TUAW Responds: Creating Web Clips with User Names and Passwords

TUAW Responds: Creating Web Clips with User Names and Passwords: "

Filed under: iPod Family, iPhone

TUAW reader Rudi writes that he needs web clips on his iPhone that 'prefix my web path with a username and password, great for things like web based corporate email.' In response to Rudi and to anyone else who needs special-purpose URLs, including ones that make telephone calls (using the tel:// prefix instead of http://), here's ClipIt.

When run, it prompts you for a web clip name and URL. Enter these and tap Create. The utility builds a new web clip for you and places it on your home screen. There's no way to go back and fix a URL with this (and of course, being the iPhone, no cut & paste yet), so make sure you've entered it carefully the first time.

If you're looking to create a telephone link, build a URL that starts with tel://, e.g. tel://202-456-1111. When tapped, the web clip first opens Safari, which then asks you to confirm whether you want to continue placing the call. ClipIt, with its web clip functionality, works only on iPhone firmware 1.1.3 and higher.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

iTunes overtakes RealPlayer

iTunes overtakes RealPlayer: "

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, iTunes

Even though Apple's stock prices are in the slumps, iTunes usage is certainly not! Website Optimization posted that iTunes has surpassed RealPlayer usage in terms of online streaming -- for the first time in history. They cite that iTunes was the only online streaming player that had a positive growth over year 2007. Here's how the online players break down as of December 2007:

• iTunes - 35,664
• QuickTime - 12,787
• RealPlayer - 27,565
• Windows Media Player - 75,865

iTunes is now the second most popular streaming player behind Windows Media Player. Web Optimization also stated that iTunes has an annual growth of about 26.8%. There's no doubt that we will hear about this more when Steve takes the stage at a future music-related event.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Eye-Fi card to get new 'Smart Boost' feature

Eye-Fi card to get new 'Smart Boost' feature: "The Eye-Fi card is getting a new software update that will enable it to upload photos regardless of whether your Mac is powered on."

(Via Macworld.)

AT&T data network fails for iPhone, BlackBerry users

Fortunately, I was unaffected by the outage. -Tim

AT&T data network fails for iPhone, BlackBerry users: "AT&T's wireless network is down in the Midwest and Southeast U.S., with service expected to be back up soon."

(Via Macworld.)

Technorati Tags:
Internet, iPhone

Analysis: Inside Apple's iPod sales figures

Analysis: Inside Apple's iPod sales figures: "Why did Wall Street react so negatively to Apple's record sales of iPods during its fiscal first quarter? Because the rate of growth for the company's mobile music player is slowing down from its breakneck pace. But Dan Moren discovers there's more to the iPod's prospects than growth rate."

(Via Macworld.)

Lenovo, Fujitsu planning to use Intel's MacBook Air chip

Lenovo, Fujitsu planning to use Intel's MacBook Air chip: "

The PC industry is wasting little time getting in line behind Apple to use Intel's spiffy new notebook chip.

Lenovo and Fujitsu plan to use the same Intel chip that helped the MacBook Air get so thin.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

CNET News.com has learned that Lenovo and Fujitsu ...

(Via One More Thing.)

When is HD not HD?

When is HD not HD?: "

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, iTS, Video, Apple TV

ZDNet's George Ou doesn't exactly have a great record when it comes to Apple related analysis, but even the stopped clock is right twice a day, and he's got an interesting article up about the forthcoming HD movies that Apple is planning to offer with Apple TV Take Two. His central point is this: high definition video is about more than resolution (whether 720p or 1080i/p); it also matters significantly how much the video is compressed. So his complaint is that the HD download services (both Xbox Live and the forthcoming Apple TV) offer video compressed so highly that even if it has the requisite number of pixels it 'is simply not HD by any respectable definition.' He's got another post illustrating the point.

Having become a bit of a HD video buff myself, I think his central claim is true. The highly-compressed video from the download services does not hold a candle to Blu-ray or HD DVD on a large 1080p display. If you think about the files' relative sizes, how could it possibly? By the same token, however, it's not entirely clear that this is what matters most to consumers. The obvious comparison is to audio; 128kb AAC files sound significantly worse than CDs with complex music and yet Apple has sold literally billions of them. So it may turn out that the convenience of the HD downloads ends up trumping video quality except for the videophiles. However, if that's so it's nonetheless true that average consumers make up the fat part of the curve where the real money is to be made. So even if Ou is right about the technical issues, it's not entirely clear that it'll matter in the long run. What do you think?

[via Engadget HD]

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Apple hints at forthcoming Aperture update

Apple hints at forthcoming Aperture update: "

Filed under: Software, Apple Professional, Apple

There's been much debate on the interwebs on what lies in store for users of Aperture (Apple's professional-level photo management software). I'm not suggesting that we mourn Aperture's passing, but it has been a little neglected of late, and as someone who uses Aperture almost daily that makes me intrigued by Apple's plans for the application.

Apple has been hounded for a little while about some cameras not having RAW support in OS X: colleague Chris Ullrich's Nikon D300 is still unsupported, for example. So you can imagine the widespread surprise when Joe Schorr, Apple's Senior Product Manager for Photo Applications posted a thread on the Aperture Discussion Groups:

'We're constantly working to make Aperture an even better tool for users, and will soon release an upgrade that includes RAW format support for new cameras and other exciting new features. Please stay tuned.'

This is where the plot thickens, dear readers, as the updates for Aperture's camera support actually hinge on updates to OS X. So if a new camera comes out, Apple puts out an OS X RAW Support Update for these new formats, and Aperture just works -- as do any other applications that utilize the OS X image frameworks. Now add into that the use of the word 'upgrade', not update, but upgrade. While perhaps hinting at a paid upgrade, it's good to know that the frustration of photographers everywhere isn't falling on deaf ears.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

1Password brings form-filling to the iPhone

1Password brings form-filling to the iPhone: "

Back at Macworld we saw a sneak-peek from 1Password creater Dave Teare of the (then forthcoming) iPhone form-filling, username-storing 1Password bookmarklet for iPhone (pictured above at Moscone). Today sees a new build of 1Password pushed out for beta-loving users who want to take advantage of it.

Of course, one main qualm people may have with this is 'just how secure is my data?' The 1Password data is saved in the bookmarklet itself using '448-bit blowfish encryption'. Users set up password to use with the bookmarklet, and 1Password outputs all your data in an encrypted format to sync via iTunes' 'Sync Safari Bookmarks option'. Once on the iPhone, you navigate to the page such as Pownce, choose the bookmarklet, enter your previously-set password and choose the login you wish to use. All the form filling, and form submission, is handled by the Javascript.

I've been long-in-need of something like this for the iPhone -- the typical 'too many usernames, too many unique passwords' scenario -- and using it this evening, it's been mighty handy. If you're wanting to get your hands on it, simply set your copy of 1Password to check for beta releases (all the usual beta disclaimers apply) and download the most recent release!

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Technorati Tags:
Internet Tools, iPhone, Security, Software

Order prints of iPhone photos with the phone itself

Order prints of iPhone photos with the phone itself: "

Filed under: Software, iPhone

ECCE TERRAM announced a new service this week that will allow people to order prints of photos stored on their iPhones from the phones themselves. With their Photo2lab Client, users may select a photo (both those taken with the iPhone and those transfered from iPhoto), add text and create prints, post cards and even mini photo books. You'll even be able to add an address to a post card from the iPhone's built-in contacts list.This sounds great, and ECCE TERRAM says it will be available just after the iPhone's SDK is released in February.[Via Macworld]

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Apple-Stanford promotion on iTunes

Apple-Stanford promotion on iTunes: "

Filed under: iTS, iTunes

Apple and Stanford University's Lively Arts have teamed up to bring a new promotion to iTunes and iTunes U. This new promotion will allow people associated with Standford in some capacity (students, faculty, and staff) and Lively Arts patrons to download free songs from artists participating in SU's Lively Arts. On Stanford's website, they list all of the participating artists, including: Wynton Marsalis, Blind Boys of Alabama, and the Meridian Arts Ensemble.This is the second time that Apple has done a promotion with a performing arts educational institution, for those of you keeping up, Apple did something similar in September 2007 with the University of Illinois. Thanks, Ian!

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Apple TV 2.0 delayed a week or two

Apple TV 2.0 delayed a week or two: "

Updated at 1:55 p.m. PST to reflect the fact that I'm an idiot.

Apple TV 2.0 needs a little more time in the oven.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveils Apple TV 2.0 at Macworld earlier this month.

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)

Apple put out ...

"

(Via One More Thing.)

'Complete Guide to iPhone Car Integration' posted

'Complete Guide to iPhone Car Integration' posted: "New iPhone-compatible FM transmitters, chargers, and Bluetooth accessories are finally starting to arrive, so iLounge has assembled a Guide to help you make the most of your iPhone's calling and music features in any car..."

(Via MacMinute.)

MCE announces 320GB drive upgrade for MacBooks

MCE announces 320GB drive upgrade for MacBooks: "drive"

(Via MacMinute.)

Apple posts iWeb 2.0.3 update

Apple posts iWeb 2.0.3 update: "Apple today released iWeb 2.0.3 via the Software Update pane or on the Web..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Apple posts iWork '08 updates

Apple posts iWork '08 updates: "Apple today released several updates for its iWork '08 productivity suite..."

(Via MacMinute.)

MacBook Air now shipping; Apple TV Update coming soon

MacBook Air now shipping; Apple TV Update coming soon: "The world’s thinnest notebook is now shipping, Apple announced today. MacBook Air measures an unprecedented 0.16-inches at its thinnest point. And at it’s maximum height of 0.76-inches, it’s less than the thinnest point on competing notebooks.Apple also announced that the free Apple TV software update enabling movie rentals is not quite finished and will now be available in another week or two."

(Via Apple Hot News.)

Cocktail Tiger edition goes to 4.0.1, Leopard edition 4.0.2

Cocktail Tiger edition goes to 4.0.1, Leopard edition 4.0.2: "

Filed under: Software, Internet Tools, UNIX / BSD, Leopard

Just in case you haven't yet upgraded to Leopard, but still love using Cocktail (that crazy mix of Unix functions for OS X), Maintain has released version 4.0.1 of their Tiger edition. They've fixed some compatibility problems with QuickTime, and added support for clearing font caches in Microsoft Office 2008. The update is now available from their website, and is, they say, 'strongly recommended' for all Cocktail (Tiger edition) users.Cocktail's Leopard edition is at version 4.0.2-- that update fixed these same problems last week, as well as fixing a network optimization bug for DSL (PPPoE) users.[Via MacMinute]

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

TUAW Tip: hiding Keynote presentations

TUAW Tip: hiding Keynote presentations: "

Filed under: iWork, TUAW Tips

If you give many presentations on the Mac, chances are you're using Apple's Keynote presentation software. One cool feature in Keynote is the ability to demo something on your Mac without giving away your next slide or notes. When you're in the middle of a presentation, just hit the 'h' key on your keyboard. This will hide the entire Keynote application and show your desktop.

When you press the h key, the Keynote icon in the dock will change and include a play button. When you want to resume your presentation, just click the Keynote icon in the dock.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Nisus Writer Pro 1.0.3, Nisus Writer Express 3.0.2 posted

Nisus Writer Pro 1.0.3, Nisus Writer Express 3.0.2 posted: "Nisus Software today announced the release of Nisus Writer Pro 1.0.3 and Nisus Writer Express 3.0.2..."

(Via MacMinute.)

iTunes Dupes Barrier 1.2.1 offers iTunes 7.6 support

iTunes Dupes Barrier 1.2.1 offers iTunes 7.6 support: "Hyperbolic Software today announced the release of iTunes Dupes Barrier 1.2.1, the company's utility that allows you to search the duplicate songs inside the iTunes and iPod songs' databases..."

(Via MacMinute.)

KeynotePro announces PitchBoards '08 for Keynote

KeynotePro announces PitchBoards '08 for Keynote: "PitchBoards"

(Via MacMinute.)

Go forth and WebClip, for TUAW is ready

Go forth and WebClip, for TUAW is ready: "

Filed under: TUAW Business, WIN Business

We've mentioned WebClips before. Repeatedly. Just like you all have in the tip emails recently. But fear not, as we've been busy working behind the scenes with our server elves (Scott's term) to get our WebClip icon out in the wild. After a little tweaking, the TUAW site is now WebClipped and ready for your enjoyment on-the-go! Thanks for all your patience -- and emails pleading asking for the icon. We're glad to be finally able to let it out of the bag for your use.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Engadget reviews the MacBook Air

Engadget reviews the MacBook Air: "

Filed under: Macworld, Apple, MacBook Air

If you've been dying to find out what the MacBook Air is really like, and weren't fortunate enough to be at Macworld to spend a little time hands-on with the latest Apple laptop, our colleagues over at sister-site Engadget have been busy testing the MacBook Air, and have just posted their review. Taking you through all the innovations (and compromises) it comes highly recommended especially with the galleries. Even as someone who was at Macworld, I remain astounded at the engineering involved in getting this machine just as thin as it is. Ryan Block makes some excellent points, and his concluding sentence (not wanting to ruin it for you) will undoubtedly resonate with a lot of people -- TUAW staff included.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Rumor: NBC and iTunes to make up, make money

Rumor: NBC and iTunes to make up, make money: "

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, iTS, Rumors, Video, iTunes, Apple

We heard it from a guy (thanks, Jeff K!) who heard it from another guy who basically speculated from comments made by two other guys that, surprise surprise, NBC and iTunes are on the road to reconciliation. Ok, so it isn't really a surprise-- the odds are really good that as long as there is NBC and iTunes, they'll eventually end up together. There's been some posturing in their past, but really, both have way more to gain together than apart. Not to mention that the NBC Direct service never quite panned out correctly. Of course, neither NBC nor iTunes is clearly hurting for one another. But there's so much benefit for both to make a deal that it's not hard to expect them back together by the time new Office episodes get back on the air.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

MacBU promises Office 2008 fix

MacBU promises Office 2008 fix: "

Filed under: Software

Software is a cruel mistress, and no one knows that better than the fine folks at Microsoft's Mac BU. They work hard to bring us the best Mac software they can, and yet there are some in the Mac community that won't cut them a break just because they work for Microsoft.That's why I feel for them, given the flaw that has been found in the Office 2008 for Mac installer. It would seem that the Office installer incorrectly sets some permissions on files, allowing a second local user on your Mac, i.e. a user other than the admin user installing the software, to modify the Office apps and some supporting libraries. This, of course, is not a good thing but the Mac BU has posted instructions on their blog to fix this via some Terminal commands. They also promise that an update to Office will be coming along shortly which will fix the problem for those of users who aren't comfortable in the Terminal.A great response to an unfortunate mistake, but something tells me TUAW commenters will not be kind to our friends at the Mac BU.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

TUAW Interviews Mike Lee of Delicious Monster, looks at Delicious Library 2

TUAW Interviews Mike Lee of Delicious Monster, looks at Delicious Library 2: "

Filed under: Macworld, Software

Mike Lee, the 'world's toughest programmer,' and official Major-domo for Delicious Monster sat down with Scott to show off some features coming to Delicious Library 2. We know a lot of you are itching for the release of this one, and Mike gives an answer to when it'll ship... sort of.Other items in the video:- sharing your library- media launching- more categories (now tracks gadgets)- .Mac (and more) publishing options- metadata support- robust import/export tools- one click backup- why no pro version?- scripting support!- plus a first look at a feature that will have Cory flipping outMike also talks about charity, and his efforts to help in Madagascar. The read link will take you to Mike's Club Thievey where you can help. The video is after the jump.

Continue reading TUAW Interviews Mike Lee of Delicious Monster, looks at Delicious Library 2

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Show floor video: El Gato HD hardware and EyeTV 3

Show floor video: El Gato HD hardware and EyeTV 3: "

Filed under: Macworld, Hardware, Software, Video

While we wait for Apple to cram a TV tuner or cable card into the Apple TV (don't hold your breath-- seriously), El Gato continues to pump out some nice hardware/software tools for watching the tube on your Mac. One thing that caught my eye: you can start distributing recorded live video around your house 30 seconds or so after the EyeTV starts recording a show. I remember when we had to rig some VLC nonsense together to get livestreaming on a remote machine with the old EyeTV. Oh, and they've apparently added something very similar to the Season Pass feature on Tivo, which is quite cool.Check out a nice demo after the jump.

Continue reading Show floor video: El Gato HD hardware and EyeTV 3

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Jolt keeps pixels shining

Jolt keeps pixels shining: "

Filed under: Software

If you've ever made a presentation (or shown a friend that hilarious YouTube clip you found) on your laptop, you've probably played the fun little game of trying to give the trackpad a nudge just often enough to keep the screen from dimming in the middle of it. You can edit your Energy Saver preferences before you start ... or you can use a new program called Jolt (no relation to the cola) to temporarily disable the Energy Saver settings.

Jolt places a small lightning bolt icon in your menubar. When you click it, it lights up to let you know you're safe from the mildly embarrassing mid-presentation screen dim. The full version of Jolt allows for variable timer settings ranging from 3 minutes to forever. The full version will set you back a whole $5, half of which is donated to charity (visit the Jolt page for a list of charities and a free trial).

[via MacUser]

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

DiskWarrior 4.1 update adds Leopard compatibility

DiskWarrior 4.1 update adds Leopard compatibility: "

Filed under: Software, Productivity, Software Update, Leopard

DiskWarrior, my personal favorite disk repair utility (especially if the problem drive is the startup disk) has just been updated to Version 4.1. The new version is now fully compatible with Leopard (there were some issues with repairing disk permissions on a Leopard startup volume), so if you rely on DiskWarrior as an essential part of your Mac Toolkit arsenal (as I do), you can rest easy.Alsoft has also introduced some additional Leopard specific repair features in DiskWarrior 4.1. What has me the most excited is the ability to repair directory hard links. Hard-linking is a key part of how Time Machine creates back-ups. How the process works is complicated (although this article does a very good job of trying to explain the whole process), but it is a vital part of Apple's back-up system. The ability to repair directory hard links means that DiskWarrior 4.1 should be able to at least attempt to repair a Time Machine volume. That has actually been my only concern about Time Machine -- what happens if that volume become corrupted or wonky? I hope I don't find out first-hand, but I'm glad some options exist.Current users will soon be able to download an update CD directly from Alsoft's website that will create a new DiskWarrior startup disc (in the event that the drive needing repair is the startup volume and you don't have access to another Mac). However, please note that the update will only startup the same set of Macs as your current CD. So if your current CD will only boot up to June 2007 MacBook Pros, the update CD will not allow that disc to be used with a November 2007 MacBook.One other caveat, if you want to run DiskWarrior 4.1 from a version of OS X other than Leopard (say, Tiger), two features will not work. You will not be able to repair permissions of a OS X 10.5 startup disk and you will not be able to rebuild a FileVault created under OS X 10.5. So if you need to repair a Leopard volume, it is best to either run the startup CD or access the drive from a computer that is also running Leopard.[via MacTech]

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Extending iTunes rental times

Extending iTunes rental times: "Need your iTunes movie rentals to last longer than 24 hours? Here's how."

(Via Macworld.)

Some new Dictionary tricks in 10.5

Some new Dictionary tricks in 10.5: "Learn more about the improved Dictionary application in OS X 10.5."

(Via Macworld.)

MOTU previews upcoming Digital Performer 6 release

MOTU previews upcoming Digital Performer 6 release: "Slated for release in the first quarter of 2008, Digital Performer 6 is a major upgrade to the audio sequencer software."

(Via Macworld.)

Apple reports best quarterly revenue and earnings in its history

Apple reports best quarterly revenue and earnings in its history: "Announcing financial results for its fiscal 2008 first quarter, which ended December 29, 2007, Apple today posted revenue of $9.6 billion and net quarterly profit of $1.58 billion, or $1.76 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $7.1 billion and net quarterly profit of $1 billion, or $1.14 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. In attaining its highest revenue and earnings in company history, Apple shipped 2,319,000 Macs, a 44% unit growth and 47% revenue growth over the year ago quarter; sold 22,121,000 iPods, representing five percent unit growth and 17 percent revenue growth over the year-ago quarter; and sold 2,315,000 iPhones in the quarter."

(Via Apple Hot News.)

Apple co-defendant settles lawsuit

Apple co-defendant settles lawsuit: "A co-defendant with Apple has reached a settlement in a patent-infringement suit involving visual voice-mail technology used in the iPhone, reports MarketWatch..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Apple stores generated $1.7 billion in Q1 revenue

Apple stores generated $1.7 billion in Q1 revenue: "During his quarterly conference call with financial analysts, Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer said that $1.7 of Apple's $9.6 billion in revenue was generated through sales at Apple's network of retail stores. It was 'a year for the record books,' according to Oppenheimer."

(Via Macworld.)

Plaxo improves Address Book sync and adds iPhone UI

Plaxo improves Address Book sync and adds iPhone UI: "

Filed under: Software, Internet Tools, iPhone

One-time contact manager, now full-blown social networking site Plaxo has its share of fans and detractors; despite the privacy concerns of its address management techniques, you can't deny that its Mac support has been good and getting better, with a new build of the Address Book plugin released on January 16. Now the Plaxo Pulse service has joined the touchable generation by releasing an iPhone-optimized UI for Pulse.If you haven't seen Pulse, it provides a social superfeed of the actions and updates your friends and contacts have posted to their various info outlets (kind of like Flock in the cloud). It may seem Big Brotherish, but if you're already using Plaxo, an iPhone version could be icing on the cake.The Plaxonians have posted a video demo of the new features (with a very handsome collie!), embedded after the break.

Continue reading Plaxo improves Address Book sync and adds iPhone UI

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

After Effects 8.02 now available

After Effects 8.02 now available: "

Filed under: Multimedia, Software Update, Leopard

Note: This update does NOT fix the conflict between AE and QuickTime 7.4 that we reported here. Adobe's recommendation is still to avoid the 7.4 QuickTime update.Good news users of Adobe After Effects CS3 (8.0) who are running Leopard -- 8.02 is now available and it fixes many of the compatibility issues between the two programs. It also introduces native support for Panasonic P2 equipment.The Read Me has all the details, but in addition to fixing issues with preserving underlying transparency and properly supporting PSD files with layer groups, 8.02 adds OpenGL support for supported cards under OS X 10.4.10 and OS X 10.5.x.This is an inclusive update, so After Effects 8.0 users do not need to worry about downloading 8.01 first. You can download the update directly from Adobe or from within After Effects (choose 'Updates' from the Help menu).[via DAV TechTable]

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

AT&T offers free Wi-Fi and superfast broadband

This could be me! I'll be following this story. - Tim Godby

AT&T offers free Wi-Fi and superfast broadband: "The company announces free Wi-Fi for its broadband customers and adds a new 10Mbps tier of service."

(Via CNET News.com.)

Behold the 24th Anniversary Mac

Behold the 24th Anniversary Mac: "

Filed under: Hardware, Mods, Mac mini

Forget the TAM. I want this thing.David Clausen decided to celebrate the Mac's longevity by making something special. So, he gutted the case of a 512K Mac (the case is in great shape, by the way), then inserted the workings of a Mac mini and a grayscale monitor. Add to that a LS-120 floppy disk drive and a custom-built USB microcontroller (to use the original mouse and keyboard), and you've got one badass compact Mac. For more detail, check out the Flickr Set.All because he wanted to '...experiment with creating a custom USB device.' That's one heck of a device. Hey Dave, if you decide to sell these, let me know.[Via Adam Tow]

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

WaterField Designs announces MacBook Air SleeveCase

WaterField Designs announces MacBook Air SleeveCase: "WaterField Designs, a San Francisco manufacturer of custom-fitted computer cases and bags, today the HardCase in custom-fitted sizes for Apple's new MacBook Air, the MacBook Pro and the MacBook..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Apple adds pink iPod nano

Apple adds pink iPod nano: "iPod"

(Via Apple Hot News.)

Report: iPhone misses U.K. sales targets

10,000 short, but short. - Tim Godby

Report: iPhone misses U.K. sales targets: "The Financial Times says the iPhone's exclusive U.K. carrier has sold 190,000 iPhones in the eight weeks since its debut, short of the 200,000 target the company had set."

(Via Macworld.)

Technorati Tags: Apple, iPhone

Office '08: How Entourage 2008 fares with Exchange

Office '08: How Entourage 2008 fares with Exchange: "Entoruage 2008 is Exchange-compatible, but don't confuse it with a Mac version of Outlook. John C. Welch explores the Entourage-Exchange relationship in greater detail."

(Via Macworld.)

AT&T offers business plans for the iPhone

I confirmed this today at a local AT&T store. Very good news. - Tim Godby

AT&T offers business plans for the iPhone: "AT&T is embracing business users that want to move to an iPhone as the company outlined new plans aimed at the business market."

(Via Macworld.)

Lotus Notes on the iPhone

A fascinating decision for a "non-business class" device. - Tim Godby

Lotus Notes on the iPhone: "

Filed under: Software, iPhone

According to Information Week, sources 'with knowledge of IBM's plans' have confirmed that IBM will be releasing a version of its email client, Lotus Notes, for the iPhone (and iPod touch) at the Lotusphere conference next week. Plans for this were announced in October last year after Steve Jobs announced an iPhone SDK coming in February. Notes has been previously available on your Mac, but this release would give iPhone users mobile access to all of the Notes tools, including e-mail, calendars and databases.

The Notes news, along with IBM's Wednesday announcement that it will be porting its Informix 11 'Cheetah' database server to Leopard, and reports that Symphony (the productivity suite based on the OpenOffice.org project) is headed for OS X give rise to speculation that IBM may be gearing up to take a bite out of Microsoft via some strategic partnering with Apple. And for Apple, support from IBM could lead to gaining ground in the enterprise arena. Would more IBM software on the Mac (and iPhone) cause a stir in the Microsoft-dominated business world? I guess we're about to find out.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

1password to offer auto-fill for your iPhone

We're going to demo this software at an upcoming GreerMUG meeting. - Tim Godby

1password to offer auto-fill for your iPhone: "

Filed under: Software, iPhone

There's great news for iPhone users from the makers of 1Password. For those who might need a recap, 1Password is a cross-browser password manager, form auto-filler and digital wallet for your Mac. The application has had its fair share of updates recently, including the new capability to create a secure bookmarklet for your iPhone with your protected password and login information. It's been announced that 1Password will be adding a new version of the bookmarklet feature, with the ability to automatically fill out login info and web forms on your iPhone.

Ars Technica's David Chartier got a chance to demo the bookmarklet at Macworld and reports that it works well, including the feature to store multiple identities per website, and the word is that the developers hope to ship this new feature within the week. You can get more information on 1Password and download a demo at the Agile Web Solutions site. Oh, and in case you hadn't noticed, it's also included in the MacHeist bundle if you get there before time runs out.

[via ars technica]

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Shawn Blanc examines Panic's Coda

Shawn Blanc examines Panic's Coda: "

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Software, Internet Tools

Shawn Blanc continues his outstanding series of Mac software reviews by looking at Coda, the all-in-one web worker's application from Coda (we've mentioned Coda several times). He explores Coda's performance as a text editor, CSS editor, FTP client and more, while extolling the little touches like the Clips feature:'You can save any text you want as a 'Clip'... [which feature] a Global database as well as a site-specific database....'We love Coda, too, as well as Shawn's comprehensive -- even exhaustive -- explorations (somehow, 'review' seems inadequate). Have fun reading, and if that doesn't convince you to purchase Coda, we don't know what will.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Macworld | Editors' Notes | Expo Notes: Tune in, TubeStick out

Macworld | Editors' Notes | Expo Notes: Tune in, TubeStick out
http://www.macworld.com/article/131711/2008/01/tubestick.html

Ahh, the Tube—that’s actually the polite word for TV in my parents’ circle. But however you feel about it deep down, you’ll be able to watch and even share your viewing experience with others with Equinux’s TubeStick hybrid, a TV receiver that will be available in the U.S. next month for $129.
Plug this tiny USB device into your Mac and receive free digital HDTV as well as digital cable and analog TV signals. You get the receiver, mini antenna, adapter and cable, and The Tube software right in the box.
The Tube lets you watch, timeshift, and record live TV, but also makes watching more social, especially if, for example, your political debate buddies aren’t sitting on the couch next to you splitting a bottle of chardonnay. The Tube’s new TubeTalk feature—a chat room available for all running TV programs—lets you and your companions across the country trash the politicians before they even stop talking. BuddySurfing, another feature, lets you keep track of your friends when they get bored with the political spin and start to channel surf.
        •        Del.icio.us
But what if you’re on the go? That’s where an optional Web-based service called TubeToGo comes in handy. It lets you remotely schedule, manage, and watch your programs while you’re en route. With TubeToGo you can publish your library on .Mac or to an FTP server and watch the programs via WiFi on your iPod Touch or iPhone

Garmin improves Mac support for GPS, releases a Bobcat

I posted on this earlier, but TUAW does a more thorough job. -Tim Godby

Garmin improves Mac support for GPS, releases a Bobcat: "

Filed under: Peripherals, Software

Mac users have long complained about leading GPS-maker Garmin's support for the fairer platform. Fortunately, Garmin has finally stepped up to the plate at Macworld this year with several announcements for the Mac. Perhaps most interesting is Bobcat, which 'allows you to transfer waypoints, tracks, and routes between your Mac and Garmin device and manage your data using your Garmin maps.' In addition, Garmin announced that all new maps for 2008 will be released in a native Mac format. Older PC-formatted maps can be converted and installed with MapInstall, which was released last year. Finally, the central Mac support page also lists Mac compatibility for the Garmin Connect web service coming later this year (as early as March for some models).Both Bobcat and MapInstall are available for download now. It's good to see Garmin finally getting its Mac house in order.Thanks Jason!<

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

7.6/1.1.3 Update brings Manual Media Management to iPhones

7.6/1.1.3 Update brings Manual Media Management to iPhones: "

Filed under: iTunes, iPhone

A big-old thank you to everyone who has written in to let us know that you can finally manage your iPhone media manually. Instead of having to sync the last 3 unwatched episodes of some show or another, you can just drag the shows you want to watch right onto that iPhone. Readers over at the Apple Support Boards are just as happy as I am. Select the Manually Manage Music checkbox and click Apply.

Yay!

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Technorati Tags: Apple, iPhone

Etymotic hf2 headset for the iPhone

Etymotic hf2 headset for the iPhone: "

Filed under: Macworld, iPhone

I'm a big fan of Etymotic headphones, and as soon as I got an iPhone I knew I wanted to replace the very cool included headphone/headset with something by Etymotic. Sadly, they didn't make such a product, that is until Macworld. That's right, campers, the hf2 from Etymotic combines the great sound from their ER-4 earphones with a headset so you can get all that great noise isolating action that Etymotic is known for and still be able to answer calls without pulling the headphones out.The hf2's cost $179 and are available now.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Technorati Tags: Accessories, iPhone