The 404 540: Where we find out if that's your REAL name (podcast)
Today's episode of The 404 Podcast starts off with a intimate glimpse into Justin's mind, so we recommend throwing on some goggles before watching. He reveals that his name was initially supposed to be Jonathan, but due to complications surrounding the pronunciation of his name, the doctor just shortened it to the simpler-sounding Justin. Jeff also has a funny story about his father's name, and it turns out it wasn't always Sweet Lou! It's Thursday, so you know what that means: Natali Del Conte joins the fun and adds a valuable female perspective on our motley crew. We've been talking about the Sony PlayStation Move since it debuted at last week's Game Developers Conference, and Sony just announced its first Move commercial, brought to you by...the future. The video features a very Colberian Kevin Butler, the PlayStation's VP of Realistic Movements, who takes sarcastic shots at Nintendo and Microsoft in the very distant future (November 2010).We could spend an entire show on this next topic, a list of 10 things women do that turn men off. It's all in good fun and we're obviously generalizing, but we're finding it hard to dispute the irritations that writer Brendan Tapley brings up, including "assuming we know what you want us to do," "smothering instead of mothering," and "over-sharing." Thanks to NDC for sticking around to keep us in check!Finally, a new study in the latest Retrevo Gadgetology Report (gadgetology?) anecdotally shows that one in 10 people under 25 would pause coitus to check their social networking updates, which begs the question: is Facebook better than sex?Short answer: No, dude. Long answer: Listen to the show!EPISODE 540PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Music app Shazam gets new Facebook features
Music app Shazam gets new Facebook features
Shazam, the mobile application that has enthralled millions of listeners with its ability to detect and identify a song--largely ending the need to Google lyrics--has gotten a little bit more social. Namely, the latest update to its iPhone app (and soon Android app) added Facebook integration, which wouldn't be a terribly big deal except that the social music space continues to be so interesting to watch.Now, when you "tag" a song by running it through the Shazam system to identify it, or just open up the app for browsing purposes, you have an option called "Shazam Friends" that lets you see a feed of songs that your Facebook friends have tagged lately. This makes it significantly easier to navigate friends' individual song discoveries--something that a new music-sharing app that launched to positive buzz at SXSW earlier this month, Soundtracking, has as its centerpiece--and may mean that people will now start spending time on the Shazam app for reasons other than identifying the soundtrack to the local Urban Outfitters store."Our new feature not only allows Shazamers to see what their friends on Facebook are tagging, but they can also listen to the track and go on to purchase it," Shazam CEO Andrew Fisher said in a statement. "Shazam Friends is an exciting new feature for our community of Shazamers, that will make it easier than ever before to learn about new music and share those moments."The app already had basic Facebook and Twitter share buttons (as does a competitor, SoundHound), but basic social-media sharing for music hasn't had the best track record of late--iTunes Ping, after a much-hyped launch, has turned out to be one of Apple's more disappointing product offerings in terms of usage and uptake.Three million songs are "Shazammed" each day, the company said. Its app was initially a free download, but in late 2009 the company restricted the number of songs that could be "tagged" for free and started charging for the full version.
Shazam, the mobile application that has enthralled millions of listeners with its ability to detect and identify a song--largely ending the need to Google lyrics--has gotten a little bit more social. Namely, the latest update to its iPhone app (and soon Android app) added Facebook integration, which wouldn't be a terribly big deal except that the social music space continues to be so interesting to watch.Now, when you "tag" a song by running it through the Shazam system to identify it, or just open up the app for browsing purposes, you have an option called "Shazam Friends" that lets you see a feed of songs that your Facebook friends have tagged lately. This makes it significantly easier to navigate friends' individual song discoveries--something that a new music-sharing app that launched to positive buzz at SXSW earlier this month, Soundtracking, has as its centerpiece--and may mean that people will now start spending time on the Shazam app for reasons other than identifying the soundtrack to the local Urban Outfitters store."Our new feature not only allows Shazamers to see what their friends on Facebook are tagging, but they can also listen to the track and go on to purchase it," Shazam CEO Andrew Fisher said in a statement. "Shazam Friends is an exciting new feature for our community of Shazamers, that will make it easier than ever before to learn about new music and share those moments."The app already had basic Facebook and Twitter share buttons (as does a competitor, SoundHound), but basic social-media sharing for music hasn't had the best track record of late--iTunes Ping, after a much-hyped launch, has turned out to be one of Apple's more disappointing product offerings in terms of usage and uptake.Three million songs are "Shazammed" each day, the company said. Its app was initially a free download, but in late 2009 the company restricted the number of songs that could be "tagged" for free and started charging for the full version.
Google changes tempo of music approach
Google changes tempo of music approach
Harry Fox licenses mechanical and digital rights for thousands of publishers. Last month, CNET reported that Google could launch a music service this fall. Google declined to comment for this story.Launching a music service would be simple if all Google intended to do was offer digital downloads or a subscription service. But Google has more ambitious plans to strike an unprecedented cloud-music licensing deal with the four major record companies, music industry sources told CNET. That is why music industry insiders believe Google went outside for legal help. The cloud is supposed to represent the next step in the evolution of digital media services. Apple and Google have both discussed building cloud services for both film and music, according to numerous sources at the major movie studios and record labels. Each company has discussed hosting their users' media on their servers. Users could then access their movies, music, and e-books from Web-connected devices. At this point, Google appears further along in launching a cloud service than Apple, sources said. To reach an agreement on cloud music will not be easy. The labels have yet to license music rights for the kind of offerings that Google and Apple are said to be working on. "There's no template," said one music source. "They're going to be starting from scratch and that's not easy." What that means is that if negotiations go poorly, they could conceivably delay the launch offering until next year. But Moody could help speed things up. She has worked for years with tech-music guru Fred Davis at the firm of Davis Shapiro, Lewit & Hayes, a firm that has represented such services as Spotify, MySpace Music, iMeem, MOG, iLike, Bebo and Playlist, according to TechCrunch. Moody knows all the major players at the big record companies and is well respected, sources said.Coming up with a cloud deal won't be Moody's only chore at Google. Some of YouTube's licensing deals that enable users to incorporate songs from the major labels into their videos are coming up for renewal.
Harry Fox licenses mechanical and digital rights for thousands of publishers. Last month, CNET reported that Google could launch a music service this fall. Google declined to comment for this story.Launching a music service would be simple if all Google intended to do was offer digital downloads or a subscription service. But Google has more ambitious plans to strike an unprecedented cloud-music licensing deal with the four major record companies, music industry sources told CNET. That is why music industry insiders believe Google went outside for legal help. The cloud is supposed to represent the next step in the evolution of digital media services. Apple and Google have both discussed building cloud services for both film and music, according to numerous sources at the major movie studios and record labels. Each company has discussed hosting their users' media on their servers. Users could then access their movies, music, and e-books from Web-connected devices. At this point, Google appears further along in launching a cloud service than Apple, sources said. To reach an agreement on cloud music will not be easy. The labels have yet to license music rights for the kind of offerings that Google and Apple are said to be working on. "There's no template," said one music source. "They're going to be starting from scratch and that's not easy." What that means is that if negotiations go poorly, they could conceivably delay the launch offering until next year. But Moody could help speed things up. She has worked for years with tech-music guru Fred Davis at the firm of Davis Shapiro, Lewit & Hayes, a firm that has represented such services as Spotify, MySpace Music, iMeem, MOG, iLike, Bebo and Playlist, according to TechCrunch. Moody knows all the major players at the big record companies and is well respected, sources said.Coming up with a cloud deal won't be Moody's only chore at Google. Some of YouTube's licensing deals that enable users to incorporate songs from the major labels into their videos are coming up for renewal.
Gmail push on iPhone- Meet GPush
Gmail push on iPhone? Meet GPush
The arrival of push notification in Apple's 3.0 iPhone software whipped up excitement, though its real-world application still left users wanting more. On Monday, Tiverias Apps released GPush, a small (0.3MB), 99-cent application that fills in a gap with push notification for your Gmail account. GPush alerts you to incoming Gmail messages with a red icon badge, a chime, and a semitransparent alert window that reads the sender's name and the subject line. (You can change these in the Notification settings.) The application interface itself does little, apart from collecting your log-in information once, and manually reregistering your credentials. All the rest works behind the scenes.How did GPush do? Fair, in our tests, but not worthy of the hype we've seen elsewhere. Many alerts for incoming e-mails came through, either after sliding the phone to wake it from sleep, or while actively using the iPhone. However, many other messages lagged or weren't passed down from the server at all, though they still showed up in the Mail box.GPush's developers said in a phone call that there could be issues if the phone frequently switches between Wi-Fi and 3G data and loses the data connection. During these moments of instability, GPush will queue the new messages for notifications. When the iPhone regains its service, GPush sends out only the most recent notification, an Apple limitation to keep alerts from flooding your screen. If you rely on Gmail, GPush is probably worth the dollar for the risk, particularly if it's not your habit to incessantly check your in-box. PushMail ($4.99) is a competitor, another third-party workaround in the iTunes App Store, though it differs. Pushmail sends along any e-mail redirected to your "dopushmail.com" address, not just inbound Gmail messages. It takes more setup and maintenance work since you'll need to forward messages to a different account e-mail, but for those who crave privacy above all else, avoiding giving up your password and log-in may be worth the extra cost and setup. GPush is available now in the iTunes store for 99 cents.
The arrival of push notification in Apple's 3.0 iPhone software whipped up excitement, though its real-world application still left users wanting more. On Monday, Tiverias Apps released GPush, a small (0.3MB), 99-cent application that fills in a gap with push notification for your Gmail account. GPush alerts you to incoming Gmail messages with a red icon badge, a chime, and a semitransparent alert window that reads the sender's name and the subject line. (You can change these in the Notification settings.) The application interface itself does little, apart from collecting your log-in information once, and manually reregistering your credentials. All the rest works behind the scenes.How did GPush do? Fair, in our tests, but not worthy of the hype we've seen elsewhere. Many alerts for incoming e-mails came through, either after sliding the phone to wake it from sleep, or while actively using the iPhone. However, many other messages lagged or weren't passed down from the server at all, though they still showed up in the Mail box.GPush's developers said in a phone call that there could be issues if the phone frequently switches between Wi-Fi and 3G data and loses the data connection. During these moments of instability, GPush will queue the new messages for notifications. When the iPhone regains its service, GPush sends out only the most recent notification, an Apple limitation to keep alerts from flooding your screen. If you rely on Gmail, GPush is probably worth the dollar for the risk, particularly if it's not your habit to incessantly check your in-box. PushMail ($4.99) is a competitor, another third-party workaround in the iTunes App Store, though it differs. Pushmail sends along any e-mail redirected to your "dopushmail.com" address, not just inbound Gmail messages. It takes more setup and maintenance work since you'll need to forward messages to a different account e-mail, but for those who crave privacy above all else, avoiding giving up your password and log-in may be worth the extra cost and setup. GPush is available now in the iTunes store for 99 cents.
iPhone 5 order- 15 million for Sept. launch, report says
iPhone 5 order: 15 million for Sept. launch, report says
Citing sources from upstream component makers, DigiTimes said that Taiwan-based notebook maker Pegatron Technology received the new orders from Apple.Pegatron was responsible for shipping Verizon's CDMA version of the iPhone 4, but it reportedly had to cut back on its production due to sluggish demand for the phone. The company had ramped up its facilities and plants to handle orders for 10 million CDMA iPhone 4 units, but it shipped less than 4 million, taking a bite out of its bottom line, according to DigiTimes.To ramp up production of the iPhone 5, component makers have already been sending parts to Pegatron's plants in Shanghai, while Pegatron has been hiring more personnel, added the sources.The iPhone 5, also referred to as the iPhone 4S by DigiTimes, does not seem to include any major updates from the current iPhone 4, according to the sources. Rumors have been flying lately as to when the next iPhone would be released and whether it would be a major upgrade from the current version. Some sources, including Morgan Stanley and Bloomberg, have also cited September as the likely launch date for the next model iPhone.But there's been disagreement over whether the new iPhone would present a major revamp. Jefferies & Co. analyst Peter Misek believes it will be a minor update over the iPhone 4, also referring to it as an iPhone 4S. J.P. Morgan analyst Mark Moskowitz is predicting an an iPhone "4 plus," a unit with some improvements but no major changes.However, Bloomberg and other sources still expect the next iPhone to sport several significant changes.
Citing sources from upstream component makers, DigiTimes said that Taiwan-based notebook maker Pegatron Technology received the new orders from Apple.Pegatron was responsible for shipping Verizon's CDMA version of the iPhone 4, but it reportedly had to cut back on its production due to sluggish demand for the phone. The company had ramped up its facilities and plants to handle orders for 10 million CDMA iPhone 4 units, but it shipped less than 4 million, taking a bite out of its bottom line, according to DigiTimes.To ramp up production of the iPhone 5, component makers have already been sending parts to Pegatron's plants in Shanghai, while Pegatron has been hiring more personnel, added the sources.The iPhone 5, also referred to as the iPhone 4S by DigiTimes, does not seem to include any major updates from the current iPhone 4, according to the sources. Rumors have been flying lately as to when the next iPhone would be released and whether it would be a major upgrade from the current version. Some sources, including Morgan Stanley and Bloomberg, have also cited September as the likely launch date for the next model iPhone.But there's been disagreement over whether the new iPhone would present a major revamp. Jefferies & Co. analyst Peter Misek believes it will be a minor update over the iPhone 4, also referring to it as an iPhone 4S. J.P. Morgan analyst Mark Moskowitz is predicting an an iPhone "4 plus," a unit with some improvements but no major changes.However, Bloomberg and other sources still expect the next iPhone to sport several significant changes.
iPhone 5 leaked photos show tall white frame with center camera
iPhone 5 leaked photos show tall white frame with center camera
Possible images of the next-generation iPhone continue to pop up online, with the latest allegedly revealing a peek at the front frame.Two photos merged into one image posted by Taiwan-based blog Apple.pro display a white frame and the same white frame flipped over to reveal its back. 9to5Mac says the image is the first peek of a white front frame for the upcoming iPhone.The width of the alleged frame is apparently the same as that of the iPhone 4S, according to Apple.pro, but the length is greater. That description follows several reports this year claiming that the next iPhone will receive a bump up in screen size to 4 inches from the current 3.5 inches. The screen would offer an aspect ratio of 16:9, with Apple increasing the length of the phone but maintaining the current width.Related storiesiPhone 5 rumor roundupWhat if iPhone 5 isn't called 'iPhone' at all?iPhone 5 'already in production,' says Japan-based blogAt it again: Sellers in China offer iPhone 5 preordersThe phone's FaceTime camera also is located at the top center, according to the image, as opposed to the top left of center on the iPhone 4S.The iPhone 5 itself has reportedly already gone into production, according to Japanese blog Macotakara, which says that cases for the next-gen model have been spotted by China's Alibaba.com Web site.The next iPhone is expected to launch in early fall, either in September or October.
Possible images of the next-generation iPhone continue to pop up online, with the latest allegedly revealing a peek at the front frame.Two photos merged into one image posted by Taiwan-based blog Apple.pro display a white frame and the same white frame flipped over to reveal its back. 9to5Mac says the image is the first peek of a white front frame for the upcoming iPhone.The width of the alleged frame is apparently the same as that of the iPhone 4S, according to Apple.pro, but the length is greater. That description follows several reports this year claiming that the next iPhone will receive a bump up in screen size to 4 inches from the current 3.5 inches. The screen would offer an aspect ratio of 16:9, with Apple increasing the length of the phone but maintaining the current width.Related storiesiPhone 5 rumor roundupWhat if iPhone 5 isn't called 'iPhone' at all?iPhone 5 'already in production,' says Japan-based blogAt it again: Sellers in China offer iPhone 5 preordersThe phone's FaceTime camera also is located at the top center, according to the image, as opposed to the top left of center on the iPhone 4S.The iPhone 5 itself has reportedly already gone into production, according to Japanese blog Macotakara, which says that cases for the next-gen model have been spotted by China's Alibaba.com Web site.The next iPhone is expected to launch in early fall, either in September or October.
iPad- Yankees say no, minors team says yes
iPad: Yankees say no, minors team says yes
The New York Yankees made tech news earlier this week when it was confirmed that the most successful baseball team in history wouldn't be allowing fans to bring Apple's iPad to games at the New Yankee Stadium. In response, a minor league team announced this week that it will welcome iPad owners with open arms.The Hudson Valley Renegades, a class-A Tampa Bay Rays affiliate, released a statement earlier this week confirming that it would allow Apple's iPad into its stadium. Even better, the team said that on every Monday game during the season, fans will be able to bring their iPads to the ballpark and get a free ticket. It gets better. The team will even open a ReTweet booth where fans can "get assistance with setting up or updating their social-media networking sites, such as Twitter, Foursquare, and Facebook.""Technology is constantly evolving and enhancing the way fans are able to follow the game," General Manager Eben Yager said in a statement. "This season we are focusing on the fan experience, and utilizing this new technology at the ballpark [allows] fans to do everything from watch a Major League game to checking stats on former Renegades players only improves the fan's experience. It allows everyone to be their own fan."The Renegades' decision to allow iPads into its stadium was a direct response to the New York Yankees deciding that Apple's tablet fell under its "No laptops" policy.Monday games at the Renegades' Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls, N.Y., start on June 21.
The New York Yankees made tech news earlier this week when it was confirmed that the most successful baseball team in history wouldn't be allowing fans to bring Apple's iPad to games at the New Yankee Stadium. In response, a minor league team announced this week that it will welcome iPad owners with open arms.The Hudson Valley Renegades, a class-A Tampa Bay Rays affiliate, released a statement earlier this week confirming that it would allow Apple's iPad into its stadium. Even better, the team said that on every Monday game during the season, fans will be able to bring their iPads to the ballpark and get a free ticket. It gets better. The team will even open a ReTweet booth where fans can "get assistance with setting up or updating their social-media networking sites, such as Twitter, Foursquare, and Facebook.""Technology is constantly evolving and enhancing the way fans are able to follow the game," General Manager Eben Yager said in a statement. "This season we are focusing on the fan experience, and utilizing this new technology at the ballpark [allows] fans to do everything from watch a Major League game to checking stats on former Renegades players only improves the fan's experience. It allows everyone to be their own fan."The Renegades' decision to allow iPads into its stadium was a direct response to the New York Yankees deciding that Apple's tablet fell under its "No laptops" policy.Monday games at the Renegades' Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls, N.Y., start on June 21.
iPad with improved display to launch this fall-
iPad with improved display to launch this fall?
Apple is planning to launch a new iPad "at the end of the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter," according to DigiTimes.Apple will reportedly call the new device the iPad 2 Plus, the Taiwan-based news site said today, citing anonymous sources. For now, details on the rumored device are slim, but the publication said it could be thinner than the iPad 2 and come with an improved display.Other recent rumors have also suggested that an updated tablet will feature a high-quality screen. Last week, This Is My Next said Apple's upcoming "iPad HD" tablet could feature a 2,048x1,536 resolution display. The tech enthusiast site reported that the iPad HD would be sold alongside the current iPad 2."The idea behind the product is apparently that it will be a 'pro' device aimed at a higher-end market--folks who work in video and photo production possibly--and will be introduced alongside something like an iPad version of Final Cut or Aperture," This Is My Next said at the time.DigiTimes' claim that the new iPad might also feature a thinner body is somewhat surprising. When Apple launched the iPad 2 earlier this year, the company touted how thin its tablet is. According to Apple, its latest iPad is just 0.34 inch thick. Whether Apple could make its next iPad even thinner remains to be seen.Either way, as with all other Apple rumors, be sure to take this latest report with a grain of salt: Apple has so far made no indication that it's launching another iPad later this year.Apple did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment.
Apple is planning to launch a new iPad "at the end of the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter," according to DigiTimes.Apple will reportedly call the new device the iPad 2 Plus, the Taiwan-based news site said today, citing anonymous sources. For now, details on the rumored device are slim, but the publication said it could be thinner than the iPad 2 and come with an improved display.Other recent rumors have also suggested that an updated tablet will feature a high-quality screen. Last week, This Is My Next said Apple's upcoming "iPad HD" tablet could feature a 2,048x1,536 resolution display. The tech enthusiast site reported that the iPad HD would be sold alongside the current iPad 2."The idea behind the product is apparently that it will be a 'pro' device aimed at a higher-end market--folks who work in video and photo production possibly--and will be introduced alongside something like an iPad version of Final Cut or Aperture," This Is My Next said at the time.DigiTimes' claim that the new iPad might also feature a thinner body is somewhat surprising. When Apple launched the iPad 2 earlier this year, the company touted how thin its tablet is. According to Apple, its latest iPad is just 0.34 inch thick. Whether Apple could make its next iPad even thinner remains to be seen.Either way, as with all other Apple rumors, be sure to take this latest report with a grain of salt: Apple has so far made no indication that it's launching another iPad later this year.Apple did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment.
iPad users finally get Skype app
iPad users finally get Skype app
iPad users can finally get their hands on a native Skype app. For real. More than a month after it was expected to make its official debut, the iPad-optimized Skype client began appearing in Apple App Stores on August 1. The new app takes advantage of the tablet's larger screen real estate, making for crisp and clear video chat over Wi-Fi, and often less crisp chat over 3G.However, not long after the app appeared, Skype pulled it, saying it was released prematurely. "To ensure your best Skype experience, we've temporarily removed Skype for iPad which went live prematurely today," Skype said on its Twitter feed. "We know you've been eagerly awaiting Skype for iPad and apologize for the inconvenience."Then some hours later, on the morning of August 2, Skype proclaimed again that Skype is available for download.Skype had whetted iPad owners' appetite in June when it posted a video of its not-yet-released iPad application to its YouTube channel before quickly setting it to private. The video demos the application's video chat capabilities, which rival that of Apple's built-in FaceTime service with a window for both the person you're chatting with, and one to view yourself in. Also included is standard phone dialing and integrated text-chat, the latter of which can be used during a video chat. The big difference from Apple's own FaceTime service is that Skype's application brings video chat over 3G networks. FaceTime currently only works over Wi-Fi, something Apple has said will change eventually.CNET's Josh Lowensohn contributed to this report.Read CNET's hands-on review of the app from June.Updated at 10:15 p.m. PT on Aug. 1 to reflect app being pulled from store, and then again at 8:17 a.m. on Aug. 2 after Skype again said that the app is available.
iPad users can finally get their hands on a native Skype app. For real. More than a month after it was expected to make its official debut, the iPad-optimized Skype client began appearing in Apple App Stores on August 1. The new app takes advantage of the tablet's larger screen real estate, making for crisp and clear video chat over Wi-Fi, and often less crisp chat over 3G.However, not long after the app appeared, Skype pulled it, saying it was released prematurely. "To ensure your best Skype experience, we've temporarily removed Skype for iPad which went live prematurely today," Skype said on its Twitter feed. "We know you've been eagerly awaiting Skype for iPad and apologize for the inconvenience."Then some hours later, on the morning of August 2, Skype proclaimed again that Skype is available for download.Skype had whetted iPad owners' appetite in June when it posted a video of its not-yet-released iPad application to its YouTube channel before quickly setting it to private. The video demos the application's video chat capabilities, which rival that of Apple's built-in FaceTime service with a window for both the person you're chatting with, and one to view yourself in. Also included is standard phone dialing and integrated text-chat, the latter of which can be used during a video chat. The big difference from Apple's own FaceTime service is that Skype's application brings video chat over 3G networks. FaceTime currently only works over Wi-Fi, something Apple has said will change eventually.CNET's Josh Lowensohn contributed to this report.Read CNET's hands-on review of the app from June.Updated at 10:15 p.m. PT on Aug. 1 to reflect app being pulled from store, and then again at 8:17 a.m. on Aug. 2 after Skype again said that the app is available.
iPad owners older and richer than other tablet owners, says study
iPad owners older and richer than other tablet owners, says study
Own an iPad? Then there's a good chance you're old and rich, uh, well, at least older and richer than other tablet owners.A new study from the folks at NPD Group claims that iPad owners tend to be older and make more money than their non-iPad peers. Among the people polled who bring home an income of $100,000 or more, 40 percent were iPad owners while only 26 percent owned other types of tablets.Those buying tablets toward the end of 2011 were 50 percent more likely to have an income less than $45,000, while 33 percent were more likely to be under 34 years old.Whatever their ages and incomes, tablet buyers still see the need for the old-fashioned PC.Only 10 percent of the tablet owners surveyed said they don't need a laptop. Among those who don't already own a tablet, 18 percent said they plan to buy one this year, but 26 percent are looking to pick up a laptop."Even as consumers increasingly use tablets for tasks that were once exclusively done on their PC, they continue to plan new PC purchases," NPD analyst Stephen Baker said in a statement. "Usage is still evolving and most people, being inherently conservative in their device outlook, continue to hedge their bets on their device preference by planning to maintain an array of products to afford them maximum flexibility."To compile its study, NPD surveyed around 4,700 people in December. Out of the group, 3,600 were tablet owners with 2,570 of them iPad owners and 1,030 owners of other tablets.Updated 12:30 p.m. PT with details on the number of people surveyed.
Own an iPad? Then there's a good chance you're old and rich, uh, well, at least older and richer than other tablet owners.A new study from the folks at NPD Group claims that iPad owners tend to be older and make more money than their non-iPad peers. Among the people polled who bring home an income of $100,000 or more, 40 percent were iPad owners while only 26 percent owned other types of tablets.Those buying tablets toward the end of 2011 were 50 percent more likely to have an income less than $45,000, while 33 percent were more likely to be under 34 years old.Whatever their ages and incomes, tablet buyers still see the need for the old-fashioned PC.Only 10 percent of the tablet owners surveyed said they don't need a laptop. Among those who don't already own a tablet, 18 percent said they plan to buy one this year, but 26 percent are looking to pick up a laptop."Even as consumers increasingly use tablets for tasks that were once exclusively done on their PC, they continue to plan new PC purchases," NPD analyst Stephen Baker said in a statement. "Usage is still evolving and most people, being inherently conservative in their device outlook, continue to hedge their bets on their device preference by planning to maintain an array of products to afford them maximum flexibility."To compile its study, NPD surveyed around 4,700 people in December. Out of the group, 3,600 were tablet owners with 2,570 of them iPad owners and 1,030 owners of other tablets.Updated 12:30 p.m. PT with details on the number of people surveyed.
iPad Mini won't eat into its big brother's sales, analyst says
iPad Mini won't eat into its big brother's sales, analyst says
Apple's iPad Mini won't cannibalize too many fourth-generation iPad sales, a new study has found.Analyst Cowen and Co. recently conducted a survey of 1,225 U.S. adults on their upcoming tablet buying preferences. According to All Things Digital, which obtained a copy of the survey's results, just 12 percent of respondents said that they would buy an iPad Mini within the next 18 months. Out of that group, just 16.6 percent said that they were buying the tablet to replace it with another tablet. Moreover, just 29 percent of those folks said that the tablet they were replacing was an iPad.Given that, Cowen analyst Matthew Hoffman argued that the "iPad Mini creates more demand than it cannibalizes."Not all analysts would be quick to agree. Last month, for example, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster wrote to investors that the iPad Mini will have a 20 percent cannibalization rate."For every five million smaller iPad [sales], you lose one million standard iPads," Munster said.Munster said last week that he still believes the iPad Mini will "have a slight cannibalization effect" on Apple's larger slate, adding that his checks seemed to indicate 90 percent of customers waiting in line for the new Apple products were actually looking to buy the iPad Mini rather than the full-sized iPad.Still, the iPad Mini won't have the biggest impact on the iPad. According to Cowen, 42 percent of iPad Mini buyers plan to replace a Windows PC. Another 13 percent of iPad Mini owners will ditch an Amazon Kindle Fire.One other interesting tidbit from the Cowen study: 52 percent of iPad Mini buyers currently don't even own a tablet.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.Play
Apple's iPad Mini won't cannibalize too many fourth-generation iPad sales, a new study has found.Analyst Cowen and Co. recently conducted a survey of 1,225 U.S. adults on their upcoming tablet buying preferences. According to All Things Digital, which obtained a copy of the survey's results, just 12 percent of respondents said that they would buy an iPad Mini within the next 18 months. Out of that group, just 16.6 percent said that they were buying the tablet to replace it with another tablet. Moreover, just 29 percent of those folks said that the tablet they were replacing was an iPad.Given that, Cowen analyst Matthew Hoffman argued that the "iPad Mini creates more demand than it cannibalizes."Not all analysts would be quick to agree. Last month, for example, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster wrote to investors that the iPad Mini will have a 20 percent cannibalization rate."For every five million smaller iPad [sales], you lose one million standard iPads," Munster said.Munster said last week that he still believes the iPad Mini will "have a slight cannibalization effect" on Apple's larger slate, adding that his checks seemed to indicate 90 percent of customers waiting in line for the new Apple products were actually looking to buy the iPad Mini rather than the full-sized iPad.Still, the iPad Mini won't have the biggest impact on the iPad. According to Cowen, 42 percent of iPad Mini buyers plan to replace a Windows PC. Another 13 percent of iPad Mini owners will ditch an Amazon Kindle Fire.One other interesting tidbit from the Cowen study: 52 percent of iPad Mini buyers currently don't even own a tablet.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.Play
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