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tuaw.com rss archive / September-26-2007
Apple Store redesigns
Filed under: Accessories, Analysis / Opinion, Retail, Apple, Apple TVAs the good Doc Mac points out very adeptly with the picture above, the reason for the Apple Store's outage Wednesday morning must have been a redesign-- it's come back with a splash of blue.I like the new look. I think the slight gradient in the background makes it, but the rounded corners, blue bars, and especially the arrows give the whole store a definite iTunes feel. There's been a reorganization as well-- Mac, iPod, and iPhone are all top level product lines now (the Apple TV is filed under the iPod, which is close enough, I guess), and those three fit the buttons on the top of Apple's site as well. Apple's gone Amazon as well-- there are "New to the Store" and "Top Sellers" boxes that will, we'd assume, change as the facts do. No idea, however, why the Mac Top Sellers goes to 8, the iPod to 9, and the iPhone only to 5.Looks good, though. A welcome refresh to a store that was starting to look a little...
Ask TUAW: CUPS, Leopard Boot Camp, iPhone visual voicemail and more
Filed under: Features, Tips and tricks, Troubleshooting, Ask TUAWRecovering somewhat from our two separate editions of Ask TUAW last week this week we tackle a number of questions we've covered before, as well as new questions on CUPS, Boot Camp in Leopard, changing the default application associated with a file type, disappearing visual voicemail, and much more.As always your suggestions are most welcome, and questions for next week should be left in the comments. And now on to the show!Continue reading Ask TUAW: CUPS, Leopard Boot Camp, iPhone visual voicemail and moreRead | Permalink | Email this | Comments
iLife Support 8.1
Filed under: Software Update, AppleiLife '08 users, there is an update awaiting your attention. iLife Support 8.1 'supports system software components shared by all iLife '08 applications, improves overall stability, addresses a number of other minor issues, and supports general compatibility issues.'Sounds like a good deal to me. Update away!Thanks to everyone who sent this in.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
New NBC shows are in iTunes Store
Filed under: Apple Corporate, iTS, iTunesWhen NBC announced their intention to pull their content from the US iTunes Store by December, Apple promised to make that happen much sooner:"Apple has decided to not offer NBC TV shows for the upcoming television season beginning in September."A few hours later, NBC stated that their new shows will be available in the US iTunes Store. Today, I found Journeyman [iTunes link] and Chuck [iTunes link], two brand new shows, ready to go. I bet other hits like My Name is Earl and The Office, which premiere on Thursday night, will also be posted. Why? I imagine a boardroom conversation that sounded something like this: NBC Exec. A: Heh. We showed them. We'll make a bundle on the new stuff and then, bam! We slam the door in December. Cha-ching! NBC Exec. B: Um, sir? They're going to pull all of our stuff immediately. No new shows. NBC Exec. A: *Wilhelm scream* B-But, they can't do that. NBC Exec. B: It's done, sir. NBC Exec....
More "New Newton" rumors
Filed under: Humor, RumorsWhat's more annoying than Chocolate Rain and the pointless Kid Nation uproar? The incessant "Apple is coming out with a new Newton" rumors.Here's one from 2003:"...There's good reason to believe that a jazzy new Newton II will be forthcoming, perhaps in January" (Yup, that's our good friend John Dvorak).Another from 2004:"...[A US company] 'approached Apple willing to buy [the] Newton and relaunch it. They are in ... negotiations with Apple...'"I think we all remember - and would like to forget - the iWalk.This brings us to today, and AppleInsider has decided to beat this decrepit, old horse. According to their "well-respected sources," a team has been very busy at Apple building a multi-touch handheld successor to the Newton. Sure. In other news, everyone who paid $7500 for a Twentieth Anniversary Mac will receive $100 Apple Store credit, OJ Simpson is Steve Job's personal hitman and the next AppleTV will play Pippin games. Read | Permali...
iPhones still selling like hotcakes?
Despite the notable backlash at some of Apple's questionably-nefarious corporate agendas recently, Blackfriars' Marketing blog notes that iPhones are still selling rather well - and that stock is low in a dozen or so stores. GigaOM is also reporting people are causing noticeable queues at silly hours of the day at the twenty-four hour Fifth Avenue store, just to buy handsets.Of course, the mass-buying could be purely down to people buying plenty of handsets to hack, brick, and re-lock to try and score a feature on Joy of Tech, but the reasons from Blackfriars seem to be slightly more business-orientated. Demand for the iPhone elsewhere in the world - particularly Europe, despite the fact there's now a launch date and pricing for at least some European territories - is clearly a tempting proposition for people looking to make a tidy profit from sending iPhones abroad, and plenty seem to be doing so.Thanks, Mike.Read | Permalink | Email this&nbs...
Geek immortality is bestowed on one of our own
Filed under: Humor, TUAW BusinessTrue geek heroes are made, not born. Well, the truth is, they're drawn -- by Nitrozac, in the perennial fan favorite Joy of Tech webcomic. The tech luminaries that have cartoon avatars include Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, Bill Gates... and now, disguised as a young Carrie Fisher, our own iPhone-hacking Rebel Alliance undercover leader Erica Sadun. You have to see the full version to really appreciate it. (Might as well play the theme while you read.)I'm not sure where this ranks on Erica's list of life achievements (after all, she was quoted by the Associated Press this week), but it's a nice tribute to her hard work and dedicated efforts on behalf of iPhone users everywhere. From all of us at TUAW, thank you Erica and way to go, Joy of Tech!Thanks David & everyone who sent this in.Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
First reports of iPhone VoIP application surface
Filed under: iPhoneIt's not the first time we've heard the idea (SoonR Talk), but it does look like a true, calls-over-WiFi VoIP client for the iPhone could be just around the corner. Over at Blognation they've had a demo of one such solution from TruPhone. Whilst the application still requires heavy use of the Terminal (and is strictly alpha-quality), TruPhone is promising a release that "includes simplifying the activation and adding seamless switching back and forth between VoIP when open WiFi is available and the use of the SIM card when out of WiFi range. It is important to note that it is NOT NECESSARY to break the SIM lock to use TruPhone's iPhone VoIP application."If you've always wanted to use a SIP-compatible VoIP solution on your iPhone, it appears your wish is about to be granted.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Schiller on unlocked iPhones
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Apple, iPhoneThe Associated Press managed to talk to Phil Schiller, Apple's Senior Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing, about Apple's recent announcement that hacked or unlocked iPhones might become expensive paperweights after an upcoming software update is applied to them. (The AP also quoted our very own Erica Sadun on the topic.)Phil says that this isn't about punishing people for unlocking their iPhones, but rather that the various iPhone unlocking apps have 'caused damage to the iPhone software' and that Apple can't be help responsible for what happens to a hacked iPhone.I'm willing to believe that Apple isn't maliciously trying to brick iPhones that have been unlocked. It is far more probable that the update might, under certain circumstances, break your hacked iPhone and Apple doesn't want to spend the time fixing the update to play nice, and they don't want to have to pay for all the broken iPhones that may result.That's my...
TUAW makes Jisho better, version 2.1.1 out now
Filed under: Software, Cool tools, Odds and ends, DeveloperThe other week, we posted about Jisho, a Japanese to English translator for the Mac, and James, the developer, sent us another notice today that he's since updated to version 2.1.1. I can't find a changelist anywhere (and the site still says version 2.1) but James says there's a new intro splash screen, and an enhanced interface and accuracy. So if you grabbed it when we mentioned it last week, make sure to get the upgrade as well.He wants to personally thank you, the readers of TUAW, for helping him make his software better, and we must echo his sentiments-- you guys rock. We are nothing but proud to bring developers like James a great audience like you, thanks very much.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Office 2008 for Mac versions and pricing announced
Filed under: SoftwareI'm becoming the Microsoft Office Maven here at TUAW it would seem (which isn't as cool as being TUAW's iPhone hacker, Erica, but I'll take what I can get). The latest news from our friends at Redmond concerns editions and price (Oh! Pricing!). There will be three different flavors of Office 2008 for the Mac, and they are as follows: Microsoft Office 2008 for the Mac: This is the core version of the productivity suite which includes Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Entourage. This version includes some Automator workflows, as well as Exchange support in Entourage (you'll see why I mention this in a moment). You can pick this version up for $399.95 (US) for the full retail version and $239.95 for an upgrade. Microsoft Office for the Mac Home and Student Edition: This is aimed at the segment of the market that needs to edit documents and such, but isn't in an Exchange environment. As such the version of Entourage included in Home and Student Edition does...
MainStage 1.0.1
Filed under: Audio, Software UpdateHey, Logic Studio users: there is an update for the newest member of that suite, MainStage. MainStage 1.0.1 which includes, to quote Apple: Improved stability Fixes for minor usability issues Added options for saving parameter values when switching patchesApple recommends that update for all MainStage users.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
MacBook, MacBook Pro Software Update 1.0
Filed under: Software Update, Apple, Macbook Pro, MacBookIf you have recently bought a MacBook or MacBook Pro you should check Software Update posthaste. Apple has just released MacBook, MacBook Pro Software Update 1.0 which corrects an issue with Journaling on those machines. It would seem that a number of MacBook and MacBook Pros left the factory without Journal turned on. This update simply enables Journaling on your Startup volume.Thanks to everyone who sent this in.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
"iPhone Dev Team" issues statement
Filed under: iPhone var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/apple/iPhone_dev_team_disputes_Apple_FUD_with_bold_statement_about_unlocking'; A spokesman for the iPhone Dev Team, the group that developed the iPhone unlock has issued a statement condemning Apple and promising a tool in the next week which will restore your iPhone to a factory-fresh state. The unlock, he writes, made the iPhone free and useful world-wide, not just in certain countries. The text of the statement, with modifications for grammar and spelling, follows after the break.Continue reading "iPhone Dev Team" issues statementPermalink | Email this | Comments
Amazon MP3: DRM free downloads from Amazon
Filed under: Audio, iTSAmazon today unveiled Amazon MP3 Beta (because if it isn't in beta, it isn't cool), a music download service that offers up music as it was meant to be: DRM free. EMI is onboard, as well as iTunes hating Universal, and a host of smaller record labels. Prices for single tracks vary but most are between $.89 and $.99 with most of the top 100 tracks going for $.89. Album prices are also variable ranging from $5.99 to $9.99.Thanks to the lack of DRM, and the fact that these files are MP3s (encoded at 256 kilobits per second which is the same bit rate as iTunes Plus but for less money) you can save money (in most circumstances) and enjoy this music in iTunes and on your iPhone and iPod.I hope Apple is ready for some healthy competition in the digital downloads market.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
NBC's Chuck is very Mac-heavy
Filed under: Video, Odds and endsI'm not sure what happened to the memo from top NBC brass, after the iTunes negotiations broke down, saying that Apple was firma non grata... but it clearly didn't make it to the Warner Bros. production offices of Chuck in time to excise all the Mac gear from the geek-themed spy comedy's pilot episode. The corporate rage may have found some outlet, however, in the sheer destructive energy expended on the show's poor, defenseless Macs. Even the presence of a nasty Windows virus (the kind that causes laptops to emit smoke and sparks!) as a plot point doesn't make up for the carnage.There's the protagonist's doomed home machine, a G5 tower with a convenient sticker over the side logo -- which a) must be a lot lighter than a production model, seeing how it got tossed about; and b) suffers a grim fate as a gravity-test victim/close-combat weapon -- and earlier, there's another Mac that makes a key appearance in the opening sequence before getting...
iTunes: Free Tuesday
Filed under: iTS, Features, iTunes, DealsOnce again, it's Tuesday and TUAW is pleased to present you with a selection of free songs and videos from around the world. Many of these iTMS items won't be free for long--so grab your copies before the week is up.Continue reading iTunes: Free TuesdayRead | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Pixelmator hits 1.0
Filed under: iLife, Multimedia, Software digg_url = 'http://digg.com/apple/Pixelmator_Hits_1_0'; Long-fabled image editor Pixelmator (arguably one of the hottest, and most discussed Mac applications of the year) has finally left beta testing, and version 1 is available to download and buy. Compatibility with layered Photoshop PSD files (and over 100 other file formats too), Core Image-driven editing, Automator actions, iSight and iLife integration and a heck of a lot more await, and it's certainly a compelling option given that a licence costs just $59.If you're wanting to get a quick look at the features in Pixelmator (and our very own screencast didn't whet your appetite enough), then in conjunction with the launch of the app, well-known screencast producer Don McAllister of ScreenCasts Online has produced a brief screencast that takes a look at the basics of the application.Pixelmator requires OS X 10.4 Tiger, with a Core Image-compatible graphics card recommended.Read&nbs...
Amazon MP3: a quick review
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Audio, iTS, Internet ToolsBeing the intrepid blogger that I am, I thought I would go ahead and give Amazon's new MP3 store a whirl, since it works with iTunes and offers up high quality DRM-free MP3 files. What better way to compare and contrast the Amazon experience to the iTunes Store experience than purchasing the same song? The song in question is Rehab by Amy Winehouse (mostly because it was the first song that caught my eye on Amazon's page, and I enjoy it whenever I hear it).Continue reading Amazon MP3: a quick reviewPermalink | Email this | Comments
Gruber hacks iPhone Notes with Helvetica
Filed under: Hacks, iPhoneRegular readers of Daring Fireball know John Gruber has an almost unhealthy fascination with the Helvetica font, but sometimes fanaticism pays positive results. Today he posted a hack to make the iPhone Notes application use Helvetica rather than the much despised Marker Felt font. The hack involves actually modifying the MobileNotes.app binary with a hex editor on your Mac and is thus probably not for the faint of heart. Needless to say you'll also need to have already hacked the iPhone enough to get access to the MobileNotes.app binary in the first place, but if you just can't stand Marker Felt here's a way to fix it. Gruber also warns, however, that there's no telling how long this hack will work, particularly with the forthcoming firmware update.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
iPod touch 101: Free Tuesday selections on the wireless store
Filed under: iPod Family, iTSThe secret to using the iTunes wireless store resides on your personal computer. Log into your iTunes account before you sync your iPod touch. The mobile music store then uses your account information from iTunes to facilitate your purchases.To take advantage of the iTunes weekly freebies, point Mobile Safari to the most recent TUAW freebies post. Tap on any of the links. Your iPod touch launches the mobile music store and loads a page containing the free selection.Tap the "free" button next to the item you wish to purchase. The button turns green and the label updates to read "Buy Now". Tap it. Using an adorable animation, the song "jumps" into your downloads folder. The touch prompts you for your password. When you enter it, the download begins.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Adobe Photoshop Elements delayed until 2008
Filed under: Software, Universal BinarySometimes it seems like you can always count on Adobe to disappoint. Today they released Photoshop Elements 6 for Windows, but according to Macworld the Mac version will have to wait until "early 2008." This is because the two versions are on "different development schedules." The Mac version of Elements has long been missing some features from the Windows side (particularly in image management), so perhaps this is not surprising. Nonetheless, it's sad to note that as long as we were waiting for a Universal version of Photoshop, this means that Elements will end up taking nearly a year longer still! Fortunately, I suppose, you could just give the newly released Pixelmator a try instead and not worry about it.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Mark/Space to release Missing Sync for iPhone
Filed under: Software, iPhoneWhen I saw that Mark/Space was planning to release a version of Missing Sync for iPhone my first reaction was: what for? But as it happens I think they've hit upon some needed features that are actually missing from the out-of-the-box iPhone experience. First is a Migration Assistant for moving contacts, calendar entries, and photos from a Palm, Windows Mobile, or Blackberry device onto your Mac and thence to the iPhone. It also syncs your SMS messages and call log to your Mac so you don't lose information when you hit the storage limits on the iPhone. Best of all, perhaps, is Notes syncing, which will allow you to view iPhone notes in Yojimbo, Entourage, or Mark/Space's Notebook application. Unfortunately, however, it appears that it's only one-way, from the iPhone to the Mac, and not vice versa. This lack two-way Notes syncing remains a puzzling lacuna as far as I'm concerned, and I'm looking forward to somebody, whether it be Apple or Mark/Space,...
Whitehall, Pa. Apple Store set to open
Filed under: RetailPennsylvania's fifth Apple Store will open in Whitehall this Saturday, September 29th at 10:00 AM. The store is located at 946 Lehigh Lifestyle Center in Whitehall, near J.Crew and Cucina Italiana. You can get full travel directions here.Pennsylvania's other stores are in Ardmore, King of Prussia and Pittsburgh (they've got two).As usual, we're asking any TUAW operatives who visit this weekend to send us stories and photos. Good luck, have fun and we're hoping you score a T-shirt![Via ifoAppleStore]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Secure your Mac: Eikon biometric security
Filed under: Peripherals, SecurityTUAW has lately been trying to help you Secure Your Mac, and while a few options have been available, biometric security is one area in which the Mac has seemed to lag behind the Windows side. Now UPEK has released a preview of the Mac version of their Eikon Digital Privacy Manager. The software allows you to use the Eikon scanner to login to your account, control your Keychain, switch users, or lock down your Mac. The Eikon scanner is a USB device which costs about $40 and only comes with Windows software. Once you have the scanner however, you can download the Mac Protector Suite Preview for free from UPEK. If security is a serious concern and passwords are getting tedious then a biometric solution like this one looks increasingly cost effective.[via OhGizmo]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Western Digital makes Mac My Book
Filed under: HardwareIt was only a few days ago that our very own Mat Lu was talking up Western Digital's line of My Book external drives, and today Mac users have even more reason to check 'em out. The My Book Studio edition is aimed squarely at Mac users. The enclosure was designed to compliment Apple's hardware, and the drive is HFS+ Journaled formated. It also sports a quadruple interface (USB 2.0, FireWire 400/800 and eSATA) and backup software.Available in 320 GB to 1 TB capacities and priced from $199.99 USD to $399.99 the My Book Studio edition is worth checking out.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Determine your gaming specs with Aspyr Game Agent
Filed under: Gaming, FreewareHere's a cool freeware utility for Mac gamers (who love Aspyr especially). When you launch The Aspyr Game Agent (TAGA), it compares your machine's specs to the system requirements of their titles, and displays good matches. If you search for a game that won't run well on your machine (according to the system requirements, at least), TAGA suggests appropriate system upgrades.It's convenient and fun, though limited to a single manufacturer's catalog. It's also free (and Universal). If you're a hard core Aspyr fan, check this one out.[Via Twitter]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Signal: turn your iPhone into an iTunes remote
Filed under: iPod Family, iTunes, iPhoneJust because installing third party apps voids your iPhone warranty doesn't mean you shouldn't have fun with it! Signal is a cool little app that won't void your warranty and lets you control your iTunes library right from the screen of your iPod touch or iPhone.Signal installs on your Mac, and starts up a little server that is accessible via the browser on your iPhone/iPod touch (or other device with a browser and internet access). Go to your special Signal URL and suddenly you have an iTunes remote control in your hands.It is important to note that this doesn't stream your iTunes music to a remote device, it simply allows you to control iTunes (start, stop, and skip songs) from afar.Signal costs $24.95, though a demo is available.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments