Apple didn’t use one of its prominent patents in the suit against Samsung, the iPhone may soon play wireless audio in a whole new way, and James Bond’s going to have a hard time coming up with a pun for “Xperia.” The remainders for Wednesday, August 29, 2012 are shaken, not stirred.
Pinch-to-Zoom and Rounded Rectangles: What the Jury Didn’t Say [Updated] (TechPinions)
Despite suggestions to the contrary, Steve Wildstrom points out that none of the patents involved in the Apple-Samsung trial cover Apple’s “pinch-to-zoom” gesture. Apparently that claim’s largely been pushed by reporters who didn’t read the patent documents. Hold on while I don my shocked face.
The Foreman’s Aha Moment in Apple v. Samsung Was Based on Misunderstanding Prior Art (Groklaw)
While we’re talking Apple-Samsung (as I suspect we will be for many moons to come), Groklaw suggests that perhaps the jury’s foreman misunderstood “prior art.” It’s a tricky concept, to be sure, but one that I think is best exemplified by his standup routines.
Apple ‘AirPlay Direct’ planned for September launch (The Telegraph)
According to a report, Apple may be planning on announcing a new feature called AirPlay Direct, which would let iOS devices send audio to AirPlay speakers without the need for a Wi-Fi network. The technique will supposedly be superior to Bluetooth audio, which isn’t really surprising since the same could be said for these two string-connected tin cans I have.
James Bond chooses Sony Xperia T over iPhone 5 (Network World)
Good, because that just rolls of the tongue.
“Bond, we’ll never stop the missiles in time!”“Luckily, Q gave me this new Sony Xperia T with Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich), which can be upgrade to Android Version 4.1 (Jelly Bean)—whoops, looks like we ran out of time to defuse those warheads!”
Product remainders
GIMP 2.8.2 – The latest version of the open-source image-editing software now comes as a Mac app as well. Free.
Chronicle 5.0 – LittleFin’s bill management app for OS X has been updated to version 5, bringing support for Notification Center, an integrated browser, a Mac-to-Mac sync option, better performance, Retina display support, and more. $10.