iPhone

The 404 1,283: Where we whirlybird this picture disc (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- Weird Al Yankovic says next album will be his last.

- Australian scientists uncover "God's bathtub."

- These Blu-ray discs will last 1,000 years.

- You guys, Xanga is about to shut down unless we give them $60k.

- This teenager would rather go to jail than play his Xbox 360.… Read more

Screens test: HTC One vs. Samsung Galaxy S4

The two hottest flagship Android smartphones right now, the HTC One and the Samsung Galaxy S4, both earned CNET's Editors' Choice Awards for their stellar designs, massive feature sets, and overall appeal.

So which one has the better screen?

In the tradition of our original screens tests last year, we set out to answer that very question. We used a combination of objective measurements courtesy of the same expensive test gear we use to evaluate and calibrate HDTVs, and subjective observations courtesy of our priceless, expert eyes.

As we found previously, each screen has particular strengths and weaknesses, but to our minds the Samsung Galaxy S4 has the better screen. Its victory over the One, however, was by no means a slam dunk.

Overall color accuracy between the two is nearly a wash by the numbers, and the One has a decided advantage in brightness -- making it the better choice if you spend a lot of time outdoors under a bright sky. But the deeper black levels and insane contrast of the GS4, along with the versatility afforded by its many settings, helped put it over the top.

… Read more

Apple to offer trade-in service for iPhones, says report

Apple is reportedly partnering with an outside company to offer a new trade-in service for iPhones at its retail stores, a program that remains unannounced.

Citing sources, Bloomberg says Apple is working with Brightstar, a Miami-based company that manages trade-ins and logistical efforts for other companies.

The rumored program would let consumers bring in their used iPhones for a discount on newer models, and potentially for credit on other items in Apple's stores.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Such a program would not be a first for the company. Apple already offers a recycling … Read more

Apple's WWDC 2013: Rumors and expectations

Apple's 24th annual developers conference kicks off next week, and will be the company's first event in more than seven months.

The conference lasts the entire week, but the highlight is Monday's keynote address, where Apple typically announces new products and services. This year, Apple has only said it will give developers new versions of iOS and OS X software, though there's likely to be a surprise or two.

CNET's live coverage of Apple's WWDC 2013 keynote

Expectations are high, in no small part because it's been so long since Apple has released … Read more

Apple to offer low-cost iPhone in five different colors -- analyst

Apple may get a bit colorful with its much-rumored low-cost iPhone.

In an investors note out Thursday, analyst Brian White cited research suggesting that the low-cost iPhone, aka "iPhone Mini," would come in five different colors. White told CNET that he believes four of the five colors will be white, black, pink, and blue.

The analyst also expects the low-cost phone to arrive before the iPhone 5S, which is likely to debut in September assuming Apple follows its usual schedule.

Rumors have run rampant over the past several months about a low-cost iPhone, with several analysts and Apple … Read more

Rumor Has It: Watch out, Pandora -- here comes iRadio

Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference begins next week, which means that a lot of rumors will finally be put to rest. What probably won't be put to rest, however, are rumors about the next iPhone.

Other than iOS 7, one big thing we're expecting will be announced next week is the long-rumored iRadio. What do you think? What features would you like to see in iRadio? Hit the comments below!

Also on the show: AirDrop might be coming to iOS 7, and the Xbox One and PS4 get some prices out of nowhere, thanks to an analyst who'… Read more

The 404 1,282: Where the water is rising (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- Apple banned from selling some iPhones and iPads after Samsung patent win.

- Aunt Jill on LinkedIn: What I Learned in Italy (or, Economies in Perspective).

- Venice floods put more than half of city underwater.

- GameStop to recall 8GB Wii U Basic -- but why?

- Forget what you know, next-gen consoles change everything.

- The Last of Us is now the best reason to own a PS3.

- Game over for used games: How Xbox One and PS4 could gut gamers' wallets.… Read more

How a 16-year-old won a scholarship to Apple's WWDC

A 16-year-old programmer named Ash Bhat is attending Apple's WWDC next week for free. How? He created an iOS app that earned him one of 150 scholarships.

Tickets to Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference sold out within two minutes after going on sale in April. But the company held out hope for student developers, promising scholarships for 150 of those able to create an app that would knock Apple's socks off.

The scholarship awarded one free ticket to join the conference, which runs from June 10 to June 14 in San Francisco.

Those qualified to enter the competition … Read more

Apple would survive ban on older iPhones, iPads, says analyst

Sure, Samsung won a victory over Apple when a judge imposed a limited sales ban on older iPhones and iPads. But Apple would survive such a ban virtually unscathed, according to Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster.

Tuesday's ruling by the U.S. International Trade Commission found Apple guilty of infringing on certain Samsung cellular technology patents. Assuming the ruling stands, a ban on the infringing devices would halt sales of the AT&T models of the iPhone 4 and 3GS and the 3G versions of the first and second iPad.

A ban on most of those devices would … Read more