Mix: Apple patents iTunes Tagging, Backup Disabler, App Store stats

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Mix: Apple patents iTunes Tagging, Backup Disabler, App Store stats

A recently published Apple patent applications suggests the company intends to patent the process for iTunes Tagging, currently a feature on select HD Radio-equipped, iPod-docking accessories. The patent goes beyond the current implementation, however, describing the tagging of TV broadcasts, points of interest (using GPS-provided latitude and longitude coordinates), stores selling an item mentioned in an advertisement, and more. As with all Apple patents, this filing does not necessarily represent any future product release from Apple, but offers evidence of the company’s research in this area.

TwelvePin has released Backup Disabler, a new iTunes utility for Mac OS X. Backup Disabler allows users to turn off iTunes 7.7’s backup feature for the iPhone and iPod touch. The application also allows this functionality to be restored, both with a single click. Backup Disabler 1.1 is available now as a free download from MacUpdate.

Apple is now providing App Store developers with daily download stats, according to a Mac Rumors report. Previously, developers had to wait until the first of the Store’s monthly reports to arrive, making it difficult for developers to gauge demand and adjust pricing accordingly. Originally, download numbers for each App Store application were provided on the app’s page, but Apple quickly removed these listings. Mac Rumors notes that some developers have already started making pricing adjustments to their apps, with Pangea Software dropping the price on its Cro-Mag Rally racing game from $9.99 to $5.99.

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Comments

1

You can always skip the backup feature manually. I have an iPod touch, but it’s probably the same for the iPhone: by clicking the little ‘x’ to the right of the ‘Backing up (your device’s name here)’ dialog during the sync process.

Posted by Gonzalo Muñoz on July 31, 2008 at 3:16 PM (PDT)

2

WARNING: Clicking on the little “x” can corrupt your backup.
I’ve stumbled into a major flaw in the iTunes restore procedure.
When trying to restore from backup - iTunes did NOT verify the integrity of my backup before it reformatted my iPhone. Had I known that the backup was corrupted, I would have certainly not chosen to perform the restore. All the data and settings I had accumulated since July 11th were gone… I was left with a factory fresh phone. Thanks crApple!

Posted by Tom Davila on July 31, 2008 at 5:22 PM (PDT)

3

For a second there, I thought Apple patended a Backup Disabler. Talk about covering all your bases!

Posted by Raphael Salgado on August 2, 2008 at 9:11 AM (PDT)

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