Dec 17, 2007 Dec 19, 2007 Tuesday December 18, 2007
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Loving Litho and strung out on CandyBar
Panic Software's CandyBar has only been out for a few weeks, maybe a month, and I have to say I'm hooked. I love being able to give my System icons a new look. I have even moved my Leopard Dock from... [read more at MacMerc.com]
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First Looks: Hudson Software Company Bomberman
Based on the classic NES, SNES, and TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine Bomberman games, Hudson Soft's Bomberman for iPod places you in control of a bomb-toting robot who needs to dispatch enemies, find power ups, and bust through rock walls to clear stages. Each stage includes a maze-like array of rocks that you blow up to access areas packed with wandering bad guys and hidden weapons; you touch the Click Wheel lightly to walk and use the central Action…
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Apple makes available Logic Pro 8.0.1
I assume that this update will make itself known to Logic Pro 8 users via Software Update, but it can also be obtained by plugging your Apple ID into this downloads page. The Logic Pro 8.0.1... [read more at MacMerc.com]
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Security Update 2007-009 and Apple MacBook/MacBook Pro Software Update 1.1
Apple has posted a few more updates that have set appropriate Dock icons a-bouncing. Yesterday, Security Update 2007-009 was posted in three flavors: 10.5.1, 10.4.11 Universal and 10.4.11... [read more at MacMerc.com]
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Transparent iPhone and MacBook Picture Effect
While trolling through Flickr, I found this great picture. In it, the photographer created an effect that made his iPhone and MacBook screens look transparent. Pretty cool.
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Games might be good for the iPod, but is the iPod good for games?
Before I get into this, I have to admit that I'm not much of a gamer. I play Halo (the original) online on my MacBook Pro during lunch breaks and I suck (feel free to pwn me between 12pm and 1pm PT;... [read more at MacMerc.com]
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News: Hudson releases Bomberman as iPod game
Best known to fans of Nintendo and NEC game consoles from the 1980s, Hudson Soft's Bomberman has been released as a downloadable iPod game. The $4.99 title—third on today's list of brand-new iPod games—places you in control of a robot who uses bombs to make his way through mazes full of enemies and obstacles. Bomberman includes 20 levels, an iPod-exclusive boss challenge, and three mini games: Bomb Rollin', Bomb Buster,…
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MacBook and MacBook Pro update fixes frozen keyboards
Apple has released the MacBook and MacBook Pro Software Update 1.1, which promises to fix keyboard freezing issues experiences by many users.Read More...
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MacBook, MacBook Pro Software Update 1.1
Fixes bug where keyboard input stopped working on MacBooks and MacBook Pros. ★
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Bad News for iPhone Competitors = Good News for iPhone and iDisk Browser Flaw
Reviewers fall all over themselves to praise iPhone and iDisk flaw emerges.
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FileMaker fixes serious Leopard ‘compatibility issues’ for older versions
FileMaker on Tuesday released a compatibility update for flavors of the older (but still popular) FileMaker Pro 8.5. At the same time, the company strongly suggests that users move up to Version 9 when running Leopard.
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Apple finally fixes some MacBook keyboard issues
Filed under: Laptops, Peripherals We're sure Apple had a fix in the works long before we got around to posting a poll about it, but if the response to Saturday's informal questionnaire was any indication, this update is long overdue. Apple just posted a new software update for MacBooks and MacBook Pros running Leopard, which solves the problem with the keyboard freezing up sporadically for a minute or so, which had at least two Engadget editors' keyboards in fits. Apple still hasn't addressed the issue with dropping the first character when typing into a text box on certain MacBook Pros, but this is certainly a good move -- though would it have really killed Apple to be a bit more talkative about the whole process?[Thanks, Turgemanster] Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Apple hiring multi-touch engineer for Mac hardware group
Filed under: Displays Does it strike anyone else as strange that Apple is hiring a "reliability engineer" to work on "supporting multi-touch panel development with Mac... hardware groups"? Then again, it might just be a typo or a fudged up listing -- these kinds of speculative positions tend to pop up on Apple's job site rather frequently.. See it for yourself after the break (just in case Cupertino HR wises up).Continue reading Apple hiring multi-touch engineer for Mac hardware group Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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MacBook keyboard fix in Software Update
Filed under: Portables, Software Update, Macbook Pro, Mac ProIf you own a MacBook or MacBook Pro and have had keyboard problems, Apple just released a software update that will (hopefully) fix this issue! This problem was first spotted when users started upgrading to Leopard. Some users have reported that their keyboards temporarily freeze, especially in Carbon apps such as MS Office 2004.Apple states, "Some MacBook and MacBook Pro systems may occasionally experience a temporary suspension of keyboard input which can last a minute or longer." You can download the update from the Apple Support website or via Software Update.Thanks to everyone who sent this in.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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iPhone boosted by Avaya download
Apple's iPhone, which looks like being one of the hottest stocking fillers this Christmas, is set to gain a business edge after Avaya, the mobile phone software developer, unveiled a new download that makes the device compatible with most corporate telephone networks.
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Leopard Leapfrogs Tiger as Most Successful OS X Launch
Apple's Leopard launch is the most successful operating system release the company has ever experienced, The NPD Group has reported, based on data collected by 50 retail points of sale that include Apple stores as well as brick-and-mortar retail sales from Best Buy, Office Depot and Target. Indirect e-commerce sales from retailers like Amazon.com, Buy.com and NewEgg.com also figure into the mix. To measure Leopard's sales, The NPD Group compared the first full month of sales of Apple Mac OS 10.5 Leopard to the first full month of sales for Mac OS 10.4 Tiger.
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How to be a Macworld Booth Babe or Bouncer Boy
Filed under: MacworldAs Macworld creeps nearer, locals may want to start searching Craigslist for part-time Macworld jobs. Typical listings include Booth/Promo Girls, Spokesmodels and Bouncer Type Males. If last year is anything to go by, you should be able to get hired up until the last second. SFGate writes that models could earn from $100 per day and bouncers from $150 up. I suppose that hiring and payrates will depend on your Macbabalicious or Frankenscary-bouncer quotient but given our reader pool, I'm sure you guys will be earning top Macworld dollar!Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Default Folder X makes the Finder... a Finder
With powerful Finder navigation and features that feel like Apple should have built them first, Default Folder X is a powerful companion for file junkies, and version 4.0 adds a lot of cool, new stuff.Read More...
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Guitar Hero III Unboxing
Shredding on the Mac arrives at the Mac|Life office.
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Different Wallpaper For Your iPhone
Tired of the same ol’ nature wallpaper for your phone? I love nature photographs, but I am a little tired of them. If you are like me, and change your wallpaper for your iPhone all the time, then try…
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Dear Santa Steve: Newton, Rentals and a Consumer Tower please
Filed under: Macworld, Analysis / Opinion, Cult of Mac, Apple, One More Thing, Holidays Date: 12/19/2007 To: Santa Steve Re: Making your list, checking it twice I have been a very good girl been a good girl attempted to be pleasant and accommodating not been indicted this year, even as a co-conspirator, and I sincerely hope that you will inscribe me in the book of life send me the following presents this year: An unlocked G3 iPhone with an optional yet affordable data-only + WiFi service. I know, I know. You're rolling your eyes at Rudolf right now and making snide comments about how much money you earn from the AT&T kickbacks on the cellular voice plans -- but I'm telling you, St. Steve, it's all about volume, volume, volume. If you earn a bit less per customer but you quadzipple your installed base, we're talking win-win here... Continue reading Dear Santa Steve: Newton, Rentals and a Consumer Tower pleaseRead | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Report tells IT departments not to support iPhones
A recent Forrester Research report has offered corporate IT departments 10 reasons they shouldn't support the iPhone, and calls for Apple to release some case studies of its own.Read More...
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Leopard, iPhone Rank High on Tech Disappointment List
Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system ranked at the top of PC World's Biggest Tech Disappointments list for 2007. Microsoft wasn't alone on the list, however, because Apple's iPhone and Mac OS X 10.5 operating system made the cut as well. "Five years in the making and this is the best Microsoft could do?" PC World said. "No wonder so many users are clinging to XP like shipwrecked sailors to a life raft, while others who made the upgrade are switching back."
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Apple's '07 Patch Tally Nearly Twice Last Year's
Apple's patchy year continued Monday as the Mac maker released fixes for some 40 Mac OS X glitches in its ninth security update. In a separate release, Apple also put out an update to plug a flaw in the beta version of its Safari 3 Web browser running on Windows Vista and XP. The company also dealt with 18 other Java-related vulnerabilities in addition to its ongoing QuickTime flaw, with patches released last Thursday. Apple does not rank the severity of its bugs, but among the fixes included in Monday's update, 20 of them should be considered critical, said SophosLabs manager Richard Wang.
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Apple unleashes Sonic the Hedgehog for iPod
Filed under: Gaming, iPod Family, iTS, Apple, Stocking StuffersListen up iPod nano (3rd Generation), iPod Classic and 5th Generation iPod owners! Your ability to abstain from buying iPod games could be challenged, for Apple have quietly released Sonic the Hedgehog for your favorite pocket music players. Yes, Sonic the Hedgehog. I can wait here -- you go celebrate this gaming icon making it to Cupertino.You're back? Excellent. Complete with MIDI-esque soundtrack for true 'throw-back-to-Sonic's-golden-era' effect, this new game will cost you $4.99 / £3.99 (yes, almost $8 - pity us Brits) or €4,99 via the iTunes Store and is available now; there's also the usual gifting option, should there be an iPod user in your life you've yet to find gift inspiration for.[Via CVG / David Chartier] - UK iTS Link - US iTS LinkRead | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Video: Tame Your Wild Cables
The Chargepod promises to clean up your cord clutter.
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Apple Gazette Daily 173 - .Mac Security Hole, iPod and Mac Games
There is a pretty big security hole in .Mac that you need to know about, and new games are here for the iPod - and Unreal Tournament 3 is coming for the Mac. You can subscribe via iTunes, or by RSS feed, or… you can listen to the episode right here: In addition to that, you can also download the Apple Gazette Daily Widget and listen to every episode of the show right on your Dashboard. Click Here to download.
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First Looks: XtremeMac Tango Studio
Visually neutral, XtremeMac's new Tango Studio ($80) is a budget-priced, black-colored iPod speaker system with a spring-loaded front dock, a fabric speaker grille, and an FM radio. The radio is tuned with top-mounted buttons and a nice blue LED tuning screen that's hidden behind the fabric speaker grille, and disappears when you're done switching stations; Tango Studio's only other audio sources are the docked iPod or an auxiliary audio device connected…
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Leopard Love: Advanced Selection in Preview
Filed under: How-tos, Tips and tricks, Leopard Over at MurphyMac, Murphy has posted a great tutorial about the new Leopard selection tools for Preview.app. As usual, there's an excellent screencast that walks you through the entire process. The new "Extract Shape" tool lets you draw a rough outline around an object and then use selection handles to fit the outline to the shape. The screen cast then goes on to describe how you can matte around the selection to control the edge texture. It's a tidy and easy-to-follow technique that seems to produce nicely trimmed results.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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News: Sababa Toys rolls out iNo iPod game system
Sababa Toys has introduced the iNo, a new music trivia game system with a built-in iPod Dock. The object of the game is for players to guess the album, artist, or song that plays (or a combination of these) when an iPod is placed into the module. The iNo game system includes a music player with a built-in speaker, four electronic wireless remote controls that stop the music when activated and lock out the other players, and four color-coded scoreboards…
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Teens covet iPhones from Santa this year, say researchers
As we all know though, the real gift of getting a new mobile phone is that "freshly-signed, two-year contract" smell.Read More...
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Safari beta for Windows gets security & feature updates
Filed under: Internet Tools, AppleFor those of you running Safari on Windows... yes, we see you there in the back, howzitgoin? The 3.0.4 update version of SfW is now available, featuring a bundle of new features and stability/performance improvements (yay for keyboard shortcuts & horizontal mouse wheel scrolling) and a fix for one security flaw, a bit of a doozie: a cross-site scripting vulnerability that could have opened the browser and the host machine to attack. See the Apple site for the full feature lists.If you're running Safari on XP or Vista, we'd love to hear about it; in particular, why? Better security and performance? Less trouble than Firefox, less hackable than IE? Testing sites for Mac or iPhone users? Speak up, the Internet is listening.Continue reading Safari beta for Windows gets security & feature updatesRead | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Use the Past for Future Projects
Archive.org is a treasure trove of video and audio clips.
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Security Update 2007-009 fixes 42 Leopard vulnerabilities
Security Update 2007-009 (35.4MB) addresses 42 vulnerabilities in first update to Mac OS 10.5.1 (Leopard) and is waiting in your Software Update. According to Apple: Security Update 2007-009 is recommended for all users and improves the security of the following components: Core Foundation CUPS Flash Player Plug-in Launch Services perl python Quick Look ruby Safari Samba Shockwave Plug-in Spin Tracer Apple’s security update document (Article 61798) explicitly states that [...]
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Finally Time For Leopard?
Apple managed to sneak a few security updates in at the tail end of December and Security Update 2007-09 adds 41 to the CVE totals for OS X in general, with 31 for 10.4 (Tiger), and only 20 for OS X 10.5 (Leopard). This is in addition to the Java and QuickTime updates released on December 13, 2007. Windows users need to pay Apple's security site a vitit as well if you're using Safari (all three of you). Given the unexpeced, end of year, full-on security patch release and the disparity between the number of Leopard security fixes and Tiger security fixes, it looks like it really might be time to bite the bullet and switch if you haven't already. The miscreants may just be waiting for Leopard to gain further popularity before concentrating efforts, but I suspect that the engineers at Apple did a solid job reviewing and fixing the new operating system before its release (there will always be funcitonal and security bugs in something as large as darwin/OS X) and the new security components should make it even more difficult for attacks to be successful. I have two workstations converted and have been pleased (mostly) with the results. I was waiting for Parallels to get their act together before migrating my primary workstation and their recent release seems to have squashed the remaining Leopard bugs (I run both VMware and Parallels and VMware was ready to go far earlier). The upcoming long holiday weekend should provide enough down time to make the switch on the rest of the systems, with the security situation providing even more incentive. (Truth be told, I'm also really interested in being able to take advantage of the fully integrated scripting bridge, but more on that in another post).
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News: GizMac ships Titan Clear iPhone Case with Holster
GizMac has announced that it is now shipping its Titan Clear iPhone Case with Holster. The case is made from clear polycarbonate, and features built-in vertical and horizontal kickstands, an included thin film screen protector, as well as a rotating belt clip holster designed to hold the iPhone while in the case. It also provides access to the iPhone’s controls, camera, and ports. “GizMac set out to develop an Apple iPhone product that lives up…
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First Looks: Capdase Sport Armband for iPod nano, classic & touch
Sold in separately tailored versions for the iPod nano, iPod classic, and iPod touch, the standard Capdase Sport Armband is a black neoprene enclosure with a non-detachable matching armband for use during workouts. A clear plastic face protector covers each iPod's screen and controls completely, while the remaining neoprene has a large rear slit for iPod insertion and removal, as well as a hole for headphone connection. Velcro enables the armbands…
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Take Control eBooks 20% off via MacSanta today
Filed under: Stocking Stuffers, Deals, HolidaysStill looking for gifts for your friendly neighborhood switcher or new Leopard user? Nothing says "I love you, but I'm sadly incapable of planning ahead and getting organized enough to buy actual, physical presents" like the gift of eBooks. Well, maybe cash says that too. Anyway, if you were in the market for some topnotch Mac guides, you could take advantage of today's 20%-off MacSanta discount on the Take Control line from TidBITS.Your choices include classics like "Take Control of Thanksgiving Dinner" and "Take Control of Your Domain Names..." not to mention plenty of Mac, iPod and Leopard help. At $8 for most titles with the discount, it's a steal.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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First Looks: Capdase Sport Armband with Syncha for iPod shuffle
Unlike the company's other, relatively generic neoprene iPod armbands, the second-generation iPod shuffle version of the Capdase Sport Armband is made from Apple-like (but darker) gray vulcanized, perforated neoprene, and features not only a complete neoprene holder for the iPod shuffle, but also a "Syncha," the synchronizing/charging key for the iPod shuffle previously included with other Capdase shuffle cases. The Sport Armband's shuffle holder…
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First Looks: Capdase Classy Leather Case for iPhone
As one of several Capdase iPhone leather cases to be released under the oft-inaccurate Classy Leather Case name, this playthrough sleeve-style leather iPhone holder has a wide open face and a loose glove-like bottom, side, and back design, with holes for the iPhone's camera, headphone port, and bottom. If nothing else, the design is somewhat unique, though not necessarily exciting....
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First Looks: Capdase Bifold and Vertical-Flip Style Leather Cases for iPod nano
Similar to just about every flip-style leather case we've previously seen for iPods, Capdase's new Bifold Style and Vertical-Flip Style Leather Cases for iPod nano cover the majority of the iPod in soft leather, using a flip-open lid to cover the screen and Click Wheel. The Bifold Style case opens like a book, and the Vertical Flip instead opens a bottom flap, both clasped with clearly visible but not especially strong magnets....
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First Looks: Capdase Alumor Metal Case for iPod nano, iPhone
Similar to Capdase's Crystal Case and Soft Jacket, the Alumor Metal Case designs for iPod nano and iPhone feature a combination of hard plastic and rubber protection, here with thin layers of front and rear aluminum added for both decorative and protective reasons. Both cases include pop-out video stands, hard plastic screen covers and rubber button protectors; the iPhone version has a pop-open screen guard that must be lifted to use the touch controls.…
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Apple Pits Japanese Carriers Against One Another and Sonic on the iPod
Japanese iPhones are coming and native Unreal Tournament 3 announced.
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Delicious Monster: Apple’s Farm Team
Lucas Newman is leaving Delicious Monster to work at Apple as an iPhone engineer. If you’ve seen his Lights Off game for the iPhone — which he wrote with no API documentation in just a few days — you can see why. ★
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iPhone Customers: Beware of AT&T’s Free Nightime Minute Policy
U.S. iPhone customers are certainly familiar with the terms of their AT&T wireless plans. Part of that plan is unlimited nights and weekends (a pretty standard offering). But what some people do not know is that just because you are talking past 9:00 PM it does not mean it is…
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TUAW Hack: Mess with your iPhone Settings screens
Filed under: Hacks, How-tos, iPhone A little while back, I posted about some undocumented SpringBoard settings on the iPhone. Many readers seemed to enjoy learning about these settings, but they wanted to avoid performing the esoteric property list edits needed to adjust them. In response, I give you the following: controls that actually show up in your Settings application and allow direct manipulation. Here's what you need to do. You will need secure shell access to your iPhone's command line (ssh). Start by backing up your /Applications/ Preferences.app/ Settings-iPhone.plist file. Make sure you copy the file to a safe place so you can recover it if needed. Replace that file with http://pastie.textmate.org/124408. Copy the entire property list from the field at the bottom of the screen and paste it into a new text file. Rename that file to Settings-iPhone.plist and place it in /Applications/Preferences.app. Run settings, and voila! I divided the settings into two groups. The first group works instantly and you can immediately see their results. For the second group, you must restart SpringBoard (my restart utility may help) for the settings to take effect. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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First Looks: Capdase Crystal Case for iPod nano, iPod classic & iPhone
Highly similar to the company's Soft Jacket rubber cases for the same devices, Capdase's new Crystal Case designs for iPod nano, iPod classic, and iPhone are primarily hard plastic shells with additional non-plastic pieces. All three cases come with neoprene belt mountable holders; the iPod nano version has a detachable video stand, while the iPod classic and iPhone versions have built-in, pop-out stands on their backs. Hard plastic is used to protect…
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First Looks: Capdase Soft Jacket for iPod nano, iPod classic, and iPhone
Separate versions of Capdase's new Soft Jacket are available for the iPod nano, iPod classic, and iPhone, each with similar features but a slightly different implementation. The core of each product is a silicone rubber case augmented with translucent hard plastic parts; the iPhone version actually has a full hard plastic face plate with a spring-open hard screen protector, and a pop-off rear video stand, as well as a separate belt clip. The iPod…
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First Looks: Belkin Silicone Sleeve for iPod classic
Old-fashioned and familiar, Belkin's new Silicone Sleeve for iPod classic ($20) comes in pink, blue, or black versions, each with a clear film screen protector and integrated rubber Click Wheel cover. Bottom and headphone port access are unlimited; rear holes permit you to run the case through a belt or armband, neither included. Separate versions are sold for the 80GB and 160GB iPod classic models....
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NPR on Mac hacking-- a little FUD, a little fact
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, OS, SoftwareNPR hits up the issue of Mac hacking (the bad malware kind, not the good kind), and suggests that Macs are supposedly becoming a bigger target for exploitative folk.While this is a topic that could easily (and does often) degenerate into complete misinformation and FUD, NPR basically acknowledges that Macs are showing up in more and more places (and that includes the iPhone, where even Apple is concerned about security), and that means that they're becoming a juicier target for malware developers. Fortunately, however, a familiar voice shows up later in the report (dig those dulcet tones!) to remind everyone that throughout five iterations of OS X, the malware problems have been hard to find. Malware developers may be trying, but it ain't working.Of course, we can't let this go without noting that this story was inspired in the first place by a PR report released by... you guessed it: an antivirus company. The people who profit off of programs that supposedly prevent malware are claiming that malware is a bigger threat than ever before? Go figure.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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First Looks: Belkin Clear Case for iPhone
Improved from Belkin's loose-fronted Acrylic Case for iPhone, the new Clear Case for iPhone ($30) preserves the excellent prior detachable rotating belt clip and adhesive dashboard mount features of its predecessor, while using a more secure hinged design to hold the iPhone inside. The belt clip still pivots out to serve as a video stand, a feature we really like. Like the iPod touch version of Remix Acrylic, the iPhone Clear Case has a frosted clear…
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First Looks: Belkin Remix Acrylic for iPod touch
Based upon the enhanced version of Belkin's Acrylic Case for iPhone, the Remix Acrylic for iPod touch ($30) is a top-hinged hard plastic case with a clear front, frosted clear back, detachable rotating belt clip and adhesive dashboard mounting clip. You can pivot the belt clip out to serve as a video stand -- a very handy feature -- and use all of iPod touch's features while inside the case. Once again, no screen protector is included....
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First Looks: Belkin Leather Folios for iPod nano & classic
Sold in separate versions for the iPod nano ($25) and both iPod classics ($30), Belkin's book-style flip-shut Leather Folio is similar in appeal and design to several of the company's earlier iPod cases, featuring an embossed honeycomb design along with a leather exterior and suede interior. The iPod nano version seals shut magnetically, while the iPod classic version uses a Velcro tab. Various colors are available for each iPod model....
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First Looks: Belkin Remix Metal for iPod nano
Similar to DLO's earlier MetalShell in concept and Tunewear's Tuneshell in execution, Belkin's new Remix Metal case for iPod nano ($25) is a hard plastic case with a metal front facade. The metal surface is textured with cool grooves, and the clear plastic includes screen and Click Wheel protection....
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News: iPod touch teardown suggests component cost of $147
A recent teardown of the iPod touch by research firm iSuppli suggests that the total cost of components for the 8GB model is $147, or around half of the device's $299 retail price. iSuppli's Andrew Rassweiler believes that the iPod touch will likely serve as a blueprint for future iPods, saying, “We expect the click-wheel versions of the iPod to wane in favor of touch-screen-based models.” Inside the 8GB iPod touch, iSuppli…
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The real tech disappointment of 2007
Featured links from the CNET Blog Network Create a keyboard shortcut to paste plain text in Microsoft Word and Excel -- Add only the text you copy from a Web page or other source, and leave the images, formatting, and other non-text elements behind. The real tech disappointment of 2007 -- PC World has called Windows Vista the biggest disappointment of 2007. But as Don Reisinger points out, the publication has it all wrong. The real disappointment was Apple's decision to brick iPhones. Comcast v. NFL: Round 2 -- Comcast has filed suit against the NFL claiming that the football league has slandered the cable company through their IwantmyNFL.com marketing campaign.
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CS3 Paints Rosy Picture for Adobe's Q4
Desktop publishing software maker Adobe Systems said Monday its fiscal fourth-quarter profit and sales rose to beat Wall Street's expectations, fueled by strong sales of Creative Suite 3 and Acrobat. For the quarter ended Nov. 30, the company earned $222.2 million, or 38 cents per share, up 21 percent from $183.2 million, or 30 cents per share, in the same period a year earlier. Adjusted earnings, excluding stock options costs and the amortization of intangibles, were $289.6 million, or 49 cents per share. Revenue rose 34 percent to $911.2 million from $682.2 million.
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.Mac browser hole: web coders collectively slap forehead
You can learn a lot about someone from their browser history. You can learn even more by downloading everything from his or her iDisk. .Mac users, protect yourselves while using public terminals.Read More...
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New iPod Games - Sonic the Hedgehog and Peggle
Sega today released a port of the original Sega Genisis classic, Sonic the Hedgehog for 5th Gen iPods, iPod Classics and 3rd Gen iPod Nanos. While this is probably the 70th release of this game (it is available on just about every mobile platform you can imagine, plus most consoles, on Gametap, and more), it is interesting to not because it is a very complicated game to play on something like an iPod. It should be interesting to see if it really works. Also released recently is Peggle from Pop Cap Games. I mention it, because I have the PC version of this game (which I play in Windows XP using VM Ware's Fusion), and I love it. It's a fantastic casual game that is perfect for the iPod. If you're going to download one game for the iPod line, I would suggest that it be Peggle. Click Here to check them out in iTunes
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Personal GPS Projected to Top 20 Million Units This Year
Digitimes notes that for the first time, GPS makers Garmin (GRMN) and TomTom will both ship over 10 million personal navigation devices this year. That puts total production this year for those two manufacturers at around 22 million units. To put that in perspective, that's about half of the 55 million iPod music players we expect Apple (AAPL) to sell in calendar 2007. That's huge.
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iTunes: Free Tuesday
Filed under: iTS, Features, Deals Once again, TUAW is pleased to present you with a selection of free songs and videos from around the world. Many of these iTMS items won't be free for long, so grab your copies before the week is up. And don't forget: If you want to buy these on your iPhone or iPod touch, make sure to sign into your account in iTunes before you sync.Continue reading iTunes: Free TuesdayRead | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Review: Marware Quick Vue
The choice of iPhone cases compared to what’s available for the iPod Touch is really disappointing. It’s inexcusable considering that these products require little modding to make them fit an iPhone. But few companies have risen to the challenge of creating inovative…
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First Looks: PopCap Games Peggle
Don't let the magical unicorn theme fool you: PopCap's new Peggle ($5) is an interesting new iPod game that will appeal to all sorts of players. Peggle initially will remind some players of earlier games such as PopCap's Zuma or Taito's Puzzle Bobble/Bust-a-Move, as it puts you in control of a simple ball-firing cannon with a dotted line to show you where the ball is going to go; then, it changes the familiar concept, placing the cannon at the…
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Sonic the Hedgehog blasts his way onto the iPod
Sega has released Sonic the Hedgehog for scroll-wheel iPods. This is one iPod game that we're actually kind of excited about.Read More...
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Why Apple should launch iTunes movie rentals now
Rumors are abound that Apple will release a movie rental service on iTunes. And as Don Reisinger points out, the company should do it as soon as possible.
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Why Apple should launch iTunes movie rentals now
Ever since Apple enabled users to download movies on iTunes, the world waited with baited breath to see if the company would launch a movie rental service. Unfortunately, those people are still waiting. But with a renewed sense of importance toward getting movies through iTunes into your hands, Apple may finally pull the trigger and create a full-fledged movie rental business. Even better, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster believes that launch could happen at Macworld. As Munster points out, his team expects Apple to announce new partnerships with at least one more movie studio, and this may be followed by the immediate availability of a movie rental service. If that's not enough to whet the appetite of Apple fanatics all over the world, Munster also believes the Apple TV will play a key role in the launch. "If Apple begins renting movie downloads on iTunes, we expect a related software update to the Apple TV enabling movie rentals direct to the Apple TV. In fact, the Apple TV software currently includes 'iTunes Store settings' in its settings menu, but the option is essentially inactive," he wrote. "We expect this setting to be activated soon; users will likely be able to log into their iTunes accounts directly from the Apple TV and browse movie rentals, then download them directly to their Apple TV." Of course, the story doesn't end there. Simply put, should Apple even consider movie rentals, and if so, what good will it be for the company? Suffice it to say, if Apple decides to give movie rentals the green light, it'll be one of the company's most intelligent moves in years. ...
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Are Tuesdays Good for Reversals?
What is it about Tuesday’s that makes them such good days for reversals? We expected a technical bounce yesterday and I discussed it last night how we had decided the drop was a bit overdone but, if you go by the pre-market action, it seems the whole day was overdone as the Dow is up over 100-points at 8 am.
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Software Spotlight: Anxiety
I don't really like the To Do lists that were added to Mail. I just don't care for my To Dos being in my inbox like email. So, I was really excited when I found Anxiety, a handy, slick little To Do list application for OSX that both stylish and easy to use. The program does integrate with Mail and iCal if you like, but it is also highly customizable. The visibility of the list window is there when you need it, and invisible when you don't - and best of all, the application if Free. It's Leopard only - and you can download it right here.
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First Looks: Sega of America Sonic the Hedgehog
Based upon the original Sega Genesis/Mega Drive game rather than the many downgraded versions subsequently released, Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog ($5) is the iPod's first true action-platforming game, putting you in command of the famous blue hedgehog as he makes his way through a world of robotic creatures and traps, trying to save woodland animals from cyborg enslavement. Sega converts the Click Wheel into a four-way controller with a single button…
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Symbiotic: What Apple Does for Open Source
Daniel Eran Dilger It is popular among Windows Enthusiasts to dismiss Apple's use of open source as both a self-serving crutch to offset the company's imagined inability to write its own code–insisting that Mac OS X is really just FreeBSD with some extra graphics tacked on is a common meme among certain wags–and also a one-sided grab that takes more than it gives. In reality, Apple does a variety of things for the open source community that are often ignored. Here's a closer look. (more…)
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10.5: The two Email Addresses metadata attributes
I discovered this rather confusing dupe in Finder 10.5 while making several catch-all smart folders that included email messages that matched a certain criteria. It turns out that there are two attributes labeled Email addresses in Finder's metadata attributes list (visible when you select Other from the Kind pop-up in the Finder search window): Email addresses: Email addresses associated with this item Email addresses: Email addresses The correct attribute to use if one is looking for emails sent by a certain email address is the second one in the list above; the one with the lame description. The other (less useful) Email addresses attribute appears to only return Address Book vCards, as you can see in this screenshot. Note that the Spotlight items metadat...
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10.5: Strip icon previews for better Cover Flow view
Viewing images in Cover Flow sometimes shows a high resolution preview, and sometimes not. At first I thought the Finder just needed time to "catch up," but I sat and waited a long time for a high res preview to be generated, and nothing ever happened. It turns out Cover Flow will generate a high res preview only if a preview is not already associated with an image file. The existence of a preview depends on what application created the file. Photoshop creates a low res preview (by default, this can be changed in its prefs). So did Image Capture in Tiger. If you do a Get Info on one of these image files and delete the icon in the upper left, a new one will be instantly generated (even if Show Icon Preview isn't checked in View Options). Now, Cover Flow will show a high res preview. [robg adds: Queue user fds points out that you can remove the icon from a number o...
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10.5: Play Flash games in the Dashboard
If you use the Web Clip feature in safari, you can cut out a Flash game and play it with full functionality in Dashboard. [robg adds: Just remember that there's no way to save your web clips as widgets -- so if you close the widget itself in Dashboard, you'll need to recreate it from the original website the next time you want to play.]
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10.5: Make Synergy keyboard sharing work in 10.5
There is this fine little program named Synergy, which I use to share one keyboard with my Mac and my Linux box. In 10.5, my Synergy LoginHook (as described here) stopped working. However, I received a crash report stating "single thread forked" (or something similar), and if the program was started in the foreground (option -f), it still worked. So i changend my LoginHook a bit and added -f > /tmp/synergy.log 2>&1 & as the last line to start the daemon in the foreground and redirect the output somewhere else. It's a hack, but it works. Here's my final script: #!/bin/s...
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View all iPhone Safari RSS feeds at once
In Safari on OS X, you can view all RSS feeds from a folder together in one feed. Sadly, this feature is missing from Safari on the iPhone. If you want to regain this functionality, all you have to do is open Safari on your desktop, open all the feeds together, and then add that newly-created page to your bookmarks, then sync. Now you can view all your feeds in one go!
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10.5: A fix for Photoshop Elements and 10.5.1
Many people have had problems with certain Photoshop products and Leopard. For me, Photoshop Elements 3 stopped launching as of 10.5.1. It would reach the end of its launch sequence, and die with a bus error. Over on the Apple Discussions forum, I found a solution that worked for me: Create a new Admin user. Log in as the new user. Install Photoshop Elements from your original disc. I was skeptical, but it worked for me.
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Prevent some Java programs from showing in the dock
Even when a Java program doesn't display any windows or other visible elements, if it accesses the AWT subsystem in some way (e.g., to do image processing internally), OS X will still put an icon for the Java program in the dock as if it were a GUI-based app. (When the program quits, the dock icon goes away as usual.) Because of this behavior, even console-based Java programs sometimes have icons show up in the dock. This is most noticeable in apps like Eclipse that launch console-based Java programs for background processing. Dock icons will sporadically bounce into view and then disappear as the Java programs are launched. It's very distracting, and it's not how Java behaves on other platforms. Although there doesn't seem to be any global fix for this problem, one solution can be applied on a per-app basis. You will need to modify t...
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10.5: Store different files on different Time Machine drives
I love Time Machine, but I still think it's incomplete. I'd love to be able to back up different stuff to different disks: this way, when I'm home I could back up the whole system on my large 500GB external drive (as I use a PowerBook), and when I'm on the road, I could back up only some relevant folders on my external 30GB hard disk. With Time Machine, you can back up to different disks, but you can't back up different stuff to different disks. Before reading on, please understand that the following might be dangerous to your data: please back up on a different disk before proceding. I am not responsible for any data loss you might encouter; this hint has only been tested by me! You should also know that this hint causes (I still don't know why) the deletion of the data contained in the folder /.fseventsd/. I thought this would cause a big mess, but everything seems to w...
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10.5: A solution for PackageMaker failing in 10.5
If you've used the PackageMaker command line tool in 10.4, and tried to run the same command in 10.5, you may experience a failure with the error: *** Terminating app due to uncaught exception 'NSInvalidArgumentException', reason: 'launch path not accessible' This is because otool is in /Developer/usr/bin and not in /usr/bin where PackageMaker is expecting it. Simply symlink to otool by typing: ln -s /Developer/usr/bin/otool /usr/bin/otool [robg adds: Over on the queue site, a comment notes that the only time this will happen is if the user unchecks the UNIX Development Support option in the Xcode installer. This feature, which is enabled by default, is described by Apple in this way: "Optional content to allow command-line development from the boot volume. Installs a duplicate of the GCC compiler and command l...
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10.5: An easy way to defragment a drive's free space
If you wish to defragment free space on a drive here's how to do it quite easily.Using Disk Utility, repartition your drive, giving the strict minimum space required for the original volume, and then create a second volume with the remaining available space. This takes time, as all your data will be joined on the volume that is resized but not erased. Then when finished, get rid of the volume you just created, giving back all available space to the original volume. This part is fast. That's it; you're done.[robg adds: I haven't tested this one, but 10.5's Disk Utility will supposedly allow partitioning without erasing the existing data. If you're going to try this hint, I strongly suggest you have a good backup first, just in case things go wrong. Note that Apple states most users do not need to defragm...
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iHoax
Okay, the wife didn't approve of my last post. Saying something about "that's not professional" it dawned on me that is seems that only Apple has the fanbase to pull these "iHoaxes" off. Witness how many fake stories, Photoshopped "new product leak" images, and funny derivatives sport the Apple logo. Most of this started around the time of Apple's resurgence with the iMac. I've enclosed a few below. Can you find and link more in the comments section below? We'd all enjoy it. (and I can tell my wife this is real work!) Fake iTablet Fake iPod "AV" (pre-dates the iPod Touch by a year) "iToilets" (Yum) Real Mini Toilet paper dispenser (created by some Mac-haters who threw away the insides)
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TUAW Buyers Guide: Christmas Reading
Filed under: Steve Jobs, Books and Blogs, Bad Apple, Apple, Stocking Stuffers, Books, Developer, Apple HistoryI, like Christina, am a bit of a book lover - especially over the festive season. Normally found looking through a formidable library of books, what better way to stave off the pre-Macworld hype (at least for a few hours) than a relevant book. Unlike reader Matt Holland, who chose to use his MacBook as a reader (possibly some sideways-reading with ComicBookLover?), I'm going to be sticking to books of the printed realm. Christina's recommendations for a few books can be found here. Revolution in the Valley: The Insanely Great Story of How The Mac Was MadeLong-serving Apple fans are no-doubt aware of the Folklore.org website - home to the anecdotes of how the original Mac came into being - but others may be intrigued to know that the site's collation of stories served as the collection point for this particular book. At just under 300 pages (including full-page copies of design notes from the early eighties) it's a particularly nice gift, hardcover and all. Sure, you can get to the website and read the stories, but as a gift? It's a no-brainer - especially at $16 from Amazon (UK Price: £11).iCon: The Greatest Second Act in the History of BusinessWhilst covering more than simply this past decade of Steve Jobs' life, this infamous book covers the much-famed second intersection of Apple and Steve Jobs fortunes. Not always flattering of Steve, it's a fascinating read - and now goes into the Pixar / Disney dealings after being updated. There's plenty of Steve Jobs books, yet this remains one of my favourite. $16 from Amazon (UK Price: £11).Mac OS X Leopard: The Missing ManualDavid Pogue, the New York Times' utterly brilliant Technology columnist, is a hero of ours here at TUAW HQ (currently located somewhere near the South Coast of England). World renowned for bringing us delights such as 'iPhone: The Musical', he's been busy at work with the Missing Manual for Leopard. If you're in need of a Leopard reference book, or tutorial book, I'd heartily recommend this latest edition. $24 from Amazon (UK Price: £15)Options: The Secret Life of Steve JobsAdmission: I've not read this one. But come Christmas Day, I hope there's a copy waiting for me! Fake Steve needs little introduction. Supposedly a world-famous CEO (I mean, he 'invented the friggin' iPhone. Have you heard of it?'), oPtion$ (as the book's cover goes) tells the fictional story of how Fake Steve handled, or otherwise, the stock backdating scandal. Laughes are guaranteed. $15 from Amazon (U.K. Price: £11) Cocoa Programming for Mac OS X (Second Edition)Written by Aaron Hillegass, this is perhaps the book for developers new to Cocoa and Objective-C. In case you're wondering why this is such a seminal book, Hillegass was 'senior trainer and curriculum developer' at NeXT as well as working at Apple before heading to Big Nerd Ranch to teach their Cocoa course. Whilst an exceptional gift for the coder-types out there: a word to the wiser that the 3rd edition is due in mid-2008, so do bear that in mind. $31.50 from Amazon (U.K. Price: £18).--There's a plethora of Apple-related books available, so if you've got a favourite to share that's not in the short-list here, let us know in the comments! Note: Today is the last day for standard Amazon delivery, so act quickly if you're wanting to order! We've even made sure all the books mentioned are currently available for delivery before December 24th. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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First Looks: Capdase PrivacyGuard, ScreenGuard & SkinGuard Film Protectors
Sold under several names, Capdase's new line of iPod and iPhone screen protectors are designed to cover part or all of a given model's face and controls. PrivacyGuard is sold in separate iPhone and iPod touch versions, each with a lenticular screen guard that becomes opaque when viewed off-angle. Oddly, the iPod touch version also includes a rear protector and separate top and bottom face covers, while the iPhone version is a full face protector with…
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Why is Apple Getting a Bad Rap?
Back when the Steves started Apple and made it what it is today, this strange stigma surrounded them. The bad boys of Silicon Valley were merely kids trying to reinvent what they thought was a corporate monopoly controlled by “suits.â€? We all know the story of what occurred next, but…
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First Looks: XtremeMac TuffShield for iPod nano, classic & touch
As XtremeMac's entry in the clear film protector sector, TuffShield for iPod nano, iPod classic, and iPod touch ($15 each) each sell in three-packs: you get three sets of screen and control protectors for your iPod, plus a cleaning cloth. The iPod nano and classic versions each include screen and Click Wheel covers, while the iPod touch version comes with a full face protector. Pricing is very aggressive by clear film standards given the number of…
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iPhone talks in Japan: Harajuku, here we come
Apple is rumored to be "in talks" with at least two major Japanese mobile carriers. If successful, Apple will enter a very hot, and very competitive, market with the iPhone.Read More...
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First Looks: XtremeMac TuffWrap Plus for iPod nano
Billed as an enhanced version of the standard TuffWrap case for iPod nano, XtremeMac's TuffWrap Plus ($25) does away with the two-tone silicone rubber coloration in favor of a two-material hybrid of rubber and hard plastic, together designed to protect the iPod nano's entire body -- save for its bottom surface -- without using clear film. TuffWrap Plus comes in two colors, black or frosted clear, and uses passive side clips to hold on its front plastic…
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iPhone possibly on its way to Japan
The iPhone is on its way to Japan according to Gizmodo. Apple is currently in talks with NTT DoCoMo and Softbank to bring the iPhone to the land of the rising sun. Steve Jobs recently met with NTT DoCoMo's president, and company executives have been plane hopping back and forth for several weeks now. Expect an announcement soon.
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News: Apple in talks to launch iPhone in Japan
According to a new report, Apple is in talks (Subscription req.) with Japan's NTT DoCoMo and Softbank concerning the launch of the iPhone in the country. The Wall Street Journal reports that people familiar with the situation say Apple CEO Steve Jobs recently met with NTT DoCoMo's president, Masao Nakamura, to discuss a deal to offer the iPhone in Japan. NTT DoCoMo is Japan's largest cellular provider, and it has been suggested that…
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First Looks: XtremeMac TuffWraps for iPod nano, classic & touch
Based heavily upon the earlier TuffWrap for iPhone, XtremeMac's new TuffWrap cases for iPod nano, iPod classic, and iPod touch ($20 each) offer a combination of stylish two-tone silicone rubber and clear film protection. The iPod nano and classic versions both come with screen and Click Wheel protectors; the iPod touch version comes with a face protector, affording very substantial body coverage. All three versions have holes in their back for attachment…
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Personal GPS navigation to grow to about half the iPod market this year
Digitimes notes that for the first time, GPS makers Garmin and TomTom will both ship over 10 million personal navigation devices this year. That puts total production this year for those two