The 404 364: Where we smash away the pain
You're going to have to wait until the second half of the show to see the smashing, but that's OK, because we have a bunch of excellent stories in the news to talk about. First up is Wilson's revelation: the Internet is singlehandedly destroying family as we know it.All right, we admit that this isn't exactly news, but it offers a great jumping-off point to a conversation about when and how Jeff will have a baby. Just kidding, but Jeff brings up a great point, that Facebook is not only destroying the way we interact with our families, but how we interact with high school classmates. He offers that high school reunions are becoming a thing of the past thanks to Facebook; social networks as a whole make it all too easy to find out where your old chums are living, what they do for money, their marital status, etc...do we even have a reason to go to a reunion anymore? Would you have gone to a high school reunion anyway, or are you still friends with the people you actually care about? Let us know what you think in the comments section. All right, enough random news talk--let's get to the smashing. Jeff's HTC Mogul has been on the fritz for a while now, giving him a huge headache with constant freezing, hardware malfunctions, lagging OS, etc...so when he finally bought a Palm Pre, we collectively decided to put the HTC out of its misery in what we think is the first-ever on-the-air phone smashing. If all goes well (you'll have to watch to see how it turns out), we might even start a "Smash Club," wherein we'd take obsolete and frustrating tech (read: printers) and essentially "Office Space" it to death. Today was a lot of fun, but Jeff and I are a little worried about Wilson...it looks like had a little too much of a good time with the hammer. Smash it up, psycho!EPISODE 364Download today's podcast 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.PlayInternet single-handedly ruins nuclear familyApple gets passive aggressive about iTunes and Palm PreTeen signs up for one face tattoo, leaves with 56Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson Tang
Lytro adds Wi-Fi and animated GIF support
Lytro adds Wi-Fi and animated GIF support
Lytro has continually pushed out updates to its light field camera since unveiling the device in 2011. The latest firmware unlocks wireless functionality, and a new app for iOS brings everyone's favourite images â€" animated GIFs â€" to the table.Every single Lytro camera has shipped with a secret Wi-Fi chip inside, though it has never been enabled until now. Available from the Lytro website, a new firmware update will unlock the wireless capabilities of the camera, allowing it to send photos to a dedicated iOS app.The app, which will be available as a free download from the iTunes Store, connects with the Lytro and downloads pictures from the camera to the phone for online sharing. Users can log in with their existing Lytro credentials or create a new account, then browse photos on the Lytro in real time from the app. Previously, users have had to connect the Lytro to a PC or Mac and transfer images using the desktop software.The Lytro living pictures can be focused on the screen of the phone. Captions and location details from FourSquare can also be added before sharing out through the app. Like other photo-sharing services, the Lytro app will let you browse your photos, popular photos or recent uploads. Unlike in the desktop application, the iOS app sends the compressed light field data to the engine in the cloud for processing in full quality. Each image upload from the app is approximately 5MB, so the app does allow you to restrict uploading when on Wi-Fi only, rather than on a cellular connection.Following in the footsteps of services like Google+, which can automatically generate animated images from uploaded photos, Lytro also lets you create GIFs. Available in either a refocus or perspective shift option, the GIF animates the process you would normally go through when manipulating images through refocusing or viewing the perspective shift effect on a computer.An Android version of the app is in development, though no release date has been set. So far, over 700,000 living pictures have been uploaded to the Lytro website.The firmware update will be available for download from the Lytro website.
Lytro has continually pushed out updates to its light field camera since unveiling the device in 2011. The latest firmware unlocks wireless functionality, and a new app for iOS brings everyone's favourite images â€" animated GIFs â€" to the table.Every single Lytro camera has shipped with a secret Wi-Fi chip inside, though it has never been enabled until now. Available from the Lytro website, a new firmware update will unlock the wireless capabilities of the camera, allowing it to send photos to a dedicated iOS app.The app, which will be available as a free download from the iTunes Store, connects with the Lytro and downloads pictures from the camera to the phone for online sharing. Users can log in with their existing Lytro credentials or create a new account, then browse photos on the Lytro in real time from the app. Previously, users have had to connect the Lytro to a PC or Mac and transfer images using the desktop software.The Lytro living pictures can be focused on the screen of the phone. Captions and location details from FourSquare can also be added before sharing out through the app. Like other photo-sharing services, the Lytro app will let you browse your photos, popular photos or recent uploads. Unlike in the desktop application, the iOS app sends the compressed light field data to the engine in the cloud for processing in full quality. Each image upload from the app is approximately 5MB, so the app does allow you to restrict uploading when on Wi-Fi only, rather than on a cellular connection.Following in the footsteps of services like Google+, which can automatically generate animated images from uploaded photos, Lytro also lets you create GIFs. Available in either a refocus or perspective shift option, the GIF animates the process you would normally go through when manipulating images through refocusing or viewing the perspective shift effect on a computer.An Android version of the app is in development, though no release date has been set. So far, over 700,000 living pictures have been uploaded to the Lytro website.The firmware update will be available for download from the Lytro website.
Bob Mansfield bio vanishes from Apple executive leadership page
Bob Mansfield bio vanishes from Apple executive leadership page
Bob Mansfield, the Apple executive at the center of a mysterious executive shakeup last year, has disappeared from the company's executive leadership page.The Apple technology chief's bio vanished from the page in the past 24 hours, according to MacRumors, which first reported on the development. However, a version of his page retrieved a week ago is still accessible on Google's Web cache.Mansfield, who was formerly Apple's senior vice president of hardware engineering, announced his intention to retire in June 2012, and the company said that he would be replaced by Dan Riccio, Apple's vice president of iPad hardware engineering.That decision was soon overturned as part of a change-up in Apple's top ranks that left him as an adviser to CEO Tim Cook on "future products." Two months later, Apple changed his role once again, putting him charge of the company's technologies group. Apple never commented publicly on the latter developments, but the selection of Riccio as Mansfield's replacement apparently did not sit well with some of the company's top employees, who went to Cook to protest the choice, according to Bloomberg Businessweek. After several senior members on Mansfield's team voiced concern that Riccio was not prepared for the job, Cook reportedly approached Mansfield and offered him a pay package worth $2 million a month to stay with the company.A leaked companywide e-mail from Cook last October noted that Mansfield would be staying on with Apple for another two years. A month later, Mansfield, who joined Apple when the company acquired Raycer Graphics in 1999, sold 35,000 shares of Apple stock, worth just over $20 million, leaving him with about 30,000 shares.CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update this report when we learn more.Updated at 8 p.m. PT: An Apple spokesperson told Reuters that Mansfield has been removed from the executive team but remains employed by the company on special projects.
Bob Mansfield, the Apple executive at the center of a mysterious executive shakeup last year, has disappeared from the company's executive leadership page.The Apple technology chief's bio vanished from the page in the past 24 hours, according to MacRumors, which first reported on the development. However, a version of his page retrieved a week ago is still accessible on Google's Web cache.Mansfield, who was formerly Apple's senior vice president of hardware engineering, announced his intention to retire in June 2012, and the company said that he would be replaced by Dan Riccio, Apple's vice president of iPad hardware engineering.That decision was soon overturned as part of a change-up in Apple's top ranks that left him as an adviser to CEO Tim Cook on "future products." Two months later, Apple changed his role once again, putting him charge of the company's technologies group. Apple never commented publicly on the latter developments, but the selection of Riccio as Mansfield's replacement apparently did not sit well with some of the company's top employees, who went to Cook to protest the choice, according to Bloomberg Businessweek. After several senior members on Mansfield's team voiced concern that Riccio was not prepared for the job, Cook reportedly approached Mansfield and offered him a pay package worth $2 million a month to stay with the company.A leaked companywide e-mail from Cook last October noted that Mansfield would be staying on with Apple for another two years. A month later, Mansfield, who joined Apple when the company acquired Raycer Graphics in 1999, sold 35,000 shares of Apple stock, worth just over $20 million, leaving him with about 30,000 shares.CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update this report when we learn more.Updated at 8 p.m. PT: An Apple spokesperson told Reuters that Mansfield has been removed from the executive team but remains employed by the company on special projects.
BMW taps Apple's Genius model to educate customers
BMW taps Apple's Genius model to educate customers
BMW is taking a page out of Apple's book with a Genius-like program, according to a report.The car maker told Advertising Age in a story published today that it's planning to launch its BMW Genius Everywhere program nationwide next year that will aim at educating customers without actually trying to sell them vehicles. The "geniuses" will be young -- possibly college students -- who will be armed with iPads. They'll be able to answer questions about vehicles on the showroom floor.According to BMW, which was inspired by Apple's Genius services, the program will aid salespeople. With the helpmates roaming the showroom floor, the first spate of questions can be answered without salespeople involved. BMW's model is a take on Apple's Genius bars, which provide support on the company's products. However, unlike most Apple Genius efforts, which aim at handling issues with products already purchased and at educating the community about its devices, BMW's workers will provide insight prior to the purchase.BMW is by no means the only company that has looked to Apple for inspiration. Best Buy, for example, is planning to modify its store layouts to make them more open and product-focused. Best Buy has also established a "bar" for customers to learn about products being sold in the store.BMW plans to launch its Genius Everywhere program nationwide in 2014. The company will launch a pilot program in the U.S. later this year.
BMW is taking a page out of Apple's book with a Genius-like program, according to a report.The car maker told Advertising Age in a story published today that it's planning to launch its BMW Genius Everywhere program nationwide next year that will aim at educating customers without actually trying to sell them vehicles. The "geniuses" will be young -- possibly college students -- who will be armed with iPads. They'll be able to answer questions about vehicles on the showroom floor.According to BMW, which was inspired by Apple's Genius services, the program will aid salespeople. With the helpmates roaming the showroom floor, the first spate of questions can be answered without salespeople involved. BMW's model is a take on Apple's Genius bars, which provide support on the company's products. However, unlike most Apple Genius efforts, which aim at handling issues with products already purchased and at educating the community about its devices, BMW's workers will provide insight prior to the purchase.BMW is by no means the only company that has looked to Apple for inspiration. Best Buy, for example, is planning to modify its store layouts to make them more open and product-focused. Best Buy has also established a "bar" for customers to learn about products being sold in the store.BMW plans to launch its Genius Everywhere program nationwide in 2014. The company will launch a pilot program in the U.S. later this year.
BMW gets Apple fever
BMW gets Apple fever
Showing a DIY spirit, BMW decked out a 1-series convertible with two iPads and an iPhone 4.BMW's ConnectedDrive effort is always looking at ways to increase the cabin tech in its cars, but at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, that resulted in merely buying tech from Apple. We ran across this 1-series, a European 118d convertible, fitted with two iPads for rear-seat entertainment and an iPhone 4 to serve as infotainment center.The brackets for the iPads, attached to the front-seat headrest posts, looked surprisingly crude for BMW. These brackets would also prevent the front headrests from being lowered all the way.Ensconced in the dashboard was an iPhone 4 fitted into a sturdy-looking bracket anchored to the car. A custom app on the phone showed large buttons for navigation, music, and phone--common car tech functions. The only problem with this configuration was that the phone looked like it would be a long reach from the driver's seat.This iPhone serves as the car's infotainment center, with navigation, music, and phone.Wayne Cunningham/CNETThis iPad mount looks a little crude, and prevents the headrest from lowering all the way.Wayne Cunningham/CNETUnder its ConnectedDrive effort, BMW announced it has implemented a Wi-Fi network in the 7-series, making it possible for passengers to use iPads and laptops while on the go. BMW has also updated its Bluetooth phone systems to work with iPhone OS4. Outside of the Apple universe, BMW adds integration with Blackberry phones, letting the car read out e-mails as they come in.
Showing a DIY spirit, BMW decked out a 1-series convertible with two iPads and an iPhone 4.BMW's ConnectedDrive effort is always looking at ways to increase the cabin tech in its cars, but at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, that resulted in merely buying tech from Apple. We ran across this 1-series, a European 118d convertible, fitted with two iPads for rear-seat entertainment and an iPhone 4 to serve as infotainment center.The brackets for the iPads, attached to the front-seat headrest posts, looked surprisingly crude for BMW. These brackets would also prevent the front headrests from being lowered all the way.Ensconced in the dashboard was an iPhone 4 fitted into a sturdy-looking bracket anchored to the car. A custom app on the phone showed large buttons for navigation, music, and phone--common car tech functions. The only problem with this configuration was that the phone looked like it would be a long reach from the driver's seat.This iPhone serves as the car's infotainment center, with navigation, music, and phone.Wayne Cunningham/CNETThis iPad mount looks a little crude, and prevents the headrest from lowering all the way.Wayne Cunningham/CNETUnder its ConnectedDrive effort, BMW announced it has implemented a Wi-Fi network in the 7-series, making it possible for passengers to use iPads and laptops while on the go. BMW has also updated its Bluetooth phone systems to work with iPhone OS4. Outside of the Apple universe, BMW adds integration with Blackberry phones, letting the car read out e-mails as they come in.
BlackBerry will reportedly cut workforce by up to 40 percent
BlackBerry will reportedly cut workforce by up to 40 percent
BlackBerry may cut up to 40 percent of its workforce, according to The Wall Street Journal. The company will look to cut across different departments and the trimming may occur in different phases, the Journal reported, citing anonymous sources. BlackBerry had 12,700 employees as of March. Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Kodak patent complaints target Apple, RIMSlacker brings Canadians into the foldCNET News Daily Podcast: Tech industry opens wallets for HaitiBuzz Out Loud Podcast 1145: China to Google: Suck it The company declined to comment specifically on the report."We will not comment on rumors and speculation. As previously stated, we are in the second phase of our transformation plan," said a representative. "Organizational moves will continue to occur to ensure we have the right people in the right roles to drive new opportunities in mobile computing."The move comes amid increasing questions about the future of BlackBerry. The company, which has essentially acknowledged that it is shopping itself around, is looking to cut costs even as it tries to compete against the likes of Apple and Samsung Electronics. BlackBerry, however, has had a tough go of it. The company earlier on Wednesday introduced the BlackBerry Z30, a jumbo 5-inch smartphone that sits as its new flagship phone. But the unveiling got lost in the shuffle as most people's attention focused on the release of Apple's iOS 7. BlackBerry is also reportedly releasing BlackBerry Messenger to iOS and Android on Friday and Saturday -- around the same time as the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S launch. BlackBerry will get plenty of attention next week when it reports its fiscal second-quarter results. After a brutal first quarter, sentiment isn't that much higher for a dramatic improvement.
BlackBerry may cut up to 40 percent of its workforce, according to The Wall Street Journal. The company will look to cut across different departments and the trimming may occur in different phases, the Journal reported, citing anonymous sources. BlackBerry had 12,700 employees as of March. Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Kodak patent complaints target Apple, RIMSlacker brings Canadians into the foldCNET News Daily Podcast: Tech industry opens wallets for HaitiBuzz Out Loud Podcast 1145: China to Google: Suck it The company declined to comment specifically on the report."We will not comment on rumors and speculation. As previously stated, we are in the second phase of our transformation plan," said a representative. "Organizational moves will continue to occur to ensure we have the right people in the right roles to drive new opportunities in mobile computing."The move comes amid increasing questions about the future of BlackBerry. The company, which has essentially acknowledged that it is shopping itself around, is looking to cut costs even as it tries to compete against the likes of Apple and Samsung Electronics. BlackBerry, however, has had a tough go of it. The company earlier on Wednesday introduced the BlackBerry Z30, a jumbo 5-inch smartphone that sits as its new flagship phone. But the unveiling got lost in the shuffle as most people's attention focused on the release of Apple's iOS 7. BlackBerry is also reportedly releasing BlackBerry Messenger to iOS and Android on Friday and Saturday -- around the same time as the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S launch. BlackBerry will get plenty of attention next week when it reports its fiscal second-quarter results. After a brutal first quarter, sentiment isn't that much higher for a dramatic improvement.
BlackBerry Torch already being sold at discount
BlackBerry Torch already being sold at discount
The BlackBerry Torch, which launched Thursday, is being offered at a discount on Amazon.com and other online retailers.According to Amazon's Torch page, the smartphone is being sold for $99.99--as of this writing. The device's official price is $199.99. The smartphone from Research In Motion is being offered for $99.99 at Wirefly, as well. At AT&T stores and on AT&T's Web site, the device is still selling for $199.99 with a two-year contract.On Monday, meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that analysts were disappointed with Torch sales. The newspaper said that Stifel Nicolaus and RBC analysts calculated Torch sales in its opening weekend at 150,000 units. The number pales in comparison with the 1.7 million iPhone 4 handsets Apple sold at launch. It's also worth noting that, unlike the iPhone 4 and the Droid X at launch, the BlackBerry Torch is still widely available after its first weekend.RIM is clearly sensitive about the pricing issue. The company said in a statement Tuesday that Amazon's decision to offer the Torch at a discounted price since launch is nothing remarkable. It also said that it has yet to cut the official price of this latest BlackBerry."It is true that Amazon is offering an amazing price and this is great news for customers, but it is inaccurate and misleading to suggest that a price cut has been implemented," a RIM spokesperson said in an e-mailed statement. "Amazon actually launched the BlackBerry Torch from the very beginning at $99 and that is obviously a common online pricing and promotional strategy that has been used with many other product introductions in the past."The RIM spokesperson included a link showing other "attractive discounts" being offered on Amazon's smartphone listings page.Regardless, for anyone who is looking to snag a Torch, now is a great time. It's nice to get a 50 percent discount on a just-launched smartphone.(Via Gizmodo)Updated at 12:11 p.m. PDT: Added statement from RIM.
The BlackBerry Torch, which launched Thursday, is being offered at a discount on Amazon.com and other online retailers.According to Amazon's Torch page, the smartphone is being sold for $99.99--as of this writing. The device's official price is $199.99. The smartphone from Research In Motion is being offered for $99.99 at Wirefly, as well. At AT&T stores and on AT&T's Web site, the device is still selling for $199.99 with a two-year contract.On Monday, meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that analysts were disappointed with Torch sales. The newspaper said that Stifel Nicolaus and RBC analysts calculated Torch sales in its opening weekend at 150,000 units. The number pales in comparison with the 1.7 million iPhone 4 handsets Apple sold at launch. It's also worth noting that, unlike the iPhone 4 and the Droid X at launch, the BlackBerry Torch is still widely available after its first weekend.RIM is clearly sensitive about the pricing issue. The company said in a statement Tuesday that Amazon's decision to offer the Torch at a discounted price since launch is nothing remarkable. It also said that it has yet to cut the official price of this latest BlackBerry."It is true that Amazon is offering an amazing price and this is great news for customers, but it is inaccurate and misleading to suggest that a price cut has been implemented," a RIM spokesperson said in an e-mailed statement. "Amazon actually launched the BlackBerry Torch from the very beginning at $99 and that is obviously a common online pricing and promotional strategy that has been used with many other product introductions in the past."The RIM spokesperson included a link showing other "attractive discounts" being offered on Amazon's smartphone listings page.Regardless, for anyone who is looking to snag a Torch, now is a great time. It's nice to get a 50 percent discount on a just-launched smartphone.(Via Gizmodo)Updated at 12:11 p.m. PDT: Added statement from RIM.
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