Tag Archives: models

Apple to Continue Offering Support for Me.com Email After MobileMe Discontinuation [Mac Blog]

Posted on May 14, 2012 by admin

As highlighted by TidBITS ( via Macworld ), Apple has informed the last holdout users still on the company’s MobileMe service that they will be able to continue using their Me.com even after MobileMe’s June 30 discontinuation, even if they do not fully convert to iCloud. The option, which is detailed on Apple’s MobileMe transition guide , will be of particular benefit to those users whose devices aren’t compatible with iCloud. What if I just want to keep using my email on all my devices? As of May 1, you can choose to keep using your mail after MobileMe ends, even on devices that don’t meet the iCloud system requirements. Just go to me.com/move and select the option to keep using your email after MobileMe ends. Once you have completed this short process, your mail will continue to work on devices that don’t meet the iCloud requirements after MobileMe ends on June 30th, 2012. Apple’s notice to current MobileMe members was actually detailed by The Mac Observer back on May 1, including screenshots showing the option at me.com/move for users to opt out of moving to the full iCloud service and simply retain access to email and calendars. Apple’s process suggests that only web-based access to Me.com/Mac.com email will be available following the migration, but TidBITS notes that users can bypass Apple’s automated iCloud email setup to manually access MobileMe accounts. In Mail, after moving your address to iCloud, delete your existing MobileMe account: Choose Mail > Preferences, click Accounts, select your MobileMe account in the list on the left, and click the – (minus) button. Then click the + (plus) button to add a new account and fill in your mac.com or me.com address and password. But now hold down Option while clicking Continue. This bypasses Mail’s automated setup process (which would configure the account for the MobileMe servers — not what you want). On the next screen, choose IMAP from the Account Type pop-up menu. Enter imap.mail.me.com for the incoming mail server address, click Continue, and enter smtp.mail.me.com for the outgoing mail server address. Once you’ve completed the process, Mail in Snow Leopard should be able to check your iCloud mail both now and after MobileMe is turned off. Most notably, iCloud is not officially compatible with OS X Snow Leopard, leaving some users who systems are not compatible with OS X Lion without access to iCloud. Apple has been trying to push all potential MobileMe users toward iCloud as the MobileMe service heads for discontinuation next month, even offering free copies of Snow Leopard to help users of even older operating systems to move to iCloud-compatible Lion. Continue reading →

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Thinner 15-Inch MacBook Pro Coming with Retina Display and USB 3.0?

Posted on May 14, 2012 by admin

Following the appearance of a benchmark potentially signaling a near-term launch for Apple’s much-rumored thinner MacBook Pro, 9to5Mac reports that it has received specific information on the new 15-inch MacBook Pro’s design from a source who has handled prototype casings and other components. Mockup of thinner 15-inch MacBook Pro design (left) compared to current design (right) The most obvious change for the new machine is its design, and while the report’s source indicates that it will be considerably thinner than the existing MacBook Pro due to the removal of the optical drive, it will look essentially like a thinner version of the current MacBook Pro rather than adopting the tapered design of the MacBook Air as had been rumored previously. While many have speculated that the new 15-inch MacBook Pro will pickup the design from the late-2010/mid-2011 MacBook Air, sources familiar with the prototype units say that this is untrue. Instead, the new 15-inch MacBook Pro is described as being an ultra-thin version of the current MacBook Pro. Basically, the prototype design is a thinner, yet more robust, version of the late-2008 design. It has no tapering like the MacBook Airs. The casing of the forthcoming MacBook Pro reportedly includes ports for the MagSafe power connector, two USB ports, and audio in/out jacks along the left side, with a battery level indicator also included along the same side. The right side is said to offer a pair of Thunderbolt ports, another USB port, an SD card slot, and a Kensington lock slot. Mockup of port layout on thinner 15-inch MacBook Pro The machines are said to lack a dedicated Ethernet port, with users apparently needing to rely on the USB-to-Ethernet dongle introduced with the original MacBook Air if they wish to use a wired connection. Given its height, the Ethernet port is one of the primary features limiting how thin the MacBook Pro can be, and it appears that Apple may simply have removed the port entirely in order to achieve the thin design it desired. The new MacBook Pro may also forgo FireWire connectivity, although the report appears unsure on that point. In line with previous rumors, the machine is said to include a “Retina” display, a development that has been rumored for some time and for which evidence has been showing up in builds of OS X Lion and Mountain Lion. According to the report’s source, OS X will simply offer a set of resolution quality options for the new machine (“such as big, small, or optimal”) to allow users taking advantage of this new “HiDPI” support to select their desired combination of sharpness and resolution. The report indicates that the USB ports on the new MacBook Pro will support USB 3.0, a feature some had questioned whether Apple would adopt given the move to Thunderbolt connectivity. But last September it was reported that Apple was still considering support USB 3.0 alongside Thunderbolt, and that appears to be the route the company has taken as Thunderbolt peripherals have been rather slow to roll out in many cases. A fresh report from Digitimes also claims that Genesys Logic has won a contract to supply USB 3.0 chips for a forthcoming MacBook Air revision, and it seems likely that such compatibility would also be coming to the MacBook Pro. A launch timeframe for the new MacBook Pro remains unknown, with the company expected to be able to introduce updated machines any time now as Intel’s Ivy Bridge production ramps up. With Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference just four weeks away, it is possible the company could use that event for a major product introduction, although Apple typically limits its hardware announcements at the event in order to focus on iOS and OS X discussion Digitimes claims that Apple’s MacBook suppliers will begin increasing their shipments in June with production peaking in July, suggesting that Apple may indeed be targeting a major push for June. Continue reading →

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Unreleased 2012 MacBook Pro and iMac Models Showing Up in Benchmarks

Posted on May 14, 2012 by admin

As noted in our forums , two new benchmark results appearing in Geekbench’s database within the past few days are sparking discussion about imminent upgrades to Apple’s MacBook Pro and iMac lines. The first item of interest is a MacBookPro9,1 entry, which would correspond to an unreleased MacBook Pro model of unknown size coming as a successor to the current MacBookPro8,x line. While such results can be faked, the result in question is consistent with what is known or assumed about the forthcoming models. This new MacBook Pro is listed as carrying an Intel Ivy Bridge Core i7-3820QM quad-core processor running at 2.7 GHz. That processor has long been viewed as the natural successor to Apple’s current offerings in high-end 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro models. With the i7-3820QM being a 45-watt chip, it is extremely unlikely that Apple would be using it in a new 13-inch MacBook Pro model. The unreleased system carries a benchmark of 12,262, compared to scores in the range of 10,500 for the corresponding current MacBook Pro processor, the Core i7-2860QM. The motherboard identifier included with the new entry corresponds to one of several unreleased Mac configurations identified in the first OS X Mountain Lion developer preview back in February. In addition, the Geekbench result lists the test machine as running OS X Mountain Lion build 10A211, which would be newer than the 12A193i build seeded to developers on May 2. On the iMac side is a new iMac13,2 entry , which would appear to correspond to a new 27-inch iMac model. The machine is listed as running an Intel Ivy Bridge Core i7-3770 quad-core processor running at 3.4 GHz, which would correspond to a relatively high-end option in a new model. The system carries a benchmark of 12,183, only slightly higher than typical scores in the range of 11,500 for current iMac models using the top-of-the-line Core i7-2600 processor. Like the MacBookPro9,1, this iMac13,1 carries a motherboard identifier first seen in the initial OS X Mountain Lion developer preview back in February. The machine used for benchmarking is listed as running build 10A2040 of OS X Mountain Lion, and while a four-digit suffix on the build number is somewhat unusual for OS X, such patterns have been observed in special builds in the past. Such pre-mature benchmarks have shown up in Geekbench’s database prior to new hardware launches from Apple in the past. Consequently, it is feasible that these results do represent genuine machines due for launch in the near future. Continue reading →

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‘iPhone 5′ Headphone Jack and Earpiece Component Surfaces

Posted on May 13, 2012 by admin

Part leaks from the next-generation iPhone are beginning to ramp up, with component vendor SW-BOX.com having recently added a new headphone jack/earpiece/Wi-Fi cable part claimed to be from the device ( via Cydia Blog ). The new part joins a claimed micro-SIM tray that surfaced on the site several weeks ago and home buttons that appeared on several sites late last month. If the new part is indeed legitimate, it does represent a significant departure from the component organization in the current iPhone. In the iPhone 4 and 4S, the headphone jack, volume buttons, and mute switch are grouped together on a single component , while this new part associates the headphone jack with the earpiece speaker and Wi-Fi cabling. It is not terribly unusual for Apple to tweak the organization of components, and the new part leak offers essentially no information on any potential changes to the device’s form factor, but with part leaks beginning to accelerate it may not be long before more substantial parts begin showing up. Continue reading →

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Apple Interested In Acquiring German Television Maker Loewe?

Posted on May 13, 2012 by admin

Apple is in talks to acquire German luxury television manufacturer Loewe , according to an unconfirmed report from AppleInsider . The site claims Apple has offered €87.3 million for the company, a 48% premium from Loewe’s Friday close on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Word of the negotiations was exclusively revealed to AppleInsider , and although the offer has yet to be accepted, a source claims that Loewe “has been advised by its financial advisor to accept the offer and a final decision is scheduled to be announced internally before 18 May 2012.” Loewe makes sleek, minimalist televisions that would seem to fit well with Jony Ive’s product designs. The company also makes speaker systems, including the AirPlay-compatible AirSpeaker , as well as a sleek app that controls the Loewe television set via an iPad. Loewe’s largest shareholder is Sharp, the same company that has been rumored to be Apple’s choice to work with Foxconn to build a television set. Foxconn and Sharp announced a partnership to work together in March. AppleInsider says a decision on the acquisition will be announced internally by the end of this week. Continue reading →

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Rumor: GameStop to start selling refurbished MacBooks?

Posted on May 12, 2012 by admin

According a leaked shot of an inventory screen that appears to be authentic, videogame retailer GameStop may soon be expanded the presence of Apple products in its stores. The company may be adding some types of refurbished MacBooks to its lineup if the listings shown in the picture are any indication. GameStop already sells refurbished iPhones, iPods, iPod Touch and iPads, game site Kotaku reports…. Continue reading →

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New iPhone Rumors Reiterate Claims of Smaller Dock Connector, No Change to Screen Aspect Ratio

Posted on May 11, 2012 by admin

Apple is planning on implementing a new, smaller dock connector, according to a report by iMore . The site has been reliable in the past and correctly predicted the release of an LTE equipped iPad. iMore also reported that Apple is still in the prototyping phase for the next iPhone and that the design is not yet set in stone. Despite some rumors to the contrary, according to our sources Apple still hasn’t finalized the design of the next generation iPhone 5 (or whatever Apple ends up calling iPhone 5,1). No giant screen. No 16:9 aspect ratio. No metal back. […] Once again we’re hearing that if the screen size does change, it won’t be by a lot (no larger than 4-inches). We’ve heard nothing to indicate a planned change in the aspect ratio either way (and such a change still doesn’t make much sense to us). iLounge previously claimed that the next iPhone would have a smaller, redesigned dock connector as well as a 4″ screen that is larger in height only — this would result in an adjustment to the screen’s aspect ratio. The iPhone 4′s design has served Apple very well, with the company selling millions upon millions of units. It is possible that the company will choose to stick with the successful design, albeit with some minor changes, rather than a wholesale redesign. Other recent iPhone rumors include a claims that the next iPhone will launch in September ; another that it would use the same micro-SIM as current iPhones, rather than a new nano-SIM concept; and that the next iPhone will retain its physical home button — a claim that iMore reiterates . Continue reading →

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Apple Updates Apple TV to Version 5.0.1

Posted on May 10, 2012 by admin

Apple has released a new update for the generation 2 and 3 Apple TV models. The update allows movies and TV show previews from the iTunes Store to be viewed in HD and fixes a few other minor issues. Apple TV Software Update 5.0.1 iTunes previews – Previews for movies and TV shows from the iTunes Store can now be viewed in HD. AirPlay – Fixes an issue that caused some iOS apps to have trouble connecting via AirPlay. Home Sharing – Improves the reliability of Home Sharing connections. Netflix – Addresses an issue affecting Netflix login and navigation. Stability and performance – Includes fixes for issues affecting stability and performance. The update can be performed directly on the Apple TV by going to the Settings menu, then General, then selecting Update Software. Continue reading →

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Nano-SIM Card Standard to be Decided This Month

Posted on May 9, 2012 by admin

Apple has been pushing its own nano-SIM design as a replacement for the current micro-SIM for a year. As of a couple months ago, however, Apple was fighting with rival phone makers who were pushing their own SIM designs. Apple has even offered a royalty-free patent license to its design in order to convince other companies to sign on. The Verge reports that the votes on the next SIM card standard are finally being taken and should be concluded by mid-May. Apple has attempted to counter Nokia’s concerns by slightly reworking its design. We just spoke with SIM card maker (and pioneer) Giesecke & Devrient here at CTIA about progress on the creation of the 4FF standard — the so-called nano-SIM — over which Apple and Nokia have been warring in recent months. The company tells us that the ETSI vote on the 4FF standard that had been delayed back in March is actually now underway. Voting began for ETSI members in mid-April and wraps up in mid-May, mere days away. G&D is a voting member, though it wouldn’t tell us which way it’s leaning — needless to say, the presence of Apple’s design here signals that they’ll almost certainly put their votes in that direction and away from Nokia’s more radical design that limits backward compatibility with micro-SIM and mini-SIM slots on older phones. G&D also noted that since the nano-SIM design is being “driven by a supplier” — in this case, Apple — there wouldn’t be a long lag before the new design was implemented. The current standard, the micro-SIM, took five years from ratification as a standard to appearing in the iPhone 4. Recently, a purported micro-SIM tray for the next iPhone leaked from a part supplier, suggesting that Apple will continue to use that standard in the forthcoming device. Being that the new nano-SIM standard hasn’t been ratified, and the fact that Apple would need some lead-time to incorporate the design into the iPhone, it seems likely that the nano-SIM standard would not be ready in time for the next iPhone. Continue reading →

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John Browett, Apple’s New Head of Retail, Sends Introductory Email to Store Employees

Posted on May 8, 2012 by admin

Apple’s new senior vice president of Retail, John Browett , has introduced himself to Apple Retail employees in an email obtained by IFO Apple Store . Team, At last I’ve officially started at Apple, and it’s great to be here. I’ve had the chance to meet many of you at stores in the U.S. and across Europe, and one of my top priorities for the coming months is to meet many more people on our team around the world. It’s incredibly impressive to be on the inside of Apple Retail. Many of my friends, relatives, and former colleagues have written to tell me how lucky I am to be working with such a great group of people, and I couldn’t agree more. While our stores are fantastic and our products are amazing, it really is our people who make the difference in creating the best retail experience. There will be much more to share in the weeks ahead, and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone over time. I am thrilled to work with all of you as we build the future of Apple Retail together. Browett, who joins Apple from British electronics retailer Dixons, started work at Apple on April 20, nearly six months after former retail head Ron Johnson left the company to head up JC Penney’s turnaround efforts. Browett was awarded restricted stock units worth more than $60 million as an enticement to stay with the company for the next five years. Continue reading →

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