Thurrott Daily: January 25

A few tidbits from around the web.

1/25/2016 3:03:54 PM

Call of Duty: Black Ops could arrive soon on Xbox One backwards compatibility

We’ve known for some time now that the original Xbox 360 version of Call of Duty: Black Ops would be coming to the Xbox One via backwards compatibility, thanks to its box shot appearing Xbox.com. (Hopefully along with all other semi-modern COD games.) But a recent report suggests it could be happening pretty soon.

The report for Call of Duty: Black Ops comes from the Spanish websiteSoloXboxOne (translated). It appears that the user was already able to download the Annihilation: Pack 3 DLC from the Spanish Xbox One store, indicating that the game will have backward compatibility in the near future.

It’s also worth mentioning that Activision doesn’t have any plan to roll out remastered versions of Call of Duty. That means that the only way to play the older titles on the Xbox One is to wait for them to get backward compatibility.

Make it so, Microsoft.

Daimler CEO allegedly impressed by Apple’s and Google’s progress on cars

A report in Bidness Etc.—which I assume is a comedy web site, based on the name—says that Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche has met with Apple and Google and is impressed with the progress they’ve made in cars.

Mr Zetsche met with about 70 different firms including start-ups, and spoke about the competition that conventional car manufacturers would face from [Silicon] Valley.

He further noted that his company had underestimated the progress of these companies in the field of autonomous driving, mentioning Google’s self-driving car a number of times, which the company flaunts openly on the roads of Silicon Valley. Meanwhile, no official statement has been made about Apple’s car project; the company seems to be developing its future self-driving car in recluse, as suggested by multiple rumors.

“Apple: iPad Pro May Not Halt Sales Decline, But It Is The Future”

Makes sense. So … continued falling iPad sales is the future at Apple then?Seeking Alpha is seeking some sense to this story, it seems. The main points:

iPad quarterly sales suffered [year over year] declines of about 20% in the first three quarters of 2015.

iPad sales have in fact fallen yoy in seven consecutive quarters now.

iPad Pro availability was limited after its November launch, which limited its positive impact on quarterly sales.

The assumption here being that had they made more, the iPad sales decline would have ended, I guess.

iPad sales will probably be flat or slightly lower y/y for the December quarter.

So nothing has changed then. I guess the iPad Pro is more Apple Watch than iPhone on the “Apple success meter.”

And speaking of Apple…

“Apple Watch’s Killer App Is Already Here”

More brilliance, this time from PC Magazine:

the killer app seems to be notifications.

During CES, I talked to dozens of Apple Watch users and they told me the same thing, while those on wearable panels mentioned them, too.

What I think appeals to them is based on two key things. First, since it is connected to their iPhone, it sends them pertinent info or data on the wrist so they are not always taking the phone out of their pocket. It is much easier to evaluate an incoming call on your wrist. I only take calls from family, friends and my staff. All others go to voicemail.

So. The killer app for Apple Watch is a feature that is available on every single smart watch made, and on many fitness bands too. It’s handled very nicely on Microsoft Band, for example.