a multi-tasked stream of consciousness or perhaps just emails to myself
Getting ready… Clearly Apple is getting things set for a big day in the ITMS. I just checked in to see if I could track something down and it’s down. This seems like a big deal as it’s still hours until the event at 1pm EST and things don’t usually shut down in Apple Stores until right prior.
Technorati Tags: Apple
All you Windows fanatics need to get off your high horse for a second and realize what’s happening here. My name isn’t Chicken Little, and I’m certainly not alone in my belief that Leopard is far more compelling than Windows Vista. [Chris Pirillo]
Enough Said.
iLounge points to a most exciting new patent application from Apple. There’s no saying when or if this will come to market, but consider me pre-ordered!
A new Apple patent application published today by the US Patent & Trademark Office details a “multi-functional handheld device†that has the ability to quickly switch between multiple operating modes. The patent, which was filed in March, describes a device with a touch sensitive screen covering the entire front of the unit and the ability to switch between functionalities such as PDA, cell phone, music player, video player, game player, digital camera, GPS, handtop, and remote control.
“Before a particular device functionality can be used, it typically must be selected for use,†a portion of the filing reads. “The selection can come in a variety of forms. For example, the selection may be made via a main menu that includes soft buttons or icons that, when selected, activate the device functionality associated with the soft button. During activation, the GUI for that particular device is brought into view on the display and the software associated with the device is installed, loaded or activated. From that point on, the multi-functional device operates like the selected device.â€
I just happened to notice that the iMac was updated to a Core 2 Duo processor…
So apparently Pioneer’s shooting their mouth off about their new DEH car stereo system with Bluetooth, which apparently will work wonderfully with the Bluetooth adapter they claim Apple has planned for the iPod. [Engadget]
This type of connectivity starts to make all kinds of after-market adjustments quite nice. TomTom is releasing their bluetooth auto connection kit soon as well which would be a nice thing to have all integrated in the car. Adding all these features (Nav, bluetooth etc) starts to add up to what it would have been at initial purchase, but you do get a fair bit of control (and enhanced geekiness) doing it this way.
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Om Malik notes and is please by the release of 30 Boxes mobile interface which is cool, but what we mac users really want is the true .Mac mobile experience. Apple already rocks the sync thing and offers IMAP/ POP mail, but the only way to get your calendar on your device is through an initiated sync. OTA is the true Nirvanna and I’d bet that the eventual Apple iPhone will include this. Apple will surely make it easy for the rest of us.
Technorati Tags: Mobile, Apple, Sync, Calendar, iPhone, 30 Boxes
Bring it on! This is great news for Mac users seeking reliable WLAN access.
“This is the way things are supposed to work. I took Verizon Wireless’ new V640 EVDO ExpressCard down to the Apple Store in SoHo, installed the drivers from the included CD, and popped it into a MacBook Pro. Within a few seconds, I had high-speed, go-anywhere Internet access, completely integrated into Mac OS 10.4.7 – check out the photo at left. (Click on it for a bigger image.) A reception indicator appears in the MacBook Pro’s task bar; you pop a menu down to connect, and then you’re online. It couldn’t be easier.” [
Gearlog ]
Just reading Michael Gartenberg’s post on returning to NY from WWDC and caught this:
“Today was a pretty amazing day, not just weather wise, but sadly it was full of meetings that I can’t talk about for the moment and in some cases, can’t talk about until 2008 :). I do, however, know now with some certainty what I think my phone (s) of the year are going to be come December.” [Michael Gartenberg]
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Coming soon: Windows games that will run on Intel Macs thanks to TransGaming’s new Cider software. There’s no rebooting involved and no separate Windows partition to be installed. It all happens transparently. [Macworld]
If this really works a whole new world of opportunity for Mac marketshare will become available — not too mention fun! When the new systems eventually roll out powered by Intel’s latest Core2Duo, the Apple platform will be incredibly robust!
I ordered the WirelessMighty Mouse when it was announced yesterday and I love it. I’ve usedother wireless bluetooth mice, but this is a keeper. It’s very simple (Apple style) and yet has a great deal of functionality baked in. The stealth second button is pressure sensitive and it magically just works when you click down on the right side. The scroll ball is very slick. Imagine a scroll wheel that clicks, spins and slides any direction you need it, plus provides another button for launching apps – the default is for Expose.
As you can see from the control panel, there are quite a few options for making this more personal. I know this is nothing new for users ofmore advanced pointing devices, but it’s great to see from Apple and again, it’s a really nice mouse. The laser tracking actually enabled me to use it without mouse pad on my marble kitchen island. This has been impossible with every other device I’ve tried.
technorati tags:apple, hardware, mightymouse, mouse, Bluetooth
I’ve previously stated what I think about Sharepoint, but that has no bearing on the fact that I have to use it almost daily. A particular pain for Mac users is that the file browser – Open in Explorer – is not available at all so large folders of files must be downloaded on a single file basis. This is particularly painful when you have a project with a complex tiered folder structure… I think you get the point. This morning I decided to try something and am amazed it works so I’m sharing here to perhaps enable others to take advantage of this likely little known method.
Once you’ve browsed to a project and are about you open a folder link, instead copy the path to your clipboard. In my case the project has a number of folders and I wanted to use the top most available level to potentially freely browse the entire project site area. The folder link I initially copied looked like this – https://mysharepointaddress.com/files1/PWIKC06016181/Folder_Name
I switched to the Finder and chose Command+K (Go Menu – Connect to Server) and pasted in the path from my clipboard. I actually deleted the Folder_Name portion of the path and hit return. After a few seconds of thinking, the system prompted me to accept my security certificate which I accepted followed by a login prompt. I entered my domain, username and password and was happily surprised to see a Finder window open full of the folders I had just been reviewing in my browser.
This is amazingly helpful for me and hopefully for others as well. One caveat seems to be that this only seems to work on file browsing from within a project – you can’t browse the whole Sharepoint directory openly. I guess that would be asking for access to areas potentially beyond your level of security, though I even tried it from the “My Work” level and was rejected. For now it’s a project only view – but still an excellent help for Macs. I’ve dragged a link to the folder down to my dock for quick access as well…
While I still don’t really like Sharepoint, this certainly makes daily work a fair bit easier.
The Crystal Method have released a track designed for runners and the new Nike – iPod system. Obviously anyone can listen and buy the music, but I think it really speaks to the commitment of both companies to this partnership. Custom content with a focus on the application of what they both bring is an excellent move and hopefully we’ll see more stuff like this.
Eventhough I don’t currently run for exercise, it’s quite tempting to want this type of connection between my Nano and a pair of sneakers (or Trainers for UK readers).
technorati tags:apple, Nike, iPod, Marketing, Music, content
The Apple Store (U.S.) – MacBook:
I have to say the MacBook is a helluva compelling machine. I’d take mine in black if I was going for it, though I am quite happy with my Pro version.
If you look at the Comparison chart, you can see tell the differences. You’ll be making a choice either way you go. More battery life on the Book, but more expansion and capabilities on the Pro. I don’t think you can really make a mistake here… all depends on what you need / want.
Technorati Tags: Apple, MacBook, MacBook Pro
Wow! I received a MacBook Pro from the office yesterday and it’s absolutely amazing. After using a Powerbook for so long the overall responsiveness of the systems is a quantum leap! Apps I was used to just having to wait on, just work. I can’t detect any issues with Rosetta and actually in my case Entourage is running like it was just installed for the first time instead of continuing to read my store of Gigabytes of email. NetNewsWire is humming and browsing through Camino, Safari and Firefox (had to try them all) is super quick!
My two issues are I know I no longer can get power on an Airplane with my iGo (yet) and I can’t use my card reader for SD or CF Cards — so back to USB and Bluetooth for those.
Technorati Tags: Apple, MacBook Pro
Numbers 2,6,11 and 17 are of particular interest…
This would be a massively significant update and would blow the doors off of Vista. We can certainly hope…
Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with Apple precludes me from revealing proprietary detail, but because most, if not all, of this is posted elsewhere and is commonly available, I have no problems with confirming the following. Still, please don’t quote me.
1. Leopard supports OS 9.x, as is done with Tiger, but OS 8 and earlier will not be officially supported. Legacy apps may still work, but Apple just won’t support them.
2. During the Leopard install, you are given the option to create specific partitioning to accommodate M$ Vista and Linux. Reformatting your HD is not required. Depending on your processor and RAM, all OS’s can run simultaneously & independently. A (minimum) 150 GB HD is required (250 GB is recommended), and 2 GB RAM (minimum) should you wish to run more than one OS. Dual processors are required for optimum performance, though this may change in 10.5.1 or 10.5.2.
3. DiskWarrior (in lieu of TechTool) will be bundled with 10.5 if one chooses Apple Care or extends their current Apple Care contract. I don’t know the pricing or specific details, though Apple Care for older machines will increase significantly with the machine’s age. Machines over 6 years old (from date of mfgr.) are not eligible.
4. Safari will include editable Helpers. Safari Tabs can be assigned colors. Safari will be about 37% faster (YMMV). The default for Safari bookmarks will now be alphabetical by folder. Safari will include configurable parental controls (for those who want configured parents). Safari will now import Firefox and Camino bookmarks. Also, there are 12 new Safari “skinsâ€.
5. The Dock will be much different. One new feature is that as icons are added, they will automatically migrate/expand around the screen as needed (or, you can reduce the size of the icons as presently done). Also, multiple docks are an option as is the amount of “bounce†desired in those dock apps launching or needing your attention. There is an accompanying bounce sound, a boing-boing sort of thing.
6. Hooks are built-in to support an Apple PDA, but I can say no more.
7. All Metadata will be editable.
8. You can have 3 ‘Finder’ windows open simultaneously, much like having 3 displays, all running different applications or OS’s. If networked, any 3 computers can be displayed. Depending on the function/application, you can even Drag & Drop between displays. Password or Admin. privileges are required. (see #2 above).
9. Widgets can run on any or all of your open windows, similar to the way Stickies can be placed anywhere.
10. Terminal has balloons that will appear with alerts/warning notes should you wish to do something that you will (later) wish you hadn’t.
11. Mail, Address Book, iCal, iSight, and iChat will become one integrated application, much like Entourage (but better). Included is a customizable Auto Responder and voice activated dialing via numbers or Address Book names. You will be able to automatically send email & initiate iSight meetings, etc. that are linked/pegged to specific calendar events. This feature is called AutoPilot (see #6 above).
12. Voice recognition/security has returned as an option (see #6 above). Note: Use with caution. I am still not certain this will make the final release (it’s still a bit buggy); perhaps delayed until 10.5.1.
13. An across the board speed increase of 35 – 40%. YMMV.
14. Font, Printer, and User Preference (.plist) repair routines are built-in and are schedulable.
15. Sherlock has been eliminated (use Widgets instead).
16. When Repairing Permissions, the “We are using special permissions…†will no longer be displayed. Finally!
17. Airport (Extreme only) will notify you via the airport icon flashing in the menu bar if your signal is being hijacked or used by anyone other than you authorized.
18. Startups, Restarts, & User Switching will be exactly as the User left the machine; open apps, window positions, network connections, etc. will all be reestablished.
19. Bundled with Leopard is a small app called “TrashBackâ€, a program to recover deleted files. Of course, the sooner one uses it after trashing the better.
20. Numerous (other) bug fixes, including a totally rewritten Spotlight.
Leopard will be previewed in June at the WWDC and released in early November
Technorati Tags: Apple, Intel, Microsoft, Virtualization
I believe that the name Boot Camp is a significant double entendre which references both the boot sequence of a computer (the dual boot) and also the beginning of something much more considerable — not unlike the boot camp attended by members of the armed forces. I don’t actually think or hope there’s much related between Apple and the military… Though you might look at this as training for the battle ahead.
Running Windows and Mac applications on the same machine has many benefits. I don’t think I really need to spell it all out, but just for kicks imagine you are one of the following – A recent iPod purchaser on a Windows Machine loving Apple, but not sure you’d be comfortable in Mac OS; A Gamer; a Corporate user; a casual consumer looking to upgrade your computing style.
While Dual-Booting allows for a pretty conservative approach to checking things out (separate real machines), the real path to seemless integration of multiple OSs comes through Virtualization. This is something that has been mainly used on the server side of life, but is very seriously making a move on the desktop. As Intel rolls Conroe out this fall, and Apple rolls out 10.5 virtualization will very likely reach a consumer mass market.
While Virtualization is very complicated, imagine NOT having to reboot your system to run Windows or switch to Mac OS, but rather simply clicking an app and having it run. The way virtualization has worked in the past has enabled a special window to open (if you’ve ever used VirtualPC) which then runs the new OS. Apple actually has some interesting related experience which many early users of OSX are quite familiar in Classic.
Classic just ran. You could choose to have it start on boot or on demand and when you clicked a Classic (OS9) application, it just worked. Running Windows (or Linux) this way is clearly more complicated, but I don’t think it’s impossible and actually if the goal is to make it easy for things to operate – Apple could certainly make the process transparent better than most.
There are definitely some interesting things brewing and I can’t wait to see how it all actually works out. If Apple succeeds in enabling a virtual windows system within OS X, there would be ZERO obstacles to choosing Apple – with the one exception being cost, but then you’d be getting the most superior hardware design along with the most advanced operating system — not too unlike today, but with even more capabilities.
Technorati Tags: Apple, Microsoft, Virtualization
Gotta love Apple’s attitude toward the ridiculous lawsuit from Apple Corps, The Beatles record label.
Giving opening arguments on Thursday, lawyers for Apple Computer asserted the company’s right to distribute music through its iTunes music store, rejecting claims by The Beatles’ Apple Corps Ltd. that doing so violated a 1991 trademark agreement.
According to the Associated Press, Apple lawyer Anthony Grabiner said the “distribution of digital entertainment content” was permitted under the agreement, in which the two companies promised not to interfere with the other’s business.Grabiner said “even a moron in a hurry” could distinguish between the computer company’s online music business and a record label like Apple Corps.
“Data transmission is within our field of use. That’s what [the agreement] says and it is inescapable,” he said.
In his own opening arguments on Wednesday, Apple Corps’ lawyer Geoffrey Vos said Apple Computer’s music distribution business “was flatly contradictory to the provisions of the agreement.”
Vos argued that while Apple Computer is perfectly entitled to produce programs like iTunes, it should stay out of the music business if it uses the logo, a cartoonish apple with a neat bite out of its side, the AP reported. [AppleInsider]
I love this new feature! Today I ordered a pass to the Daily Show based how damn easy it is. The pricing is excellent and you get 16 shows for a considerable discount – thanks Apple and Viacom for getting how it should work.
The service is essentially paid podcasting. You pick what you want and it downloads as shows are available. Tonight I caught up the weeks episodes while commuting home and expect that tomorrow I will find tonight’s episode (which I’ve missed) auto-synched on my iPod. This could not be easier.
What’s next is obvious to me. HD or some significant boost towards at least 480p content so it’s closer to standard def TV until bandwidth can be dealt with for true HDTV on-demand / subscription services. Apple btw, is not calling this a subscription (more like a bulk buy) since the way subscription services work today is more akin to a rental and you own what iTunes delivers…
One of the killer features of the iTunes Music Store is the immediate gratification and instant fulfillment of your purchase. I just grabbed the latest Matisyahu entitled Youth and I love that while it’s actually downloading, I can begin listening.
Currently Jamming to Fire of Heaven / Altar of Earth from the album “Youth” by Matisyahu