Recommended Posts

Steve is well known to get caught up when doing his Keynotes and start going so far off script it gives his engineers heart attacks. ;)

I know I just got an email about the entire 'Clone' market possibilities and how it would hurt Apple from the Hardware Company aspect so I think that it is still seen that Apple is a Hardware company. I'll look around for that quote, have a teleconference meeting here in a few minutes so...

I can certainly understand that. One thing that I've always admired Jobs for is his passion for his company's products. So in the heat of the moment, going off script is something he just naturally does.

Okay I agree with Cara here but Matt's point isn't that apple is 50% hardware and 50% hardware; it's definitely focused on hardware. But Matt, what Cara is saying is that that primary focus defines the company as a hardware producer. Would you say Nokia and Motorola are also software companies? Although they write (and commission to write) most of the software seen on many of their mobile phones, they are still, at heart, hardware companies. I think Apple is similar: a hardware company that ALSO produces software.

I don't think you can compare Nokia/Motorola and Apple. Apple has software that you can go out to a store and purchase. You can go out and buy Nokia or Motorola software. In fact, outside of the software on their devices, do they make anything else software-wise?

Apple makes iTunes for Windows, Nokia doesn't make software that you can download for a Motorola phone do they? Or RIM doesn't make software for a Nokia phone. These are apples and oranges.

As for Apple though, I can understand your point simply because you can't really go out of buy Mac OS X for a PC that you build.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/625430-wwdc-08/page/3/#findComment-589394687
Share on other sites

Okay I agree with Cara here but Matt's point isn't that apple is 50% hardware and 50% hardware; it's definitely focused on hardware. But Matt, what Cara is saying is that that primary focus defines the company as a hardware producer. Would you say Nokia and Motorola are also software companies? Although they write (and commission to write) most of the software seen on many of their mobile phones, they are still, at heart, hardware companies. I think Apple is similar: a hardware company that ALSO produces software.

I completely understand what Cara was saying. In the case of Nokie or Motorola, it's limited software so that their products function, but they're nothing to the scale of what Apple produces for their OS. Apple couldn't survive without either, unless drastic steps are taken. They have had a better chance of surviving as only a hardware company because their systems now support Windows; rewind to before they moved to Intel chips, and that wasn't the case.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/625430-wwdc-08/page/3/#findComment-589394712
Share on other sites

I completely understand what Cara was saying. In the case of Nokie or Motorola, it's limited software so that their products function, but they're nothing to the scale of what Apple produces for their OS. Apple couldn't survive without either, unless drastic steps are taken. They have had a better chance of surviving as only a hardware company because their systems now support Windows; rewind to before they moved to Intel chips, and that wasn't the case.

I disagree, not with the way they charge. They'd have to drastically reduce the cost of their systems to stay competitive with Dell if they stopped making OS X and started selling Windows or Linux on their system.

They would have a much better chance of being a software company that licensed their OS to Dell for use on their systems. I'm sure a ton of people who can't afford a Mac would purchase a copy of Mac OS X for their own personal system in a heart beat. I know I would.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/625430-wwdc-08/page/3/#findComment-589394720
Share on other sites

I disagree, not with the way they charge. They'd have to drastically reduce the cost of their systems to stay competitive with Dell if they stopped making OS X and started selling Windows or Linux on their system.

They would have a much better chance of being a software company that licensed their OS to Dell for use on their systems. I'm sure a ton of people who can't afford a Mac would purchase a copy of Mac OS X for their own personal system in a heart beat. I know I would.

My point on their survival due to support for Windows, or lack thereof, didn't correlate with the cost. I agree that the cost would have to come down a lot, but because their system is capable of running Windows, the chances are improved greatly if you ask me. People are willing to spend more money on premium hardware, but having their own OS to run on it definitely helps. Reduced hardware prices or opening OSX would make their survivability without one of the two far greater, but I don't see them going that route, nor do they have a reason to.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/625430-wwdc-08/page/3/#findComment-589394727
Share on other sites

As long as their #'s keep going up like they have been since they introduced the Intel version, it isn't likely that they'll open either up. Personally, I love my iMac and would trade it for any Windows computer in the world.

You mean wouldn't, right? :p

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/625430-wwdc-08/page/3/#findComment-589394740
Share on other sites

As long as their #'s keep going up like they have been since they introduced the Intel version, it isn't likely that they'll open either up. Personally, I love my iMac and would trade it for any Windows computer in the world.

An iMac is a Windows computer... *runs and hides*

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/625430-wwdc-08/page/3/#findComment-589394752
Share on other sites

Steve Jobs to Give Keynote at WWDC on June 9th

Fortune's Apple 2.0 blog received confirmation from Apple's public relations that Steve Jobs would be delivering the keynote speech at Apple's Wordwide Developer's Conference on Monday, June 9th.

Although no official announcement has been made, Apple public relations confirmed to Fortune that Steve Jobs will deliver a keynote address on June 9, the first day of the 2008 World Wide Developers conference.

Of course, it's no surprise that Steve Jobs will be delivering the keynote speech at WWDC, but it had not been formally announced or scheduled. Apple, of course, is widely expected to deliver the next version of the iPhone at WWDC.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/625430-wwdc-08/page/3/#findComment-589394818
Share on other sites

Depends on which one we're talking about. I have a G5 as well as the Intel one :p

And they can't run Windows without Boot Camp ;)

But the point is they can still run Windows, thus a "Windows computer" is basically any generic x86 platform out there, whether it's from Apple or Dell.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/625430-wwdc-08/page/3/#findComment-589394819
Share on other sites

Not trying to convince you of anything, simply stating a fact. :)

Apple's software team is a supporting aspect of the Apple Hardware Team.

I'll say it one more time then I'm done attempting to explain it here, the fact is Apple is a Hardware Company with a great Software Product, not a Hardware/Software company.

Just to support it, a quick Google Revealed the 2006 PC Magazine Company Awards...

As Steve Jobs said: Apple is a software company. However they do make their own hardware. Steve Jobs had this nice quote from somebody (it was fullscreen in one of his keynotes) stating something like that if a company wants to make really good software it has to make it's own hardware as well.

Edited by dyn
Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/625430-wwdc-08/page/3/#findComment-589402644
Share on other sites

As Steve Jobs said: Apple is a software company. However they do make their own hardware. Steve Jobs had this nice quote from somebody (it was fullscreen in one of his keynotes) stating something like that if a company wants to make really good software it has to make it's own hardware as well.

Yeah I'd trust more what came from the horses mouth than a low-level Apple employee who spends a majority of her time posting on Neowin.

That said, I'm on a personal assumption that Apple could not produce one without the other, so no matter what they consider themselves as, I consider them as a business minded innovations company who deal with both hardware and software to produce the best available products on the market today.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/625430-wwdc-08/page/3/#findComment-589419526
Share on other sites

Yeah I'd trust more what came from the horses mouth than a low-level Apple employee who spends a majority of her time posting on Neowin.

That said, I'm on a personal assumption that Apple could not produce one without the other, so no matter what they consider themselves as, I consider them as a business minded innovations company who deal with both hardware and software to produce the best available products on the market today.

Wow, personal dig, nice. Made me laugh pretty hard though. If you only knew. ;) Stick to what you know, which isn't me, so you can avoid making future assumptions that will simply make you look foolish. :)

Anyhow, you are correct (for the first time this post) in saying Apple couldn't sustain it's business on one or the other when it comes to Hardware / Software. Both elements come together to produce the technology and innovation that you all come to expect from Apple.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/625430-wwdc-08/page/3/#findComment-589423624
Share on other sites

Yeah I'd trust more what came from the horses mouth than a low-level Apple employee who spends a majority of her time posting on Neowin.

Someone people still seem to think that everybody on the internet speaks the truth... There is no way to check if what you say is true. However...Steve Job gave this keynote which had the phrase I'm referring to in size 48 or even bigger fullscreen on the screen. That is something you and everyone else is able to check. I'd rather believe something I can actually verify than something someone types on the net which I can't or can hardly verify, especially when they claim they are an employee from company X, because mostly that is false.

It is also known that low level employees know hardly anything about what the company is doing and where it's going. That is on an entirely different level in management (more strategic, maybe even tactical; low level employees are far below those levels).

That said, I'm on a personal assumption that Apple could not produce one without the other, so no matter what they consider themselves as, I consider them as a business minded innovations company who deal with both hardware and software to produce the best available products on the market today.

I also couldn't care less but it's what Steve Jobs showed in one of his keynotes so if the big boss says they are a software company than that's probably true. I just buy their products if I think it's worth buying.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/625430-wwdc-08/page/3/#findComment-589424059
Share on other sites

Someone people still seem to think that everybody on the internet speaks the truth... There is no way to check if what you say is true. However...Steve Job gave this keynote which had the phrase I'm referring to in size 48 or even bigger fullscreen on the screen. That is something you and everyone else is able to check. I'd rather believe something I can actually verify than something someone types on the net which I can't or can hardly verify, especially when they claim they are an employee from company X, because mostly that is false.

It is also known that low level employees know hardly anything about what the company is doing and where it's going. That is on an entirely different level in management (more strategic, maybe even tactical; low level employees are far below those levels).

I also couldn't care less but it's what Steve Jobs showed in one of his keynotes so if the big boss says they are a software company than that's probably true. I just buy their products if I think it's worth buying.

Yeah that's the exact stance I have on the subject, whether someone gets hairy fairy on me or not.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/625430-wwdc-08/page/3/#findComment-589424068
Share on other sites

Well, annoying personal attacks not withstanding I did want to post my findings on the Hardware / Software question.

It appears I was wrong, I sent a letter to the man himself (Which doubt if you want but here it is) and was informed that Apple is indeed either a Software or Technology company, depending on how you look at it.

Here is the chain, enjoy it if you'd like, those in tin-foil hats can insult it if they'd like, but I'd ask you please do it in private to me as not to take the thread further off-topic.

Oh, just for the record I got this on Tuesday I just hadn't thought about posting it until I was cleaning out my email tonight. Headers, email, and phone numbers, and compromising data removed for privacy of course.

There is no simple answer to this anymore. Previously, Apple was a hardware company but we have grown far beyond that simple label now. In the keynote you asked about I did say Apple was a software company but I think that was not a very fair statement anymore. I view Apple as a technology company now so you can say that we are both or neither of those previous things.

Thanks for the good question, it gave me something to think about.

Steve

On May 12, 2008, at 5:25 PM, XXXX wrote:

Steve,

I know you're a very busy person so I had to think long and hard about sending this to you but I have a burning curiosity that needs to be taken care of! If you have free time at some point to respond, that would be great, if not I understand as well. If it is easier on you, you can also call me at XXXXX or XXX-XXX-XXXX, the second is my iPhone so I have it at all times.

Recently I was discussing Apple with some people I know and there was a bit of a debate on how Apple should be classified, Software or Hardware Company. I said that Apple is a Hardware Company as it's been drilled into our heads over the years, however was countered with one of your keynotes in which you said Apple was a Software Company. When I view Apple I see our software products, namely Mac OS, however you can't help but notice the excess of hardware that makes up our product lineup. The number of hardware products and configurations offered seem to outweigh the software applications we sell.

Can you put this debate to a close for me, and if you say hardware company you'll win me a bet so... ;)

Thanks for your time!

XXXX

Sr. Project Manager, Design & Deployment

XXX.XXX.XXXX Phone / XXX.XXX.XXXX Fax / XXX.XXX.XXXX iPhone

I hate being wrong. heh.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/625430-wwdc-08/page/3/#findComment-589424182
Share on other sites

HA! I KNEW IT!!!11

Ok, I'm done gloating ;) I think saying they're a Technology company better suits them more than saying Hardware, Software and Fashion company :p Case closed.

On a side note, perhaps this should be listed on digg? Nahh, I wouldn't want Neowin to crash again :shiftyninja:

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/625430-wwdc-08/page/3/#findComment-589424512
Share on other sites

Well, annoying personal attacks not withstanding I did want to post my findings on the Hardware / Software question.

It appears I was wrong, I sent a letter to the man himself (Which doubt if you want but here it is) and was informed that Apple is indeed either a Software or Technology company, depending on how you look at it.

Here is the chain, enjoy it if you'd like, those in tin-foil hats can insult it if they'd like, but I'd ask you please do it in private to me as not to take the thread further off-topic.

Oh, just for the record I got this on Tuesday I just hadn't thought about posting it until I was cleaning out my email tonight. Headers, email, and phone numbers, and compromising data removed for privacy of course.

I hate being wrong. heh.

Props to Steve for responding though. The man constantly seems to impress me.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/625430-wwdc-08/page/3/#findComment-589424614
Share on other sites

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Here's how to grab your share of Apple's $4 billion lawsuit payout (if you qualify) by David Uzondu Image via DepositPhotos.com A UK tribunal has approved a collective legal action letting a $4 billion (£3 billion) claim against Apple proceed to trial after consumer rights group Which? formally accused the company of violating competition laws. The tribunal recently set a full trial date for October 2028. Which? filed the lawsuit way back in November 2024, accusing Apple of trapping users in iCloud by restricting rivals from fully accessing iOS. Apple gives users only 5GB of free space, and once that limit vanishes, the system drives upgrades by repeatedly nudging users through notifications. The group claims Apple overcharged millions who bought plans ranging from 99p a month for 50GB to £54.99 a month for 12TB. If Which? wins the now-greenlit lawsuit, the court will force Apple to pay out damages to roughly 40 million UK consumers, with each person receiving around £77 for the pricing abuse. Apple has already put out a statement telling Reuters that the allegations are completely false and that consumers do have choices. "We work hard to make iCloud a great experience, but no customer is required to use it, and customers in the UK have plenty of alternatives to choose from," it told the outlet. The good thing is that if Which? wins, claiming your share requires almost no effort due to the automatic structure of the litigation. You are eligible if you used Apple's iCloud services between November 8, 2018, and June 8, 2026, and paid for upgraded storage during that time. The tribunal automatically enrolls everyone living in the UK on June 8, 2026. The system operates on an "opt-out" basis, meaning you do not have to register right now, and you will just verify your details to collect your cash. However, if you want to leave the claim, you must notify Which? by October 8, 2026. But if you lived outside the UK on June 8, 2026, you must manually register on the official Which? website before October 8, 2026, to opt into the action. If you ignore this deadline, you will lose your chance to grab a share of the settlement. On a related note, Google recently had to resolve a massive data privacy fight by agreeing to a payout of over $170 million to Android users. In that lawsuit, plaintiffs argued that Google programmed the Android system to transmit user data without permission, wasting cellular data. To settle, Google agreed to pay a $135 million nationwide settlement alongside an extra $35 million in California. Eligible Android users must submit online claims to secure their cash, with the final approval hearing literally taking place today (June 23, 2026).
    • Microsoft outs Windows 11 KB5095093 with long list of new features by Sayan Sen Microsoft today has released its newest preview update (C-release) for the month of June 2026 under KB5095093, builds 26200.8737 (for Windows 11 25H2) and 26100.8737 (on Windows 11 24H2). The update brings new features across various elements of the OS including the Windows update, the Recovery, Widgets, File Explorer, and more. The full changelog is given below: First up we have the features rolling out gradually: [Point-in-time restore for Windows] New! This flexible recovery feature helps you quickly roll back your PC, including apps, settings, and personal files, to a recent automatic restore point. It helps reduce downtime and simplifies troubleshooting when issues occur. To learn more, see Point-in-time restore for Windows. [Windows Update] New! A calendar experience in Windows Update Settings (Settings > Windows Update) lets you pause updates by choosing an end date, for up to 35 days. You can extend the pause by selecting a different end date and re‑pause updates as needed. For more information, see Pause updates in Windows. [Widgets] New! A quieter, more focused Widgets experience helps reduce interruptions and improves default settings and notification controls: Reduce distractions: Widgets no longer open on hover. Notifications and taskbar badges are minimized by default. Simpler: Open to the Widgets dashboard by default on first use. Customize: Configure Widgets how you want by selecting Settings in the navigation bar, then changing any of the default settings. Stay informed: Dashboard icons show the number of alerts, and badges clear automatically when you leave a dashboard. Adjusted defaults: Some default settings are preserved based on usage, while others adjust to reduce interruptions. Performance improvements: This update provides improved reliability, responsiveness, and visual quality across the Widget experience. [Accessibility] New! This update makes your screen easier to see and customizes your zoom experience: Screen tint: Apply a full-screen color overlay to help reduce eye strain and improve readability. Choose from preset tint options, adjust the intensity, or turn it on automatically. Find this feature in Settings > Accessibility. Magnifier: Enter a zoom percentage directly and change it in increments in the Magnifier window for more precise, flexible control. Magnifier settings menu: You can now also modify zoom increments directly from the magnifier bar instead of navigating to Windows Settings each time. [File Explorer] New! When you hover over a file in File Explorer Home, commands such as Open file location and Ask Copilot appear as quick actions. This experience is now supported for work and school accounts (Entra ID).1 Improves the speed and performance of File Explorer launch.2 Fixes an issue where the OneDrive shortcut in File Explorer stops working when File Explorer is run with administrative mode. The address bar now supports paths containing double backslashes and quotation marks (for example, C:\\Users\\user or "C:\Users\user"), improving compatibility with a wider range of inputs. The address bar suggestion dropdown is more reliable and now consistently closes after an item is selected. This update addresses an issue on File Explorer Home where OneDrive files could appear duplicated in the Favorites section. This update includes several refinements to the Rename experience: Addresses an issue where text was repeatedly selected when renaming items in folder views. Addresses an issue where case-only name changes were not immediately reflected in folder views for items stored locally or in the cloud. [Bluetooth] This update improves reliability and performance when connecting to and using Bluetooth devices: New! Windows now keeps the microphone mute state in sync between the audio mixer and the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) for a more consistent experience with Bluetooth headphones with mute buttons or indicators. Accessory compatibility workarounds: Improves compatibility with specific Bluetooth audio devices, helping AirPods appear faster in pairing mode and improving microphone reliability on Beats Studio Pro headphones. Bluetooth audio stability: Improves overall Windows stability with certain PC manufacturer drivers (error code 0x9F). Improves Bluetooth reliability for voice calls when using Classic Audio devices with the Hands-Free Profile (HFP). Reduces time for LE Audio accessories to start playing audio while using the microphone. Device management: Windows will no longer show a “Remove failed” message when attempting to remove Bluetooth devices if the Bluetooth radio is unavailable or has changed since pairing. Settings experience: Improves stability when using the Bluetooth & devices settings page for a smoother, more consistent experience. Connection reliability and responsiveness: Reduces the time it takes for classic Bluetooth audio devices to reconnect after Windows resumes from hibernation. Improves reliability when LE Audio accessories disconnect, such as when another device (for example, a phone) connects. Improves reliability of LE Audio streaming after a connection is lost and restored. [Bluetooth and Phone Link] This update improves audio routing for calls made through a connected phone: When an outgoing call is dialed from a paired phone, audio remains on the phone while ringing and transfers to the PC only when the call is answered from the PC. When Do Not Disturb is enabled on Windows, incoming call audio from a paired phone no longer rings on the PC. [Voice access and voice typing] New! You can now use voice access and voice typing in French, German, and Spanish. As you speak, your PC improves your text in real time. It corrects grammar, punctuation, and recognition errors, and helps improve clarity—even in the presence of background noise. This makes dictation smoother and reduces the need for manual edits.3 [Audio] This update improves the reliability of the inbox HD Audio driver. [Taskbar] This update improves the reliability of opening the Start menu when selecting the left edge of the taskbar when the icons in the taskbar are left-aligned. [Networking] This update includes networking improvements for virtualized environments. Confidential Virtual Machines (CVMs) now use SR-IOV hardware acceleration by default for improved network throughput, and a configuration issue in nested Hyper-V virtualization network setup has been corrected to ensure reliable VM network provisioning. This update improves the reliability of the Windows networking stack. It reduces bug checks (blue screen errors) related to Wi-Fi power and improves cellular (WWAN) connectivity, including support for IPv6 VPNs. Compatibility with third-party VPN software and SR-IOV configurations on server hardware is also improved. Network adapter settings and bindings are now preserved across OS upgrades. [Printing] New! New printer installations use Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) by default when supported, simplifying setup and improving reliability. For details about third-party driver deprecation, see End of Servicing Plan for Third-Party Printer Drivers on Windows. To control this behavior, use the toggle in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Default install printers using Windows Ready Print. For more information, see Introducing Windows Ready Print and modernized driver selection. For more information, see Introducing Windows Ready Print and Modernized Driver Selection. [Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)] The update improves usage of WSL in mirrored networking mode with VPNs. [Display and graphics] Improves the reliability of rendering content while scrolling for certain apps spanning across multiple monitors. Improves the reliability and persistence of applying color profiles. [Location services] This update changes how some location settings are displayed in Settings > Privacy & Security > Location to help with clarity. When location services are turned off, settings like Default location and Allow location override don't immediately apply, since location information is not given to apps or services. These settings will now be greyed out when location services are off to reduce confusion over when they take effect. [Search] This update improves the reliability of setting Search related group policies. [Input] New! You can now customize the size of the right-click zone in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad. Choose from default, small, medium, or large to control how much of the bottom-right corner responds to a single-finger right-click. This setting is only available on touchpads with a pressable surface. If your device manufacturer provides customization through their own app, a Custom option will appear to reflect those settings. This update improves recognition of English characters when using Japanese handwriting. [General performance] Improves the time to shut down Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) when you turn off your PC. [General Reliability] ​​​​This update improves the reliability of explorer.exe. It addresses issues on the login and lock screens related to third-party credential providers, reduces the probability of taskbar icons appearing as blank gray placeholders, and improves navigation to Home in File Explorer during OneDrive sync. It also improves explorer.exe reliability when switching between desktops, enhances app launch with shell extensions, and using acrylic blur effects in the Start menu, Settings, and the lock screen. [Apps] Resolves an issue where some installers and applications could show unexpected elevation (UAC) prompts after installing KB5089549. [Remote Desktop] This update refreshes the dialog design when you enable Remote Desktop in Settings > System > Remote Desktop. [Graphics Kernel] Improves memory-management policy that allows PCs with more than 32GB of installed memory to run larger local AI models. Up next we have the features under normal rollout: [Secure Boot] With this update, Windows quality updates include additional high confidence device targeting data, increasing coverage of devices eligible to automatically receive new Secure Boot certificates. Devices receive the new certificates only after demonstrating sufficient successful update signals, maintaining a controlled and phased rollout. [Authentication] This update improves Netlogon secure channel connections between domain controllers, enabling successful connections from member servers to domain controllers set up before 2025. [Emoji Panel Update] The emoji panel (Windows key + period (.)) now uses GIPHY for GIF content following the deprecation of Google’s Tenor API. Starting June 30, 2026, install the latest Windows update to continue using GIFs in the Emoji panel. If you don’t update, you will see a "GIF service is not available" error in the panel. Installing the latest Windows update will restore access to GIFs. [Networking] This update improves how your device connects to shared network resources. Connections used by apps and system features, such as the NetUseAdd function, now work more reliably, including unauthenticated (null session) connections. [Recycle Bin (known issue)] Fixed: This update addresses an issue where the confirmation dialog might display an internal Recycle Bin file name instead of the original file name when permanently deleting a file. This issue might occur after installing the June 2026 security update (KB5094126). [Taskbar] This update improves notification badge display across your apps. Notification counts and badge visuals now update correctly, helping you stay up to date with new activity. You can choose to manually download the update from Microsoft's update catalog website at this link.
    • Hands-on with BOOX Tappy: cute little reading accessory by Taras Buria Page turners are quite popular accessories for e-readers, as they enable a hands-free reading experience, which is particularly useful with large readers featuring 10-inch or larger displays. The BOOX Tappy is a new accessory that was introduced earlier this year, and we took this cute-looking thingy for a spin. The Tappy comes in a small box, with two additional buttons and a user manual. The device is made of glossy green plastic and resembles old appliances from the nuclear age. Material quality is great, and each part feels quite premium. Plastic is high-quality, the switch is nice to flick, and the buttons are not rattly. At the bottom, four rubberized feet prevent slipping when used on a desk. Unfortunately, there are no color options, and the Tappy is only available in green. It looks good, but I wish there were other options as well. There are two removable buttons, an on/off switch, and an LED indicator that displays connection mode, charging status, and more. The buttons resemble those of an old typewriter, with quite a long travel distance and a pleasant clack. In the box, you have four buttons with different icons: heart, coffee, O, and X. You can easily swap buttons by simply pulling them upwards. Tip: buttons come with plastic covers, but they are quite tricky to remove. It is hard to call the Tappy the most ergonomic remote control, but after fiddling with it for a few hours, I managed to find a comfortable hand position. Attaching a lanyard to it can make it more comfortable in use without the fear of dropping it, but unfortunately, the Tappy does not come with one. The Tappy connects via Bluetooth 5.2, and it works in three modes, which you can toggle by pressing and holding both buttons for about five seconds: Reading Mode Multimedia Mode Browsing Mode Next / Previous page Next / Previous Track Up / Down scroll If you pair the Tappy with a BOOX device (I tested it with the BOOX Go 10.5 Gen 2 Lumi), you will get small pop-ups indicating the current mode. Plus, you can customize what each button does when pressed one time, two times, or held for a few seconds. The list of available actions and features you can use is massive, and I like that BOOX lets you map stuff like brightness adjustment, app launching, screenshot-taking, screen rotating, navigation, and more. Note, however, that while you can use the Tappy with other readers, its customization is only available on BOOX devices running firmware version 4.2 and newer. I could not connect the Tappy to my computer (Windows 11 claims a driver error when I try), but it worked with the DuRoBo Krono that I recently reviewed. My Kindle Paperwhite refused to work with the Tappy, though, just like my iPhone. The Tappy uses a non-removable Li-Ion battery, which can be recharged with a Type-C cable. BOOX rates the remote for "weeks of use," and I can say that it indeed has very good battery life. While there are no battery indicators on the remote, you can see the current level in the status bar or in Input settings in the BOOX firmware. After a few days of active use, mine still shows about 95%. Overall, the Tappy left a nice impression. It is well-made, and the integration with BOOX devices is great. I also like that BOOX decided to have some fun with its design and swappable buttons. I cannot say I am a fan of its odd shape, though. Still, I managed to find a way to use it comfortably. And when not in use, it just looks neat sitting on the table doing nothing or serving you as a small clacky fidget. Buy BOOX Tappy - $29.99 on Amazon US As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • AdGuard Family lifetime deal now only $14.97 by Steven Parker Today's highlighted Neowin Deal comes via our Apps + Software section, where you can get a lifetime subscription and save 91% on a lifetime AdGuard Family Plan. AdGuard is a unique program that has all the necessary features for what they claim to be "the best web experience." The software combines the an advanced ad blocker, a privacy protection module, and a parental control tool—all working in one app. This software deals with annoying ads, hides your data from a multitude of trackers, protects you from malware attacks, and even lets you restrict your kids from accessing inappropriate content. Install AdGuard and see the internet as it was supposed to be: clean and safe. Get rid of annoying banners, pop-ups & video ads once and for all Hide your data from the multitude of trackers & activity analyzers that swarm the web Avoid fraudulent and phishing website and malware attacks Protect your kids online by restricting them from accessing inappropriate & adult content Good to know Family Plan Length of access: lifetime This plan is only available to new users Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase Max number of devices: 9 Access options: desktop & mobile Software version: AdGuard Family Updates included A lifetime subscription of AdGuard Family Plan normally costs $169.99, but this deal can be yours for just $14.97, that's a saving of $157.02. For full terms, specifications, and license info please click the link below. Get this AdGuard Family lifetime deal for just $14.97 (was $169.99) Although priced in U.S. dollars, this deal is available for digital purchase worldwide. As an online publication, Neowin too relies on ads for operating costs and, if you use an ad blocker, we'd appreciate being whitelisted. In addition, we have an ad-free subscription for $28 a year, which is another way to show support! Support queries If you have queries or need support for any of the Neowin Deals, please use the contact form here. Neowin Deals are managed and sold by StackCommerce who represent Neowin on an affiliate basis. Why we post these deals We post these because we earn commission on each sale so as not to rely solely on advertising, which many of our readers block. It all helps toward paying staff reporters, servers and hosting costs. So for those that keep moaning and complaining, be thankful we're still online for you to even do that. Other ways to support Neowin Whitelist Neowin by not blocking our ads Create a free member account to see fewer ads Make a donation to support our day to day running costs Subscribe to Neowin - for $14 a year, or $28 a year for an ad-free experience Disclosure: Neowin benefits from revenue of each sale made through our branded deals site powered by StackCommerce.
    • Sadly "beats Steam Machine" isn't much of a brag.
  • Recent Achievements

    • One Month Later
      timbobit earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Month Later
      nates earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      Almohandis earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Rookie
      dorf went up a rank
      Rookie
    • First Post
      mike_rumble earned a badge
      First Post
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      469
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      165
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      106
    4. 4
      Michael Scrip
      87
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      69
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!