According to an Engadget source, the next Apple TV will be a totally reimagined device built upon the hardware and software architecture of the next iPhone. And it’ll cost $100.

Rather than relying on local storage—the next Apple TV is rumored to have just 16GB—Apple will offer network streaming from devices like Time Capsules while moving to cloud-based streaming that works within iPhone OS. With just a power plug and video out, the next Apple TV will stream 1080P movies to your TV. That’s right—no ethernet.

The rumor comes with no explanation on app support, nor does it explain whether or not the next iPod touch will feature all of the same capabilities (frankly, there’s no reason it shouldn’t). And actually, it does nothing to explain why the next Apple TV will be any more appealing than the current Apple TV. So what if Apple TV will have high def streaming—the current Apple TV does, too, even if the service is 720P (nothing that’s Blu-ray quality is traveling from the cloud, through your Wi-Fi, onto your screen, trust me). So what if Apple TV is cheaper? Nobody ever wanted it in the first place.

More »

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Dashing away from the Google I/O keynote as fast as our feet would carry us, we scored the very first look at Logitech’s Google TV companion box. While we’ll share full details when we catch a breath, here’s the scoop: the box extends the full functionality of a Logitech Harmony remote and a WiFi access point to your TV, providing not only Google TV but also allowing you to control your entire entertainment system (including DVR) with a still-in-development keyboard / touchpad remote or an iPhone or Android smartphone app over WiFi. Hit the gallery below for a taste of what the little set-top box can do, and rest assured we’ve got more info on the way.

Update: Now with video, after the break.

When we got to Logitech’s demo space, we expected to see a keyboard and mouse. To our surprise, the Logitech product manager pulled out a Nexus One and iPhone. He explained that the companion box has all the technology of Logitech’s $400 Harmony 900 remote and extends it to your handset over WiFi. Several scrollable pages of dedicated buttons let that particular iPhone control not only the Google browser but also a Samsung TV, Onkyo receiver and TiVo set top box, and the product manager showed us that there were three additional control schemes (including a touchscreen D-pad, gesture swipe pane and virtual keyboard) that could be activated simply by shaking the phone. Should you not have a more modern smartphone, it won’t be your only option by far — the box will have an optional RF keyboard / touchpad available at launch, and a pair of USB ports in back allow users to connect dongles for 2.4GHz peripherals. In addition to standard Google TV functions, Logitech said the box would come with Logitech’s free 1080p 720p video chat solution, Vid — though you’ll have to shell out extra for thewebcams required to make it work.

The unit itself is based on Intel’s CE4100 “Sodaville” Atom processor, with this particular chip operating at 1.2GHz, and the board features 4GB of memory and 802.11n WiFi. In addition to the aforementioned twin USB sockets, the rear I/O panel features wired LAN jack and two IR headers for additional connectivity (the former presumably affording the system direct IP control over DVRs) and has a pair of HDMI 1.3 ports that handle all visual content, with Dolby 5.1 surround sound transferred via either HDMI or S/PDIF out. If your home entertainment setup is entirely wired with HDMI, you’ll find the unit allows full digital passthrough; if your sources use any other kind of jack (component, composite, etcetera) you may need a receiver of some sort; reps available couldn’t tell us if the box required HDCP to stream content.

Update 3: Logitech just informed us that Vid will actually run at a resolution of 720p.

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Whoa, Nelly! Isn’t this something? Apple has just posted details on its iPad battery replacement service, which is really not a battery replacement service at all. Check out the company’s opening line:

“If your iPad requires service due to the battery’s diminished ability to hold an electrical charge, Apple will replace your iPad for a service fee.”

Now, let’s compare that to the verbiage found in the iPhone’s battery replacement program details:

“If your iPhone requires service only because the battery’s ability to hold an electrical charge has diminished, Apple will service your iPhone for a service fee.”

We can see the puzzled look on your face from here, and we’re sharing in the same disbelief. Apple is actually saying that it won’t bother cracking open your withered iPad, replacing the battery and sending it back your way; instead, you’ll pay $105.95 (including shipping) for a completely different iPad, which certainly has its pros and cons. On one hand, you’re getting a new (or potentially refurbished, actually) iPad in around “one week,” but on the other, you’ll be waving goodbye to every morsel of personal data on the device that you send in — unless you backup beforehand, of course. Here’s Apple’s take on answering “will the data on my iPad be preserved?”

“No. You will receive a replacement iPad that will not contain any of your personal data. Before you submit your iPad for service, it is important to sync your iPad with iTunes to back up your contacts, calendars, email account settings, bookmarks, apps, etc. Apple is not responsible for the loss of information when servicing your iPad.”

Lovely, don’tcha think? Head on past the break for the full text.

[Thanks, David]

Continue reading Dead iPad battery? Never mind replacing it, Apple just sends another iPad for $99

The ‘Official Heather Nova App’ for the iPhone or iPod Touch is now available.

The Bermudian singer is signed to Sony Records and has released seven albums which have sold over 2 million copies, more info on Ms. Nova is here.

The features of the app include:

• Watch the latest videos
• Browse photos
• Sample their latest music
• Read blog posts and the latest news
• Engage with other fans across Facebook and iLike
• Post concert photos directly from your iPhone to the fan community
• get regular bulletin updates

Screenshots below, click to enlarge:

Eric Topol says we’ll soon use our smartphones to monitor our vital signs and chronic conditions. At TEDMED, he highlights several of the most important wireless devices in medicine’s future — all helping to keep more of us out of hospital beds.

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