Telenav Scout app getting 3D landmarks, traffic improvements
Navigation software provider Telenav announced a few future updates for its Scout navigation app for Android and iPhone today that should make the app run more smoothly and help you to get where you're going faster.Scout will be updated to take advantage of vector-based graphics, which should bring along faster performance, a sharper appearance, and smoother interactions with the app. The improved map screen also gains 3D buildings and landmarks in major U.S. cities; the map zooms in as you approach an upcoming turn and adjusts the virtual camera angle to give visual landmarks to look for.Building data and route maps will be cached on the phone to prevent the app from abusing limited data plans.The updated Scout app will also make it possible to report accidents, incident, hazards, police presence, and traffic jams with a few taps -- a functionality that users of Waze and Trapster have enjoyed for some time. The Scout back end then takes that crowdsourced data to improve its traffic reporting for other users and, hopefully, the entire system then benefits from a more accurate view of the roads.In addition to this new user-generated data, the Scout app will update traffic flow data midroute and can notify the driver of upcoming traffic jams or congestion and provide alternate route information automatically at the bottom of the navigation screen, without you having to switch screens to search for alternate routes or needing to interact with the phone.Free and premium versions of the Scout app for Android and iPhone are available from Google Play and the iTunes App Store, but the 3D building and improved traffic updates are still baking and are expected to be pushed live by the end of the year.Check out a video demo of Scout's 3D building data in action below.
iTunes 10 relaunching after quitting
iTunes 10 relaunching after quitting
If these options to not help the problem, then iTunes could be continually launched by a problem with some system settings, including Launch Services and the Firewall.Launch Services are what binds specific file types and communications protocols to various handling programs. If a commonly used protocol is being associated with iTunes, then the system may launch the program whenever it detects the protocol being used.Though you can clear the Launch Services in OS X manually, there are a number of maintenance utilities that can do this for you. One popular and free one is OnyX, but there are others that can do the job as well. With the services reset, restart the system and then try running and quitting iTunes again to see if the problem persists. Keep in mind that if you reset the launch services, file types will be reverted back to their default handling programs and you will have to set them up again. You might also take a look at the system firewall, which interacts with many applications' networking protocols and may be causing iTunes to launch if the firewall's configuration is corrupted. Try disabling the system firewall (set it to allow all incoming connections), and also try removing the firewall preferences file. The file is located in the /Macintosh HD/Library/Preferences/ folder and is called "com.apple.alf.plist." With the firewall off, remove this file and then start up the firewall again. You will have to enter the allowed applications in the firewall list again as well as re-enable stealth mode and firewall logging if desired.Questions? Comments? Have a fix? Post them below or e-mail us!Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.
If these options to not help the problem, then iTunes could be continually launched by a problem with some system settings, including Launch Services and the Firewall.Launch Services are what binds specific file types and communications protocols to various handling programs. If a commonly used protocol is being associated with iTunes, then the system may launch the program whenever it detects the protocol being used.Though you can clear the Launch Services in OS X manually, there are a number of maintenance utilities that can do this for you. One popular and free one is OnyX, but there are others that can do the job as well. With the services reset, restart the system and then try running and quitting iTunes again to see if the problem persists. Keep in mind that if you reset the launch services, file types will be reverted back to their default handling programs and you will have to set them up again. You might also take a look at the system firewall, which interacts with many applications' networking protocols and may be causing iTunes to launch if the firewall's configuration is corrupted. Try disabling the system firewall (set it to allow all incoming connections), and also try removing the firewall preferences file. The file is located in the /Macintosh HD/Library/Preferences/ folder and is called "com.apple.alf.plist." With the firewall off, remove this file and then start up the firewall again. You will have to enter the allowed applications in the firewall list again as well as re-enable stealth mode and firewall logging if desired.Questions? Comments? Have a fix? Post them below or e-mail us!Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.
Apple, HTC planning fall launches on Verizon's network, report says
Apple, HTC planning fall launches on Verizon's network, report says
Verizon Wireless could be home to a host of new, prominent smartphones in the coming months, according to a new report.Boy Genius Report is claiming today that it has the skinny on Verizon's summer and fall smartphone roadmap. And although details in the report are extremely slim, and it doesn't offer proof that BGR has viewed an actual document from Verizon, its assertions are rather interesting.For one, the blog claims that the roadmap includes mention of a new iPhone launch slated for a fall release. The claim is just the latest in a string of rumors surrounding the eventual launch of Apple's iPhone 5. Some reports have suggested that Apple will launch the device over the summer, while others say the company is planning to release the iPhone 5 in October. In either case, Apple has stayed tight-lipped on its plans.Related storiesSamsung launches Galaxy S III teaser, takes subtle shot at AppleiPhone 5 may launch in October due to Qualcomm supply issuesMotorola to upgrade its gray matter in 2012CNET's Apple iPhone 4S review (Verizon Wireless)In addition, Boy Genius Report says the roadmap seems to point to a new flagship device from HTC that will be hitting Verizon's stores in the fall. The device will reportedly come with a 5-inch HD display and a Scribe pen, ostensibly indicating that it'll compete against Samsung's Galaxy Note.The summer will be packed with "multiple" Motorola RAZR models hitting Verizon's stores, according to Boy Genius Report. And although the roadmap reportedly didn't mention when the highly anticipated Galaxy S III will be launching, the blog is assuming, based on the roadmap's information, that it'll launch on Verizon's network at some point this summer.Full details on the Galaxy S III should be revealed on May 3 when Samsung heads to London to unveil the device.Since Boy Genius Report provided no evidence that it actually saw Verizon's roadmap, the blog's contentions should be taken with a grain of salt. Verizon has declined CNET's request for comment on the Boy Genius Report story.
Verizon Wireless could be home to a host of new, prominent smartphones in the coming months, according to a new report.Boy Genius Report is claiming today that it has the skinny on Verizon's summer and fall smartphone roadmap. And although details in the report are extremely slim, and it doesn't offer proof that BGR has viewed an actual document from Verizon, its assertions are rather interesting.For one, the blog claims that the roadmap includes mention of a new iPhone launch slated for a fall release. The claim is just the latest in a string of rumors surrounding the eventual launch of Apple's iPhone 5. Some reports have suggested that Apple will launch the device over the summer, while others say the company is planning to release the iPhone 5 in October. In either case, Apple has stayed tight-lipped on its plans.Related storiesSamsung launches Galaxy S III teaser, takes subtle shot at AppleiPhone 5 may launch in October due to Qualcomm supply issuesMotorola to upgrade its gray matter in 2012CNET's Apple iPhone 4S review (Verizon Wireless)In addition, Boy Genius Report says the roadmap seems to point to a new flagship device from HTC that will be hitting Verizon's stores in the fall. The device will reportedly come with a 5-inch HD display and a Scribe pen, ostensibly indicating that it'll compete against Samsung's Galaxy Note.The summer will be packed with "multiple" Motorola RAZR models hitting Verizon's stores, according to Boy Genius Report. And although the roadmap reportedly didn't mention when the highly anticipated Galaxy S III will be launching, the blog is assuming, based on the roadmap's information, that it'll launch on Verizon's network at some point this summer.Full details on the Galaxy S III should be revealed on May 3 when Samsung heads to London to unveil the device.Since Boy Genius Report provided no evidence that it actually saw Verizon's roadmap, the blog's contentions should be taken with a grain of salt. Verizon has declined CNET's request for comment on the Boy Genius Report story.
Apple, Google remove Hezbollah TV app
Apple, Google remove Hezbollah TV app
Updated: 3:29 PTGoogle and Apple have both removed an application from their respective app stores that Hezbollah was advertising promoting streaming video from its Al-Manar Lebanon-based satellite network. A spokesman for the Anti-Defamation League said that his organization sent Apple a letter last Friday when it became aware of the app. It was removed by Apple on Sunday."We did not have any response from them so it may or may not been a result of our reaching out to them," said the ADL spokesman, Todd Gutnick.Android version of Al Manar TV streaming video appAl ManarApple declined comment. A spokesman for Google said Tuesday afternoon that the app has been removed from Google Play. Al Manar, the broadcasting arm of Hezbollah, advertised the app on its television network. The U.S. Department of State has included Al-Manar on its Terrorism Exclusion List in December 2004.A Shi'a militant group and political party inside Lebanon, Hezbollah is considered by the U.S., Israel and many western states to be a terrorist group. However, it has support inside Lebanon and much of the wider Arab world, where it enjoys status as a domestic political player and resistance group. At the same time, it has been accused of involvement in terror attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets around the world. Also, Al Manar television, which essentially functions as the group's PR organ, has run entertainment programs based on the "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion." as well as other content with anti-Semitic undertones.We've contacted Al Manar for comment and will update this post when we hear back.
Updated: 3:29 PTGoogle and Apple have both removed an application from their respective app stores that Hezbollah was advertising promoting streaming video from its Al-Manar Lebanon-based satellite network. A spokesman for the Anti-Defamation League said that his organization sent Apple a letter last Friday when it became aware of the app. It was removed by Apple on Sunday."We did not have any response from them so it may or may not been a result of our reaching out to them," said the ADL spokesman, Todd Gutnick.Android version of Al Manar TV streaming video appAl ManarApple declined comment. A spokesman for Google said Tuesday afternoon that the app has been removed from Google Play. Al Manar, the broadcasting arm of Hezbollah, advertised the app on its television network. The U.S. Department of State has included Al-Manar on its Terrorism Exclusion List in December 2004.A Shi'a militant group and political party inside Lebanon, Hezbollah is considered by the U.S., Israel and many western states to be a terrorist group. However, it has support inside Lebanon and much of the wider Arab world, where it enjoys status as a domestic political player and resistance group. At the same time, it has been accused of involvement in terror attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets around the world. Also, Al Manar television, which essentially functions as the group's PR organ, has run entertainment programs based on the "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion." as well as other content with anti-Semitic undertones.We've contacted Al Manar for comment and will update this post when we hear back.
Apple, Google execs out-earn Samsung counterparts
Apple, Google execs out-earn Samsung counterparts
Samsung might be a giant company with massive amounts of revenue, but that doesn't mean that its executives make massive amounts of money -- at least when compared to other executives in Silicon Valley.The company revealed at its annual shareholder meeting last week that its leadership executive team, comprised of its three co-CEOs and CFO, collectively made 33.9 billion Korean won, about $31 million, during the company's 2013 fiscal year. Samsung went on to say that compared to competitors in the marketplace, it's far behind other companies, including Apple, which hit nearly $300 million in executive compensation during the 2012 fiscal year, and Google, which paid out well over $120 million in 2012.Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Samsung's diva actKodak patent complaints target Apple, RIM3D TV FAQVerizon Wireless revamps unlimited calling, data plansTo make matters worse for Samsung executives, many individuals at those larger companies were paid more than Samsung's entire executive team. For example, a recent Securities and Exchange Commission filing shows that Apple's executive compensation was down somewhat in 2013, but in 2012 Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer was awarded nearly $69 million, Senior Vice President Eddy Cue was awarded over $50 million, and Operations Vice President Daniel Riccio was awarded nearly $69 million compensation.Of course, for four people to earn $30 million, that's not necessarily a bad thing. But it speaks to the difference between Samsung's compensation strategy and that of American-based companies. As Quartz, which earlier reported on the news, points out, Samsung executive compensation has been kept lower by cultural influence and corporate oversight. In fact, Korea has one of the lowest executive compensation levels in Asia. As Quartz notes, however, the US has watched executive compensation soar: it was up 876 percent between 1978 and 2011.
Samsung might be a giant company with massive amounts of revenue, but that doesn't mean that its executives make massive amounts of money -- at least when compared to other executives in Silicon Valley.The company revealed at its annual shareholder meeting last week that its leadership executive team, comprised of its three co-CEOs and CFO, collectively made 33.9 billion Korean won, about $31 million, during the company's 2013 fiscal year. Samsung went on to say that compared to competitors in the marketplace, it's far behind other companies, including Apple, which hit nearly $300 million in executive compensation during the 2012 fiscal year, and Google, which paid out well over $120 million in 2012.Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)Samsung's diva actKodak patent complaints target Apple, RIM3D TV FAQVerizon Wireless revamps unlimited calling, data plansTo make matters worse for Samsung executives, many individuals at those larger companies were paid more than Samsung's entire executive team. For example, a recent Securities and Exchange Commission filing shows that Apple's executive compensation was down somewhat in 2013, but in 2012 Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer was awarded nearly $69 million, Senior Vice President Eddy Cue was awarded over $50 million, and Operations Vice President Daniel Riccio was awarded nearly $69 million compensation.Of course, for four people to earn $30 million, that's not necessarily a bad thing. But it speaks to the difference between Samsung's compensation strategy and that of American-based companies. As Quartz, which earlier reported on the news, points out, Samsung executive compensation has been kept lower by cultural influence and corporate oversight. In fact, Korea has one of the lowest executive compensation levels in Asia. As Quartz notes, however, the US has watched executive compensation soar: it was up 876 percent between 1978 and 2011.
Apple, Ferrari in talks to broaden in-car infotainment pact
Apple, Ferrari in talks to broaden in-car infotainment pact
Ferrari is in negotiations to expand its in-car entertainment partnership with Apple, the luxury-car maker's chairman revealed today as the company unveiled a car with Siri and two iPad Minis.The companies will be "more precise" about their partnership in the coming months, Luca Cordero Di Montezemolo said today at the Geneva International Motor Show, according to a Bloomberg account of his comments. CNET has contacted Apple for more comment and will update this report when we learn more.The partnership apparently began last November when Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president for Internet software and services, was invited to join Ferrari's board of directors. Cue is said to be a collector of sports cars, including a Ferrari.Di Montezemolo's comments come on the same day Ferrari unveiled the new FF, the first four-wheel-drive four-seater in the company's history. The car features "seamless integration" with an Apple infotainment system via the Siri-based Eyes Free voice-command system and two iPad Minis for the use of passengers in the backseat.The Eyes Free functionality, which was introduced at last year's WWDC, allows drivers to interact with Apple's iOS voice assistant without having to rely on visual cues, or interact with on-screen menus.The luxury-car maker's big moment came when it took the wraps off the much-anticipated LaFerrari, which happens to be a hybrid. The next-generation supercar delivers an astounding 949 horsepower via a 789-horsepower 6.3-liter V12 gasoline engine and a 160-horsepower electric motor. Together, they propel it to 62 miles per hour from a dead start in less than three seconds and a top speed of 217 miles per hour.Only 499 were made, each of which will sell for at least 1 million euros ($1.3 million).
Ferrari is in negotiations to expand its in-car entertainment partnership with Apple, the luxury-car maker's chairman revealed today as the company unveiled a car with Siri and two iPad Minis.The companies will be "more precise" about their partnership in the coming months, Luca Cordero Di Montezemolo said today at the Geneva International Motor Show, according to a Bloomberg account of his comments. CNET has contacted Apple for more comment and will update this report when we learn more.The partnership apparently began last November when Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president for Internet software and services, was invited to join Ferrari's board of directors. Cue is said to be a collector of sports cars, including a Ferrari.Di Montezemolo's comments come on the same day Ferrari unveiled the new FF, the first four-wheel-drive four-seater in the company's history. The car features "seamless integration" with an Apple infotainment system via the Siri-based Eyes Free voice-command system and two iPad Minis for the use of passengers in the backseat.The Eyes Free functionality, which was introduced at last year's WWDC, allows drivers to interact with Apple's iOS voice assistant without having to rely on visual cues, or interact with on-screen menus.The luxury-car maker's big moment came when it took the wraps off the much-anticipated LaFerrari, which happens to be a hybrid. The next-generation supercar delivers an astounding 949 horsepower via a 789-horsepower 6.3-liter V12 gasoline engine and a 160-horsepower electric motor. Together, they propel it to 62 miles per hour from a dead start in less than three seconds and a top speed of 217 miles per hour.Only 499 were made, each of which will sell for at least 1 million euros ($1.3 million).
Apple, Disney create 'Tron Legacy' iAd, first for iPad
Apple, Disney create 'Tron Legacy' iAd, first for iPad
Apple and Disney have put together a special preview iAd for the iPad that should show up on the U.S. App Store today.Featuring Disney's upcoming movie "Tron Legacy," the new iAd will not only be a way for users to learn more about the movie, but it is also the very first iAd on the iPad."Disney and Apple are excited to debut the 'Tron Legacy' iAd today as a special preview of iAd for iPad, which launches next year," said the two companies in a joint statement. "iAd brings Tron's pulsing energy and vivid graphic style to iPad's stunning display, creating a truly immersive ad experience."When you tap on the ad, you will be given the ability to watch full screen videos and trailers from the film, view a photo gallery and character bios, and listen to music previews from the Daft Punk soundtrack.The iAd will also give users the ability to download content to their iPad. You will be able to get gallery content, links to purchase the soundtrack, a mapping feature that locates the nearest theater, and e-mail integration that lets the user send an image from the movie to a friend, inviting them to see the movie.iAd integration is not widely available on the iPad, yet. However, iAds on the iPad are expected to be available to other companies in early 2011.Of course, it makes sense that Apple would choose to partner with Disney. In 2006, Disney bought Pixar from Steve Jobs for $7.4 billion in stock, making Apple's CEO the largest single shareholder of Disney and a member of its board of directors.
Apple and Disney have put together a special preview iAd for the iPad that should show up on the U.S. App Store today.Featuring Disney's upcoming movie "Tron Legacy," the new iAd will not only be a way for users to learn more about the movie, but it is also the very first iAd on the iPad."Disney and Apple are excited to debut the 'Tron Legacy' iAd today as a special preview of iAd for iPad, which launches next year," said the two companies in a joint statement. "iAd brings Tron's pulsing energy and vivid graphic style to iPad's stunning display, creating a truly immersive ad experience."When you tap on the ad, you will be given the ability to watch full screen videos and trailers from the film, view a photo gallery and character bios, and listen to music previews from the Daft Punk soundtrack.The iAd will also give users the ability to download content to their iPad. You will be able to get gallery content, links to purchase the soundtrack, a mapping feature that locates the nearest theater, and e-mail integration that lets the user send an image from the movie to a friend, inviting them to see the movie.iAd integration is not widely available on the iPad, yet. However, iAds on the iPad are expected to be available to other companies in early 2011.Of course, it makes sense that Apple would choose to partner with Disney. In 2006, Disney bought Pixar from Steve Jobs for $7.4 billion in stock, making Apple's CEO the largest single shareholder of Disney and a member of its board of directors.
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