Dec 23, 2007 Dec 25, 2007 Monday December 24, 2007
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Backstage: What's Inside: Apple's 2007 Dock Connector to USB Cable
For those who might be curious as to what's inside Apple's 2007 Dock Connector to USB Cable, here are some pictures of the disassembly process. Compare it with the components of the Composite AV Cable previously torn open here. Just like the shell of the AV Cable, the USB Cable's white plastic enclosure can be popped open with a knife or other sharp cutting device. Using a pair of pliers helps to crack the sides and expose the innards.…
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Could The iPhone See Automatic Volume Control?
Surely some have heard of the new patent which calls for automatic volume control. For those who have not, it is a patent for the automatic volume decreasing over time, which is performed by the device (iPod). After the software has determined how long…
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ModBook almost ready to ship?
Filed under: HardwareOur friends at jkOnTheRun recently got word from Axiotron that the long fabled ModBook, which you might recall from Macworld 2007 (here is a video we shot of the ModBook, and a gallery), is going to ship on or around January 8th, 2008 a year since it was announced. Since the ModBook has been delayed so much, its specs have changed. It is now running Leopard, the GPS option is standard (formerly $99), and the specs reflect the latest MacBook hardware rev (since the ModBook is basically a MacBook converted into a tablet with a pressure sensative touch screen).All of this starting at $2279.00. Here's hoping that Apple doesn't rev the MacBook at Macworld this year, for Axiotron's sake.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Learn Cocoa with your free time this holiday
Filed under: Apple, DeveloperLet's face it, during the holiday season we all need to take a little break from our families (even though we love them). Why not do something productive when you're squirreled away in that spare bedroom hiding in the bed from your Aunt Dora? Cocoa Dev Central has just updated their great Cocoa tutorial for Leopard. I am just a simple blogger, and I could follow along so I am sure you smart readers out there will be whipping up apps lickety-split.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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The Big Break
It's that time of year again in Australia. Everyone (including me) is either at the beach or wishing they were at the beach. I'm off to the beach house for three weeks. Marital diplomacy requires no blogging during this period. So I will see you all again on the other side. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and an excellent New Year. apple mail, beach, holiday, kids, leopard mail, shiraz, some more shiraz, mail.app Related: Beach, books, BBQ, beer, body-surfing, bairns Belated Big Beautiful Blogless Beach Break Beach house. Rockpools. Hot wife. Cold beer. Mail Act-on gets Leopard installer Leopard Mail HTML Stationery Gallery apple mail
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iCal Duplicates Script updated for Leopard
John Maisey has updated his AppleScript for deleting duplicates in iCal, so that it works with Leopard. Syncing and sharing calendars often produces duplicates. Removing them manually is a pain. John's script makes it easy. When you run it, it will prompt you to select which of your calendars you want to clean up: Then is does its business quietly in the background, popping the result when it is done: One note of warning. It doesn't offer you a second chance or an option to review the deletions. Once you select the calendar and tell it to clean up, that's exactly what it does. So, back up your calendar data first, using the File > Backup iCal menu option. Delete iCal Duplicates is freeware (donations not refused) is available, along with some other interesting scripts for iCal and Address Book, from John's web site . applescript, calendars, duplicates, events, leopard, productivity, ical Related: iCal de-dupe: Kill iCal duplicates AppleScript to remove duplicate iCal events iCal Events Widget gets Leopardised, tooltips Import Outlook calendars into iCal iCalViewer: Streaming iCal events iCal, productivity
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Report: Apple working on auto-volume control for iPods
In effort to prevent hearing loss, Apple has reportedly filed patent for device that would automatically calculate how long a person has been listening and at what volume.
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Report: Apple working on auto-volume control for iPods
Apple is developing a volume control device for its iPods that would automatically calculate how long a person has been listening and at what volume, before gradually reducing the sound level, all in an effort to protect users' hearing, according to the London-based Daily Mail. Citing a new patent application, ...
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Wired puts Jailbroken iPhone on top 2007 gadget list
Filed under: Apple, iPhoneChristmas is almost upon us, and you know what that means! A deluge of 'Best of the Year' lists are soon going to be unleashed upon the web. Wired has gotten an early start and compiled a list of the Top 10 Gadgets of 2007, and the iPhone made the cut. Interestingly, though, Wired has listed a 'Jailbroken iPhone,' and not the default iPhone that Apple ships.I have nothing against Jailbreaking iPhones, but I must admit that my iPhone was Jailbroken for less than an hour. I just couldn't find any apps that were compelling enough for me to have to worry about firmware updates and the like.I am sure this won't be the last year end list that the iPhone will end up on.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Mac OS Ken: 12.24.2007
Apple Updates Security Update / RBC Likes Apple and Intel and Drops Dell / iPod Maintains as Other PMPs Drop in Holiday Sales / Apple May Set Volume Limits on Future iPods / Apple Makes Forbes Best Big Companies List / iPhone Makes SciAm 50 Awards / Disgruntled Postman has Christmas Hit on iTunes
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Dear Santa Steve: A Sub-notebook, iPhone stability and Aperture 2
Filed under: Humor, iTS, Portables, Odds and ends, PowerBook, Steve Jobs, Apple, Macbook Pro, MacBook, iPhone, HolidaysDear Santa Steve, As my most recent bank statements show: I've most certainly not misbehaved over the course of this last year. I've queued for hours in the bitter cold, and sacrificed myself endured keyhole surgery for injuries from doing so - no really, that bit isn't hyperbole. If there's anyone who's been an exceptionally well behaved Apple fan, you've got to admit I'm up there with the best of them. So what on earth could I be asking for? Just a few simple things: 13" MacBook Pro / MacBook nano Steve, I can wax lyrical about the sheer brute force of my 17" MacBook Pro - I love it, I really do. But lugging it on the train for a ninety-minute commute everyday isn't the pleasurable workout you might expect. In fact, I'd quite like a little version of my MBP, so that I pack it into a reasonably-sized Crumpler with my Nikon D80 and not resort to hiring sherpas buying a small trolley-case to travel. So what might I be asking for? If you were to start by making the display 13 (matte) inches or there abouts, and keep a dedicated GPU, that'd be ace - a machine Aperture would love. In fact, you could even remove the optical drive from the body, and use SSD if you really, really, wanted. I can hear Jonny Ive say 'SSD may be a little way-off yet' in the background, but you get the idea? All I'm asking for is a modern-day 12" PowerBook. I've sold my soul to Cupertino maximised my overdraft told the bank not to block large charges from my local Apple Store, and you've got my bank details. So let's work something out, for I can't be the only one asking for such a machine this year.Stability in my iPhone This one's arguably simpler Steve, what with it not requiring you to design any new hardware. I'd like my iPhone's iPod and Safari applications to get on better than you and John Sculley. I'm sorry, that was perhaps a little too forceful but I think I made my point. A software update to the device that brings some new functionality would be most welcome too, what with it being 'all about the software' and the SDK on the horizon.Aperture 2 This one may seem out of place for Stevemas - for general wisdom places Macworld as the launch of more consumer-orientated products - so I'll happily be told 'be patient, my child' for this one. But with Aperture now the last of your professional applications not to see a notable (paid) update, I'm hopeful that whatever may be in the works arrives sooner rather than later.There's but one more thing, and I'll be content for a while Steve. In fact, if there's one thing I'd choose from my requests this year, it would be this.... Let's take these big-media names to task, and encourage investment in, not criminalisation of, those who do buy their content online. Towards the end of 2007, Apple seemed to lose their iTunes momentum despite the year getting off to a good start. EMI went on the offensive, trying to capture hearts and minds by dropping DRM from their download sales. But since then, we've seen little continuation in the dream of eradicating DRM from our digital lifestyles. Steve, in 2008, all I want is for Apple to help bring the media industry back to serving the needs of its customers as a business model. Let's make it less of the iTunes Extortion and Shakedown Store, and all about the music once more.There's cookies by the side of the MacBook Pro - and green tea simmering on it. Enjoy.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Rumors!!! #6: Think Secret Goes Dark
A video rundown of the past week's Apple rumors.
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PSX emulator goes public, runs 3D on the iPhone surprisingly well
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Gaming, Multimedia, Apple, iPhoneThis is why I'm looking forward to 2008 more than anything else-- MacNN reports that psx4iphone, the Playstation (PS1 or PSX) emulator for the iPhone has now gone public. The files are available for download, and we're told that the emulator should be available on Installer.app soon (if not already-- this news dropped over the weekend).There's no official word about playability (as you can tell from the video above, it is running, but not in a state where you could actually play it), but work is still being done. What this does tell us, fortunately, is that it's possible to run 3D on the iPhone. And as MacNN says, that means there are big things ahead when the official SDK drops in February. Of course, we still don't know what the dev kit will be made of (and who will get to use it), but if this is what can be done unofficially, I can't wait to see what will be done with an official SDK.[Via MacNN]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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First Looks: JAVOedge JAVOLeather Case for iPhone
Somewhat like Griffin's Elan Convertible cases, JAVOedge's JAVOLeather Case for iPhone ($30) is a two-piece leather iPhone holder with a detachable front lid that uses two magnets and a snap to stay in place. Removed, the lid exposes the iPhone's ear speaker, screen, and Home button, while the rest of the semi-reinforced case covers everything save for iPhone's top and side corners, and most of its bottom around the Dock Connector, speaker, and microphone.…
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First Looks: JAVOedge JAVOLeather Case Pull Out for iPod nano, classic & touch
Sold in versions for the iPod nano ($25), iPod classic ($28), and iPod touch ($30), this simple leather sleeve-style case includes a loop of fabric to help you remove your iPod to access its screen and controls. Top and bottom holes are included for headphone port access; a lanyard matching the fabric loop at the top can be attached to a rear D-ring. Red, pink, or black colors are your choices....
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Backstage: What's Inside: Apple's 2007 AV Cable
When Apple released the iPhone in late June, some iPod users noticed that Apple had changed the packed-in USB-to-Dock Connector cable to something a little different and probably less expensive to manufacture. The classic Dock Connector cable had two small buttons on its sides, intended to help you disconnect your iPod from the cable. Apple's new connector used a shell that was only half its predecessor's height and had no buttons. It…
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The Myth of Market Share
Wharton marketing professor J. Scott Armstrong: We’re not saying companies shouldn’t pay attention to their competitors; they might be doing reasonable things that you may also want to do. What we’re saying is that the objective should not be to try to beat your competitor. The objective should be profitability. In view of all the damage that occurs by focusing on market share, companies would be better off not measuring it. Pretty hard not to see this as a perfect explanation of Apple’s success this decade. ★
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BetterZip is a better zip
Filed under: Software, Leopard, DealsWith zip support built into OS X a third-party compression utility has to bring something special to the table, and BetterZip does. Basically it allows you to open and inspect archives without expanding the whole thing first. This can be useful if you only want a few of the files that are compressed within an archive. It also does compression naturally, including encryption, splitting large archives, and stripping out Mac specific hidden files to make archives more cross-platform..BetterZip supports a bunch of formats which should cover just about anything you'll run into on the net: ZIP, SIT, TAR, GZip, BZip2, RAR, 7-Zip, CPIO, ARJ, LZH/LHA, JAR, WAR, CAB, ISO, CHM, RPM, DEB, NSIS, BIN, HQX, DD. Finally, the developer has also put together a great Quick Look plugin that supports most of the same formats. BetterZip is normally $19.95 and a demo is available but as it happens it's on sale at MacUpdate Promo until Monday evening for half-off ($9.95)Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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The ultra-last-minute Mac gift guide
You've pushed your holiday shopping deadline to the absolute minute. Here are a few gift suggestions that require little more than mouse, keyboard, Internet connection, and innate sense of generosity.
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Windows Binary iPhone Toolchain Installer Released
Filed under: Developer, iPhoneIf you work under Windows and have been waiting for a pre-built compiler chain to debut, your ship just came in. Over at the iPhoneGameOver Wiki, David Supuran has put together a binary installer plus installation instructions. To make this all happen, you will need a jailbroken iPhone (so you can get at and copy the file system) and a free Apple Online Developer account (so you can download certain sdk files). The development environment appears to run via the Cygwin Bash shell, so some level of Unix experience seems to be a prerequisite as well.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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iTunes tutorials are here, just in time for Christmas
Apple has released a number of tutorial videos to help people use iTunes. Merry Christmas, Mom!Read More...
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The day my iPhone touch screen died
I woke up on Friday and grabbed my iPhone from its dock, like I usually do, and headed out the door in a rush. When I received my first phone call I couldn’t slide the “Slide to Answer” slider. Hmmm. Later, when I wanted to read some email, same deal. The touchscreen wasn’t accepting any [...]
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1Password beta is Firefox 3-ready & 40% off today
Filed under: Software, Beta BeatIf you're looking to add one more gift to the switcher-pile for tomorrow, a license for the indispensable browser credentials manager 1Password might be just the thing. MacZot and Agile are offering a 40% off deal on 1Password today ($29.95); along with the license you'll get access to the prerelease my1Password site, which provides anywhere/anytime access to your 1Password confidential store.Meanwhile, if you're already a 1Password owner but you're bemoaning the lack of a compatible version for the Firefox 3 beta, check out the Agile blog -- the 2.5.8 beta of 1Password is available and will work with Firefox 3 today. What could be merrier?Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Backstage: Peggle Deluxe, or On Doing iPod Games Right
Last week, we published a review of PopCap Games' Peggle for the iPod—a strategic block-busting title, and the first iPod game we've rated a flat A. (That's after testing literally every title released since iTunes started to sell “iPod Games,” only a few of which have rated in A- territory.) Once the review was published, we received a note from PopCap: would we be interested in trying the PC or Mac versions of…
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Apple may use Intel Menlow platform in upcoming UMPC
New information regarding the possible use of Intel processors in Apple portable devices may corroborate similar rumors. How does an Apple UMPC sound? Pretty good.Read More...
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First Looks: Belkin Remix Metal for iPod classic
Similar to its Remix Metal case for iPod nano, Belkin's new Remix Metal for iPod classic combines great looks with very substantial iPod protection in a hybrid hard plastic and metal case. There's a front plate with a thin layer of stamped metal on the front, here possessing Belkin's recent honeycomb pattern as a design, and both screen and Click Wheel protection built in. Then there are two rear shells in sizes appropriate to the 80GB and 160GB iPod…
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Hints holiday hiatus...
Happy holidays!The macosxhints.com crew -- OK, so that's just me, myself, and I -- are taking today and tomorrow off to spend the holidays with family and friends. New hints will return on Wednesday, and in case you didn't stop by this weekend, here's what you missed -- the final batch of entries in the 10.5 best hints contest, including a pretty cool one that enables Data Detectors in iChat. Next week, the finalists will go online for voting, with the winner to be decided based on your votes and those of the Macworld editors.I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas / holiday season, and we'll be back to hints as usual in a couple of days.-rob.
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Mac users, keep convertin' those Open Office XML docs
Microsoft released a minor update to its Open Office XML Converter for Mac users last week. Keep converting those Windows docs! Don't worry though: relief is in sight.Read More...
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Apple, Microsoft and NetSuite help lead tech sector higher
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Technology stocks chalked up slight gains Monday as the broader market also advanced after the opening bell.
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Review: Marware Sidewinder For iPhone
Traditionally, holsters haven't been made for iPods and were exclusive to phones for the longest time. The same could have been said for the iPhone, until manufacturers seized the opportunity to fuse cell phone accessories and their typical designs for iPod cases into a sleek package. Holsters from Vaja, Belkin,…
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Apple 2007: Best Year Ever
Sales of Macs, iPods, and iPhones made 2007 a year for the Apple history books.Read More...
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How-to guide details fix for stuck LCD pixels
Filed under: Displays We've heard all sorts of myths when it comes to fixing a stuck pixel on an LCD, and while the following methods shouldn't be expected to bring completely dead pixels back from the grave, commenters seem to think the methods are at least somewhat successful in getting pixels out of their single-colored funk. Up first is the flashing colors approach, which points you in the direction of a free java applet that rapidly flashes different hues on the screen to try to get the affected pixel to change. If that fails, you can try applying pressure to the stuck pixel, and if you're still left with the annoyance, you can resort to tapping the monitor with an eraser nub (or similar). So if you find yourself sick of staring at that non-conforming pixel, hit the read link and give the trio of methods a go -- just don't go in expecting any miracles, alright? Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Backstage: A White Christmas? Our Editors' Photos
'Twas the day before Christmas, and all through my house, creatures seemed to be stirring… especially our dogs, who are hunting for a fox that showed up over the weekend in our backyard… But I digress. Having spent a substantial portion of my life living on the East Coast before my six-year stretch in Southern California, there were always two things we could count on in December: talk of whether there would be a “white Christmas”…
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Jim Cramer's Mad Money In-Depth, 12/22/07: (Soon-to-be) High Five
Stocks discussed in the in-depth session of Jim Cramer’s Mad Money TV program, Friday December 22. Click on a stock ticker for more analysis:
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Apple patent app details automatic iPod volume lowering
Filed under: Portable AudioApple's already given self-controlling individuals the option to limit their iPod's maximum volume level, but if a newly surfaced patent application is any indication of the future, your next PMP from the Cupertino powerhouse could actually tone things down for you. Reportedly, the app explains that software could eventually keep track of how long -- and at what volume level -- you've been listening, and if it determines that you could be damaging your ears, the volume could be automatically adjusted down for your own safety. Granted, there's no way to definitively tell whether Apple will or won't implement such a change, nor if owners will be allowed to disable the feature, but really, who could argue with software retarding the rate at which you go deaf?[Image courtesy of Apple] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Mac OS Ken: 12.24.2007
Apple Updates Security Update / RBC Likes Apple and Intel and Drops Dell / iPod Maintains as Other PMPs Drop in Holiday Sales / Apple May Set Volume Limits on Future iPods / Apple Makes Forbes Best Big Companies List / iPhone Makes SciAm 50 Awards / Disgruntled Postman has Christmas Hit on iTunes
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Apple: Riding Gadgets' Growth and Surfing the Web's Wave
As we come to the end of another year on the Internet beat, we ask ourselves: When will things pick up around here? When will people start developing new businesses? When will users employ the medium in new and innovative ways? Oh, and when will that rebate check for the Webcam I bought three months ago finally show up? Sometimes it can seem as if a full minute, or two, slips by without any of these things happening. Once, there was even a four-minute break between announcements of new social networks. Such breaks are good, because they give me time to come up with a list of top Web stories of the year.
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Year in review: Bully pulpit on tech topics
From Apple's boardroom to alternative energy, privacy, and piracy, it was easy to see how the news in 2007 got people stirred up.
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Death by Prank, Why Disney Is Safest Online, How Apple Plans to Kill CES, Product of the Week
It's Christmas Eve, and you're probably thinking more about what you are going to open tomorrow than anything else, so I was tempted to keep this light. However, I was pulled onto a TV news program to talk about what may be the most dangerous prank of the year and I want to make sure you and your families are protected from it. In addition, last week I spent some time going over Disney's current and future Web properties and have concluded that Disney is likely the most serious about the safety of your children of any of the properties targeting kids.
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Apple Set to Sell Five Million iPhones by Mid-January - media
Apple (AAPL) expects to hit five million global iPhone sales by the start of MacWorld in mid-January, according to media reports.
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Maccast 2007.12.23
A podcast about all things Macintosh. For Mac geeks, by Mac geeks. Show 211. 9th Security update of '07. Update fixes MacBook keyboard issues. Lepoard Java 6 on the horizon. Leopard is Apple best OS launch ever. iPhone market share shows good growth. New Firewire spec promises 4x performance. Apple and ThinkSecret settle lawsuit. A little wireless networking 101. Sharing iPhotos and iTunes. Save "broken" old mac with a new battery. A word or two about Apple "refurbished" products. Previous system folders and second Application folders. Printing Holiday mailing labels from Address Book. Macworld Mac Meet and Mingle New music, Holiday Wishes by MC Statistics Special Thanks to our Sponsors: Smile on My Mac, check out the new DiscLabel 5 Audible.com - Get your free audiobook I don't know what to say, except it's Christmas and we're all in misery. -- Christmas Vacation (1989) Shownotes in: HTML or OPML Subscribe to the Podcast Feed or Get the MP3