The 404 417: Where if you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself
After going off on a rant in the preshow, we settle down for a hilarious episode, inspired by the near-extinct Snow Leopard. Jeff opens it up with a complete horror story about his experience trying to buy the new Mac OS upgrade from a local big box retailer. We won't name names, but clearly this company is hiring all kind of unqualified employees, and Jeff's had about enough.Everyone's favorite cell phone for the elderly, the Jitterbug, is now available on Verizon Wireless for senior citizens who want to switch over to nationwide coverage. Well, we certainly can't talk about such a story without busting out a few impressions, so this time around we try to combo them up...look out for Verbose Space Beer Old Vampire!In other news, the God of War collection is coming to Blu-ray for PS3, but what seems like a great two-for-one deal is actually a slice of the larger PS3 ripoff: since the console doesn't support older games, owners of the new PS3 Slim are forced to pay for the new package if they want to play this series, instead of just popping in an old disc like you could with previous PlayStations. It's true that the HD upgrade adds a lot of value to this offering, but it still seems like a shady deal.What do you think? Leave us a voice mail at 1-866-404-CNET and let us know your thoughts on the PS3 Slim or tell us about the worst job you've ever worked. We want to hear your horror stories!EPISODE 417PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video 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.PlayFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Microsoft tablet and iPad to duke it out at large companies
Microsoft tablet and iPad to duke it out at large companies
Windows 8 Pro tablets have a shot at slowing iPad adoption at large companies, said Deutsche Bank -- though an analyst tempered the assessment with reservations.Microsoft's Surface tablet running Windows 8 Pro can "leverage" the large existing base of Windows customers, giving it a better chance at checking the "penetration" of Apple's iPad at large business accounts, Deutsche Bank analyst Chris Whitmore wrote in a research note on Monday. We see the x86-based Pro as a corporate [laptop] replacement.This offering has more potential because the OS is backward compatible, has more robust security, leverages the existing installed base, and offers full Office support (and consistent file management).We expect the Pro (and its forthcoming ilk) will compete directly with touch enabled ultrabooks / corporate [laptops].The Pro tablet has the potential to slow the rate of iPad penetration into enterprise accounts.But Whitmore quickly qualified this as a "best case scenario" because Microsoft is "swimming upstream against the consumerization of IT," referring to employees who bring their own iPads to work. The Intel-based Pro version will likely be priced in the range of $900 to more than $1,000. "Or roughly in line with similarly configured ultrabooks," he wrote. That's roughly a 20 percent premium over the most expensive 64GB iPad with 4G, according to Whitmore.And Windows Pro Surface tablets must also contend with the iPad's superior battery life and the iPad's large number of third-party apps, he said. RT tablets -- built around Windows RTand ARM silicon -- have even less chance against the iPad, Whitmore said. We see Windows RT struggling because the platform has: 1) limited 3rd party apps 2) no backward compatibility with existing PCs 3) a price point that will likely be higher than iPad 4) unclear 4G/carrier support and 5) uncertainty which version of Office will be supported (reports suggest it will not be enterprise ready).To put it bluntly, if the Surface is not priced below the iPad we see few compelling reasons for consumers to choose RT over iPad.The iPad is in its third generation, has broad and deep App support, iTunes/iOS/iCloud lock in (content, pictures etc) and high customer satisfaction. Below is a Deutsche Bank breakdown of iPad and Surface tablet pricing and configurations. Deutsche Bank
Windows 8 Pro tablets have a shot at slowing iPad adoption at large companies, said Deutsche Bank -- though an analyst tempered the assessment with reservations.Microsoft's Surface tablet running Windows 8 Pro can "leverage" the large existing base of Windows customers, giving it a better chance at checking the "penetration" of Apple's iPad at large business accounts, Deutsche Bank analyst Chris Whitmore wrote in a research note on Monday. We see the x86-based Pro as a corporate [laptop] replacement.This offering has more potential because the OS is backward compatible, has more robust security, leverages the existing installed base, and offers full Office support (and consistent file management).We expect the Pro (and its forthcoming ilk) will compete directly with touch enabled ultrabooks / corporate [laptops].The Pro tablet has the potential to slow the rate of iPad penetration into enterprise accounts.But Whitmore quickly qualified this as a "best case scenario" because Microsoft is "swimming upstream against the consumerization of IT," referring to employees who bring their own iPads to work. The Intel-based Pro version will likely be priced in the range of $900 to more than $1,000. "Or roughly in line with similarly configured ultrabooks," he wrote. That's roughly a 20 percent premium over the most expensive 64GB iPad with 4G, according to Whitmore.And Windows Pro Surface tablets must also contend with the iPad's superior battery life and the iPad's large number of third-party apps, he said. RT tablets -- built around Windows RTand ARM silicon -- have even less chance against the iPad, Whitmore said. We see Windows RT struggling because the platform has: 1) limited 3rd party apps 2) no backward compatibility with existing PCs 3) a price point that will likely be higher than iPad 4) unclear 4G/carrier support and 5) uncertainty which version of Office will be supported (reports suggest it will not be enterprise ready).To put it bluntly, if the Surface is not priced below the iPad we see few compelling reasons for consumers to choose RT over iPad.The iPad is in its third generation, has broad and deep App support, iTunes/iOS/iCloud lock in (content, pictures etc) and high customer satisfaction. Below is a Deutsche Bank breakdown of iPad and Surface tablet pricing and configurations. Deutsche Bank
Google reportedly partners with Audi for on-board Android
Google reportedly partners with Audi for on-board Android
Google is reportedly hitting the road for its next battle with Apple for mobile OS market share.The Web giant has teamed with automaker Audi to develop in-car entertainment and information systems based on the Android operating system, according to the Wall Street Journal. The aim of the partnership, which is expected to be announced next week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, would allow for in-car integration of music and navigation apps currently available on smartphones, sources told the Journal.The partnership is expected to generate a challenger to Apple's iOS in the Car, which aims to integrate users' iPhones with their car's onboard receiver or "infotainment" system. Unveiled in June at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, the feature is expected to provide an interface that lets users control things like music, messages, and maps right through the vehicle.So far, Apple has signed up such automakers as BMW, Honda, Mercedes, Nissan, Ferrari, Hyundai, Kia, and Infiniti to integrate more iOS features into their cars. However, unlike Apple's platform, which requires and iOS device, this new flavor of Android would run on the vehicle's built-in hardware, the Journal's sources said.The Journal did not indicate when the pair's efforts might appear in vehicles. CNET has contacted Google for comment and will update this report when we learn more.At WWDC, Apple VP Eddy Cue said the iOS integration could kick off as soon as 2014, meaning the feature could begin appearing in select 2015 models. Possibly signaling that the new feature is on schedule, Apple released a second version of the iOS 7.1 beta to developers earlier this month that included a setting that lets users turn a "Car Display" on and off.
Google is reportedly hitting the road for its next battle with Apple for mobile OS market share.The Web giant has teamed with automaker Audi to develop in-car entertainment and information systems based on the Android operating system, according to the Wall Street Journal. The aim of the partnership, which is expected to be announced next week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, would allow for in-car integration of music and navigation apps currently available on smartphones, sources told the Journal.The partnership is expected to generate a challenger to Apple's iOS in the Car, which aims to integrate users' iPhones with their car's onboard receiver or "infotainment" system. Unveiled in June at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, the feature is expected to provide an interface that lets users control things like music, messages, and maps right through the vehicle.So far, Apple has signed up such automakers as BMW, Honda, Mercedes, Nissan, Ferrari, Hyundai, Kia, and Infiniti to integrate more iOS features into their cars. However, unlike Apple's platform, which requires and iOS device, this new flavor of Android would run on the vehicle's built-in hardware, the Journal's sources said.The Journal did not indicate when the pair's efforts might appear in vehicles. CNET has contacted Google for comment and will update this report when we learn more.At WWDC, Apple VP Eddy Cue said the iOS integration could kick off as soon as 2014, meaning the feature could begin appearing in select 2015 models. Possibly signaling that the new feature is on schedule, Apple released a second version of the iOS 7.1 beta to developers earlier this month that included a setting that lets users turn a "Car Display" on and off.
Google- Numbers favor Android over iPhone
Google: Numbers favor Android over iPhone
Consider also that Android now has 50,000 applications going for it--a population that is growing at a frenetic pace:AndroLib.comImportantly, unlike Apple, Google isn't dependent on a single device for its growth: there are currently 34 Android devices from 12 manufacturers--only one of which comes from Google itself.This is a strength for Google.Its own Nexus One sales are reportedly underwhelming, but Google is playing its odds, as Rubin notes:"When you have multiple OEMs building multiple products in multiple product categories, it's just a matter of time" before sales of Android phones exceed the sales ofproprietary systems like Apple's and RIM's...."I don't know when it might be, but I'm confident it will happen. Open usually wins."Except, perhaps, if open is sued.Apple has already taken a shot over Android's bow by suing HTC, Google's partner on the Nexus One.Now Microsoft is jumping into the fray, with sources close to the company hinting that Android violates Microsoft's patents.Such legal maneuvering suggests Google is winning, and winning in a market that is absolutely huge (Morgan Stanley PDF).Apple and Microsoft wouldn't be firing shots if they didn't see a clear and present danger to their businesses.For its part, Apple still outpaces Android, but Apple increasingly is playing copycat to Google's developer story.Google has big numbers increasingly in its favor, as well as an open approach to developers and partners (like Adobe Systems) that make it appealing to prospective buyers......and a threat to existing competitors.
Consider also that Android now has 50,000 applications going for it--a population that is growing at a frenetic pace:AndroLib.comImportantly, unlike Apple, Google isn't dependent on a single device for its growth: there are currently 34 Android devices from 12 manufacturers--only one of which comes from Google itself.This is a strength for Google.Its own Nexus One sales are reportedly underwhelming, but Google is playing its odds, as Rubin notes:"When you have multiple OEMs building multiple products in multiple product categories, it's just a matter of time" before sales of Android phones exceed the sales ofproprietary systems like Apple's and RIM's...."I don't know when it might be, but I'm confident it will happen. Open usually wins."Except, perhaps, if open is sued.Apple has already taken a shot over Android's bow by suing HTC, Google's partner on the Nexus One.Now Microsoft is jumping into the fray, with sources close to the company hinting that Android violates Microsoft's patents.Such legal maneuvering suggests Google is winning, and winning in a market that is absolutely huge (Morgan Stanley PDF).Apple and Microsoft wouldn't be firing shots if they didn't see a clear and present danger to their businesses.For its part, Apple still outpaces Android, but Apple increasingly is playing copycat to Google's developer story.Google has big numbers increasingly in its favor, as well as an open approach to developers and partners (like Adobe Systems) that make it appealing to prospective buyers......and a threat to existing competitors.
Google Nexus tablet a 'done deal,' claims report
Google Nexus tablet a 'done deal,' claims report
The latest scuttlebutt about the rumored Google tablet makes the case with a lot more certitude. In fact, an Android enthusiast site goes so far as to say it's a "done deal," citing sources. Let's get right to what that site, Android and Me, is claiming.The Asus MeMo 370T (see photo above)--which appears to be the template for the Google tablet--has been "scrapped after Google contracted with Asus to produce their 'Nexus tablet,'" the report begins.Android and Me continues. "Earlier reports said the device would retail for $199-$249, but we are now told the target price is $149-$199."That of course lands it right in Amazon's wheelhouse: the Kindle Fire has been a hit due, in no small part, to its $199 price.The latest rumor comes on the heels of an earlier report that claimed Google and Asus are set to unveil a 7-inch co-branded tablet as early as May.Related storiesGoogle, Asus to hook up on 7-inch Android tablet, says reportGoogle may enter tablet market with 7-inch designNow it's a Google tablet that will challenge Kindle Fire?Smaller iPad in 'testing stage,' says research firmAnd NPD DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim told CNET last month that the tablet will have a 1,280x800 resolution and a 7-inch display, and that production is slated for April.The initial production run is between 1.5 million to 2 million units, Shim said at the time.Previous reports said the tablet would sport Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, though there is also speculation that it could have Jelly Bean, the next iteration of Android.But what kind of hardware that will run on is less clear now. Earlier, an Nvidia Tegra chip had been rumored, but Android and Me says that may not be the case anymore.
The latest scuttlebutt about the rumored Google tablet makes the case with a lot more certitude. In fact, an Android enthusiast site goes so far as to say it's a "done deal," citing sources. Let's get right to what that site, Android and Me, is claiming.The Asus MeMo 370T (see photo above)--which appears to be the template for the Google tablet--has been "scrapped after Google contracted with Asus to produce their 'Nexus tablet,'" the report begins.Android and Me continues. "Earlier reports said the device would retail for $199-$249, but we are now told the target price is $149-$199."That of course lands it right in Amazon's wheelhouse: the Kindle Fire has been a hit due, in no small part, to its $199 price.The latest rumor comes on the heels of an earlier report that claimed Google and Asus are set to unveil a 7-inch co-branded tablet as early as May.Related storiesGoogle, Asus to hook up on 7-inch Android tablet, says reportGoogle may enter tablet market with 7-inch designNow it's a Google tablet that will challenge Kindle Fire?Smaller iPad in 'testing stage,' says research firmAnd NPD DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim told CNET last month that the tablet will have a 1,280x800 resolution and a 7-inch display, and that production is slated for April.The initial production run is between 1.5 million to 2 million units, Shim said at the time.Previous reports said the tablet would sport Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, though there is also speculation that it could have Jelly Bean, the next iteration of Android.But what kind of hardware that will run on is less clear now. Earlier, an Nvidia Tegra chip had been rumored, but Android and Me says that may not be the case anymore.
Google Maps returns to iOS as an app after Apple's removal
Google Maps returns to iOS as an app after Apple's removal
Once banished from Apple's iOS, Google Maps has returned to the mobile platform in the form of a standalone app.The official Google Maps app returned to Apple's App store this evening. As expected, the new free app includes turn-by-turn navigation, just like its Android counterpart, as well as public transit directions, integrated Street View, and a 3D-like Google Earth view.However, as quickly as it showed up, the app apparently vanished from the App Store. Many iOS users complained about not being able to complete the purchase, getting a message that "the item you tried to buy is no longer available." (9:05 p.m. PT update -- It's back in the store.)Error message would-be Google Maps buyers are seeing.Screenshot by Declan McCullagh/CNETCNET has contacted Google and Apple for comment and will update this report when we learn more.Early reviews of the new app appear to be positive.The app features a "beautiful interface and a lighter feel," one early user told CNET. "It has far more information when it comes to listing places like restaurants." (See video embedded below for a demonstration of the app.)Google supplied the map function to iOS devices until the release of iOS 6 this fall, when it was replaced by Apple's homegrown mapping solution. The maps were found to be rife with embarrassing errors, leading Apple CEO Tim Cook to issue a rare public apology on the subject. Apple retreated on claims that the app was the "most powerful mapping service ever" and even began promoting other maps apps in its App Store.The ouster of iOS software chief Scott Forstall was said to be linked to Cook's apology and Forstall's unwillingness to sign it. Richard Williamson, who was in charge of the company's maps software for iOS, was also reportedly fired.
Once banished from Apple's iOS, Google Maps has returned to the mobile platform in the form of a standalone app.The official Google Maps app returned to Apple's App store this evening. As expected, the new free app includes turn-by-turn navigation, just like its Android counterpart, as well as public transit directions, integrated Street View, and a 3D-like Google Earth view.However, as quickly as it showed up, the app apparently vanished from the App Store. Many iOS users complained about not being able to complete the purchase, getting a message that "the item you tried to buy is no longer available." (9:05 p.m. PT update -- It's back in the store.)Error message would-be Google Maps buyers are seeing.Screenshot by Declan McCullagh/CNETCNET has contacted Google and Apple for comment and will update this report when we learn more.Early reviews of the new app appear to be positive.The app features a "beautiful interface and a lighter feel," one early user told CNET. "It has far more information when it comes to listing places like restaurants." (See video embedded below for a demonstration of the app.)Google supplied the map function to iOS devices until the release of iOS 6 this fall, when it was replaced by Apple's homegrown mapping solution. The maps were found to be rife with embarrassing errors, leading Apple CEO Tim Cook to issue a rare public apology on the subject. Apple retreated on claims that the app was the "most powerful mapping service ever" and even began promoting other maps apps in its App Store.The ouster of iOS software chief Scott Forstall was said to be linked to Cook's apology and Forstall's unwillingness to sign it. Richard Williamson, who was in charge of the company's maps software for iOS, was also reportedly fired.
Google Maps for iOS nabs 10M downloads in first two days
Google Maps for iOS nabs 10M downloads in first two days
It's no secret a lot of people have been downloading Google Maps for iOS since it came out last week, and today Google released the full numbers.In its first two days on the App Store, the software was downloaded more than 10 million times, Jeff Huber, Google's senior vice president of Commerce & Local, wrote in a post on Google+ this morning."We're excited for the positive reception of Google Maps for iPhone around the world," Huber said. "Congratulations to the Maps Team on the recognition for the passion and hard work they poured into it, for this release and over the last 7+ years."Google's Maps app quickly jumped to the top free app on the App Store after its release late last week. The software was a bit of a surprise, with reports of its arrival coming just hours before it went live.Google's app brings back some of the functionality no longer found in the built-in maps software, which Apple replaced with its own data and services as part of iOS 6. That includes Google's Street View technology and public transit directions, while also adding new features like spoken turn-by-turn driving directions and vector-based map tiles.To put the 10 million number in perspective: Apple in October said that more than 200 million users were running iOS 6, about half of the some 400 million iOS devices sold until that point. Users on iOS 5 and below continue to run Apple's mapping software that uses data from Google. Neither company has said just how long that functionality will continue.You can read CNET's full review of Google's Maps for iOS software right here.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.
It's no secret a lot of people have been downloading Google Maps for iOS since it came out last week, and today Google released the full numbers.In its first two days on the App Store, the software was downloaded more than 10 million times, Jeff Huber, Google's senior vice president of Commerce & Local, wrote in a post on Google+ this morning."We're excited for the positive reception of Google Maps for iPhone around the world," Huber said. "Congratulations to the Maps Team on the recognition for the passion and hard work they poured into it, for this release and over the last 7+ years."Google's Maps app quickly jumped to the top free app on the App Store after its release late last week. The software was a bit of a surprise, with reports of its arrival coming just hours before it went live.Google's app brings back some of the functionality no longer found in the built-in maps software, which Apple replaced with its own data and services as part of iOS 6. That includes Google's Street View technology and public transit directions, while also adding new features like spoken turn-by-turn driving directions and vector-based map tiles.To put the 10 million number in perspective: Apple in October said that more than 200 million users were running iOS 6, about half of the some 400 million iOS devices sold until that point. Users on iOS 5 and below continue to run Apple's mapping software that uses data from Google. Neither company has said just how long that functionality will continue.You can read CNET's full review of Google's Maps for iOS software right here.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.
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