Also: Rumors of an Xbox gaming tablet; Mary Meeker says Android growing 6x faster than iPhone.
Apple said to be exploring switch from Intel for Mac [BLOOMBERG]
While Apple is now committed to Intel in computers and is unlikely to switch in the next few years, some engineers say a shift to its own designs is inevitable as the features of mobile devices and PCs become more similar, two people said. Any change would be a blow to Intel, the world’s largest processor maker, which has already been hurt by a stagnating market for computers running Microsoft Corp. (MSFT)’s Windows software and its failure to gain a foothold in mobile gadgets. A move by Apple may lead others to follow suit.
Xbox Surface: Microsoft’s 7-inch gaming tablet [THE VERGE]
The Xbox Surface will likely include a custom ARM processor and high-bandwidth RAM designed specifically for gaming tasks. We’re told these specifications could be altered to accommodate an unannounced Intel SoC and that the Xbox Surface is being developed independent of specific hardware architecture. Microsoft’s Xbox Surface won’t run a full version of Windows, rather this 7-inch tablet will run a custom Windows kernel. Messaging and other tablet functions may be supported, but the focus is on gaming.
Amazon testing $8 per month price for Prime streaming [CNNMONEY]
Amazon appears to be offering the monthly option only to some customers. CNNMoney didn’t receive the message when accessing Amazon’s Prime signup page from multiple browsers on several different computers. Amazon representatives didn’t reply to a request for comment on the program.
The Prime program is unique in that it covers both the Amazon’s retail and video content businesses. Prime customers receive free two-day shipping on certain tangible goods from Amazon.com, as well as streaming video access. Prime subscribers who have Kindle devices can also borrow some e-books for free.
Mary Meeker gives mid-year Internet trends report: Android adoption ramping up 6x faster than iPhone [TECHCRUNCH]
KPCB partner Mary Meeker usually publishes her famed Internet Trends report once a year, but gave a small San Francisco crowd a mid-year update tonight. The biggest new facts? Android phone adoption is ramping up six times faster than iPhone, and Android surpassed Windows as the #1 OS for Internet-enabled devices in Q1 2012. Meeker also ended the presentation by calling a statement by Mark Zuckerberg “arrogant but probably true.
Guitar Hero co-creator unveils startup with a plan to mobilize the living room [VENTUREBEAT]
At Green Throttle Games, Huang is creating a new virtual game console for the television based on mobile phones and without the actual game console. The Santa Clara, Calif.-based company is making a game controller that will work with Android smartphones and tablets when it debuts next year. The controller connects wirelessly with your smartphone or tablet, which can be connected via cable to display images on the television. The point is to make it easier to play the same games both in the living room and on the run.
Yep, it’s coming: Google Wallet’s help site mentions the “Google Wallet Card” [TECHCRUNCH]
The “Google Wallet card,” according to the leaked screenshots, will be a universal card of sorts that can take the place of any credit or debit cards in your wallet. Instead of carrying around all your plastic cards, you’ll be able to load them up into the Google Wallet online service, then use the physical Google Wallet card to make purchases with a swipe. The accompanying Wallet mobile application allows you to configure which credit or debit card the Google Wallet card will replace – and you can do this on the fly, too, from the sounds of it.
Don’t miss the latest tech news. Sign up now to get Today in Tech emailed every morning.
