http://apcmag.com/ APC Magazine covers the latest in computing with a critical, independent eye to help you make the most of your tech dollar. http://apcmag.com//apple-wades-further-into-academia-with-ibooks-2-itunes-u-and-ibooks-author.htm http://apcmag.com//apple-wades-further-into-academia-with-ibooks-2-itunes-u-and-ibooks-author.htm

Digital destruction or educational empowerment? Apple targets the academic sector with its trio of textbook-related apps: iBooks 2, iTunes U for iOS and iBooks Author.]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:37:05 +1000 http://apcmag.com//google-music-set-to-let-you-share-your-song-purchases-with-friends.htm http://apcmag.com//google-music-set-to-let-you-share-your-song-purchases-with-friends.htm

In a surprise spin on what its online music competitors are offering, it's reported that Google Music will soon offer music sharing as part of its song purchase scheme.]]> Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:19:24 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sneak-peek-is-itunes-match-coming-soon-to-australia.htm http://apcmag.com//sneak-peek-is-itunes-match-coming-soon-to-australia.htm

The bargain-priced but controversial music-matching feature of Apple's iCloud platform is reportedly "Coming Soon" to Australia, according to accounts of Australian iTunes users. ]]> Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:46:41 +1000 http://apcmag.com//the-calm-before-the-cloud-apple-quietly-begins-music-streaming.htm http://apcmag.com//the-calm-before-the-cloud-apple-quietly-begins-music-streaming.htm

Despite iCloud's download-only approach to music, Apple is quietly experimenting with streaming on the iTunes Music Store, courtesy of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.]]> Thu, 25 Aug 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apples-mobileme-to-become-mobilefree.htm http://apcmag.com//apples-mobileme-to-become-mobilefree.htm

Internet rumours suggest Apple's long-running subscription-based cloud platform, MobileMe, is set to be replaced next month with a revamped free version.]]> Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:02:22 +1000 http://apcmag.com//google-music-is-on-its-way-but-where-when-and-how.htm http://apcmag.com//google-music-is-on-its-way-but-where-when-and-how.htm

Seamless integration between iTunes and the iDevices has proved a tough nut for competitors to crack. But all that could soon change as Google readies its own cloud music platform.]]> Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:11:54 +1000 http://apcmag.com//new-ipod-ios-can-stream-video-to-your-tv.htm http://apcmag.com//new-ipod-ios-can-stream-video-to-your-tv.htm

Apple's new 4.2 iOS will be able to stream both music AND video to your TV -- if you pick up one of Apple's new $129 Apple TVs.]]> Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:04:29 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ipad-accomplished-can-apple-reinvent-tv.htm http://apcmag.com//ipad-accomplished-can-apple-reinvent-tv.htm

Apple is reportedly turning its sights to renewing its languishing Apple TV with a slimline, cloud-based media device – that could easily double as a lounge-room games console.]]> Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//google-chrome-store-to-take-on-itunes.htm http://apcmag.com//google-chrome-store-to-take-on-itunes.htm

Google's built-in browser store will sport a range of free and paid web apps, including some based on Flash.]]> Thu, 20 May 2010 04:02:35 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple-ibooks-manager-could-be-based-in-sydney.htm http://apcmag.com//apple-ibooks-manager-could-be-based-in-sydney.htm

Apple has advertised for an executive to manage its fledgling iBooks product for the Asia-Pacific and Canada regions, adding the position could be based in Sydney or Toronto.]]> Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:09:57 +1000 http://apcmag.com//bigpond-music-dumps-support-for-wma-format.htm http://apcmag.com//bigpond-music-dumps-support-for-wma-format.htm

Telstra’s online music arm BigPond Music yesterday revealed it would ditch support for the unpopular Windows Media Audio format after April 1.]]> Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:10:16 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel-uses-itunes-and-soccer-for-performance-benchmarking.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-uses-itunes-and-soccer-for-performance-benchmarking.htm

CES 2010: Who needs a formal benchmark when Apple's software is available?]]> Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:24:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//internet-enabled-tvs-we-dont-want-em.htm http://apcmag.com//internet-enabled-tvs-we-dont-want-em.htm

CES 2010: Aussies might complain at the lack of Net-enabled TVs here, but people who have them can't be bothered using them.]]> Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:34:06 +1000 http://apcmag.com//caspa-tivos-weapon-of-choice-for-video-on-demand.htm http://apcmag.com//caspa-tivos-weapon-of-choice-for-video-on-demand.htm

OPINION | The release of "CASPA" TiVo downloads mark an important turning point in how Australians access to TV and movies at home.]]> Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:23:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//google-muscles-in-on-music-and-ebooks.htm http://apcmag.com//google-muscles-in-on-music-and-ebooks.htm

The search supremo is tipped to launch an online music service this week, with the Google Editions ebook store to follow next year.]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:29:15 +1000 http://apcmag.com//hps-windows-home-server-systems-finally-reach-australia.htm http://apcmag.com//hps-windows-home-server-systems-finally-reach-australia.htm

Just in time for tomorrow’s Windows 7 launch, HP’s third-gen Windows Home Server boxes touch down – starting with a nimble 1TB Atom system for $599.]]> Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:34:14 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple-soon-to-activate-hidden-fm-radio-in-iphone-and-ipod-touch.htm http://apcmag.com//apple-soon-to-activate-hidden-fm-radio-in-iphone-and-ipod-touch.htm

Tipsters suggest that a forthcoming Apple firmware update will unlock the FM radio chip inside the iPhone and iPod Touch, as well as introduce ‘live pause’ recording.]]> Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:59:41 +1000 http://apcmag.com//rim-releases-blackberry-desktop-software-for-mac.htm http://apcmag.com//rim-releases-blackberry-desktop-software-for-mac.htm

Mac users can finally enjoy a first-class BlackBerry experience thanks to RIM’s just-released Blackberry Desktop Manager for Mac OS.]]> Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:46:47 +1000 http://apcmag.com//netgear-unveils-new-399-home-nas-box.htm http://apcmag.com//netgear-unveils-new-399-home-nas-box.htm

The two-bay Stora takes aim at home media collections with centralised storage, backup, local sharing and remote access.]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:18:41 +1000 http://apcmag.com//is-hps-third-gen-windows-home-server-box-headed-for-australia.htm http://apcmag.com//is-hps-third-gen-windows-home-server-box-headed-for-australia.htm

With stacks of shiny new kit prepped to launch alongside Windows 7, we might finally get to see HP’s new – and ironically, more Mac-friendly – Windows Home Server box.]]> Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:10:25 +1000 http://apcmag.com//rim-to-launch-new-blackberry-sync-software-for-macs.htm http://apcmag.com//rim-to-launch-new-blackberry-sync-software-for-macs.htm

Get an early look at the long-awaited BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac OS X, which RIM says will be released in September.]]> Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:53:29 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple-bitch-slaps-palm-pre-with-latest-itunes-update.htm http://apcmag.com//apple-bitch-slaps-palm-pre-with-latest-itunes-update.htm

Palm’s trick of pretending to be an iPod in order to sync with iTunes has been slapped down by Apple, with the latest iTunes 8.2.1 update disabling the Palm Pre’s pseudo-iPod mode.]]> Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:37:43 +1000 http://apcmag.com//stephen-fry-confesses-im-a-bittorrent-pirate.htm http://apcmag.com//stephen-fry-confesses-im-a-bittorrent-pirate.htm

UK’s highly-regarded doyen of the digerati stuns audience at an Apple iTunes event by admitting that he downloads TV shows via BitTorrent!]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:00:35 +1000 http://apcmag.com//hacker-purchase-anti-apple-ad-right-infront-of-apple-store.htm http://apcmag.com//hacker-purchase-anti-apple-ad-right-infront-of-apple-store.htm

The guy that broke DVD encryption, then Apple's Fairplay DRM, has done it again -- this time breaking into Apple's reality distortion field.]]> Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:05:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//web-site-sues-apple.htm http://apcmag.com//web-site-sues-apple.htm

Apple set its lawyers onto BluWiki for daring to discuss how to use iPods with software and sites other than iTunes, so BluWiki is now suing Apple in the name of 'free speech'.]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:57:38 +1000 http://apcmag.com//firefox-32-to-get-a-radical-itunes-inspired-ui.htm http://apcmag.com//firefox-32-to-get-a-radical-itunes-inspired-ui.htm

“Forget tabs!” says a UI designer of his Firefox 3.2 mock-up, which mimics iTunes with a playlist-like ‘Surflist’ of sites, an integrated ‘Library' of sites and a 'Genius’ button.]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:29:47 +1000 http://apcmag.com//chinese-crackers-break-itunes-algorithm-delivering-high-qanitity-content-for-next-to-nothing.htm http://apcmag.com//chinese-crackers-break-itunes-algorithm-delivering-high-qanitity-content-for-next-to-nothing.htm

As if creating knock-offs of handbags, sunglasses, shoes and clothing isn’t enough, Chinese hackers have now created a brand new industry: fake iTunes gift card sales.]]> Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//doubletwist-is-only-half-baked.htm http://apcmag.com//doubletwist-is-only-half-baked.htm

Some people have hailed doubleTwist as "possibly the world's best media player", with promise to break the iTunes monopoly.]]> Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:12:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//nokia-to-offer-all-you-can-download-of-10-million-songs.htm http://apcmag.com//nokia-to-offer-all-you-can-download-of-10-million-songs.htm

Nokia has an unbelievably appealing offer coming up: unlimited downloads (to keep) from a library of over four million songs with a Nokia phone purchase.]]> Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:45:49 +1000 http://apcmag.com//linksys_launches_linuxbased_home_media_server_wireless_streaming_audio_system.htm http://apcmag.com//linksys_launches_linuxbased_home_media_server_wireless_streaming_audio_system.htm

Linksys is kick-starting the digital home market with some new high-tech wireless home entertainment gear -- based around Linux.]]> Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//rock_band_beats_itunes_to_selling_the_beatles_online.htm http://apcmag.com//rock_band_beats_itunes_to_selling_the_beatles_online.htm

It may not be inextricably linked to every iPod in the world, but the Rock Band console game has beaten Apple to the punch in selling Beatles music online.]]> Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:54:47 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple_death_of_drm.htm http://apcmag.com//apple_death_of_drm.htm

Today's Steve Jobs-less MacWorld keynote wasn't a blockbuster, but was instead filled with lots of bite-sized surprises.]]> Wed, 07 Jan 2009 06:05:27 +1000 http://apcmag.com//itunes_802_breaks_user_credit.htm http://apcmag.com//itunes_802_breaks_user_credit.htm

Whoops, there go your iTunes Store credits.]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2008 23:52:03 +1000 http://apcmag.com//windows_7_surprise_divx_built_in.htm http://apcmag.com//windows_7_surprise_divx_built_in.htm

No more trawling the web for the latest media codecs. Windows 7 comes ready to play all your favourite "downloaded" videos.]]> Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:51:27 +1000 http://apcmag.com//rim_preps_new_blackberry_software_for_macs.htm http://apcmag.com//rim_preps_new_blackberry_software_for_macs.htm

First up: sync your BlackBerry with iTunes. And is there a Mac desktop sync package around the corner?]]> Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple_may_close_itunes_music_store_if_price_hike_approved.htm http://apcmag.com//apple_may_close_itunes_music_store_if_price_hike_approved.htm

Apple claims it may be forced to close its highly successful iTunes music store if the US government tomorrow approves a 66 percent price hike for music royalties.]]> Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:35:49 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apples_announces_new_ipods_itunes_8_and_an_upgrade_for_iphone_users.htm http://apcmag.com//apples_announces_new_ipods_itunes_8_and_an_upgrade_for_iphone_users.htm

Apple has introduced new iPods, including the iPod Nano 4G and a refreshed iPod Touch, which recommend tracks you might like. Plus: a major iPhone bug-fix. ]]> Wed, 10 Sep 2008 05:56:03 +1000 http://apcmag.com//movies_for_australian_itunes_store_finally_arrive.htm http://apcmag.com//movies_for_australian_itunes_store_finally_arrive.htm

Apple finally switch on movies for Australian iTunes users, and also drop the price of AppleTV.]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telstra_selling_drmfree_mp3_tracks_on_bigpond_music.htm http://apcmag.com//telstra_selling_drmfree_mp3_tracks_on_bigpond_music.htm

Bad news for Apple, great news for price competition in the marketplace: Telstra is now selling DRM-free MP3 music that can work on all music players including iPods.]]> Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:31:22 +1000 http://apcmag.com//itunes_movies_for_australia_just_a_month_away.htm http://apcmag.com//itunes_movies_for_australia_just_a_month_away.htm

Apple will roll out movie sales on the Australian version of the iTunes store within the next month, with ISP iiNet hoping unmetered downloads will provide a download bonanza.]]> Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//leaked_blackberry_software_syncs_with_itunes.htm http://apcmag.com//leaked_blackberry_software_syncs_with_itunes.htm

RIM is rolling out updates to its desktop and Internet software in readiness for the Bold. Plus: spy photos of the next-gen Curve, aka ‘Javelin 9300’, and the flip-phone 'SideKick']]> Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//breaking_tv_shows_come_to_itunes_australia.htm http://apcmag.com//breaking_tv_shows_come_to_itunes_australia.htm

TV show downloads in iTunes Australia from today, with attractive pricing. ]]> Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:19:51 +1000 http://apcmag.com//price_war_apple_offers_40_off_itunes_bigpond_offers_50_off_music.htm http://apcmag.com//price_war_apple_offers_40_off_itunes_bigpond_offers_50_off_music.htm

A tit-for-tat price war has broken out between telco giant Telstra and iPod-maker Apple over music pricing, with massive price cuts as both try to win customers from each other. ]]> Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:57:43 +1000 http://apcmag.com//itunes_u_hits_australia.htm http://apcmag.com//itunes_u_hits_australia.htm

Students at Australian Universities can now claim their iPod as a self-education tax deduction, as Apple announces the local availability of iTunes U.]]> Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:19:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//nokia_launches_local_music_store.htm http://apcmag.com//nokia_launches_local_music_store.htm

Nokia has launched an Australian Music Store with claims the site gives consumers 'real freedom to enjoy music at their fingertips.' But 'freedom' doesn't seem to describe it well.]]> Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:40:35 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple_slashes_drmfree_music_pricing_opens_iphone_to_developers.htm http://apcmag.com//apple_slashes_drmfree_music_pricing_opens_iphone_to_developers.htm

Apple has hacked the fat margin it was charging for DRM-free music away to become competitive with Amazon.com, and Steve Jobs does a total backflip on 3rd party apps on the iPhone.]]> Thu, 18 Oct 2007 02:32:35 +1000 http://apcmag.com//universal_yes_to_drmfree_music_no_to_itunes.htm http://apcmag.com//universal_yes_to_drmfree_music_no_to_itunes.htm

When will the dinosaurs who run the record companies finally work out that consumers don't 'dig' DRM, and would rather steal than use it?]]> Sun, 12 Aug 2007 06:02:15 +1000 http://apcmag.com//itunes_sells_three_billion_songs.htm http://apcmag.com//itunes_sells_three_billion_songs.htm

The iPod/iTunes juggernaught rolls on with Apple announcing that iTunes recently sold its three billionth song. But Nokia has a surprise in the wings...]]> Tue, 31 Jul 2007 23:46:43 +1000