in the App Store.
The first day of July brings the first real-world glimpse of Apple's foray into mobile advertising.As planned, iAds debuted on iOS 4-based devices on Thursday, with the first examples of Apple's program enabling advertisers to present interactive ads directly within iOS apps. Engadget has Dove's entry, starring Major League Baseball's Albert Pujols and Andy Pettitte. There's also a YouTube video of Nissan Motor's interactive campaign for the new electric Leaf. It's essentially the same as the Leaf ad Steve Jobs demonstrated at its Worldwide Developers Conference last month. As promised, the ads are embedded into iPhone applications, and when clicked, they appear as a window within the app. iAds do not send users to a Web advertisement.Dove's first iAd.EngadgetApple shelled out for Quattro Wireless earlier this year so that it could own and control the way ads are served on its devices and have a say over how analytic data is reported. Last month, Apple updated its developer agreement to exclude nonindependent ad networks from collecting analytic data from iAds. It was widely interpreted as targeting Google's newly acquired AdMob mobile-ad network.It's been reported that Apple charged $1 million to the first advertisers participating in the program. Together, companies such as Walt Disney, Nissan, Citigroup, Unilever, AT&T, Chanel, General Electric, Liberty Mutual Insurance, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance, Geico, Campbell Soup, Sears Holdings, J.C. Penney, Target, Best Buy, DirecTV, and Turner Broadcasting System have put up $60 million in promised spending through the end of 2010, according to Apple.Jobs said Apple started the program, which is native to the iOS software developer kit, to help developers make money on free applications in the App Store.
Apple's first 2013 earnings to be closely watched
Apple's first 2013 earnings to be closely watched
For Apple's iPad, which the company refreshed in late October, Wall Street's expecting between 23 million and 25 million units. That, too, is up from 14 million in the previous quarter and 15.43 million in the same quarter last year. It would also top Apple's previous sales record of 17 million iPads from its June quarter last year. One area to watch on Wednesday is Macs. Why's that? Some analysts are anticipating a possible year-over-year decline in sales, despite product refreshes last year that would point to stronger numbers. That's not necessarily the case, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said in a note to investors last week."The December quarter of 2012 faces a difficult comparison from 2011 as the 2011 quarter had an additional week," Munster wrote. "As a result, we remain comfortable with our down 7 percent year over year estimate, which implies 4.8 million Macs."Some other estimates expect Apple to beat last year's 5.2 million, including Gabelli & Co., which believes Apple sold 5.3 million computers, which would be an all-time sales record.That kind of performance would be especially impressive given two things: One is that Apple's iMacs did not start shipping until the very tail end of November and late December for the larger model. The other is possible cannibalization by Apple's growing tablet lineup, which doubled down with the iPad Mini during the quarter. "We have learned over the years not to worry about cannibalization of our own product," Apple CEO Tim Cook said about just such a phenomenon during last quarter's earnings call with analysts. "It's much better for us to do that than for somebody else to do it."Apple will report just after the market closes on Wednesday, followed by a conference call with executives at 2 p.m. PT.
For Apple's iPad, which the company refreshed in late October, Wall Street's expecting between 23 million and 25 million units. That, too, is up from 14 million in the previous quarter and 15.43 million in the same quarter last year. It would also top Apple's previous sales record of 17 million iPads from its June quarter last year. One area to watch on Wednesday is Macs. Why's that? Some analysts are anticipating a possible year-over-year decline in sales, despite product refreshes last year that would point to stronger numbers. That's not necessarily the case, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said in a note to investors last week."The December quarter of 2012 faces a difficult comparison from 2011 as the 2011 quarter had an additional week," Munster wrote. "As a result, we remain comfortable with our down 7 percent year over year estimate, which implies 4.8 million Macs."Some other estimates expect Apple to beat last year's 5.2 million, including Gabelli & Co., which believes Apple sold 5.3 million computers, which would be an all-time sales record.That kind of performance would be especially impressive given two things: One is that Apple's iMacs did not start shipping until the very tail end of November and late December for the larger model. The other is possible cannibalization by Apple's growing tablet lineup, which doubled down with the iPad Mini during the quarter. "We have learned over the years not to worry about cannibalization of our own product," Apple CEO Tim Cook said about just such a phenomenon during last quarter's earnings call with analysts. "It's much better for us to do that than for somebody else to do it."Apple will report just after the market closes on Wednesday, followed by a conference call with executives at 2 p.m. PT.
Apple's Find My Friends and Airport Utility apps arrive
Apple's Find My Friends and Airport Utility apps arrive
Ahead of releasing iOS 5 to users today, Apple released two new universal iOS apps: one for keeping track of other friends with iOS devices, and another for setting up and managing the company's wireless networking equipment. The first of those is Find My Friends (iTunes), an app Apple debuted at last week's "Let's talk iPhone" event. Like the company's "Find My iPhone" app, it lets you see where one or more iOS devices are on a map, though in Find My Friends' case, these are people who do not share your MobileMe or iCloud account, and have opted in to share that information with you.As for the Airport Utility app (iTunes), it gives iOS users the same controls that can be found in Apple's Mac OS X Airport Utility, letting them set up and make adjustments to Apple's Airport Extreme, Airport Express, and Time Capsule wireless networking hardware. That includes simple things like changing passwords and SSID names, to more advanced adjustments like running firmware updates and changing access controls. Worth noting is that Apple decided to keep both of these apps separate from the iOS 5 release, which the company has said will arrive today. That means Apple can roll out changes to these apps independently of iOS software releases, but also requires that users find and install them from the App Store in the first place. Apple blog 9to5mac, which spotted both pieces of software in the App Store this morning, notes that both apps require iOS 5, which has not yet been released.Here are some shots of what Find My Friends look like:AppleAnd screens from the Airport Utility:Apple
Ahead of releasing iOS 5 to users today, Apple released two new universal iOS apps: one for keeping track of other friends with iOS devices, and another for setting up and managing the company's wireless networking equipment. The first of those is Find My Friends (iTunes), an app Apple debuted at last week's "Let's talk iPhone" event. Like the company's "Find My iPhone" app, it lets you see where one or more iOS devices are on a map, though in Find My Friends' case, these are people who do not share your MobileMe or iCloud account, and have opted in to share that information with you.As for the Airport Utility app (iTunes), it gives iOS users the same controls that can be found in Apple's Mac OS X Airport Utility, letting them set up and make adjustments to Apple's Airport Extreme, Airport Express, and Time Capsule wireless networking hardware. That includes simple things like changing passwords and SSID names, to more advanced adjustments like running firmware updates and changing access controls. Worth noting is that Apple decided to keep both of these apps separate from the iOS 5 release, which the company has said will arrive today. That means Apple can roll out changes to these apps independently of iOS software releases, but also requires that users find and install them from the App Store in the first place. Apple blog 9to5mac, which spotted both pieces of software in the App Store this morning, notes that both apps require iOS 5, which has not yet been released.Here are some shots of what Find My Friends look like:AppleAnd screens from the Airport Utility:Apple
Apple's Facetime faces patent infringement suit in China
Apple's Facetime faces patent infringement suit in China
Apple's Facetime is the latest technology stirring up legal complaints against the Mac and iPad maker in China.A Taiwanese man who claims to hold a patent on a "voice network personal digital assistant" technology has filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging that his technology is used in Facetime, says blog site MIC Gadget. The Intermediate People's Court in Zhenjiang confirmed the lawsuit and contacted Apple, but the company reportedly has not yet responded.CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update the story if we get more information.The Taiwanese man, known only as Lee, said he discovered the alleged patent violation after buying an iPhone 4S. Working for a tech company, Lee claims to have come up with the idea for an Internet calling feature after he needed to contact people while traveling, MIC Gadget said. He also claims to have applied for a patent for the technology in 2003.Related storiesApple plays up FaceTime in iPhone adWill Apple's FaceTime app hog your data plan?Will AT&T charge you for FaceTime over its network?Apple settles iPad trademark dispute in China for $60MWith so many companies trading patent infringement suits these days, it's difficult to know which ones are legitimate and which ones are specious. But either way, Apple has to deal with the suit, which kicks off with a first hearing in September.Lee hasn't specified any financial amount in damages but wants Apple to stop the patent violation.This isn't the first time Apple has run into legal trouble in China. Most notably, the company recently had to pay out $60 million to settle a dispute with Proview Technology over the iPad trademark.
Apple's Facetime is the latest technology stirring up legal complaints against the Mac and iPad maker in China.A Taiwanese man who claims to hold a patent on a "voice network personal digital assistant" technology has filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging that his technology is used in Facetime, says blog site MIC Gadget. The Intermediate People's Court in Zhenjiang confirmed the lawsuit and contacted Apple, but the company reportedly has not yet responded.CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update the story if we get more information.The Taiwanese man, known only as Lee, said he discovered the alleged patent violation after buying an iPhone 4S. Working for a tech company, Lee claims to have come up with the idea for an Internet calling feature after he needed to contact people while traveling, MIC Gadget said. He also claims to have applied for a patent for the technology in 2003.Related storiesApple plays up FaceTime in iPhone adWill Apple's FaceTime app hog your data plan?Will AT&T charge you for FaceTime over its network?Apple settles iPad trademark dispute in China for $60MWith so many companies trading patent infringement suits these days, it's difficult to know which ones are legitimate and which ones are specious. But either way, Apple has to deal with the suit, which kicks off with a first hearing in September.Lee hasn't specified any financial amount in damages but wants Apple to stop the patent violation.This isn't the first time Apple has run into legal trouble in China. Most notably, the company recently had to pay out $60 million to settle a dispute with Proview Technology over the iPad trademark.
Apple's EarPods headphones torn apart for science
Apple's EarPods headphones torn apart for science
Gadget repair and teardown site iFixit has just finished giving Apple's latest earbuds the business, and says that the redesign has made the accessory more durable than previous iterations.In an 12-step teardown, posted today, the site has found Apple's new headphones to be as different on the inside as out. That includes the re-worked earbuds themselves which now use a paper cone (no longer metal), along with the beefier remote enclosure.iFixit says the redesign has improved the seal around the remote, which keeps water damage at bay. It's also been given new strain relief padding around the edges to keep the cable from splitting and exposing the internal wires. The innards of Apple's new EarPods.iFixitDespite the additions, iFixit says the EarPods are still a disposable product and not one that can be fixed if there's a problem later on down the line."Sourcing parts is next to impossible, and it would be a tough sell to convince someone to take apart their earbuds instead of buying a new pair," the site says. "They will never be the same once taken apart."Apple debuted the $29 EarPods at last week's iPhone 5 unveiling. The headphones, which Apple says took three years to develop, are included with the new iPhone. Apple also plans to ship them with its latest iPod nano and touch models, which debut next month. For more information on the EarPods, head to CNET's review posted last week.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
Gadget repair and teardown site iFixit has just finished giving Apple's latest earbuds the business, and says that the redesign has made the accessory more durable than previous iterations.In an 12-step teardown, posted today, the site has found Apple's new headphones to be as different on the inside as out. That includes the re-worked earbuds themselves which now use a paper cone (no longer metal), along with the beefier remote enclosure.iFixit says the redesign has improved the seal around the remote, which keeps water damage at bay. It's also been given new strain relief padding around the edges to keep the cable from splitting and exposing the internal wires. The innards of Apple's new EarPods.iFixitDespite the additions, iFixit says the EarPods are still a disposable product and not one that can be fixed if there's a problem later on down the line."Sourcing parts is next to impossible, and it would be a tough sell to convince someone to take apart their earbuds instead of buying a new pair," the site says. "They will never be the same once taken apart."Apple debuted the $29 EarPods at last week's iPhone 5 unveiling. The headphones, which Apple says took three years to develop, are included with the new iPhone. Apple also plans to ship them with its latest iPod nano and touch models, which debut next month. For more information on the EarPods, head to CNET's review posted last week.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
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