Tag Archives: technology

Nov 30 2012

U.S. Pricing Announced for Microsoft Surface Pro

Surface Pro

Microsoft has announced that in January Surface with Windows 8 Pro will be available in two versions and pricing will start at $899.

Surface with Windows 8 Pro:
● 64GB standalone version at $899
● 128GB standalone version at $999

Both versions will both include a Surface pen with Palm Block technology and include the ability to use a Touch Cover or Type Cover (sold separately).

On the inside, Surface with Windows 8 Pro will come with Intel’s next generation Core i5 processor. This chip will give Surface with Windows 8 Pro a graphics boost for its 10.6” 16:9 ClearType display that runs at a 1920×1080 full HD resolution. Surface with Windows 8 Pro also includes a full-size USB 3.0 port. Its Mini DisplayPort can drive an external display up to 2560X1440 resolution. And, as I mentioned above, Surface with Windows 8 Pro will support Pen input. This is an amazing feature for all you note-takers or document editors out there, especially since it has expanded capacitive and digitizing technology we’re calling Palm Block that will prevent your handwriting from getting interrupted if you accidently place your palm on the screen as you write. This feature is pretty cool, and allows for a great inking experience alongside a great touch experience when needed.

Surface with Windows 8 Pro will run your current Windows 7 desktop applications – it’s a full PC AND a tablet. And all this in a PC that will weigh less than two pounds and be less than 14 millimeters thick.

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Nov 21 2012

Siri to Understand Arabic, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish

Apple is hiring new team members to help make Siri available in Arabic, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish, according to a company job posting.

Join the team responsible for delivering Siri in different parts of the world for an exciting 6 month internship in Cupertino, California.

Key Qualifications
● Native or fluent in Arabic, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, Korean, Norwegian, Swedish and fluent in English
● Candidate for BS in Computer Science (or equivalent experience)
● Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
● Knowledgeable in, and sensitive to, multilingual and multicultural issues
● Must work well with people, and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills

Nov 11 2012

Apple Paid $21 Million to License Swiss Railway Clock

Apple reportedly paid 21 million Swiss francs to national rail operator SBB after using its famous clock design without permission, according to the AFP.

The company agreed in October to pay the lump sum so it could continue using SBB’s Swiss-designed station clock face on its iPads and iPhones, the Tages-Anzeiger daily reported on its website, quoting several unnamed sources.

The Swiss Federal Railway service (Schweizerische Bundesbahnen) accused Apple of copying their iconic clock for the iPad Clock app without permission back in September.
The clock was designed in 1944 by Swiss engineer Hans Hilfiker. At the time spokesperson Patricia Claivaz said, “We’re rather proud that a brand as important as Apple is using our design.”

In order an agreement between the companies was announced. “For the use of the SBB station clock on devices like iPad and iPhone, the Swiss Federal Railways SBB and Apple have agreed and signed a license agreement. The parties have agreed to give the amount of the license fee as well as other details about the Convention any further information.”

Nov 11 2012

Apple Ordered to Pay Samsung’s Legal Fees on an Indemnity Basis

Apple has been ordered to pay Samsung’s legal fees on an indemnity basis which is higher than the normal basis, according to an order published by the U.K. court.

Groklaw notes that this order was made since Apple did not correctly comply with the order to publicly acknowledge that Samsung did not copy the iPad.

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31. As to the costs (lawyers’ fees) to be awarded against Apple, we concluded that they should be on an indemnity basis. Such a basis (which is higher than the normal, “standard” basis) can be awarded as a mark of the court’s disapproval of a party’s conduct, particularly in relation to its respect for an order of the court. Apple’s conduct warranted such an order.

31. Finally I should mention the time for compliance. Mr Beloff, on instructions (presumably given with the authority of Apple) told us that “for technical reasons” Apple needed fourteen days to comply. I found that very disturbing: that it was beyond the technical abilities of Apple to make the minor changes required to own website in less time beggared belief. In end we gave it 48 hours which in itself I consider generous. We said the time could be extended by an application supported by an affidavit from a senior executive explaining the reasons why more was needed. In the event no such application was made. I hope that the lack of integrity involved in this incident is entirely atypical of Apple.
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Nov 11 2012

Apple Releases MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Update 2.0

Apple has released a MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Update for users to download.

MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Update 2.0
This update includes graphics performance and reliability enhancements and improves compatibility with some USB devices.

This update is recommended for all Mac notebooks introduced in June 2012.

You can get the update by selecting Software Update from the Apple menu at the top left of your screen or clicking this link.