rlhamil
Apr 21, 06:44 PM
The existence of this data has been known for some time now.
Further, some googling suggests that Apple had already responded to some congressmen's inquiries on the subject, again, well before it got this level of publicity.
From what I've read, they apparently collect locations, WiFi MAC addresses, etc, _anonymously_ (not retaining information that would track any particular person or phone, unless you _choose_ to track a lost or stolen iPhone).
Now...why would they do that? I just thought of one reason.
Geolocation by WiFi MAC address (the only way iPod touch or non-3G iPad can geolocate, if they can't use cell towers and don't include GPS) depends on a database of locations and WiFi MAC addresses. Apple probably has previously used one licensed from Skyhook or Google. I imagine that was built with equipment carried in delivery vans, or in the same vehicles that take Google's "street view" panoramic photos. Licensing access to that database must cost Apple something.
Now...what happens? Somebody says "duh, an iPhone has WiFi and a GPS, that means we've got a fleet of surveying equipment already deployed." Doesn't matter that they can't schedule the coverage; sooner or later, someone is likely to drive near just about every fixed WiFi AP on the planet with an iPhone. Now...the data quality wouldn't be as good...but even whoever did the earlier database must've had that problem (people with mobile access points would confuse the heck out of things, for instance). So maybe it takes multiple hits to confirm something as fixed, or to improve the accuracy. But eventually you still get to the same end result - a WiFi MAC address vs location database that Apple owns free and clear.
They might even be able to do some work with cell tower location data, and perhaps produce data good enough to compete with the existing geolocation database providers. After all, Apple does have to maintain some infrastructure for various functions: their notification servers, software update servers, etc. Anything they can get as a side-effect of the normal operation of iDevices and their infrastructure, that helps pay for it, lets them make a bigger profit and/or be more competitive (remember, for all Apple's rep for high prices, the iPad 2 supposedly is as well or better priced compared to competing devices with similar specs).
The question here probably isn't whether the data is being abused; and raising that question is IMO _pandering_, not surprising for a liberal, who after all must have idiots for constituents, or they wouldn't have been elected. (I mean, really, Heinlein summarized economics concisely with TANSTAAFL, and there _is_ something usually ignored called the Tenth Amendment, which basically says the states can be socialist if they want, but the federal government can't.)
The _real_ question is what safeguards are in effect to minimize the potential for abuse. Ok, we theoretically need a warrant for this sort of thing (although I wouldn't put it past individual states to play fast and loose). But what about foreign governments, already inclined towards police state behavior? What about people _knowing_ what risk they're putting themselves at in case of some civil suit?
IMO, Apple needs to provide and prominently _document_ a way to clear the saved data, and/or document the degree to which disabling location services prevents its retention (let alone anonymous reporting) in the first place. (For jailbreakers, I gather there's already a Cydia app that once installed, will automatically delete data older than a few minutes.) People need to understand that encrypted backups would make the information sync'd back to their Mac or PC safer. And so on.
Generating hysteria is perhaps a useful political tool, for those inclined to address themselves to the least common denominator. But asking the more specific questions which would lead to real answers takes more than PR, it takes a functional brain, or at least the sense to hire a staffer who has one or can consult one.
Further, some googling suggests that Apple had already responded to some congressmen's inquiries on the subject, again, well before it got this level of publicity.
From what I've read, they apparently collect locations, WiFi MAC addresses, etc, _anonymously_ (not retaining information that would track any particular person or phone, unless you _choose_ to track a lost or stolen iPhone).
Now...why would they do that? I just thought of one reason.
Geolocation by WiFi MAC address (the only way iPod touch or non-3G iPad can geolocate, if they can't use cell towers and don't include GPS) depends on a database of locations and WiFi MAC addresses. Apple probably has previously used one licensed from Skyhook or Google. I imagine that was built with equipment carried in delivery vans, or in the same vehicles that take Google's "street view" panoramic photos. Licensing access to that database must cost Apple something.
Now...what happens? Somebody says "duh, an iPhone has WiFi and a GPS, that means we've got a fleet of surveying equipment already deployed." Doesn't matter that they can't schedule the coverage; sooner or later, someone is likely to drive near just about every fixed WiFi AP on the planet with an iPhone. Now...the data quality wouldn't be as good...but even whoever did the earlier database must've had that problem (people with mobile access points would confuse the heck out of things, for instance). So maybe it takes multiple hits to confirm something as fixed, or to improve the accuracy. But eventually you still get to the same end result - a WiFi MAC address vs location database that Apple owns free and clear.
They might even be able to do some work with cell tower location data, and perhaps produce data good enough to compete with the existing geolocation database providers. After all, Apple does have to maintain some infrastructure for various functions: their notification servers, software update servers, etc. Anything they can get as a side-effect of the normal operation of iDevices and their infrastructure, that helps pay for it, lets them make a bigger profit and/or be more competitive (remember, for all Apple's rep for high prices, the iPad 2 supposedly is as well or better priced compared to competing devices with similar specs).
The question here probably isn't whether the data is being abused; and raising that question is IMO _pandering_, not surprising for a liberal, who after all must have idiots for constituents, or they wouldn't have been elected. (I mean, really, Heinlein summarized economics concisely with TANSTAAFL, and there _is_ something usually ignored called the Tenth Amendment, which basically says the states can be socialist if they want, but the federal government can't.)
The _real_ question is what safeguards are in effect to minimize the potential for abuse. Ok, we theoretically need a warrant for this sort of thing (although I wouldn't put it past individual states to play fast and loose). But what about foreign governments, already inclined towards police state behavior? What about people _knowing_ what risk they're putting themselves at in case of some civil suit?
IMO, Apple needs to provide and prominently _document_ a way to clear the saved data, and/or document the degree to which disabling location services prevents its retention (let alone anonymous reporting) in the first place. (For jailbreakers, I gather there's already a Cydia app that once installed, will automatically delete data older than a few minutes.) People need to understand that encrypted backups would make the information sync'd back to their Mac or PC safer. And so on.
Generating hysteria is perhaps a useful political tool, for those inclined to address themselves to the least common denominator. But asking the more specific questions which would lead to real answers takes more than PR, it takes a functional brain, or at least the sense to hire a staffer who has one or can consult one.
bluewire
Sep 1, 01:56 PM
Most of the posts in this thread are about the 23" screen. Yes, I think it will happen to allow the imac to play 1080i/1080p HD.
But, how about the processors? Apple needs to have a Core 2 (Conroe not Merom) inside the imac. The imac is not a conventionally size desktop (not as much room inside as a tower) but Apple can not continue to use a laptop processor in the imac. If they do, then how will the Conroe be used in Apple's line up? In a Mac tower? I don't think so. Surely, a 23" iMac could house the Conroe suitably?
So I would say that the 23" iMac would kill 2 birds - Conroe and HD for the home user. :)
Merom is 64 bit enabled, IIRC
But, how about the processors? Apple needs to have a Core 2 (Conroe not Merom) inside the imac. The imac is not a conventionally size desktop (not as much room inside as a tower) but Apple can not continue to use a laptop processor in the imac. If they do, then how will the Conroe be used in Apple's line up? In a Mac tower? I don't think so. Surely, a 23" iMac could house the Conroe suitably?
So I would say that the 23" iMac would kill 2 birds - Conroe and HD for the home user. :)
Merom is 64 bit enabled, IIRC
brianus
Sep 1, 01:22 PM
these prices seem a lot more like what I was thinking. Wishful? maybe, but this would be aggressive pricing, not keeping the current 17" and 20" where they are and throwing the 23" way over their marks.
Yeah, this is what I was thinking too. It's not so much that they're growing the iMac line and reaching towards the Mac Pro; rather, 23" is the new 20" and 20" is the new 17". Just the natural progression of things. And 17" definitely needs to be relegated to Education Only (I could see them being sold to some businesses too, perhaps), lest it either cannibalize the Mac mini at its too-reduced price, or seem like way too little for the money.
Yeah, this is what I was thinking too. It's not so much that they're growing the iMac line and reaching towards the Mac Pro; rather, 23" is the new 20" and 20" is the new 17". Just the natural progression of things. And 17" definitely needs to be relegated to Education Only (I could see them being sold to some businesses too, perhaps), lest it either cannibalize the Mac mini at its too-reduced price, or seem like way too little for the money.
JunBug119
Nov 26, 10:44 PM
Hate it when a coworker shoves me an order form and I feel obligated to purchase something.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v328/BurningSensation/ChocCaramelCrunchPackage2.jpg
Tennis elbow sucks
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v328/BurningSensation/mueller-adjustable-elbow-support4521300.jpg
For my netbook
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v328/BurningSensation/logitech-n315-lapdesk-156-notebook-cooler-dc939-000182.jpg
For the mentioned netbook cause I hate using the trackpad
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v328/BurningSensation/Microsoft-Wireless-Mobile-Mouse-4000-with-BlueTrack.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v328/BurningSensation/ChocCaramelCrunchPackage2.jpg
Tennis elbow sucks
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v328/BurningSensation/mueller-adjustable-elbow-support4521300.jpg
For my netbook
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v328/BurningSensation/logitech-n315-lapdesk-156-notebook-cooler-dc939-000182.jpg
For the mentioned netbook cause I hate using the trackpad
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v328/BurningSensation/Microsoft-Wireless-Mobile-Mouse-4000-with-BlueTrack.jpg
GKThursday
Jan 12, 01:00 PM
<Sarcasm>
Actually I REALLY hopes its both USB and FW. FW will allow me to toss my OS disk in and force my disk driveless Mac to boot from it in FW mode.
Why not place a FW port where the optical drive is now (i.e. on the right) and then make a super thin optical drive that has a fold out FW plug. No cords to mess with, just fold out and plug in.
If they wanted, they could even add a small display on top of it that could display a single widget.
maybe they would even make a PRO and non-PRO version, PRO having multitouch in the display.
Just thinking out loud. . .
~Thursday
Actually I REALLY hopes its both USB and FW. FW will allow me to toss my OS disk in and force my disk driveless Mac to boot from it in FW mode.
Why not place a FW port where the optical drive is now (i.e. on the right) and then make a super thin optical drive that has a fold out FW plug. No cords to mess with, just fold out and plug in.
If they wanted, they could even add a small display on top of it that could display a single widget.
maybe they would even make a PRO and non-PRO version, PRO having multitouch in the display.
Just thinking out loud. . .
~Thursday
tMac85
Jan 11, 11:06 PM
Maybe Apple's poster actually says more but we can't see the bottom?
Something like: "There's something in the air... blow it out your ass Microsoft" :p
hahahahahahha
Something like: "There's something in the air... blow it out your ass Microsoft" :p
hahahahahahha
yellow
Jan 4, 07:59 AM
Not mounted, but they are in the toolbox, along with a M2 that someone can operate while standing in the bed. :D
Mah-Duce! :cool:
Wow, a lota rich folks with fancy cars in this thread! :)
Mah-Duce! :cool:
Wow, a lota rich folks with fancy cars in this thread! :)
SactoGuy18
Nov 29, 10:14 PM
Folks,
The reason why the Zune sells poorly comes down to these factors:
1) The software to interface with the Zune leaves much to be desired in terms of ease of use. Every reviewer expresses concern about the unneccessary complications of the Zune software copying media files to the player.
2) Microsoft blew it by going to a new digital rights management system, one totally different than the DRM system used in conjunction with Windows Media Player 10/11 with its Play for Sure initiative.
Technically, while the Zune is larger than it needs to be, most reviewers do laud the interface on the player itself. I think once Microsoft improves the interface software for the Zune acceptance of the device will climb dramatically. After all, when Apple started selling iPods for Windows users it didn't become really popular until the iPod switched to the USB 2.0 connection and iTunes became available in a Windows version.
The reason why the Zune sells poorly comes down to these factors:
1) The software to interface with the Zune leaves much to be desired in terms of ease of use. Every reviewer expresses concern about the unneccessary complications of the Zune software copying media files to the player.
2) Microsoft blew it by going to a new digital rights management system, one totally different than the DRM system used in conjunction with Windows Media Player 10/11 with its Play for Sure initiative.
Technically, while the Zune is larger than it needs to be, most reviewers do laud the interface on the player itself. I think once Microsoft improves the interface software for the Zune acceptance of the device will climb dramatically. After all, when Apple started selling iPods for Windows users it didn't become really popular until the iPod switched to the USB 2.0 connection and iTunes became available in a Windows version.
Squire
Jan 12, 07:26 AM
I actually like the name. Anyone else? :D
Yeah! Me, too. People better get used to it. If I recall correctly, MacRumors is pretty accurate when publishing rumors from their own sources.
-Squire
Yeah! Me, too. People better get used to it. If I recall correctly, MacRumors is pretty accurate when publishing rumors from their own sources.
-Squire
nagromme
Sep 6, 04:55 PM
The bottom model is now a great deal, but I agree that bringing in a cheaper model would be nice. $499 Core Solo would be power to spare for a lot of people. I know it's more power than the G4 I'm typing on has :)
There's a good reason apple didn't go Core2 on the mini...it would make it too close to the new minitower they'll be announcing soon!
I like where your head is :)
There's a good reason apple didn't go Core2 on the mini...it would make it too close to the new minitower they'll be announcing soon!
I like where your head is :)
anti-microsoft
Jan 13, 02:03 AM
MacBook Air is a bit stupid but I suppose we'll get used to it. It would be better to call it the AirBook.:D
Kaibelf
Apr 21, 11:41 AM
What about Apple? Why don't they go after them for tracking every little thing you do with their services. If you want to talk about a company that violates & then documents our privacy go after Apple.
Don't be a fool.
You sign up for that when you agree to their TOS and buy their products. I don't recall a single person signing off on having their wi-fi sniffed and recorded by Google's mapping cars. :eek:
Don't be a fool.
You sign up for that when you agree to their TOS and buy their products. I don't recall a single person signing off on having their wi-fi sniffed and recorded by Google's mapping cars. :eek:
Counterfit
Mar 19, 06:12 PM
Only 2% use MACs so they're unlikely to be exposed to one, PC users (98%) will bad mouth a MAC, and Apples advertising, while award winning does very little to enlighten people about the product. two notes: 1.) MAC is a networking thing, among others. Mac is a computer or a nickname.
2.) market share is not the same as installed user base.
2.) market share is not the same as installed user base.
RebootD
Apr 12, 09:04 PM
Ugh wish there was a live feed.. I'm following @fcpsupermeet but it's just text
Aeroflux
Mar 28, 03:53 PM
I stopped reading at "silky smooth 30fps". What the hell? Is this "silky smooth" for a timely epileptic? Talk about hype. I'm looking forward to the NGP more than anything else for portable gaming. I've been waiting for dual joysticks on a portable since playstation. Ironic, since Sony is the king of hype. Apple advertises games as part of their platform, yet doesn't have one accessory for gaming...and how many accessories for everything else? Screw that bipolar approach.
"Microsoft announced the Kinect would extend the life of the 360 by 5 years, and PS3 launched with the intention of a 10 year life span. "
This is just a misnomer for an era of 32x hardware to thrive in place of new consoles. It's killed console gaming for me. 30fps is a relic. It was mildly entertaining when, year after year, gamers defended it in light of shiny graphics. Now it's just embarassing.
Every now and then I rent a console game and end up setting it aside before beating it; because a nine foot screen and 30fps interactive media with a ton of screen tear does NOT mix well unless you include vomit and/or motion sickness. Then it's chunky goodness to the last dry heave.
"Microsoft announced the Kinect would extend the life of the 360 by 5 years, and PS3 launched with the intention of a 10 year life span. "
This is just a misnomer for an era of 32x hardware to thrive in place of new consoles. It's killed console gaming for me. 30fps is a relic. It was mildly entertaining when, year after year, gamers defended it in light of shiny graphics. Now it's just embarassing.
Every now and then I rent a console game and end up setting it aside before beating it; because a nine foot screen and 30fps interactive media with a ton of screen tear does NOT mix well unless you include vomit and/or motion sickness. Then it's chunky goodness to the last dry heave.
brianfast
Sep 14, 02:49 PM
I got the Belkin Grip Vue in the blue color at bestbuy. Really a toss up between the three colors IMO.
DewGuy1999
Feb 28, 02:39 PM
here is my mess sorry i didnt clean up first
Nice setup. What's the story behind the "double" windows, I've never seen anything like that before.
Nice setup. What's the story behind the "double" windows, I've never seen anything like that before.
iAlan
Jul 14, 01:37 AM
Bluray (or Blu-ray - not sure how to write it yet) will win because it sounds way cooler to say 'Bluray' than 'HD-DVD' :p
And we all know how important a name can be - can you say 'MacBook'? :p :p
And we all know how important a name can be - can you say 'MacBook'? :p :p
SpinThis!
Apr 12, 09:15 PM
I don't want to make video the main part of my business, just a complement.
Please don't become one of those photographers who thinks they can "just add video" to their list of services because their DSLR shoots video. It's a lot more complicated than that.
I'm kinda glad FCP and other tools cost as much as they do. It keeps the professionals serious about their craft. Having been on both sides of the fence, being a photographer doesn't make you a videographer and vice versa.
Please don't become one of those photographers who thinks they can "just add video" to their list of services because their DSLR shoots video. It's a lot more complicated than that.
I'm kinda glad FCP and other tools cost as much as they do. It keeps the professionals serious about their craft. Having been on both sides of the fence, being a photographer doesn't make you a videographer and vice versa.
fswmacguy
Apr 3, 10:42 AM
Since the iPad does nothing useful this appeal to the wimpy "feelings" crowd is no surprise. Replace the iPad with a pair of pants and this could easily double as a Levi's commercial.
I don't think you understand how this works.
Ads like this create mystery, excitement, and ultimately pulls customers into Apple's retail chain out of pure interest.
I'd rather have ads like this than ads that shout specs in my face and exaggerate their knockoff plastic crap.
I don't think you understand how this works.
Ads like this create mystery, excitement, and ultimately pulls customers into Apple's retail chain out of pure interest.
I'd rather have ads like this than ads that shout specs in my face and exaggerate their knockoff plastic crap.
DaveTheGrey
Nov 28, 04:32 PM
...here is a link (http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/11631/) to the CNN review of the zune. I wouldn't be surprised if they were payed by Apple given how it ends.
thanks for this
what a laugh
poor M$
thanks for this
what a laugh
poor M$
WyoMac
Mar 22, 05:41 PM
Geez.... what did they do long ago... have a 400-disc CD changer in their trunk?
How did they manage?
:)
Some of us have been on the planet long enough to remember when 8-tracks came to cars that previously only had AM radios. How did we manage? Actually, we got along fined but bringing my own audio along with us just provides more options. Before the iPod, I would typically pick about 15-20 CD's to bring along with me on a road trip. I got along fine, but invariably I would wish that I had made a few different choices, never knowing what mood might strike me. So now I have an 80GB Classic that is about 95% full. Loaded on it are about 11,000 songs, 50-60 podcasts, a couple audiobooks, and maybe a movie or two. Every time the car leaves town, it goes with me. I take it to work every day and plug it into the sound system in my office. I plug it into an old boombox when I am working in the yard or on house projects. I don't need it to surf the web, play games, read email or anything else. It serves my wants perfectly, and though I am not about to claim that I am in the mainstream, I suspect that there are enough of us to keep a device like this profitable for Apple. I've toyed with the idea of selling this one and buying a 160GB but haven't yet. If Apple does choose to make a classic with high capacity, bluetooth, and airplay, I would buy it in a minute.
How did they manage?
:)
Some of us have been on the planet long enough to remember when 8-tracks came to cars that previously only had AM radios. How did we manage? Actually, we got along fined but bringing my own audio along with us just provides more options. Before the iPod, I would typically pick about 15-20 CD's to bring along with me on a road trip. I got along fine, but invariably I would wish that I had made a few different choices, never knowing what mood might strike me. So now I have an 80GB Classic that is about 95% full. Loaded on it are about 11,000 songs, 50-60 podcasts, a couple audiobooks, and maybe a movie or two. Every time the car leaves town, it goes with me. I take it to work every day and plug it into the sound system in my office. I plug it into an old boombox when I am working in the yard or on house projects. I don't need it to surf the web, play games, read email or anything else. It serves my wants perfectly, and though I am not about to claim that I am in the mainstream, I suspect that there are enough of us to keep a device like this profitable for Apple. I've toyed with the idea of selling this one and buying a 160GB but haven't yet. If Apple does choose to make a classic with high capacity, bluetooth, and airplay, I would buy it in a minute.
wordoflife
Feb 28, 10:55 PM
First attempt to get everything in one shot.
Snip
Hardware in the sig
I think this is one of my most favorite overall setups in this thread.
Snip
Hardware in the sig
I think this is one of my most favorite overall setups in this thread.
MagnusVonMagnum
Sep 15, 04:20 PM
Right, and what Apple has proposed doing is very reasonable.
You're right. Making the consumer deal with their flawed product and not even apologizing for selling a fuxored product is VERY reasonable. :rolleyes:
You're right. Making the consumer deal with their flawed product and not even apologizing for selling a fuxored product is VERY reasonable. :rolleyes:
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