Sep 4, 2008 Sep 6, 2008 Friday September 5, 2008
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Redline racing game roars to version 1.0.5
Posted by Dennis SellersAmbrosia Software has updated its Redline auto racing game for Mac OS X to version 1.0.5. The upgrade offers an integrated enhanced Ambrosia registration system
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Captain FTP promoted to version 5.3114
Posted by Dennis SellersCaptain FTP, the FTP client, has been updated to version 5.3114. It's a maintenance updat ewith some performance tweaks and bug fixes.
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Doomsday
This was the week Google surprised the world with Chrome, its own open source web browser. Just imagine the deadly effect that had on a dozen or more browser-specific start-ups in Silicon Valley. Lots of readers are wondering what I think of Chrome, like my opinion really matters. Chrome is okay -- faster, but not faster enough to make me change for that reason alone. It's better than IE and almost better than Firefox except there are no plug-ins to speak of. What I really wonder, though, is why Google bothered to do a browser at all? Now I know. It's not like there aren't enough web browsers in the world. There are plenty. And though Internet Explorer still dominates the Windows market, Firefox (not to mention Opera, Safari, etc.) is there to keep Microsoft honest,. So why did Google even bother? There are two general opinions on this and they are not mutually exclusive. Naturally one opinion is widely held and the other is held mainly by me. The first reason why Google had to do its own browser comes courtesy of my friend Dave: "People are looking at Google Chrome and actually think Google is competing in the so-called Browser Wars," said Dave. "This is not the case at all. Google doesn't care what happens to Chrome. And, in fact would be absolutely thrilled if Firefox and Opera enhanced their browsers to the point where they trounce Chrome into extinction. Google doesn't make a dime off of Chrome. Its money comes from people using the web browser -- any browser. "What Google does not want is Microsoft creating a browser that sucks. Actually, Google doesn't mind if Microsoft's browser sucks. What they really don't want is Microsoft to make a browser that sucks and everyone ends up using it. And, if the IE8 beta shows us anything, making a really sucky web browser is Microsoft's true ambition. "Google's main concern is quite simple: Browsers should render pages accurately, and the JavaScript engine in the browser should be fast, efficient, and bug free. On both counts, IE8 is an abomination. JScript just doesn't behave very well and is buggy. And, IE's page-rendering engine simply does not follow the standard. Because of this, Google has to keep development on their Google Applications quite generic and simply cannot implement the features they want. You'll also notice that Microsoft recently has been putting on some very compelling web content that is only available if you use Windows and IE." Now back to Bob. Everything Dave says makes sense and I agree with it, but it doesn't answer my real question, which is not "Why did Google have to do a browser?" but rather, "What made it impossible for Google NOT to do a browser?" The answer to this latter question begins with Dave noticing Microsoft's recent IE- and Windows-specific web content, which cracks open the door on Google's greatest fear -- that Microsoft will turn off ads in IE. Microsoft can't do that, can they? Microsoft can do pretty much whatever it wants in this area. There is plenty of browser competition. They can hobble their own product if they like, though it would drive users away from IE -- from a product that brings Microsoft no direct revenue anyway -- so what's the risk? Microsoft turns off the ads in IE and what happens? Google takes a huge revenue hit, is knocked down three pegs in the eyes of Wall Street, while pretty much nothing happens to Microsoft, which would have just shown the world who is still the sheriff. I am not saying this is going to happen, but I AM saying that it COULD happen -- and that very remote possibility is, by itself, enough to make Google have to produce its own browser. Let me be clear that there doesn't have to be any subterfuge here on Microsoft's part. They can simply turn off the ads in IE, declaring it a non-commercial product. If you don't like it, get another browser -- there are plenty to choose from. Microsoft's revenue would go almost unchanged while Google's would plummet, if only for a few weeks or months -- just long enough for Microsoft to come through with a second punch, that is if they have thought that far ahead. If you are wondering whether people really sit around Google asking if Microsoft would actually do something like this, well they do. So to avoid that eventuality (and to do all the other things that Dave said, above) here we have Chrome, Google's attempt to direct the future of browser development and take some momentum away from IE. Chrome promotes WebKit rendering, which is also done in Safari. It would not surprise me if WebKit didn't make some inroads shortly with Firefox and Opera, helping somewhat to turn the tide away from IE. Yet WebKit will change, too, by adopting Google's V8 JavaScript engine, replacing JavaScriptCore in both WebKit and Safari. Thus all the open source browsers (and Safari) become better and more alike, which helps them against IE. A rising tide floats all (open source) ships. Google needs open source browsers to become even more competitive with IE, hence Chrome is a reference design that Google knows will work brilliantly with all Google Apps. So much for Chrome: Now for something REALLY scary. I've been hearing that peer-to-peer file sharing has declined a bit. Actually, it's the rate of growth that has declined, but in a market where volume is always rising and prices always falling, even a decline in growth can be significant. This is happening for lots of reasons (market saturation, summer vacation, etc.) but the effect appears to be real, much to the relief of the RIAA and MPAA, which hate people sharing music, TV shows, and movies that they see as violating the intellectual property rights of their members. But I think something else is actually happening. People are just finding new ways to share files -- ways that are harder to detect and even more chilling for society to prohibit. Look at where P2P came from in the first place. The idea behind BitTorrent and similar programs was that many people wanted the same content and few users could afford the bandwidth to run their own dedicated servers, so sharing files by caching and re-serving small pieces of files was very efficient, especially with flat-rate bandwidth. Depending on your point of view, P2P has been a huge success or a huge pain in the ass. But all the while, the cost of Internet bandwidth has come down A LOT. Remember P2P was born in the 1990s when most users still had dial-up connections. With the cost of Internet backbone bandwidth dropping 50 percent per year for the last decade or more, the economics have changed dramatically and it has become reasonable to effectively have your own server. No, I'm not talking about YouTube, I'm talking about dedicated servers used in large part to distribute movies and music. I'm talking about any of a number of Internet backup services. The poster child for this new kind of service is RapidShare, a German file-sharing service that will let you distribute files up to 200 megs each for free and up to two gigs for not much money -- 55 Euros per year -- with no limit on the total number of files, total storage, total downloads or even total simultaneous downloads. Rip your copy of The Dark Knight, store it on RapidShare, then send the download URL to anyone you like or simply post it somewhere on the web. It's not as efficient as P2P, but it sure is easier AND harder to detect since nothing but http is used. Can you see where I am going with this? How are the MPAA and the RIAA likely to respond if this technique becomes really popular? They are going to want to spy on us more, even to the point of auditing (or attempting to audit) our network backups. More lawsuits, more grandmothers and little kids being sued, less privacy. I'm sure the RIAA and MPAA will fail in the long run. Once custom protocols and ports are dropped and you can't tell the difference between a spreadsheet and I Am Curious (Yellow) the game is up. But we're still years -- and a lot of pain -- away from that.
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iPod nano 4G leaked in actual, factual, really-real spy photo
Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video Look, you know the drill here. This may be the painstaking result of some CAD-school-dropout's nights home alone, or the latest in cheapo knock-offs from the Far East. You may be looking at a Photoshop spackled together from newspaper clippings, puppy dog tears, and Steve Jobs' fever-dreams. Or, this could be a really crappy, actual photo of the iPod nano 4G in its packaging. It sure looks enough like what we've been seeing lately to be any / all of the above. Regardless, we'll know the truth real, real soon.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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'MacOSG' forums are back online after hacking attack
Posted by Dave Merten On September 3, 2008, MacOSG's host was hit by a hacking team from Spain. Hundreds of websites were defaced by changing all index.hrml files to read D.O.M. Team—2008. Luckily everything was backed up, but it took a few days to get all the sites, including MacOSG's forums, restored.
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Brother to showcase expanded line of mobile printers at Field Service East
Posted by Dennis SellersBrother International Corp. will be exhibiting its recently expanded line of ultra-portable mobile printers at Field Service East, scheduled for Sept. 9-12 at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Nova media offers commission program
Posted by Dennis SellersMac centered web sites and blogs can now participate with an affiliate program offered by the Berlin-based company, nova media.
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Jewel Quest II comes to iPhone, iPod touch
Posted by Dennis SellersI-Play and iWin have released Jewel Quest II for the iPhone and iPod touch. The tile-matching puzzle game features over 50 new puzzles, a new storyline, and new game mechanics optimized for the iPhone OS.
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2Chicks1Mac - Tip Applications: Hot? or Not?
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, App Store Christina Warren. Erica Sadun. Two Women. Two Opinions. One love of all things Macintosh. This week, it's all about iPhone Tip Calculators. Are they a waste of Apple's time and resources, along with all those Sudoko games and Flashlights, or a clever and creative way for App developers to offer a useful product? Tell us what you think... then read on for C vs. E in the tip-top battle royale. View PollContinue reading 2Chicks1Mac - Tip Applications: Hot? or Not?Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Ross Video to launch SoftMetal video server 4.0 software at IBC 2008
Posted by Dennis SellersRoss Video will launch its SoftMetal 4.0 software during IBC 2008 at Stand 9.D30. The upgrade will begin shipping after IBC, and will be available at no charge to all current SoftMetal customers.
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StuffRadar for iPhone, iPod touch updated to version 1.2
Posted by Dennis SellersSynium Software has updated StuffRadar, the media organizer for the iPhone and iPod touch, to version 1.2. With the upgrade, the editing workflows throughout StuffRadar have been improved. Additionally, it allows for easier navigation in list views. Finally, StuffRadar 1.2 adds a dedicated list for those items you've lent to...
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Take Control of Podcasting on the Mac: 2nd Edition
Filed under: Odds and ends, PodcastingTake Control Books has just published the second edition of Andy Affleck's popular Take Control of Podcasting on the Mac ebook. Anyone interested in getting started with podcasting or improving the quality of their current podcasts should read this ebook.Take Control of Podcasting on the Mac: Second Edition adds coverage of two widely-used Mac podcasting applications, WireTap Studio and Übercaster, with information on recording and editing podcasts with these two apps. Andy also updated the ebook to discuss podcasting with GarageBand 4, and dropped his coverage of Audacity as a podcasting tool. Want to hear how good your podcasts can sound? Listen to Andy's promo.As with all Take Control titles, the $10 ebook will be updated regularly and is available for immediate download from the Take Control website. The ebook includes a coupon code good for up to $14 off the price of Rogue Amoeba's Audio Hijack Pro and Fission, so if you're in the market for both of those products you essentially get the ebook for free.In the interest of full disclosure, I have written two Take Control ebooks.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Nearly 90 percent of Brits would be happy to use a payment system on their mobile phone
Posted by Dennis SellersNearly 90 percent of Brits would be happy to use a payment system on their mobile phone, says O2 (according to a Macworld UK report. The telecommunications firm teamed up with Nokia, Transport for London (TfL) and a other high-street shops to test a new payment system between October 2007...
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Preview: Plusmo Pro Football Live app (updated)
As you already know I really want a good NFL application for the iPhone. Now that it’s NFL season and it would be great to track teams, players and games in progress – especially when you can’t be in front of a television. As I’ve I mentioned in the past I’m looking for something to suppliment [...]
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The Bill and Jerry Show
The first in a series of ads that Jerry Seinfeld will make on behalf of Microsoft debuted Thursday night. And the point of the 90-second spot is beyond Philip Michaels’ comprehension.
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The Bill and Jerry Show
The first in a series of ads that Jerry Seinfeld will make on behalf of Microsoft debuted Thursday night. And the point of the 90-second spot is beyond Philip Michaels’ comprehension.
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Call of Duty 4 for Mac to ship Sept. 15
Posted by Dennis SellersAspyr Media says Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare for the Mac will ship to retail stores on Sept. 15. Modern Warfare was developed for the Mac by i5works.
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Iconfactory releases Twitterrific 1.1 for iPhone
Filed under: iPhone, App StoreThe Iconfactory and its chief typist, Craig Hockenberry, have been hard at work on Twitterrific 1.1, a substantial update to their mobile Twitter client for the iPhone and iPod touch. The update features much smoother scrolling, larger tweet capacity, the ability to save pictures to the camera roll before uploading them to TwitPic, and secure HTTPS server communication. It also squashes a large number of bugs. A full accounting of the changes is available on Twitterrific's app store page and on the Iconfactory's website. The app was included in both Mike's and Steve's list of favorite apps for their respective iPhones. Twitterrific is still available in two flavors. Twitterrific (the free version) periodically shows ads via The Deck, similar to its free counterpart for the desktop. Twitterrific Premium is $9.99, and omits the advertising.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Beta of StreamCAD released for Mac OS X, Windows
Posted by Dennis SellersSwedish developer, Henrik Vallgren, has announced the availability of a StreamCAD beta for Mac OS X and Windows.
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EIC Squared: Chrome, iPods, and a Dell-Salesforce union
On this week's EIC Squared podcast CNET's Dan Farber and ZDNet's Larry Dignan discuss Google's latest rocket launch--the Chrome browser--as well as Apple's iPod event next week and a Dell-Salesforce.com union.
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Friday afternoon Apple links: Cthulhu edition
This Friday's Apple links preps us for the September 9 Apple Event by not touching on it whatsoever. Instead, we look at the iPhone's sales, Adobe CS4, a Cthulhu game for the iPhone, some tips for screen sharing in Leopard, lightsabers, and the military using iPods. Read More...
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Safari Gear (Add-ons for your Favorite Browser)
It's a big week in browser-land with another WebKit creation joining us. Don't forget that Gears came to Safari. Join me for a quick Freeloader Friday look at Gears for Safari and other Safari add-ons that rev up Apple's Browser.
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iPhone users reporting reboots due to high App count
Filed under: iPod Family, Bad Apple, iPhone, App Store Recently, TUAW has received numerous tips about near random iPhone boot loops that force users to restore their units. This forum thread suggests that these reboots may be due to the iPhone's onboard watchdog system. The iPhone has to create a new Application Map whenever you load or unload apps to the system. Should the time to create that map exceed two minutes, the phone enters an endless boot cycle. The solution proposed on the thread isn't of much general use -- it requires jailbroken shell access. You may want to limit the number and scope of Apps you load to your phone (i.e. cut down on those tip calculators and sudoku apps that we know you're secretly addicted to) to achieve the same, stable results. Fewer apps mean a shorter time to generate that map and a better likelihood that your phone will work with greater reliability. Thanks, Goran Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Nik Software releases Sharpener pro 3.0
Posted by Dennis SellersNik Software has released Sharpener Pro 3,0, an update of the photographic plug-in for Adobe Photoshop or Apple's Aperture. New adaptive sharpening algorithms and U Point technology for selective sharpening ensure desired sharpness or creative softening of details are easily accomplished, according to the folks at Nik Software.
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CNET News Daily Podcast: Microsoft makes ad push with Gates, Seinfeld
The software maker shows it's not going to let Apple's "I'm a Mac" ads dictate how their products are positioned.
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Video: Why Apple says it's ready to rock
We'll soon get a look at Apple's highly-anticipated Q3 product refresh. But in advance of next week's rollout, check out what's likely going to be on the agenda with Charles Cooper and Tom Krazit on the CNET News Daily Debrief.
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Down and out at the September 9 Apple Event?
Consensus from rumormongers and analysts coalesce around modest iPod updates and no Macs on September 9th, but something is coming.Read More...
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Customize your Leopard Dock and more with SuperDocker
Filed under: Software, Odds and ends, Freeware, LeopardRoss McKillip over at Simple Help pointed out a great little Dock utility a while back called SuperDocker.If you want a basic 2D Dock again, or think it would be cool to make the Dock look like a wooden shelf, then SuperDocker may be for you. This donation-ware utility not only gives you control over the look of the Dock, but also provides an easy-to-use portal for customizing other features of Leopard. SuperDocker can: Lock the Dock Make your Dock 2D Enable Dashboard widgets on the desktop Add the Development menu in Safari, including the Web Inspector Customize the Safari progress bar Disable the shadows on screenshots Disable the crash panel when an application crashes ...and a lot more A number of Dock backgrounds and other items have been uploaded to the SuperDocker site; to install them on your Mac, you just drag and drop 'em on the appropriate spot in SuperDocker. A similar app that is popular with a lot of Mac users is OnyX, which adds maintenance and optimization utilities to the mix. Do you customize your Dock or Finder? If so, what utility do you use? Let us know in the comments.[via CreativeBits]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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'Macsimum Recommended Reading' for Sept. 5
Posted by Dennis Sellers“Shoe Circus: The first Jerry Seinfeld/Bill Gates commercial for Microsoft. Not a bad skit, but I'm not sure how this does anything for the Microsoft brand. Makes Gates seem cool, though.”—Daring Fireball
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News: Report: iPod, iPhone failures due to common part issues
Published today, a report by EETimes traces numerous iPod and iPhone hardware problems to a lack of “attention to the basics” of product design, including “component placement, sealing, USB protection and connector quality, along with batteries and LCDs.” The report spotlights the findings of Rapid Repair, a company specializing in media device repairs, as it has worked through problems with both iPod and iPhone models over…
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Ditching the USB hub may help reduce iPhone sync times
Some iPhone users are finding that bypassing the USB hub and plugging directly into their Macs helps in reducing lengthy sync times. It may not work for everyone, but it's at least worth a shot if you're experiencing this issue.Read More...
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Dice games to go with all the iPhone dice apps
Filed under: Gaming, Odds and ends, Freeware, iPhoneThe App Store, so far, has seen a number of duplicate apps. One group of dupes we're seeing: dice rollers. Makes sense if you twist an old saw to say "if your input involves shaking, everything starts to look like an accelerometer." Or something. My personal favorite for randomness is MotionX Dice. It has polish and allows you to roll one to five six-sided dice at a time. I also happen to use Dice Bag (iTunes link), but that's because my nerd blood runs deep. Still, there are plenty to choose from.So what to do with all those dice-rolling apps? On the next page I've got a roundup of games you can play with dice. Some involve a pencil and paper for score keeping or whatnot, but all use dice as the basis for the game mechanics. Next time you're stuck in the doctor's office, don't just give your kids DizzyBee, play a "real" game with them!Continue reading Dice games to go with all the iPhone dice appsRead | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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MyWeather Mobile offering full-screen animated radar on iPhone
Posted by Dennis SellersMyWeather, LLC has announced MyWeather Mobile, a weather information application for the iPhone. It lets iPhone users access weather maps, current conditions and forecasts on the go, and also provides full screen interactive radar. The app is available for US$14.99 at the Apple App Store.
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Apple Gazette Daily 341 - Microsoft is weird and Best Buy is disgusting…pass it on.
podcast sponsor link:Click Here to check out Blogflux Groups! Today's Show: Microsoft is weird and Best Buy is disgusting…pass it on. 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: Coby CS-MP165 Digital Boombox for iPod
Ah, 2006 and 2007, we remember you well. You were the years when six percent of China's population was assembling cheap and often senseless iPod speakers, all of which seemed to wind up in our offices. We did not shed a tear when you left us, and since then, we've never looked back wistfully on those days. And yet, when the Coby CS-MP165 Digital Boombox for iPod ($100) appeared, we remembered you, your confusingly huge multi-button remote controls,…
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Microsoft tries to reclaim Windows' image
After years of letting Apple's attack ads go unanswered, software maker sets out on difficult, costly journey of trying to take back control of what Windows stands for.
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iTunes Speechification
Filed under: iTS, iTunesDoesn't matter whether you're a Republicrat or a Demublican, or if you're blue, red, or purple. If you've got an interest in World Events, the US iTunes stores has all the speeches from the recent American conventions -- from both sides of the aisle. The speeches and video highlights are free and available as podcasts for your delectation (and bonus raised blood pressure, where applicable).Pretty much everyone wants the same good things for the US and the world. Let these speeches help you decide which side can get you there. Thanks, Gordon WernerRead | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Sports news: Macsimum softball team wins both games
Posted by Dennis SellersStarting the second half of its fall season, the Macsimum coed softball team won both games against Motley Crew on Thursday night. The team is now 5-2 overall and in second place (one game behind Echo Hills). Games are played at Madison Park in Nashville, TN.
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Steve Jobs ranks number four on 'Vanity Fair 100 Leaders of the Information Age'
Posted by Dennis Sellers Apple CEO Steve Jobs is ranked at on the Vanity Fair 100 Leaders of the Information Age.
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Analyst: 'Let's Rock' event most likely to involve iPods only
Posted by Dennis SellersApple's Let's Rock event, which will be held at 10 am (Pacific) in San Francisco, may have a narrower focus than some folks think (or hope), American Technology Analyst Shaw Wu said in a note to clients. He thinks that it will be totally iPod-related and not involve updated Mac...
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Why the bar gets raised for Apple
After the glitches following recent product introductions, the company's got to get it right--from the start.
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LG PRADA II to include WiFi, even more pretension?
Filed under: Cellphones Looks like LG wants some bite to back up the PRADA II's bark -- assuming both the device and its specs are real, of course, since we've been basing everything we know about Lucky Goldstar's rumored fashion monster on rumors thus far. The latest word on the street has the phone packing a what's-what of good things, ranging from a 5-megapixel autofocus cam, wide QVGA display (with capacitive touch, we can only imagine), HSDPA 850 / 2100, motion sensing, an FM radio, and a WiFi radio for those poor US souls who find themselves surrounded by more 1900MHz 3G than 850. It certainly all sounds real enough -- not as revolutionary as the first PRADA may have been, but a solid upgrade. While we're waiting for LG to sort this business out in a slightly more official capacity, we'll be working on the Armani, we s'pose.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Backstage: Squeezebox Boom: A Sleek, Strong-Sounding Internet Radio, with Several Speedbumps
Last week, we unexpectedly received one of Logitech's new $300 Squeezebox Boom units—initially depicted and described in this article. After playing around with the unit, we have some additional thoughts to share. Without going into great depth on the manner in which Logitech has achieved everything in this product, it suffices to say that Squeezebox Boom is a “standalone Internet Radio for the rest of us,” a slick black box…
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News: Sign up for our iPodweek newsletter, coming later today
The latest edition of iPodweek, our weekly newsletter covering all things iLounge, is coming later today. iPodweek is a weekly summary of the best iPod news, reviews, and feature articles we’ve published, and it also features giveaways and iPod accessory discount offers from various companies. There’s still plenty of time to sign up and receive this week's edition — just use the simple form below to submit your email address, if you haven't…
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PopCap announces plans for mobile version of Peggle game
Posted by Dennis SellersPopCap Games has announced the forthcoming launch of Peggle Mobile, which will be made available for a wide array of handsets from all major wireless carriers in North America, the United Kingdom and parts of Europe beginning later this month.
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Why Google's GMail SSL Doesn't Really Protect Users From Spoofing
Daniel Eran Dilger Pundits have insisted that SSL email in MobileMe would prevent users from being hijacked to a different domain by elite hackers. However, both Gmail and MobileMe have presented enough spurious Vista UAC-like certificate warnings to users (not to mention other web sites and plugins) that nobody pays any attention anymore. Users will simply [...]
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Trading in That Old iPhone
Owners of old iPhones who are looking to upgrade to 3G models can take advantage of various trade-in programs on the Web or in stores.
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On Farting iPhones: Where should Apple draw the line?
Since the App Store's launch back in June, I've had mixed feelings about the overall level of quality of the applications for sale. Knowing that Apple has control over what does and does not make it in to the store initially had me with the mindset that they should indeed do a bit of quality assurance. If they already said they'd control the floodgates, then I just assumed they should make sure only quality stuff made it through the door. But yesterday, news of an interesting event sort of shifted my mindset on things. The basic gist of the story is that a completely legitimate application was submitted to Apple for inclusion in the App Store, only to be reject: We've reviewed your application Pull My Finger. We have determined that this application is of limited utility to the broad iPhone and iPod touch user community, and will not be published to the App Store. Yes, Apple rejected an app that turns your iPhone in to a farting machine. Watch the video and you'll see there is plenty of “utility” in this application…infinitely more than something like a beer simulator or a glowing ruby. But arguing over whether farting or beer drinking with your iPhone is really not the issue…though that would certainly be an interesting conversation. The real issue here is where can Apple consistently draw the line? And should they even draw a line at all? Apple lets just about anything in to the iTunes music store as well as the Downloads area of Apple.com. So why would they opt to have such a stronghold on the App Store? (more…)
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Open source web app framework Cappuccino now available
280 North's JavaScript port of Objective-C and Cocoa are now available for your web app development and/or hacking pleasure, no French press required.Read More...
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Rogers revising iPhone plans?
Filed under: iPhoneMacNN reports that Rogers Wireless will be revising its iPhone plans on October 1 to include a new 250 minute plan for $60, among other changes. The new bundles, MacNN says, would feature a $60 plan with: 250 daytime minutes 75 texts 1GB data Visual Voicemail three months of unlimited local calling a permanent MY5 Local option A $75 plan may also be available, with 400 minutes, 100 texts, and 2GB data. Early on, Rogers has had a rocky relationship with iPhone customers, many of whom are unhappy with the relatively high cost of plan rates and miniscule data allowances. Canadian readers: Is this an improvement, or does Rogers still have a long way to go? Let us know by leaving a comment.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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CamSpinner 2.0 for Mac OS X adds 20 presets for different cameras
Posted by Dennis SellersOptima System has released CamSpinner 2.0, an update of the web cam utility for Mac OS X. New in the upgrade are 20 presets for different cameras, video and audio settings, iPhone compatible display of webcam images in the iPhone web browser, faster FTP uploads, improved AppleScript support with support...
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Savant announces native app for iPhone, iPod touch
Posted by Dennis SellersSavant Systems has introduced a downloadable application for the iPhone and iPod touch that runs natively on either device in order to provide two-way control of any home system connected to one of Savant's innovative ROSIE automation systems. The new application providing complete home automation and media control will soon...
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Create Screencasts Using ScreenFlow
When trying to explain how a particular feature works on a Mac to someone who isn’t in the same room as you, sometimes only a video will do. A handful of applications exist to help you perform this task, but they've all been blown away by a newcomer, ScreenFlow. read more
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Nokia Tumbles, Dragging Handsets Down
Nokia (NOK) this morning warned that it now expects its mobile device market share in the third quarter to be down from the second quarter. The company had previously said it expected its share of the market to be sequentially flat. Nokia said it continues to target an increase in share for the full year.
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Why have the MobileMe blog updates stopped? It's not fixed yet!
As I sit here (extremely frustrated) wishing that Mail would actually work, I can't help but wonder why we haven't seen an update on the MobileMe News page since August 29th. It can't be because MobileMe is fixed. If it was fixed, I wouldn't have to keep a browser window open to use the mail service on me.com because my actual Mail App can't send or receive email half the time. I understand that we've all been given extensions of our MobileMe accounts, and that they're “doing their best” to get it up to snuff - but seriously - HIRE MORE PEOPLE. Get this figured out. I am sick and tired of my email not being dependable. I've already started moving important business email to other services, but if at least a month or two of the extension isn't problem free, then there's just no way I'm going to pay for this. I'm getting nothing of value out of this constant trouble, and if it was any other company I would have abandoned this crap months ago. “I'm sorry, we'll fix it” is only going to work for so long, and I'm beginning to think that actually fixing this problem is beyond their capacity. argh.
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China Mobile iPhone deal may be wrong move for Apple
Following a rumor that Apple and China Mobile are reaching an agreement on a distribution deal for the iPhone 3G, some believe that China Mobile may be the wrong choice due to its conflicting 3G technology and different corporate culture.Read More...
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Dan Frakes Reviews PCalc 1.0.2 for iPhone
Dan Frakes: PCalc also takes advantage of the iPhone’s touchscreen and accelerometer. When performing calculations, a swipe of the LCD to the right invokes the Undo feature; a swipe to the left invokes Redo. (Multiple levels of undo and redo are supported.) And if pressing the Clear and Clear All buttons is too pedestrian for your iPhone-loving hands, give the phone a left-right shake; two shakes equates to Clear, three to Clear All. ★
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Best Buy offers Scummy deal to iPhone Buyers
Geek Squad doesn't exactly have the best reputation. To me, when I think of them, I think of people being charged a ridiculous amount of money for very basic services. Best Buy is always happy to find a very simple way to take people's money - especially those people who think that computers and complicated and scary. Take, for example, their new ad that is making the local papers. It clearly says “Phone and e-mail setup included - when you buy the iPhone 3G and any featured accessory package” According to Apple Insider these packages range in price from $106 to $234. SO - let's be clear here, for a minimum additional $106, Geek Squad is going to activate your phone (something they HAVE to do anyway), and then enter your user name and password into your email settings. Apple does this for free at Apple Stores - why? Because charging for it, or forcing someone to buy accessories they may not want or need to have it done is EVIL. I'm extremely tempted to stand outside of my local Best Buy on Sunday and offer to set up people's email for free. Seriously. I wonder how long it would take before they had me arrested?
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Dell Inspiron Mini 9 Offers Built-In 3G
Sure would be nice to have an option like this for MacBooks. ★
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iPhone document scanner
Filed under: Accessories, Hacks, iPhoneSince the iPhone's introduction, people have been using the built-in camera for more than quick snapshots. Some have taken macro shots, used it as a webcam or even created high art (OK, so that last one was a bug). Another popular practice is to use it to generate to-do lists and even as a scanner. People have taken photos of things they need to buy or remember to do. Others have sent snapshots of business cards, receipts, etc. into applications like iPhoto and Evernote.That's clever, but getting a legible image of your documents is difficult. Enter the iPhone Document Scanner. This device positions the iPhone and document to be "scanned" at the perfect distance and ensures a steady hand. If you're a Ponko member, you can download a free .eps file of the plans to build your own.We knew Apple put the camera on the back for a reason!Thanks, Baptiste!Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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TuneWear announces new iPhone 3G cases
Posted by Dennis SellersTuneWear has announced new cases and films for the iPhone 3G. The new line up includes the silicone case series (IceWear for iPhone 3G), clear protective film (TuneFilm for iPhone 3G), the crystal-clear polycarbonate hard shell case (TuneShell for iPhone 3G), and the polycarbonate hard shell case with protective cover...
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Rumors surface on what's coming in iTunes 8
Rumors about the new features coming in iTunes 8 are swirling. There's a good assortment of music discovery and library browsing potential here, but we aren't sure that this will land next week. Call it a hunch. Read More...
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Review: ION-Factory Carbon Fiber Leather Shells for iPhone and iPhone 3G
Let's make one thing clear up front: we genuinely like both the thought and execution behind ION-Factory's designs. A company called Case-Mate has released faux carbon fiber leather cases for the iPhone and iPhone 3G, and though they were pretty good, they didn't seem totally worthy of premium asking prices. ION-Factory has gone in a different direction, offering a similar leather-coated hardshell case design, with the twist of a…
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Russia's MTS to sell iPhone
Posted by Dennis SellersRussia's number one cell operator, MTS, says it's signed a deal with Apple to sell the iPhone in Russia, reports CNN Money. MTS, which becomes the last of the country's “big three” providers to announce a distribution agreement for the handsets, didn't provide immediate details of the deal.
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Make mass changes in iTunes' device control dashboard
If you ever want to select all but one playlist (or movie, podcast, app, etc.) to sync in your iPod or iPhone's iTunes dashboard, it seems you have to select every single one manually. It turns out there's an easier way: just Option-click on any entry in the list. This will toggle the state of all items in the list between 'selected' and 'not selected.' Then you can just change the few you don't want (or do want), and sync.
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A fix for Flash not working on some sites in Firefox
Flash wasn't working consistently for me in Firefox -- it would for some sites, but not for ComedyCentral.com or some others. Running through my standard troubleshooting list, I finally came up with a solution: I was using the Adblock add-on instead of Adblock Plus (I like it better because it's easier to pull up the blockable elements on a page).Now that I've replaced Adblock with Adblock Plus, and changed the Options (visible when clicking the ABP icon in the tooblar) to uncheck 'Show Tabs on Flash and Java,' Flash now works consistently again.
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10.5: Disable Data Detectors in Mail
An interesting change in Leopard was the addition of Data Detectors to Mail, which automatically detect info such as dates, times, names, and addresses, and let you use that data directly from the message in iCal. It can be a very convenient feature, but some users find it annoying. To disable it, quit Mail, and in Terminal, simply enter:defaults write com.apple.mail DisableDataDetectors YESIf you want to enable it again, quit Mail, and repeat the above command, but replace YES with NO (confounded double negatives!).[robg adds: This previous hint explains how to enable Data Detectors in iChat, which are disabled by default in that program.]
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Road to Mac OS X Snow Leopard: the future of 64-bit apps
Prince McLean, Apple Insider Snow Leopard’s across-the-board leap to 64-bits, from the kernel to all of its bundled apps, will make more memory available and boost performance. However, Apple will also need to manage its 64-bit lead and organize its developers. Here’s why. Following the initial introduction to 64-bit computing leading up to Snow Leopard, a second [...]
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iPhone to get EA's 'Spore Origins'
The game that lets players design creatures and see them through a digital evolution is coming to Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch.
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AT&T hit with yet another iPhone 3G lawsuit
A third lawsuit related to the iPhone 3G was filed recently, this time in New Jersey. Like the other two complaints, the latest class action suit is related to poor 3G performance on AT&T's network, but it mentions a few other iPhone 3G bugs as well.Read More...
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News: Memorex to launch SingStand mic, miniMove speaker for iPod
Memorex is set to launch two new iPod accessories, the SingStand microphone speaker system and the miniMove portable boombox. The SingStand is a uniquely designed accessory that lets users sing along to music stored on iPods, with an iPod Dock directly underneath the microphone mount and speakers built into the stand's base. Other features include voice control, an echo effect, dual microphone inputs, and input jacks for other musical instruments.…
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Ask TUAW: Finder thumbnails, wifi connection manager, external drive on PS3, Tiger on an old iMac
Filed under: Features, Troubleshooting, Ask TUAWIn this Ask TUAW we have questions on the need for anti-virus protection, customizing Finder views, connecting automatically to an AFP share, using an external drive with both Mac and PS3, installing Tiger on an unsupported iMac and more.As always, your suggestions are most welcome, and questions for next week should be left in the comments. When asking a question please include which machine you're running and which version of Mac OS X, as certain answers will vary between different Macs and Tiger vs. Leopard, etc. (we'll assume you're running Leopard if you don't specify). And now, on to the questions!Continue reading Ask TUAW: Finder thumbnails, wifi connection manager, external drive on PS3, Tiger on an old iMacRead | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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National Association of Photoshop Professionals announces Guru Award winners
Posted by Dennis SellersThe National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) has announced the Guru Award winners for the West Coast Photoshop World Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. The Guru Awards are a special Photoshop competition exclusively for conference attendees.
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News: Mix: Spore Apology, MTS Russia, Another 3G lawsuit
For the first time ever, Apple is emailing Click Wheel iPod users who purchased Spore Origins to notify them of an updated version, which is automatically added to the user's iTunes Store download queue. The email reads, “The iPod Click Wheel game “Spore Origins” you recently purchased may not function properly on your iPod nano (3rd generation), iPod classic, or iPod (5th generation). We want you to be completely satisfied…
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Mac OS Ken: 09.05.2008
Kevin Rose: Details on iTunes 8 (Maybe) / iLounge: Drawings of Updated iPods? / Macworld UK: 3 Apple Stores for Switzerland / CNET: iTunes Music Subscriptions Unlikely Next Tuesday / Comcast Launches iTunes Video Competitor / Spore Origins for iPod Hits iTunes (a Day Early) / Apple Patent for Controlling Electronics with Everything but ESP
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Article: Ask iLounge 9-5-08
This week's Ask iLounge topics: AV output from iPhone 3G dock, New playlists not appearing on iPod, Transferring music on iPod touch from multiple computers, Resetting iTunes Store authorization counts, Editing tag information, iPhone task applications
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Review: Marware C.E.O. Flip Vue for iPhone 3G
Last year, Marware released the original iPhone version of Flip Vue, a leather flip-style case that covered the iPhone's entire face with a flap. Besides our general distaste for the flip-style design, which makes use of the iPhone's touchscreen unnecessarily difficult, Flip Vue had weird wave-like front styling and boring-looking metal Marware logos on their faces. The new Flip Vue has been redesigned. It's now packaged with a more…
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News: Tunewear rolls out line of iPhone 3G cases
Tunewear has introduced a variety of new cases for the iPhone 3G. Icewear for iPhone 3G is a form-fitting clear case made from high-density silicone, and features ribbed sides for added grip and open access to all ports and controls. It sells for $25. Tuneshell for iPhone 3G is a clear, snap-on hard polycarbonate case featuring a smooth surface and open access to all ports and controls. It is priced at $25. Tuneshell Plus for iPhone 3G is another…
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Learn a language with the Finder's Desktop
Filed under: Software, FreewareHere's a nifty little application. DesktopLyrics is a free utility that displays the lyrics of the song that's currently playing in iTunes on your desktop. You can position it where ever you like, choose your font and then just let it run. Pretty neat, right?Here's the catch. The lyrics must be in iTunes already, as DesktopLyrics doesn't fetch them. You could use an application like GimmieSomeTune (which we've written about before) to do this, or, if you're a masochist, enter them by hand. But I've thought of a better idea.I'm teaching myself Japanese with the fantastic podcasts at JapanesePod101.com. Something I like about them is that they embed each lesson's transcript in the file itself. So, tapping on my iPhone's screen as I listen brings up the text of the lesson.Now, I can launch DesktopLyrics and follow along with the transcript, both the Japanese and the English translation, on my desktop as I listen. I love it. Check it out, and happy learning![Via LifeHacker]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Review: Classic Sleeve for MacBook Air elegant if a bit pricey
Posted by Dennis SellersProporta's Classic Sleeve is designed to fit the exact specifications of the MacBook Air. According to the folks at Proporta, it provides the same protection as that of a leather case. It's made of a synthetic material—“faux leather,” so to speak.
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News: EA: Spore for iPhone coming soon, other titles revealed
Electronic Arts has announced that Spore Origins for the iPhone will be available later this month, and has also announced a slate of games currently in development for the iPhone platform. In Spore Origins, users create and control their own virtual life form, growing from a single-cell organism into a more complex being as the game progresses. The iPhone version of the game will feature two game modes and 35 levels, as well as the Creature Editor,…
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Rumor: new visualizer in iTunes 8 to be Robert Hodgins' Magnetosphere
Filed under: Audio, Multimedia, Rumors, iTunes On the heels of our earlier post about new features in iTunes 8 comes this post from video producer and designer Allan White, speculating that the new visualizer in iTunes might be Processing artist Robert Hodgins' amazing Magnetosphere, which was available up until a few months ago from The Barbarian Group (aka Robert's design company) as an iTunes plugin. As Allan points out, there are two very strong pieces of evidence for this: 1) Allan emailed Robert, who told him Magnetosphere had been sold to a "third party", and 2) a twitter from Digg founder (and amateur Apple rumor mill) Kevin Rose on Sept. 2nd describing the new visualizer as "planet like objects wrapping around each other w/stars/light streams". As you can see in the image above, this sounds like a pretty apt description of Magnetosphere, which visualizes sound as particle explosions like supernovas. The Barbarian Group website's page for Magnetosphere says that "We've had a ton of interest in it, and we've got some exciting plans, but it's gonna take us a couple months to make it all happen." Of course, nothing is confirmed, but it all points in the right direction. Personally, I'd love to see Magnetosphere on every iTunes user's screen, and not just because Robert is an amazing artist and also always gracious and helpful when I email him because my Processing particle system animations don't look as cool as his. The world just needs stuff this cool-looking everywhere.[via Create Digital Music]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Macsimum Migration Kit: journaling/scrapbooking software
Posted by Dennis SellersIn this week's Macsimum Migration Kit, we're looking at Mac software for journaling and scrapbooking. For those new to the column, Macsimum Migration is our term for companies moving from Windows machines to Macs—or at least adding or increasing the number of Macs they use. A Macsimum Migration kit is...
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News: Master Lock iCage offers iPod theft protection
Master Lock has introduced its new iCage Locking Skins for the fifth-generation iPod, iPod classic, and second- and third-generation iPod nano. Each iCage includes three full body thermoplastic iWraps for scratch protection, a metal sled to hold the iPod, a three-digit combination lock, and a cable. Users are expected to secure the iPod inside the sled and then wrap the cable around a fixed object and back onto the lock. Master Lock's iCage…
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How about an iMac with HD Radio features?
Posted by Dennis SellersIf Apple were ever to release a Mac with built-in support for Blu-ray (and Blu-ray movies)—perhaps a high-end multimedia Mac—it might also consider building in an HD Digital Radio tuner. I'm not sure that Apple will ever release such a critter despite being part of the Blu-ray Alliance since the...
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Five Trends to Watch in Mobile Devices
Worldwide sales of mobile phones will reach 1.28 billion units in 2008 - up from 1.15 billion units in 2007 - an 11% increase from last year, according to Gartner, Inc. While the mobile phone market is poised for double-digit growth in 2008 and 2009 (with sales expected to grow 10.3%), the industry faces challenges in some regions, which are projected to decline in 2008.
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Mac Bloggers Rock Out, Ponder iPhone Data Dams, Dream of Tethering
This week, the Apple-focused blogosphere has been whipped into a frenzy over next week's super-secret special announcement. Select journalists received invitations to a Sept. 9 media event, which has fueled speculation over Apple's next big product launch. As if that weren't enough to keep everyone busy, another disgruntled iPhone 3G user has filed a lawsuit over 3G data speeds in San Diego, while the East Coast saw a major, though brief, service failure in AT&T's 3G and EDGE-based wireless networks.
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'MacVoices' looks at taking control of podcasting
Posted by Dennis SellersOn the new MacVoices Andy Williams Affleck talks about his new edition of Take Control of Podcasting and talks about why he felt it was time to update the book.
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VIDEO: Microsoft's answer to “Get a Mac” — did Bill Gates just wiggle his butt at me?
I want you to watch this video before we continue… Did you watch it? Ok…SO…let's talk about THAT. I'm not real sure I'm ever going to be able to forgive my good buddy Dr. Macenstein for sending me that link. Microsoft has launched a $300 Million dollar ad campaign featuring Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld to combat the popular “Get a Mac” ads that spend a large portion of their time bad mouthing Vista. These new ads are designed to be funny, and make Microsoft more hip. The ad you just watched is the first ad of this new campaign. After watching it, I literally found myself staring at my screen wonder what in the heck just happened. For those of you that can't watch the video for some reason Jerry Seinfeld is walking through a mall, when he sees Bill Gates buying shoes at “Shoe Carnival”. Sensing that The Gates needed help that the shoe salesman could not provide, Jerry runs into the store and begins to take over the shoe selection process. He suggests that Bill consider showering with clothes on, then follows Bill to the check out. At the check out Bill uses his Shoe Carnival club card (which features a picture of a very young Bill on it), then the two exit the mall together. On the way out Seinfeld asks if Microsoft is ever going to develop something that will turn computers into cake. He asks Bill to “adjust his shorts” if th