The 404 453: Where the role of Justin Yu will be played by Mark Licea
On today's show, we talk about beautifupeople.com, a Web site that is finally coming to the United States, which only beautiful people are allowed to join. That's right: in order to join this dating Web site, you have to be pretty.Users must submit their pictures, then the community decides whether you're hot enough to join. Unfortunately, Jeff and Wilson will likely get rejected. We'll let you know what Mark finds out on the Web site.Not cool.Phoenix New TimesAfter that, we find out that older men who are less educated than their female counterparts are less likely to get a divorce and are generally happier in their relationships.So we guess all those cougar relationships out there aren't going to work out. We also check out a not cool "illegal alien costume."It might have been funny on "Chappelle's Show," but it's likely to get the crap beat out of you immediately.Finally, we cover CNN's new Web site and we get to some video game news and commentary. The PlayStation 3 finally gets Netflix streaming after Xbox 360 has had it for almost a year now. Took them long enough, but we think this might start to change the balance of power in the video game console war, because it will be free on the PlayStation 3, rather than having to sell out $50 bucks a year for a Xbox Live Gold membership. Plus, Wilson gets close to beating Ghostbusters: The Videogame.His take? It's fun to watch, a little monotonous to play after a while, but a good buy.Please, please, send in voice mails.We're running a bit low these days, and we love to hear your feedback.Call in at 1-866-404-CNET (2638).Call!(Especially if you're a lady.)Episode 453PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
MP3 Insider 127- Prize patrol
MP3 Insider 127: Prize patrol
Donald and Jasmine announce the winner of the Gears of War II Special Edition Zune 120, but first you have to listen to them talk about Apple's new In-Ear Headphones, some pricey single-minded iPod accessories, Donald's one year Zuniversary, a roundup of the top budget headphones, and a cool and creative reason to have a Rhapsody subscription. Also this week: think up a creative Twitter alias for Jasmine for CES and get a chance to win a JBL On Stage Micro.Listen now: Download today's podcastEpisode 127Apple In-Ear Headphones reviewedNumark TTiDonald's ZuniversaryHow to create audiobooksBest budget headphonesSony MDR-NC7 cheap noise canceling headphones-------------READER EMAIL-------------Hi Jasmine and Donald,I really do love your show!By listening I've learned that there is a world of devices for listening to music other than iPods!My family has had a subscription to Rhapsody for several years.I bought this when my kids were teenagers to discourage them from pirating music.I think it's an awesome service and I would rather give up my cable subscription than Rhapsody.I'm ready to branch out to a portable player. While I see a list of players on the Rhapsody site, I'm having a hard time selecting one.Can you recommend a player that is reliable, easy to use, and is able to have a Rhapsody playlist downloaded to it?Cost is not the major factor here. I have the "Rhapsody Unlimited" service, so I think all I need is a player.Thanks for your help!Lisa BobanWhiting, Indiana------------Gears of War 2 ZUNE WINNER------------- Todd Chaikin ------------Help Jasmine pick a Twitter alias for CES-----------RULES:1) Winners will be announced on the show broadcasting December 16, 2008.2) You may submit as many entries as you like. Duplicate submissions will be ignored.3) You must not be an employee of CBS Interactive.4) You must live in the 48 contiguous United States (sorry Hawaii and Alaska) in order to win the prize.5) Entries must be e-mailed to mp3insider@cnet.com with the subject line "Twitter Alias"5) Entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST Monday, December 15, 2008.7) To be eligible to win, you must submit a creative Twitter alias for Jasmine to use during CES. If she selects your submission, you'll win a JBL On Stage Micro speaker. The suggested name cannot exceed 15 characters and must not be already in use.
Donald and Jasmine announce the winner of the Gears of War II Special Edition Zune 120, but first you have to listen to them talk about Apple's new In-Ear Headphones, some pricey single-minded iPod accessories, Donald's one year Zuniversary, a roundup of the top budget headphones, and a cool and creative reason to have a Rhapsody subscription. Also this week: think up a creative Twitter alias for Jasmine for CES and get a chance to win a JBL On Stage Micro.Listen now: Download today's podcastEpisode 127Apple In-Ear Headphones reviewedNumark TTiDonald's ZuniversaryHow to create audiobooksBest budget headphonesSony MDR-NC7 cheap noise canceling headphones-------------READER EMAIL-------------Hi Jasmine and Donald,I really do love your show!By listening I've learned that there is a world of devices for listening to music other than iPods!My family has had a subscription to Rhapsody for several years.I bought this when my kids were teenagers to discourage them from pirating music.I think it's an awesome service and I would rather give up my cable subscription than Rhapsody.I'm ready to branch out to a portable player. While I see a list of players on the Rhapsody site, I'm having a hard time selecting one.Can you recommend a player that is reliable, easy to use, and is able to have a Rhapsody playlist downloaded to it?Cost is not the major factor here. I have the "Rhapsody Unlimited" service, so I think all I need is a player.Thanks for your help!Lisa BobanWhiting, Indiana------------Gears of War 2 ZUNE WINNER------------- Todd Chaikin ------------Help Jasmine pick a Twitter alias for CES-----------RULES:1) Winners will be announced on the show broadcasting December 16, 2008.2) You may submit as many entries as you like. Duplicate submissions will be ignored.3) You must not be an employee of CBS Interactive.4) You must live in the 48 contiguous United States (sorry Hawaii and Alaska) in order to win the prize.5) Entries must be e-mailed to mp3insider@cnet.com with the subject line "Twitter Alias"5) Entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST Monday, December 15, 2008.7) To be eligible to win, you must submit a creative Twitter alias for Jasmine to use during CES. If she selects your submission, you'll win a JBL On Stage Micro speaker. The suggested name cannot exceed 15 characters and must not be already in use.
Get Hulu Plus free for three months
Get Hulu Plus free for three months
Note: Sorry about the newsletter snafu yesterday! Still working out the kinks, so stay tuned.Ah, Hulu. For anyone looking to cut the cable-TV cord, the service is pretty indispensable. Unlike Netflix, it lets you watch many, if not most, current TV shows the day after they air.But here's the thing: If you want access on your Roku box, game console, Android phone/tablet, iOS device, or whatever, you need to subscribe to Hulu Plus.Normally that costs $7.99 per month, but right now you can get Hulu Plus free for three months. (Note that if you're already a subscriber, you're not eligible. And if you already have a non-Plus account, you may need to sign out to see the offer.)Updated, 8:52 a.m. PT: Shoot! Looks like Hulu pulled the plug on this already. Anyone manage to get the trial? At least the newsletter went out early today!That's a mighty fine freebie, IMHO. Hulu Plus may not be perfect, but it's still a great way to watch shows you might have missed or revisit classic series (of which Hulu has a ton).On the other hand, you're stuck watching commercials (brief ones, but still). That seems particularly egregious when you consider that Netflix runs commercial-free--for the same $7.99 per month. What you're paying for here is the convenience of watching, say, last night's episode of "Community."Also, Hulu's movie library really blows. Seriously, there's almost nothing in there worth watching. It makes Netflix's movie catalog look like the AFI Top 100.But enough about the downsides. With three free months, you have more than ample opportunity to try Hulu Plus for yourself and see if it enhances your TV-watching life. Just make sure to mark your calendar so you remember to cancel (if you decide to do so); otherwise you'll start getting billed come mid-March.If you've already tried Hulu Plus, hit the comments and let me know what you think of it!Bonus deal: If you have young kids, you'll appreciate this: iTunes has 17 full-length episodes of the TV show "Learn Along with Sesame" absolutely free. You can view them on your PC or an iPad, iPhone, and so on.Bonus deal No. 2: Here's a sweet CNET exclusive: the Roku LT for $42.49 shipped! That's the lowest price anywhere, meaning this is likely to sell out quickly. I think this is the hot gift item of 2011.
Note: Sorry about the newsletter snafu yesterday! Still working out the kinks, so stay tuned.Ah, Hulu. For anyone looking to cut the cable-TV cord, the service is pretty indispensable. Unlike Netflix, it lets you watch many, if not most, current TV shows the day after they air.But here's the thing: If you want access on your Roku box, game console, Android phone/tablet, iOS device, or whatever, you need to subscribe to Hulu Plus.Normally that costs $7.99 per month, but right now you can get Hulu Plus free for three months. (Note that if you're already a subscriber, you're not eligible. And if you already have a non-Plus account, you may need to sign out to see the offer.)Updated, 8:52 a.m. PT: Shoot! Looks like Hulu pulled the plug on this already. Anyone manage to get the trial? At least the newsletter went out early today!That's a mighty fine freebie, IMHO. Hulu Plus may not be perfect, but it's still a great way to watch shows you might have missed or revisit classic series (of which Hulu has a ton).On the other hand, you're stuck watching commercials (brief ones, but still). That seems particularly egregious when you consider that Netflix runs commercial-free--for the same $7.99 per month. What you're paying for here is the convenience of watching, say, last night's episode of "Community."Also, Hulu's movie library really blows. Seriously, there's almost nothing in there worth watching. It makes Netflix's movie catalog look like the AFI Top 100.But enough about the downsides. With three free months, you have more than ample opportunity to try Hulu Plus for yourself and see if it enhances your TV-watching life. Just make sure to mark your calendar so you remember to cancel (if you decide to do so); otherwise you'll start getting billed come mid-March.If you've already tried Hulu Plus, hit the comments and let me know what you think of it!Bonus deal: If you have young kids, you'll appreciate this: iTunes has 17 full-length episodes of the TV show "Learn Along with Sesame" absolutely free. You can view them on your PC or an iPad, iPhone, and so on.Bonus deal No. 2: Here's a sweet CNET exclusive: the Roku LT for $42.49 shipped! That's the lowest price anywhere, meaning this is likely to sell out quickly. I think this is the hot gift item of 2011.
Get an iPhone desktop dock-charger for $3.99
Get an iPhone desktop dock-charger for $3.99
I come from a PalmPilot background. In the old days, our devices didn't connect to our computers via a stray cable that's always getting in the way.Our devices didn't lay prostrate on our desks while charging or syncing. They sat upright, faced forward, and gave us something to look at. In other words, they docked.You can dock an iPhone, but Apple charges a whopping $49 for the privilege. Thanks, but no thanks.Instead, I'm going the generic route: Meritline has an iPhone desktop dock-charger for $3.99 shipped. That's right: shipped. From China. No, I can't fathom how the company makes a penny of profit on the deal, but I'm not about to argue.As you can see in the photo, it's a pretty basic dock. You plug your existing sync cable into the back, then plop your iPhone 3G or 3GS into the cradle. If you spend a good amount of time at your desk, consider finding a good clock app, or start a slideshow in Photos. In other words, put that lovely screen to use.The dock has one extra amenity: a line-out jack. That means you can plug in a set of speakers for listening to music. That's a nice option if you're in an office that doesn't let you run iTunes or stream music.I've ordered other dirt-cheap iPhone accessories from Meritline before, and they've all worked just fine. Do keep in mind that because of the overseas shipping, the company estimates 2-3 weeks for delivery.If you don't mind waiting, and you're tired of that sync cable flopping around your desk, a $4 dock is pretty hard to pass up. (Note: I have no idea how long this sale price will last, and I think there's a solid chance this will sell out--so if you're interested, act fast!)If you're just looking for a stand, not a dock, you don't have to spend a dime: Check out the four best iPhone stands money can't buy.
I come from a PalmPilot background. In the old days, our devices didn't connect to our computers via a stray cable that's always getting in the way.Our devices didn't lay prostrate on our desks while charging or syncing. They sat upright, faced forward, and gave us something to look at. In other words, they docked.You can dock an iPhone, but Apple charges a whopping $49 for the privilege. Thanks, but no thanks.Instead, I'm going the generic route: Meritline has an iPhone desktop dock-charger for $3.99 shipped. That's right: shipped. From China. No, I can't fathom how the company makes a penny of profit on the deal, but I'm not about to argue.As you can see in the photo, it's a pretty basic dock. You plug your existing sync cable into the back, then plop your iPhone 3G or 3GS into the cradle. If you spend a good amount of time at your desk, consider finding a good clock app, or start a slideshow in Photos. In other words, put that lovely screen to use.The dock has one extra amenity: a line-out jack. That means you can plug in a set of speakers for listening to music. That's a nice option if you're in an office that doesn't let you run iTunes or stream music.I've ordered other dirt-cheap iPhone accessories from Meritline before, and they've all worked just fine. Do keep in mind that because of the overseas shipping, the company estimates 2-3 weeks for delivery.If you don't mind waiting, and you're tired of that sync cable flopping around your desk, a $4 dock is pretty hard to pass up. (Note: I have no idea how long this sale price will last, and I think there's a solid chance this will sell out--so if you're interested, act fast!)If you're just looking for a stand, not a dock, you don't have to spend a dime: Check out the four best iPhone stands money can't buy.
iOS 7 upgraders reporting installation, iTunes issues
iOS 7 upgraders reporting installation, iTunes issues
The update to iOS 7 has not been smooth sailing for all.Many users on Twitter, as well as on Apple's support site are reporting issues when attempting to install the update, which went out earlier today. Affected users are reporting that the downloads will stop, with a warning error pop-up that says the "software update failed." Others are saying they cannot connect to the iTunes Store to update apps.The likely culprit is that Apple's servers, which are pushing out the update over the air as well as through iTunes, are being hit by many users attempting to get the download. Nonetheless, according to Apple's services page, all its various services are up and running. Worth noting is that the update is larger than most Apple has put out in the past. It can range in the mid-600MB range for older iPhone and iPad users, and go up to 935MB for users on Apple's fourth-generation iPad. Users also need to have lots of free space available for the downloaded update to install, which can top 3GB in some cases.CNET has reached out to Apple for comment, and we'll update this post when we know more.Update at 12:23 p.m. PT: In addition to the issues surrounding iOS 7 installation and app updates, some users are also reporting issues with Apple's activation servers. It's unclear how widespread this is.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
The update to iOS 7 has not been smooth sailing for all.Many users on Twitter, as well as on Apple's support site are reporting issues when attempting to install the update, which went out earlier today. Affected users are reporting that the downloads will stop, with a warning error pop-up that says the "software update failed." Others are saying they cannot connect to the iTunes Store to update apps.The likely culprit is that Apple's servers, which are pushing out the update over the air as well as through iTunes, are being hit by many users attempting to get the download. Nonetheless, according to Apple's services page, all its various services are up and running. Worth noting is that the update is larger than most Apple has put out in the past. It can range in the mid-600MB range for older iPhone and iPad users, and go up to 935MB for users on Apple's fourth-generation iPad. Users also need to have lots of free space available for the downloaded update to install, which can top 3GB in some cases.CNET has reached out to Apple for comment, and we'll update this post when we know more.Update at 12:23 p.m. PT: In addition to the issues surrounding iOS 7 installation and app updates, some users are also reporting issues with Apple's activation servers. It's unclear how widespread this is.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
iOS 7 tells Apple users to 'get excited' again, says analyst
iOS 7 tells Apple users to 'get excited' again, says analyst
The updates that Apple showed off in iOS 7 could prove to be the most important ones since the iPhone debuted in 2007, at least in the opinion of Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster.To kick off Day 1 of its Worldwide Developers Conference this week, Apple revealed a whole new look for its iOS interface and icons, along with a slew of new features and enhancements. Some of the early takes on the new UI have been decidedly mixed. But Munster feels the revamp is cause for Apple users and investors to get excited about both current and upcoming iOS devices."The new iOS design appears flatter and cleaner than the prior version," the analyst said in an investors note released late Monday. "We believe iOS 7 is a reason for users to get excited about their iPhones again by giving it a new feel, which is something that we believe has been lacking in the past iOS updates and subsequently device launches, regardless of hardware redesign."iPhone users tend to get over changes to the hardware after a few hours, Munster opined, but "the OS is what mesmerizes people longer term." The analyst also believes that the WWDC keynote prepared the stage for several new products over the next year and a half, including the iPhone 5S, a low-cost iPhone, an Apple TV set, an iWatch, and potentially a mobile payments products.Specifically, Munster is eyeing the debut of a low-cost iPhone for September or October, an unveiling of the Apple TV by year's end, and the lauch of an iWatch and a larger-screen iPhone in 2014.The fresh new look of Apple iOS 7 (pictu...See full gallery1 - 4 / 16NextPrev
The updates that Apple showed off in iOS 7 could prove to be the most important ones since the iPhone debuted in 2007, at least in the opinion of Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster.To kick off Day 1 of its Worldwide Developers Conference this week, Apple revealed a whole new look for its iOS interface and icons, along with a slew of new features and enhancements. Some of the early takes on the new UI have been decidedly mixed. But Munster feels the revamp is cause for Apple users and investors to get excited about both current and upcoming iOS devices."The new iOS design appears flatter and cleaner than the prior version," the analyst said in an investors note released late Monday. "We believe iOS 7 is a reason for users to get excited about their iPhones again by giving it a new feel, which is something that we believe has been lacking in the past iOS updates and subsequently device launches, regardless of hardware redesign."iPhone users tend to get over changes to the hardware after a few hours, Munster opined, but "the OS is what mesmerizes people longer term." The analyst also believes that the WWDC keynote prepared the stage for several new products over the next year and a half, including the iPhone 5S, a low-cost iPhone, an Apple TV set, an iWatch, and potentially a mobile payments products.Specifically, Munster is eyeing the debut of a low-cost iPhone for September or October, an unveiling of the Apple TV by year's end, and the lauch of an iWatch and a larger-screen iPhone in 2014.The fresh new look of Apple iOS 7 (pictu...See full gallery1 - 4 / 16NextPrev
iOS 7 beta reportedly reveals flat design, revamped icons
iOS 7 beta reportedly reveals flat design, revamped icons
Soon enough, iOS 7 users will be greeted with dramatic new changes to the familiar interface, at least according to the latest details offered up by 9to5Mac.Based on a peek at an early beta of iOS 7, 9to5Mac said it discovered the much-rumored new "flat" design adopted by Apple. A couple of mockups created by the blog site show that Apple has taken the edge off the icons that populate the home screen. Some of the icons also sport a new logo and color.Catch CNET's live coverage of Apple's WWDC 2013 keynote, Monday at 10 a.m. PTThe icon for Photos now displays a color wheel. The icon for Safari now shows a simpler circular logo. And the icon for the camera displays an image of a camera. Overall, the new interface smacks of the skinny, ultra light logo that has already popped up in Apple's banners for Monday's Worldwide Developers Conference, MacRumors noted.Further, the familiar carrier bars to indicate the strength of your Wi-Fi or cellular connection have been replaced by a series of white or gray dots. And Apple could have more color tricks up its sleeve.9to5Mac discovered two different color schemes for several apps -- one veering toward black, the other toward white. Such a move suggests that the black and white iPhones could each sport their own unique color schemes. Some rumors even claim that the icon colors might change depending on the time of day or the surrounding light conditions.We'll know for sure if these tidbits are true when Apple unveils iOS 7 at WWDC on Monday.Corrected 2:30 p.m. PT to list source as 9to5Mac.
Soon enough, iOS 7 users will be greeted with dramatic new changes to the familiar interface, at least according to the latest details offered up by 9to5Mac.Based on a peek at an early beta of iOS 7, 9to5Mac said it discovered the much-rumored new "flat" design adopted by Apple. A couple of mockups created by the blog site show that Apple has taken the edge off the icons that populate the home screen. Some of the icons also sport a new logo and color.Catch CNET's live coverage of Apple's WWDC 2013 keynote, Monday at 10 a.m. PTThe icon for Photos now displays a color wheel. The icon for Safari now shows a simpler circular logo. And the icon for the camera displays an image of a camera. Overall, the new interface smacks of the skinny, ultra light logo that has already popped up in Apple's banners for Monday's Worldwide Developers Conference, MacRumors noted.Further, the familiar carrier bars to indicate the strength of your Wi-Fi or cellular connection have been replaced by a series of white or gray dots. And Apple could have more color tricks up its sleeve.9to5Mac discovered two different color schemes for several apps -- one veering toward black, the other toward white. Such a move suggests that the black and white iPhones could each sport their own unique color schemes. Some rumors even claim that the icon colors might change depending on the time of day or the surrounding light conditions.We'll know for sure if these tidbits are true when Apple unveils iOS 7 at WWDC on Monday.Corrected 2:30 p.m. PT to list source as 9to5Mac.
iOS 7 beta 2 arrives with bug fixes, iPad version
iOS 7 beta 2 arrives with bug fixes, iPad version
Apple on Monday released the second beta of iOS 7, exactly two weeks after the first iteration of the software was doled out to developers.The new version promises only to fix bugs and contains other undocumented "improvements."But the big new thing in this release is a version of the software for iPads -- both the regular and Mini models. The first version of the software only came for iPhones and iPod Touches, with Apple promising to add support for other devices as time went on.The software requires developers to sign a privacy agreement, but that hasn't stopped numerous developers and some blogs from posting extensive hands-on previews of the new OS. It's been standard practice for Apple to roll out several beta versions of the software before it's released to the public, which Apple has said will happen in the fall. In terms of how many more of these to expect, iOS 6 had four different beta versions between its June debut and late September release last year.Perhaps not since 2010's iOS 4 (which brought multitasking) has there been quite so much scrutiny on just what Apple's up to with these interim updates. iOS 7 is a massive visual and, in some cases, functional overhaul of the versions that came before it, and many things are expected to change before it's officially released.Update: The software also brings back a reworked version of Apple's voice memos application, which has been a built-in utility since 2009's iOS 3.0, though was not provided in the initial beta of iOS 7.
Apple on Monday released the second beta of iOS 7, exactly two weeks after the first iteration of the software was doled out to developers.The new version promises only to fix bugs and contains other undocumented "improvements."But the big new thing in this release is a version of the software for iPads -- both the regular and Mini models. The first version of the software only came for iPhones and iPod Touches, with Apple promising to add support for other devices as time went on.The software requires developers to sign a privacy agreement, but that hasn't stopped numerous developers and some blogs from posting extensive hands-on previews of the new OS. It's been standard practice for Apple to roll out several beta versions of the software before it's released to the public, which Apple has said will happen in the fall. In terms of how many more of these to expect, iOS 6 had four different beta versions between its June debut and late September release last year.Perhaps not since 2010's iOS 4 (which brought multitasking) has there been quite so much scrutiny on just what Apple's up to with these interim updates. iOS 7 is a massive visual and, in some cases, functional overhaul of the versions that came before it, and many things are expected to change before it's officially released.Update: The software also brings back a reworked version of Apple's voice memos application, which has been a built-in utility since 2009's iOS 3.0, though was not provided in the initial beta of iOS 7.
iOS 7 allows iPhone and iPad control with head movements-
iOS 7 allows iPhone and iPad control with head movements?
The idea of controlling an iPhone or iPad with a gesture may not be too farfetched. According to 9to5Mac, Apple is said to have included a head movement feature in its latest iOS 7 beta version.With a simple quick jerk of the head to the left or right, users could be able to get to the home page, select apps, or control the device's volume.The feature is apparently an accessibility option, which means it would have to be turned on by the user. Typically accessibility options are for people with disabilities who are hearing, vision, or physically impaired. It appears the feature can also be customized for each individual user.For iOS 7, Apple said it dramatically redesigned the look and feel of the user interface. Everything has been revamped, the company said, including icons, buttons, and color schemes. The screen is said to take on a 3D appearance and will have a swipe feature at the bottom of the device for quick access to brightness, volume, airplane mode, Bluetooth, do not disturb, and flashlight.An initial beta of iOS 7 was released to developers a couple of weeks ago and a second beta was released on Monday. The software requires developers to sign a privacy agreement, but that hasn't stopped numerous developers and some blogs from posting extensive hands-on previews of the new OS.For the head movement feature, 9to5Mac said there are still many kinks to work out for the option to be efficient. It's unclear if the rumored feature will eventually end up in the final version of iOS 7. Apple has not provided an exact date for the final iOS 7 release, short of this fall, when the company is also expected to introduce its next iPhone. CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update this report when we learn more.
The idea of controlling an iPhone or iPad with a gesture may not be too farfetched. According to 9to5Mac, Apple is said to have included a head movement feature in its latest iOS 7 beta version.With a simple quick jerk of the head to the left or right, users could be able to get to the home page, select apps, or control the device's volume.The feature is apparently an accessibility option, which means it would have to be turned on by the user. Typically accessibility options are for people with disabilities who are hearing, vision, or physically impaired. It appears the feature can also be customized for each individual user.For iOS 7, Apple said it dramatically redesigned the look and feel of the user interface. Everything has been revamped, the company said, including icons, buttons, and color schemes. The screen is said to take on a 3D appearance and will have a swipe feature at the bottom of the device for quick access to brightness, volume, airplane mode, Bluetooth, do not disturb, and flashlight.An initial beta of iOS 7 was released to developers a couple of weeks ago and a second beta was released on Monday. The software requires developers to sign a privacy agreement, but that hasn't stopped numerous developers and some blogs from posting extensive hands-on previews of the new OS.For the head movement feature, 9to5Mac said there are still many kinks to work out for the option to be efficient. It's unclear if the rumored feature will eventually end up in the final version of iOS 7. Apple has not provided an exact date for the final iOS 7 release, short of this fall, when the company is also expected to introduce its next iPhone. CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update this report when we learn more.
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