Oct 1, 2009 Oct 3, 2009 Friday October 2, 2009
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BabySitter2Go available for the iPhone, iPod touch
Posted by Dennis SellersDigital Chocolate has released BabySitter2Go for the iPhone and iPod touch. It's available for US$0.99 at the Apple App Store. There's also a free, “lite” version with a limited number of levels.
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AddSoftwareCorp.com unveils addDecor for the iPhone, iPod touch
Posted by Dennis SellersCadopolis.com has launched its new Apple development site, and unveiled addDecor as it inaugural application for the iPhone and iPod touch. It's available for US$3.99 at the Apple App Store.
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How would you change Snow Leopard?
Ah, Snow Leopard. It's the same cat you're used to caressing (or beating, as the case may be), but in a much, much colder climate. Or something like that. OS X 10.6 promised Leopard users a "refined" experience, and one that would only cost upgrading users $29. At that price, most Apple fanatics figured that picking it up on launch day was a no-brainer, but as we've come to sadly expect from Cupertino's software labs these days, all wasn't perfectly well with the big snowy cat. Even now, users are still kvetching about broken functionality and mental pains that are literally indescribable. Even if you're not in that camp, we're eager to hear how your Snow Leopard experience has been. Are you satisfied with the upgrade? Will you never, ever install an Apple update again before a million others try it first? Are you already looking forward to 10.7 Windows 7? Tell all in comments below -- you never know who could be tuning in.Filed under: SoftwareHow would you change Snow Leopard? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Please, Apple: Create a Finder Store
Daniel Eran Dilger Dear Apple: you did something great by creating a marketplace for mobile software in the iPhone App Store. Now bring that to the Mac desktop. Here’s how. .Why the Mac platform needs an app store The Mac and iPhone platforms are very different. The iPhone sandboxes all third party apps and its doesn’t allow an [...]
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iMagnify released for the iPhone, iPod touch
Posted by Dennis Sellers iMagnify is a new app that transforms your iPhone into a magnifying glass. It enlarges its target from 1x to 4x, at the choice of its user. It's available for US$1.99 at the Apple App Store.
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Paradise Monkeys swings onto the iPhone, iPod touch
Posted by Dennis SellersVetaSoft has released Paradise Monkeys for the iPhone and iPod touch. The game is available for US$2.99 at the Apple App Store. There's also a free, featured-limited “lite” version.
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The Daily Roundup: here's what you might've missed
New Apple Bluetooth keyboard and mouse arrive at the FCCSo... you want to maybe schedule an event to launch all this stuff, Steve? Palm Pixi to launch on October 20th? Not so fast.So when will the Pixi launch? We'd still say it'll be well before the holidays. XP Mode is ready, will be a free download on October 22The solitary hitch is that you'll need to have purchased a copy of Windows 7 Professional or higher to get in on the fun, but you already knew that, right? Other news of import Tachyon XC 3D helmet cam hands-on Apple seeks to take multitouch where it's never been before in new patent app Verizon's HTC Imagio toyed with on video, sized up against BlackBerry Storm Survey says consumer won't pay that much extra for 3DYou know what the least accurate type of survey is? One where you ask someone what they'd pay for something, because the answer is almost always, "as little as possible." BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac now available, we go hands-onIt's taken long enough, but at least the guys in Waterloo managed to do it right. Paradigm SUB 1 and SUB 2 subwoofers -- six drivers on three sides for buzz-free bass Video: OLED technology explained using a pickle and an Igor Samsung Omnia II handled again, huge display delights as usual Sony Ericsson's wild Xperia Pureness gets FCC approval The Daily Roundup: here's what you might've missed originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Sarsoft releases Baby Monitor & Alarm 1.0 for the iPhone, iPod touch
Posted by Dennis SellersSarsoft has introduced Baby Monitor & Alarm 1.0, a new app for the iPhone and iPod touch. It's available for US$2.99 at the Apple App Store and requires iPhone OS 3.0 or higher.
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Joined-up Solutions releases Darts Checkouts for the iPhone, iPod touch
Posted by Dennis SellersJoined-up Solutions has released Darts Checkouts 1.0 for iPhone and iPod touch. It's available for US$2.99 at the Apple App Store.
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Big Nerd Ranch offers Cocoa II Bootcamp in Germany in November
Posted by Dennis SellersBig Nerd Ranch is offering a new Cocoa II Bootcamp in Germany on Nov. 9-13. Taught by Cocoa instructor, Aaron Hillegass, it provides a look at Apple's object-oriented development environment.
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Engadget Podcast 165 - 10.02.2009
Look, an Engadget Podcast, delivered on schedule! That certainly hasn't happened in a while -- and to celebrate, the crew did another live show yesterday, running down a couple new Dell and HP laptops, some more Courier news, the PSP Go, and some phone news before a live (chat room audience). It's all here, so get listening! Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul Miller Producer: Trent Wolbe Song: California Girls Hear the podcast 00:03:34 - Dell's Latitude Z 600 is a 16-inch thin-and-light, makes overcompensated CEOs out of us all (update: video!)00:17:20 - HP Envy 13 unboxing and first impressions00:32:26 - New Microsoft Courier video details tablet interface, exciting life of a shoe designer (Update: Windows 7 underneath, might run Microsoft hardware)00:43:04 - PSP Go review00:43:20 - Sony thinks its "aspirational" PSP Go might encourage an uptick in PSP-3000 purchases00:56:15 - Garmin nuvifone G60 officially coming to AT&T: October 4th for $29901:04:30 - Motorola CLIQ coming to T-Mobile next month for $200 on contract01:13:51 - webOS 1.2 now available, brings support for app purchases01:19:03 - Challenge: Make your own Natal demo video, get yourself on The Engadget Show Subscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace Download the podcast LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) LISTEN (OGG) Contact the podcast 1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com. Twitter: @joshuatopolsky @futurepaul @reckless @engadgetFiled under: PodcastsEngadget Podcast 165 - 10.02.2009 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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American Family Insurance launches iPhone app
Posted by Dennis SellersAmerican Family Insurance has launched an iPhone app. It's a free download at the Apple App Store.
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Take the Windows 7 personality quiz
Microsoft's Hong Kong subsidiary posted this "personality quiz" as part of the Windows 7 marketing push.(Credit: CNET) I'm not sure how large the crossover is between those who like the quizzes in Cosmo magazine and those seeking to learn more about Windows. That said, ...
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DisplayPort storms the mobile computer interface market
Posted by Dennis SellersMarket research firm In-Stat expects DisplayPort to see significant adoption in mobile computers, particularly as an internal interface between the motherboard and LCD panel. However, DisplayPort's success in LCD monitors is much less certain, as LCD manufactures grapple with issues of backwards compatibility.
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RjDj to Sell Whole Albums as Interactive Sound Experiences for iPhone
RjDj, the exceptionally cool “reactive sound platform” app from Reality Jockey, which turns the iPhone's microphone into an audio synthesizer, just got even cooler: Now available in the App Store is “Kids on DSP,” an entire album featuring collaborations from two well-known techno artists — Carl Craig and Acid Pauli — converted for play in the RjDj app. Audio picked up by your mic is seamlessly mixed with the music, and played back as a unified audio soundscape in your ear buds; your surrounding environment becomes part of the album. Take a deep breath, say, and it's turned into a heavily reverbed whoosh; take your iPhone into the kitchen, and the faucet sounds like a rainstorm crescendo added to the backbeat. The RjDj experience for “Kids on DSP” will vary from track to track, Reality Jockey producer Robert Thomas told me by email. “'Drowning Street' incorporates sounds from your surroundings to become a kind of tripped out sonic bed which washes over you and pumps around the music,” he wrote. The “Timecruising” track created with Craig takes external audio inputs and plays them backward, creating a bizarre, temporal rubber band effect. (This video explains further.) All this aural wizardry isn't just an innovative plaything, however, because it's also being launched as a new revenue source for recorded music. Reality Jockey is developing a number of applications for “major label chart topping artists,” Thomas said. While a number of artists are selling apps of their own, he argued that “most of them are actually no different from the old 'multimedia CD' release — i.e. some music, some video, some web links, etc.” Thomas believes RjDj will offer a better strategy by selling albums that weave a musician's work into an immersive, interactive experience that goes beyond mere listening. (Operating on a somewhat similar premise, track downloads for the music video game franchises Guitar Hero and Rock Band have become enormously successful. ) Still, whether this can become another needed revenue alternative for the music industry remains to be seen. Thomas tells me 300,000 iPhone/iPod touch owners have downloaded the RjDj app, which is a nice audience base to start with, but will probably need to grow much larger before it becomes a significant income/promotion channel for labels and artists. And as with music video games, the other challenge is composing music tracks customized to play well in RjDj. Thomas suggested that in order to do that, “[T]he composer needs to think in multiple possible scenarios, not just one route. I tend to call it quantum composing.” Image courtesy of rjdj.me Subscribe to GigaOM Pro and gain access to our Webinar, "Biggest Opportunities in the Smart Grid," on Oct. 7, 2009.
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Apple planning new mouse, keyboard for its desktop Macs?

Posted by Dennis SellersAccording to a plethora of sources (see below), Apple seems to be planning a new mouse and keyboard, based on documents released by the Federal Communications Commission. (Soon after the FCC posts were discovered, they were pulled from the commission's web site.)
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Attorney involved in Psystar-Apple case withdraws
Posted by Dennis SellersDavid Welker of the law firm Welker and Rosario, who had represented Psystar in its defense against an Apple lawsuit withdrew himself from the case this week, according to new court documents (as reported by AppleInsider).
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IMPULSIVE REVIEW of “Battery Magic” iPhone Application
Quick, where is a witch doctor? Help! My iPhone is dead! The deceased corpse will weigh down a fiber pocket until a USB charger is found, or until a blowfish potion designed to raise the undead can be concocted. Avoid the dead iPhone scenario: download the free “Battery Magic” App. Once an Apple user relies heavily on the 3G Network to utilize the Internet, the 3-D Ms. PAC-MAN game and the amazing YouTube video capabilities to survive on campus, the office and anywhere else, the battery life of the near-nuclear device will come into question. While traversing the cityscapes on the subway, bus, or any mode of transportation that might otherwise drain a person’s valuable time, like a boring vampire, the iPhone provides the necessary tools to slay the parasitic manifestation of Halloween. Getting a couple of dozens of levels deep into Ms. PAC-MAN, however, can adversely affect the device’s battery power, threatening to drain an urban crawler’s iPhone/or stake. Welcome the “Battery Magic” application. The overall battery level immediately comes into view and scrolling down there is shown the amount of time left before the battery will die, in order of what activity will drain the iPhone the most. First is “3D Game Play,” followed by “Game Play,” “Talk Time,” “3G Internet,” “Recharge Time,” “Wi-Fi Internet” time, “Video Playback,” “Audio Playback” for the iPod within and “Standby Time.” The free version of “Battery Magic” shows you everything you need to know, and the “Battery Magic Pro” version is available at $1.99 to include a beeping noise to warn against a dying battery. One of the two is a must have for the iPhone! Grade: A
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Eminem, Apple settle lawsuit
Posted by Dennis SellersApple and Eight Mile Style, the music publisher for Eminem have settled a lawsuit over the digital downloading rights to many of the Detroit rapper's songs, a lawyer said Friday (as reported by the Associated Press).
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'Macsimum Recommended Reading' for Oct. 2
Posted by Dennis Sellers“Apple's Next Revolution — And What You Can Learn From It: Welcome to Apple's Next Revolution. It's the Appleverse — and in it, media is once again beginning to survive, see the first tender shoots of growth, and even to innovate.”—Harvard Business Publishing
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Ableton releases Launchpad
Posted by Dennis SellersAbleton has released Launchpad, a controller for Ableton Live, co-developed by Novation and Ableton. It's designed for DJing, performing live or working in the studio.
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New Apple Wireless Keyboard and Mouse show up in FCC database
Filed under: Peripherals, Rumors We've been hearing a lot about a new mouse from Apple lately, and earlier today images and additional documentation about a new Apple Wireless Keyboard and Mouse (using Bluetooth) showed up in the FCC database. The new keyboard has a model number of A1314, while the mouse has a model number of A1296. The dimensions of the new wireless keyboard are smaller than the current Apple Wireless Keyboard, particularly in the distance between the top and bottom of the keyboard. There are still few details on the new mouse at this point. The FCC images were quickly pulled from the FCC database, then re-added later in the day with details cropped out, but they can still be found in all of their original glory over on our sister site Engadget. [via Engadget]TUAWNew Apple Wireless Keyboard and Mouse show up in FCC database originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Sponsored Topics: Apple - Apple Wireless Keyboard - Bluetooth - Wireless - Apple Mouse
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Spiderweb Software announces 'October Sadness' sale
Posted by Dennis SellersSpiderweb Software has announced an “October Sadness” sale. For the entire month, all of their products will be offered at 10 percent off.
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VMWare Fusion 2.06 hits the streets
Filed under: Software, Snow LeopardVMWare has pushed out another update to Fusion, the popular virtualization app.Version 2.06 was released yesterday. The 289 MB download includes multiple fixes for running Fusion in a 32-bit Snow Leopard environment. The release includes enhancements for better 3D performance on Macs with Nvidia cards under Snow Leopard. There are also the usual assortment of other bug fixes.You can download the update here for free if you're a registered Fusion user. You can get detailed release notes from VMWare at this page. Users who upgrade should note that VMWare Tools does not automatically update when you do the upgrade. You'll have to install the tools from the Fusion menu bar. When I opened my older version of Fusion this morning I was not alerted to the update, which was a bit of a surprise. Your mileage may vary, so I and am passing the info along to you in case you don't get flagged on it.Happy downloading.TUAWVMWare Fusion 2.06 hits the streets originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Sponsored Topics: VMware - Snow Leopard - VMware Fusion - TUAW - Nvidia
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Acronym's PMP-loving jacket keeps your earbuds safe, murders your bank account
Sure, the Acronym GT-J14 won't even charge your iPhone, but at first glance we loved the idea: take a stylish GORE-TEX jacket and throw in a couple slick features aimed at the eager urban technophile, including a so-called Gravity Pocket (accessible by a zipper on your forearm, contents can be dropped directly into your hand using a draw string -- demonstrated about 2:25 into the video after the break) and our personal favorite, a magnet that holds your headphones in place while you take that important phone call. We were feeling pretty good about this one, that is, until we finally tracked it down: azitastore.com lists it for €735 (yes, that's around $1,068). This is clearly only for those of you who put the word "disposable" in "income." Looks like we're going to have to find another way to keep our Lady Gaga headphones safe and secure, after all... [Via Gadget Review] Continue reading Acronym's PMP-loving jacket keeps your earbuds safe, murders your bank accountFiled under: Portable Audio, Portable VideoAcronym's PMP-loving jacket keeps your earbuds safe, murders your bank account originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Mac 101: iTunes artist alerts
Filed under: iTS, iTunes, Mac 101Welcome back to Mac 101, our series of tips for new and novice Mac users. iTunes gets easier to use with every update. One feature, however, has gotten lost in the changes. Artist Alerts lets you receive email notifications of new releases from your favorite artists, which is great. The trouble is that the link to tag an artist isn't easy to find. There are two ways receive alert updates from a given artist. First, navigate to that artist's page (for example, here's Paramore's page). On the right hand side, you'll see "Alert Me." Click it, enter your account password and then click "OK." The other method is from an album page. Here's the page for Paramore's album Brand New Eyes. Scroll down a bit and you'll see "Artist Alerts" under "More Paramore." To manage your alerts, click your account name in the upper right-hand corner. Once you've entered your password, a new window appears. Scroll down a bit and click "Manage My Alerts." From there you can de-select certain artists or clear the entire list. Have fun and spend less time checking up on your favorites manually. TUAWMac 101: iTunes artist alerts originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Sponsored Topics: Apple - TUAW - ITunes - Macintosh - IPhone
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Augmented Reality On the iPhone: What the Future May Hold
Recently the iPhone has become a bit of a playground for augmented reality apps. These apps have been more of a cool thing to show off to your friends than anything all that useful, but Colin Gibbs believe they have a lot of promise (subscription required). We believe AR will eventually be ubiquitous, perhaps even to the point where users sometimes don’t even consider the differences between the real world and the virtual world. And we believe mobile phones will be the gateway medium for AR, which will eventually find audiences both massive (phones and other connected consumer devices) and tiny (niche applications in health care and enterprise, for example). Read the full article on GigaOm Pro → (subscription required) Subscribe to GigaOM Pro and gain access to our Webinar, "Biggest Opportunities in the Smart Grid," on Oct. 7, 2009.
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CNET News Daily Podcast: AT&T's image problem
Is the iPhone hurting AT&T's brand?
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Use Both Hands - Touchscreen Patent Emerges
You've got tech vendors and unnamed sources leaking like mad various tidbits about the hardware and software specs, while publishers and content providers suggest a whole new market share for Apple to conquer. Then you've got this.In a recently revealed patent application, we learn that Apple is seeking protection for touchscreen technologies that contain "unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device." The level of detail and particularity involved in what the patent envisions goes beyond theoretical, in our opinion, and walks right up to the door of tech specs. For instance, note the level of specificity in the accompanying flow chart below:Source: AppleInsider The document makes pretty clear that Apple envisions a device that not only allows for the same kind of touchscreen interaction as the iPhone, but an expanded and far more complex touch response architecture. Are two fingers touching at the same time? What about more than two fingers? Are the multiple fingers moving as part of a multi-finger command or is it simply all the fingers moving at once in sync, as in pulling your hands away from the screen or picking up the tablet with all fingers touching it? Are the hand gestures decelerating, and if so does that indicate a cancellation of the original command request?While many reports have suggested that the rumored tablet might not be designed to compete in the netbook market, Apple clearly envisions a device that integrates a touch screen keyboard, the patent showing hands in clear typing position. Likewise, much of the documentation is specifically about typing. The document also goes in to detail about the touchscreen's adaptability to hand gesture commands, addressing the lack of need for a stylus or a mouse or really any kind of peripheral device for on-screen controls. While the patent application gives partial credit to Fingerworks, a company Apple bought up during the quest to deliver the iPhone, the essential two-handedness of the patent points to newer, larger technologies than the iPhone's screen real estate would allow. Two-handed typing on-screen also rules out the previously mentioned 7" screen, as such a size would involve crowding the users' hands together in what can only be considered a non-ergonomic fashion. A 10.7-inch touch screen is only fractionally smaller than the space necessary for the standard iMac keyboard. As far as smoking guns go, we'd have to rank this pretty high up there.
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Nvidia 'Fermi' chip for Mac, Windows too
Nvidia's new Fermi chip is being billed as a supercomputing chip but it is also aimed at Apple's Snow Leopard and Windows 7.
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Broadcast your iPhone pics from Times Square
As part of a promotion by CanvasPop, a select number of images from social-networking sites and phones will be broadcast in Times Square.
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The Macsimum Podcast for October 2nd
Posted by Frank PetrieToday on your Macsimum Podcast: “If the iPhone Were To Be Unleashed…,” “It's HDMI, Jack,”, ” “Doc, You Have to Check Your iPhone!” and “Story 4.”
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BlackBerry alert! BlackBerry Desktop Software for Mac arrives
Filed under: Software, Wireless, Odds and ends, Freeware, iTunes, DeveloperA TUAW reader zapped us a note with his BlackBerry device to tell us that as of today, BlackBerry Desktop Software for Mac is available (we first noted it as "coming in September" back in July). It's a free download [link], and requires Mac OS X 10.5.5 or better, BlackBerry device software version 4.2 or higher, and iTunes 7.2 or newer. Key features of the software include the ability to synchronize your iTunes library with your CrackBerry, sync calendars, contacts, and appointments, & add or delete apps and files. This is the first time that Research In Motion (RIM) has developed their own solution for syncing Macs and BlackBerry handhelds. In the past, the company made a version of PocketMac for BlackBerry available at no cost to Mac-owning customers, and other third-party developers such as Mark/Space have had BlackBerry solutions available for many years. Thanks to Storry for the tip!TUAWBlackBerry alert! BlackBerry Desktop Software for Mac arrives originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Sponsored Topics: Mac OS X - Apple - iTunes - TUAW - BlackBerry
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First Looks: OtterBox Commuter + Commuter TL for iPhone 3G/3GS
Every year, OtterBox evolves its cases a little more from "waterproof only" into more mainstream territory, and its latest iPhone 3G/3GS cases continue that trend. Commuter ($30) is a rubber skin with an opaque hard plastic wraparound shell and a film screen protector; Commuter TL uses a similar design and screen protector, but a clear hard plastic shell that runs only from the top of the iPhone to the bottom. The difference is that the Commuter…
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Review: AT&T 3G MicroCell
AT&T’s latest solution to improving network coverage, making the customer pay more and leeching off broadband providers, also known as the AT&T 3G MicroCell, is now in public trials. While the tiny cellular base station, or femtocell, is not yet available in places like New York or San Francisco, where the call drop rate is rumored to be as high as 30 percent for some iPhone users, it can be had in parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. I live in Raleigh. How’s my coverage? Despite the reassurance of AT&T’s coverage map, I’m lucky to complete a call with my iPhone 3GS from home. After several pained conversations with technical support, an AT&T engineer told me that the coverage map is based upon “mathematical models,” and that it might be the trees around the house interfering with my signal. Seriously. Faced with clear cutting two acres of woods or chancing $150 on an AT&T 3G MicroCell, the choice seemed simple enough. My wife won’t let me have a chainsaw, so I decided to test the veracity of AT&T’s new slogan: five bar coverage in your home. The experience proved interesting. The Process Purchasing a MicroCell currently requires a trip to the local AT&T Store. A representative checked to see that I had a 3G phone with AT&T, any Internet broadband, and an eligible, local address. Lousy coverage is optional, but the experience survey that was not supposed to be sent home with me repeatedly mentioned the issue. Having met the requirements, I purchased the MicroCell for $150, currently subject to regional rebates. In Raleigh, there are three: $50, $100, and $150, for subscribing to AT&T broadband, unlimited MicroCell calling, or both. For $19.99 per month I was offered the Unlimited MicroCell Calling Plan, allowing me to save my wireless plan minutes. Since I hate talking to people and have about a million rollover minutes, I declined. I was then educated about how emergency services work—don’t move your MicroCell unless you tell AT&T and stay on the line when calling 911. Also, the MicroCell will only function in authorized regions—don’t eBay your MicroCell. The representative then offered to register it online right there, but where’s the fun in that? At home, I was pleasantly surprised at how simple setup was. I logged into the MicroCell site with my wireless account info, entered the MicroCell serial number, and was presented with a list of approved users from my wireless plan. You can add more, up to a maximum of 10, but no more than four callers can use the MicroCell simultaneously. Physical setup was easy, too. Connect the included Ethernet cable to the MicroCell and a wireless router, or directly to the computer for those without a router. Power down everything, then power everything up. Anxiously wait approximately 90 minutes with an increasing amount of bile in the throat. A series of flashing glyphs like something out of StarGate Atlantis indicate progressive success, or lack thereof. GPS lock may take awhile, and AT&T recommends placing the MicroCell within three feet of a window. I got GPS lock pretty quick, but the 3G indicator just kept flashing, then after about 90 minutes I lost GPS. While praying to whatever dark gods that live in the sky to hurl the GPS satellite into my house and end my telecom misery, I suddenly received a text message. Replacing no bars and no network, there is now a signal indicator for the MicroCell that usually displays five bars and means it. The Results After several days of testing, I have yet to drop a call. Call quality ranges from good, a slight echoing the most common issue, to static-free excellence. Most often it’s the latter, and call quality is always better than the overpriced VoIP service from Time Warner Cable. As for data speeds, it’s like being on Verizon’s network, that is very good, but why settle for 3G when you have Wi-Fi at home? There are a few issues with the MicroCell, though. The range is 40 to 60 feet in a straight line, but you better be living in a tent. So far, I’ve found signal quality degrading through multiple walls, especially when calling from the kitchen, the room farthest from the MicroCell. I’m still experimenting, but turning off Wi-Fi on the iPhone seems to increase both range and reception at extended distances for me. Should I pass beyond the range of the MicroCell, calls seamlessly transition to “No Service,” though most others will find themselves on AT&T’s wireless network. Be advised though, that transitioning works only one way. There is one other potential performance issue. Should you be using computers for network intensive applications, like backing up online or torrenting. . . Ubuntu distributions, you may have problems during calls. Others said I was cutting out, though I heard them clearly. The MicroCell requires a minimum bandwidth of 1.5Mbps down and 256Kbps up. I have, in theory, 7Mbps and 512Kbps, respectively, but have been forced to do my perfectly legal bandwidth hogging at night. Still, that’s a minor inconvenience. Overall, I am very pleased with the AT&T 3G MicroCell and give it the highest praise an Apple devotee can: it just works! Sure, there’s a $150 price tag on service AT&T should already provide, but it’s a price that I and many other long-suffering iPhone users will no doubt we willing to pay. Subscribe to GigaOM Pro and gain access to our Webinar, "Biggest Opportunities in the Smart Grid," on Oct. 7, 2009.
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First Looks: Aquarius iJacket for iPod nano 5G & iPhone 3G/3GS
We've reviewed numerous iJacket cases in the past, generally praising them for their low prices, substantial protection, and wide varieties of different art and photo customization options. Now Aquarius has released iJacket for the iPod nano 5G and iPhone 3G/3GS, though without any pricing information. Both come with simple film screen protectors; the nano version has full integrated Click Wheel coverage and cut-outs for the ports, Hold switch,…
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First Looks: Sanrio/Spectra Hello Kitty Wrap for iPhone 3G/3GS
Who knew the Hello Kitty case business could be so competitive? Back in August, we saw hard plastic shells from Power Support, and now Spectra/Jensen has the Hello Kitty Wrap for iPhone 3G/3GS, a different version made from medium-hardness rubber. Interestingly, the Spectra version is even more protective of the iPhone's body than the Power Support one, also includes a screen protector, and sells for far less -- only $10....
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Man threatens to shoot iPhone at Genius bar
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Retail, Odds and endsEven morons buy Apple products. There's a story on ifoAppleStore today about one Mr. Donald Goodrich, who was having trouble with his iPhone. As many customers have done, Mr. Goodrich brought his iPhone to his local Genius Bar in Cincinnati, OH. While talking with an Apple Store employee, he allegedly said, "I'm so mad, I could pop a 9mm at it," meaning the iPhone. According to police, he then said, "I'll do it right now! Look!" and pulled his shirt aside to show the employee the handgun he was carrying. While that employee escorted him to the Genius Bar (clearly not the right place for Mr. Goodrich), another called police who quickly arrived and arrested him. We should note that Mr. Goodrich did have a permit to carry a concealed weapon and was cooperative with his arresting officer. We should also note that flashing it to a young person in a crowded mall while visibly upset and threatening to use it was a very dumb idea. Also, as Brandon points out in the comments below, the mall housing the Apple Store is private property and has posted "no weapons" signs.TUAWMan threatens to shoot iPhone at Genius bar originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Sponsored Topics: iPhone - Apple - Genius Bar - TUAW - Smartphone
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Thanks to TheAppleBlog Sponsors!
We'd like to say thanks to this week's TheAppleBlog sponsors: Fuze Meeting: Subcribe to bigger better amazing-er online meetings Mozy: Simple, Automatic, Secure Online Backup
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Stitcher introduces location-based content to its iPhone app
Posted by Dennis SellersStitcher, a provider of news and talk radio for mobile phone users, released version 2.3 of its iPhone app this week. Highlights of the new version include Premium Shows, alarm-clock capabilities, and location-based content.
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New Mighty Mouse With Multitouch Forthcoming?
Apple has a new Mighty Mouse in the works, according to a filing with the FCC reported by Engadget for the Bluetooth version of the mouse. The Mighty Mouse has been oft maligned, mostly for the small scroll nub, which gets easily infested with dirt, rendering it completely useless. As a former Mighty Mouse user, I agree wholeheartedly with these criticisms; the thing just drove me nuts during the few months that I tried to use it. Rumor has it that Apple will be redesigning the Mighty Mouse. AppleInsider reports that the new Mighty Mouse will incorporate multitouch technology similar to that used in the iPhone and in the touchpads on Apple's modern laptops. This will allow Apple to do away with the infuriating scroll nub. Recent patent filings by Apple are indicative of a touch-sensitive mouse. The new Mighty Mouse is also rumored to have undergone a redesign to reflect Apple's latest aluminum aesthetic. The new Mighty Mouse could arrive with rumored iMac updates, as current supply constraints of both hint at an arrival sometime soon. I would love to see Apple finally produce a mouse that reflects its high standards of design and usability. I've been very happy with the way that Cupertino has incorporated multitouch technology into its laptop touchpads and hope that it applies the same thoughtfulness to mouse design. Frankly, considering the sorry state of the current Mighty Mouse, almost anything would be an improvement. For those who are curious, I moved to the RocketFish Bluetooth mouse and have been very happy with it. Subscribe to GigaOM Pro and gain access to our Webinar, "Biggest Opportunities in the Smart Grid," on Oct. 7, 2009.
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Engadget Finds FCC Filings for New Apple Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse
If I were a betting man, I’d bet on these debuting alongside the all-new Blu-ray-equipped iMacs in a few weeks. â…
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First Looks: Mobile Mechatronics Blur Tripod for iPhone 3G/3GS
Especially when using the iPhone 3G, soft-edged indoor photos are common, due to a relatively low-performance camera sensor, small lens, and flash-unassisted low light conditions. Mobile Mechatronics' new Blur Tripod ($15) for the iPhone 3G and 3GS aims to improve the devices' photo capabilities with one of the classic camera user's tricks, a three-legged stabilizing mount with a ball joint in the center to let you position your iPhone on your choice…
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Report from Europe: Is October the New September?
A common pattern is for markets to track sideways ahead of the US payrolls report. Not so yesterday as stocks skidded (in heavy volume at 1.5B shares at the NYSE) on the latest data disappointment. This time though it was the key ISM survey which slipped from 52.9 in August to 52.6 in September so there was no late in the day (suspicious short covering) reprieve. The fall in the headline index in September bought to an end eight consecutive month on month rises in the ISM. Added to this was the general unease ahead of today's bellwether Non Farm Payrolls (NFP) number after recent hints form the ADP report, Challenger layoff, Monster Online index and ISM employment components that this could come in some way worse of the -175k expectations. And as it turns out those fears were well justified as NFP came in at a dismal -263k (unemployment rate 9.8%, the worst since June '83) with all components weaker than expected, with a worrying fall in the average hourly week worked (indicating that actual hiring is a long way off) and fairly dramatic revisions to the previous benchmark showing an additional 824k job losses to March 2009, ouch. No one will be taking away the punch bowl anytime soon on numbers like these and the song remains the same, lower interest rates for longer. Needless to say stocks have dive bombed again on this news and US 10 year yields are approaching 3%. Factory Orders data also undershoot expectations (-0.8% versus an expected flat read).
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Windows 7 to come in 'Steve Ballmer' edition
In case you were worried there weren't enough versions of Windows 7, there's one more to add to the collection. It's the Steve Ballmer "signature edition." Under the hood it's Windows 7 Ultimate, but on the outside it's got a snazzy look plus the autograph ...
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Apple's tablet UI patent unearthed
The good bloodhounds at AppleInsider discovered a patent application filed for Apple in June 2009, that details a new touch-sensitive, user interface designed for tablets. Signs of Apple’s tablet UI first appeared Apple’s tablet UI in early 2008. The document details a hand-based system that would allow “unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D [...]
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Into Thin Air -- Conquering Mount Everest With a MacBook
How a Mac became a key piece of gear for this seasoned climber and mountain guide. Case Study: Dave HahnOccupation: Pro climber and mountain guideGear: 13-inch Intel Core 2 Duo MacBook with 128GB solid-state hard drive, 4GB RAM, running Final Cut Express, Aperture, Logic Express, Microsoft Office 2008, and iWork '09Hahn has climbed Everest 15 times.When professional mountain guide and expert climber Dave Hahn is packing for an expedition up Mount Everest, he always brings along the essentials: climbing gear that’s in working order, clothes warm enough for the Himalayan clime, and his MacBook equipped with a 128GB solid-state drive (SSD).Unlike standard hard drives--which have moving parts that can break through mishandling or because the air pressure at high altitudes prevents the disc from spinning--SSDs have no moving parts. As such, they aren’t subject to mechanical failures or delays the way standard hard drives are, and they tend to outperform drives with moving parts. Of course, they’re also much more expensive. To add a 128GB SSD to a 15-inch 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro, for example, you’ll pay $200 more--whereas a 500GB standard hard drive costs nothing. Doubling the SSD’s capacity to 256GB racks up an extra $650 over the laptop’s base price.On a recent Eddie Bauer–sponsored expedition up Everest, Hahn encountered plenty of hardships, including long, grueling days getting from point A to a much-higher-up point B, staving off respiratory illnesses, and enduring freezing-cold nights. Nonetheless, Hahn and his expedition team were able to rely on a few constants while scaling the mountain--their MacBooks.As snow falls, Dave Hahn looks out from Everest Basecamp.As a way to showcase a line of its First Ascent pro climbing gear, Eddie Bauer commissioned Hahn and five other world-class climbers to head out with a production crew and ascend the world’s highest mountain. The trip was primarily designed as a climbing expedition, but Hahn says “production was important as far as being able to tell the story.” Having a reliable and creative production team was integral to keeping the Born Out There blog (blog.firstascent.com) updated with detailed dispatches and engaging videos of the team’s daily trials and tribulations. The team included three video producers equipped with a Sony Ex1 and two Sony Ex3s, a still-camera photographer, and one designated blogger--in this case, Hahn, who, in addition to working as a mountain guide, EMT, and ski patroller, is also a writer.Each time Hahn sat down to do a dispatch, he’d pound out a written blog and the production team would also post a series of photos and a couple of minutes of edited video. Though Hahn has climbed Everest 15 times, he says, “This is the most extensive blogging I’ve been involved in--and I’ve tried to do it on a number of trips.” Apparently his extreme blogging aspirations were a few years ahead of available technology.“I started getting MacBooks a couple of years ago with expeditioning in mind. I had PCs and I saw the Macs around me just whirring away.” But rather than outfit a PC laptop with a solid-state drive, Hahn bought a MacBook in 2007--equipped with a standard hard drive. “I was disappointed that my hard drive didn’t work at Everest Basecamp that year, but I was blown away by how much I liked the Mac and how trouble-free everything seemed to be.”The First Ascent guide and production team catch up on their email, blogs, and RSS feeds after a long day.Something about OS X just clicked with Hahn. “I was really pleased with how everything fit so well together and how normal tasks were anticipated, explained, and executed. My first MacBook was still working great and meeting all of my non-Everest needs, so I was just biding my time until the solid-state Mac models came out with big enough memory last fall,” at which point he purchased his current Everest-ready 13-inch unibody MacBook.Hahn wasn’t the only Mac user on the Born Out There Everest trip. The entire production crew came packing SSD-equipped 15-inch unibody MacBook Pros.Gerry Moffatt, Hahn’s production partner, agrees that at such high altitudes, SSDs are the only way to prevent the computers from crashing. With a standard hard drive, Moffatt says, the low air pressure would collapse the drive and stop the disc from spinning. But with the SSD MacBook Pros, the crew had no problems. “At 21,500 feet, they worked great.”Head of production Gerry Moffatt (right) and First Ascent video editor Tom Grimshaw (left) review the day's video footage in a teahouse in Namche Bazaar on the approach to Everest Basecamp. So how did the crew manage to upload their blog posts and stay connected to the Internet from their remote location on Everest? The team used a broadband global area network (BGAN) to access a satellite phone network that provided enough bandwidth to log on and upload their content. But it was still a challenge to power all the gear. A flexible solar panel plugged directly into the various laptops and cameras kept them juiced up.After 70 days and 29,035 feet, the Born Out There crew returned home. Hahn recently embarked on another adventure—an annual summer tour of the Northwestern United States, during which he takes clients on climbs in Washington and Alaska. Though he lives in Taos, New Mexico, Hahn refers affectionately to Mt. Rainier, which he’s climbed more than 200 times, as his “office.” Sure, a laptop can’t help you when you’re cold, hungry, thirsty, and clinging to an ice-covered trail on your way to Rainier’s summit. But Hahn’s life as a professional climber, guide, and writer wouldn’t be nearly as trouble-free without his MacBook. For more about Dave Hahn, see www.mountainguides.com/hahn.shtml.
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Here it comes to save the day: New Mighty Mouse
Filed under: Hardware, Rumors"Twenty five years after introducing the world to mouse-based computing, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs is now hoping to deliver significant advances to the input device by applying the company's extensive research and development in multitouch technologies," AppleInsider reports. In other words, "new mouse." I own the often maligned Mighty Mouse, both wired and wireless. We have an on-again, off-again relationship. On one side, I like the feel of the thing. The extra weight added by the Bluetooth model's batteries is especially nice, as is the smooth surface. It travels well in my bag, absorbing bumps and jolts without complaint. The little trackball nubbin is another issue. It requires more cleaning than I'd like to perform, and makes me wish for an old ADB mouse. Popping the ball out and cleaning the rollers was a quick and simple job. I've used the Mighty Mouse paper trick -- rub the ball on a sheet of paper or a few seconds -- with mixed results. AppleInsider reports that the current model is back ordered across retailers, and that its replacement won't be white plastic, will ditch the trackball and feature "...expanded touch sensitive housing and 'multipoint touch detection mechanism' technologies." The new mouse could ship with the rumored iMac update. [Via MacDailyNews]TUAWHere it comes to save the day: New Mighty Mouse originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Sponsored Topics: Apple - Steve Jobs - Bluetooth - TUAW - AppleInsider
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iPhone Remote Control Apps: Reach Out and Touch Your Mac
Isn't it the dream of every slacker to sit in bed, or at the beach, and make it appear like you are putting a full day at the office? Well, there's an app for that. Enter the variety of remote control apps for the iPhone, which let you operate your desktop Mac from your iPhone as if you were sitting in front of it. Some of these apps use the common VNC protocol to allow remote control, and others use their own proprietary methods. All of them will let you control your Mac (or a PC) from your iPhone. Jaadu ($24.99) Jaadu is the most polished and powerful of all the iPhone remote control clients. It offers SSH encrypted VNC, which is a key feature if you connect to your Mac via public Wi-Fi networks, although the SSH encryption in Jaadu doesn't operate with Snow Leopard Macs (Jugari promises a fix soon). The actual remote control is quite intuitive. By default, control is a combination of moving the mouse pointer and sliding the desktop behind it. You pinch with two fingers to zoom in and out of the remote screen, and the iPhone's soft keyboard can be used for typing. Jaadu provides a pop-up box for using modifier keys, as well as keys that don’t exist on the iPhone keyboard. It works well for limited typing, but you would not want to write an essay this way. Jaadu includes nice extras such as clipboard transfer and support for a wide variety of VNC servers, including the built-in Mac OS screensharing.  Unfortunately, you do need to modify and configure your firewall to allow SSH, but Jaadu does have software that will attempt to automatically configure it for you. LogMeIn Ignition ($29.99) LogMeIn's primary feature is that it requires zero configuration of the computer being controlled, and it works securely and automatically across all kinds of networks (other remote control clients usually require manual router configuration). The software works with LogMeIn's suite of Mac and Windows remote control products, and is a polished and powerful piece of commercial software. After installation, you are presented with a list of computers to which you have access, and that's all you need to configure it. The actual remote control isn't as smooth or intuitive as Jaadu. Your two basic modes are either the background moves or the mouse moves. Similar to Jaadu, LogMeIn has a pop-up keyboard and modifier keys.  Personally, I use this program as my preferred method of remote control because I can easily control a fleet of Macs and PCs. iSSH ($4.99) iSSH, like Jaadu, offers integrated encryption of VNC sessions; however, the remote control functionality seems to be thrown in as an afterthought in what is actually a very powerful system administrators' tool, offering all kinds of remote access including SSH, X11 and telnet. Similar to other remote control clients, you move the mouse by sliding your finger across the phone's screen. A very nice feature iSSH offers is a “transparent” view of the keyboard, so you can type while still seeing as much of the remote screen as possible. Actual performance seemed a bit slower than LogMeIn or Jaadu, and the app appears less stable, occasionally crashing. The crashing aside, it's overall an excellent value. MochaVNC ($5.99) and MochaVNC Lite (Free) The Lite version of Mocha is absolutely worthless; it works OK as a viewer, but you can't do any normal typing, as the developers do not support the Mac's modifier keys, such as “command,” unless you buy the full version. Neither version offers integrated encryption, and the performance was slow and unreliable. At a dollar more than the more polished and feature-rich iSSH, MochaVNC is not a good value. RemoteTap ($4.99) RemoteTap is a “VNC-like” application, although it doesn't actually use a standard VNC server. Instead, you download the free RemoteTap preference pane on the computer you want to control. This preference pane is much more powerful than normal VNC servers, offering support for advanced features like command macros, multi-touch gestures, and direct access to Spaces, Front Row, and application launching. RemoteTap's remote control works very well, with a unique “magnifying glass” interface that expands the area of the remote Mac screen without the need for a lot of manual zooming in and out. Overall, RemoteTap is very polished and feature rich, but it is missing support for standard VNC or encryption, so it is not a good choice for those with a mix of Mac and PCs or who need to connect over the Internet. RDM+ Remote Desktop ($9.99) RDM+ Remote Desktop works in a similar manner to LogMeIn, utilizing a central server to enable remote control of Mac and PC desktops from an iPhone without requiring manual configuration of routers or firewalls. You install a small piece of software on the Mac or PC you want to control, and then purchase and install the app on your iPhone. RDM+ Remote Desktop provides the usual basic remote control features; you can pan, zoom, click and drag on the remote computer as well as type text. However, the controls on the iPhone felt awkward and were not as intuitive to use as many of the other remote control apps. All of these apps have their plusses and minuses. The best value for the money is probably iSSH. The most polished commercial-grade software is LogMeIn. Jaadu is simply the most powerful pure VNC client, and RemoteTap offers some unique Mac-only functionality for LAN use in a home or office. MochaLite works well as a free viewer if you just need very basic functionality.  Which ever way you go, these apps will let you access the desktop of your Mac from anywhere, so go ahead and stay in bed and convince your boss you are sitting at the office. Subscribe to GigaOM Pro and gain access to our Webinar, "Biggest Opportunities in the Smart Grid," on Oct. 7, 2009.
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Make the Green Maximize Button Actually Maximize
I just switched from PC to Mac, but the green Maximize button at the top of each window isn't maximizing my windows.We’ve never gotten much satisfaction from the unpredictable behavior of that green button, known as the Zoom button. Instead of truly maximizing your windows, the Zoom button is supposed to toggle your window between two sizes: the current size and a size that shows you as much content as possible. But anybody who’s ever used that button knows that it almost never works as advertised, and it acts completely differently in different apps.Right Zoom fixes the behavior of the green Zoom button so that it always maximizes your windows to the full size of your screen.We wish Apple would just concede that Windows handles this better than Mac OS X, and finally copy Microsoft for a change.Until that day arrives, thank goodness that the folks at Blazing Tools share our frustration. Their utility Right Zoom (free, www.blazingtools.com/downloads.html) turns your green button into a bonafide Maximize button once and for all. Right Zoom lets you create a keyboard shortcut to instantly maximize a window as well.
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Tech Stocks: Tech stocks stay weak; Apple gains on upgrade
Technology stocks slip following a bruising sell-off in the previous session as the broad market is pressured by weaker labor data and another slowdown in chip sales.
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Resellers report shortages on several Mac models
Delays reported by resellers could point to updated Macs before the holidays, according to an AppleInsider story.
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Glass House releases Bugsy for the iPhone, iPod touch
Posted by Dennis Sellers
Glass House has released Bugsy for the iPhone and iPod touch. The puzzle game is available for US$0.99 at the Apple App Store.
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News: Eminem publisher, Apple reach settlement
A lawsuit between Apple and Eight Mile Style LLC and Martin Affiliated LLC, music publisher and copyright manager for rap artist Eminem, has been settled after just five days of trials, the Associated Press reports. The suit, filed in July 2007 in U.S. District Court in Detroit, claimed Apple violated copyrights by allowing unauthorized sales of Eminem's music. Although Aftermath Records has rights to the recordings, Eight Mile Style claimed…
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Dungeon Hunter: Gameloft Continues Its “Homage” Hit Parade
I'm going to get this out of the way right now: Dungeon Hunter is Gameloft's version of Diablo for the iPhone. No need to insult anyone's intelligence by dancing around it. Now, does that mean I enjoy playing it any less? It does not. In fact, Gameloft was very wise in porting this game to the iPhone platform. As far as traditional-style games on Apple portables go, control issues can tend to muddy an otherwise well-developed user experience. Innovative platform-targeted titles like Rolando escape these nagging issues, but a straight-up hack-and-slash RPG is a different fish. Graphics and Audio The look and sound of this game are exactly what you would expect if you've played previous Gameloft offerings like Hero of Sparta or Assassin's Creed. You view things from a third-person, three-quarters perspective, which is right in line with the Diablo games it so liberally borrows from. Your character's look changes depending upon what class you choose, and what items you have equipped. It doesn't display quite the level of detail and variety that you get from Diablo 2, but it does do a fair job of keeping things interesting for those easily bored by their character's avatar. Monsters and NPCs on the other hand get recycled quite a bit, but let's be honest, all we're looking for here is a point-and-click experience fest, and for those purposes, the baddies serve well enough. In terms of sound, Dungeon Hunter doesn't offend, but the score also won't be claiming any awards any time soon. If you tire of vaguely ominous orchestral music, however, there is the nice feature of a built-in music player complete with unfettered access to your iPhone's music library in the upper right-hand corner of the screen, tucked away nicely where it doesn't get in the way of anything. Classes, Attributes and Skills You can choose from three different classes in Dungeon Hunter. There's the basic Warrior, the more lightly clad Rogue, and finally the Mage, who is obviously the chief magic user in the bunch. I like the simplicity of class choice, since you don't get all muddled up trying to choose between shades of difference, like those that exist between a Warrior and a Barbarian. I chose a Warrior as my first character, as I always do, because magic is girly and lame. Speaking of girly, ladies are out of luck with avatar choices, since there aren't any heroes of the female persuasion to choose from. That might be story-driven, since you take on the role of the recently deceased king of the land, but I suspect it has more to do with making game design and coding easier. Each class will assign your attribute points according to their strengths. You can later assign two points per level as you progress in the game towards the attribute of your choosing. I've been throwing mine around with abandon, and so far it hasn't negatively affected gameplay. Skills are class-specific, and include both active attacks and spells and passive buffs. There is not very much variety here, but each skill has a number of levels so you won't soon run out of places to put the points you acquire when you level up. In addition to these, you get a Fairy spell that changes depending on which Fairy you currently have equipped. You find these creatures throughout the game. Gameplay In Dungeon Hunter, the controls shine, so long as you have click-where-you-want-to-go mode enabled, which is off by default. You can use the virtual stick if you want, as has been the standard for Gameloft's other action-adventure titles, but tapping where you want to move just feels natural in a Diablo-esque title, and it works well on the iPhone. Spellcasting isn't as smooth. You have to flick through your available skills to change which you want to use, so I just basically stick with one and put all my skill points into it. As in Diablo, you travel from town to town and to various dungeons in between, following your central quest arc. You can also pick up a number of side quests along the way, many of which yield items, experience, or both. I wouldn't call any of the side quests complex or overly detailed, but they also don't feel tedious, so it works well. Once you've cleared an area, you can either just quit to the map or fight your way back to the entrance to exit. You can also return any time you like to pick up items and defeat more enemies, which respawn. Helps with the occasional grinding that's required to beat a boss. Verdict I paid $7 for this game, and I would gladly do so again. It may only provide a fraction of the addictive, life-ruining enjoyment that I derive from the Diablo series, but it provides it anywhere, any time via my iPhone, and it does this all with sound design and a certain amount of style to boot. Subscribe to GigaOM Pro and gain access to our Webinar, "Biggest Opportunities in the Smart Grid," on Oct. 7, 2009.
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News: iPodweek coming soon, still time to sign up
iPodweek, iLounge's weekly newsletter recapping the last seven days in iPod, iPhone, iTunes and Apple TV news, articles, reviews, and more, will be sent out later today. In addition to rounding up the week's top stories, iPodweek also features giveaways and accessory discount offers from various companies. If you haven't yet signed up to receive iPodweek, there's still time to register and receive this week's edition…
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Atlona ships AT-DP200 DVI to Mini DisplayPort adapter
Folks who just so happen to own a Mini DisplayPort-equipped monitor (you know, like Apple's 24-inch LED Cinema Display) have been longing for this adapter for what feels like forever, and while Atlona assured us it was coming way back in July, it has taken until now for the all-important ship date to arrive. The AT-DP200 is capable of maintaining resolution and HDCP compatibility, but considering the $179 price tag, we might suggest picking up a new graphics card instead. Your call, buster.Continue reading Atlona ships AT-DP200 DVI to Mini DisplayPort adapterFiled under: PeripheralsAtlona ships AT-DP200 DVI to Mini DisplayPort adapter originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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baKno releases Island Racer for the Mac
Posted by Dennis SellersbaKno, a game development studio, has released Island Racer, a casual racing game for Mac and Windows systems. It can be played solo, against the computer, or online against another player. The design features randomly generated landscapes and tracks for on-road and off-road racing.
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News: Sumajin launches Ink case for iPod nano 5G
Sumajin has introduced its new Ink case for the fifth-generation iPod nano. Made from 1.5mm-thick high quality silicone, the Ink case features an integrated, flip-down Dock Connector cover, open access to all other ports, controls, and the camera, an anti-dust coating, a boundary wall around the camera and microphone area to reduce the chance of accidentally covering it with a finger, a hole for connecting a lanyard, and grooves on the back for improved…
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Intego announces one-time only Mac security bundle
Posted by Dennis SellersIntego, the Macintosh security specialist, has teamed up with other Mac security software partners for the Mac Security Bundle.
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Latest Kanex Mini DisplayPort adapter supports Full HD 1080P, digital audio
Posted by Dennis SellersApogee, manufacturer of AV and computer related products, has released the Kanex Mini DisplayPort with Digital Audio to HDMI adapter for the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac Mini, and iMac. This new adapter (US$59.99) is the latest addition to the current line of Kanex Mini DisplayPort adapters.
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Guest post: Setting up an AT&T MicroCell with Murphy Mac
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Hardware, iPhoneEditor's Note: We welcome guest poster Murphy Mac, a long-time friend of the site who shared with us his experience of setting up one of the new femtocell AT&T repeaters that promise to improve reception for well-heeled iPhone users... or will they? Good times for Charlotte, North Carolina: First AT&T makes Charlotte one of six cities getting a 3G speed boost by the end of 2009. On the heels of that news comes the MicroCell, a device that facilitates AT&T 3G calls where coverage is weak or nonexistent. How? The MicroCell acts like a miniature cell tower in your home or office. Your 3G phone connects to the MicroCell just like it's any other tower. Voice and messaging traffic is then relayed across your broadband Internet connection. Charlotte is the sole initial test market for AT&T's version of the device, though other carriers are distributing their femtocells more widely. Here's the full breakdown on pricing: Purchase Price: $150 Monthly Charge: None Optional Unlimited Voice Minutes Plan while using MicroCell: AT&T Customer with both AT&T landline and DSL: Free Customers with AT&T Landline or DSL: $10 per month All others: $20 per month I installed a MicroCell for a friend the other day, and after one small hiccup it's running. But is it everything I hoped it would be? Setup for the MicroCell is straightforward. Most users will probably connect it via Ethernet to their router, which is exactly what we did. Optionally, the device can be placed between the router and the modem, giving MicroCell traffic priority handling over other Internet connectivity. If you don't have a router, the MicroCell can be plugged directly into your broadband modem and your computer can be connected to the MicroCell. Gallery: AT&T MicroCellContinue reading Guest post: Setting up an AT&T MicroCell with Murphy MacTUAWGuest post: Setting up an AT&T MicroCell with Murphy Mac originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Sponsored Topics: IPhone - Apple - AT&T - TUAW - Charlotte North Carolina
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Keynote Pro releases Warp Series: Elevation for Keynote '09
Posted by Dennis SellersKeynote Pro has released Warp Series: Elevation, a theme for Keynote, the presentation component of iWork '00, Apple's US$79 software suite. It features a range of slide-spanning, staccato layouts against a “subtly detailed, understated backgrounds, brought together into a design that constantly shifts the balance of foreground and background to create...
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Rumor Has It: Two-Hand Multitouch Destined for Apple Tablet?
As if the raging fire that is the Apple tablet rumor mill needed any more fuel, AppleInsider recently dug up a patent application from Cupertino for two-handed multitouch interactivity for its devices. The system would be able to distinguish between palms and fingers for full touch typing, gestures and more. The input system appears to be a Minority Report-style do-everything keyboard and mouse replacement wonder device, but it could easily be applied to a large, tablet device with a screen big enough for two hands to fit comfortably upon. It also makes sense for a tablet because the iPhone's current multitouch system is specifically tailored to its small size, and probably wouldn't translate that well to a 10.7-inch device, which is what the latest rumors put the size of the Apple tablet at. In the patent, a system is described that could potentially enable a user to type, write, draw and manipulate 3D objects and other digital media. It is so advanced that it could also detect when you've removed an individual digit or hand from the surface, when you're just resting your hands on it, and ignore idle gestures like drumming on the surface with multiple fingers. Many activities are performed with some combination of multiple fingers, and these are termed “chords,” borrowed from guitar speak, in the patent application. Apparently the system is also capable of recognizing handwriting (just shape your hand like you're gripping an invisible pencil, perhaps?), which would address the needs of professional artists wanting to use an Apple tablet to ply their trade. It also provides for the two-handed manipulation of two-dimensional electronic documents, so you could rotate pages, scale photos, etc., using both hands instead of just pinch gestures, which would feel awkward on a larger surface. While only just unearthed, the patent was filed in June 2009, so it stands to reason that the concepts contained within could already have been applied to pre-production versions of an upcoming tablet. The thing is, unless Apple was purposely trying to obfuscate tablet applications for the tech, it doesn't look to me like it was planned for that use at all, at least when the idea was initially conceived. Instead, it really seems like this was meant for a peripheral device, some all-in-one replacement for the keyboard and mouse that would completely revolutionize the entire computing industry, not just the tablet. Sort of like what the recent Bamboo Touch series of devices promises, but with much more complexity and in a more usable form. Either way, it remains tantalizingly speculative for now. Subscribe to GigaOM Pro and gain access to our Webinar, "Biggest Opportunities in the Smart Grid," on Oct. 7, 2009.
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Analyst: iPhone market share could double without AT&T exclusivity
Posted by Dennis SellersWhen Apple starts selling the iPhone at more carriers per country, its market share could more than double, Morgan Stanley's Kathryn Huberty predicts in a note to clients (as reported by Silicon Valley Insider).
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UBS upgrades Apple from 'Neutral' to 'Buy'
Posted by Dennis SellersUBS is upgrading Apple from “Neutral” to “Buy” and raising its target price from US$170 to $265, reports iStockAnalyst.
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News: EA releases FIFA 10 for iPhone, iPod touch
Electronic Arts has released FIFA 10, its latest game for the iPhone and iPod touch. The first release of the well-regarded soccer series to be released for the platform, FIFA 10 includes over 30 different leagues, 570 teams, and 12,620 players, and 20 licensed tournaments and cup competitions. Other features include six different camera angles, on-screen controls with accelerometer-based tempo control, local Wi-Fi multiplayer, a “Be a Pro”…
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Refresh a Finder window to force it to update
For a year or more, I've been having trouble with application icons frequently not copying when I copy a file from one folder to another in the Finder. I would get a generic icon on the copied file, and have to copy and paste the icon from the original to the copy. The problem persisted after I upgraded to Snow Leopard. I concluded that it was an incurable Finder bug -- no amount of system maintenance would fix it.Then I found a little free app, Refresh Finder, that solved the problem (there are a few other apps that do the same thing). Rather than restarting the Finder, these apps just refresh the window, and the icons appear as they should on recently-copied files.As it happens, this window refresh issue has been around for a long time; other manifestations include files moved or copied or downloaded to a folder not showing up. I guess I was just being dense, but I didn't connect the two (mis)behaviors. But they are,...
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Index only certain directories in Spotlight
Since (apparently) later versions of 10.5, Spotlight has a file called VolumeConfig.plist which you can edit to index only certain directories. For example, I wanted to index only my Mail folder and my Documents folder because those don't usually have radical changes, and they're the only places I ever need search (especially Mail). To accomplish this, I first disabled Spotlight indexing on my hard disk: sudo mdutil -i off / Then, with root permissions, I opened /.Spotlight-V100/Store-V1/VolumeConfig.plist and edited it. I changed partialPath to Users/myusername/Library/Mail (note the lack of a leading slash), and policySearch to 3. You can also copy the whole block describing the index (it has a long UUID string for its key, and then the dictionary that goes with it describes partialPath and policySearch), and change the UUID (use uuidgen in Terminal) to add additional path...
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Use iTunes Home Sharing to help merge music collections
I happen to have come into possession of a lot of extra music. Adding it all to iTunes would have mucked up my library with music I don't want, as well as adding many duplicates. So I created a temp user account (or use another computer on the network) and imported the music into a new iTunes library. I set up Home Sharing for that library. Keeping that account open, the share shows up in iTunes on my regular account. From there, I can browse the music as if it's in my library, exclude all the duplicates, and import the music I want with one click. When finished exploring, delete the entire temp library. You could also use Genius on the temp library to generate playlists you're more likely to enjoy, and only go through those playlists.
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10.6: Sign and encrypt emails in Mail via thawte
With the release of Snow Leopard, GPGMail is no longer functional. GPGMail has been a commonly-used application for encrypting and signing emails. After some research, I found the developer of the application has stated he will not be releasing an update to make the application compatible with Mail.app in Snow Leopard. This is because the application was using an undocumented/unsupported feature in Mail.app, and Apple has discontinued the protocols that where being used by GPGMail. This left me to look into new methods of signing and securing emails with out spending money on a commercial application like PGP. The following provides directions for using thawte to achieve email encryption and signing. By default, thawte stores your private keys on their system, which...
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10.6: Get an HP print server working with Snow Leopard
Snow Leopard doesn't support AppleTalk, but has IP print protocols built-in. So an HP print server (or a networkable printer) should work, right? Tunrs out it's not as easy as it sounds -- not because of Snow Leopard, but because of a few vital details which HP's help desk and tech forums don't mention. The following relates to an HP JetDirect EX Plus print server (J2591A), but can be adapted for most hardware. First, do a Cold Reset of the print server. This step should never be omitted, as it resets to factory defaults and makes the server reachable on a network to change its details (more on that later). Doing a Cold Reset on most HP products is not as simple as turning the power off then on again. For the JetDirect, remove all cables (including power). Then plug power in while holding the Test button down for 10 seconds, then unplug power holding the Test ...
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Mute system volume based on scheduled events
There are many events that I attend that require a laptop for notes (classes, meetings, lectures, etc.), but I do not always remember to mute system volume. It's certainly rude, but at worst embarrassing, if the computer starts making interrupting sounds during a presentation. So, I have iCal do the remembering for me:Open Script Editor and type in this single line: set volume 0.Save the script somewhere.Open iCal, select the desired "mute" event (or create a new one), and create a new alarm set to run the script you just saved.Even with iCal closed, the reminder will execute the script before the event. I use this for all my work meetings, classes, and lectures where I use my laptop. I set the alarm for 15 minutes before the event, so even if I'm late, the second I open my laptop, the volume is muted. [robg adds: An alternative version, gleaned from t...
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'The Tech Night Owl' looks at iTunes 9, hard drive problems, more
Posted by Dennis SellersOn the new Tech Night Owl broadcast, Gene “Mac Night Owl” Gene Steinberg and guests look at iTunes 9
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Cramer's Mad Money - The Next Fleet Bank (10/1/09)
Stocks discussed on the in-depth session of Jim Cramer's Mad Money TV Program, Thursday October 1.The Next Fleet Bank: First Niagara (FNFG) CEO John Koelmel
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AdMob: iPhones, Android phones on the rise
Use of the smartphones continues to grow around the world at the expense of devices using Symbian and Windows Mobile, according to the ad-serving company.
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Playfirst announces Avenue Flo game for the Mac, PC
Posted by Dennis SellersPlayFirst has unveiled details for the launch of Avenue Flo, the first ever adventure game starring Flo, the star from the Diner Dash series. It will be available on Oct. 13 for Macs and PCs at the PlayFirst web site, and Nov. 13 at other portals. Pricing hasn't been announced.
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News: Noreve rolls out Tradition leather case for iPod nano 5G
Noreve has introduced its new Tradition leather case for the fifth-generation iPod nano. Made from hand crafted leather, the Tradition is a vertical flip-style case, offering full access to all ports, controls, and the camera, a magnetic closure, a removable belt clip, and embossed interior lining. Noreve's Tradition leather case for the fifth-generation iPod nano is available in a wide variety of differently-colored leathers and sells for €36…
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Apple plans Mighty Mouse makeover
Prince McLean and Kasper Jade Twenty five years after introducing the world to mouse-based computing, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs is now hoping to deliver significant advances to the input device by applying the company’s extensive research and development in multitouch technologies, AppleInsider has learned. Apple plans Mighty Mouse makeover . Apple’s latest twist on the venerable mouse could arrive [...]
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New, Star Trek-ish Apple multitouch patent surfaces
Filed under: Accessories, Peripherals, Rumors, Odds and endsDetails of a recent Apple patent have just emerged, and they describe a potential new multitouch input method that sounds like it came right off the Starship Enterprise. The patent describes a large multitouch-enabled surface that will allow differentiation of input between all ten fingers at once, plus palms and wrists. In essence, once implemented this would enable a multitouch surface to act like one big keyboard and mouse combo - think the iPhone's keyboard (on steroids) combined with a Wacom tablet, and that's just the start of the possibilities such a device allows. Naturally this patent application has people buzzing about the long-rumored tablet, but properly realized this device could easily be applied to any Mac as a one-stop replacement for the keyboard, mouse, and any other number of input devices. That said, this may just turn out to be one of Apple's many phantom patents - the company often patents concepts without ever bringing them to fruition. Still, the thought of one day being able to tap away on a glass surface that you can manipulate into any configuration you want? Make it so, Apple. [via Engadget]TUAWNew, Star Trek-ish Apple multitouch patent surfaces originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Sponsored Topics: iPhone - Apple - Unofficial Apple Weblog - TUAW - Starship Enterprise
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Info needed on insurance software for the Mac
Posted by Dennis SellersOur next Macsimum Migration Kit will look at automated clearing house (ACH) for the Mac. If you use or know of such goodies, drop us a line (dsellers@macsimumnews.com) by Wednesday, Sept. 30.
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Cowon teases iAudio 9 portable media player, waits for a reaction
It seems that the above pictured splash page has since been removed from Cowon's website, but given the outfit's long, long history of teasing products before they're actually introduced, we'll give 'em the benefit of the doubt here. Reportedly, the decidedly ho hum looking media player will ship with a 2-inch LCD, built-in FM tuner, a microphone, TV output, internal speaker and support for plenty of formats. As of now, storage capacities and pricing remains a mystery, but we're certain Cowon will be clearing that up in short order. Ahem.[Via AnythingButiPod]Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable VideoCowon teases iAudio 9 portable media player, waits for a reaction originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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TUAW Tips: Get a better view with Quick Look
Filed under: Hacks, Odds and ends, TUAW TipsQuick Look is such an awesome feature of Mac OS X 10.5 and 10.6, making it really fun and easy to view files and folders from anywhere on your Mac. But what happens when you have a folder with multiple items and want to get a better idea of what's inside? Well, you could always just open the folder in Finder, but there's a cool modification you can make to get an even quicker view. You can get this working on your Mac in a few simple steps: Quit/Relaunch Finder using the Force Quit menu Open Terminal Paste (or type) the following command: defaults write com.apple.Finder QLEnableXRayFolders 1 Relaunch Finder The contents of the folder will now be shown when you use Quick Look. In true Apple elegance, the files will even fade and cycle through the contents. [via Mac OS X Hints]TUAWTUAW Tips: Get a better view with Quick Look originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Sponsored Topics: Mac OS X - Apple - TUAW - Finder - Quick Look
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Macsimum Migration Kit: automated clearing house products for the Mac
Posted by Dennis Sellers For those new to the column, Macsimum Migration is our term for companies moving from Wintel machines to Macs—or at least adding or increasing the number of Macs they use. A Macsimum Migration Kit is an overview of Mac OS products for a particular occupation, such as dentistry, accounting, etc.) This...
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Review: This iPod is still a true classic
Posted by Dennis SellersThe iPod nano may be cuter and the iPod touch cooler, but when it comes to bang for the buck, the iPod classic is a great bargain. Once available in myriad models, now it's only offered in one version: a 160GB baby for US$249. It can hold up to 40,000 songs....
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Are traditional publishers worried about the rumored iPad/iTablet?
Posted by Dennis SellersTraditional publishers are concerned that Apple's anticipated tablet computer could affect their business the way the iPod disempowered music publishers, so they're discussing possible strategies, including an industry-wide digital storefront where tablet users could buy digital issues or subscriptions without going through iTunes or the Apple App Store, according to Advertising...
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Could an iTablet Rewrite the Book on Publishing?
The latest Apple tablet rumor isn't about the hardware specifications of the so-called iTablet; it's about the notion that Apple has been having secret talks with newspaper and textbook publishers. The talk has sparked a new question: Might an Apple iTablet change publishing forever? Yes. Yes, it will. That's the short answer. But there's more to it, of course. Apple has been in talks with publishers to negotiate content for a "new device," according to anonymous sources cited by gadget blog Gizmodo.
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Crowdsourcing coming to iPhone apps, big time
The number of applications that depend on information submitted by users is growing every day, and changing the iPhone platform in the process.
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Revving up with the Zipcar iPhone app
Using the new app to find and book the car-sharing service's vehicles on the go is really convenient, but at least at this point, its unlock-by-iPhone feature is more of a gimmick.
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Is the iPhone hurting AT&T's brand?
AT&T's exclusive deal to carry the iPhone has been a double-edge sword. While the iPhone brought it millions of new customers, half say they'd defect to another carrier.
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I-Play launches Hip Hop AllStar app for the iPhone, iPod touch
Posted by Dennis SellersI-play, Oberon Media's publishing division and the world's leading multi-platform casual games publisher, has launched Hip Hop All Star iPhone and iPod touch. It's available in the Apple App Store for US$2.99.
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Mac OS Ken: 10.02.2009
Oppenheimer and BofA Analysts Raise Apple Price Targets / Latest Net Applications Numbers Show Internet Growth for Mac and iPhone / IE Falls Below Two/Thirds Market Share in Latest Net Applications Numbers / Net Applications says One/Sixth of Mac Now Running Snow Leopard / iSuppli Study Puts Windows Mobile Number 2 in Smartphones in 2013 / Apple Moves Up in Greenpeace Rankings (Without Its Recent Environmental Push) / Apple Insider Notes 2 to 3 Week Wait for Mac mini (Curiouser and Curiouser) / Recent Apple Patent Points to Possible Control Scheme for MacTabletNetbookThingy / O2 Reportedly Out of iPhone 3GSs (Again) / Silicon Alley Insider Says 100 Dollar Price Drop Hasnât Done Much for Apple TV
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iAlcohol released for the iPhone, iPod touch
Posted by Dennis SellersMacSoftex has released iAlcohol for the iPhone and iPod touch. It's available for US$1.99 at the Apple App Store. .
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Will Apple Drop Google Search?
Steve Jobs loves small innovative companies. That's why he bought P.A. Semi to produce low power chips and it's why he bought Placebase to replace Google Maps. Both of these young companies do things a little bit differently and fit the Apple (AAPL) mold. One company who doesn't fit the Apple mold appears to be Google (GOOG); Steve Jobs continues to distance himself from Google after Eric Schmidt left the board, Google voice was rejected for the app store, and now this maps replacement. Could Google search be the next shoe to drop from Apple's offerings on the Mac and iPhone? You don't want to get on Steve's bad side and it looks like that is exactly what Eric Schmidt has done. He should have known better. While on Apple's board of directors he took advantage of a non-competitive and synergistic relationship with one of his top customers. Steve will never forget it. Google's release of the Chrome web browser to compete with Apple's Safari and their release of the Android mobile phone platform to compete with the iPhone was certainly not what Jobs had in mind when Schmidt originally came on board on August 29, 2006. Unfortunately for Google, we're finding out that Google needs Apple a lot more than Apple needs Google.
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DayliteABMenu ready for Snow Leopard
Posted by Dennis SellersJNSoftware has updated DayliteABMenu, their productivity tool for Mac OS X, to version 1.5.8. The upgrade adds support for Mac OS X 10.6 (“Snow Leopard”), as well as implementing minor code and interface updates.
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MacPractice releases iPhone Interface 2.0
Posted by Dennis SellersMacPractice—the developer of MacPractice MD, MacPractice DDS, MacPractice DC, and MacPractice 20/20—has released MacPractice iPhone Interface 2.0 with remote charge and planned treatment posting, staff and doctor reminders, practice management reports and access to referring doctors.