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水果專利之『媽！我在這裡！』

有沒有看到專利圖當中的『Engadget』跟網址那堆字？好吧！這真的不是重點，重點是這張圖出處的一項蘋果專利申請案，當中一個叫做『抓抓帶著走』（Grab & Go）的軟體 / 檔案分享技術。

而該專利的重點，是敘述將已經分門別類（一如家庭、公事、娛樂等）好的一般資料、電腦中的備份，甚至是遊戲存檔，以相對簡單的方式，在手機、電腦、遊戲裝置間分享，同時也可能透過雲端系統~~（MobileMe...）~~來存取。

而這所謂簡單的方式，就是專利內容所敘述的一個目前暫訂為『抓抓帶著走』（Grab & Go）軟體，除了讓同步分享的步驟簡化之外，裡頭還可以設定要同步到（或同步自）各個裝置的內容，同時也可以多種方式來進行，包括 WiFi、藍牙、3G 網路等，而資料的加密方式也很多種，包括可以限制讓兩台裝置要在一定距離內才能同步等。

老實說目前還看不出來這東西到底讓檔案的傳輸、同步、分享有多方便（沒玩過呀！），而且依照慣例，要從專利申請文件走出到真實世界，也絕對不是短期間可以看到的；有興趣的朋友，請先直接參考引用來源的專利申請文件吧！

[出自 AppleInsider]

[原文連結]

Actualiza tu Apple TV antes de que la información desaparezca "temporalmente"

Algo habíamos oído sobre unidades Apple TV que misteriosamente perdían toda la información almacenada en su interior, y con la actualización 3.0.1 podemos confirmar esos rumores, y solucionar el problema a la vez. Vale aclarar que el incómodo bug a la Houdini está presente únicamente en la versión 3.0, así que si todavía no actualizas al último software, no tienes que preocuparte por perder datos. Sigue el enlace LEER para conseguir más información, y mientras tanto, no hagas mucho ruido o te muevas muy rápido, que de repente el contenido de tu Apple TV podría esfumarse.

[Vía TUAW]

Apple TV 3.0.1 update prevents data from 'temporarily disappearing'

Enjoy your Apple TV? Not so fond of your data picking up and vanishing whenever it darn well pleases? Then you'll probably want to force your Apple TV to update to 3.0.1... assuming you've already upgraded it to 3.0, of course. According to the engineers in Cupertino, this update prevents content "from temporarily disappearing until re-synced," and we're guessing that most of you would rather keep your content around if possible. Tap the read link for all the instructions, and whatever you do, don't make any sudden movements.

[Via TUAW]

Apple TV 3.0.1 update prevents data from 'temporarily disappearing'

iPhone dev accused of harvesting player phone numbers

As if, in this world of economic hardship and international strife, you need another thing to worry about. iPhone developer Storm8 has been accused of stealing the phone numbers of players that downloaded its apps like Vampires Live and Zombies Live in a suit filed in San Francisco on behalf of Lynnwood, WA resident Michael Turner.

The company acknowledged the number harvesting in August, calling it a "bug," though the suit claims only specific code could have recorded and transmitted the numbers. So ... apparently that's a thing that happens. Have a great Saturday!

Massucci's Take: Google Wave is email for the next generation

There is a lot of buzz these days over a new product called Google (GOOG) Wave. Some are under the false impression that it's the next Twitter, but this new tool from Google is very different. Think of it as a real-time collaboration tool that includes, among its many features, email on steroids.

Greg Dalesandre, Google Wave product manager, in an online video, describes Wave as a "shared space," where users can communicate using text, videos, photos and maps. So you can have a conversation while working on a document with a group of people in another city -- or in another part of the planet. You can both work together in real time using richly formatted text, photos, videos and more. The wave is the shared experience that you are involved with. So you could be working with 10 people and everything you do -- from the conversations you have to the changes you make to a document, will be inside a wave. What's really cool about this is that the wave allows you to rewind, allowing you to see who said what when. Since everything is in real-time -- it's fast.

Apple patent application details simple "Grab and Go" sync

Apple, being the innovative corporation that it is, applies for patents many times per year. While many of these items may never make it to market, the company is proactive in making sure that possible patents are filed as soon as possible in order to protect the intellectual property that's been developed.

One such filing from last year describes a fascinating cloud-based, cross-platform sync service referred to as "Grab & Go." The filing showed up earlier this week and demonstrates how synchronization of data over multiple devices could be simplified. Grab & Go creates pre-defined data sets with categories like family, entertainment, or business that a user could literally "grab" and move to a device. The patent document shows how sharing files between devices (whether the device is a smartphone, computer, tablet, or even a game console) could be made easier.

The software is flexible enough to adapt to different connection types (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, to name a few) and can provide different levels of encryption and security. The filing even discusses a possible requirement of having two or more devices within a certain distance of each other in order for synchronization to begin.

If you're up for a long, but interesting read over the weekend, head on over to the US Patent & Trademark Office and check out the details of Grab & Go. It could be a foretaste of things to come, or just another long legal document.

[via AppleInsider and Engadget]

Apple eröffnet Store unter der Louvre-Pyramide und bringt die Mona Lisa aufs iPhone

Apple hat seinen ersten Store in Paris eröffnet. Selbstverständlich nicht irgendwo, sondern im Shopping Center "Carrousel du Louvre", welches in einem Gebäudeflügel von unten die Sicht auf die Louvre-Pyramide freigibt. Just dort scheint sich auch der neue Apple-Store zu befinden, denn in dem von der MacBidouille-Crew geschossenen Foto spiegelt sich die Pyramide im gläsernen Eingangsbereich des Stores (und der Apfel darf natürlich auch nicht fehlen). In schicke Papierpyramiden verpackte T-Shirts wurden verschenkt, und rechtzeitig zur Eröffnung ist eine kostenlose Musée du Louvre-App im iTunes-Store erschienen. Wie der Zufall halt so spielt. Ein weiteres Foto nach dem Break.

[Via MacBidouille]

Apple introduces reserve and pick-up

As a guy who likes shopping online, but who still appreciates the act of going into a retail store for big purchases, I love this news. Apple has introduced a "Reserve and Pick-up" service for the holiday season.

The name is a little unwieldy, but it gets the point across. You go onto the Apple web site to find what you want, click to reserve the product at a nearby Apple Store, and then go to the store and pick up the goods while you're doing your holiday shopping between December 15 to 24.

For many folks, this might seem awkward -- why not just buy the product online and get it shipped, or just go to the store and buy it? For guys like me, it's perfect -- all of the convenience of choosing a product online, with the added bonus of being able to check out the retail store during the holidays.

iLounge notes that there's no AppleTV on the list, so if you were planning to pick one up as a gift, you'll have to go a more traditional route. There's also no way to actually reserve an iPhone. Instead, you're told to get an iPhone gift card to give to some lucky recipient. Nevertheless, I like the idea of reserve and pick-up, an interesting mix of online shopping and in-store purchasing for the holiday season. It's Apple take-out.

水果专利之『妈！我在这里！』

有没有看到专利图当中的『Engadget』跟网址那堆字？好吧！这真的不是重点，重点是这张图出处的一项苹果专利申请案，当中一个叫做『抓抓带着走』（Grab & Go）的软件 / 档案分享技术。

而该专利的重点，是叙述将已经分门别类（一如家庭、公事、娱乐等）好的一般数据、计算机中的备份，甚至是游戏存档，以相对简单的方式，在手机、电脑、游戏装置间分享，同时也可能通过云端系统（MobileMe...）来存取。

而这所谓简单的方式，就是专利内容所叙述的一个目前暂订为『抓抓带着走』（Grab & Go）软件，除了让同步分享的步骤简化之外，里头还可以设定要同步到（或同步自）各个装置的内容，同时也可以多种方式来进行，包括 WiFi、蓝牙、3G 网络等，而数据的加密方式也很多种，包括可以限制让两台装置要在一定距离内才能同步等。

老实说目前还看不出来这东西到底让档案的传输、同步、分享有多方便（没玩过呀！），而且依照惯例，要从专利申请文件走出到真实世界，也绝对不是短期间可以看到的；有兴趣的朋友，请先直接参考引用来源的专利申请文件吧！

[出自 AppleInsider]

[原文连接]

Rumor: Smaller iPhone on tap for Verizon in Q3 2010?

If you're tired of dropped calls and dead zones, and pondering the merits of turning in your iPhone for a DROID... hold on there, champ. AppleInsider says it's received a copy of a report by OTR Global, claiming that Apple has signed contracts to produce a UMTS / CDMA hybrid iPhone to be released in the third quarter of 2010.

The hybrid handset, built around a dual-system chip from Qualcomm, would allow the iPhone to run on virtually any GSM/UTMS cellular network worldwide -- and also on the CDMA2000 networks of US carriers like Verizon and Sprint. In particular, Verizon is cited in the report as the target carrier for the new devices.

The report states that Foxconn, the Taiwan-based sole-source provider of iPhone hardware at this time, will not build the new device. Instead, a subsidiary of Asustek known as Pegatron has been selected to kick off manufacturing. It's also rumored that the hybrid device uses a 2.8" screen, making the handset smaller than the current model which uses a 3.5" display.

Photos of the smaller display were first featured on iLounge in June of 2008 (see photo at right), sparking widespread rumors at the time that an "iPhone nano" was on the way. Over a year later, neither the smaller iPhone nor a Verizon model are available. However, if the leaked report is any indication, 2010 could be yet another year of incredible growth for the iPhone economy.

Verizon Droid unleashed on NYC: 'We're gonna need more phones'

After weeks of build-up, Verizon Communications's (VZ) Verizon Wireless unleashed its new Google (GOOG)-powered Droid smartphone on Friday, and New York City retailers were selling out of the device -- billed as the first legitimate challenger to Apple's (AAPL) iPhone's first legitimate challenger -- on the first day.

"We're gonna need more phones," Amanda Leavelle, a Verizon Wireless store manager in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood, said around 2 p.m. "I just checked, and our inventory is running low, so I've got to call for some more."

Firsthand report: WalletPop blogger and his new Verizon Droid

This morning I braved the frosty morning to join 5-10 other shoppers in line at Verizon for the new Google-powered Motorola Droid. Sure, the Droid didn't come with nearly as much fanfare as Verizon would have hoped, and no professional line-sitters showed up like they did for the iPhone, but the release of the Droid will have a big affect on the cell phone business.

iTunes Auto-Censor Targets '50s Doo-Wop

Despite its staid and strict stance against nudity and racy apps, Apple is continuing its unofficial practice of turning perfectly harmless words into demeaning slurs. Apple's censoring depends on a program that scans the iTunes database for dirty words, replacing the offending letters with asterisks.

The problem with this auto-censorship is that it doesn't recognize context. As a result, innocent words are sometimes altered, ironically and immediately making people think of those alternate, more devious usages. According to the Guardian, the latest to fall prey to the asterisk is the style of music known as "doo-wop," whose name contains a word sometimes used as a slur against Italian-Americans. The word, with which many people were probably unfamiliar prior to the asterisk fiasco, appeared as "w*p" throughout iTunes as of this morning (it's since been changed back to doo-wop).

It's probably time to let the auto-censor go, Apple. Since you're now worth over $170 billion, you should probably be able to hire some human scanners. You know, ones that could actually discern between musical genres and racist terminology. [From: The Guardian]

Apple really needs a better iPhone answer to Google Navigation killer app

Lots of people claim that Apple's (AAPL) iPhone is the first smartphone to really unleash the potential of the Internet on a handset. And they are right. iPhone users suck up so much more Web time than Blackberry (RIMM) users (even though far more Blackberry units have been sold over time) that Apple partner AT&T (T) has struggled to handle the load and, by many indications, still can't keep up. But let's not forget that the iPhone's Web utility was not the only killer app in the mobile devices space.

Long before the iPhone hit it big, the GPS market was hockey-sticking. I watched this trajectory with amazement as Garmin (GRMN) devices went from geek gawkware to standard hardware for housewives in the O.C. and salesmen cruising the office parks of middle America looking to bag more clients.

9 Banned Apps You'll Never See on the iPhone

There's no denying the runaway success of Apple's App Store: to date, iPhone and iPod touch users have downloaded some 2 billion applications from its ever-expanding library of 100,000. But there's also no escaping the rumblings of discontent from many consumers and developers who feel that Apple is unfairly acting as judge, jury, and executioner by censoring apps and exiling them from the App Store.

Much of the consternation stems from the fact that Apple has never published hard and fast guidelines for what determines whether an app will be allowed through Apple's gatekeepers. To make matters worse for frustrated developers, Apple frequently contradicts itself in its judgments. So, say, while porn stars are free to peddle T and A to consenting adults, e-book packages that include the "Kama Sutra" are apparently too risqué for Apple. In the hopes of discovering a method to this maddening process, we've looked at nine high-profile iPhone apps that were found guilty of transgressing Apple's (unwritten) approval terms, and weigh in on the fairness of Apple's judgment and the likelihood an app will have it overturned on appeal in the future.

Fattiest of Fat Foods, Where Fruit and Veggie Names Come from and more: Twitter Finds

slashfood

slashfood World's Largest Meatball Record Broken ... Again http://eaturl.info/blz3

KeriGlassman

KeriGlassman Laughter has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve heart health. Get together with friends & watch a funny movie! [Editor's Plug: We like her advice so much, we have a contest for five lucky winners to one free hour consultation from this nutritionist. Enter by 5 p.m. November 6, 2009.]

mental_floss

mental_floss Was There Really a Granny Smith? 9 Fruits & Veggies Named After People http://bit.ly/YV2if

Overwhelmed by all of the "Follow Friday" recommendations on Twitter? Each week AOL Health's Twitter alias Healthpop and That's_Fit search the Twittersphere for the greatest diet and fitness Twitterers, and each week, we'll highlight the best-of their best tweets (no Twits here). Got any great advice for our Fit Follow Friday post? Give us a shout on Twitter and let us know all about it!

N.C. Apple Growers Protest USDA Proposal

Photo: wonderferret, Flickr.

Growers in the nation's southernmost commercial apple-producing region are fighting a change in crop insurance law, which they claim could wipe out a 200-year-old industry.

Henderson County, N.C. -- a stretch of Southern Appalachia where the first apple trees were planted by a Loyalist on the run from the Revolutionary Army -- today generates about $24 million in annual apple revenue, representing 85 percent of the state's apple crop. But the region's 150-plus growers have been hard hit in recent years by calamities including frost, wind and hail.

"You name it, it's happened," sighs Agricultural Extension agent Marvin Owings.

Owings credits the Federal Crop Insurance Program, which reimburses growers for lost apples at a rate of $9.25 a bushel, with keeping area orchards solvent. He's worried a new proposal to significantly lower disaster payouts for lesser-grade apples could prove devastating.

ORB: Umsonst-Streaming für alles jetzt auch von jedem Mac

ORB hat es endlich geschafft. Und gibt mit der neuen - wie immer kostenlosen - Version endlich jedem Mac User die Chance seine iTunes Inhalte von zu Hause an wen auch immer ins Netz zu streamen. Die iPhone Apps als Empfänger gibt es ja schon lang, noch länger die Windows Version, aber jetzt kann man die heimischen Filme eigentlich mit allem sehen was mit dem Internet spricht. Download hier.

An Apple Glossary

Apple season is in full swing. Do you know your Granny Smith from your Gala, your Rome Beauty from your Braeburn? This guide from the U.S. Apple Association will help you choose the right apple for your eating or cooking pleasure.

Braeburn: This apple originated in New Zealand in the early 1950s, as a chance seedling with Lady Hamilton and Granny Smith as possible parents. Now grown in the United States, Braeburn is a multipurpose apple good for all types of apple uses. Its color varies from orange to red over a yellow background. This crisp, juicy apple has a rich, spicy-sweet flavor. U.S. Braeburns are available beginning in October through July.

Cameo: This new apple with an old-world name was discovered as a chance seedling in the late 1980s in Washington state. Cameo makes its appearance beginning in October. It bears red stripes over a cream-colored background. Extra-crispy Cameo has a sweet-tart taste. This apple resists browning, making it a natural choice for salads and fruit trays. Cooks, please note that Cameo's extra-denseness takes a bit longer to cook.

Cortland: This variety originated in the late 1890s in New York state, a cross between McIntosh and Ben Davis developed at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station. Sweeter than its McIntosh parent, with only a hint of tartness. Cortland has tender, snow white flesh that resists browning, making it an excellent choice for salads, kabobs and garnishes. The Cortland is available September through April.

Empire: Empires premiered in 1966 in the Empire State of New York, a cross between Red Delicious and McIntosh developed by the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station. This crisp, juicy apple has a delightful sweet-tart flavor and creamy white flesh, making it a good all-purpose apple. Stake out your Empire between September and July.

Fuji: Originally developed in Japan in the late 1930s and named after the famous Mt. Fuji, U.S.-grown Fujis began appearing in markets in the 1980s. Fuji is a cross between Ralls Janet and Red Delicious. This variety's popularity is skyrocketing, thanks to its sweet flavor and firmness. Fuji apples are bi-colored, typically striped with yellow and red. They are available year-round, beginning in September.

Gala: This variety originated in New Zealand, a cross between Kidd's Orange Red and Golden Delicious. The Royal Gala strain was named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II, who deemed it her favorite during a visit to New Zealand. It was brought to the United States in the early 1970s, and is now one of the country's most popular apples. This crispy, juicy, very sweet apple is ideal for snacking. Galas can vary in color, from cream to red- and yellow-striped. U.S.-grown Galas are harvested beginning in mid-July, and are typically available year-round.

Ginger Gold: A Virginia grower discovered this apple sprouting amid the ruins of a hurricane-devastated orchard in the late 1960s, and named this greenish-gold, sweet-tart apple after his sweetheart. Its parentage includes Albemarle Pippin, a favorite apple of Thomas Jefferson. This early-season Eastern apple is great for salads, and cooks well too. Available in limited but growing supplies starting in mid-October.

Golden Delicious: This old favorite was discovered as a chance seedling in 1890 in Clay County, W.Va., and was originally named Mullin's Yellow Seedling. Renamed in 1916, its parents are thought to be Golden Reinette and Grimes Golden. Goldens have a pale yellow skin, sometimes with a red blush. Mellow and sweet, all-purpose Goldens are great for eating out of hand, baking and salads. Golden's crisp, pale yellow flesh resists browning, making it a good choice for salads and other dishes. Goldens appear on the market in September, and are available year-round. Cooks, note that you can reduce the amount of added sugar when making pies with Goldens.

Granny Smith: This Australian native was discovered in 1868 as a chance seedling by "Granny" Anne Smith of Ryde, New South Wales. One parent might have been a French Crab Apple. Grannys are known for their distinctive green flesh, which sometimes bears a red blush, and their very tart flavor. An all-purpose apple, Grannys work equally well as a snack or in pies and sauce. U.S. Grannys are harvested beginning in August, and are available year-round.

Honeycrisp: This apple has a honeyed, mild flavor and a crispness deemed explosive. Crispy, juicy, and sweet, this popular newcomer is a cross between a Macoun and a Honeygold. Honeycrisp's skin is a distinctive mottled red over a yellow background, with coarse flesh. This apple is good for snacking, salads, and sauce-making, and stores well. Honeycrisp was developed by the University of Minnesota. Harvested beginning in September, supplies are limited but growing.

Idared: Introduced in 1942, this Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station product is a cross between the Jonathan and Wagener apples. It has a tangy flavor like the Jonathan, but is much larger. It has a bright red skin, and firm texture. This apple is good for snacking and holds its shape ideally for baking. Available from September through June.

Jonagold: A blend of Jonathan and Golden Delicious apples, New York native Jonagold offers a unique honey-tart flavor, and crispy, juicy nearly yellow flesh. It debuted in 1968, a product of the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station. With a yellow-green base skin color and a red-orange blush, it is excellent both for eating fresh and for cooking. Jonagold is typically available October through July.

Jonathan: This variety of apples was discovered in Woodstock, N.Y., in the 1920s and is known for its use in pies and applesauce. This crimson apple with occasional touches of green has a spicy tang that blends well with other varieties in sauces and cider. Jonathan is typically available from September through April.

McIntosh: This old, well-known variety was discovered as a chance seedling by John McIntosh in 1811. Its deep red finish sometimes carries a green blush. Juicy, tangy, tart McIntosh has a tender, white flesh. It is best used for snacking and applesauce, but some people enjoy its tart flavor in pies as well. Cook's hints: McIntosh's flesh cooks down easily; if pie making, cut your slices thick or add a thickener. This apple is typically available from September through May.

Newtown Pippin: Also known as Albemarle Pippin, a favorite variety of Thomas Jefferson. Discovered on Long Island in 1759, this apple is one of the oldest original U.S. varieties, helping to launch the U.S. fruit export industry. Newtown Pippin is a distinctive green, often with yellow highlights. Its aromatic, tangy flesh makes the Newtown great for use in pies and applesauce. Primarilly a processing variety, most U.S. supplies are used commercially. Newtown Pippin is typically available from September through December.

Pink Lady: Notable for its hot pink skin color and lily-white flesh, this Southern Hemisphere native is now being grown stateside. A cross between Golden Delicious and Lady Williams, crunchy Pink Lady has a unique sweet-tart flavor described as "Gala with a zing." Pink Lady is great for snacking, slicing, or dicing on a salad, and for baking. This apple appears in mid-October, one of the last varieties to be harvested, so supplies often are available through late spring or early summer.

Red Delicious: This most widely recognized of all U.S. apple varieties originated in Iowa in the 1870s. This sweet, crispy, juicy apple varies in color from striped red to solid midnight red. Western Red Delicious are elongated in shape, with pronounced "feet"; Eastern-grown Delicious are more round. This apple is best eaten fresh or in salads. Red Delicious apples are available year-round, starting in September.

Rome Beauty: Referred to as the "baker's buddy," this apple was discovered as a chance seedling in the early 1800s on a farm near Rome Township, Ohio. Famed for its storage qualities, this mildly tart apple is primarily used for cooking and is especially good baked or sautéed. The Rome apple is typically available beginning in September.