Big iPhone headache: Waiting for AT&T activation

Misery loves company. The article is well written. -TG

Big iPhone headache: Waiting for AT&T activation: "Blog: Buying an iPhone was the easy part. After nine hours, AT&T has yet to activate my iPhone, and it can't be used even for playing music or movies until that happens."

(Via CNET News.com.)

Technorati Tags:
Apple, iPhone

Big iPhone headache: Waiting for AT&T activation

Misery loves company [just not AT&T!] -TG

Big iPhone headache: Waiting for AT&T activation: "Blog: Buying an iPhone was the easy part. After nine hours, AT&T has yet to activate my iPhone, and it can't be used even for playing music or movies until that happens."

(Via CNET News.com.)

Apple Guerillas!!!

Apple Guerillas!!!: "iphones can be unlocked ...they already are!

(Via diggdot.us.)

Technorati Tags:
Apple, iPhone

MacPractice develops iPhone apps for Physicians, more

MacPractice develops iPhone apps for Physicians, more: "MacPractice, developer of MacPractice MD for physicians, MacPractice DDS for dentists, MacPractice DC for chiropractors, and MacPractice 20/20 for optometrists, today announced that it is developing applications to integrate with MacPractice software for the iPhone for doctors and patients..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Technorati Tags:
Apple, iPhone

iPhone Update

Just received a notice that AT&T is processing my order. Finally, a little progress! This is fascinating as the sales guys at the local AT&T store from which I purchased my phone were told by their corporate managers that this was an Apple problem. Fifteen minutes on hold with Apple iPhone support and I'm told the issue is with ATT&T. "We handle everything in iTunes right up until the Activation, which is done by AT&T," said the Apple representative, and I think my latest email confirms that. He continued, "Just hang on. It will go through." So here I am, "hanging on".

Technorati Tags:
Apple, iPhone

"The New AT&T" Not Quite Ready

And that, folks, is exactly what happened to me. After a few hours in line and some major revelations re: Apple 'halo' effect which I'll share later, I got my hands on that gorgeous iPhone. It stayed shrink-wrapped in the box for another 3 1/2 hours while I and my children enjoyed the Greenville Little Theater's production of "Hello, Dolly!" What discipline I have. As soon as we got home all the kids wanted to witness the unveiling and marvel at the revolution the iPhone represents and I was only too happy to oblige.

We unpackaged the phone to my daughter's comment that "Apple sure makes pretty boxes". All of us let out a little gasp when we actually saw the thing - it's absolutely beautiful and more svelte than the videos make it seem. I plugged in the included USB cable and was immediately advised to download the latest version of iTunes. A little annoying, but necessary. No worries, I have a 6MB connection so in two minutes I was ready to go. The phone was immediately recognized and I was presented with exactly the screens I should see. "Let's activate the phone." Yes! "New AT&T customer?" Bummer, but Yes. "Porting a number" Hmmm. No. (And this turns out to be a VERY good decision.) "Pre-credit check?" Yes. Annoying, but yes. "Please wait while we activate your phone. This may take up to three minutes." Fine. I've waited 6 months, three minutes is no problem! "Your activation is going to take a little more time. You'll receive an email as soon as the activation is completed" What? Is this just me? Well, surely this will all be over in a few minutes. One hour later and no joy. Check the forums. Whoa! This definitely isn't an isolated case and it's definitely going to be a while. Bummer. Guess this is once again life on the bleeding edge.

OK. So I'll just play around with the iPod and web features. Uh, sorry. Nope. Not going to happen. Until the activation is complete the phone is a 911 emergency call only device. Who knew? Oh, well. Life on the bleeding edge again but those paper cuts surely do hurt. The greatest frustration? All those brand new Apple customers who may not figure out this is an AT&T problem. And there are a LOT of those customers. Believe me. The conversations in that wait line were fascinating.

So, at 21:38 EDT I have a gorgeous 8GB iPhone that will power up and let me make an emergency call, but that's about it. Still, it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside 'cause I know that when it DOES finally activate, it'll be wonderful!

Tim

Technorati Tags:
Apple, iPhone

Karelia announces Amaphone for iPhone

Karelia announces Amaphone for iPhone: "Karelia Software today announced the release of the beta version of Amaphone, its utility to easily browse and shop Amazon.com on an iPhone..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Technorati Tags:
Apple, iPhone

Parliant extends land-line visual voicemail to iPhone

Parliant extends land-line visual voicemail to iPhone: "Parliant today announced PhoneValet Anywhere for iPhone..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Apple releases iTunes 7.3 update

Apple releases iTunes 7.3 update: "Apple today released iTunes 7.3 via its Software Update pane and via the Web..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Olive Toast releases MiniMail Apple Mail plug-in

Olive Toast releases MiniMail Apple Mail plug-in: "Olive Toast Software today announced MiniMail, a new way to read, reply, check mail or compose a new message..."

(Via MacMinute.)

State of the Art: The iPhone Matches Most of Its Hype

It's best to read the entire review, not just the excerpts Apple published. -TG

State of the Art: The iPhone Matches Most of Its Hype: "Apple’s new phone does so many things so well, and so pleasurably, that you tend to forgive its foibles."

(Via NYT > Home Page.)

Adobe to open Lightroom to developers

Adobe to open Lightroom to developers: "Adobe will release Photoshop Lightroom 1.1 Tuesday and has begun working to open the software to third-party programmers."

(Via CNET News.com.)

Technorati Tags:
Software, Photography

“An Excellent Implementation of State-of-the-art Features”

“An Excellent Implementation of State-of-the-art Features”: "Finding it ‘a significant leap,’ Steven Levy (Newsweek) calls iPhone ‘a superbly engineered, cleverly designed and imaginatively implemented approach to a problem that no one has cracked to date: merging a phone handset, an Internet navigator and a media player in a package where every component shines, and the features are welcoming rather than foreboding. The iPhone is the rare convergence device where things actually converge.’ iPhone, he says, ‘finally fulfills the promise of people-friendly palm-top communication and computing.’"

(Via Apple Hot News.)

Technorati Tags:
Apple, iPhone

Use iTunes to Activate and Sync iPhone, Announce Apple and AT&T

I am absolutely stoked. I'll let you know if I actually score one of these. -TG

Use iTunes to Activate and Sync iPhone, Announce Apple and AT&T: "When they purchase an iPhone, customers can use iTunes on a Mac or PC to activate their new phones in the comfort and privacy of their homes or offices instead of waiting for activation in a store. With iTunes guiding them through the simple steps of choosing a service plan, authorizing their credit, and activating their iPhone, they can complete the activation process in minutes. Following activation, new iPhone customers can again use iTunes to easily sync their phone numbers and other contact information, calendars, email accounts, web browser bookmarks, music, photos, podcasts, TV shows, and movies with iPhone."

(Via Apple Hot News.)

AT&T and Apple Announce Simple, Affordable iPhone Service Plans

AT&T and Apple Announce Simple, Affordable iPhone Service Plans: "iPhone customers will be able to choose from three simple, affordable service plans when iPhone goes on sale on Friday, June 29. All three plans include unlimited data, Visual Voicemail, 200 SMS text messages, roll-over minutes, and unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling. In addition to a one-time activation fee of $36.00, customers can sign up for a new two-year service plan with AT&T for a monthly fee of $59.99 (for 450 minutes), $79.99 (for 900 minutes), or $99.99 (for 1,350 minutes). Family plans are also available."

(Via Apple Hot News.)

Apple posts Security Update 2007-006

Apple posts Security Update 2007-006: "Apple has posted Security Update 2007-006 to its Web site and via its Software Update pane..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Apple posts Safari 3.0.2 with security updates

I have not yet downloaded this as I've decided to shelve version 3.X for a while. If I find this update actually took care of the speed issues and interference with Mail I'll let you know. -TG

Apple posts Safari 3.0.2 with security updates: "Apple has posted an update to its Web browser Safari..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Apple updates Safari with version 3.0.2 for Windows (beta)

Apple updates Safari with version 3.0.2 for Windows (beta): "Blog: This security update for Windows users piggybacks patches for Apple users."

(Via CNET News.com.)

Apple's iTunes overtakes Amazon in overall music sales

Whoa! That's news. -TG

Apple's iTunes overtakes Amazon in overall music sales: "Blog: No.3 Apple trails only Wal-Mart and Best Buy in the first quarter of 2007."

(Via CNET News.com.)

Apple Introduces iPop: A Snap! Crackle! Pop! Inspired feature to OS X

Hmmm. This links to an Apple discussion board which seems to indicate a broad problem. I haven't experienced this. Has anyone else? -TG

Apple Introduces iPop: A Snap! Crackle! Pop! Inspired feature to OS X: "For many, the recently released Mac OS X 10.4.10 update has introduced a 'popping' sound coming from the audio line out. No official explanation or fix has been released for this bug, though some have suggested that the sound is associated with the audio system turning on/off in a malfunctioning power save mode.

(Via diggdot.us.)

DLO unveils TuneStik with Remote FM transmitter

DLO unveils TuneStik with Remote FM transmitter: "Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) today announced TuneStik with Remote, which combines a wireless FM transmitter with a powerful RF remote control for iPod playback and control in the car, at home, or anywhere there's an FM radio. The TuneStik's most flexible feature is its 30-pin pass-through dock connector, which enables it to be combined with virtually any iPod accessory -- adding an RF remote and/or an FM transmitter to a user's existing iPod gear. TuneStik is available now for US$59.99..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Snapz Pro X Universal Binary released

Snapz Pro X Universal Binary released: "Ambrosia Software today announced the Universal Binary release of Snapz Pro X 2.1.0, the latest version of its powerful and versatile screen capture solution for Mac OS X..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Total Training launches Total Training Online

Total Training launches Total Training Online: "Total Training has been a pioneer in engaging and innovative video-based training for a decade and is proud to announce today the milestone launch of Total Training Online, which is now available for purchase..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Mac OS X Tip: FTP Files Right from the Finder

Cool Tip. -TG

Mac OS X Tip: FTP Files Right from the Finder: "If you ever need to FTP a file to someone PDQ, remember that Mac OS X offers built-in FTP support. If you’ve never taken advantage of this feature, you’re in luck because this week’s Mac OS X tip tells you exactly how to FTP from the Finder."

(Via Apple Hot News.)

Apple Releases Security Update 10.4.10

The 10.4.10 Update is recommended for PowerPC and Intel-based Mac computers currently running Mac OS X Tiger. This update includes general operating system fixes, as well as specific fixes or compatibility updates for the following applications and technologies:

- RAW camera support
- Mounting and unmounting external USB devices
- Support for 3rd party software applications
- Security updates

For detailed information on this update, please visit this website: http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n305533.
For detailed information on security updates, please visit this website: http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n61798.

PicLens 1.5 beta for Safari released

This looks cool!

>

PicLens 1.5 beta for Safari released: "Cooliris today released PicLens Beta 1.5 for Safari, a browser plug-in that instantly transforms your browser into an immersive, full-screen slideshow experience that goes beyond the confines of the traditional browser window..."

(Via MacMinute.)

PocketMac remote boosts Apple Remote for business users

PocketMac remote boosts Apple Remote for business users: "Information Appliance Associates (IAA) have released their new presentation tool, PocketMac Remote, a software advance for Intel Mac owners who want to do more with their Apple Remote..."

(Via MacMinute.)

PowerBooks get 802.11n wireless speed

PowerBooks get 802.11n wireless speed: "QuickerTek has introduced a 802.11n CardBus upgrade for Apple PowerBooks going back to the Pismo models..."

(Via MacMinute.)

FileMaker plug-in battles identity theft and piracy

FileMaker plug-in battles identity theft and piracy: "FMWebschool today announced the USB Sentry plug-in for FileMaker 7 and 8..."

(Via MacMinute.)

iLoad adds DVD to iPod or iPhone features

I've never seen one of these. Interesting concept, no? -TG

iLoad adds DVD to iPod or iPhone features: "Wingspan today announced it has added the ability to copy a DVD to an iPod or iPhone feature to its iLoad device..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Safari ushers in better browser colors

Safari ushers in better browser colors: "Apple's Safari could bring richer colors to Windows browsers, but Firefox soon will help expand the gamut, too."

(Via CNET News.com.)

BeLight Software ships Art Text retail

BeLight Software ships Art Text retail: "BeLight Software today released the retail edition of Art Text, their software for creating textual graphics, high-quality headings, logos, Web banners and buttons (available in either box or electronic format)..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Deals: Tiger Cache Cleaner 3.2.11 for 44% off today only

Deals: Tiger Cache Cleaner 3.2.11 for 44% off today only: "Today's featured promo on MacUpdate offers Tiger Cache Cleaner 3.2.11 for US$4.99 (44% off, retail $8.99)..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Great iMovie Tip

iDVD Submenus and Scenes
By Christopher Breen (mac911@macworld.com)

Mac 911 Tip of the Week

This past week in the Mac 911 blog, I discussed the trials of turning iMovie chapters into individual iDVD clips.
Read the tip

Brand-new forum visitor, wired35, had a follow-up question on the subject, writing: "Can these new videos have their own chapter markers and allow a submenu to select individual scenes in just that video? [I shoot weddings and] I would like to make the ceremony one separate video with a few chapter markers in it and the reception as another separate video with a few chapter markers in it. Then the DVD would have both separate ceremony and reception videos rather than playing just one long movie of the entire event. I'd then like to be able to make a submenu of chapter selections for each video."

The answer is yes. All you need to do is to create the separate scenes in another iMovie project -- the ceremony, for example --add chapter markers, add appropriate fades at the beginning and end, save the iMovie project, and add it to your iDVD project.

Specifically, in the iDVD project, create a location for your scene. For example, if you have a bunch of these scenes -- Ceremony, Reception, and Consummation, for instance -- create a new submenu in the project's main screen and call it Scenes From a Marriage. Open this submenu by double-clicking on it and then drag the iMovie project built around this scene from the Finder into the iDVD window. (Note that you can't create a scene in iMovie, choose Share -> iDVD, and expect the scene to be added to an open iDVD project. iDVD will create a new project if you try to do this. When you drag an iMovie project file into iDVD, it will be added to the current project.)

The name of the scene or theme will appear in this screen followed by two commands -- Play Movie and Scene Selection. Like all menu items within your project, you can rename these. If the bride and groom care to watch that scene from beginning to end, they'll select Play Movie. While watching this scene they'll be able to quickly jump to the next chapter using the Next button on their DVD player's remote. If they choose Scene Selection and press Select, they'll be taken to a screen that lists the chapters within the scene. They then select the chapter they want to play, press Select, and relive just those specific treasured moments.

iPhone to Deliver up to Eight Hours of Talk Time

Yeah, but who's going to be able to actually get on of these?! -TG

iPhone to Deliver up to Eight Hours of Talk Time: "When it ships on June 29, iPhone will deliver significantly longer battery life than originally estimated: up to 8 hours of talk time, 6 hours of Internet use, 7 hours of video playback or 24 hours of audio playback. It will also feature up to 250 hours (more than 10 days) of standby time. Apple also announced that it has upgraded the entire top surface of iPhone, including its stunning 3.5-inch display, from plastic to optical-quality glass to achieve a superior level of scratch resistance and optical clarity."

(Via Apple Hot News.)

Safari Public Beta Can Wait

The public beta of Safari 3 has been a bit of a disappointment for me. While I really enjoyed the live search feature and the slight speed bump it did seem to cause a problem: namely, Mail.app slowed to a crawl. I am not a programmer and I couldn't begin to explain why, but basic operations like Reply, New and Forward took an inordinate amount of time to execute. Uninstalling the public beta fixed things right up. So for now, it's version two. -TG

Apple Goes on Safari With Hostile Security Researchers

Apple Goes on Safari With Hostile Security Researchers

(Via Top Stories.)

Sony Ericsson answers Apple

Sony Ericsson answers Apple: "Blog: Sony Ericsson releases a new Walkman phone that may just challenge the iPhone."

(Via CNET News.com.)

When will Apple Overtake Microsoft?

An interesting viewpoint complete with supporting data.

When will Apple Overtake Microsoft?: "In a recent conversation with Dale Vile, CEO of Freeform Dynamics the rising UK analyst company, Dale questioned my expectation that Apple would eventually overhaul Microsoft to become the dominant force in PC computing.

(Via diggdot.us.)

Celebrating the Best in Mac Software

There are some fantastic applications here. Check out the screenshot for the upcoming, Leopard-based version of Delicious Library!

Celebrating the Best in Mac Software: "Now in their twelfth year, Apple Design Awards recognize technical excellence and outstanding achievement in Mac OS X software design and development. This year, Apple presented Design Awards in seven categories. And the winners are…"

(Via Apple Hot News.)

Safari for Windows Public Beta Downloads Top 1 Million in First 48 Hours

Safari for Windows Public Beta Downloads Top 1 Million in First 48 Hours: "In the first 48 hours of availability, customers downloaded more than 1 million copies of the Safari for Windows public beta. Safari 3, the world’s fastest and easiest-to use web browser, supports all modern Internet standards including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SVG and Java. It’s available as a free download at www.apple.com/safari/."

(Via Apple Hot News.)

Tips for landing an iPhone

Tips for landing an iPhone: "Blog: No one's quite sure how the much-hyped product launch will go down, but here are a few ways you might be able to make the coveted smart phone yours."

(Via CNET News.com.)

Apple's Leopard will use ZFS, but not exclusively

Apple's Leopard will use ZFS, but not exclusively: "Blog: Apple confirmed statements by Sun's Jonathan Schwartz that Leopard will use ZFS, correcting an executive who Monday suggested otherwise."

(Via CNET News.com.)

Review: Safari for Windows Offers No Compelling Reason to Switch

For a different take on Apple's second foray into Windows software. -TG

Review: Safari for Windows Offers No Compelling Reason to Switch: "Apple's second major foray into the Windows world is a curious choice. Safari has never been especially well-regarded as a browser, even among Mac users, and the new Windows version will do little to convince people in the Microsoft camp to defect.

(Via Top Stories.)

Photos: Steve Jobs at Apple WWDC

Photos: Steve Jobs at Apple WWDC: "As the WWDC crowd awaits iPhone info, Apple's chief lays out new features in the upcoming OS. Also: Safari for Windows."

(Via CNET News.com.)

iTunes Movie Rentals at $2.99 for 30 days?

iTunes Movie Rentals at $2.99 for 30 days?: "FinancialTimes reports that Apple is in talks with Hollywood studios about launching an online movie rental service.The iTunes movie rentals would reportedly be $2.99 for a 30 day rental, but would allow films to be moved to at least one other device -- such as the iPod or iPhone.The target ..."

(Via diggdot.us.)

AirPort Extreme Base Station w/802.11n Firmware 7.1.1 posted

For those fortunate to own one of these. -TG

AirPort Extreme Base Station w/802.11n Firmware 7.1.1 posted: "Apple has posted AirPort Extreme Base Station with 802.11n Firmware 7.1.1..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Path Finder 4.7 released

I haven't used this software, but it has consistently been given enormous praise by Merlin Mann and others whom I respect. -TG

Path Finder 4.7 released: "Cocoatech today announced Path Finder 4.7, an enhanced version of their award-winning file browser..."

(Via MacMinute.)

MCE 250GB hard drive upgrade solution for MacBook/Pro

MCE 250GB hard drive upgrade solution for MacBook/Pro: "MCE Technologies today announced they are shipping the previously announced MobileStor Performance 250GB hard drive upgrade solution for the MacBook and MacBook Pro..."

(Via MacMinute.)

An Online Radio Network for Student Stations

An Online Radio Network for Student Stations: "A Mac and a broadband connection. That’s all high school and collegiate radio stations need to broadcast 24/365 on a new Internet radio network recently launched by Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) in affiliation with Backbone Networks Corp. Listeners, meanwhile, tune in using either iTunes or QuickTime from a Mac or PC."

(Via Apple Hot News.)

Apple Announces New Mac OS X Server Leopard Features

It's hard to describe my excitement over this announcement! As one blessed with a beautiful OS X Server, I look very forward to this upgrade! -TG

Apple Announces New Mac OS X Server Leopard Features: "The groundbreaking new features of Mac OS X Server version 10.5 Leopard announced at WWDC 2007 make it even easier for customers to set up and manage. Offering the most significant improvement to the server operating system since Mac OS X Server was launched, it introduces such new features as a wiki server, making it easy to connect groups over a shared intranet; Podcast Producer, the ideal way to automatically produce and publish podcasts to iTunes or a blog; and Spotlight Server to quickly find content stored on other servers. Leopard Server also includes the new iCal Server, based on the CalDAV open standard that works with Leopard’s new iCal application. Mac OS X Leopard Server is scheduled to ship in October."

(Via Apple Hot News.)

iPhone to Support Third-Party Web 2.0 Applications

A shot across the bow of all the pundits and nay-sayers who decried Apple's apparent unwillingness to allow third party access. I'll be very curious to see how this is handled in the technology press. -TG

iPhone to Support Third-Party Web 2.0 Applications: "When it begins shipping on June 29, the revolutionary iPhone will run applications created with Web 2.0 Internet standards Apple today announced that developers can create Web 2.0 applications that look and behave just like the applications built into iPhone and that can seamlessly access iPhone’s services. That includes making a phone call, sending an email and displaying a location in Google Maps. Third-party applications created using Web 2.0 standards can extend iPhone’s capabilities without compromising its reliability or security."

(Via Apple Hot News.)

Apple Introduces Safari for Windows

I've installed and run this on WindowsXP. Apple's claims are not exaggerated. The user experience is a bit like coming home. I haven't yet given it a thorough going over. More on that later. -TG

Apple Introduces Safari for Windows: "The world’s fastest web browser for Macs is now available for Windows PC’s. Safari 3, introduced at the World Wide Developers Conference in San Francisco, is the fastest browser running on Windows, based on the industry standard iBench tests, rendering web pages up to twice as fast as IE 7 and up to 1.6 times faster than Firefox 2. Safari joins iTunes in delivering Apple’s legendary user experience to both Windows and Mac users as well as full support of open Internet standards. Safari 3 features easy-to-manage bookmarks, effortless browsing with easy-to-organize tabs and a built-in RSS reader to quickly scan the latest news and information. Safari 3 public beta is available today as a free download at www.apple.com/safari."

(Via Apple Hot News.)

Oh, my! Way to go Apple!

There's just too much to Blog about right now. Just go to Apple's site. right now! Oh, my. These are great days!! -TG

A Closer Look at Surface Computing

Yes, I know this is Microsoft . . . but interesting technology is part of this Blog's mission. At least this video gives due credit to Perceptive Pixel. A "new" paradigm yes. Unique to Microsoft? No. Apple is using touch technology for its iPhone, right? So the question is, what's next?!

Apple to Show Off Leopard's Claws at WWDC

Apple to Show Off Leopard's Claws at WWDC: "Although Apple's new operating system, Mac OS X 10.5, better known as Leopard, won't be released until October, Steve Jobs is bound to give a sneak peek at Apple's annual Worldwide Developer's Conference on June 11. He's promised some top secret features, but here's what we know so far.

(Via Top Stories.)

Apple's iPhone Specs and Requirements

Apple's iPhone Specs and Requirements: "Apple's iPhone is coming on June 29th, and surprisingly few details have been leaked about the phone itself, beyond the original specs described in January. We've obtained the official list of specs that Apple lists for the upcoming device.

(Via diggdot.us.)

OpenOffice worm hits Mac, Linux and Windows

OpenOffice worm hits Mac, Linux and Windows: "Malware targeting OpenOffice documents is spreading through multiple operating systems including Mac OS, Windows and Linux, according to Symantec.

(Via diggdot.us.)

Fastmac announces 802.11n Wireless Card Upgrade

If I read correctly, this upgrade is for the rest of us! -TG

Fastmac announces 802.11n Wireless Card Upgrade: "Fastmac today announced the availability of an Airport Extreme compatible 802.11n wireless card upgrade for Apple MacBook, MacBook Pro & Mac Pro computers..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Mac BU welcomes new GM, Craig Eisler

Mac BU welcomes new GM, Craig Eisler: "Microsoft today issued the following statement regarding its Macintosh Business Unit: 'As Microsoft's Macintosh Business Unit (Mac BU) prepares to launch Office 2008 for Mac in the second half of this year, it has some exciting news to share with the appointment of Craig Eisler as general manager..."

(Via MacMinute.)

MacFamilyTree 4.4.7 adds Distinctive Persons Report

MacFamilyTree 4.4.7 adds Distinctive Persons Report: "MacFamilyTree, the modern genealogy application for Mac OS X, has been updated to version 4.4.7..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Apple's 'Get a Mac' ads win Grand Effie award

Apple's 'Get a Mac' ads win Grand Effie award: "Apple’s ‘Get a Mac’ campaign, created by Media Arts LabTBWA was awarded the Grand Effie at the 39th Annual Effie Awards gala last night at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac adds 3D graphics, more

It's a $50 upgrade from the previous versions. -TG

Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac adds 3D graphics, more: "Parallels today announced its release of Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac, a completely new version of its award-winning software that enables Mac users to run Windows, Linux, and any other operating system at the same time as Mac OS X on a single Mac desktop, without rebooting..."

(Via MacMinute.)

The Missing Sync for Palm OS 6 released

The Missing Sync for Palm OS 6 released: "Mark/Space announced today it has shipped a major update to The Missing Sync for Palm OS..."

(Via MacMinute.)

NewerTech ships Intelligent Battery Charging Station

Very cool. Pricey, but cool. -TG

NewerTech ships Intelligent Battery Charging Station: "Newer Technology (NewerTech ) today announced the NewerTech Intelligent Battery Charging Station, a battery charger/conditioner for Apple MacBook / MacBook Pro laptops. Available immediately for US$149.95, the Intelligent Battery Charging Station delivers the longest possible runtimes and extends the lifetime of MacBook and MacBook Pro batteries for maximum 'unplugged' usability. The only available MacBook battery charger/conditioner on the market, the NewerTech Intelligent Battery Charging Station was designed with a dual purpose: to charge and condition batteries, notes Newer..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Apple will include ZFS in OS X Leopard, Sun confirms

This is cool stuff! If you're not familiar with the file system and its implications for Macintosh users, read on. -TG

Apple will include ZFS in OS X Leopard, Sun confirms: "Blog: Sun says that Apple's forthcoming Leopard operating system will use the next-generation file system called ZFS."

(Via CNET News.com.)

Apple, AT&T stores prepare for iPhone frenzy

Apple, AT&T stores prepare for iPhone frenzy: "Eager fans are expected to line up outside stores when the new music-playing device hits store shelves June 29."

(Via CNET News.com.)

MacBook Pro backlight comparison: LED vs CCF

MacBook Pro backlight comparison: LED vs CCF: "Engadget's compares new LED technology from Apple with their old CCF technology. Includes pictures, side by side
[link] [more]"

(Via diggdot.us.)

Belkin announces new iPod power products

Belkin announces new iPod power products: "Belkin today announced four new accessories that will charge, sync, and/or play your iPod..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Karelia announces Sandvox 1.2.1

Karelia announces Sandvox 1.2.1: "Karelia Software today announced the release of Sandvox 1.2.1, a significant upgrade to the company's easy-to-use Web site creation tool..."

(Via MacMinute.)

An Amazing Demonstration

What preceeded Microsoft's surface computer, and a fascinating look at the future of computing interfaces.

Google doubles universities in book scanning project

It's not directly related to the Macintosh but it is interesting to me. -TG

Google doubles universities in book scanning project: "Blog: Google adds 12 Midwest university libraries to controversial book scanning project."

(Via CNET News.com.)

Sun's CEO says Mac OS X adopting Sun tech

Sun's CEO says Mac OS X adopting Sun tech: "
Video: Sun's CEO says Mac OS X adopting Sun tech. During a presentation Wednesday in Washington D.C., Sun CEO Jonathan Schwartz said his company's open-source file system, ZFS, will be introduced into Mac OS X. Schwartz also showed off Sun's newest 'Thumper' hybrid storage-server system.

"

(Via CNET News.com.)

Adobe Acrobat 8.1 Professional update released

Adobe Acrobat 8.1 Professional update released: "Adobe has posted Acrobat 8.1 Professional update..."

(Via MacMinute.)

NewsGator unveils NetNewsWire 3.0

This is the RSS news reader I use. -TG

NewsGator unveils NetNewsWire 3.0: "NewsGator Technologies today announced the availability of NetNewsWire 3.0, a major update to its popular RSS reader for Mac OS X..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Jobs, Gates interview available free on iTunes

Jobs, Gates interview available free on iTunes: "An interview conducted at the Wall Street Journal's All Things Digital Conference is available free on iTunes, reports The Mac Observer..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Free Educational Content Now Available from iTunes U on the iTunes Store

Free Educational Content Now Available from iTunes U on the iTunes Store: "Apple announces iTunes U. A dedicated area within the iTunes Store, iTunes U features free content - course lectures, language lessons, lab demonstrations, sports highlights, and campus tours — from such leading universities as Stanford University, UC Berkeley, Duke University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. iTunes U, created in collaboration with colleges and universities, allows anyone with access to iTunes to easily extend learning, explore interests, learn more about a school and stay connected with an alma mater."

(Via Apple Hot News.)

Apple Updates MacBook Pro

Apple Updates MacBook Pro: "The new MacBook Pro line of notebook computers introduced today offers the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors, up to 4GB of memory, and higher performance graphics in a stunning, lightweight, aluminum enclosure that’s just one-inch thin. Available in 15-inch models with a new mercury-free, power-efficient LED-backlit display and a 17-inch model with an optional high-resolution display, the new MacBook Pro includes a built-in iSight video camera, Apple’s MagSafe Power Adapter, and built-in 802.11n wireless networking. Retail pricing for the MacBook Pro starts at $1,999."

(Via Apple Hot News.)

Apple junkies, mark your calendars: iPhone on June 29th

Yahoo!!! -TG

Apple junkies, mark your calendars: iPhone on June 29th: "Blog: Official launch date is made final by Apple."

(Via CNET News.com.)

Why Is DRM-Free Music Tagged With Name and E-Mail? Apple Keeps Mum

I'm just wondering. Did perhaps Apple not think people would discover this? But really, does it matter? The only place my music will be is on my computer, iPod and the occasional CD. -TG

Why Is DRM-Free Music Tagged With Name and E-Mail? Apple Keeps Mum: "Apple declines to explain why its new DRM-free music files are watermarked with users' names and e-mail addresses.

(Via Top Stories.)

Apple criticized for embedding names, e-mails in songs

Apple criticized for embedding names, e-mails in songs: "Songs available on iTunes Plus reveal users' personal information. Privacy group suspects Apple goofed."

(Via CNET News.com.)

Wine 0.9.38 Released

Wine 0.9.38 Released: "This is release 0.9.38 of Wine, a free implementation of Windows on Unix. What's new: Beginnings of support for copy protection kernel drivers. More MSI automation support. Many 64-bit compilation fixes. A number of OLE fixes. Lots of bug fixes.
[link] [more]"

(Via diggdot.us.)

ITunes Store Returns to Normal

Well, almost. Things are still a bit sluggish but at least the iTunes Plus functionality seems to be restored. Like everyone else on the planet the number of iTunes Plus upgradable songs went down significantly, but the upgrade worked and the songs downloaded without a hitch. Now it's time to audition the new music! -TG

The Free iPod Book 3.0 released by iLounge

The Free iPod Book 3.0 released by iLounge: "iLounge.com has published the third edition of its free iPod and iTunes tutorial..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Adobe Bridge CS3 2.1 update posted

Adobe Bridge CS3 2.1 update posted: "Adobe has released Adobe Bridge CS3 2.1 update, which the company says includes the following critical fixes and enhancements: new multilevel keywords support; ability to import tab-delimited keyword format; better control over video and audio file previews; new cache management functionality; improved scrolling and renaming performance; and usability improvements to custom workspaces..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Business Card Composer 4.3 posted

Business Card Composer 4.3 posted: "BeLight Software has released Business Card Composer 4.3, an update to its Mac application for creating business cards, calling cards and badges..."

(Via MacMinute.)