HTC HD2 ''Leo'' Announced, US Release Q1 2010

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It's taken a lot of waiting, but the HTC HD2, aka the Leo, is finally here. HTC officially announced their new smartphone today. The HD2 will be available in Europe "later this month", and will then move out to carriers in other regions. Slashgear (via BGR) was told by HTC CEO Peter Chou to expect the HD2 in Q1 2010.

Posted on Tue, 6 Oct 2009 20:21:48 CDT | by Robert Evans

Acer F1 and HTC Leo Powered By 1GHz Snapdragon Launch Q4

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The new Acer F1 and HTC Leo will be powered by a 1Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU. Digitimes reports that HTC and Acer plan to launch their Snapdragon phones in Q4 of 2009.
The Acer F1 running Windows Mobile 6.5 is supposed to launch on October 6th. Features of the Acer F1 include 3.8-inch touchscreen, 5MP camera, Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth 2.1. Read more

Posted on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

HTC Leo Specs Confirmed+Screenshots

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The HTC Leo's specs have been confirmed! The ai.rs blog has received confirmation that their earlier spec list was correct. In addition, they have found a whole host of photos of the new phone in action, some of which show the UI and widget utilities in action. We get to see the weather graphic, the photo book, and more.

The confirmed specs for the Leo are as follows; WCDMA/HSPA 900/2100 MHz with GSM/EDGE. WinMo 6.5, 4.3" WVGA capacitive touchscreen, 5 megapixel camera with auto-focus, high power, 2x LED flashlight, 512 MB internal flash, 320 MB RAM. The chipset is a Qualcomm MSM 8250, 1 GHz.

Posted on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:20:07 CDT | by Robert Evans

Snow Leopard Doubles Leopard Sales

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Oh damn folks, Apple is on a roll like no other. We can add Mac OS X Snow Leopard to their growing list of ginormigantuous successes in the last year. According to market research firm The NPD Group, the updated OS sold twice as much at release than its predecessor. The firm attributed Snow Leopard's low prices to the software's success.

Now that we've seen the results of Apple's fall salvo, we get to wait and see how Microsoft's big rollouts go. October will see the release of both Windows 7 (and the slew of new computers that will bring) and the launch of Windows Mobile 6.5 (and its requisite smartphone launches). There is a lot of buzz around Win 7, and the sheer amount of 'suck' contained in Windows Vista will make 7 look mounds better by comparison.

Posted on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:27:19 CDT | by Robert Evans

Gigantic HTC Leo Pictured

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Are most smartphone screens just too darn small for your tastes? If so, the HTC Leo might end up being your cup of tea, providing you don't mind a little WinMo 6.5 exposure. The new handset, likely scheduled for release in October or November, has just been photographed for the first time. From what we can see, 'Leo' is the right name for this bad boy.

Posted on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:00:00 CDT | by Robert Evans

Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.1 Update Already Available

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Snow Leopard OS X 10.6 has just been out about two weeks and Apple is already issuing the first update with 10.6.1.
Apple says that this update is recommended for Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard users and includes general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac. Read more

Posted on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

IFA 2009: Toshiba Camileo S20, H30 and X100

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Toshiba introduced at the IFA 2009 the new Camileo S20, H30 and X100 camcorders.
The new Toshiba Camileo series shoots high quality video in almost all lighting conditions, thanks to an optimized night mode that captures high levels of detail, even in low light. All models also double up as high quality digital still cameras, delivering excellent quality snapshots at resolutions of 5MP (Camileo S20) and 10MP (Camileo H30 and Camileo X100). Read more

Posted on Sun, 6 Sep 2009 11:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Snow Leopard Upgrade Downgrades Flash

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Did you recently upgrade to Snow Leopard? If so, your computer has a security vulnerability that you may not be aware of. An antivirus company named Sophos has found that Snow Leopard actually installs a security downgrade (via AppleInsider) from the most up-to-date version of Flash. This means that, even if you're diligent about keeping your security updates current on your machine, you could be at risk for attack.

This change, which installs version 10.0.23.1 of Flash instead of 10.0.32.18, is made without warning the user. Considering how ubiquitous Flash is, and that it is a major target of attacks by hackers, this represents a substantial lapse in judgement for Apple. Snow Leopard does offer limited malware protection, but (right now) only against two different Trojans.

Posted on Thu, 3 Sep 2009 10:25:00 CDT | by Robert Evans

Snow Leopard's Keyboard: Sign of the iTablet?

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The Apple iTablet is just about the hottest device that may not actually exist. While most of the tech world seems convinced that a 10" touchscreen tablet is on the way from Cupertino, we still have no hard proof of it. That's why bloggers are scrambling desperately to find any and all information that makes the iTablet seem more plausible, or gives us a better idea of its (possible) capabilities.

AppleInsider reports that some folks have taken Snow Leopard's revamped on-screen keyboard as proof positive that the new OS will play a big role in the iTablet. This new soft keyboard is larger than the one in Leopard, and it is easier to access as well. Snow Leopard's keyboard can also expand to fit the entire width of the screen. To some bloggers, that equals a smoking gun.

Posted on Wed, 2 Sep 2009 12:07:27 CDT | by Robert Evans

OpenCL Benchmark App Available for Snow Leopard

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Earlier today I reported about OpenCL and the lack of applications that can use it now that Snow Leopard is here.
MacRumors has a report that there is already a OpenCL Benchmark Application available. With that app you can see the potential computing power you have in front of you from your GPU and CPU.

Somehow running the OpenCL Benchmark might even be more frustrating as you would see how much power would be available if there would be just OpenCL enabled software. Read more

Posted on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

OpenCL Is Here Now In Snow Leopard, Where Are The Apps?

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If you love your Mac, you have upgraded to Snow Leopard OS X 10.6 by now. One of the new most exciting features is the support for OpenCL. Apple says: "OpenCL in Snow Leopard is a technology that makes it possible for developers to tap the vast gigaflops of computing power currently in the graphics processor and use it for any application."
Let's tap that fine power! But where are the OpenCL enabled Applications? One of the obstacles to ramp up OpenCL parallel computing apps is that NVIDIA still hypes CUDA and AMD also has their ATI Stream technology. Read more

Posted on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 01:36:48 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

What Snow Leopard Broke

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With major OS upgrades come broken programs. When you make a bunch of changes to something like an operating system, you can't help but render certain things incompatible. Apple's just released a helpful list of programs that no longer work with the latest build of Snow Leopard. For your convenience, we've listed all of the known broken programs below.

Posted on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:40:00 CDT | by Robert Evans

OS X Snow Leopard: The Complete Guide

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If you need more information on the Snow Leopard Update than our review round-up brought you yesterday, check out OS X Snow Leopard: The Complete Guide from our friends over at Digital Trends.

Quote from the guide: "The Snow Leopard cometh. After a modest demonstration alongside a hopped-up iPhone and slightly revamped MacBook at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference, the long-awaited update to OS X finally gets its time to shine on August 28. While Apple has shied away from painting the new Mac operating system (OS) as a landmark release - even the name implies that it's just a revision - Snow Leopard will bring with it a slew of upgrades that Apple fans have long awaited, and many that should pave a path to unlock even more performance as developers learn to fully take advantage of them. Read more

Posted on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Snow Leopard On Sale For Only $25 On Amazon

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The Apple Snow Leopard OS X Update ships today. If you can wait a little bit then you can buy the Snow Leopard 10.6 OS X Update for only $25 on Amazon.com ($4 savings). Of course Amazon ships Snow Leopard for free.

You can save even more on the OS X 10.6 Family pack, Server and Box Set. Read more

Posted on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 02:57:19 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Snow Leopard Review Round-Up

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If you are still on the fence on the decision to upgrade your Mac to Snow Leopard OS X 10.6, there are now several Snow Leopard Reviews online.
For Engadget it is a clear yes to upgrade, because Snow Leopard is only $29. CNET also chimes in saying that the refined UI and improvements is worth the upgrade. Of course the new Exchange support will find many takers as well.

If you look for speed improvements with Snow Leopard, we reported about initial tests here earlier. Read more

Posted on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

First Snow Leopard OS X 10.6 Speed Tests

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The new OS X Snow Leopard Update will ship this Friday globally. Apple promises with Snow Leopard hundreds of refinements, new core technologies and out of the box support for Microsoft Exchange.

What most Mac users are concerned though is if the new Snow Leopard update is actually making their Mac faster.

Macworld took OS X 10.6 to a speed test across 16 different tasks. Half of these tests showed indeed performance gains with the new Mac OS. Read more

Posted on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 01:48:03 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Snow Leopard To Come Loaded With Malware Protection

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It's a common myth among Apple advocates that OS X is virtually immune to viruses and other forms of malicious code. Of course, this is patently false and, as Macs continue to increase in popularity, more and more hackers will start targeting them. Thankfully, according to AppleInsider, Cupertino has already recognized this and is working on a solution as we speak.

For the first time ever, a build of OS X will come loaded with anti-Malware software. The Mac Security Blog has a screenshot of this program in action, recommending that a dangerous file be deleted. From what we can see so far, this Mac anti-virus program looks and acts just like similar PC-based programs.

Posted on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:30:00 CDT | by Robert Evans

Snow Leopard OS X 10.6 Release; The Battle With Window 7 Is On

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As reported Apple updated the Apple Store yesterday and started to take pre-orders for the new OS X Snow Leopard Update. The OS X Snow Leopard is shipping this Friday, August 28th.

Apple also issued now an official press-release detailing the launch of the highly anticipated OS X Update. Read more

Posted on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 01:44:28 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Snow Leopard: 5 Million Sales At Launch?

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Snow Leopard ships August 28 and, if Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray is correct, it's going to be one hell of a high seller. AppleInsider reports that the Apple analyst believes the new OS will sell 5 million copies during the September quarter. In financial terms, that's $66 million in additional operating revenue for Apple this year.

The $29 cost is listed as one of the primary reasons for the (anticipated) high sales. Munster believes that Apple is keeping prices low as a way to draw customers away from Windows 7. They've gone all out on Snow Leopard in hopes that it will outshine Microsoft's latest offering. Considering the winning streak Apple has been on this year, I'd place good odds on them succeeding too.

Posted on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:20:00 CDT | by Robert Evans

Snow Leopard OS X Now Available in the Apple Store, Ships August 28th

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The Apple Store is back online and yes indeed Snow Leopard is now available for pre-order in the Apple Store for $29.
Apple will start shipping Snow Leopard on August 28th. So Apple indeed is shipping Snow Leopard earlier than expected. Amazon has been taking Snow Leopard pre-orders for a while, but the open question was the shipping date. Now we know. If you are lucky and you have a nice postman you should be able to upgrade your Mac to OS X 10.6 this weekend.
Read more

Posted on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 07:40:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Snow Leopard Release: Definitely September

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For a little while, the Apple website itself was helping to spread a rumor about the Snow Leopard release date. AppleInsider reports that multiple different versions of the site listed August 28th as the ship date for Snow Leopard for customers who qualify for the “up-to-date” program. This error has now been fixed, and the ship date states 'September' once more, quashing rumors that we were in for an early release.

The “up-to-date” program is Apple's way of letting customers who bought a Mac shortly before the Snow Leopard release upgrade for less. If you purchased a qualifying Mac after/on June 8th of this year, Snow Leopard will only cost you $9.99. While this program is still in place, it is no longer being promised an early release of the OS. More than likely the retracted launch date was either a mistake, or someone at Apple deliberately prodding the bloggers.

Posted on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:30:00 CDT | by Robert Evans