Sunday, September 30, 2007

IPhone Update -- Hackers' Edition

I post this for the edification of all iPhone users and interested persons.

IPhone Update -- Hackers' Edition: "Here's an iPhone update from the Gadget Lab blog regarding the firmware upgrade to version 1.1.1. There's good news and there's bad news. First the bad news. If you've unlocked your iPhone but have not upgraded it, don't upgrade it! It will almost certainly not work afterwards, with no reliable remedy yet available. And that's not the end of it.

(Via Top Stories.)

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News: Corel intros Painter Essentials 4

My experience with this software goes all the way back to the days when it was named, Dabbler. This is really fun stuff and highly recommended for those who want to dabble in computer-based art. The included book on color and color theory is worth the price of admission. -TG

News: Corel intros Painter Essentials 4: "Corel has released Painter Essentials 4, a slimmed down version of Painter aimed at home users.

(Via Macworld.)

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News: Iris extends use of iSight camera

News: Iris extends use of iSight camera: "Iris extends use of iSight camera

(Via Macworld.)

Mac OS X Hints: Use iWork Instant Alpha images in other apps

Now, why didn't I think of this? -TG

Mac OS X Hints: Use iWork Instant Alpha images in other apps: "Here's a little trick to using images you've edited with the iWork '08 Instant Alpha feature in other programs.

(Via Macworld.)

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News: Palm rolls out new smartphone brand

Who knows? Maybe Palm can "hang in there". -TG

News: Palm rolls out new smartphone brand: "Palm introduced a new brand of smartphone aimed at traditional feature phone users.

(Via Macworld.)

News: Apple releases iPhone update 1.1.1

I applied the update to my iPhone. It was the first to come with two, count 'em two, dialogue boxes/warnings to be certain one had read everything before applying them. The update proceeded without incident and I now have the patches, enhancements and the new iTunes Wi-Fi button! You might ask why my experience was so flawless. I'll tell you. I haven't hacked the iPhone, I haven't "jailbroken" the iPhone. Instead, I've simply been the ecstatic owner of one of the finest pieces of innovative technology to come along in a very long time.

Apple dutifully warned everyone in a very public statement that tampering with the phone could cause irreparable damage. It also warned before and during the update that a "hacked" phone could be rendered useless. Well, folks, guess what? They weren't kidding. I have a question for all those "poor" owners of an "iBrick". Why did you apply the update? Why did you ignore Apple's warnings and tamper with the device? And to some of the computer world authors, "Why do you think it is a consumer's "right" to ignore alliances between companies, blaze one's own trail and not have to pay a price for doing so? The whole thing is absurd, in my opinion. Bottom line: they got what they deserved. Sorry if that's harsh, but that's how I see it

News: Apple releases iPhone update 1.1.1: "Apple on Thursday released the much anticipated software update for the iPhone. In addition to the iTunes Wi-Fi Store, the update

(Via Macworld.)

News: iPod touch update brings image fix

I've seen the "defective" units first hand and can attest to the issue. The screens, particularly the blacks, are substandard. -TG

News: iPod touch update brings image fix: "Apple's new iPod touch software update, released Thursday, appears to fix the 'negative blacks' image problem reported by some users.

(Via Macworld.)

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News: QuickBooks Mac to be updated in 2008

Fascinating that Quicken, after all these years, has finally decided to re-enter the Macintosh business market. I'll be curiously following their progress. -TG

News: QuickBooks Mac to be updated in 2008: "QuickBooks for the Mac will be updated in 2008, said Intuit.

(Via Macworld.)

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Mac OS X Hints: An Automator backup workflow tutorial

This is terrific, especially for those without .Mac accounts and access to Apple's Backup software. -TG

Mac OS X Hints: An Automator backup workflow tutorial: "Learn how to create a one-click backup utility using five simple actions in Automator.

(Via Macworld.)

News: Network World: iPhone gets VoIP tryout

News: Network World: iPhone gets VoIP tryout: "In a demonstration at this year's DEMOfall07, British VoIP provider Truphone showed conventioneers how to use the iPhone's built-in Wi-Fi capability to make calls over Truphone's VoIP network.

(Via Macworld.)

PasswordWallet for iPhone, v4.1 released

Very cool idea. This works by synchronizing the password with a special bookmark in Safari which can then be accessed with the iPhone. I may give this a try. -TG

PasswordWallet for iPhone, v4.1 released: "Selznick Scientific has released PasswordWallet for iPhone (US$10) and PasswordWallet 4.1 for Mac, the latest versions of its secure utility for storing usernames, passwords, PIN numbers, combinations, notes, and more using powerful 448-bit BlowFish encryption..."

(Via MacMinute.)

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iWeb 2.0.2 update addresses publishing problems

I've previously commented on this subject to the GreerMUG board. If you're using iLife 08 and haven't for whatever reason done these updates by all means do so now. The changes to iWeb alone are the difference between success and failure. -TG

iWeb 2.0.2 update addresses publishing problems: "Apple has released iWeb 2.0.2, the latest update to its Web site/page creation application..."

(Via MacMinute.)

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AOL introduces new AOL Desktop for Mac

AOL introduces new AOL Desktop for Mac: "AOL today announced that it has released the first public beta of the new AOL Desktop for Mac..."



(Via MacMinute.)

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Apple Posts a SLEW of Updates

Covering the entire iLife 08 and iWork 08 Suites they pack a whopping 200+ MB. I've included the text from each of the updates. -TG

iDVDThis update improves overall stability, supports general compatibility issues, and addresses a number of other minor issues.

iLife SupportThis update supports system software components shared by all iLife ’08 applications, improves overall stability, addresses a number of other minor issues, and supports general compatibility issues. It is recommended for all users of iLife ’08.
Pages UpdateThis update primarily addresses issues with change tracking and performance.
iMovie UpdateThis update addresses several areas including video and audio editing capabilities, and performance associated with opening and switching iMovie Events and Projects. This update also supports general compatibility issues, improves overall stability, and addresses a number of other minor issues.
Numbers UpdateThis update primarily addresses issues with tables and performance.
GarageBand UpdateThis update addresses isolated graphic display issues, compatibility with 3rd party audio software, fixes minor problems with Magic GarageBand, and supports general compatibility issues.
iWeb UpdateThis update to iWeb addresses issues with upgrading iWeb 1.x websites, and fixes some common publishing problems, and supports general compatibility issues.
iPhoto UpdateThis update addresses issues encountered when moving photos between Events, plus new greeting card themes, including holiday card designs. It also supports general compatibility issues, improves overall stability, and addresses a number of other minor issues.
Keynote UpdateThis update primarily addresses issues with builds and performance.

Tension Software releases Invoices 2.0

Tension Software releases Invoices 2.0: "Tension Software has released Invoices 2.0, the latest version of its application to create, manage and print your invoices..."



(Via MacMinute.)




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Tuesday, September 25, 2007

News: Missing Sync for iPhone announced

I have in the past depended upon these folks to fill in the gaps when syncing my Palm devices. The only thing I see here of interest is the ability to synchronize the notes. There's still not a way to do Tasks unless one is migrating them from a Palm device. Am I missing something in the Missing Sync? -TG

News: Missing Sync for iPhone announced: "Missing Sync for iPhone is Mark/Space's newest member of the Missing Sync family, and it's coming in Q4.

(Via Macworld.)

News: Photoshop Elements 6 released, Mac version in 2008

Good news for some amazing software. For most people, Elements is all the photo editing software they'll ever need. -TG

News: Photoshop Elements 6 released, Mac version in 2008: "Adobe has released Photoshop Elements 6, a new version of the company's consumer photo editing application. The new version has been released for Windows only, with a Mac version expected from the company in early 2008.

(Via Macworld.)

News: Microsoft details Office 2008 for Mac pricing

News: Microsoft details Office 2008 for Mac pricing: "Microsoft announced pricing for the new version of Office 2008 for Mac on Tuesday.

(Via Macworld.)

EyeTV 2.5 update includes iPhone Wi-Fi Access, more

EyeTV 2.5 update includes iPhone Wi-Fi Access, more: "Elgato Systems has released EyeTV 2.5, a free update to its EyeTV 2 software which now includes many new features for viewing on the Mac, the iPhone, and iPod touch..."

(Via MacMinute.)

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Playhouse Disney Preschool Time Online now for Mac

Surprise, surprise! Disney is expanding its Macintosh offerings. Ever heard of board member, Steve Jobs? -TG

Playhouse Disney Preschool Time Online now for Mac: "Disney Online today announced the availability of Playhouse Disney Preschool Time Online for Mac, as well as the recent addition of new content from Disney Channel's popular Playhouse Disney shows 'Little Einsteins' and 'Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.'..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Office 2008 for Mac details unveiled

If you haven't visited the site, it's definitely worth a look. The folks at the Microsoft MBU have been busy. -TG

Office 2008 for Mac details unveiled: "The Macintosh Business Unit (Mac BU) at Microsoft today announced at the Apple Expo in Paris its product lineup for the upcoming Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac release..."

(Via MacMinute.)

TUNEWEAR announces ICEWEAR iPhone case

TUNEWEAR announces ICEWEAR iPhone case: "TUNEWEAR today introduced its new ICEWEAR iPhone, a silicone case for iPhone that utilizes the company's patented rib technology for a strong grip..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Pinnacle Video Capture for Mac announced

From the good folks at AVID

Pinnacle Video Capture for Mac announced: "Pinnacle Systems today announced Pinnacle Video Capture for Mac, an USB 2.0 device that makes it easy to capture video in an iPod-native format from any analog source, be it camcorder, set-top box, game console or VCR..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Iomega unveils new Mac product lineup at Apple Expo

Iomega unveils new Mac product lineup at Apple Expo: "Iomega today unveiled an expanded line of external storage products for Mac at Apple Expo Paris..."

(Via MacMinute.)

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DEVONthink Pro, Pro Office 1.3.3 supports iPhone

DEVONthink Pro, Pro Office 1.3.3 supports iPhone: "DEVONtechnologies today released updates for the Professional and Professional Office editions of its professional grade information manager DEVONthink..."

(Via MacMinute.)

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Google releases iPhone-friendly gCal

These innovations just keep coming. -TG

Google releases iPhone-friendly gCal: "

Updates from Google Docs and Google Calendar



Whoa, check this out:






The Google Calendar team, along with the mobile team, released an upgrade to the Calendar interface on the iPhone. It is now tailored for the iPhone, and you can now see your different calendars in distinctive colors. You can see the new Calendar interface by going to http://calendar.google.com on your iPhone browser.




As an iPhone user and recent convert to gCal: Daddy like.



"



(Via 43 Folders.)

Monday, September 24, 2007

Free iTunes to be given away at Starbucks

Free iTunes to be given away at Starbucks: "Starbucks plans to give away 50 million free digital songs to customers in all of its domestic coffee houses to promote a new wireless iTunes music service that's about to debut in select markets, reports AP..."

(Via MacMinute.)

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Saturday, September 22, 2007

Apple tells Workers, "Cancel Vacation Plans between Thanksgiving and Xmas"

Very, very intriguing. -TG

Apple tells Workers, "Cancel Vacation Plans between Thanksgiving and Xmas": "Why? Apple Slim Sub-notebook may be available for Holiday selling season. The Street writes that Apple has told some employees to cancel vacation plans between Thanksgiving and Christmas in preparation for a big year-end sales push
[link] [more]"



(Via diggdot.us.)

gDocs and Apple would taste great together

I know I'm not Merlin Mann, but I have been saying this exact thing lately. The only issue I've had is with people who don't want to give Google any information -- even for a free email account. I find the idea of further collaboration between Apple and Google intriguing and exciting. -TG

- - - - - - -

gDocs and Apple would taste great together: "

I’ve become an ardent Google Documents fan over the past few months — especially as its support for Safari has improved (didn’t say perfect; just improved). I use it for collaborating with clients and 43f guest authors, as well as for managing small projects and keeping various small teams organized. Personally, I find it simpler than a wiki and a lot more powerful than using a static .doc.



My favorite use right now is to use a single shared document as a common space that 4 or 5 people have access to and that they can use to give each other to-dos, ask questions, etc. I know stuff like Basecamp does this better and certainly with more sophisticated features, but I’m really attracted to the simplicity of the one-document approach — especially for informal, remote teams.



I think my gDocs cincher was the first time that it occurred to me to see if I could even look at my documents on my iPhone; I was gob-smacked to see that it actually worked. Obviously it’s not optimal for doing lots of editing, but you can see and perfunctorily edit your documents without a laptop, and that’s just pretty mind-blowing to me.





As I’m wont to blather on about on MacBreak Weekly, I just can’t rid myself of the suspicion that Apple and Google will eventually formalize a relationship around the suite of Google tools and the iPhone. It just seems like such a great fit — especially if they can work up some kind of conduit for .Mac syncing that lets you keep everything humming along without manual updating. The idea of combining iPhone portability and style with Google ubiquity and power could pose a small but fascinating challenge to conventional big business apps.






Finally, the thing that got me thinking about all this in the first place this morning is this adorable video explaining how gDocs works (thanks, Mike). As far as I’m concerned, there’s just not enough use of string in modern demonstration videos.



"



(Via 43 Folders.)

Friday, September 21, 2007

Apple posts MainStage 1.0.1 update

Apple posts MainStage 1.0.1 update: "Apple has posted MainStage 1.0.1 via its Software Update pane and on the Web..."

(Via MacMinute.)

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MacPractice 3 released

These folks just keep updating their software. Definitely worth watching. -TG

MacPractice 3 released: "MacPractice, developer of MacPractice MD, MacPractice DDS, MacPractice DC, and MacPractice 20/20, the leading Mac practice management and clinical software applications, announces the release of MacPractice 3. MacPractice 3 is new server-based software, requires the recently released MySQL 5 Enterprise, provides a host of new features and is the foundation for many upcoming MacPractice software advancements including the release of MacPractice EMR and MacPractice DR (Digital Radiography) in October and MacPractice Tooth Chart in the 1st quarter of 2008..."

(Via MacMinute.)

iToner 1.0.2 offers iTunes 7.4.x compatibility

iToner 1.0.2 offers iTunes 7.4.x compatibility: "Ambrosia Software today announced the release of iToner 1.0.2, the latest update of the popular iPhone custom ringtone transfer tool, continues support for iTunes 7.4.x, along with other bug fixes and improvements..."

(Via MacMinute.)

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Daylite 3.5 adds iPhone sync capability

Daylite 3.5 adds iPhone sync capability: "Marketcircle today released Daylite 3.5, the newest version of it's Mac productivity management software, which now takes advantage of Apple's Sync Services to bring Daylite contacts, appointments, tasks, and reminders to iPhone, iPod, Blackberry, Palm, Windows Mobile devices and many popular cellphones..."

(Via MacMinute.)

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Teardown of New 8-GB 'Fat' IPod Nanos Shows Room for Fat Profits

Teardown of New 8-GB 'Fat' IPod Nanos Shows Room for Fat Profits: "A detailed teardown of the new iPod reveals Apple's margins on the new 'fat' nanos are themselves unusually fat, well above the company's usual 100% markup on component prices.

(Via Top Stories.)

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Secrets: Migrating from Parallels to Fusion

I use Parallels and love it. I'd be interested in hearing from those of you who use Fusion. -TG

Secrets: Migrating from Parallels to Fusion: "Thinking of trying out the VMWare Fusion virtualization app? Rob Griffiths walks you through the steps of moving your customized Windows set-up from Parallels to Fusion, saving you the trouble of starting from scratch with your Windows installation.

(Via Macworld.)

News: CBS staying with iTunes as NBC launches new service

News: CBS staying with iTunes as NBC launches new service: "CBS said it will not join the battle against Apple over pricing of television shows on the iTunes Store. However, after a public battle with Apple over pricing, NBC has launched its own download service for customers.

(Via Macworld.)

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Editors' Notes: Radio Apple

An intriguing notion, don't you think? -TG

Editors' Notes: Radio Apple: "Apple took advantage of the music industry's glacially slow adoption of new technologies to dominate digital music. Could it do the same for radio? Eric Suesz hopes so.

(Via Macworld.)

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Mobile Mac: Grand stands

I've been looking for a replacement to my old iCurve stand. This looks promising. -TG

Mobile Mac: Grand stands: "Three new aluminum stands let you use or stow your laptop at home.

(Via Macworld.)

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Mac Gems: iToner 1.0.2

Mac Gems: iToner 1.0.2: "iToner is a nifty utility that makes it easy to add your own ringtones to your iPhone.

(Via Macworld.)

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RapidWeaver 3.6.3 offers improved memory usage

RapidWeaver 3.6.3 offers improved memory usage: "Realmac Software today announced an update to RapidWeaver, its award-winning Web site creation application for Mac OS X..."



(Via MacMinute.)

My First 30 Days with the iPhone

I bought my iPhone a month ago. I have used it extensively since then. I have traveled the country with it and, I think, given it a fair test. I thought I’d report back on my experience with it.

Apple-Iphone-In-Hand

I’ll start with the positive:

  • The interface is awesome. It is very Mac-like, which is to be expected since it is using OS X, Apple’s operating system. Still, whenever I demo it to someone, they are blown away. I think I sold two phones on my trip home from New York last week.
  • The e-mail application is good. It took some effort to get it to work with our Exchange Server, but it is now working. It would be better if it were truly ‘push e-mail’ like the Blackberry, but, once you get used to it, it is fine—if a little slow (more about that in a moment). My favorite thing is that it displays HTML e-mail exactly like a regular e-mail client.
  • The keypad takes some getting used to. I don't think it is as easy or as forgiving as the Blackberry, but it is decent, and I am getting better at it. The keypad tries to guess at what you are trying to type. The more you use it, the ‘smarter’ it gets. I have finally graduated from typing with one finger to two thumbs.
  • Voice mail is simple and elegant. This application is Apple at its best. It is how voice mail should have been designed from the beginning. You can select any message and play it. With the push of a button, you can call the person back or delete the message.
  • I also like having the iPod built in. This saves me the hassle of carrying two devices (a phone and an iPod). I was nervous that 8 gigabytes would not be sufficient, but I am currently only using about half the capacity. While it would be nice to have access to my entire music library, the truth is that I only listen to a much smaller subset on a regular basis. The iTunes integration is also very nice.
  • I love having access to a real browser on my phone. Surprisingly, I use it more than I expected I would. (I almost never tried to access the Internet with the Blackberry browser.) It is very handy. It renders Web pages just as the Safari does on my Mac. I also like having one-button access to stock quotes and weather. I use these more than I thought I would, too.
  • Maps’ is also a nice little application. Two weeks ago, I was in New York. I was on the street and wanted to find a bookstore. I typed in the name of a major chain, plus ‘New York.’ Almost immediately, a map of the city popped up with all of the stores in the area. The nearest store was only a block away. I only wish they would add GPS functionality.

So, those are some of the things I like. Here’s what I don’t like so much:

  • Contrary to what the name suggests, the AT&T Edge Network is not cutting ‘edge.’ It is slow and, frankly, I don’t think I get as good as coverage as I had with Verizon. In my opinion, AT&T is not pulling its weight in this partnership. People are buying the phone despite AT&T not because of it.
  • The battery life is okay but not great. I must charge my iPhone everyday, unlike my Blackberry, which could last a couple of days. On two occasions, I have completely drained the battery with heavy use. You don’t realize how dependent you are on a cell phone until it dies on you.
  • The camera could use an overhaul. No matter how still I try to hold the phone, it is difficult to get a shot that isn’t a little blurry, especially around the edges. I would also like to have a zoom feature, but perhaps this isn’t realistic on a camera phone. (This is my first camera phone, so I don’t really know what is possible.) I do find myself using the camera, so I suppose it is better than nothing. Still, I think Apple could do better.
  • Unlike the Blackberry, my contacts and calendar don’t sync wirelessly with the server. Instead, I have to connect my phone to my computer. The good news is that I have to do this once a day anyway to charge the battery. So far, this seems sufficient. However, if my assistant changes an appointment or adds a contact, I won’t get it until the next time I sync.

Overall, I’m glad I bought the iPhone. This is definitely a major leap forward in cell phone and mobile device technology. Apple has raised the bar and set a new standard. And with the drop in price, I think they might have a real shot at grabbing some significant market share. Regardless, Apple has proven once again that they lead the pack when it comes to design and innovation.

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OWC offers new line of 802.11n WiFi Adapters

OWC offers new line of 802.11n WiFi Adapters: "Other World Computing (OWC) today announced the availability of 802.11n WiFi Adapters that allows any Mac computer to upgrade to 802.11n wireless connectivity via USB, PCMCIA, or PCI card options..."

(Via MacMinute.)

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Knowledge Adventure MathBlaster now for Mac

Knowledge Adventure MathBlaster now for Mac: "Knowledge Adventure today announced its popular PC title, Math Blaster: Master the Basics, is now also available for Mac at the Apple Store..."

(Via MacMinute.)

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RapidWeaver 3.6.3 offers improved memory usage

RapidWeaver 3.6.3 offers improved memory usage: "Realmac Software today announced an update to RapidWeaver, its award-winning Web site creation application for Mac OS X..."

(Via MacMinute.)

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Wednesday, September 19, 2007

News: Mall of Georgia adds an Apple Store

News: Mall of Georgia adds an Apple Store: "Apple's newest retail store opens at the Mall of Georgia this Saturday.

(Via Macworld.)

News: Hacker finally publishes Apple Wi-Fi attack details

News: Hacker finally publishes Apple Wi-Fi attack details: "Researcher David Maynor has published details of the controversial Apple Wi-Fi hack he disclosed at last year's Black Hat conference.

(Via Macworld.)

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News: Mozilla fixes QuickTime flaw in Firefox

News: Mozilla fixes QuickTime flaw in Firefox: "Mozilla has released Firefox 2.0.0.7, fixing a serious QuickTime flaw in the browser.

(Via Macworld.)

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Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Generating Retail Traffic

Generating Retail Traffic: "


For the past several months, booksellers have been complaining about slow retail traffic. Publishers have complained, too, of course. But not all retail stores are experiencing this problem. Some are thriving.


Applestore


Last night, I got a taste of this. While on the road, I visited the Apple Store inside the South Coast Mall in Costa Mesa, California. It was about 7:30 p.m. When I entered the mall, it seemed very quiet—almost deserted. Until I got to the Apple Store.


The store was small but packed. I cold barely squeeze in. It was almost like an upscale bar. People were jabbering away and laughing. I never seen so much energy in a retail space.


Despite being packed, there were plenty of sales people wandering the floor. When I was ready to ‘check out,’ I tapped one of them on the shoulder. He greeted me and instantly started processing my purchase. The whole transaction took less than two minutes.


As he finished up, I asked him, ‘Is your store always this crowded?’ He answered instantly: ‘Always.’


I laughed and said, ‘I hope you are not paying rent. The mall should be paying you. You guys are the ones generating the traffic.’


He replied, ‘Don’t think we haven’t thought of that!’


Other sales people were actively engaged with customers, answering their questions and pointing them to the various products. They were very knowledgeable and excited about what they were doing. It once again made me wonder what might happen if a bookstore would invest in this kind of staffing and training. Maybe fewer customers would walk out of the bookstore frustrated because they couldn’t find what they came in for or didn’t want to stand in a long line to buy it.


But then, as a publisher, it began to dawn on me. The retail experience was important, but that wasn’t what had drawn these people to the store initially. No, ‘It’s the product, Stupid.’ People come to the Apple store to experience cool products. Take away the products and the traffic dies.


So what would it take to create books that have the ‘wow factor’ that Apple products have? I’m not sure. Certainly, we can improve the content. But we also need to improve the presentation and delivery. So many books are just boring. But do they have to be? I don’t think so.


What if, as publishers, we reinvented the book—just as Apple reinvented the cell phone? Or think of it this way ... if Apple had a book publishing division, what would their books look like? How would they deliver their content? I’m not sure, but I don’t think they would be satisfied until they created something that was truly awe-inspiring.


I don’t know if this is possible with books. But until we try, we need to stop complaining about the traffic. Apple has raised the bar, not just for computers, but for all products, including books.


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"



(Via From Where I Sit.)

Kensington unveils SlimBlade Lifestyle Collection

Kensington unveils SlimBlade Lifestyle Collection: "Kensington Computer Products Group today announced the SlimBlade Lifestyle Collection, a line of input devices designed for the tech-savvy mobile professional..."



(Via MacMinute.)

Bombich Software unveils Carbon Copy Cloner 3

Another very worthy item in the Macintosh backup market. Older version were a staple for me. -TG

Bombich Software unveils Carbon Copy Cloner 3: "Bombich Software today unveiled a new version of the venerable Carbon Copy Cloner, a Mac OS X utility designed to make Mac to Mac cloning and backup extremely simple..."



(Via MacMinute.)

MacBU Office 2008 Sneak Peek site debuts

MacBU Office 2008 Sneak Peek site debuts: "The Macintosh Business Unit at Microsoft (MacBU) has launched a 'Sneak Peak' Web site on its anticipated Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac productivity suite..."



(Via MacMinute.)

IPhone Introduced to Europe, Where Standards Differ

IPhone Introduced to Europe, Where Standards Differ: "Steve Jobs, Apple’s chief executive, said the iPhone would become available to British consumers in November in an exclusive arrangement with O2."

(Via NYT > Business.)

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Thursday, September 13, 2007

How to Make Custom IPhone Ringtones Without Paying Apple $2

How to Make Custom IPhone Ringtones Without Paying Apple $2: "If you aren't afraid of a little tinkering, you can get that 'Hey Ya' or 'Sexy Back' ringtone for your iPhone without paying the extra bucks to Apple.

(Via Top Stories.)

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Mac 911: .Mac and the hijacked email address

Mac 911: .Mac and the hijacked email address: "Yes, spammers can hijack your email address and you get nothing but undeliverable-message bounces in return. Here's how to deal with them.

(Via Macworld.)

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News: Glide Mobile lets iPhone users edit MS Word docs

News: Glide Mobile lets iPhone users edit MS Word docs: "Glide Mobile now enables iPhone users to view, edit and share MS Word documents using its Glide Write 2.0 service.

(Via Macworld.)

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News: Wacom introduces new Bamboo brand

Perhaps now I can actually afford one of these. -TG

News: Wacom introduces new Bamboo brand: "Wacom has introduced a new line of pen tablets aimed at casual users called Bamboo.

(Via Macworld.)

News: iPod touch reaches customers, Apple Stores

News: iPod touch reaches customers, Apple Stores: "Apple's recently introduced iPod Touch has arrived in U.S. stores, with numerous users reporting that they've been able to purchase the iPod Touch at Apple retail stores across the country.

(Via Macworld.)

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Apple plans iPhone UK press conference Tuesday

Apple plans iPhone UK press conference Tuesday: "According to a report out of Reuters today, Apple has called press conference for Tuesday, September 18 in London regarding its iPhone plans in Europe..."

(Via MacMinute.)

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Introducing Logic Express 8

Introducing Logic Express 8: "Logic Express 8, a full-featured yet easy-to-use tool, provides a powerful and approachable way for musicians to create music at an incredibly attractive price. Delivering the power, precision, and professional toolset of Logic Pro 8, Logic Express includes a redesigned interface that allows musicians to write, record, edit, and mix with unparalleled speed and ease. It also comes with 100 instruments and effects from Logic Studio."



(Via Apple Hot News.)

Apple Unveils Logic Studio

Apple Unveils Logic Studio: "A comprehensive suite of professional tools, Logic Studio provides everything musicians need to create, produce and perform in the studio and on the stage. Logic Studio features Logic Pro 8—a major upgrade that combines an intuitive new interface with Logic’s renowned sound quality and rock-solid timing—and introduces MainStage, an innovative new live performance application that turns the Mac into a streamlined live rig. In addition, Logic Studio includes SoundTrack Pro 2, Apple’s professional audio post production software; Studio Instruments, made up of 40 pristine quality instruments; Studio Effects, with 80 professional effect plug-ins; a vast Studio Sound Library; and a powerful set of production utilities. Available now, Logic Studio sells for just $499."



(Via Apple Hot News.)

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

News: Compatibility Update for QuickTime, keyboard update released

News: Compatibility Update for QuickTime, keyboard update released: "Apple released two updates, one for QuickTime, the other for aluminum Apple Keyboards.

(Via Macworld.)

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iPhone owners can now buy ringtones for 99 cents, with some pain

Yup. The "Ringtone" feature just showed up today on the left-hand side of the iTunes interface just below "Radio". I'm going to go spend another .99 right now just to try it out! -TG

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iPhone owners can now buy ringtones for 99 cents, with some pain: "iTunes now allows you to download ringtones and convert some of your existing songs to iPhone ringtones, assuming you don't use the widely circulated hacks to avoid the fee."



(Via CNET News.com.)

Apple: You have our blessing to hack the iPhone to bits

So, what do you think of this? Is it to Apple's benefit to allow independent development? -TG

Apple: You have our blessing to hack the iPhone to bits: "PC Mag spoke with Apple's Greg Joswiak and received some refreshingly candid responses to their questions about the iPhone and iPod touch. Most notably, Joswiak said that Apple doesn't oppose native software development at all, and that the company takes a neutral stance on it

(Via diggdot.us.)

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Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock coming this fall

My son loves this stuff. -TG

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock coming this fall: "Aspyr Media, in partnership with Activision, today announced that the third iteration of the popular Guitar Hero franchise, Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, will be available to PC and Mac gamers for the first time this fall..."

(Via MacMinute.)

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Parallels Desktop for Mac feature update released

This is the software I use to run windows on my MacBookPro. -TG

Parallels Desktop for Mac feature update released: "Parallels today announced its release of Parallels Desktop 3.1 for Mac, a feature update 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.)

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Free, ready-to-use FileMaker templates available for small business

Free, ready-to-use FileMaker templates available for small business: "Manage client, vendor, or patient contact information. Track inventory and monitor stock levels. Process sales orders. Track projects. Manage targeted email campaigns. You can do it all—and more—with the ready-to-use templates now available in the Business Productivity Kit you’ll receive when you download a free 30-day trial of FileMaker Pro 9."



(Via Apple Hot News.)

Monday, September 10, 2007

News: Apple attempts to block free ringtones with iTunes update

News: Apple attempts to block free ringtones with iTunes update: "Apple has released an update to iTunes that blocks users from creating free custom ringtones and then syncing them to an iPhone. Despite Apple's best efforts to thwart users, a workaround has already been found and posted to the Internet.


(Via Macworld.)

Is Apple considering bidding on 700MHz spectrum?

Is Apple considering bidding on 700MHz spectrum?: "Business Week has cited anonymous sources that say Apple is considering bidding on licenses in the upcoming 700MHz auction, but will the company actually go ahead with it?"



(Via CNET News.com.)

Contour Design debuts Showcase for iPhone

Contour Design debuts Showcase for iPhone: "Contour Design has announced the release of the Showcase for iPhone, the newest edition of its line of dual-layered iPod cases and accessories..."

(Via MacMinute.)

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Apple Sells One Millionth iPhone

Apple Sells One Millionth iPhone: "Yesterday, just 74 days after its introduction on June 29, Apple sold the one millionth iPhone. ‘One million iPhones in 74 days—it took almost two years to achieve this milestone with iPod,’ said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. ‘We can’t wait to get this revolutionary product into the hands of even more customers this holiday season.’"

(Via Apple Hot News.)

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Friday, September 07, 2007

Updated IPods Confirm Apple's Monopoly, Lawyers Say

Maybe it's just the time of night, but I couldn't stop laughing as I read this. What do you think? -TG

Updated IPods Confirm Apple's Monopoly, Lawyers Say: "When Steve Jobs unveiled his company's new line of music players, consumers saw cool new gadgets. Attorneys who claim Apple engages in anticompetitive behavior saw something else entirely.

(Via Top Stories.)

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News: Report: Apple pushing for 99-cent TV downloads

News: Report: Apple pushing for 99-cent TV downloads: "According to Variety, Apple want to cut the price of TV program downloads to 99 cents at the iTunes Store in an effort to spur video sales.

(Via Macworld.)

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Is the iPhone ready for business?

Is the iPhone ready for business?: "Video: Is the iPhone ready for business? From the Office 2.0 conference in San Francisco, Webware Editor Rafe Needleman talks with software developers and business users about the iPhone's potential as a business device.
"

(Via CNET News.com.)

Apple signs iPhone patent deal with Interdigital

Apple signs iPhone patent deal with Interdigital: "The seven-year agreement covers the current iPhone and looks like it cost Apple about $20 million, plus ongoing royalties."

(Via CNET News.com.)

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Thursday, September 06, 2007

News: Seagate ups laptop storage ante to 250GB

Woo hoo! Never too much hard disk space. I'm curious. How many of you use Seagate drives? -TG

News: Seagate ups laptop storage ante to 250GB: "Later this year Seagate will ship a new 2.5-inch drive for notebook computers with 250GB of storage capacity.

"

(Via Macworld.)

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News: Study: iPhone price drop attracts college students

Now that's a big surprise. -TG

News: Study: iPhone price drop attracts college students: "SurveyU reports that college student interest in the iPhone has dramatically risen overnight following Apple's price drop, and it seems that many of them who already have the device aren't upset about the dramatic price reduction.

(Via Macworld.)

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Apple's IPod Strategy: Aggressive Prices, Overwhelming Features

Apple's IPod Strategy: Aggressive Prices, Overwhelming Features: "By completely overhauling its line of iPods, Apple cements its lock on the portable-media-player market. Analysts say no one else is close in combining features with aggressive prices.

(Via Top Stories.)

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Apple issues security update for iTunes

For those still running Jaguar and for Windows XP and Vista users. -TG

Apple issues security update for iTunes: "Flaw concerns the way that iTunes processes album cover art; security fix includes both Mac and Windows versions."

(Via CNET News.com.)

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iPod Hi-Fi dies a quiet death

iPod Hi-Fi dies a quiet death: "The iPod Hi-Fi has now been axed from the online store.

(Via diggdot.us.)

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A Letter from Steve to iPhone Owners

You may not have read it here first, but you did see it here. I am happy to have been a non-flamer in my earlier post while being certain that those who were particularly vitriolic will now be patting themselves on the back. Read on. -TG

- - - - - - - -


To all iPhone customers:

I have received hundreds of emails from iPhone customers who are upset about Apple dropping the price of iPhone by $200 two months after it went on sale. After reading every one of these emails, I have some observations and conclusions.

First, I am sure that we are making the correct decision to lower the price of the 8GB iPhone from $599 to $399, and that now is the right time to do it. iPhone is a breakthrough product, and we have the chance to 'go for it' this holiday season. iPhone is so far ahead of the competition, and now it will be affordable by even more customers. It benefits both Apple and every iPhone user to get as many new customers as possible in the iPhone 'tent'. We strongly believe the $399 price will help us do just that this holiday season.

Second, being in technology for 30+ years I can attest to the fact that the technology road is bumpy. There is always change and improvement, and there is always someone who bought a product before a particular cutoff date and misses the new price or the new operating system or the new whatever. This is life in the technology lane. If you always wait for the next price cut or to buy the new improved model, you'll never buy any technology product because there is always something better and less expensive on the horizon. The good news is that if you buy products from companies that support them well, like Apple tries to do, you will receive years of useful and satisfying service from them even as newer models are introduced.

Third, even though we are making the right decision to lower the price of iPhone, and even though the technology road is bumpy, we need to do a better job taking care of our early iPhone customers as we aggressively go after new ones with a lower price. Our early customers trusted us, and we must live up to that trust with our actions in moments like these.

Therefore, we have decided to offer every iPhone customer who purchased an iPhone from either Apple or AT&T, and who is not receiving a rebate or any other consideration, a $100 store credit towards the purchase of any product at an Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store. Details are still being worked out and will be posted on Apple's website next week. Stay tuned.

We want to do the right thing for our valued iPhone customers. We apologize for disappointing some of you, and we are doing our best to live up to your high expectations of Apple.

Steve Jobs
Apple CEO

News: iTunes 7.4 adds closed captioning, ringtone maker

News: iTunes 7.4 adds closed captioning, ringtone maker: "As promised at Wednesday's iPod event, Apple has released iTunes 7.4, adding support for the creation custom ringtones, among other changes.

(Via Macworld.)

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News: Intuos3 Special Edition pen tablet debuts

News: Intuos3 Special Edition pen tablet debuts: "Wacom has introduced the Intuos3 Special Edition, a new version of its popular pen tablet in three sizes that comes with extra accessories and a new color scheme.

(Via Macworld.)

iPhone Price Drop

I hate it when Apple makes product announcements on Wednesdays as my schedule simply doesn't allow for "real time". I just reached the end of the Keynote and had the same jaw dropping "You have to be kidding me" moment any other early adopter had hearing Steve announce the new pricing for the iPhone. A $200 price drop in just over 60 days. I'm still digesting this. It's late. I'll think about it later. I still love my iPhone. I'm not made of money and $200 is a BIG price difference. -TG

How DO They Keep Doing This?

By being the most innovative, forward-thinking, creative technology company on the planet. Period. If you haven't already, please go watch the Keynote and, once again, prepare to empty your wallet. This is beginning to hurt. -TG

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Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Study: iPhone tops July smart-phone sales

Study: iPhone tops July smart-phone sales: "Apple phone grabbed 1.8 percent of the U.S. mobile-handset market during the month, iSuppli consumer survey finds."



(Via CNET News.com.)

NBC says goodbye to Apple, hello to Amazon

NBC says goodbye to Apple, hello to Amazon: "NBC Universal cuts new content partnership days after a rift emerges with Apple."



(Via CNET News.com.)

Sunday, September 02, 2007

Thanks to Apple; Jaguar XF sports Pulsating Start Button, Rising Air Vents

Thanks to Apple; Jaguar XF sports Pulsating Start Button, Rising Air Vents: "'We have been working with Apple on control interfaces.' That's a direct quote from, not Martin Winterkorn at Volkswagen, but Ian Callum, the design director for Jaguar, as quoted by CAR magazine. Callum says Jaguar's new XF's start button 'starts to pulsate' when the driver gets into the car. Once running, the car's hidden air vents 'rise up'

(Via diggdot.us.)

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