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German magazine Capital is reporting (google translation) that talks between Apple and Volkswagen are in an early stage for a so-called "iCar". According to a Volkswagen company spokesperson, the two company heads held talks a few days ago in California on more heavily incorporating Apple products in Volkswagen's compact cars. Apple already has a dedicated page for the integration of its...

Multiple iPhone users report having received SMS messages from AT&T today stating the following: AT&T free msg: We are simplifying your paper bill, removing itemized detail. To view all detail go to att.com/mywireless. still need full paper bill? call 611. The move is likely in response to some users receiving extremely lengthy bills containing details of each phone, SMS, and data transaction...

The latest numbers are looking good for Apple, especially in the Laptop market. According to a ChangeWave survey, Apple's laptop share gained 5% over the past 90 days and is roughly 5% higher than a year ago, now sitting at 17%. The survey also indicates that 28% of potential buyers over the next 90 days will be choosing an Apple Laptop, and 23% choosing an Apple desktop. In addition to...

The Financial Times claims that deals have been completed between Apple and T-Mobile of Germany, Orange of France, and O2 in the UK. A formal announcement is expected by the site at the IFA trade fair in Berlin at the end of August (Aug 31 - Sep 5, 2007). Rumors of the iPhone's pending European arrival have been swirling for months, with early finds that the iPhone's software already includes ...

EA is receiving rising criticism around the Mac web for not delivering on a bold promise made at this year's WWDC to simultaneously release Mac versions of popular game titles, such as the recently released Madden '08. In speaking to AppleInsider, an EA spokesperson pegged the delay on the company's inexperience developing for the platform. EA's 4 previous titles (Battlefield 2142, Command...

A new class-action lawsuit alleges Apple violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act, according to Information Week. The act, amended in 2003, states that "No person that accepts credit cards or debit cards for the transaction of business shall print more than the last five digits of the card number or the expiration date upon any receipt provided to the card holder at the point of sale or...

Apple has released Boot Camp 1.4 Beta. Whats New in this Version - Support for keyboard backlighting (MacBook Pro only) - Apple Remote pairing - Updated graphics drivers - Improved Boot Camp driver installer - Improved international keyboard support - Localization fixes - Updated Windows Help for Boot Camp The 347 MB download is available via Apple's website....

In Apple's press release for the iMac, they make a small note that the Airport Extreme has been updated to include gigabit ethernet. Apple's 802.11n Airport Extreme base station had only included 10/100 Base-T ethernet, which had been a sore-spot in reviews considering all Macs now ship with Gigabit ethernet, and the theoretical wireless performance would outstrip the wired performance. As...

Apple quietly updated the Mac Mini today. Apple did not mention the update in any of its press releases today, and only acknowledged the update when asked during its question and answer session. The update brings Apple's line to all Core 2 Duo processors, with a 1.83 GHz model and a 2.0 GHz model starting at $599. The new models will also feature Apple's newly released iLife '08 software. Ot...

Due to the intimate setting of the press conference today, Apple elected to have a question and answer session with the attendees. Here are some of the notes of interest from that Q/A. For more complete coverage, please see sites with live updates from the event. Editor's Note: Q/A is paraphrased for brevity and readability Q: Why aren't you participating in the "Intel Inside" sticker...

As rumored, Apple released iWork '08. In addition to updated Keynote and Pages, Apple introduced a new application to the suite for spreadsheets called Numbers. iWork '08 is available today from the Apple Store (UK Store) for $79. Keynote -New text effects, transitions, themes -Instant Alpha: take out the background of a photo -Smart Builds: create your own animations Pages -Modes for ...

Today Apple introduced iLife '08. The suite will ship on all new Macs starting today. Alternatively, the suite will be available to prior Mac users for $79. If you purchased your Mac on or after August 7th and did not get iLife '08, you can get it for $9.95. iPhoto -Events is a new way to automatically organize ever-expanding iPhoto libraries into events. -Automatically hide/show photos...

As rumored, Apple has updated its .Mac services suite. In addition to Web Gallery, which was introduced as an integrated part of iLife '08, Apple is bumping up the standard storage size from 1 GB to 10 GB. The price remains $99 for a one year personal subscription. Family packs are available. Update: More details are becoming available about the features of the .Mac update now that the...

Apple has announced new iMacs at its press event today. The iMacs start at $1199 and come in 20 and 24" form factors, as rumored, and will feature a more professional look. Photo from Appleinsider.com Features: -Up to 2.8 GHz Core 2 Extreme Processor -Up to 4 GB Memory -ATI Radeon HD Graphics -Up to 1 TB Hard Disk -Wireless 802.11n and Bluetooth 2.0 Also, Apple indicated that the ...

According to AppleInsider, Apple is set to broaden the distribution of the iPhone beyond just Apple and AT&T stores. Among those first in line for the gadget is specialty electronics retailer and Apple's new best friend in the retail business, Best Buy. By October -- and more likely by September -- all Best Buy locations should have iPhones on hand to sell to customers. Lavish video displays, like ...

Apple has released (via iTunes) is iPhone Software 1.0.1. Apple simply describes the update as containing "bug fixes", and does not indicate any additional functionality at this time. ...

Multiple sites (example) are reporting that Apple has called the media to its Cupertino headquarters next Tuesday, August 7th at 10am PDT. The reports indicate that the event will be strictly Mac-related. Rumors have been indicating that the iMac is set for a dramatic refresh on that date, with iLife and iWork updates perhaps also in the wings....

Engadget claims to have received photos of Apple's new keyboard set to arrive alongside the iMac refresh rumored to be in early August. Despite initial doubts about the authenticity of the photos, the site now expresses confidence in them, and posts a gallery including multiple angles. The photos confirm descriptions by AppleInsider that the keyboard would draw upon the low-profile...

Following news that there were 146,000 iPhone activations in the first 36 hours of sale, analysts are showing disappointment, and are changing their forecasts. Bloomberg.com relates that analyst Gene Munster from Piper Jaffray & Co. downgraded his prediction of units sold during the first few days from 500,000 to 200,000, calling AT&T's activation results "disappointing." However, he does not ...

A Flickr user has posted some unboxing photos of Apple's iPhone Bluetooth headset, some of which are mirrored here. Headset Packaging iPhone shows headset charging status Apple claims the $129 accessory can provide up to 72 hours of standby time and up to 5.5 hours of talk time on a single charge. While the Online Apple Store shows a 2-4 week lag time, it would appear that there is...