The 404 322: Where we insist on abiding by Murphy's Law
So the Tricaster is dead for now... yeah, I guess we shouldn't be eating sesame cake and drinking Tabasco sauce around it, but hey, it happens. We make the best of things today again with Jason Howell.Funny show today, guys. Justin will never go to Vietnam now that the government there is considering banning karaoke because people start to dance and do stupid things. We can't disagree. Wilson has to be liquored up hard-core, before he shoves a mic in front of his face.Also, Ashton Kutcher and Britney Spears lose to CNN over the number of Twitter followers they have. Actually, they ain't got nothing on the @the404 following. We think we're up to a whopping 20? Justin finally finds a good use for Twitter: lunch.Second half of the show features one of the funniest voice mail calls from "Sally Henderson." All we have go say is "Lettuce Gravy Bacon and Tomato" is definitely not banned from our rankings. Greatest present ever.Mark Licea/CNET Finally, the Taxi and Limousine Corporation in NYC is considering banning taxi cab drivers from using their cell phones. Thank goodness. We're getting a little tired of the mumbling, while we try to explain the difference between 3rd Street and 3rd Avenue.Finally, on top of what has been a pretty good day, we get a basket of candy from our new favorite listener: Jessica! Thank you so much. Wilson, Jeff, and Justin are truly just beaming. Last reminder: tonight is the night of the 404/BOL meetup. Be sure to register, and sorry kids, only 21 and up are allowed in.We will see you all at the Delancey tonight at 7:30!EPISODE 322Download today's podcast |Â Subscribe in iTunes |Â Subscribe in RSSCNN vs. Ashton Kutcher vs. Britney Spears on TwitterVietnam may ban karaokeTwitter for your lunchCabbies in NY may not be able to talk on cell phones any moreFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangJason Howell
Last.fm 2.0 iPhone app makes big improvements
Last.fm 2.0 iPhone app makes big improvements
The Last.fm Now Playing screen has also undergone an extreme makeover. Album artwork is now displayed clearly and not superimposed with song information. A volume bar is a permanent fixture on the bottom of the Now Playing screen, and many controls have been consolidated for the sake of simplicity. A collapsible menu lets you add your own personal song tags directly from the playback screen, along with options to save the song to a playlist or share it among your personal contacts or Last.fm friends.A distinction between Last.fm and other personal Internet radio applications such as Pandora, is the ability to view and save an artist's current touring information. An On Tour button appears next to the name of currently touring artists on the Last.fm playback screen, allowing you to browse tour dates on an internal calendar and flag any shows you're considering.The Now Playing screen on the original Last.fm application (left) offered a confusing mush of buttons, hidden volume control, and obstructed album art. Last.fm 2.0 (right) offers a much cleaner interface with consolidated controls, pristine artwork, and dedicated volume slider.CNET NetworksLast.fm's streaming audio performance has also improved on their application. The dropouts and buffering delays experienced in the first version of the Last.fm application have all but disappeared in version 2.0. While connected over a moderately strong Wi-Fi signal, we encountered no drop outs and noticed that the buffer gaps between songs are down to around 1-2 seconds in length (about what you'd experience using Pandora). Audio quality is also quite good, with no noticeable streaming compression artifacts and a stereo sound quality comparable to 128Kbps MP3.Overall, the updates to the Last.fm application have brought nothing but improvements. If you're looking for a personalized streaming music application for your iPhone or iPod Touch that offers more features than Pandora, Last.fm does not disappoint. Editors' note: Last.fm is owned by CNET's parent company, CBS Interactive.
The Last.fm Now Playing screen has also undergone an extreme makeover. Album artwork is now displayed clearly and not superimposed with song information. A volume bar is a permanent fixture on the bottom of the Now Playing screen, and many controls have been consolidated for the sake of simplicity. A collapsible menu lets you add your own personal song tags directly from the playback screen, along with options to save the song to a playlist or share it among your personal contacts or Last.fm friends.A distinction between Last.fm and other personal Internet radio applications such as Pandora, is the ability to view and save an artist's current touring information. An On Tour button appears next to the name of currently touring artists on the Last.fm playback screen, allowing you to browse tour dates on an internal calendar and flag any shows you're considering.The Now Playing screen on the original Last.fm application (left) offered a confusing mush of buttons, hidden volume control, and obstructed album art. Last.fm 2.0 (right) offers a much cleaner interface with consolidated controls, pristine artwork, and dedicated volume slider.CNET NetworksLast.fm's streaming audio performance has also improved on their application. The dropouts and buffering delays experienced in the first version of the Last.fm application have all but disappeared in version 2.0. While connected over a moderately strong Wi-Fi signal, we encountered no drop outs and noticed that the buffer gaps between songs are down to around 1-2 seconds in length (about what you'd experience using Pandora). Audio quality is also quite good, with no noticeable streaming compression artifacts and a stereo sound quality comparable to 128Kbps MP3.Overall, the updates to the Last.fm application have brought nothing but improvements. If you're looking for a personalized streaming music application for your iPhone or iPod Touch that offers more features than Pandora, Last.fm does not disappoint. Editors' note: Last.fm is owned by CNET's parent company, CBS Interactive.
Apple's Safari sports 'do-not-track' in dev build
Apple's Safari sports 'do-not-track' in dev build
Apple is the latest in a series of Web browser makers to add a new privacy feature that keeps online advertising networks and other tracking tools from monitoring user activity.According to The Wall Street Journal, the latest developer preview of Apple's Mac OS X 10.7, codenamed "Lion," sports a version of Safari with a do-not-track feature built in. Do-not-track is technology that allows users to opt out of being tracked by third parties in a similar fashion to the do-not-call lists for telephones. The movement accelerated following a report released last December by The Federal Trade Commission, urging technology makers to implement the technology into their products to protect consumer privacy. While legislation to put some teeth on enforcing it has stalled, browser makers like Mozilla and Microsoft have released do-not-track tools in the latest versions of their browsers. Meanwhile, Google, which makes the Chrome browser, released a do-not-track tool in January that users are required to download and install as an add-on.Lion is currently on its second developer preview and requires that developers and users who are testing the software stay tight-lipped under a non-disclosure agreement. Apple is expected to unveil a price, release date, and more details about the software at its Worldwide Developers Conference in early June. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether the do-not-track feature would make it to the current Mac OS X, or if it would be available to Safari users on Microsoft's Windows platform.
Apple is the latest in a series of Web browser makers to add a new privacy feature that keeps online advertising networks and other tracking tools from monitoring user activity.According to The Wall Street Journal, the latest developer preview of Apple's Mac OS X 10.7, codenamed "Lion," sports a version of Safari with a do-not-track feature built in. Do-not-track is technology that allows users to opt out of being tracked by third parties in a similar fashion to the do-not-call lists for telephones. The movement accelerated following a report released last December by The Federal Trade Commission, urging technology makers to implement the technology into their products to protect consumer privacy. While legislation to put some teeth on enforcing it has stalled, browser makers like Mozilla and Microsoft have released do-not-track tools in the latest versions of their browsers. Meanwhile, Google, which makes the Chrome browser, released a do-not-track tool in January that users are required to download and install as an add-on.Lion is currently on its second developer preview and requires that developers and users who are testing the software stay tight-lipped under a non-disclosure agreement. Apple is expected to unveil a price, release date, and more details about the software at its Worldwide Developers Conference in early June. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether the do-not-track feature would make it to the current Mac OS X, or if it would be available to Safari users on Microsoft's Windows platform.
Apple's rumored iWatch delays due to manufacturing issues-
Apple's rumored iWatch delays due to manufacturing issues?
Screen technology, battery issues, and corporate shuffling may be some of the reasons for the delay in the release of Apple's expected iWatch. While all product development hits snags, a report from The Information points to these "bumps" as some of the possible setbacks in the company's rumored smartwatch development.Apparently, Apple hasn't yet definitively decided on what kind of screen technology to use due to battery issues. However, this is common with lots of smartwatch manufacturing since the wearable's real estate is much smaller than a smartphone or tablet.According to The Information, Apple has also "halted advanced prototyping of some unknown pieces with one manufacturer late last year." But, Apple is known for regularly switching manufacturers, so it's unclear how big a deal this was.Another issue for Apple is that Bryan James, who was reportedly working on the iWatch, has stepped down and is now working at Nest Labs. There's been talk of a purported iWatch for about a year now, yet no conclusive signs of any device have appeared. In October it was rumored that LG Display was close to signing a deal with Apple to provide flexible organic light-emitting diode panels (OLED) for its iWatch. It was also said that Apple was talking to Taiwan-based RiTDisplay. Despite the possible setbacks, The Information says that an iWatch launch is still expected sometime this year.CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.
Screen technology, battery issues, and corporate shuffling may be some of the reasons for the delay in the release of Apple's expected iWatch. While all product development hits snags, a report from The Information points to these "bumps" as some of the possible setbacks in the company's rumored smartwatch development.Apparently, Apple hasn't yet definitively decided on what kind of screen technology to use due to battery issues. However, this is common with lots of smartwatch manufacturing since the wearable's real estate is much smaller than a smartphone or tablet.According to The Information, Apple has also "halted advanced prototyping of some unknown pieces with one manufacturer late last year." But, Apple is known for regularly switching manufacturers, so it's unclear how big a deal this was.Another issue for Apple is that Bryan James, who was reportedly working on the iWatch, has stepped down and is now working at Nest Labs. There's been talk of a purported iWatch for about a year now, yet no conclusive signs of any device have appeared. In October it was rumored that LG Display was close to signing a deal with Apple to provide flexible organic light-emitting diode panels (OLED) for its iWatch. It was also said that Apple was talking to Taiwan-based RiTDisplay. Despite the possible setbacks, The Information says that an iWatch launch is still expected sometime this year.CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.
Apple's retail VP departs amid search for new boss
Apple's retail VP departs amid search for new boss
If Apple retail vice president Jerry McDougal was on the short list to head up the company's retail efforts, that list might now be even shorter.McDougal took off from Apple last week, says IfoAppleStore. Citing sources, the blog -- which has obsessively tracked Apple's retail goings-on -- says McDougal plans to spend more time with his family, a move that puts him out of the running to replace John Browett, whom Apple fired last October.The blog goes on to say that McDougal was effectively the "right-hand man," of former Apple retail chief Ron Johnson. Johnson left Apple after a decade in 2011 to become the chief executive of JC Penney and was replaced by Browett, who came from U.K. electronics retailer Dixons. McDougal's departure was confirmed by Apple to AllThingsD, along with a statement noting that McDougal has been replaced with 15-year Apple veteran Jim Beam, who previously headed up the company's finance group.Apple is currently on the hunt for a new retail chief after removing Browett from the position after just six months. At the time, Apple said it was in the midst of finding a replacement, and that its retail team was reporting directly to CEO Tim Cook. McDougal's name has since come up in reports about possible internal successors, though Apple could still end up going with an outsider. The search comes as Apple's retail empire continues to grow. Apple opened up 33 retail stores during its fiscal 2012, and is now up to 400 stores. Most of those locations are in the U.S., however Apple has been expanding into other countries -- including 18 new stores that were in 10 countries during its fiscal fourth quarter. Last October the company announced plans to open another 30 to 35 stores in 2013.
If Apple retail vice president Jerry McDougal was on the short list to head up the company's retail efforts, that list might now be even shorter.McDougal took off from Apple last week, says IfoAppleStore. Citing sources, the blog -- which has obsessively tracked Apple's retail goings-on -- says McDougal plans to spend more time with his family, a move that puts him out of the running to replace John Browett, whom Apple fired last October.The blog goes on to say that McDougal was effectively the "right-hand man," of former Apple retail chief Ron Johnson. Johnson left Apple after a decade in 2011 to become the chief executive of JC Penney and was replaced by Browett, who came from U.K. electronics retailer Dixons. McDougal's departure was confirmed by Apple to AllThingsD, along with a statement noting that McDougal has been replaced with 15-year Apple veteran Jim Beam, who previously headed up the company's finance group.Apple is currently on the hunt for a new retail chief after removing Browett from the position after just six months. At the time, Apple said it was in the midst of finding a replacement, and that its retail team was reporting directly to CEO Tim Cook. McDougal's name has since come up in reports about possible internal successors, though Apple could still end up going with an outsider. The search comes as Apple's retail empire continues to grow. Apple opened up 33 retail stores during its fiscal 2012, and is now up to 400 stores. Most of those locations are in the U.S., however Apple has been expanding into other countries -- including 18 new stores that were in 10 countries during its fiscal fourth quarter. Last October the company announced plans to open another 30 to 35 stores in 2013.
Apple's response to Greenlight Capital suit to come by tomorrow
Apple's response to Greenlight Capital suit to come by tomorrow
Apple will soon respond to the lawsuit filed against it last week by David Einhorn's Greenlight Capital.According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple plans to file its response to Greenlight by tomorrow. Greenlight will then file its reply on Friday. The first hearing could take place as early as next week.The Greenlight hedge fund filed a lawsuit against Apple last week, saying that the company should distribute high-yield preferred stock to shareholders. According to Greenlight, this would allow Apple to hold a large amount of its cash while giving shareholders more of the value of Apple's cash hoard.Apple's cash reserves now total more than $137 billion. Apple has so far delivered $10 billion of its planned $45 billion to shareholders.Yesterday, Judge Richard Sullivan of the U.S. Court for the Southern District of New York granted Apple's request to fast-track the lawsuit.That Apple is pushing ahead with the lawsuit isn't all that surprising. The company plans to hold a shareholders meeting on February 27 and doesn't want the lawsuit to take center stage. Apple has also made clear that it's willing to work with Greenlight to come to an amicable solution."Apple's management team and board of directors have been in active discussions about returning additional cash to shareholders," the company said last week. "As part of our review, we will thoroughly evaluate Greenlight Capital's current proposal to issue some form of preferred stock. We welcome Greenlight's views and the views of all of our shareholders."
Apple will soon respond to the lawsuit filed against it last week by David Einhorn's Greenlight Capital.According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple plans to file its response to Greenlight by tomorrow. Greenlight will then file its reply on Friday. The first hearing could take place as early as next week.The Greenlight hedge fund filed a lawsuit against Apple last week, saying that the company should distribute high-yield preferred stock to shareholders. According to Greenlight, this would allow Apple to hold a large amount of its cash while giving shareholders more of the value of Apple's cash hoard.Apple's cash reserves now total more than $137 billion. Apple has so far delivered $10 billion of its planned $45 billion to shareholders.Yesterday, Judge Richard Sullivan of the U.S. Court for the Southern District of New York granted Apple's request to fast-track the lawsuit.That Apple is pushing ahead with the lawsuit isn't all that surprising. The company plans to hold a shareholders meeting on February 27 and doesn't want the lawsuit to take center stage. Apple has also made clear that it's willing to work with Greenlight to come to an amicable solution."Apple's management team and board of directors have been in active discussions about returning additional cash to shareholders," the company said last week. "As part of our review, we will thoroughly evaluate Greenlight Capital's current proposal to issue some form of preferred stock. We welcome Greenlight's views and the views of all of our shareholders."
Apple's reputation untarnished by tax issue, study says
Apple's reputation untarnished by tax issue, study says
Apple's use of various tax loopholes to save money, as chronicled in a recent New York Times story, has not damaged the company's reputation, according to a new study.Polling firm YouGov -- which we've previously mentioned in relation to one of Facebook's early privacy flaps -- says perceptions of Apple are back to where they were before the publication of the Times story, which focused on the company's tactics to save money by setting up businesses in tax-friendly locations.The firm says Apple's reputation is "virtually Teflon," when compared to the tax story the NYT did on General Electric the month prior, which noted that the conglomerate brought in profits of $14.2 billion in 2010 but paid nothing in taxes, while claiming a tax benefit of $3.2 billion."The reaction [to the story about GE] was more pronounced and longer: the company's reputation took a steep drop and two months to recover to precrisis levels," YouGov said in a post on its company blog. By comparison, YouGov says Apple's reputation score went up from 52 to 58 (on a scale of -100 to 100) after the story published, and it now sits at 51.Related storiesThe Times takes on Apple again, with report on taxesA tale of Apple, the iPhone, and overseas manufacturingThe methodology behind the numbers asks people whether they would be "proud or embarrassed to work for this brand," then turns that score into a number between 100 to -100 (-100 is completely negative, and 100 is completely positive). Points are assigned by "subtracting negative feedback from positive." The daily sample size for the polling is 5,000 people per weekday, the company said.
Apple's use of various tax loopholes to save money, as chronicled in a recent New York Times story, has not damaged the company's reputation, according to a new study.Polling firm YouGov -- which we've previously mentioned in relation to one of Facebook's early privacy flaps -- says perceptions of Apple are back to where they were before the publication of the Times story, which focused on the company's tactics to save money by setting up businesses in tax-friendly locations.The firm says Apple's reputation is "virtually Teflon," when compared to the tax story the NYT did on General Electric the month prior, which noted that the conglomerate brought in profits of $14.2 billion in 2010 but paid nothing in taxes, while claiming a tax benefit of $3.2 billion."The reaction [to the story about GE] was more pronounced and longer: the company's reputation took a steep drop and two months to recover to precrisis levels," YouGov said in a post on its company blog. By comparison, YouGov says Apple's reputation score went up from 52 to 58 (on a scale of -100 to 100) after the story published, and it now sits at 51.Related storiesThe Times takes on Apple again, with report on taxesA tale of Apple, the iPhone, and overseas manufacturingThe methodology behind the numbers asks people whether they would be "proud or embarrassed to work for this brand," then turns that score into a number between 100 to -100 (-100 is completely negative, and 100 is completely positive). Points are assigned by "subtracting negative feedback from positive." The daily sample size for the polling is 5,000 people per weekday, the company said.
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