The 404 1,077: Where we scrape the Surface (podcast)
The mystery of the magic Microsoft device is finally solved, but what's with all the unanswered questions? In trying to add fuel to the Surface hype machine, Microsoft leaves too much to the industry's collective imagination as we all keep speculating about the tablets' battery life, release dates, prices, and UI experience.The competition among tablets is still presently in favor of the iPad, so we're hoping that Microsoft has more compelling announcements in the future that integrate some of the company's other inventions.Jeff and I always fight about which popular musician deserves credit for this generation's aural decay, but the Imperial College in London may have a solution to our problem: let computers compose the music!A team of researchers believe that digital music can move beyond human creation and evolve autonomously without a real composer. They've developed a learning computer algorithm that continuously creates and combines loops in a random sequence.The results are field-tested with human ears to separate the cacophonous sounds from the pleasing ones, then the whole process starts again for thousands of iterations before the computer spits out a refined piece that's statistically pleasing to "everyone." Of course, there's always going to be outliers in personal taste, but check out the evolution of the process and let us know what you think of the final song! Is this the future of generic pop music?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.PlayEpisode 1,077PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff Bakalar
Jibbigo translates English and Spanish via iPhone
Jibbigo translates English and Spanish via iPhone
Jibbigo, by Mobile Technologies, is a bilingual translation app for the iPhone and iPod Touch that can translate your speech directly into another language. (Jibbigo costs $24.99. Download via iTunes store link.) Currently, the app supports only English-to-Spanish and Spanish-to-English translations, but Mobile Technologies says it will support other languages in the future. Jibbigo is easy to use, but like most voice-input apps, it works best in environments with low-to-moderate background noise, and you must speak clearly when using it. To start translating, you launch the app and record a sentence in English or Spanish. Jibbigo then translates the spoken input into the appropriate language, displays the translated text, then speaks it using a synthesized voice with an included vocabulary of 40,000-plus words for travelers in a variety of situations, including medical emergencies, restaurant settings, or general conversation.To take full advantage of the Jibbigo's features, you'll need an iPhone 3GS or a third-generation iPod Touch, since the app supports two-way translations on these devices. Other iPhones and iPods are limited to unidirectional translations, explained in this table that details what works and what doesn't on each Apple device.Jibbigo worked well in our field tests, although it did make occasional small mistakes. We got a good hard laugh out of the way the app handles curse words--speaking one or more of these words results in a text translation of <beep> for each one and a loud auditory bleep. A "rude dictionary" that would translate these words is apparently in the works, but not yet available.We noted that the app took a bit longer to launch then any app we've used before, but other than that, we have no huge complaints. We'll be happy when Jibbigo adds more languages to its repertoire.A demonstration of Jibbigo can be seen in this video:
Jibbigo, by Mobile Technologies, is a bilingual translation app for the iPhone and iPod Touch that can translate your speech directly into another language. (Jibbigo costs $24.99. Download via iTunes store link.) Currently, the app supports only English-to-Spanish and Spanish-to-English translations, but Mobile Technologies says it will support other languages in the future. Jibbigo is easy to use, but like most voice-input apps, it works best in environments with low-to-moderate background noise, and you must speak clearly when using it. To start translating, you launch the app and record a sentence in English or Spanish. Jibbigo then translates the spoken input into the appropriate language, displays the translated text, then speaks it using a synthesized voice with an included vocabulary of 40,000-plus words for travelers in a variety of situations, including medical emergencies, restaurant settings, or general conversation.To take full advantage of the Jibbigo's features, you'll need an iPhone 3GS or a third-generation iPod Touch, since the app supports two-way translations on these devices. Other iPhones and iPods are limited to unidirectional translations, explained in this table that details what works and what doesn't on each Apple device.Jibbigo worked well in our field tests, although it did make occasional small mistakes. We got a good hard laugh out of the way the app handles curse words--speaking one or more of these words results in a text translation of <beep> for each one and a loud auditory bleep. A "rude dictionary" that would translate these words is apparently in the works, but not yet available.We noted that the app took a bit longer to launch then any app we've used before, but other than that, we have no huge complaints. We'll be happy when Jibbigo adds more languages to its repertoire.A demonstration of Jibbigo can be seen in this video:
Apple's iWatch may be unveiled this year, Bloomberg says
Apple's iWatch may be unveiled this year, Bloomberg says
Apple's rumored iWatch may get its unveiling sooner than later. The company is seeking to introduce the device as soon as this year, according to Bloomberg. The wire service previously reported that Apple had roughly 100 people working on the project. CNET contacted Apple for comment, and we'll update the story when the company responds. The iWatch may end up being more profitable than Apple's other rumored new business, the television. While the television business is saddled with low margins, a long replacement cycle, and high costs, the watch business boasts higher margins and growth. The popularity of cell phones has eliminated the need for many to wear watches, but some believe they are coming back thanks to the advent of health monitors and sensors. The Nike Fuelband, for instance, is considered a fashionable watch in addition to a fitness tool. Bloomberg noted that Apple has filed 79 patents that contain the word "wrist," including one recently for a "wearable accessory device" that would display video, and indeed more patents showing off an iWatch-like device continue to pop up. The Verge, meanwhile, is reporting that the purported iWatch will run a full version of iOS, rather than a variation on the stripped-down operating system in the iPod Nano, versions of which have been used in watch designs.An iWatch would help to offset slowing growth in Apple's key iPhone business, which faces increasing competition from the likes of Samsung Electronics. Samsung is set to debut its own flagship Galaxy S4 in less than two weeks, which should eat into Apple's momentum in the smartphone business. Apple CEO Tim Cook has been criticized by some for not bringing out new products fast enough, with many eager to see an iTV. But the iWatch, at least according to the various reports out there, may make it out of the gates first. This illustration comes from a recent Apple patent application describing a "wearable video device."U.S. PTO/Apple
Apple's rumored iWatch may get its unveiling sooner than later. The company is seeking to introduce the device as soon as this year, according to Bloomberg. The wire service previously reported that Apple had roughly 100 people working on the project. CNET contacted Apple for comment, and we'll update the story when the company responds. The iWatch may end up being more profitable than Apple's other rumored new business, the television. While the television business is saddled with low margins, a long replacement cycle, and high costs, the watch business boasts higher margins and growth. The popularity of cell phones has eliminated the need for many to wear watches, but some believe they are coming back thanks to the advent of health monitors and sensors. The Nike Fuelband, for instance, is considered a fashionable watch in addition to a fitness tool. Bloomberg noted that Apple has filed 79 patents that contain the word "wrist," including one recently for a "wearable accessory device" that would display video, and indeed more patents showing off an iWatch-like device continue to pop up. The Verge, meanwhile, is reporting that the purported iWatch will run a full version of iOS, rather than a variation on the stripped-down operating system in the iPod Nano, versions of which have been used in watch designs.An iWatch would help to offset slowing growth in Apple's key iPhone business, which faces increasing competition from the likes of Samsung Electronics. Samsung is set to debut its own flagship Galaxy S4 in less than two weeks, which should eat into Apple's momentum in the smartphone business. Apple CEO Tim Cook has been criticized by some for not bringing out new products fast enough, with many eager to see an iTV. But the iWatch, at least according to the various reports out there, may make it out of the gates first. This illustration comes from a recent Apple patent application describing a "wearable video device."U.S. PTO/Apple
Apple's Ive talks design, what competitors do wrong
Apple's Ive talks design, what competitors do wrong
According to Apple's design guru, competitors are too busy trying to do something different instead of trying to solve basic problems.In a rare interview published by the London Evening Standard today, Jonathan Ive, Apple's senior vice president of industrial design, chatted about how the company goes about the design process, and what he believes competitors fail to grasp when going out on a limb with new products. "Most of our competitors are [interested] in doing something different, or want to appear new - I think those are completely the wrong goals," Ive told the outlet. "A product has to be genuinely better."How Apple goes about accomplishing that is a collaborative process, Ive argued. "I work with silicon designers, electronic and mechanical engineers, and I think you would struggle to determine who does what when we get together," Ive said. "We're located together, we share the same goal, have exactly the same preoccupation with making great products."Related storiesApple designer Ive becomes Sir JonyJonathan Ive: Steve Jobs stole my ideasBio quotes Jobs on partners in crime: Cook and IveSteve Jobs, Jony Ive named smartest in techThat thinking is by no means a new modus operandi for Apple. When late co-founder Steve Jobs came back to the company in the late '90s, he changed its focus to have what were varying business units work collaboratively on projects. That principle, which differs from a number of Apple's competitors, has led to products like the iPhone and iPad that now fuel Apple's steep profits. Ive was named a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (or KBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in December "for services to design and enterprise." Like most of Apple's senior executives, Ive--who's been with Apple since 1996--rarely makes public appearances or does interviews with the press. Nonetheless he's a fixture in the company's introductory videos for new products, and occasionally appears in person during keynote speeches to explain new design processes or lend a hand in product demonstrations.
According to Apple's design guru, competitors are too busy trying to do something different instead of trying to solve basic problems.In a rare interview published by the London Evening Standard today, Jonathan Ive, Apple's senior vice president of industrial design, chatted about how the company goes about the design process, and what he believes competitors fail to grasp when going out on a limb with new products. "Most of our competitors are [interested] in doing something different, or want to appear new - I think those are completely the wrong goals," Ive told the outlet. "A product has to be genuinely better."How Apple goes about accomplishing that is a collaborative process, Ive argued. "I work with silicon designers, electronic and mechanical engineers, and I think you would struggle to determine who does what when we get together," Ive said. "We're located together, we share the same goal, have exactly the same preoccupation with making great products."Related storiesApple designer Ive becomes Sir JonyJonathan Ive: Steve Jobs stole my ideasBio quotes Jobs on partners in crime: Cook and IveSteve Jobs, Jony Ive named smartest in techThat thinking is by no means a new modus operandi for Apple. When late co-founder Steve Jobs came back to the company in the late '90s, he changed its focus to have what were varying business units work collaboratively on projects. That principle, which differs from a number of Apple's competitors, has led to products like the iPhone and iPad that now fuel Apple's steep profits. Ive was named a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (or KBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in December "for services to design and enterprise." Like most of Apple's senior executives, Ive--who's been with Apple since 1996--rarely makes public appearances or does interviews with the press. Nonetheless he's a fixture in the company's introductory videos for new products, and occasionally appears in person during keynote speeches to explain new design processes or lend a hand in product demonstrations.
Apple's iTunes Pass debuts in US to bankroll your purchases
Apple's iTunes Pass debuts in US to bankroll your purchases
Apple consumers in the US and elsewhere can now tap into the new iTunes Pass feature to add funds to buy their favorite iTunes and App Store items.Initially rolled out just in Japan earlier this week, iTunes Pass landed in the US, Australia, and Germany late Wednesday, according to AppleInsider. The US-based iTunes Gift page that features iTunes Pass doesn't list specific availability across the world but does state that the feature is unavailable in Brazil, China, and Turkey.So what's the big deal about iTunes Pass?iTunes Pass integrates with Apple's Passbook feature as a way for you to deposit funds in your iTunes account through an Apple retail store so you can more easily purchase items. The new feature expands on Apple's adoption of electronic payments so you don't need to buy physical gift cards, use credit or debit cards, or keep track of redemption codes to shop in the iTunes Store or App Store. Apple introduced its Passbook "digital wallet" in 2012 but so far has taken only baby steps in enhancing the way consumers can use the feature. iTunes Pass is a small but welcome and useful enhancement.And how does iTunes Pass work? Apple explains the feature as follows:"Now you can add money directly to your iTunes or App Store account with iTunes Pass. To get iTunes Pass, go to the iTunes Store on your iOS device, scroll down, and tap the Redeem button. Then go in to any Apple Retail Store and let a Specialist know you want to add credit to your account. Open iTunes Pass in Passbook, and have the Specialist scan it and accept your payment. Your balance will be updated and can be used immediately."From there you can buy items in the iTunes Store and App Store simply by tapping into your existing Passbook funds without having to rely on a separate financial account.
Apple consumers in the US and elsewhere can now tap into the new iTunes Pass feature to add funds to buy their favorite iTunes and App Store items.Initially rolled out just in Japan earlier this week, iTunes Pass landed in the US, Australia, and Germany late Wednesday, according to AppleInsider. The US-based iTunes Gift page that features iTunes Pass doesn't list specific availability across the world but does state that the feature is unavailable in Brazil, China, and Turkey.So what's the big deal about iTunes Pass?iTunes Pass integrates with Apple's Passbook feature as a way for you to deposit funds in your iTunes account through an Apple retail store so you can more easily purchase items. The new feature expands on Apple's adoption of electronic payments so you don't need to buy physical gift cards, use credit or debit cards, or keep track of redemption codes to shop in the iTunes Store or App Store. Apple introduced its Passbook "digital wallet" in 2012 but so far has taken only baby steps in enhancing the way consumers can use the feature. iTunes Pass is a small but welcome and useful enhancement.And how does iTunes Pass work? Apple explains the feature as follows:"Now you can add money directly to your iTunes or App Store account with iTunes Pass. To get iTunes Pass, go to the iTunes Store on your iOS device, scroll down, and tap the Redeem button. Then go in to any Apple Retail Store and let a Specialist know you want to add credit to your account. Open iTunes Pass in Passbook, and have the Specialist scan it and accept your payment. Your balance will be updated and can be used immediately."From there you can buy items in the iTunes Store and App Store simply by tapping into your existing Passbook funds without having to rely on a separate financial account.
Apple's iTunes dominates the music downloading world
Apple's iTunes dominates the music downloading world
In this new era of music streaming, many people seem to wonder whether song and album downloading is becoming irrelevant. Apparently, not quite yet.Music downloading is as strong as ever, according to a new NPD study based on data from 5,400 consumer surveys. In fact, streaming only seems to bolster downloads. Though streaming services, like Spotify, Pandora, and Rdio, have grown at an extraordinary rate, music fans still want to own albums. According to NPD, 44 million U.S. residents paid for the download of at least one song track or album last year. And this number has stayed basically the same for the past three years. In fact, 2012 saw a 6 percent increase in paid-for downloads."There's a belief that consumers don't need to buy music because of streaming options," Russ Crupnick, NPD's senior vice president of industry analysis, said in a statement, "when in fact streamers are much more likely than the average consumer to buy music downloads." One third of the people surveyed by NPD said that owning music is important and 30 percent said listening to an entire album is essential. Of those consumers that claimed to be oft-streamers, many said they downloaded more albums because they discovered new music via streaming.Several other companies have come on the downloading scene, but Apple is still the behemoth of the music download world.Nearly 10 years ago, the tech giant launched its iTunes Store, and it's still dominating digital music downloads. Apple claimed 63 percent of the paid music download market in the fourth quarter of 2012, with 8 out of 10 buyers going to iTunes for their downloads, according to NPD. Amazon came in second, with 22 percent of users buying music from AmazonMP3. This is up from 2011, when Amazon had only 15 percent of the market."Since the launch of Apple's iTunes store, digital music downloads have become the dominant revenue source for the recorded-music industry, and iTunes continues to be the dominant retailer," Crupnick said.
In this new era of music streaming, many people seem to wonder whether song and album downloading is becoming irrelevant. Apparently, not quite yet.Music downloading is as strong as ever, according to a new NPD study based on data from 5,400 consumer surveys. In fact, streaming only seems to bolster downloads. Though streaming services, like Spotify, Pandora, and Rdio, have grown at an extraordinary rate, music fans still want to own albums. According to NPD, 44 million U.S. residents paid for the download of at least one song track or album last year. And this number has stayed basically the same for the past three years. In fact, 2012 saw a 6 percent increase in paid-for downloads."There's a belief that consumers don't need to buy music because of streaming options," Russ Crupnick, NPD's senior vice president of industry analysis, said in a statement, "when in fact streamers are much more likely than the average consumer to buy music downloads." One third of the people surveyed by NPD said that owning music is important and 30 percent said listening to an entire album is essential. Of those consumers that claimed to be oft-streamers, many said they downloaded more albums because they discovered new music via streaming.Several other companies have come on the downloading scene, but Apple is still the behemoth of the music download world.Nearly 10 years ago, the tech giant launched its iTunes Store, and it's still dominating digital music downloads. Apple claimed 63 percent of the paid music download market in the fourth quarter of 2012, with 8 out of 10 buyers going to iTunes for their downloads, according to NPD. Amazon came in second, with 22 percent of users buying music from AmazonMP3. This is up from 2011, when Amazon had only 15 percent of the market."Since the launch of Apple's iTunes store, digital music downloads have become the dominant revenue source for the recorded-music industry, and iTunes continues to be the dominant retailer," Crupnick said.
Apple's iPod Nano could return to taller form, rumor says
Apple's iPod Nano could return to taller form, rumor says
If there's one chameleon in Apple's iPod lineup, it's a close race between the iPod Nano and the Shuffle. Both have changed dramatically over the course of their respective product life spans, and a new rumor says it could happen all over again to the next Nano.According to Japanese Apple-focused blog Macotakara, Apple's next iPod Nano will return to an earlier form of sorts, reverting back to the tried-and-true "oblong style" form factor. As a frame of reference, the current Nano is more like an iPod Shuffle, just with a touch screen on the front instead of click controls.One curious thing about this rumor is what this means to the cottage industry that's been built up around using the iPod Nano as a watch. There have been numerous third-party accessories that use the iPod Nano as a digital time piece, so much so that Apple made it a point in one of its last major iPod Nano software updates to add additional faces.The benefit in all this, Macotakara offers, is that the device will sport a dedicated home button, and run an iTunes app, presumably meaning it will have a fully working version of iOS. However, that would also put into question where such a device would fit in with Apple's iPod line, considering its proximity to the iPod Touch.Related storiesMore photos of iPod Nano with a camera emergeNext iPod Nano to get camera?How Apple whiffed on the new iPod NanoCNET Review: Apple iPod Nano 2011Apple's last major update to the iPod Nano was the move to a square, touch-screen form factor in September, 2010. Apple then quietly reduced the price of the 8GB model at its iPhone 4S event last year from $149 down to $129. The company typically updates its iPod lineup in the fall, just when school is beginning and just ahead of the holidays.Macotakara's report, which was spotted by 9to5mac, contradicts a series of leaked photos that began in April of last year, depicting a sixth-generation style iPod Nano with a built-in camera. The camera was a feature included in an earlier generation of the Nano, which was nixed when the device was shrunk down.
If there's one chameleon in Apple's iPod lineup, it's a close race between the iPod Nano and the Shuffle. Both have changed dramatically over the course of their respective product life spans, and a new rumor says it could happen all over again to the next Nano.According to Japanese Apple-focused blog Macotakara, Apple's next iPod Nano will return to an earlier form of sorts, reverting back to the tried-and-true "oblong style" form factor. As a frame of reference, the current Nano is more like an iPod Shuffle, just with a touch screen on the front instead of click controls.One curious thing about this rumor is what this means to the cottage industry that's been built up around using the iPod Nano as a watch. There have been numerous third-party accessories that use the iPod Nano as a digital time piece, so much so that Apple made it a point in one of its last major iPod Nano software updates to add additional faces.The benefit in all this, Macotakara offers, is that the device will sport a dedicated home button, and run an iTunes app, presumably meaning it will have a fully working version of iOS. However, that would also put into question where such a device would fit in with Apple's iPod line, considering its proximity to the iPod Touch.Related storiesMore photos of iPod Nano with a camera emergeNext iPod Nano to get camera?How Apple whiffed on the new iPod NanoCNET Review: Apple iPod Nano 2011Apple's last major update to the iPod Nano was the move to a square, touch-screen form factor in September, 2010. Apple then quietly reduced the price of the 8GB model at its iPhone 4S event last year from $149 down to $129. The company typically updates its iPod lineup in the fall, just when school is beginning and just ahead of the holidays.Macotakara's report, which was spotted by 9to5mac, contradicts a series of leaked photos that began in April of last year, depicting a sixth-generation style iPod Nano with a built-in camera. The camera was a feature included in an earlier generation of the Nano, which was nixed when the device was shrunk down.
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