Macworld

Price of DRAM plunges to all-time low of around $1

Agam Shah — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:57:00 -0800

Prices of DDR3 DRAM memory used in laptops and desktops have dipped to an all-time low of around $1, and will continue to fall, which could help PC makers pack more memory into computers, according to analysts.

Microsoft complains to the EU about Motorola Mobility

Jennifer Baker — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:15:00 -0800

Microsoft has filed a formal complaint with the European Commission against Motorola Mobility for alleged abuse of essential patents. Apple made a similar complaint about Motorola earlier this month.

Opinion: Nightline's Foxconn report offers revealing look at factory

Lex Friedman — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:55:00 -0800

Lex Friedman was nervous that Nightline's Foxconn report would leave him feeling guilty about using his iPad. He was happily surprised that it didn't.

Groups ask FCC to block Verizon spectrum deals with cable providers

Grant Gross — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:20:00 -0800

A coalition of advocacy groups wants the Federal Communications Commission to block Verizon Wireless from buying wireless spectrum from cable providers because it believes that two proposed deals would concentrate too much spectrum in the hands of one company.

Opinion: OS X should embrace multiple displays

Dan Moren — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0800

Users with multiple monitors seem to have become second-class citizens on the Mac, but it's not too late for Apple to turn that around in the next OS X update.

Versions and Auto Save explained

Christopher Breen — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:45:00 -0800

Can you transfer a Lion file that has multiple saved versions to another Mac and expect to browse those versions? No, and Chris Breen explains why.

Group files FTC complaint over Google's privacy changes

Grant Gross — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:35:00 -0800

A privacy group says that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission should force Google to halt its plan to consolidate user identities across its services and fine the company for violating a previous settlement.

How to share an external drive between a Mac and a PC

Jim Galbraith — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 -0800

Want to use a single external drive with both a Mac and a Windows PC? Follow our guide to learn how to do it.

(Insider) The Macalope Daily: On or Office?

The Macalope — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:30:00 -0800

Is Microsoft making a version of Office for the iPad? Who can tell?

(This story is viewable exclusively by Macworld Insider members.)

Opinion: Which mobile tax preparation app is best?

Jeffery Battersby — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0800

We've tested and rated tax preparation offerings for both the desktop and on the Web. Now we turn our attention to mobile, looking at iPhone and iPad offerings from both Intuit and H&R Block.

Wi-Fi Passpoint standard could end hotspot sign-on hassles

Stephen Lawson — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:30:00 -0800

The Wi-Fi Alliance will launch a program to simplify the use of Wi-Fi hotspots in July, making it easier for both users and mobile operators to get off strained cellular networks.

App Guide: Essential iOS utilities

Macworld Staff — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:15:00 -0800

If you're a new iPhone or iPad owner, we recommend these utilities for expanding the capabilities of your iOS device.

Remains of the Day: Fishy business

Dan Moren — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:30:00 -0800

Microsoft dips its toes in the *coy* pond over a supposed iOS version of Office, a roundup of uninteresting iPad 3 rumors flounders, and Apple may be swimming upstream in its Chinese trademark case.

Sandbox deadline delayed yet again to June 1

Serenity Caldwell — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:30:00 -0800

Apple told Mac developers Tuesday that it would be extending the sandboxing deadline for all App Store apps yet again, this time to June 1. Additionally, Apple has confirmed that apps may remain on the App Store without sandboxing after this deadline, but developers may only submit bug fix updates for them. Macworld spoke with several app developers about their thoughts on the extension.

Comcast Steampix joins attack on Netflix

Jared Newman — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:30:00 -0800

Comcast's new streaming service, Steampix, is the latest service to try to grab business from Netflix.

Apple details carbon footprint, environmental progress

Dan Moren — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0800

Apple has published its carbon footprint for 2011, as well as spelling out some of the details of its North Carolina data center.

Online Tax Prep Roundup: TurboTax is still the one to beat

Yardena Arar — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:30:00 -0800

Tax sites battling for your business have beefed up their import capabilities and added iPhone and iPad support, but Intuit's TurboTax remains the best.

Ten exciting system changes in Mountain Lion

Serenity Caldwell — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:30:00 -0800

There are a bunch of interesting changes to look forward to when Mountain Lion roars onto the scene this summer. But for those uninterested in flashy features, there are plenty of minor changes, as well. Here's a quick look at ten that caught my eye.

Browser add-on stops Google (and others) from tracking you online

John P. Mello Jr. — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:37:00 -0800

Concerned about Google and others snooping on your online activity? Then you might want to install a free browser add-in called Do Not Track Plus.

(Insider) Macworld Insider: Take our podcast poll

Jonathan Seff — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:00:00 -0800

Would you like to see a Macworld Insider-only podcast from Macworld? Let us know what kind you'd be interested in.

(This story is viewable exclusively by Macworld Insider members.)

WriteRoom offers distraction-free writing without removing flexibility

Kirk McElhearn — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:30:00 -0800

If you want a minimalist tool for writing, WriteRoom is likely to have all the features you need. But unlike some other distraction-free writing tools, you can still personalize your writing environment.

Barnes & Noble launches $199 Nook Tablet, relaxes storage restrictions

Jared Newman — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:47:00 -0800

Barnes & Noble has released a $199 Nook Tablet with 8 GB of storage to better compete with Amazon's Kindle Fire.

(Insider) The Macalope Daily: How's that working out for you?

The Macalope — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:00:00 -0800

The reviews for the Samsung Galaxy Note are in! And, WOW.

(This story is viewable exclusively by Macworld Insider members.)

Apple settles iPhone 4 class action: $15 or free case for all buyers

Lex Friedman — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:20:00 -0800

Over the weekend, Apple settled a nearly two-year-old lawsuit covering customers afflicted by the iPhone 4's alleged reception issues.

Should the FTC investigate Google's Safari gaffe?

Ian Paul — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:15:00 -0800

Complaints mount about the difference between policy and practice in Google's efforts to respect privacy but serve up targeted ads.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it: Ancient computers still in use

Benj Edwards — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:00:00 -0800

From 1970s minicomputers used for military programs (including nuclear weapons) to an IBM punch-card system still keeping the books at a Texas filter supplier, these are the computers that time forgot.

Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 advanced camera sports updated and streamlined features

Theano Nikitas — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:30:00 -0800

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 maintains its place as a player in the mirrorless interchangeable lens category.

Review: Incipio NGP semi-rigid case for iPhone 4/4S stands out with bright colors

Karen Freeman — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0800

The Incipio NGP's semi-rigid construction and bright colors make it a stand-out case.

iOS App Review: Clear may be a bit too simple

Lex Friedman — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:30:00 -0800

This task management app employs some nonconventional iOS interface elements, which are cleverly implemented and fun to use. But the app's simplicity may hamper its overall effectiveness at helping you get things done.

China Telecom to start selling Apple's iPhone 4S

Michael Kan — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:00:00 -0800

China Telecom said on Tuesday it will begin selling the iPhone 4S on March 9, making it the second carrier in the country to officially sell Apple's popular...

Search iTunes radio stations using playlists

Kirk McElhearn — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:22:00 -0800

By default, you can't search for stations in the Radio section of iTunes; the search field is dimmed. But there's a workaround that'll let you find the station you want.

iOS Review: Grand Theft Auto 3 for iPhone and iPad

Chris Holt — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:00:00 -0800

This iOS port of the landmark video game isn't perfect. But even with some control shortcomings, it's still a fun ride.

Archiving uncluttered web pages

Christopher Breen — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:00:00 -0800

A reader would like to know how to easily archive an uncluttered version of our stories. Chris Breen (and Automator) have an answer.

Opinion: Is Mountain Lion a big cat for business?

Ryan Faas — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:30:00 -0800

Apple's new OS offers some intriguing features -- and risks -- for the enterprise, according to Computerworld's Ryan Faas.

Samsung decides to spin off LCD business

John Ribeiro — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:40:00 -0800

Samsung Electronics has decided to spin off the company's LCD (liquid crystal display) panel manufacturing unit.

Apple threatens to sue Chinese firm for defamation in iPad trademark dispute

Michael Kan — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:04:00 -0800

Apple has threatened to take legal action against a little-known Chinese firm for inflaming an ongoing dispute over the iPad trademark.

Review: iMainGo XP iPad speaker case is good for watching video

Lex Friedman — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:00:00 -0800

The iMainGo XP is an iPad case that doubles as a speaker. It's a clever idea, and it works well for video-watchng, but it's bulky and it doesn't sound great for music.

(Insider) The Macalope Daily: A sure sign of weakness

The Macalope — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 07:30:00 -0800

Clearly Apple's surprise announcement of its next operating system must spell trouble for the beleaguered company. Wait, what year is it?

(This story is viewable exclusively by Macworld Insider members.)

Apple files EU patent complaint against Motorola Mobility

Marc Ferranti — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 07:00:00 -0800

Apple has asked the European Commission to intervene in its patent battle with Motorola Mobility.

Opinion: Apple should add Siri to Mountain Lion

Lex Friedman — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 06:30:00 -0800

Mountain Lion looks promising. But Lex Friedman hopes Apple will add support for Siri, the voice recognition assistant from the iPhone 4S, to the next iteration of the Mac OS as well.

iOS Review: TCM app is more bust than blockbuster

Philip Michaels — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:45:00 -0800

Fans of classic movies should steer clear of these companion apps for the cable channel the same way they'd avoid a cinematic stinker.

Foxconn to increase workers' wages in China

Michael Kan — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:30:00 -0800

Foxconn Technology, a supplier for Apple among other tech companies, said on Saturday it had raised wages for its assembly line workers in China by 16 to 25 percent. The move came amid increased public scrutiny over working conditions at its factories.

App Guide: Presidential election apps

Macworld Staff — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:15:00 -0800

We celebrate Presidents Day by considering the November presidential elections and the iOS apps that exist to keep you informed about the campaign.

Review: H&R Block's At Home tax software offers excellent tools

Jeffery Battersby — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 04:30:00 -0800

H&R Block at Home is an easy to use application that makes tax prep simple, offers tools to help you avoid audit-inducing mistakes, and if necessary, keeps a professional close at hand if you’re not sure how to handle a specific situation.

Review: TurboTax Premiere 2011 takes the scary out of tax prep

Jeffery Battersby — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 04:30:00 -0800

It's not hard to see why TurboTax is the most popular tax preparation software on the market. It's easy on the eyes, very simple to use, and makes your annual trip to the taxman almost seem like fun.

Weekly Wrap: Mountain Lion, Mountain Lion, other stuff, and Mountain Lion

Lex Friedman — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 09:30:00 -0800

If you missed the big news this week, boy are you in for some exciting reading: Apple announced a new release of OS X. But while that announcement and its aftershocks dominated the week's news, we wrote about a few other things as well.

Mountain Lion: Hands on with Mail

Dan Frakes — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 08:00:00 -0800

When Apple released Lion (OS X 10.7), Mail received its biggest overhaul ever, gaining many new and noteworthy features. The changes to Mail in Mountain Lion are more subtle, though there are some nice improvements, along with one significant omission.

The Macalope Weekly: Can't we all get along?

The Macalope — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 07:00:00 -0800

Sometimes maybe we shouldn't.

Mountain Lion: Hands on with Safari

Serenity Caldwell — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 06:30:00 -0800

Though Safari didn't receive as huge an overhaul in Mountain Lion as other OS X apps have, it still got some love from the folks in Cupertino. Here are a few brief impressions of Safari's new features.

ITC rules in Apple's favor in HTC dispute

Nancy Gohring — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:00:00 -0800

The U.S. International Trade Commission on Friday issued a final determination that Apple doesn't infringe certain HTC patents.