Friday, June 30, 2006
News
France Approves iTunes Rights Law
A law that could force Apple to share its digital download technology with rivals has been passed in France.
Apple Acknowledges MacBook Stains As Manufacturing Defect
Will Apple Dominate Home Entertainment?
"Apple in the living room will be the story of 2008."
Apple Probe Found Option Grant 'Irregularities'
Apple said an internal probe uncovered irregularities related to the company's issuance of stock option grants between 1997 and 2001, and its shares fell 3 percent.
Attack Code Out For Apple Flaw
Attack code that exploits a flaw in Apple's Mac OS X was publicly released Wednesday, increasing the urgency to patch.
Opinion
My Experience With The Video iPod
People should know how to and where to find hacks and resources for it.
Sidetrack
Eight Ways To Kill Someone By Using An iPod Nano, according to ex-Marine Brad Collum.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
News
Maine Inks Deal With Apple To Continue Statewide Laptop Program
QuickTime 7.1.2 Update Addresses iDVD Issue
Analyst Sees iPod Delay, Apple Dips To Eight-Month Low
American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu said that new versions of Apple's slim iPod nano player would ship in the fourth quarter, rather than the third quarter, due to Apple's switch of suppliers.
Opinion
Is Watching Videos On Your iPod Bad For Your Eyes?
A Hot Laptop Isn't Easy On The Thighs
Fixing Apple's "Sweatshop" Woes
What Apple should do is build its own factory and set an example to the world.
Review
Sidetrack
Is it true? Is this Microsoft employee using a MacBook Pro to demo Vista?
Update: Yes sir, that is a MacBook Pro being used by a Microsoft Employee to demo Vista.
Wintel
Why WinFS Had To Vanish
Windows users won't miss the planned storage and search system — noboy could find a good use for it.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
News
Apple Updates 17" MacBook Pro Firmware
Why Apple iTunes Isn't Selling Movies. Yet
The technology for downloading movie-length videos is ready, but their multi-gigabyte files would overwhelm current broadband connections.
Apple's Leopard Act
The company's upcoming operating system could help stoke interest in Mac sales.
Microsoft Acquires iView Multimedia
Microsoft has purchased iview Multimedia, the companies announced on Monday. Notes on the iView web site indicate that support for its Macintosh products will continue.
Opinion
Behind One Analyst's 'Sell' On Apple
Is it on its way to becoming a Microsoft-like monopoly?
My MacBook: What I Love, What I Hate
I still like it, I guess; i just hate being knocked down to the levels of PC-based computers everywhere.
Sidetrack
Don't Install The Latest Update Yet
Mac users are typically advised not to install the latest OS X updates straight away, because they may contain bugs. Better let others do it first, and install the updates only when there are no widespread problems reported. Even so, always backup.
Windows users are advised to to install the latest Windows updates, because, simply, Microsoft is evil.
Now, which computer do you really want to buy?
The Most Secretive OS X Release Ever?
Leopard, it seems, is one of the most secretive OS X release ever, assuming Apple's promised 18-month cycle remains true.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Opinion
Out, Dammed Spot... And Other Defects
Apple fans sure are a forgiving lot.
French Apple Mush
Why is Europe giving copyright holders veto power over technology?
Fact-Checking The 'Get A Mac' Ads
What follows is a humble attempt to audit the ads' accuracy, one by one.
Review
Monday, June 26, 2006
News
Lack Of Clarity At Apple
For all of its terrific marketing, superb products and highflying stock, there's another side to the revival of Apple that gets less airplay: Its lack of a certain type of disclosure.
Apple Confirms WWDC 2006 Steve Jobs Keynote
Foxconn Admits Breaking Labor Laws In China
Foxconn, an original equipment manufacturer for Apple's iPod, has admitted that their employees work about 80 extra hours each month, which is against the law in China.
Review
Wintel
We Come To Bury WinFS...
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
News
Opinion
Apple — Problematic Products Or Increasingly Fussy Customers?
The Zoom Button: Abused And Neglected
A return to consistency is needed.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
News
Justin Roberts: Kid Rock
"It kind of happened without any planning," Roberts says of writing songs in GarageBand.
DJ Sasha: Crossfade Into The Digital Domain
Sasha's typical setup includes an iMac G5 and Ableton Live software. This combination gives him tremendous freedom to manipulate music on the fly.
Opinion
A Parallel Windows Universe
Parallels sure has come a long way since its beta stages. Everything works in that little Windows window.
AppleWorks And The Intel Mac
AppleWorks works perfectly well on an Intel Mac. But the writing has been on the wall so long that it's nearly faded from sight.
Review
Super Collapse 3
It's loads of fun for gamers that haven't gotten tired of the "match three" action puzzle genre.
Sidetrack
Is Apple considering dropping the Big-Cat naming convention, in favor of something that is more marketing-friendly, as speculated by Apple Insider?
Maybe something along the line System Ilmen or OS Vaiya? :-)
Friday, June 23, 2006
News
Apple Still Displeased With French Music Bill
Leading French lawmakers voted Thursday to water down a draft copyright law that could force Apple to make its iPod music player and iTunes online store compatible with rivals' offerings. But the changes did not appear to go far enough to satisfy Apple, which dropped the strongest hint yet that it might withdraw from the French download market rather than comply.
Apple's Formula Computes
For now, Apple has the golden touch.
Some Couples Saying I Do And iPod
Podcasting wedding highlights is the latest craze.
Media Players Suck Flash Market Dry
The rising popularity of portable media players such as the iPod nano is outpacing the production capacity for flash memory, analyst firm Garnter warns.
Opinion
Review
Sidetrack
Microsoft Getting Into Webcams Too
I hope the LifeCams will support the Mac too, but I'm not holding my breath. And the quality of most Microsoft's hardware product is pretty good. So, compete away! The customers will be the winners.
Someone, though, must be sweating over at International Business Park, Jurong East. (That's where Creative HQ is situated in Singapore, if you didn't know.)
Not Invented Here? Not In Redmond
You know, Bill Gates bowing out, and getting Ray Ozzie to replace him, is probably one evidence that Bill doesn't believe in the Not-Invented-Here mindset.
Maybe Bill Gates should try hiring Steve Jobs onto his board and re-do Microsoft's own digital entertainment strategy?
Some days, I wish I can get Comedy Central here in Singapore... (Futurama is back.)
Thursday, June 22, 2006
News
Apple To Halt Sale Of Some Products In Europe
Shake It Like A Polaroid Picture
It sems more likely that Apple will come out with a more feature filled version of Shake and go back to charging "pro prices."
France Poised To Soften iPod Proposal
Leading lawmakers have agreed to water down a draft law that could have threatened the future of the iPod in France.
GarageBand Changing The Face Of Music Creation
A little more than two years after the initial release of GarageBand, audio software and hardware makers have come out with consumer products of their own. And few make any secret of the fact that it was GarageBand that inspired them to reach out to this new audience.
Opinion
Apple MacBook Pro — Not Worth The Wait
Apple Is Really A Consumer Electronics Company
In Movie Matters, Latern From The PSP's Mistakes
And that lesson is, don't make the movies too expensive.
Review
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
News
Apple's iTunes Movie Muddle
The outfit wants to sell films through its online store, but an agreement with the movie studios is unlikely any time soon.
Apple Releases iPhoto 6.04 Update
Apple Can Withstand Microsoft iPod Assault - Analyst
Microsoft's rumored foray into the digital music business is likely to have the strongest impact on partners like Creative and Sony rather than Apple and its iPod, says one analyst.
Opinion
Open-Sourcing Apple Apps
By paying Apple a hundred bucks or so a year, on average, I'm buying peace of mind; every week or two I hit "Software Update" and sleep a little sounder knowing that all my bits and pieces are as up-to-date and secure as Apple knows how to make them.
Review
Garden Dreams
Garden Dreams offers fast-paced but ultimaely repetitive entertainment for casual gamers with a green thumb.
Sidetrack
I'm pretty sure Steve Jobs will get his iTunes Movie Store. I mean, Disney is almost in bed with Apple nowadays. :-)
But, on the off chance that Steve Jobs can't get his iTunes Movie Store in place, maybe Apple should start importing those non-copy-protected VCDs from the Asian market for sale at Apple stores, and re-start the whole Rip-Mix-Burn advertising campaign.
(Oh and by the way, I'm not that happy with Apple for not providing me with any VCD applications in Mac OS X.)
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
News
Apple Releases Universal Shake: Massive Price Cut
Apple has released Shake 4.1, the first Universial version of the compositing software, and dramatically discounted the product's price: from $2,999 to $499.
EC Regulators Won't Force Interoperable iTunes
Apple Plants Seeds For Pic Downloads
After conquering the digital music biz and aking the lead with TV shows online, Apple is looking to feature films. The computer company is in active negotiations with most major studios to add movies to its iTunes Music Store. The main sticking point is price.
Apple Acknowledges User Frustrations Over Roadmap
Apple yesterday conceded corporate IT workers are "always" complaining about its secretive product roadmap — but warned the only way to get up to speed is to invest thousands of dollars and a full working week attending its annual US-based developer conference.
Apple Says Started Audit On iPod Factory Claims
The audit will look at "employee working and living conditions, interviews of employees and managers, compliance with overtime and wage regulations, and other areas as necessary to insure adherence to Apple's supplier code of conduct," Apple spokesman Steve Dowling said.
Retalers Wake Up To Intel Macs' WinXP Capability
Apple's Slow Burn
As digital video downloads grow in popularity, music-downloading pioneer Apple seems to have fallen behind the times.
Opinion
Mac Attack
These ads don't work on me. They are conceptually brillant, beautifully executed, and highly entertaining. But they don't make me want to buy a Mac.
Will Europe Be Apple's Waterloo
How Not To Fix An iPod Shuffle
Apple made the iPod shuffle in a way for it not to be opened... there is a reason for this.
Why Apple Won't Open Source Its Apps
If the source code to these apps were made available, the best features from new versions of these apps could be ported back to previous versions, lessening the incentive for users to upgrade.
The Bits Will Fall As They May
The argument of DRM is one of those tricky matters of principle and it's unlikely to go away.
A Kernel Of Truth: The Plot Thickens
"It may contain third party source code (for Rosetta support) that they cannot release."
Review
Protect Your Mac
18 ways to safeguard your data and your privacy right now.
Sidetrack
Why Apple Should Not Fear Open-Source, Even After Listening To John Gruber
Should Apple give us the source code to its "free" applications such as iChat, iCal, Safari, and Mail.app? If you like the Aqua-stripes of yesteryears, you can remove the metal-goodness of today's Safari. If you hate the drawer ("so 10.0") interface of iCal, you will be able to change it to a three-pane interface that every applications out there adopts. If you really, really, like OPML, you can make sure every application can export its data in OPML format.
As John Gruber speculated, it's not that Apple cannot do this because the applications contain "trade secrets". The strength, he suggested, "is in [the] UI design, not in the code that implements the designs." Open-soucing these applications do not make it easier for others to port the applications to Windows or Linux. Rather, Apple will not open-source these applications, because Apple is using these applications, or rather, new versions of these applications, as carrots for Apple customers to upgrade their OS.
The logic is thus that, if Apple provides the source code to these applications, Apple will not be able to use new features of the applications as selling points for new OS X releases. This is because third-party developers can take the source code to the upgraded applications, and port them back to older OS X versions, thus negating any need to upgrade.
And I say, nonsense. :-)
If Apple upgraded the applications with new features that can be easily ported back to older versions of OS X, I'll say that these new features are really not worthwhile selling points for the new operating system. Tabbed window in iChat? In the larger scheme of things, no big deal. If the Leopard doesn't offer me compelling reasons to upgrade, tabbed window ain't going to do it.
But there are a lot of features that isn't going to be easily ported back to older versions of OS X. The spotlight feature of Mail.app cannot be easily ported back to Jaguar or Panther. The video chat portion of iChat AV in Tiger cannot be easily ported to older OS X versions if it depended on new capabilities in QuickTime for example. (Apple of course, did chose to support Panther for QuickTime 7, but that's a different story.)
My point is that Apple should be disciplined in two areas. Firstly, its "free" applications must showcase the latest and greatest OS-level technologies. Secondly — and more importantly — Apple should ensure the latest and greatest features are also easily available to third-party developers, so that a thousand flowers bloom. (We're talking about the "free" applications here; not Final Cut Pro or iTunes.) Better "find" capabilities in Mail.app? Great. But Spotlight integration for all applications, including Entourage? Insanely-great. Tabbed windows in iChat? Great. Tabbed window controls and classes in Cocoa? Insanely great.
Apple shouldn't fear open-sourcing its "free" applications.
Now, on to the next questions on whether open-sourcing will increase sales — well, this question is left as an exercise for the readers. :-)
Today, my iPod+iTunes decided to shuffle the tune "Merrie Melodies Closing Theme" at the very end of my morning random playlist.
I'm so happy now.
Thank goodness that Windows doesn't have any APIs that applications can use to programmatically reorder the items on the Start menu.
Too bad the same philosophy wasn't applied when they were designing the system tray.
Monday, June 19, 2006
News
Foxconn Sternly Denies iPod Sweatshop Claims
Edmund Ding, spokesman for Foxconn — a chief maker of iPods — said there were huge discrepancies between the truth and the claims in the report, which he said seems like a vicious attack on the company.
Schools Pulling The Plug On Macs
Balto. County to use only PCs; some say move will hurt design students.
50 Cent Negotiating With Aple For Branded Line Of Home Computers
Rap star 50 Cent is entering the world of technology and is currently in negotiations with Apple's CEO Steve Jobs to produce a line of affordable home computers to inner-city residents.
In An iPod World, Does Quality Matter Less?
In a data-compressed era where instant gratification seems to trump fidelity at every turn, does quality still matter?
Two Point Conversions: Mac Shareware Numbers
Friend Or Foe?
Film exex want to tap into Jobs' savvy but worry about his growing clout.
Opinion
Let iTunes Be iTunes
If the copyright holders decide that they want songs to be moved freely between different brands of players, then so be it. Otherwise the protesters should focus on the sweatshop and leave the Apple music system alone.
Review
Sidetrack
Why is Apple holding back the source code of the Mac OS X's kernel? This source code has always been open for all to see and use, until the shift to Intel.
John Siracusa has two theroies: either there are major changes to the kernel in Leopard, so Apple doesn't bother with publishing the source code to Tiger's kernel, or there is a major change in the Macintosh platform strategy this coming WWDC.
I think the reason is a bit simpler: Apple might well be imitating Sun's StarOffice/OpenOffice.org strategy, which is only open-source the previous release, while close-sourcing the latest version as a competitive advantage.
Going this route will force Apple to, more or less, put in new development in the kernel for every major release of Mac OS X. Which may also be why Apple has moved from a 12-month to a 18-month cycle, while maintaining a 12-month cycle for the applications that sits on top of the operating system (i.e., iLife and iWork.)
But, nevertheless, be prepared come August.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
News
Opinion
Saturday, June 17, 2006
News
Stardust Studios: Banking On Imagination
Felicia Collins: The Best Gig In Town
When Felicia Collins goes onstage to tape "The Late Show with David Letterman," she carries her Hamer electirc guitar and her 17-inch PowerBook G4 loaded with Logic Pro. And while the seven other musicians in the CBS Orchestra place sheet music on their stands, Collins opens her laptop.
Manuel Aregullin: Prospecting For Botanical Gold
Whether he's in the laboratory or in the classroom, Dr. Aregullin relies on Macintosh computers and applications such as CambridgeSoft's ChemDraw to help streamline his workflow.
Opinion
Why Is Apple Not Jumping In?
There is one area which Apple has continuously lagged hugely, and that is the .Mac service.
Hyperbolic Apple iPod Factory Woes
I'm no fan of big corporations bullying workers. But I am also no friend to shoddy, sensationalist journalism.
Swinging And Missing At An AM iPod Add-On
Why hasn't someone figured out how to make a workable antenna fit easily onto an iPod accessory?
Review
Sidetrack
"There is a common English word that is nine letters long. Each time you remove a letter from it, it still remains an English word — from nine letters right down to a single letter."
Friday, June 16, 2006
News
Anti-Trust Officials Cautious About iTunes Attack
European competition officials are wary about proposals to crack open Apple's iTunes web store to other music players, despite concerns shown by consumer advocates.
Apple Seen Delivering "Ultra-Portable" At Macworld
Apple could introduce an "ultra-portable PC" that employs NAND-based flash memory in time for the January Macworld trade show in San Francisco, one Wall Street analyst says.
Apple Gets Green Light On Boston Store Plan
Giving Apple a conditional blessing, the Back Bay Architectural Commission approved the demolition of the existing building as long as the computer maker presents an appropriate building design. But the commission, while complimenting the design changes, denied for now last night's proposal, an expected move for a project of this scope, according to commission chairman Anthony Casendino.
Opinion
Dear .Mac Team: Stop The Sex Pill Offers!
Thanks (Or No Thanks) To Apple: Where We Stand Now With Digital Music
Advice To Students: Pack A Mac
Mac software, both the OS X operating system and the applications such as iPhoto and GarageBand bundled with it, have gotten steadily better, while Windows seems stuck in a rut.
Review
Call Of Duty 2
Call of Duty 2 sets a new high water mark for World War II-era shooters on the Mac. Just plan to have the horsepower to run it.
Wintel
Gates Stepping Down From Full-Time Microsoft Role
Bill Gates, the man who started Microsoft and has been its public face throughout its three decades of existence, plans to step away from daily work at the company.
Why Microsoft Won't Miss Gates
The reality is this planned transition is part of the normal generational shift in any great coporation.
Microsoft's Mixed Scorecard
Microsoft remains the largest software company in the world and one of the two or three most influential in the technology market. Still, with success has come size, and the giant has not moved as rapidly into search or music a smaller competitors.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
News
Parallels Desktop Officially Available
Apple's Growing Bite Of The Market
Put Windows on a Mac, toss in many with Intel chips, mix with the public's passion for the iPod — and you've got big marketshare gains for Apple.
Crave An iPod? There's A Vending Machine For That
Vt. Man Says Apple Stole Design For iTunes
One Crappy iPod
The seemingly innocent iPod caused a semester-long sewage problem that cost Santa Clara University $1,000 a week. Talk about a quality device.
Liquid-Cooled Power Mac G5s Leaking
Reports of liquid-cooled Power Mac G5's leaking have been popping up around the net.
Microsoft Releases Office 2004 Update
ITC Investigates Apple iPod In Creative Patent Case
The US International Trade Commission will investigate claims that Apple's iPod infringes a patent claimed by Creative Labs, the so-called 'Zen patent'.
Opinion
The MP3s My Nano Chokes On
I have been able to track down two individual MP3s that when put on my Nano cause it to reset when accessing the Music menu.
So Shop Somewhere Else...
This seems like a problem best solved through consumer choice.
Apple And The Tech Support Factor
Depending on whom you ask, Apple delivers just wonderful service in every respect, or treats its customers with an unreasonable amount of arrogance.
Why Apple Snubs Its Open Source Geeks
What will continue to concern me so deeply is that Apple thought it would be OK, that nobody would notice or care, if it back-burnered its commitment to keep its open source Darwin OS in lockstep and binary compatibility with OS X.
Review
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
News
Apple Amends Its Designs For Planned BackBay Store
After two months of delay, Apple plans today to present several building designs for its first Boston store at a hearing before the Back Bay Architectural Commission.
Apple Computer Notifies State; Fine Issued
State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has fined Apple $100,000 for selling service conracts without registering, after the company alerted the commissioner's office to the problem.
Apple Responds To iPod Factory Claims
Apple is "currently investigating the allegations regarding working conditions in the iPod manufacturing plant in China. [Apple] dos not tolerate any violations of its supplier code of conduct which are posted online."
Apple Vs. The Bloggers: How It Unfolded And Where It Stands Now
Apple Cell Phone 'Inevitable,' But Not Imminent
Apple will make a cell phone, but we won't see it anytime soon, according to American Technology Research.
Opinion
White
Apple owns white. It is the one company that can honestly say it owns a colour.
The Dominance Of The Dock
"Used to be that my business was about sound. The majority of it is now about connectivity — how to help customers get the music they normally carry in their pockets into their cars."
Review
Hands On With MediaCentral
Front Row alternative has potential, but is plauged with problems.
Weird Worlds: Return To Infinite Space
Quick gameplay, infinite variety, mod friendiness — all that adds up to infinite fun.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
News
Needham & Co Predicts Mac Market Explosion
Apple Expands 'Get A Mac' Ad Campaign
Landmarks Panel Cool To Apple Plans
Plans for a sleek-looking Apple store in a Northwest Portland historic district received an icy reception on Monday from the city's Historic Landmarks Commission, whose chairman criticized it as "franchise architecture."
Judging Apple Sweatshop Charge
The situation is too murky for a rush to judgment on Apple's ethics here, and it may well meet minimum global standards. But for a company that has staked its image on progressive politics, Apple has set itself up as a potential lightning rod on global labor standards.
Closure Of Apple's Bangalore Centre Sparks BPO Debate
Global iPod major and computer maker Apple Computers' decision to shut down its new Bangalore centre has sparked an introspection in the Indian BPO industry, which however, for now has shrugged off the move as a one off incident.
Mac Sales Strong In The UK And Western Europe
White MacBook Faster Than More Expensive Black MacBook?
Mate Master: Allan Odgaard
Allan is the lead- and sole-deveoper of TextMate, a very highly rated text editor for OS X.
Opinion
Apple Today Takes The MS Pain Away
In a move that will delight many readers of this column, I am taking the plunge and going Apple Macintosh.
A Long Night Of iMovie Editing
In my heart, I knew what the problem was: I was stuffing ten pounds of movie into a five-pound bag.
Get A Mac. Get A Life.
I don't think I'm the only one not pleased with Apple's attitude.
Why I Didn't Buy An Intel Mac
I think Aple is losing ground with the very machine that should have gained it, and I think their attitude toward the problem is the problem.
Review
Sidetrack
The Only Computer You'll Ever Need
Whoa! Apple is advertising Boot Camp, the still-in-beta product? That's, well, interesting.
If I am reading my crystal ball correctly, Apple might well be releasing the next version of OS X this August at WWDC.
When Microsoft employees leave for Google — one of Microsoft's biggest competitor, the CEO throws a chair. But when Microsoft employees leave for a startup company, the chairman weeps with joy. Go forth and create, Bill cries, and make this a better world.
Just make sure you use IIS instead of Apache, okay?
:-)
Wintel
Monday, June 12, 2006
News
Despite Doubters, Maine Renews Laptop Program
The Maine Legislature recently voted to renew a 2002 initiative to provide laptops leased from Apple for all seventh- and eighth-grade public school students. With a price tag of $40 million over four years, and no tangible returns and budget cutbacks in other areas, some Maine tech executives are questioning the economic wisdom of the program.
Review
Apple's MacBook Leaves Its Predecessors In The Dust
Glitches such as the MacBok's erratic WiFi reception and almost painfully hot surfaces undercut the appeal. Apple has taught its users to expect better, and it ought to be able to deliver as much before long.
Sidetrack
Er... Microsoft Is Doing Something...
Robert Scoble: I can't break wind about it, but when Microsoft comes into [the portable media player] market it'll create new opportunities.
Wintel
Big Microsoft Brother
It turns out that Microsoft's Genuine Advantage anti-piracy program is also keeping daily tabs on Windows users. Who knew?
Sunday, June 11, 2006
News
A Growing Racket Over iTunes
Apple continues to anger consumers overseas with its restrictions on music downloading. But it's not the only company drawing fire.
Opinion
Apple DRM Protest
I was there promptly at 10.30 ready to see some hippies get their heads bashed in by the cops. I have to say I was a little disappointed.
Shooting Apple Store Opening With MacBook
I couldn't use my digital camera because its battery was dead.
Sidetrack
One of Microsoft's most famous blogger, Robert Scoble, is moving out of Microsoft into PodTech.net, a Silicon Valley startup.
Robert Scoble: I love Microsoft and Microsoft did not lose me — at least as a supporter and friend. I am not throwing away my Tablet PC or my Xbox or my other Microsoft stuff. :-)
Saturday, June 10, 2006
News
Thomas A. Heinz: No Place Like (This) Home
Creative Lawsuit Could Have Broad Consequences
The chances of Creative Technology winning an injunction to prevent Apple from selling the iPod domestically are slim, legal experts say. But its suit against Apple alleging patent infringement could have broad consequences for both companies and the portable media player market as a whole.
Anti-DRM Protests Planned At Apple Stores This Weekend
An anti-Digital Rights Management activist group plans this weekend to stage "flash mobs" to "warn Apple customers of the dangers of DRM in iTunes and Apple software" at Apple Store locations in six cities around the country.
Opinion
Review
The Adventures Of El Ballo
Neat art, great music and solid game engine aside, gameplay is, well, a bit limp.
Sidetrack
Dave Winer: I was talking with Dvorak at the Vloggercon party this evening, and he started telling a story about how he deliberately pisses Mac users off to get flow for his stories.
Friday, June 9, 2006
News
Apple Faces Fresh Legal Attacks In Europe
Pressure Mounts Against Apple DRM
Yojimbo 1.2 Improves Import, Export, And Linking
Google Takes It To .Mac
Browser Sync is a plugin for Firefox which synchornizes a user's browser settings across multiple computers.
Opinion
Choked On iPod
Uh-huh, you read it right. That's what my papers said in the hospital. I, Kyle Kinkade, choked on an iPod.
Switching To Mac — The Real Truth Behind It...
All those reasons you had for not buying a Mac? Well they no longer hold any truth.
Adventures With Adobe And An Intel Mac - Part 1
What's Missing In iTunes, Part 2
Something's Missing Here...
I was probably most amazed by the fact that the machine even woke up to a semi-usable state without a boot disk present.
Apple, Reporters, And Judicial Cowardice
Examining the court ruling against Apple in the product leaks case.
Review
An Apple MacBook Gone Pro
I'd wholeheartedly recommend the MacBook Pro for those looking for one of the very best notebooks on the market.
Thursday, June 8, 2006
News
Apple's iPod Countersuit Against Creative Opens Legal Hornet's Nest
Suing Creative not once, but twice, and at separate venues that may be costly to manage simultaneously, could be an effective demonstration that Apple has the time, the resources, the money, and the wherewithal to fight a two-front war.
Apple And Microsoft Mine Comic Vein
The rivalry between Microsoft and Apple apparently extends to the cast of "The Daily Show."
Survey: iPods More Popular Than Beer
Move over Bud. College life isn't just about drinking beer.
iTunes DRM Runs Afoul Of Norwegian Law
The Consumer Council of norway called FairPlay "an unreasonable technical term of use, in so far as it prevents purchasers of music files at iTunes from using other MP3 players than iPods."
Opinion
Installing MacBook RAM Requires Significant Force
Definitely. Apple educated pressure. Then try pressure beyond what you think is safe.
How 6 Billion IBM Dollars Helped Chase Apple Out Of India
Apple realized it's just too late to the party in India. There are now too many companies chasing Indian IT talent to try and build a base there from scratch.
Review
A Surprisingly Good Match For Macs
Microsoft keyboard and mouse a perfect fit for Apple computers.
MacBook Laptop Lacks A Few Features But Has Lots To Like, Low Price
The MacBook lacks two important hardware features that are ubiquitous on Windows laptops. It has no slots for the flash memory cards used in digital cameras, smart phones and other devices. And it lacks a card slot for the adapters that can provide laptops with many add-on features, including flash memory sockets and cellphone data modems.
Checking For New Podcasts At A Specific Time In iTunes (Windows)
Video Goggles Turn iPod Into TV
With funky eyewear from MicroOptical Corp, iPod users can watch video on what looks like a 27-inch screen TV while, theoretically, maintaining some of the portability for which the iPod is famous as a music player.
Apple 13-Inch MacBook
The MacBook is a powerful and affordable option, especially for people who are uncertain about their Windows future.
Sidetrack
Dave Winer: "Learning how to control the SanDisk MP3 player is an exercise in frustration. I wonder if there's a legal reason they can't just adopt the conventions of the iPod... Must be a patent, eh. If so, thanks for the lock-in."
And then, of course, there's Creative and its tiny tinney lawsuit against Apple.
Things are so broken that it may well be beyond repairs.
Wednesday, June 7, 2006
News
Opinion
It's No Game At Apple
Apple has no real corporate interest in the gaming community and does not see computer games as a path to success or a better image for Apple.
Tuesday, June 6, 2006
News
Apple Computer Files Second Copyright Lawsuit Against Creative
Apple has filed a second copyright lawsuit and a trade complaint in the US against Creative Technology.
Apple Follows Its Instincts Out Of India
Steve Jobs may have a soft spot for India, but the economic reality is, building a technical support center there doesn't make sense.
Mac SlingPlayer Delayed 90 Days
Apple Pushing Intel In New Direcitons
"They push us to think about things that we may not always think about," said Anand Chandrasekher, senior vice president and general manager of Intel's sales and marketing group. "We were hoping for that to happen and that certainly happened."
Is It Time For Business To Take A Bite In Apple?
It's time for business people to stop thinking about Macs as a tool for the "graphics people." It might just be time to move beyond total cost of ownership and to look at a new business term - competitive advantage.
Opinion
FileMaker Mobile 8 And The Future Of PDAs
Anonymous Chatting At The Apple Store
What is a Mac user's favorite pasttime? Well, one is randomly IMing people at the Apple Store.
Review
$16K Headphones And Other iPod Necessities
Easy File Sending 2
If you frequently send larger files to others across the internet, FileChute is the easiest solution I've seen.
Monday, June 5, 2006
News
Apple's Back-To-School Program Offers Free iPod
Apple is relaunching its Back-to-School program this week, offering a free iPod nano to students who buy a new Intel Mac by September 16th.
What Is Constellation Mode?
While Quicksilver as a whole is about using the keyboard as your primary interface with the computer, its Constellation mode brings back a degree of mouse-oriented control.
iTunes To Be On Radio Web Sites
Macintosh Becoems Latest Vehicle For Chinese Scam
According to people who have contacted the INQ, a Chinese criminal ring has been luring punters with fake promises of cut-price Macinteltoshes.
Opinion
It's Official, iTunes Sucks Balls
A certain level of reliability and common sense need to be present in any software, and iTunes fails on both counts.
No RJ-11 For You
Wi-Fi is flowing through our neighborhoods like water from drinking fountains, like the air we breathe (password protected air, but air nonetheless).
Apple's Achilles' Heel?
How might Apple blow its commanding lead in legal digital audio and video distribution? By not playing well with others, and thus creating an industry demand for alternatives.
Sidetrack
Why does everyone want to believe that Apple is going to add major functionalities to the iPod? From satellite radio receiver to mobile phone to wireless e-mail to a plain old PDA, there's nothing it seems that Apple cannot fail to improve on with just a right pod.
While today, you still cannot manage your tunes on the iPod beyond a simple "On-The-Go" playlist.
Maybe what Apple should do is to create a MacBook the size of a iPod.
Scot Finnie: Apple has the best operating system this year, last year and next year. I'm placing Windows Vista as a distant second-best to OS X.
I have no problem with Microsoft copying Apple's or any other company's best interface designs. We all win when that happens, and I wish Apple would steal the best things Microsoft does right back. What's really strange is when a company lifts good ideas and makes them worse, not better.
Sunday, June 4, 2006
News
Apple Software Logs Out Of Bangalore
Apple is pulling out of its software development and support operations in India.
Opinion
This Is Our iPod Killer. You Need Windows Media Centre And It Doesn't Work On A Mac.
Business At The Speed Of Lawsuits
Third parties create incompatible and inconsistent solutions that ultimately delivers a poor customer experience.
Saturday, June 3, 2006
News
Apple To Open Retail Store In Italy This Fall
Felice Frankel: Scientific Discovery Through Visualization
"It is the computer and its amazing power that have given us insight that we would never have realized. It has truly changed the way science has developed and will continue to deveop."
Key To "An Inconvenient Truth"
"I'm guessing it's the first time that a feature film or documentary has ever been made with Keynote as its basis."
Jerry Harrison: Talking Heads In Surround Sound
Mark Hoffman: Joga Bonito!
Throughout the grueling production schedule, Hoffman depended on just three easy-to-pack tools: a Sony PAL HDV video camera, Final Cut Pro, and a PowerBook G4.
Opinion
Wireless Music Infrastructure
When your player comes within range of a wifi signal, it synchs up with the cloud, pulling down all the new podcasts you are subscribed to.
Review
Fontographer 4.7: Edit Existing Fonts Or Create Your Own From Scratch
For nearly any font editing task you'd want to accomplish — from simple tweaks to creating your own from scratch — Fontographer is still, after 21 years, the quickest and most intuitive way to go.
Front Row Streaming Secrets
Movies must have their streaming option enabled.
Friday, June 2, 2006
Opinion
The Volvo Of Laptops
The little 1400 has somewhat of a cult status among PowerBook lovers, being one of the most solid and reliable machines ever to come out of Cupertino.
All-You-Can-Eat iTunes — Why Not?
Going against conventional wisdom, I think Apple will soon introduce a subscription-based music and video service.
So Many MacBooks, So Little Time
I'm a Mac laptop fan myself, and the past month has been an interesting adventure for me.
Put Gaming Focus On Macs, Not iPods
I hope Apple doesn't just focus on iPod gaming. There's just way too much to lose for a company that's seeing massive interest in its new computer hardware from the consumer PC market for the first time in years.
Review
Cloning Terminal To Ease Window Management
By using multiple copies of an app (e.g., Terminal), I can hide and display each copy's windows separately.
Apple Remote Desktop 3: Mammoth Upgrade Adds Many Tools For Desktop Management
Apple Remote Desktop 3 is an essential program for any iT professional who needs to manage Macs remotely.
Thursday, June 1, 2006
News
Once You Go Mac, You Never Go Back
Apple currently ranks highest in terms of brand and repurchase loyalty of any computer manufacturer.
Adobe To Drop GoLive, FreeHand
iPod's Dominance Worsening DRM Plight
The market dominance of the iPod is causing ever more restrictive digital rights management technologies, argued Cory Doctorow, a fellow with the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
Apple Expands Best Buy Foothold
iPod Halo Makes Apple Stock A Winner
iPod People Invade LoHud Classrooms
It's one thing to display your latest school project ont he fridge. It's quite another to put iup on the World Wide Web.
QuickTime Update Fixes Adobe CS2 Install Issues
QuickTime 7.1.1 also addresses an issue with third-party start-up items on Intel Macs and it resolves an issue exporting Keynote presentations in iDVD.
Opinion
Apple Needs To Get Its Game On
It's time for Apple to use some of its superior design skills to come up with a game for the beleaguered Mac loyalist — like me.
All The Lovely Browsers!
Fortunately for Mac OS X users, there are no real clunkers at the moment. Even OmniWeb, which has such miserable JavaScript performance, has many other unique virtues that presumably entice its users to shell out $30 to use it without annoying registration reminders.
Easy Steps To Make The Next iTunes Kick. Sweet. Ass.
Let's face it, for those of us using iTunes for podcasting, it really has improved since v4.7.
Results
I have yet to see any wear or tear on the black case and I see no evidence of chipping of flaking of any kind.
When Titans Collide
By combining, Apple and Microsoft can utilize each other's knowledge without burning money away on research, and can instead funnel that into lacing the two OS's together well and adding yet more additional features.
Why Apple Should Embrace Windows
The best chance Apple has to reinvigorate its desktop computer business is for Apple to ship systems that run Windows.
Review
New MacBook Is Apple Of This Windows User's Eye
Apple has a winner on its hands. You might just find your perfect notebook, whether you prefer Windows or Mac OS X.
Sonicfire Pro 4: App Gives You Customizable Soundtracks In A Snap
