AllThingsD » 9to5Mac

Apple's Coming Map App Will "Blow Your Head Off"

John Paczkowski — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:16:07 +0000

A 3-D view of San Francisco from C3 Technologies

Between 2009 and 2011, Apple acquired three mapping companies in quick succession: Placebase, in 2009; 3-D mapping outfit Poly9 in 2010; and in 2011, C3 Technologies, a second 3-D mapping company. Three mapping-company acquisitions in as many years. But for good reason: Apple has been hard at work developing its own in-house mapping solution for iOS, and now it’s finally ready to debut it.

Sources tell 9to5Mac that Apple will abandon Google’s mapping back-end in the next major iteration of iOS, replacing it with a brand-new mapping application powered by Apple technology. We’ve independently confirmed that this is indeed the case. Sources describe the new Maps app as a forthcoming tentpole feature of iOS that will, in the words of one, “blow your head off.” I’m not quite sure what that means, and the source in question declined to elaborate, but it’s likely a reference to the photorealistic 3-D mapping tech Apple acquired when it purchased C3 Technologies. C3 did use missile-targeting technology to develop its gorgeous 3-D models of major cities, so …

In any event, we’re almost certain to find out for sure at Apple’s WWDC conference, which runs June 11-15 in San Francisco. Sources say the current plan is to debut the new Maps app during the keynote. Caveat: Keynote plans often change, especially at Apple.

(Image courtesy of MacRumors)

iOS Flaw Allows Developers Access to User Photos

John Paczkowski — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:38:20 +0000

A vulnerability in Apple’s iOS operating systems may be allowing some apps to access consumers’ photos and videos and associated location data. First reported by 9to5Mac, the loophole was recently examined by the New York Times, which confirmed that by allowing an iOS app access to location information, that app can then copy a user’s entire photo library — without any further notification or warning. Apple is reportedly at work on a fix.

Apple Nipping at Target's Heels for Fourth Most-Visited Site on Black Friday

Tricia Duryee — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:31:17 +0000

Apple was the fifth most-trafficked retailer on Black Friday, the only individual product brand to reach the top ranks among the major big-box retailers.

The electronics manufacturer placed behind Target, Best Buy, Wal-Mart and Amazon, according to a comScore report that analyzed online shopping trends the day after Thanksgiving.

“Apple has not historically been in the top five — in fact, this is the first time I can remember,” said Andrew Lipsman, an analyst at comScore, who added that Apple was “nipping at Target’s heels,” registering only a few percentage points lower in overall traffic.

The strong ranking backs up a report today by 9to5Mac that said Apple’s Black Friday sales were “off the charts.” According to its sources, Apple blew away forecasts by 7 pm, and broke records for its biggest sales day ever.

ComScore’s figures include both Apple’s site as well as iTunes, so any resulting sales would encompass both hardware and digital products, such as apps and videos.

Separately, Experian Hitwise ranked Apple as the 12th most-visited retail site on Black Friday. It said the company’s total visits jumped 42 percent compared to 2010.

In both of these circumstances, what’s notable is Apple’s apparent mind share among consumers.

Best Buy, like some other retailers, is trying hard this season to be the go-to source for Apple products, running new TV ads promoting the chain as a place to buy Macs, iPads and iPhones. But Apple was able to rival gigantic big-box retailers, which carry thousands of products, including their own.

That’s impressive, especially since its discounts are generally not.

Lipsman agreed: “Even though Apple does not provide the selection of products that you might find at a big box retailer, it is obviously top of mind when it comes to the most in-demand products, like the iPhone and iPad. Two of the biggest growth sectors right now are tablets and digital content downloads, and obviously Apple is extremely well positioned on both fronts.”