aliensporebomb
Apr 21, 01:34 PM
Despite the freaked brigade and people wanting to turn this into a huge political argument I think this guy at Reddit had the best thing to say about this:
I went to WWDC last year where the new Core Location system was discussed in great detail. If you went as well, or have the videos, look at the video for session 115, "Using Core Location in iOS". Skip to around 13:45 for the discussion of "Course Cell Positioning" where they discuss the cache in detail.
The purpose of this is offline GPS. Normally, each cell tower has an identifier and Core Location sends that identifier to Apple and asks for the latitude and longitude for that tower. This requires a data connection, and the use of data. Since cell towers don't move, however, it's inefficient to keep going back to Apple for that information so they cache it. Now if a tower appears with the same ID as the cache, tada! you have a cache hit and a faster fix with no data use. Which also means you can get a "course location" (as in rough) if you are near known towers and don't have a data connection.
That's all this is. It's a cache of identifiers (cell and wifi), locations, and their age (it's a cache, after all). Someone made the decision to never clean it out so they would have more and more information about those GPS "assists" (you know, A-GPS) and so they'd use less and less power and data over time for the places you frequent. It's a great idea, technically.
Practically, yes, you can track location over time. The file is readable only by root and you're free to encrypt your backups for now. I'm sure Apple will either encrypt the file or truncate the data in a future update (I would prefer encryption as I think it's technically sound, but I know many will disagree). I'm also sure someone is considering a toggle for the feature or a button to clear the database. Both are great ideas.
This isn't nefarious, this isn't being sent anywhere, and this isn't as bad as everyone is making it. This is a real feature with a major oversight. That's it.
Yes they probably need to encrypt this to keep thieves and insane people from taking it from your phone but it's nothing that other cellular providers aren't doing with their phones, you just can't see it necessarily.
I went to WWDC last year where the new Core Location system was discussed in great detail. If you went as well, or have the videos, look at the video for session 115, "Using Core Location in iOS". Skip to around 13:45 for the discussion of "Course Cell Positioning" where they discuss the cache in detail.
The purpose of this is offline GPS. Normally, each cell tower has an identifier and Core Location sends that identifier to Apple and asks for the latitude and longitude for that tower. This requires a data connection, and the use of data. Since cell towers don't move, however, it's inefficient to keep going back to Apple for that information so they cache it. Now if a tower appears with the same ID as the cache, tada! you have a cache hit and a faster fix with no data use. Which also means you can get a "course location" (as in rough) if you are near known towers and don't have a data connection.
That's all this is. It's a cache of identifiers (cell and wifi), locations, and their age (it's a cache, after all). Someone made the decision to never clean it out so they would have more and more information about those GPS "assists" (you know, A-GPS) and so they'd use less and less power and data over time for the places you frequent. It's a great idea, technically.
Practically, yes, you can track location over time. The file is readable only by root and you're free to encrypt your backups for now. I'm sure Apple will either encrypt the file or truncate the data in a future update (I would prefer encryption as I think it's technically sound, but I know many will disagree). I'm also sure someone is considering a toggle for the feature or a button to clear the database. Both are great ideas.
This isn't nefarious, this isn't being sent anywhere, and this isn't as bad as everyone is making it. This is a real feature with a major oversight. That's it.
Yes they probably need to encrypt this to keep thieves and insane people from taking it from your phone but it's nothing that other cellular providers aren't doing with their phones, you just can't see it necessarily.
Chef Medeski
Jul 14, 10:45 AM
If it's cheaper, looks better, sounds better, and has more available titles, then why shouldn't HD DVD win? If BD used a more efficient codec, or at least had 50gb dual layer discs now (so MPEG2 could have a high bit rate at least), and the all the backing studios pumped out more titles, I'd buy it. But that isn't what it's shaping up to be right now. If they can get their act together, this could be a fight... but they are behind.
-Terry
Because current performance isn't prove of future trends, even if it is a indicator. If BD has a plan to release 50-200GB discs, while HD DVD can only make 70, then there is an advantage. If BD runs a better codec, I'm not sure but I think MPEG2/4 is a lot more flexible than VC-1 (knowning how windows is), unless its just H.2164? (forgot the number. Yet, personally I used to be a Blu-Ray fan, but now favor HD-DVD. The reason?
Well, firstly, Blu-Ray is obviously going to have a lot more DRM control, which I HATE. I HATE THAT CRAP. I mean the whole rootkit CD thing, pissed of my friends, I mean I didn't care too much cause I could jsut burn it regularily on my mac. :D! But, if a Blu-Ray player comes to mac, I'm sure DRM will come too. And man... that would suck. I really don't want my mac slowed down, so some Sony exec knows what I'm watching.
And personally, I don't see any use for discs over 50GB. I mean I probably could fit my whole music collection on one 70GB HD-DVD to back up. Hell, I could probably fit my music and photo collection if I got rid of some music I have been meaning to get around too. But even if I had to use two discs... big whoop... plus one disc of 200GB.... I don't even have 200GB of HD space ebtween 4 computers. How the hell can I use it?
Plus, with current trends, it looks like HD-DVD will have a bigger foothole by the time Sony releases the PS3... itll be late b/c of shrotage in chip and blue ray drives... and then itll be really expensive. I think Xbox might have one this one... hopefully they dont botch it with the HD-DVD thing. And if they don't then that means for $400 you can get a HD-DVD player.... thats a steal when you consider everything it does also. I just dont see Sony winning this one, unless they drop DRM and massively subsidize all products (fat chance).
-Terry
Because current performance isn't prove of future trends, even if it is a indicator. If BD has a plan to release 50-200GB discs, while HD DVD can only make 70, then there is an advantage. If BD runs a better codec, I'm not sure but I think MPEG2/4 is a lot more flexible than VC-1 (knowning how windows is), unless its just H.2164? (forgot the number. Yet, personally I used to be a Blu-Ray fan, but now favor HD-DVD. The reason?
Well, firstly, Blu-Ray is obviously going to have a lot more DRM control, which I HATE. I HATE THAT CRAP. I mean the whole rootkit CD thing, pissed of my friends, I mean I didn't care too much cause I could jsut burn it regularily on my mac. :D! But, if a Blu-Ray player comes to mac, I'm sure DRM will come too. And man... that would suck. I really don't want my mac slowed down, so some Sony exec knows what I'm watching.
And personally, I don't see any use for discs over 50GB. I mean I probably could fit my whole music collection on one 70GB HD-DVD to back up. Hell, I could probably fit my music and photo collection if I got rid of some music I have been meaning to get around too. But even if I had to use two discs... big whoop... plus one disc of 200GB.... I don't even have 200GB of HD space ebtween 4 computers. How the hell can I use it?
Plus, with current trends, it looks like HD-DVD will have a bigger foothole by the time Sony releases the PS3... itll be late b/c of shrotage in chip and blue ray drives... and then itll be really expensive. I think Xbox might have one this one... hopefully they dont botch it with the HD-DVD thing. And if they don't then that means for $400 you can get a HD-DVD player.... thats a steal when you consider everything it does also. I just dont see Sony winning this one, unless they drop DRM and massively subsidize all products (fat chance).
dalvin200
Oct 23, 06:47 AM
Well when you really think about it, at least one of these rumours has got to be true. We have MBP Merom rumours that cover every week from August til January 2007.
and you know this :)
it just bugs you when you dont get any indication of what's coming.. especially when you're on the fence as to whether to buy now or wait till tuesday..
maybe the pre-announcement of the iTV is a start of the turning trend? i think not.. :D
macrumors buyers guide (http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/) says not to buy the MPB as an update is coming soon..
and you know this :)
it just bugs you when you dont get any indication of what's coming.. especially when you're on the fence as to whether to buy now or wait till tuesday..
maybe the pre-announcement of the iTV is a start of the turning trend? i think not.. :D
macrumors buyers guide (http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/) says not to buy the MPB as an update is coming soon..
shecky
Oct 23, 08:36 PM
So you think Santa Rosa will be out in time for MWSF? I thought the release date was to be in the 2nd quarter of 2007.
correct. santa rosa will not even be released by intel until april 2007 at the earliest, and i would guess not actually in a buyable system until may/june.
correct. santa rosa will not even be released by intel until april 2007 at the earliest, and i would guess not actually in a buyable system until may/june.
Starchitect
Oct 24, 12:54 AM
7200rpm 160GB drive? Cute...:)
Just a little wishfull thinking.
Just a little wishfull thinking.
AvSRoCkCO1067
Jul 13, 11:33 PM
Will I be able to get a reasonably priced apple laptop with merom, 802.11n, blueray burner, possibly HD, and leopard (or whatever 10.6 is called) in late 2007 or early 2008?
Well you know you'll get merom and leopard by that timeframe. Personally, I believe you'll get 802.11n and a blueray option as well - and with a blueray option should come HD as well.
Well you know you'll get merom and leopard by that timeframe. Personally, I believe you'll get 802.11n and a blueray option as well - and with a blueray option should come HD as well.
war
Nov 28, 11:49 AM
For all those people talking about XBox let's not forget one major thing about it. It took off because of Halo. What you may not know is that Halo was originally a mac game from a mac developer that MS bought in 2000. Read up on it to tell your MS fanboi friends here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bungie_Studios
Without Apple gaming there probably would be no XBox today.
Enjoy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bungie_Studios
Without Apple gaming there probably would be no XBox today.
Enjoy
jmelrose
Oct 23, 10:05 PM
The MacBook (non pro) was released without any event or conference. That update included a completely new enclosure, new processor architecture (and obviously new CPU), increased screen resolution, brightness... well, it was a whole new machine. And again... no press conference.
I stand corrected. Macbook does definitely qualify. And I have renewed hope that this update may be a bit more substantial!
I stand corrected. Macbook does definitely qualify. And I have renewed hope that this update may be a bit more substantial!
SMM
Nov 15, 06:40 PM
Just asking a question, understand. But, is there a need to have more memory as twice as many requesting sources are accessing the memory pool?
wonderspark
Apr 21, 11:49 AM
http://www.examiner.com/libertarian-in-national/michigan-state-police-download-cell-phone-data-during-routine-traffic-stop
ErikGrim
Mar 31, 07:15 PM
Is Safari still buggy as feck? Can you drag images out and not have them be .weblocs? Is google maps working properly without tile distortions/not loading?
bigandy
Sep 6, 09:22 AM
i think it's a good move - all dual core. nuff said.
Gregg2
Apr 11, 07:57 PM
A CVT is simply a transmission with no fixed gear ratios. It can have any gear ratio between a set minimum and maximum, it has no "steps" like "1st gear, 2nd gear". In other words, it's a transmission type where you could theoretically have the engine spin where it produces the most power (let's say at 5000 rpm) all the time while accelerating. In reality, car CVTs do still have gears, like the Honda Fit which is a 7 gear automatic CVT transmission.
CVT, DSG or the traditional fluid type are all automatics. They just differ in their inner workings. What you're talking about has nothing to do with the inner-working, the paddle like shifters or + - gates on the shifter is simply an interface that lets you override any of the automatic transmissions and select your own gear.
A distinction to make. You could technically have a CVT transmission that you put in "drive" and drive off and you could have a traditional automatic with paddle shifters. Both are unrelated in their function.
Interesting, even for someone not real mechanically inclined, such as myself. And yes, the CVT on my soon to be new vehicle can be placed in "regular" drive and it behaves as a normal automatic. You can also use the CVT without the paddles, using the shift lever instead. In fact, you can get one that doesn't even have paddles. The ones that do also allow you to use the shift lever to "change gears".
CVT, DSG or the traditional fluid type are all automatics. They just differ in their inner workings. What you're talking about has nothing to do with the inner-working, the paddle like shifters or + - gates on the shifter is simply an interface that lets you override any of the automatic transmissions and select your own gear.
A distinction to make. You could technically have a CVT transmission that you put in "drive" and drive off and you could have a traditional automatic with paddle shifters. Both are unrelated in their function.
Interesting, even for someone not real mechanically inclined, such as myself. And yes, the CVT on my soon to be new vehicle can be placed in "regular" drive and it behaves as a normal automatic. You can also use the CVT without the paddles, using the shift lever instead. In fact, you can get one that doesn't even have paddles. The ones that do also allow you to use the shift lever to "change gears".
twoodcc
Jan 30, 11:23 PM
My last electric bill was $299 and change! A lot of that was because its been so damned cold (and my little old house has no insulation in the walls), colder and more snow than in many years. Folding uses power but helps with the heating :p now if I could just get those gpu's to glow a little brighter red I could turn off the furnace...
And congrats to everyone for keeping up and making points!
Hey, mc68k I might catch up... soon :D
I wonder if some people have moved to other teams? Maybe they start out with us but find another team that that appeals more to them?? I've thought about jumping to Dawkins team but it would take awhile to get where I am here so I will stay, for now at least :eek:
dang, that's a big bill! but my $190 is for a 2 room apartment!
i think some people started to leave or just quit, and then so people thought why stay with this dead team, and then leave also. i'll probably stay with this group, but we'll see
And congrats to everyone for keeping up and making points!
Hey, mc68k I might catch up... soon :D
I wonder if some people have moved to other teams? Maybe they start out with us but find another team that that appeals more to them?? I've thought about jumping to Dawkins team but it would take awhile to get where I am here so I will stay, for now at least :eek:
dang, that's a big bill! but my $190 is for a 2 room apartment!
i think some people started to leave or just quit, and then so people thought why stay with this dead team, and then leave also. i'll probably stay with this group, but we'll see
Krafty
Nov 26, 12:14 PM
For my Mac Mini: Seagate Momentus 7200.4 ST9500420AS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache 2.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Notebook Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://lulzimg.com/i9/c8073280.jpg
http://lulzimg.com/i9/c8073280.jpg
jav6454
Apr 9, 09:41 PM
Yes I can. I learned how to drive on stick.
stcanard
Nov 28, 03:59 PM
I would argue, that MS success isn't because of it's OS, it's because of third party support.
Repeat after me:
The monopoly is not Windows. The monopoly is MS Word.
Repeat after me:
The monopoly is not Windows. The monopoly is MS Word.
iJohnHenry
Apr 12, 04:33 PM
I can only drive stick, I don't know how to drive automatic.
Simple.
You just nail your left foot to the floor-boards.
Done.
Simple.
You just nail your left foot to the floor-boards.
Done.
nicksoper
Oct 23, 11:03 AM
I've been waiting for my 17 inch macbook pro for months now, and it's finnaly due to arrive on Monday. (Getting it from UK to South Africa without it getting stolen is a big problem I've had)
So I'll be gutted if they release new one, but I'm working on the old 1ghz G4 powerbook, so I'm going to be flying anyway! With or without the extra odd 20% speed of the core2 duo.....
Perhaps there will be the case re-design though, that would be nice.
So I'll be gutted if they release new one, but I'm working on the old 1ghz G4 powerbook, so I'm going to be flying anyway! With or without the extra odd 20% speed of the core2 duo.....
Perhaps there will be the case re-design though, that would be nice.
GregA
Dec 31, 10:53 PM
On Demand. This category amongst cable companies are expanding very rapidly and offering free content left and right. Good example is HBO, nearly *ALL* of their shows are On Demand now which is instant access to all of their shows. Generally speaking (for people who use HBO On Demand), this has been extremely popular, maybe this is why HBO is still not being sold on iTunes? Why download when you have access to nearly all of the HBO content for free and instantaneous?
That's interesting. Apple doesn't have a subscription model - so this kind of service isn't on iTunes.
But it is something iTunes/iTV would be able to easily do (technically). I could subscribe to HBO On Demand for $10/mth (or whatever) without paying for a full cable service.
I guess the problem with a subscription model is, for now, the cost of bandwidth to Apple. A bittorrent-like sharing system might solve that.
That's interesting. Apple doesn't have a subscription model - so this kind of service isn't on iTunes.
But it is something iTunes/iTV would be able to easily do (technically). I could subscribe to HBO On Demand for $10/mth (or whatever) without paying for a full cable service.
I guess the problem with a subscription model is, for now, the cost of bandwidth to Apple. A bittorrent-like sharing system might solve that.
inmyname
Jan 12, 02:45 PM
..maybe the product they produce will be iphone/ipod touch size and technology with a SEPARATE folding bluetooth keyboard. Then suddenly that recent docking station patent becomes relevant. Want something portable?.. take the macbook nano out of your pocket and play with it. Want to do a little typing? take the bluetooth keyboard out of the other pocket, unfold it and get to it. Want to use a DVD burner, firewire stuff, USB , printer, ethernet etc etc etc? Plug the nano into the hub and oh look!.. You get a big 20" screen incorporated into the hub too!
Is it far off science fiction fantasy? Not really. I have a palm TX on which I carry multimedia on, has my schedule, task lists, mail, pdfs, etc etc. Connects to a fold out (iGo) bluetooth keyboard and lets me efficiently wordprocess when I want that functionality, runs about 7 hours between recharging, has SD/MMC expansion, wifi, ir blah blah blah..
Its technology that is a couple of years old I'm sure.. apple must surely have caught up by now, right?:D
Is it far off science fiction fantasy? Not really. I have a palm TX on which I carry multimedia on, has my schedule, task lists, mail, pdfs, etc etc. Connects to a fold out (iGo) bluetooth keyboard and lets me efficiently wordprocess when I want that functionality, runs about 7 hours between recharging, has SD/MMC expansion, wifi, ir blah blah blah..
Its technology that is a couple of years old I'm sure.. apple must surely have caught up by now, right?:D
oldwatery
Apr 26, 07:31 PM
anyone else getting a little bit fed up of apples lawsuits?
Count me in there.
Apple have become Big Brother and Big Bully lately.
In the past they trod more lightly.
Count me in there.
Apple have become Big Brother and Big Bully lately.
In the past they trod more lightly.
aafuss1
Sep 6, 06:06 PM
Bet the combo and Superdrives are all unchanged-the suppliers the same as February's model. And all Core Duo makes sense.
No HDMI or Blu-Ray though (but could jack the price up-so best left for 24" iMac's first revision in 2007)
No HDMI or Blu-Ray though (but could jack the price up-so best left for 24" iMac's first revision in 2007)
aswitcher
Jan 12, 04:14 PM
MacBook Air
(exclusive Specs)
Has 0 Ports (just power)
Connects to "new wireless device almost like airport express..which to that you can hook up...."
dvd/cd burner
usb ports for iPods/iPhones etc
printers etc
Has slim hard drive
6-8hours battery
I cant use a device that doesn't have USB so when away from my desk I can use thumbdrives, external drives, ethernet connections, fw for timemachine when I am traveling. So for me whilst a dock may help allot my ideal machine needs a few ports else its going to be much less useful.
At a minimum I need
Power, USB, Ethernet, audio in/out.
Ideally I want
FW 400, DVI (mini or full),
And really
FW800, SATA
(exclusive Specs)
Has 0 Ports (just power)
Connects to "new wireless device almost like airport express..which to that you can hook up...."
dvd/cd burner
usb ports for iPods/iPhones etc
printers etc
Has slim hard drive
6-8hours battery
I cant use a device that doesn't have USB so when away from my desk I can use thumbdrives, external drives, ethernet connections, fw for timemachine when I am traveling. So for me whilst a dock may help allot my ideal machine needs a few ports else its going to be much less useful.
At a minimum I need
Power, USB, Ethernet, audio in/out.
Ideally I want
FW 400, DVI (mini or full),
And really
FW800, SATA