australia

The whole "iPad Wi-Fi + 4G isn't a real thing" debacle is coming to a close across Europe. Apple has finished changing the wording of the kind of service the iPad offers across all European online stores, according to The Next Web.

Now, all the old "4G" branding is "Wi-Fi + Cellular."

The melee began in March when the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said Apple was violating the Australian Consumer Law by misleadingly labeling its new iPad as 4G-capable -- the crux being that there aren't any 4G networks compatible with the device … Read more

Our favorite Aussie Ty Pendlebury stops by The 404 today to chat about what's new in the world of TVs. It's only May, but Ty thinks he's already seen this year's best TV. Tune in to find out which set he's talking about.… Read more

The banter in Sydney shockingly still revolves around the Wake Up flash mob that emerged in front of an Apple store a week ago. Was it Samsung? How about RIM? Hell, let's throw HTC in as a suspect for good measure. Or maybe it's Nokia!

You've probably heard about the incident by now. A big black bus pulled up in front of the Apple store in Sydney. The bus signage screamed Wake Up. Then a bunch of people emerged from the bus to do the same thing. There were chants and everything.

This tale has captivated me … Read more

Australia's Parliament is planning to investigate why it costs more to download software and other content in Australia than it does in other countries.

The probe comes after a report on the situation released last year by the government Productivity Commission found significant price disparity between prices charged in Australia and in overseas markets. The controversy flared up again last week when Adobe Systems announced that Australians would be paying several hundred dollars more for its Creative Suite software than their American counterparts.

"People here scratch their heads trying to work out why they get fleeced on software … Read more

Apple is seeking to redefine Australia's 3G networks as being "4G," according to a new filing in the Federal Court.

Not satisfied with getting corrective advertising and making Apple offer refunds to customers, according to a report in The Australian this morning, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is trying to push Apple to change the name of the cellular version of the iPad from "iPad Wi-Fi + 4G" in Australia.

This is due to the fact that the new device, launched last month, does not work on long-term evolution (LTE) networks in Australia. It … Read more

If your world isn't already complex enough, or if you're just a control freak, it's time to add some ninja to your life.

Sensor-equipped platforms called Ninja Blocks are designed to bring the Internet of things to a ubiquitous, open-source reality.

The result of a recent successful Kickstarter project that raised more than $100,000, Ninja Blocks obey simple "if this, then that" commands to add functionality to your environment through the Web.

For instance, when your friends are playing on Xbox Live a Ninja Block could trigger an action in your living room, like turning on a lamp. Or a Ninja Block could text your phone when a package is delivered to your door. You could also activate household lights or electronics via your Ninja by talking to Siri. … Read more

Apple and Australia are still at odds over the branding of a 4G iPad that doesn't support Australia's 4G networks.

Mediation between Apple and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission ended today without an agreement on one sticking point -- the actual name used to sell the iPad. The two parties have been trying to hammer out a compromise since late last month when Australia's consumer commission filed a legal action against Apple over the use of the term 4G.

In its grievance, the ACCC has contended that labeling the tablet "iPad Wi-Fi + 4G" in … Read more

Apple is reportedly willing to offer refunds to iPad buyers in Australia who feel they were misled to believe the new tablet is capable of connecting to the 4G/LTE network Down Under.

Apple senior counsel Paul Anastassiou told the Federal Court in Melbourne today that the company was prepared to offer refunds even though it had -- he said -- never claimed the new tablet would work fully on the 4G network in Australia operated by Telstra, according to various published reports. Apple also proposed publishing a clarification regarding incompatibility issues on its Web site and at its stores. … Read more

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said today Apple is violating the Australian Consumer Law by misleadingly labeling its new iPad as 4G-capable, and it will try to get a court to impose fines and an injunction against sales.

The commission will apply to the Federal Court in Melbourne for orders tomorrow morning against Apple, it said in a statement:

The ACCC alleges that Apple's recent promotion of the new "iPad with WiFi + 4G" is misleading because it represents to Australian consumers that the product "iPad with WiFi + 4G" can, with a SIM card, connect … Read more