Apple Mothballs Original iPhone

All hardware services for the original iPhone will be discontinued June 11.

The original 2007-era iPhone will be categorized as obsolete beginning June 11, according to an internal memo from Apple, published online Tuesday. "Obsolete" status means people will no longer be able to have their devices serviced through an Apple store. But don't fret. AppleCare and third-party authorized service centers have a different word for the older models: "vintage." They'll still help out users with those devices, according to Business Insider. Other Apple products set to be minted as vintage in June: mid-2007 models of the iMac, the late 2006 model Xserve, and the original Mac Pro, Mac Rumors reported. Apple reportedly sold 6.1 million first generation iPhone units in the year or so before the iPhone 3G was launched in 2008, …

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Apple Unveils New iPhone 5

Apple unveiled the next generation of iPhone today. Will you be upgrading?

The details on the new iPhone 5 from Apple were announced today, and the sixth model in the series, is taller, thinner and lighter than the iPhone 4S, according to Apple Senior Vice President Phil Shiller in an article by CBS News. "It's an absolute jewel," Shiller said. The iPhone 5 will have a 4-inch display, allowing for five rows of apps, according to CNET. CBS reported that the biggest updates to the phone, though, are the camera and iSight. The camera will be smaller, have an 8-megapixel sensor and will be able to take panoramic photos. Additionally, video would be in 1080p HD, with 720p in the front-facing camera. The iPhone 5 will be available in stores Sept. 21, reported CNET, and the prices run the same as its previous version of…

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McDonald's Issues Statement On Apple Slices Recall

The fast food giant issued a statement in response to a recall of apple slices by New Jersey-based Missa Bay, LLC.

Missa Bay, LLC, a distributor for McDonald's, Wawa, Burger King and other restaurants, voluntarily recalled a total of 293,488 cases and 296,224 individually distributed units of fruit, vegetable, and sandwich products containing apples earlier this week. The recall was put in place because the products might be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes which can cause fever, muscle aches and gastro intestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea. The recalled foods contain diced or sliced apples and have use-by dates of July 8, 2012 through August 20, 2012. McDonald’s USA Spokesperson Danya Proud issued the follow statement in response to the recall. “McDonald’s food safety and quality control standards are among the highest in the …

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Fake ID iPhone App? Bob Casey Says 'No'

Apple nixes app that creates simulated state licenses, following senator's request.

At the urging of Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) Apple killed an application for iPhones and iPads that allowed users to pose for and create their own driver's license, functionally making fake IDs for underage citizens. In a letter to Apple Monday, Casey decried the "Driver's License" app and the ease in which it could make an ID for counterfeiters and those underage. Apple complied with the senator and removed it from its App Store. "I urged Apple to take the responsible step of removing this dangerous app, and I’m pleased that the app is no longer available in the store," Casey said in a statement. "As Pennsylvania and states across the country deal with the rising problem of identity theft, tools that facilitate breaking the law should not be …

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Steve Jobs Made Original Apple II with Norristown-Made Processor

The Apple II computer developed by the late Steve Jobs used the original 6502 8-bit microprocessor developed by MOS Technology in Norristown in 1975.

How I Learned to Love Steve Jobs

I used to think Steve Jobs was at the helm of an pretentious company. In the past year, I've learned to see things much differently.

Last summer, I wasn't sure if I really liked Steve Jobs. I already had a slightly hypocritical, love-hate relationship with Apple products. I was a longtime owner of a series of iPods and had just purchased my first MacBook, but I couldn't stand those trendy commercials. I always flash a skeptical eye at any company that tells people they need to buy a $500 gadget. Especially when they just pushed it using a silhouetted Bono in their commercial. Then again, there I was telling myself that I needed to buy a MacBook if I was going to be earning the bulk of my livelihood while staring at a computer screen. I knew video and photo editing were going to be part of my responsibilities and I knew I needed a Mac to do the best work. So there I was…

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Five Things for Wednesday, June 29

Here are five things to know about Norristown and life today.

1. Did you know that Greater Norristown PAL has weekly guitar lessons every Thursday at 2 and 2:30 p.m. If you have someone in the family between 9 and 12, take a trip over to PAL and get him or her in touch with the tunes. 2. Fiddling is simply a way to play an instrument, most commonly a violin. When Charlie Bowman tells you he’s sporting his fiddle on any given day, it's a violin on which he fiddles. 3. On Friday, July 8, GNPAL is sponsoring a Horseback Riding trip through its FAME Summer Program. To have your teen participate in the fun, contact PAL today to get one of the limited available spots for the trip. 4. You can’t get through a town these days without seeing graffiti somewhere. Why not harness the madness out there into a …

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