Screenshot of the data dump (Image: 9to5Mac)

Controversial manufacturer Foxconn has been hacked in protest over its working conditions, with the group leaking login details of the staff inside the company. This comes as protesters are demanding Apple to make an “ethically-made iPhone 5″.

Yes, because they are stuck between two problems – remain hipster with the iPhone, or support poor working conditions. I know, it’s a really hard decision. (That was sarcasm, by the way – doesn’t really translate well into text).

The hackers, calling themselves Swagg Security, have claimed that the passwords leaked would allow individuals “to make fraudulent orders under big companies like Microsoft, Apple, IBM, Intel, and Dell” and that they wanted to expose Foxconn. After all, they “enjoy exposing governments and corporations.”

9to5Mac have managed to verify that the passwords are real, adding that the server has now closed by Foxconn.

It is unsure if any internal information was leaked out – though, we’ll keep an eye on it.

The full message is below:

Users of Cyberspace,

So Foxconn thinks they got ‘em some swagger because they work with the Big Boys from Intel, Microsoft, IBM, and Apple? Fool, You don’t know what swagger is. They say you got your employees all worked up, committing suicide ‘n stuff. They say you hire chinese workers ’cause you think the taiwanese are elite. We got somethin’ served up good…real good. Your not gonna’ know what hit you by the time you finish this release. Your company gonna’ crumble, and you deserve it.

Upon switching the radio from Nicki Minaj’s self-enforcing, lack of content, stereotypical song, “Stupid Hoe”; We switched on BBC Radio, the leading source of unbiased material. A short segment on the manufacturer giant Foxconn, came up reporting on the inhuman conditions the workers experience. A few days later an almost viral rumor about an Iphone 5 with a 4-inch screen being manufactured, as claimed by an employee from the infamous Foxconn. Now as a first impression Swagg Security would rather not deceive the public of our intentions. Although we are considerably disappointed of the conditions of Foxconn, we are not hacking a corporation for such a reason and although we are slightly interested in the existence of an Iphone 5, we are not hacking for this reason. We hack for the cyberspace who share a few common viewpoints and philosophies. We enjoy exposing governments and corporations, but the more prominent reason, is the hilarity that ensues when compromising and destroying an infrastructure. How unethical right? Perhaps for the layman who has conformed to a society raised by the government that actively seeks to maintain power and quell threats to their ventures. But to us and many others, the destruction of an infrastructure, the act of destruction that does not affect an individual, brings a sense of newfound content, a unique feeling, along with a new chance to start your own venture.

This is Swagg Security, we aim to to reshape your perspectives, our perspectives, by the inducing of entertainment. A unique approach to spreading a unique philosophy which brings the sought after tranquility. In a way we are “hacktivist”, but in our own views we are Greyhats. We believe there is no reality in hacktivism, even with good intentions. We know those who claim to be “hacktivists” that inside of you, a suppressed part of you, enjoys playing a part in the anarchist event of hacking of an infrastructure. One which at the same time presents a challenge, upon completing reveals an almost unknown feeling of a menacing satisfaction. We encourage not to continue quelling such a natural emotion but to embrace it. Only when embracing what society has taught you to hinder, is when you realize your own identity.

We encourage media, security experts, and other interested individuals to explore our leaks. Foxconn did have an appropriate firewall, but fortunately to our intent, we were able to bypass it almost flawlessly. Of course with funding ourselves we did have our limitations. But with several hacking techniques employed, and a couple of days in time, we were able to dump most of everything of significance. We now appropriately give consent to other individuals reading this release, to scavenge through the leaks acquiring usernames and passwords; while attempting to find if they use the passwords anywhere else. Remember damage is bliss. Without further undue, the leaks.

The Hackers with Swagger,

Swagg Security

Note: The passwords inside these files could allow individuals to make fraudulent orders under big companies like Microsoft, Apple, IBM, Intel, and Dell. Be careful ; )

Meanwhile, 250,000 protesters visited 6 Apple stores around the world and called for reforms on their overseas manufacturing after the working conditions have been in the mainstream press – though, incidentally when Foxconn workers were jumping off buildings, these people didn’t really seem to care. I think it was until it managed to make an appearance on This American Life that they started to protest.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not criticising their protests. It’s a valid point that Apple should start protecting their workers – especially when Foxconn has a history of overworking its employees and where minimum wage is significantly smaller than what we get here. It feels, however, opportunistic because of the lack of protest during the other Foxconn problems that were reported on.

Anyway, two groups – Change.org and SumOfUs.org, have managed to get 200,000 and 50,000 signatures respectively on their petition pages – and have already delivered them to Bangalore and London; with Washington DC, San Francisco and Sydney to be next. (Sydney, however, is on today).

However, what I have seen, a simple protest will not work to get people change their minds. If there is anything that seems more effective, it is direct action, as evident in the Netherlands where customers threaten to pull out their money from the bank over executive pay bonuses.

Basically, just stop shopping there, and turn everyone else away. Or better yet, ditch your iPhone or other Apple device.

Train Trapper

This app is nothing short of the best Melbourne public transport app. It is fast to load and picks the closest station to your current location and presents you with a list of which train will depart when, and to where. This is extremely handy when you are roaming around the city, wander into a train station and want to catch the next train without any hassle which we had plenty of experience doing during CES.

This app also displays whether the train is cancelled or delayed and a short explanation as to what happened. Unlike the Metlink, featured later, it is really easy to read and interpret allowing for easy commuting around the Melbourne Rail network.

You can download it for free here: http://tgau.co/traintrapper 

Metlink

This app, put nicely has a horrible UX (user experience). It is just horrible. It just feels overcomplicated, is ‘thick’ menu wise and looks like something made by an amateur. In terms of functionality, it is pretty good at telling you when a bus is leaving, when a train will arrive and so on. Though that is about it. I have tried using its Journey planner many a time, only for it to produce the most incomprehensible, unreadable, irrelevant garbage.  So please, for the love of God, don’t use this app for anything other than an interactive timetable!

Though, do note that this app is still in beta so fingers crossed this Metlink work on this app and improve it to something a little more usable.

You can download the app for free here: http://tgau.co/metlinkapp

Metro Trains Mobile Site

Breaking the unwritten rules of an app wrap-up, this is actually a mobile website. There is nothing new here but this is where you go for an overview of the status of the Metro train network. Basically, the website only contains one useful webpage, which is the summary page so I can’t blab on here too much. This website also links to the Metlink app; an online timetable; a news page; and a 404 page. How nice of them.

Unlike Metlink, Metro have done quite a nice job with this website, making it also very readable and interpretable on the move. This is something I can see coming in handy in a time of chaos and confusion.

You can access the website here: http://m.metrotrains.com.au/

Tram Hunter

This is an app, which I have played with, but haven’t used on the go. Like Train Trapper, it is able to detect nearby stops (well as far as I know), browse by tram route, search for stops, and view stops on a map.

I am not a regular tram commuter so I don’t think I will ever clock up much experience with this app. though from playing with it, it is able to tell you when the next tram will leave, where and at which stop. This app is on par with the Train Trapper app in terms of design and functionality. I decided to include this because a friend recommended it to me, and I can see it being useful for some commuters.

You can download the app for free here: http://tgau.co/tramhunter

So that is it for my public transport apps. It is a little disappointing that both Metlink and Metro Trains haven’t been able to produce something that I am happy to use and able to commit to. Then again, when has the government done anything properly that they haven’t been forced to do… NBN… Sigh. Anyway, hope this helps!

The Sony Walkman Z has a 4.3 inch touch screen with a 800 x 480 resolution, but sadly runs Android 2.3, meaning it’s already out of date before it’s even made available. It’s expected to arrive in mid-2012, in the US, but an Australian date and price has yet to be revealed. Based on US prices, it’s a fair bit pricer at US$249 compared to the 8GB iPod touch which is US$199.  Meanwhile the 16GB ($279), and 32GB ($329) models are also pricer, and there is no 64GB option.

Android is fully licenced and has all of the official Google applications. Sony also added a number of their services, such as Music Unlimited. The music application is also heavily customized with SenseMe channels, based on your mood, and a truckload of music enhancement technologies. You also get EX-HP in-ear headphones, which is a much better set than what Apple includes. It also has an FM radio, HDMI output, Bluetooth and DLNA streaming.

Remember to stay tuned tonight from 8PM for a runthrough of other Sony happenings on the CES Briefing. Also, you can check out our CES Hub.

The year 2011 was one year that we will all never forget. Even though they were all in the beginning of the year, the floods in Queensland and Brazil, the earthquakes in Christchurch and the tsunami in the north of Japan are still present in all of our minds. We also saw the death of a tech luminary, Steve Jobs; and the powerful News Corporation losing its influence over politicians in the UK after the phone hacking scandal took a drastic turn from celebrities to victims of crime.

This year, we’ve decided to recap the top 11 tech stories of the year – from security problems to business failures, and even the growing popularity of Windows Phone 7.

You can explore the choices below.

• The Revolutions Heard Around The Globe
• The Catastrophic Disaster of the PSN
• Steve Jobs: 1955 – 2011
• The Phone Hacking that killed the News
• A Global War – Apple v Samsung
• A 50 Day Hacking Campaign, for the lulz
• The Rise of Windows Phone 7
• An annus horribilis for RIM and Netflix
• Palm is dead, WebOS lives on
• Social: Google enters, LinkedIn goes IPO and Timeline
• Gone Viral: Friday – an instant success amongst the haters
• Credits

Image Credits: Al Jazeera English (Left) and David Shankbone (Right). All are licensed under Creative Commons.

So, Samsung’s attempt to make the Christmas shopping season is getting slimmer and slimmer with the Australian High Court extending the for its ban until next Friday. So, if you’re planning to get this tablet – you can send all your fury to Apple.

The extension was to allow Apple to have its case heard in the High Court.

Samsung, obviously, is annoyed by the result – as it had planned to start shipping the product one minute after the injunction was lifted.

“Samsung believes Apple has no basis for its application for leave to appeal and will vigorously oppose this to the High Court,” it said in a statement.

However, according to ZDNet Australia speaking to patent lawyer Dr. Mark Summerfield, it could be in vein. “If the High Court thinks [the full bench decision] has been misinterpreted, it may be disposed to hear an appeal,” he said.

“However, on the basis of the factual findings, it does not seem that it would make much difference, even if the High Court wants to correct the full Federal Court’s legal reasoning. Three out of four Federal Court judges who have looked at the case have found no prima facie case of infringement.”

So, Android lovers, you’ll have to wait another week.

The tablet that is in the middle of a patent war between Apple and Samsung - The Galaxy Tab 10.1 (Image: Samsung)

UPDATED: Apple’s injunction against Samsung has been overturned by the Federal Court of Australia, meaning that the South Korean electronics company can now sell their Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Australia.

The decision – a unanimous decision by the full bench – also sees Apple paying all costs for the appeal. It also does mean that Samsung’s long awaited tablet, which was meant to go on sale on Vodafone’s network, will not miss the Christmas shopping season.

Samsung has said it is pleased with today’s result.

“Samsung Electronics Australia is pleased with today’s unanimous decision by the Federal Court to lift the preliminary injunction on sales of the Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1. We believe the ruling clearly affirms that Apple’s legal claims lack merit,” the company said in a statement.

“We will make an announcement regarding the market availability of the GALAXY Tab 10.1 in Australia shortly.”

Apple won the injunction in October, after Justice Annabelle Bennett sided with Apple’s claim that it infringed on its patents. She told the court, according to ZDNet Australia, that Apple would likely walk out victorious based on the evidence if it was presented in a full trial.

Apple, however, unsurprisingly (and possibly unable to admit defeat) is taking this to the High Court. The company asked and was successful to get a stay of orders by Justice Foster so it could file its appeal. It is to last until 4pm Sydney time on Friday.

We’ve asked Apple for a comment. They have not replied at the time of publication.

15:31 – This post has been updated to add Samsung’s statement.

Is the MacBook Air going to get an upgrade soon?

Here’s a double whammy of Apple rumours to drool over. A report is claiming that the MacBook Air could have another redesign in the first-half of the year to compete with the new “ultrabooks”; while another is claiming that the iPhone could have a larger, 4-inch screen.

A MacBook Air ultrabook?

DigiTimes is reporting, from unnamed sources, that the MacBook Air will see an upgrade in the first quarter of 2012. It will also add a 15-inch model – which would be great for those looking for a lightweight, but not too small notebook. Also, expect to see price cuts on the existing MacBook Air on sale currently, according to the report. That is apparently a sign that Apple is planning to launch the new-look MacBook Air.

However, DigiTimes notes: “ultrabooks with Windows and document processing software will still be more attractive for the enterprise market.”

Though, like I said before from DigiTimes, don’t get your hopes up just yet. They have a somewhat bad track record when it comes to Apple rumours.

Next iPhone to get a screen upgrade?

Japanese blog Macotakara is reporting that the next version of the iPhone could have a 4-inch display. Citing an “Asian source”, both Sony and Hitachi have started to ship new LCD displays for a “new iOS device” – which could only mean two things: the iPod touch or the iPhone. I place my bets that it is the latter, since it always gets the upgrade first, then the iPod touch that are slightly reduced (like the camera, for example).

While the upgrade will most likely put the phone on-par with its Android rivals, who have been increasing the screen-size to borderline tablet-sized screens, it does mean that it lose something. As pointed out by Dustin Curtis in October, the 3.5-inch display allows the user to touch the screen with just a thumb.

The big important question is when will this device be launched? 9to5Mac is claiming that it will be in winter (our time) next year – though that would make the iPhone 4S less than a year old before being succeeded by a new-generation iPhone.

Like I said, take it with a grain of salt.

Mark this on your calendar, Apple’s annual Black Friday sale is on again. The company has announced quietly on its Apple Store online that it will hold a “special one-day Apple shopping event” on November 25 – which is Black Friday.

It has not revealed what are the discounts, but don’t expect it to be much. Apple is notoriously known for having minuscule discounts. Last year’s event saw the iPad reduced by $51, and the iPod touch by $25.

Yes, their deals are pretty crappy.

However, if you’re looking for accessories, they offer good deals. But that’s because they don’t really make money from third-party accessory makers.

For those new to this: Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving and it is the “official” start of the Holiday Shopping Season since most retailers start their price discounts on that day. Online retailers, however, see a big boom the Monday after “Black Friday”  as people found it more convenient to shop from home.

Check back on November 25 to see any Apple deals that are worth getting.

Steve Jobs biography, written by Walter Isaacson, has detailed a number of details of Steve Jobs’ life, work and achievements, occasionally showing a darker side to the man who brought such innovative products to the world. But Isaacson has revealed to the New York Times that he had left out some of the upcoming Apple products details out of respect for Apple and Jobs.

According to Isaacson, Jobs had planned to reinvent television, textbooks and photography and was already in the process of creating the long rumoured Apple TV that was actually a full television and not just a set-top box. He even told Isaacson that he’d “licked it” and that “There’s no reason you should have all these complicated remote controls.”

The other two industries, textbooks and photography, could arguably be linked to the iPad and iPhone, but it sounds like Jobs’ had much deeper plans to recreate the idea of textbooks and photography.

The big question from these details is whether Apple will continue work on these projects and if so, how long away are they? If Steve Jobs had “licked it”, does that mean they are just a few years away? Or will the rumour remain a rumour? Some things we may never know.

Apple has begun its recall program to replace the first generation iPod nano, after determining that there is a problem with the battery. Any iPod nano that was sold between September 2005 and December 2006 could “overheat and pose a safety risk”.

The company has said that it traced it to a single battery supplier, and says that the likelihood of the battery overheating increases as the battery ages. Because of that, you should stop using your old iPod nano NOW and replace it.

Apple will give you a replacement unit, free of charge. However, most likely, you’re going to get one of the later generations of the iPod nano. We’re not expecting Apple to just give you another first-generation iPod nano, because its five-to-six years old and most likely doesn’t have any more stock. I do have a first-generation iPod nano that is eligible for this, so we’ll see what Apple gives in return since they are keeping it all hush-hush.

Apple’s recall program includes Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. You’ll also need to make sure your serial number matches between the dates of manufacturer, which you can find on this handy image below:

If you do use the online form, then you have ten business days to get the product sent to Apple. For Australians, print out the dispatch label and go to the nearest Australia Post. You should not include the power or USB cord, or manuals, as they will not be returned to you. Please also note that it could take five business days for your package to sent to Apple, depending on your region.Then you will have to wait up to six weeks from when Apple receives your iPod nano to ship out a replacement unit.

If you don’t want to use the online form, you can head over to the Apple Store or an Apple Authorised Service Provider to help you send the product over to Apple for validation and trade it in.

The new iPod nano, whatever it is, is “warranted to be free from defects for 90 days from the date of service.”

A German court has approved an injunction launched by Motorola against Apple and its iOS devices over two patents it claims . However, due to a legal loophole, Apple may not be forced to stop the sales of the devices.

The legal loophole is due to the lawsuit by Motorola filing a suit on two companies: Apple Inc in California, and Apple Germany, its local subsidiary. According to The Verge, the company has been focused on its lawsuit against Apple Germany and left the Apple Inc lawsuit to lapse, forcing a default judgement by the court.

“This is a procedural issue that has nothing to do with the merits of the case. This does not affect our ability to sell products or do business in Germany at this time,” Apple said in a statement to The Verge.

“We will continue to assert ourselves in the protection of these assets, while also ensuring that our technologies are widely available to end-users. We hope that we are able to resolve this matter, so we can focus on creating great innovations that benefit the industry,” Motorola said in a statement.

While some argue that the company’s victory is “symbolic” and doesn’t stop the sales of the iOS devices; FOSS Patents’ Florian Mueller argues that it is indeed stronger than just symbolic. He points to the fact that Apple Inc is barred from “offering and/or delivering, on the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany, any mobile devices [practicing any of the patents-in-suit].” This includes shipping to Apple Germany, meaning new stock cannot be given to its German subsidiary.

In addition, Mueller says that all lawyers he contacted in Germany have said that:

All of the lawyers I talked to had consistent positions. In particular, all of them agree with me that the default judgment against Apple Inc. of Cupertino would have very near-term business impact unless Apple wins a suspension. They all agree that in one way or another, Apple’s German business also depends on Apple Inc. being unrestricted to do business in Germany. And they all concur that Apple is more likely than not to win a temporary suspension (for the period until a substantive decision following a second hearing by the same court). “More likely than not” is a conservative consensus position. An unnamed one of them told me he can’t imagine any other outcome.

It’s a bitter pill to swallow for Apple if it means that they cannot sell their devices to the German market – like Samsung, which they secured an injunction months before – especially when the company’s latest iPhone, the iPhone 4S, is a huge success.

Both are currently engaged in lawsuits. Motorola sued Apple in 18 different countries in October, and several weeks later, Apple responded. Motorola argues that Apple violated two of its patents related to mobile technologies, while Apple’s countersuit argues that Motorola violated its multi-touch patents.

Steve Jobs’ sister, Mona Simpson, has published a eulogy about her brother in the New York Times today. Simpson delivered  eulogy was given at a memorial to him on October 16 at the Memorial Church in Stanford University, the same university where Jobs gave a speech.

In the eulogy, she recounts her first meet with Jobs, his family life and the trials and tribulations during his ousting out of Apple in the 1980s and during his illness. The most impacting is definitely the last moments of his life, and the final words he said.

“I want to tell you a few things I learned from Steve, during three distinct periods, over the 27 years I knew him. They’re not periods of years, but of states of being. His full life. His illness. His dying,” Simpson, a renowned author, writes.

“Steve worked at what he loved. He worked really hard. Every day.”

The most powerful bits, I feel, were when he first became ill. I’ll let you read the full eulogy, but it shows how devoted that Steve was towards his family.

You can read the entire eulogy at the New York Times’ page.

We knew this was coming. In retaliation of the news that the Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet would be banned until the case was settled, Samsung has filed a preliminary injunction in the Federal Court that seeks to ban the sale of the iPhone 4S, claiming that Apple infringes on three of its patents relating to mobile technologies.

“Apple has continued to violate our patent rights and free ride on our technology. We will no longer stand idly by and will steadfastly protect our intellectual property,” the company said in a statement posted on their blog.

The company has also filed an appeal seeking to overturn the injunction granted by Apple just last week; and filed a similar suit in Japan over two patents – including over UI customisation and the UI indicator for “in flight mode”.

The full claims for Australia, according to Samsung, are:

Patent Claims in Australia:

1)  Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving packet data using pre-defined length indicator in a mobile communication system (WCDMA)

2)  Method and apparatus for data transmission in a mobile telecommunication system supporting enhanced uplink service (HSPA)

3)  Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data with high reliability in a mobile communication system supporting packet data transmission (HSPA)

We have asked for a response from Apple, but they did not respond in time of publication.

1 million pre-orders in the first 24 hours perhaps isn’t the greatest context in which to read this article, but suffice to say, Apple’s sales numbers rarely have any coalescence with the activities of their business. The original iPhone 4 was marred by antenna problems, only to cleverly be called ‘antennagate’ in the closed circles of tech fans whilst consistently ranking as the best selling smartphone worldwide. So to say that I’m unsurprised over my knowledge of the iPhone 4S’s phenomenal pre-order statistics would be an understatement. However, the post-show disappointment that almost everyone expressed on the day of the iPhone 4S’s unveiling leaves a lot worth talking about, and a lot of lessons to learn.

Now, the iPhone 4S was always going to an inevitable sales success, piggybacking upon the success of its older siblings. Apple’s sales numbers and preorder statistics are no longer a way to measure the success of the company like it is for many others, Apple’s success goes beyond the superficiality of money and numbers because Apple’s monotonously consistent success makes the numerical stats almost secondary. iPhone 4S has disappointed, not in its monetary success but as a product. It’s the first Apple product in a very long time that has left the crowd legitimately nonchalant and unexcited, and as a first move for Tim Cook, this can’t possibly be a good thing.

Perhaps one of the most important lessons that Steve Jobs taught us in his tenure is that design is important. In fact, design is often more important than the very things inside that make the magic happen. That’s not to say that you’re better off having an aesthetically marvellous rock than a turd-shaped phone, but it’s saying that from a very very direct and impressionistic stand point, design talks to an audience much more than specs and inner hardware ever can. Design is more than just encasing a product, it’s about expressing that very product. Innovative design encapsulates and communicates innovative products. Poor design therefore often isn’t a sufficient conveying and justification of something that may be really great. Contrary to Barney Stinson’s highly clever strategies, you only ever do get one shot to make a first impression, and design is the sole makeup of a first impression, because naturally, it’s the first thing you see.

Design when utilised effectively, isn’t just about encapsulating and transforming ideas and creations into tangible items, but it’s a method to manifest and exemplify the stance, core and beliefs of a corporation. It’s a method of subtle, but rather direct communication. Let’s take Apple again for instance – perhaps their most iconic design, the original quasi-transparent blue iMac exemplified the companies slogan and belief to ‘Think Different’. I never saw a computer like that before. Apple effectively used the physical design of the iMac to materialise their belief in challenging the status quo and thus lending credibility to what otherwise would have been a purely shallow and superficial marketing message. The original iPod, another timeless and iconic design was an aura of innovation, creativity and forward thinking. Its design effectively communicated what really was an innovative, creative and forward thinking idea. Had the iPod simply been a generic design lacking its novel click wheel, sure it still would have been a market success but minus the buzz, excitement and word of mouth that it had garnered.

So to throw all of this talk back into context, a large reason why the iPhone 4S has been so critically received is due to its lack of physical design alteration or improvement. The hardware improvements within the phone itself are undeserving of the criticism it has warranted, and Siri from what I’ve seen is perhaps even worthy of the label ‘revolutionary’. Disappointingly, Apple packed it all in the same stylish albeit ageing casing, eliminating much of the ‘first impression’ hype it would have otherwise harvested – the kind of hype that the original iPod had entranced. Design is an immediately obvious visual representation of progression, and in keeping the new design, Apple have undermined what is really a significant step forward.

We can blame the rumour mill and the hype machine for a lot, for feeding us with false expectations and unrealised dreams. But, we can also blame Apple in part for what ultimately was a disappointing product unveiling. Rumours are rumours for a reason and hype is a hype for a reason, they’re not just pure dreams and imaginings, they’re expectations and this is the first time in a very long time that Apple has failed to live up to the lofty expectations of consumers and pundits. Having said that, the worthy progressions that iPhone 4S has made are simply unsung by a crowd left with a bitter after-taste created by the harsh deceitfulness of first impressions. Just because the iPhone 4S looks the same doesn’t mean it is the same, and when they say ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’, this is one of those times when you’ll get a lot more out of opening the book.

But Apple, suffice to say, it’s always the flashy covers that get the most attention and I would expect you to have first-hand knowledge of that. But to hide new innovations inside an old box is the very best way to disguise the magnitude of your own creations.

Apple has acknowledged Mr. Jobs’ death by a statement released on a tribute site (visit here) and lowering all flags on their campuses at half-mast:

Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

Apple have asked those who wish to share their condolences with Apple email rememberingsteve@apple.com with their tribute.

An email from Tim Cook (Apple’s CEO) to employees highlights Steve’s prowess in attitude towards life and others:

Team,

I have some very sad news to share with all of you. Steve passed away earlier today.

Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

We are planning a celebration of Steve’s extraordinary life for Apple employees that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can simply email rememberingsteve@apple.com.

No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.

Tim

Steve Jobs was a truly inspirational human being; an Edison of our times. Though you may not of liked Apple, chances are a product you use was influenced by Steve’s thinking, ideals and passion.

His family also released a statement saying:

Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family.

In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family. We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve’s illness; a website will be provided for those who wish to offer tributes and memories.

We are grateful for the support and kindness of those who share our feelings for Steve. We know many of you will mourn with us, and we ask that you respect our privacy during our time of grief.

Finally, Bill Gates has also told AllThingsD his feelings on the passing of Steve Jobs.

I’m truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs’ death. Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to everyone Steve has touched through his work.

Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives.

The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come.

For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely.

On behalf of all the TECHgeek.com.au staff, I extend our deepest regrets at the passing of a single man, a visionary, a man who always “stayed foolish, stayed hungry”. Our prayers and thoughts are with everyone who knew or worked with Steve and with anyone who was truly touched by his work.

The internal email is courtesy of Ars Technia, where the original can be found here.
The family statement is courtesy of BusinessWire, where the original can be found here.
The statement from Bill Gates is courtesy of AllThingsD, where the original can be found here. 

Not much has changed since it’s original announcement. However it has been officially revealed that iCloud will come with 5GB of free storage.

As seen at WWDC, iCloud will sync Mail, Calendars, Contacts, Documents and Photos to OS X and iOS. It will also be included in iTunes 10.5 which will sync Apps and Books between devices.

With the iOS 5 beta music sync has only been available in the US but will be coming to other countries, including Australia, very soon. Hopefully the Australian availability of iTunes music sync comes October 13, but there are no official details yet.

After the break is a new iCloud video which was shown at the Apple event today.

The tablet that is in the middle of a patent war between Apple and Samsung - The Galaxy Tab 10.1 (Image: Samsung)

Samsung has offered a deal to Apple in order to settle its patent dispute over touch-screen technology that would allow the Korean company to launch the long-awaited Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet in Australia, according to its lawyers.

Talking to the Wall Street Journal, Samsung lawyer David Catterns said that the tablet could launch next week if Apple settles. Apple has accused Samsung of copying its smartphone and tablets, among other patent infringements, in a number of countries including Germany, the Netherlands, Japan and South Korea.

Apple has told the court that they will need time to examine the deal.

Details of the proposed settlement have not been discussed, but it appears that Apple will certainly be the victor in this deal.

The case for Samsung appears to be shaky, after it agreed to withdraw two features from the Galaxy Tab 10.1 that infringe on Apple’s patents. However, if the judge presiding, Justice Annabelle Bennett, rejects Apple’s claims, it does give Samsung some leverage in its other cases and it also threatens Apple’s attempt to dominate the tablet and smartphone market.

Samsung also recently announced a patent deal with Microsoft that would see Samsung pay royalties for Microsoft over its use of Android. Yes, you heard that correctly. Samsung is paying Microsoft in order to use Android. Now it appears it also has to pay Apple to use the hardware for its tablets and smartphones.

That’s got to hurt.

Justice Bennett said yesterday that she is trying to deliver a ruling next week over the injunction, but no timeframe has been given.

The conference will be covering the next iPhone, presumably the iPhone 5 and rumoured budget iPhone 4S, a bit of iOS5 and I’m guessing that it’ll be delivered by the soothing voice of Apple’s new CEO Tim Cook.

Remember you can get all the coverage right here on TECHGEEK.com.au, including up to the minute information. If it happens, it’ll be here and on our Twitter feeds. We hope that you can join us. Unless you enjoy sleep, that is.

James Wilson takes a look at two of their applications, the iStoryTime Transformers Mix and Match, and iStoryTime The Smurfs Audio Book.

Editor’s Note: this review has been slightly edited from its original publication to meet within our style guide.

If there is one thing that Apple has proven its that iOS is a great platform for people of all ages. iStoryTime is a company that produces great, interactive story books for young-to-middle aged children. Recently, I was tasked to review two of their apps: iStoryTime Transformers (Mix & Match) and iStoryTime The Smurfs (Audio Book)., I’ve decided to break them down into two distinct sections.

Transformers: Mix and Match Book

Based on the movie “Tranformers: Dark Side of the Moon”, this application is an interactive way for children to mix up characters and create their own stories. I myself was amused as to the fact that Ratchet (the green Transformer) could easily brandish the Energon Sword and take on Sentinal Prime who is attacking some NEST soldiers.

Interface

When you first start up the app, the menu is simple enough: a giant play button is present, with Optimus Prime (mixed with Bumblebee’s body) standing next to it. The (I) button simple flips the app to show a “Read to Me” option that, when toggled on, means your mix-up is read to you. The (GET GAME) button flips the app to reveal the shoot-em-up arcade style Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon game available from the App Store.

The Normal Part
When you first hit that play button, the initial scene of movie appears. The screen is comprised of three sections: top, middle, bottom. You change each part by swiping left or right. Each section lists the location and a noun (top), the verb (middle) and conclusion (bottom). The pictures are detailed and very artistic in presentation. Each textbox has a colour around it to reference it to a particular character. As a four-year-old, that part doesn’t matter: its simply a mixing of colours!

The Mix-n-Match Part
To left is a mixed up story – and let me tell you kids LOVE IT! Die-hard (can kids even be that?) fans of Transformers will relish in this clash of roles and scenes from the movie. The colours are all now mixed up, indicating a change in characters and actions. In this instance, Ratchet now has Mirage’s body and Cybertron’s legs. The story is also mixed up, saying that Ratchet becomes a sports car and has killed the serpentine drill.

Character Info
Clicking the Autobot or Decepticon icon in the previous screen will reveal information on each Transformer. This information is also read out to you. It lists the function, vehicle mode and weapon.

Verdict

This application is fantastically and skilfully built. It teaches children the simplicities of mixing and matching to make a story that does make sense and provide young children with a very, very long time of entertainment. I recently was seeing younger cousins of that age range and let one of them test the Transformer’s Mix and Match app on my iPhone; needless to say I didn’t see that iPhone for a good twenty minutes and always heard the “whooahahahaii” sound of the transforming Tranformers. If you’re thinking twenty minutes is not long, for a four-to-six year old child, it is. This application also allows simple assimilation of words that helps build up the vocabulary by exploring the relationships between nouns and verbs as each strip is changed. The “Read to Me” setting (which is on by default) greatly enhances the learning of new words as the parent (or technically abled user) can turn this off and read to themselves.

I only have one con: no language (or accent) specification. Being Australian, the distinctly American accent may confuse young children learning new words (in terms of articulation). However, as an adult, it provides a simple way for the app to be read out and enjoyed.

The Smurfs

These little creatures never seem to stay out of trouble. Unlike the previous application, this application is a simple picture-to-text linear storytelling app that does its job well. Upon first launch, the screen to the left is given with three options: Read It Myself; Read To Me; Auto Play; and, Spot the Difference Game

Each option does exactly what it says. If you choose “Read it Myself”, there is no narration – simply text and picture. If you choose “Read to Me”, the application narrates for you but does not advance the pages, allowing you to continue at your own pace. “Auto Play” simply means the story is read to you and automatically turns the pages.

The Interface. Let’s walk…

The interface is easy enough: a picture and text. The text is situated on a blue ‘wavy’ background is very easy to read. Above, there is a scene from the movie in relation to the text. The picture stays over three-four different ‘pages’ of text.

This simple approach means that the child (or older person) can absorb the text more readily instead of being distracted by changing picture’s (although more pictures would be nice). To manually change the pages, you simple flick right-to-left to go forward or vice-versa for backwards: just like you would for any other iOS app.

Spot The Differences

Perhaps the best part of this app is the ‘Spot the Difference’ game. The user can pick from three photo’s and then tap on the screen to find the differences. When you get one right, a Smurf goes “Smurf-xactly!”, a cloud fills up and the difference is outlined in white. The photo on the left took this reviewer a very VERY long time (around 10 minutes) to find that last difference (without Googling the answer). So, I’ll leave you find the last one.

The Review Part

This application was very entertaining and well-narrated. It was a very simple and easy-to-use application. The pictures were of excellent quality – clear, crisp and vibrant – and the application is a worthy contender of any child’s time. Much like the previous application, The Smurf’s successfully teaches children new words and expands their vocabulary in an easy and intuitive way. The game was a welcome addition to the storybook, taking it the interactivity level just that bit-further. Needless to say, younger children who liked the Smurf Movie (or the Smurfs in general) will be entertained for a very long time and learn a few new words along the way. The Smurf’s were also voiced superbly and are a credit to iStoryTimes attention to detail.

I have two problems with this app: no language (or accent) specification, like the first one.The second is that addition of picture would have been nice to assist with the parts of the storyline where lots of pandemonium or action occurred.

Conclusions

These applications are simple, easy-to-use and fun. They bridge the gap between the centuries-old tradition of retelling stories with modern technology and allow the user to learn new words. iStoryTime have a wonderful collection of apps, of which these two interested me the most, that can positively entertain and contribute to any persons day.

Image: Pedro Eugenio Antunes/Flickr (Creative Commons)

Samsung’s plan to ban the iPhone and iPad has officially started with the Korean company asking a Dutch court to ban the products made by rival Apple over infringing on patents relating to 3G technologies it holds in Europe.

According to Dutch publication Webwereld.nl, Samsung has appealed for an import ban on Apple smartphones and tablets, and has widen it to not only affect Apple but to five other companies that are affiliated with them to handle sales and distribution. Samsung is also claiming one million euros for each violation of the ban.

Webwereld.nl (according to translation by Google) notes that these are the patents that have been named by Samsung:

European Patent (EP) 1114528Samsung “the device for controlling a demultiplexer and a multiplexer for the matching of data rates (rate matching) in a mobile communication system, so the data according to the 3G standard wireless can be established between a mobile station, such as a mobile or tablet, and a base station. ”

EP 1478136 provides a method for controlling the speed of the uplink from mobile to base station, through which great strides to increase or decrease, which improves throughput.

EP 1097516 is a ‘turbocodeerorgaan’ for the data signal from a 3G device. And EP 1188269 relates to finally TFCI (Transport Format Combination Indicator) field that informs receiver on the data rate of the data that is transmitted by a mobile or tablet.

Samsung brings also other similar patents in contention against Apple in the courts including the United States, Britain, Germany, France, Japan and South Korea.

Because they are so fundamental to mobile technology, Samsung is obliged to offer them on a reasonable term under FRAND conditions (Fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory) in order to promote competition. According to Samsung, Apple is the only company that has not paid “reasonable” royalties for use of its technology.

The case has been scheduled to be discussed next Monday, allowing Apple to settle the case before the court reaches a judgement that could see a ban of the iPad and iPhone in the Netherlands – or in fact for the entire EU, as a Dutch court has previously done with Samsung.

It must really hurt when one of your legal tactics have been used against you.

An eye for an eye. Samsung is gearing up a legal assault on Apple’s highly awaited iPhone 5 in retaliation to the iPhone maker’s attempts to ban its products from sale in Australia, the United States and Europe.

Some say a flaw in patent law, I say its Samsung’s attempt at payback.

According to the Korean Times quoting “Samsung insiders” the company could ban it from South Korea, claiming that the product violates the wireless technology patents that Samsung holds.

Apparently, the patents cover most of the technology used by Apple for its phone functions and the South Korean rival believes it could have a case.

“For as long as Apple does not drop mobile telecommunications functions, it would be impossible for it to sell its i-branded products without using our patents. We will stick to a strong stance against Apple during the lingering legal fights,” according to one senior executive at Samsung.

Apple has launched lawsuits against Samsung, claiming that their products infringe on their patents and trademark designs. However, as Samsung is a big backer of Android, and Apple recently targeting most of the strong backers of the Google OS rival – such as HTC and Motorola – it appears that Apple is trying to kill it off so it can continue its dominance.

Anti-competitive behaviour, anyone?

Apple has also been accused of manipulating images in order to assist its cases in Europe.

However, Apple appears to be winning. Samsung has hit several setbacks in the past few months. A US judge denied its request to see the iPhone 5, while also having its products pulled from sale in Germany and the EU (thanks to a Dutch ruling). And in the end of the day, it only matters if you are the winner.

The tablet that is in the middle of a patent war between Apple and Samsung - The Galaxy Tab 10.1 (Image: Samsung)

Samsung is now countersuing Apple, claiming that the iPad and iPhone maker has infringed on seven of their patents – all which relate to wireless communications – and plans to have Apple’s own patents that it is using against it invalidated and revoked.

Samsung are claiming that these patents are infringed on the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPad devices.

The case started in Australia with Apple suing Samsung to prevent them from selling the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, however Samsung agreed to temporarily delay the sale of its new tablet. Meanwhile, Apple and Samsung have battled it out in ongoing lawsuits in Europe, Asia and in the United States.

Interesting, especially since Apple sources some parts from Samsung for its iPhone and iPad parts (they are two ‘separate’ companies but all under the Samsung Group).

“Samsung has a proud history of innovation in the mobile industry,” said a spokesperson from the Korean company to BusinessWeek. “It has invested continuously in R&D, design and technology to produce our innovative and cutting-edge mobile devices.”

If Samsung does win the Australian case (highly doubt though), it does mean it has some precedence to help them in the other cases overseas. However, it has had some setbacks in Europe with both cases – in Germany and the Netherlands – have ruled in favour for Apple, and have put injunctions on its devices (and for the Netherlands, the entire EU)

The tablet that Apple does not want you see, buy or touch - because it apparently looks like the iPad

The Samsung/Apple war looks like to get a bit worse for Samsung, with a German court upholding an injunction requested by the iPad maker to ban sales of rival Android-powered device – the Samsung Galaxy tablets.

With this ruling, this pretty much secure the iPad as the dominant tablet maker in Germany as no other alternative, minus a very tiny minority such as the Motorola XOOM, is good in comparison. So much for “Think Different”?

Apple claims that the Galaxy tablets and mobile phones are copies of the iPad and iPhone (which I call total bulls**t); and has successfully managed a ban in Australia and are seeking bans in Korea and across Europe. Samsung, however, has also countersued Apple over patent infringements.

I would go off on a rant about Apple at this point – as James Wilson, who usually would write in this section, doesn’t – but I’ve pretty much said a lot of things about Apple being douchebags, practising monopolistic behaviour in the tablet realm and are just arseholes. But I think you can pretty much read the previous stories to find out how much I really do hate Apple.

Source: Reuters

Yes. We get it. Under Tim Cook, you still are the douchebags. We don’t need you to keep suing poor little Samsung to make us think that. If you haven’t heard, Apple has decide to extend their case to Japan over patent infringements on the iPhone and the iPad.

According to Reuters, the company is seeking to suspend the sales of the Galaxy S and the Galaxy S II smartphones and the Galaxy Tab 7 tablet.

It appears the decision to sue the Korean maker could have been based on bitter rivalry in the market after the Galaxy S outsold the iPhone in Japan in the first three months of the year.

If you quick background: Apple has launched cases against Samsung in Australia, the United States, Korea and across Europe. All of these are based on the same reason – patent infringement. In Europe, however, Apple has been caught faking evidence (twice) – which goes to show that Apple really fears Samsung and Android.

This is why we can’t get nice things – because Apple will claim it as the iPhone or the iPad and sue it until it disappears. Not everything has to be the f**king iPad.

And now, I have certainty guaranteed that I’m in Apple’s black list. Great.