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- HearPlanet is one clever travel app
Filed under: Freeware, Reviews, iPhone, App Store, iPod touch
My colleague Robert Palmer has reported that HearPlanet [app store link] is free for this week, so I downloaded and gave it a try. It is a nice surprise. HearPlanet for the iPhone and iPod touch is a pretty cool mash-up of detailed local information so you can search for a city, for example, and HearPlanet will tell you about all the things that are around you. There is detailed text, or better yet it will read the information to you.Those with a 3G iPhone can use location services. HearPlanet will figure out where you are, and what things of interest are around you. The app finds items like museums, stadiums, zoos, and other landmarks or popular attractions. You click on one of the destinations, and the app starts reading about it. Some of the entries are short, others are quite detailed.
When you tap the play button HearPlanet switches you to speaker mode so you can share the information you're getting. It also makes it nice for car travel.
I wondered where all the information was coming from, and quickly found that most of the entries match the information in Wikipedia. In fact, if you scroll to the bottom of each text entry, the source of the information is identified. This has apparently confused some users of the app who thought the information from Wikipedia was stolen, but it is all properly identified and sourced.
Happily, HearPlanet is not U.S. only. There is plenty of information on destinations all over the world.
HearPlanet is not a complete travel app. There are no phone numbers and no links to Google Maps for directions to destinations. But it has lots of details on things around you that are worth visiting, and you'll certainly learn something in the process.TUAWHearPlanet is one clever travel app originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Six iPhone games still worth playing
Filed under: Reviews, iPhone, App Store, iPod touch
iPhone games are interesting because of the App Store... most people will download them, play them for a few hours (or minutes), and never think twice about opening them again. Is this due to the App Store's "candy-esque" display of applications, or is it that some apps don't possess a high replay quality? Either way, here are 5 applications that I love to play, and keep me coming back.
Hero of Sparta
First on this list would have to be Hero of Sparta [iTunes]. It introduced something that I hadn't seen in an iPhone game yet: stunning graphics. Yes, the "pixel heaven" in this game could compare to the PSP (Playstation Portable) or rival the graphics found on the Nintendo DS. If you like RPG (Role Playing Games) games, then this is a must-have. True to the title of the game, you play a Spartan King who goes on an adventure and encounters many enemies.
While this game doesn't really use the accelerometer to control movements, it does have game play controls that are one of a kind. Hero of Sparta features an on-screen "analog" control stick that allows you to move throughout the different levels. You will use this analog stick in conjunction with action buttons; the use of on-screen buttons seems natural after a while, but may take some getting used to at first. This game features 8 3D levels with awesome graphics and 5 changeable weapons, including: sword, axe, bow, or twin blades.
Hero of Sparta works on both the iPhone and iPod touch; however, I recommend restarting your iPhone before playing as this will lessen the possibility for crashes. You can pick up this game from the iTunes App Store for $9.99US.
BurnBall
BurnBall [iTunes link] is a nicely designed game that gives you the sense of playing inside of a comic book-like world. Even the instructions are a comic book ... a very nice touch! The basic idea behind the game is that you must block-off 75% of each level to advance to the next level. As you tilt the iPhone left/right and up/down, Roy (the character behind burn ball) will roll around. Use him to "burn" a path through the level -- this will block off where you travel. Once you have 75% blocked off you will be able to advance to the next level. However, there are robot obstacles that, if hit, will take a life.
This game is tons of fun, and addictive. It is certainly a game that keeps me coming back for more. And for $1.99US, this game will give you hours and hours of game play for your money. BurnBall can be downloaded on the App Store. There is also a lite version [iTunes] available for free.
Continue reading for more games that I can't stop playing...Continue reading Six iPhone games still worth playing
TUAWSix iPhone games still worth playing originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Macworld in Pictures: TUAW's Macworld Meetup
Filed under: Macworld
Astute followers of the TUAW Macworld 09 Twitter feed will know that yesterday evening saw us host a small yet fun reader meetup at San Francisco's very excellent Thirsty Bear brewery. In amongst the fine local ales and great food (the roasted apple and cider ribs come recommended), we also gave away yet more swag from the show floor. Thanks to all our readers who showed up!
TUAWMacworld in Pictures: TUAW's Macworld Meetup originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Macworld 2009: Xsilva Lightspeed
Filed under: Macworld, Retail, Video, TUAW Interview
With the Mac platform reaching 10% market share, there's a lot of interest in more vertical applications. For owners of retail businesses, point-of-sale systems are one area where the Mac is making impressive inroads. While there have been other Mac-based point-of-sale systems, the most impressive is Xsilva's Lightspeed.
Lightspeed is a powerful POS system with a beautiful interface, compatibility with a plethora of devices (cash drawers, touch screens, receipt printers, card authorization units, etc...), and ties to other Mac heavyweights such as Marketcircle Daylite and QuickBooks.
I spoke with Xsilva founder, CEO, and vice-president Dax Dasilva on January 7th about the product, and we have some video for you showing some of the features of both Lightspeed and its companion Web Store application. The video is after the break!Continue reading Macworld 2009: Xsilva Lightspeed
TUAWMacworld 2009: Xsilva Lightspeed originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Macworld 2009: Blue Microphones
Filed under: Macworld, Accessories, Audio
Good audio starts with a good microphone, and plenty of Mac podcasters depend on the effective and economical offerings from Blue. There are devices to fit most needs and most budgets in the Blue Microphones product line, and the company is beginning its string of three consecutive trade show appearances (Macworld, CES and NAMM in three weeks -- that's a lot of microphones) by showing off three new products. The Icicle XLR to USB converter is great for users with investments in legacy XLR gear who want a simple way to direct that audio to their computers; it's shipping now for $60 street price.
The Mikey iPod microphone adds audio capture to most iPod models (not the iPhone or touch, unfortunately) with a swivel head and multiple gain settings to allow for recording over a variety of distances. Mikey retails for $80.
Lastly, the EyeBall takes the popular Blue Snowflake mini-microphone and adds in a retractable, "Super HD" webcam that pops out of the side of the microphone when needed. The EyeBall is available for a street price of $100, a $30 premium over the conventional Snowflake model.
You can see more details of all three products in the gallery below and the video in the 2nd half of the post.Continue reading Macworld 2009: Blue Microphones
TUAWMacworld 2009: Blue Microphones originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Non-Apple iPhone Keynote controllers
Filed under: Software, iPhone, App Store, iPod touch
One of the coolest features of the just announced Keynote '09 is the corresponding $0.99 iPhone / iPod touch controller application (iTunes link) which allows you to advance slides, see your notes, and even see your next slide on your mobile device's screen so long as it's connected to the same wifi network. Once I had a look at it, however, I was surprised to discover that there were already several similar applications available in the iTunes store which work with Keynote '08 and even have quite a few more functions.
I haven't had a chance to test them all, but there are at least four applications out there including (all iTunes links): Pointer Remote (which also works with PowerPoint) ($0.99), jfControl ($3.99), AirMote ($4.99), and Stage Hand ($7.99). Three of the four require installing a small helper app on your Mac which then interfaces with the iPhone app (AirMote is the exception since it uses the Mac's built-in VNC protocols). Of these, Stage Hand seems to have the most features, including some nifty ones like advancing directly to a particular slide, on-device timers, a highlighter, and a blackout/whiteout function. (Stage Hand presently has limited Keynote '09 compatibility, but they say they're working on it.)
Let us know in the comments what your favorite iPhone / iPod touch based Keynote remote control is.TUAWNon-Apple iPhone Keynote controllers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - The Hit List enters public beta
Filed under: Software, Productivity
A few weeks ago, Brett wrote about his first impressions with The Hit List from Potion Factory, a task management application that goes toe to toe with OmniFocus and Things. He was extremely impressed with what the release, then just entering private beta, offered. "We haven't seen a lot of waves in the advanced, visually polished task manager wars lately, but this one is going to storm the gates," he said then. I have to agree.
Brett is a power user for this sort of program, but I'm brand new to it. After investing $100 into the OmniFocus applications only to wind up frustrated with them weeks later, I had started to look to Things when the private beta for The Hit List came out. I wanted a place where I could keep complicated to-do lists for projects alongside simple lists for basic tasks such as a to-read list and what books I wanted from the library.
The Hit List hits that sweet spot where it's got enough features for power users, but the absolute beginner can tailor it to their own needs -- much like Literature and Latte's Scrivener for the writing crowd. Some of the included features that beta testers enjoyed include being able to navigate the program almost completely via keyboard (think Quicksilver) and a slick timer that lets you know exactly how much time you've spent on a task, a tagging system that syncs well with iCal (at least from my experience), tabbed interface and more.
The Hit List is moving from private to public beta with the official release candidate now available. A Google Group for users has also been set up. The Hit List will retail for $69.95, but the pre-order price is $49.95 and will be available at that price until version 1.0 is released. The Hit List's future does include an eventual iPhone app.
And, a great little Easter Egg: While examining the package's contents, I discovered audio cues set to Super Mario Bros. and Star Wars. I haven't figured out where in the application they're used yet, but if you've tested it and figured it out, let us know in the comments!TUAWThe Hit List enters public beta originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - 2008 Best iPhone App Ever winners announced
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Software, Freeware, iTunes, iPhone, iPod touch
The voting only went underway a while ago, but they've just announced the winners for the 2008 Best App Ever awards, celebrating (according to 148apps.com and the people they got to nominate and vote in their contest) the best iPhone apps of last year. As I said for the voting, you can probably take most of this with a grain of salt, but there's no question that there are some awesome apps in here, and probably at least one or two you'll be interested in checking out if you haven't yet.
Shazam won big in the "Best Overall", "Most Innovative," and "Best WOW" categories, and that is well worth it: Shazam is super reliable and works great as a "music recognizer." Rolando picked up "Best Game Graphics," and "Best Game Controls." Fieldrunners also picked up two awards for "Best Strategy Game" and "Best Long-play Game."
Unfortunately, the much-despised (by me) Ocarina won three total awards, including "Best 99 cent app" (I would have chosen Koi Pond over that one easily and that's one where Weightbot was made to win), but feel free to ignore me and my iPhone app crankiness. There are lots of great iPhone apps here (especially when you dive into the nominations), and overall, we're looking at the best of a terrific first year of iPhone development. Onward to 2009!TUAW2008 Best iPhone App Ever winners announced originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - City of Heroes comes to the Mac
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Gaming, Software, Odds and ends, Internet, Developer
Along with EVE Online and World of Warcraft, Mac users have another popular MMO to play with. It took a while, but NCsoft has finally brought their superhero massively multiplayer online game, City of Heroes, to OS X. When we heard the game was ported over by TransGaming, we flinched a bit, but NCsoft has assured us that there is no funny DRM on the release, and our colleagues over at Massively have tried out the client early, and put to rest any major questions about the quality of the port, saying that it runs well, save for a few bumps when the action gets crowded on screen.
As promised, the Mac "Special Edition" is a digital release, and comes with both the City of Heroes and the City of Villians expansion, as well as a month of game time (after that there's a subscription fee to play along), and two exclusive items: a Mission Teleporter power, to get you directly into missions, and a special "Valkyrie" costume set. The game is available for $19.99 over on NCsoft's site right now, so if you've been waiting to get some superhero MMO action underway, now's your chance.TUAWCity of Heroes comes to the Mac originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Agile Web Solutions at Macworld 2009
Filed under: Macworld, Software
It's always a pleasure to see the guys from Agile Web Solutions. I spoke to them about three upcoming features for 1Password, their secure, password-collecting, form-filling application. I won't go into a lot of detail on 1Password, we've mentioned it a few times before. First, we talked a little about the new Agile Keychain format; being a package format, it opens up quite a few possibilities, including the (upcoming) ability to add encrypted notes in rich text format, complete with links and attachments. We also talked about what happened to my1Password, the web-based version of 1Password: it's evolving into a portable version which can be carried around on a USB stick or accessed through something like drop.io. Lastly, they're incorporating fingerprint scanning (0Password?), which will work with both wired and portable USB versions of the fingerprint scanner.
Thanks to Dave and Roustem for their time! Note that I made it through this post without making a single reference to your Canadian colloquialisms, eh? Also note that it's Roustem on the left and Dave on the right at the beginning of the clip, even though I introduced them the other way around.
Read on for the video.
Continue reading Agile Web Solutions at Macworld 2009
TUAWAgile Web Solutions at Macworld 2009 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Facebook for iPhone and iPod touch updated to version 2.1
Filed under: Macworld, Software, iPhone, iPod touch
In the online social networking space you've got your big guns: MySpace, to a lesser extent Twitter and for business users, LinkedIn. Facebook is also extremely popular and now, Facebook's client for iPhone and iPod touch has been updated to version 2.1.
Among the changes for this update include fewer crashes (that's an important one), corrected timestamps for all time zones, improved sync time and faster loading of the inbox. It's also worth noting that Facebook for iPhone and iPod touch requires iPhone 2.2 firmware.
Other iPhone and iPod touch apps updated recently include Pandora, Things, Darkslide, Lists and the trifecta of iSteam, iFog and icanhascheezburger. So, fire up iTunes or the Applications app on your iPhone / iPod touch and go get 'em!
Be sure to let us know how they work in the comments.TUAWFacebook for iPhone and iPod touch updated to version 2.1 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Boxee opens up alpha, adds iPlayer support for UK users
Filed under: Software, Apple TV
It isn't just about Macworld; shockingly there is some other tech news happening this week as well. Our pals over at boxee have just announced a new version, some love for UK users and some great news: no more invites needed!
Instead of hounding me (I kid, I never minded) for a boxee invite, you can sign-up yourself at boxee.tv/join and get downloads for the Mac, Apple TV and Ubuntu. The Windows alphas are still in closed testing, but progress is moving quickly.
Here's a run-down on what's new and improved:
- iPlayer support for UK users -- no more crying over the lack of overseas Hulu; you can now get the iPlayer via boxee
- Joost support
- MTV Music support
- dual-screen support
- Netflix improvements
- search in Hulu
- updates to the SMB library
Netflix is still only working on the Mac and not on the Apple TV, but this is a great update. I've been seeing some of the private builds and the improvements are nice. A reminder, boxee is still in alpha, but the development process is on a tear!
TUAWBoxee opens up alpha, adds iPlayer support for UK users originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Wazabee brings glass-free 3D to the iPhone
Filed under: Macworld, Multimedia, Odds and ends, iPhone, iPod touch
At Macworld 2009, I've seen some cool stuff, but Wazabee's 3DeeShell for the iPhone wins my show pick for most unexpected cool product. The pitch sounds cheesy; it's an iPhone case that lets you view stuff in 3D, no glasses required. This is why it isn't cheesy: it works.We're working on getting the video edited and working properly (because seeing really is believing), but I was most impressed with this technology. The 3DeeShell consists of an iPhone case (and it's actually a nice case) with a removable screen. The screen, when viewed at the right angle (and I found it very easy to get on the right angle) will show movies, pictures or games that support its 3D processing technology in 3D.
Right now, Wazabee has several apps in the App Store: 3DeeCamera [iTunes link], 3Dee!oader [iTunes link] and 3DeeVUsion [iTunes link] that allow you to view and encode your images so that they are viewable in 3D. These apps support 3D glasses right now, but they'll work with the 3DeeShell when it launches in March.
Additionally, developers can contact Wazabee to get access to the SDK, so that apps and other games can be built with support for 3D viewing.
The 3DeeShell is scheduled for release in March 2009 for $50 US. This summer, Wazabee will be introducing a screen attachment for the 13" MacBooks (larger series to follow) that will allow for viewing of 3D content on your MacBook screen. It utilizes the iSight cam to make sure the screen is always aligned for the best 3D view.
Video is on the way, but this was too cool not to share now.
TUAWWazabee brings glass-free 3D to the iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Macworld 2009: IPEVO shows off photo frames and more
Filed under: Macworld, Accessories, Hardware
Peripheral vendor IPEVO may have just dipped a toe in the Mac market last year with compatible iChat and Skype speakerphone devices, but it looks like a full-court press coming from them in 2009. At Macworld Expo, IPEVO is showing a full suite of audio (conference phones, handsets and more for VoIP services and iChat), video (a slimline camera) and especially photos -- the upcoming Kaleida digital frames, showing here and at CES, look remarkably good.
The wired and wireless frames, expected to ship in March under the $200 price point, allow for photo offloads from memory cards or from the Mac, subscription to Flickr or RSS feeds, and selected Google widgets (weather, calendar, news or financial data), all on a bright 7" screen. You can control the displayed content from your computer, or via a handy iPhone app.
We took a brief photo and video tour of the new products in the Dr. Bott vendor pavilion. Enjoy!
Continue reading Macworld 2009: IPEVO shows off photo frames and more
TUAWMacworld 2009: IPEVO shows off photo frames and more originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - HearPlanet free for a little while longer
Filed under: Macworld, Software, Deals, App Store
Just a reminder as Macworld Expo heads into the home stretch, the iPhone/iPod touch travel application HearPlanet is available for free this week only. HearPlanet turns your iPhone into a travel guide, with audio tours of over 230,000 locations. Normally, HearPlanet is $3.99, but it's free during Macworld. You can get it in the App Store.
The company's party bus has been a fixture outside Moscone Center, and will be outside TUAW's Tweetup at the Thirsty Bear at 6 p.m. Stop by and say hi to them (and us too) as we celebrate another Macworld Expo and toast the (hopeful) future of the show..
TUAWHearPlanet free for a little while longer originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Macworld 2009 sights and exhibitors
As you may have guessed, Macworld is a rather large event with lots to see and do. With so much under one roof (well, two roofs actually -- if you count the North and South halls) it's sometimes difficult for us to show you everything in great detail.
Sometimes we need to resort to more of an overview of things so you can get an idea of the sights, sounds and perhaps even smells that comprise an event like Macworld. Fortunately, that's one of the reasons the photo gallery was invented. So far, we've had galleries featuring a brief bit of the North Hall, an event with our partner Stylit.tv, day one photos and a whole bunch of others.
This time around, its more of the main show floor featuring many of the bigger vendors that make up this year's Macworld.
Check them out!TUAWMacworld 2009 sights and exhibitors originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Apple releases 2009 proxy statement
Filed under: Apple Financial
Yesterday, Apple released a proxy statement detailing the financial compensation that executives enjoy as part of their participation on the board of directors.Steve Jobs retained his $1 salary for 2008, but has over 5.5 million shares of Apple stock, which is worth over $500 million on paper. Jobs is worth about $5.7 billion, thanks largely to the fact that he's Disney's largest individual shareholder. Fidelity Investments continues to be Apple's largest investor with over 46 million shares of stock.
There are five shareholder proposals up for voting this time around:
- Proposal 1 asks to re-elect the board of directors, consisting of Steve Jobs, William Campbell, Millard Drexler, Al Gore, Andrea Jung, Arthur Levinson, Eric Schmidt, and Jerry York.
- Proposal 2 asks for more transparency surrounding Apple's political contributions.
- Proposal 3 asks the company to adopt a statement supporting universal health care for everyone, and not just employees.
- Proposal 4 asks the company to release a report on corporate strategies surrounding climate change and greenhouse gas emissions before July.
- Proposal 5 asks to adopt a policy that gives shareholders more input on executive compensation. (Thanks, Scott!)
The board of directors, perhaps not surprisingly, recommends approving the first proposal, and rejecting the other four.
The proxy statement is available from Apple's Investor Relations website, and will not be mailed to shareholders unless requested.
[Via MacDailyNews.]
TUAWApple releases 2009 proxy statement originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - NRK pulls Beatles podcast citing legal concerns
Filed under: iTS, Odds and ends
Lost in the din of yesterday's Macworld announcements and video was a story from NRK that they've pulled down the "Our Daily Beatles" podcast -- featuring all 212 songs available for free -- citing contractual obligations with an organization that represents the interests of the recording industry worldwide.The three players in the debacle are NRK (Norway's publicly-funded broadcasting company), TONO (managers of the rights for Norwegian composers and writers), and IFPI (which represents the rights of international record companies). While NRK and TONO are happy with their contractual agreement to release the podcast, IFPI is not.
NRK's contract with IFPI states that they can only create podcasts for shows aired on the radio in the last four weeks where music accounts for less than 70 percent of the show's length. Since "Our Daily Beatles" was aired in 2007 (and not 2001 as they originally stated, but that's neither here nor there) it falls outside the bounds of the agreement. NRK, rather than air the broadcast again to comply with IFPI's rules, instead decided to pull the podcast offline.
NRK is negotiating with IFPI to update their contract to match the one they have with TONO. Their current agreement expired at the end of last year, but apparently NRK is still bound by its terms.
NRK had originally posted the podcast on Sunday.
TUAWNRK pulls Beatles podcast citing legal concerns originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Parallels Desktop 4 updated
Filed under: Software, Snow Leopard
Popular virtualization software Parallels has been updated to build 3810. The software offers many upgrades and fixes, including Windows DirectX 9.0 with Shaders Model 2 support, as well as "experimental" support for Snow Leopard and Windows 7 beta.
The "experimental" caution, as you might surmise, means not all features will work. For example, in Snow Leopard, there is no USB support, and Parallels notes there is no shared networking support.
Parallels has been running a competitive race against VMware Fusion as each software solution tries to out-feature and outperform the other.
The Parallels update can be downloaded at this link, or you can select "check for updates" from the Parallels application help menu.
A complete list of the enhancements in this build can be found here. Some users are reporting faster performance and some improvements with use of peripherals.TUAWParallels Desktop 4 updated originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Macworld 2009: Axiotron Modbook Pro
Filed under: Macworld, Hardware, Portables, Video, Mods, Interviews, Macbook Pro
Simply stated, it's the fastest tablet computer on the planet, and it's a Mac.
Axiotron surprised everyone in 2007 by demoing a tablet Mac, the Modbook, made by transferring the inner workings of a stock Apple MacBook to a new chassis with a touch / pen interface. At Macworld Expo 2008, the Modbook actually shipped. Now Axiotron has raised the bar for all tablet devices by announcing the Modbook Pro, a new model made with the 15.4" MacBook Pro electronics.
I talked with Axiotron's CEO and Chief Engineer Andreas Haas this afternoon. Andreas was with Apple's Newton group and said that he always wanted to get back to a pen-based device. The new device is impressively fast and powerful, and Andreas was willing to show us the insides of the new box. Enjoy the video after the break.
Update: One of our readers asked about VESA mounting points for the Modbook. We believe there are holes in the Modbook to allow mounting, but we'll double-check with the product managers and let you know shortly...Continue reading Macworld 2009: Axiotron Modbook Pro
TUAWMacworld 2009: Axiotron Modbook Pro originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Macworld 2009: Interview with Iconfactory's Craig Hockenberry
Filed under: Macworld, Software, Developer, iPhone
Twitter is arguably one of the most popular social networking platforms in use today. And, one of the most popular ways to use Twitter is via applications for your Mac and the iPhone. In that space, one particular app seems to dominate -- Iconfactory's Twitterrific.
TUAW's own Christina Warren (A.K.A. @film_girl) sat down with Iconfactory's Craig Hockenberry (A.K.A @chockenberry) to get all the latest on Twitterirfic, and to find out what else he has in store for Twitter users and elegantly designed icon fans everywhere. Click through to check out the video.Continue reading Macworld 2009: Interview with Iconfactory's Craig Hockenberry
TUAWMacworld 2009: Interview with Iconfactory's Craig Hockenberry originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Macworld 2009 -- The TUAW and Stylit.tv giveaway
Filed under: Macworld, Accessories, Peripherals, TUAW Business
Here at TUAW we try very hard, but we can't do everything ourselves. Sometimes, we need a bit of help from our friends. This time around, we teamed up with Stylit.tv to have a giveaway event at Macworld. But, in true TUAW fashion, it wasn't just any giveaway -- it was a big one.
Thanks to the generous participation by many great Macworld Expo exhibitors like Dr. Bott, G-Tech and Blue Microphones, TUAW and Stylit.tv were able to give away over two thousand dollars in prizes to two lucky winners. And of course, we have pictures. There's also going to be video as well so check back for that.
Until then, thanks to those of you who made it out for the giveaway. We do appreciate it. If you didn't win this time, don't worry, there's plenty more of these events to come -- so keep checking back at TUAW for all the details.TUAWMacworld 2009 -- The TUAW and Stylit.tv giveaway originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Macworld 2009: Interview with David PogueHot on the heels of the Macworld Live show Wednesday morning, we caught up with New York Times columnist David Pogue to talk about what's hot (and not) at the show this year, his thoughts on the "Philnote" and the future of Macworld, the iPhone's phenomenal success in 2008 and his undying love (ahem) for the Blackberry Storm.
Click through to check it out.Continue reading Macworld 2009: Interview with David Pogue
TUAWMacworld 2009: Interview with David Pogue originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - VixML debuts iPhone development middleware, demos 'TrueFlirt'
Filed under: Macworld, Software, App Store
Viximo has debuted TrueFlirt, a $5.99 iPhone application that demonstrates the capabilities of VixML, a simple development environment for creative entrepreneurs. TrueFlirt, as you might suspect, allows you to send animated "flirts" to other users of TrueFlirt. You can "FlirtBack" with one of a few pre-populated "playful" replies.
TrueFlirt is -- while perhaps not suitable for the iTunes "productivity" category -- an interesting technology demonstration of VixML, an XML-based content creation platform that enables interactive designers to create native iPhone content for Viximo applications.
The way it works is a content creator signs up with Viximo, who provides them their framework and tools for development. Developing VixML uses structured XML that -- at first glance -- seems easy to understand, and includes code support for animation, interaction and music. Viximo says it's a much lesser investment in terms of time and money, since you don't need to become an Apple developer, nor pay to submit the app to the App Store.
Once an application is developed, Viximo will check it for problems, and submit it for publication in the App Store. It's unclear how pricing is structured, or how much of a cut Viximo gets for each application.
VixML applications are analogous to standalone Flash animations, but obviously they don't use Flash. Instead, they use the OpenGL 2D and 3D graphics engines built into iPhone OS. Applications can send and receive data (like TrueFlirt), as well as interact with the iPhone and iPod touch's built-in accelerometer.
Viximo, in addition to TrueFlirt, is releasing more titles expected to arrive in the App Store during the first quarter of 2009. TrueFlirt is available in the App Store now (for $5.99), and a free version is coming soon. The free version will be able to receive flirts, but the paid version can both send and receive them.
TUAWVixML debuts iPhone development middleware, demos 'TrueFlirt' originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - TUAW First Look: Keynote '09
Filed under: Macworld, iLife, Features
Call me a curmudgeon, but I detest slide presentations. Ugh, even typing that gave me the heeby-jeebies. I've sat through too many demos during which some absolute bore read to me as if we were in preschool circle time. Not to mention the blue, marbleized buttons and millions of bullet points. Oh, the bullet points.
When Keynote was introduced in January of 2003, my feelings were mixed. On one hand, Apple is a stylish company that makes thoughtful, easy to use software. On the other hand, this was presentation software. How good could it be? The answer is "pretty darn good," and even better now with the latest version of Keynote.
When you first launch the demo version of iWork, you're greeted with an invitation to try or buy the software. This splash screen is much more attractive in '09 than it was in '08, and that change is indicative of nearly every aspect of Keynote '09: It's very beautiful.
Click below to read more.Continue reading TUAW First Look: Keynote '09
TUAWTUAW First Look: Keynote '09 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Macworld Expo booth photos, part two
Filed under: Macworld
For your overnight viewing pleasure: More images from the show floor at Macworld Expo.TUAWMacworld Expo booth photos, part two originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - We're giving away thousands of dollars of stuff to two lucky Macworld attendees
Filed under: Macworld
Just a reminder: at 6pm PT we're giving away two huge bags of loot to two lucky Macworld attendees. Be at the South Hall of Moscone, just past the coat check and media registration booth (head toward the stairs) for your chance to win.
If you're not here, don't worry; you'll have another chance (or two) to win stuff in a few weeks.
UPDATE: Thanks to everyone who attended! We'll post the video of the event when it's ready, of course. Also a big thanks to the vendors who were kind enough to supply the prizes. When we post the video we'll have a complete list.
Don't forget to come by Thirsty Bear tomorrow at 6pm PT and meet the TUAW crew!TUAWWe're giving away thousands of dollars of stuff to two lucky Macworld attendees originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Macworld 2009: solidThinking offers speed and simplicity -- for a price
Filed under: Macworld, Software
solidThinking demonstrated its flagship 3D rendering application (of the same name) that simplifies the process for conceptualizing, revising and rendering for industrial designers.The application makes it very simple to start with a two-dimensional sketch and rapidly create a three-dimensional model of it. For instance, with two cross-sections, users can apply a contiguous skin to create a solid, and not just a series of disconnected surfaces. Users can dynamically edit the points that define the solid, as well, and solidThinking updates the object in real time.
solidThinking also features the Construction Tree, a history-like area that remembers changes to a file. With the Construction Tree, minor changes to the same model can be contained within one file, and retain the surfaces and textures for the modified object. Entire objects can be replaced as well, while surface and deformation settings are retained.
According to product specialist Darren Chilton, rendering is "stupid fast." A demonstration using a photorealistic model of a car took less than 30 seconds to render.
solidThinking is very much a product for professionals, though, with licenses starting at $5,495 for a single computer. A USB dongle that can be moved from computer to computer (including PCs) is $6,000, and a network license for workgroups is $7,495. But, for those professionals who demand efficiency from their software, solidThinking is a strong candidate for those who want a quick, high-quality 3D concepting app.
solidThinking is at booth 3320 in the North Hall at Macworld.
TUAWMacworld 2009: solidThinking offers speed and simplicity -- for a price originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Macworld Expo: Delicious Monster's Wil Shipley
Filed under: Macworld, Software
His flagship application gave its name to an entire movement of graphical sophistication among Mac apps, so it should be no surprise that Wil Shipley's Delicious Monster booth at Macworld Expo carries Delicious Library's recognizable UI into the real world. Special care was taken to get bookshelves that matched the wood grain, the products on the shelves look unremarkably like themselves, and the leaves at the top of the booth are dead ringers for the ones on the DM site. The overall effect is a bit disconcerting, but still enjoyable.
We took a few minutes to discuss the booth design with one of the "Delicious Librarians," then talked to Wil about his approach to an iPhone version of Delicious Library and his thoughts on the development challenges he faced in creating DL2. Videos in the second half of the post.
Continue reading Macworld Expo: Delicious Monster's Wil Shipley
TUAWMacworld Expo: Delicious Monster's Wil Shipley originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Macworld Expo: Bee Docs Timeline 3D makes complex timelines easy
Filed under: Macworld, Software
One of my favorite things about Macworld Expo is the "stealth" apps for the Mac that make appearances on the show floor, addressing a specialized need or a focused market that bigger companies overlook. Some might deride these programs as unitaskers, but the investment of a few bucks in a tool that does one thing and does it very well should be weighed against the time and effort that the single-purpose app will save you compared to doing the same thing in a more flexible environment.Case in point: BeeDocs Timeline & Timeline 3D, a couple of unitaskers with style if ever I saw some. Timeline first takes event data, whether manually entered, or imported/subscribed from a variety of calendar formats and apps. Then it lets you add your art for backgrounds and specific events, and it creates a beautifully formatted 2D or 3D timeline ready for print or online output. Teachers, presentation pros and even lawyers can leverage fast and easy timeline production to enhance their content.
During the show, you can get Timeline for the "lowest-ever" pricing of $30. If you teach, train or demonstrate, and your content includes historical overviews or change-through-time data, you should give it a look. See our video interview in the 2nd half of the post for a quick peek at the software.
Continue reading Macworld Expo: Bee Docs Timeline 3D makes complex timelines easy
TUAWMacworld Expo: Bee Docs Timeline 3D makes complex timelines easy originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Macworld 2009: Best in Show liveblog
Filed under: Macworld, Liveblog
Welcome the Macworld 2009 Best in Show liveblog!
I'll be chronicling what Macworld has deemed its "Best in Show" products. If we haven't already talked with the winners, be assured, we will find them tomorrow!TUAWMacworld 2009: Best in Show liveblog originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Macworld 2009: Interview with AOL's Lee Givens
We've talked to a bunch of people here at Macworld from HP to Griffin and lots of things in between -- including some opinions from show attendees. Now, the fun and informative stream of information continues as TUAW's own Christina Warren interviews Lee Givens, iPhone product lead for AOL Mac.
In the video, Givens discusses AOL Radio [App Store link] video search and lots of other great things in store for users of AOL products and the iPhone. Click through to check out the video.Continue reading Macworld 2009: Interview with AOL's Lee Givens
TUAWMacworld 2009: Interview with AOL's Lee Givens originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - TUAW Macworld Video: MacBook Pro 17" hands-on
Filed under: Macworld, Hardware, Macbook Pro
Yesterday, as soon as the Expo doors opened, I bum-rushed the Apple booth, trying to get access to the new 17" unibody MacBook Pros.
The decision to have a non-user replaceable battery is sure to be unpopular with some users -- at least in theory. Aside from the whole international flight issue, what effect does an 8 hour built-in battery have on heat? Having spent a few minutes with the new 17", I can say it is the coolest 17" notebook I have ever felt.
The 8 hour battery life is impressive. Obviously, we'll have to wait for the reviews to see how accurate that lifespan actually is, but it certainly sounds impressive. The touted 1000 cycle lifespan of the battery is significantly longer than any other laptop battery on the market. Even excessive recharging would yield 5 years of life (if you do 200 cycles a year).
I was most impressed with the screen. It's huge, it's gorgeous, and it has 1920 x 1200 resolution. I use my MacBook with an external monitor, but I could see using the 17" as just a main computer. Which is pretty much the point.
Check out the video:Continue reading TUAW Macworld Video: MacBook Pro 17" hands-on
TUAWTUAW Macworld Video: MacBook Pro 17" hands-on originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Pandora 2.0 for iPhone
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Software, Odds and ends, iPhone, iPod touch
Pandora's app was one of the iPhone's best of 2008 on iTunes, and while I've only recently started using it, I have to agree: even over EDGE, it's a great way to get some music you've never heard on the iPhone. And they aren't sitting on their laurels, either -- they've just updated the app to version 2.0, and it's better than ever.
New in this version is the ability to access a progress bar for the songs you're listening to, and the option to create new stations from songs or artists right there in the app itself. It's definitely worth a look [iTunes link], and you can't beat the price of admission (still completely free).
I've followed Pandora from the beginning, and they've constantly updated both their website and their features since they first released -- it's all developed into a really impressive set of functionality for listening to and finding new music. They have suffered some rumors of shutdowns, but hopefully those rumors are just that. Between the remarkable set of functions on their website and this iPhone app, they're becoming more and more invaluable for serious music listeners.TUAWPandora 2.0 for iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Macworld 2009: TechSmith's Jing goes Pro
Filed under: Macworld, Software
Although Camtasia Studio, the pro-level screencast offering from TechSmith, is still a Windows-only affair (hopefully not for too much longer), the company is present on the Macworld Expo show floor with a booth highlighting the screencast.com website and Jing, one of our favorite screen capture tools. Jing's free offering continues to provide easy and quick screen snaps with tight web integration and handy SWF video capture, but the new announcement here is the introduction of Jing Pro, a new paid plan with additional features for heavy screencasting use.Jing Pro, for $14.95/year, offers users H.264/MPEG-4 compression in addition to the FLV files produced by the free version; these videos are ideal for upload to YouTube or other online services (in fact, the Pro version includes a Send to YouTube button). The Pro build is capable of capturing full-motion video off your screen, putting it in the same league with tools like Vara/Telestream's $99 Screenflow. You can also skip the Jing ad banner placed on snaps created with the free version. Encoding MPEG-4 does require a bit more horsepower, so the minimum CPU for Pro is a 2Ghz Core 2 Duo Intel processor.
We talked with TechSmith's reps at the booth and a video of the conversation is in the 2nd half of this post.
Continue reading Macworld 2009: TechSmith's Jing goes Pro
TUAWMacworld 2009: TechSmith's Jing goes Pro originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - eeeMac creator tells you how to do it yourself
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Hardware, Hacks, How-tos, Cult of Mac, Mods, MacBook Air
A little while ago, we posted about Gregory Cohen's eeeMac -- he modded an eeePC into an OS X-running ultraportable, including adding a little Apple icon on the back. And now, he's posted how he did it all on a blog, so that if you've got a few Saturday afternoons, an eeePC to destroy, and a big interest in making a really tiny (fake) Mac, you can do it too. And even if you don't want to crack the case and do a little modding, you can still try to just get OS X running on the little machine -- Gregory has done all the hard work for you and boiled everything you need down into a 22mb disk image (you'll also need a retail OS X disc, of course).
Very cool. I'd never have the time or insight to put one of these together, but I can definitely marvel at the achievement.TUAWeeeMac creator tells you how to do it yourself originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Macworld Live with David Pogue
Filed under: Macworld, Cult of Mac
One of the highlights of every Macworld is the Macworld Live session with New York Times columnist, musician extraordinaire and Missing Manual author David Pogue. Featuring trivia, parody songs and amusing guests, it's the perfect way to start your Expo day.
This year's show included musical performances such as "Where is Steve?" (parodying "Where is Love" from the musical "Oliver") and a special guest performance from Ge Wang (founder of Smule) on his best-selling Ocarina app. On top of the musical appearances, this years extra guests were Matt Harding from YouTube phenomenon "Where the Hell is Matt" and the folks behind "You Suck at Photoshop".TUAWMacworld Live with David Pogue originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - TypeDNA to pick up where other font management software leaves off
Filed under: Macworld, Software, Graphic Design
TypeDNA is previewing its advanced font management software at Macworld booth 4037, and gave TUAW a sneak peek.TypeDNA (also the name of the product) is cross-platform, standalone font management software that also includes some advanced features to help you select fonts based on similarity and type features. Along with standard activation and grouping features, TypeDNA includes Font Harmony and Similar Fonts tools to help you select aesthetically-compatible fonts for your projects.
TypeDNA will begin a public beta program soon, with an eye to releasing the software in March. If you want to sign up for TypeDNA's public beta, you can.
Continue reading TypeDNA to pick up where other font management software leaves off
TUAWTypeDNA to pick up where other font management software leaves off originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Hardware that supports iPhoto '09's geotagging
Filed under: Macworld, Accessories, iLife, Multimedia, Peripherals
I spent yesterday afternoon like many of you: Hunched over my keyboard in a posture-defying mound, my eyes locked on 1440 x 900 pixels of real-time information and fingers tapping keys like so many coked-up woodpeckers. A Mountain Dew and Cinnabun stood at the ready, should I need refueling. I was a gold-encrusted invitation to hypertension if you ever saw one.
As Phil Schiller gave his demonstration of iPhoto '09, with its face recognition, fancy travel books, themes and "Places" feature, I was most impressed by the geotagging.If shot with the right hardware, iPhoto recognizes where a given photo was taken, and places it on a Google map. If the photos in an event span several locations, it notices that, also. The built-in maps are very attractive and handy, as you can search your entire library by geographic location. As I watched all of this, one thought was echoing in my mind.
I don't have single piece of hardware that can do this.
It's what I call a Mario Batali Moment. I'm a real Mario fan, but every time I watch his show, I get a little depressed. As Mario sits down to a small family table in Umbria, olive trees and screeching cicadas in the background, I think, "There's another incredible Italian salami I'll never get to try."
A brief Google search turned up good news. I didn't have to spend several hundred dollars on a GPS-aware camera. Here are several devices that will get the job done without breaking the bank.
- The Wolverine GEO connects to several Nikon and Fuji DSLR's and embeds GPS coordinates in an image's metadata (EXIF) during exposure. Just click and you're done. The Wolverine GEO costs $149.99US.
- The GiSTEQ PhotoTrackr is a small GPS device that you carry around as you shoot photos. As you take pictures, you camera records the time. The PhotoTrackr also records the time and the GPS location. The included software merges the two. Small, tidy and $129US (the "lite" version is $99US).
- Similarly, the Amod AGL3080 GPS Data Logger connects to your Mac via USB port, allowing you to grab the recorded log in standard NMEA format. Mac-compatible software is included. The AGL3080 will run you about $70US.
iPhoto geotagging needn't be your forbidden salami.
Update: Our readers continue to offer additional suggestions. Keep them coming, folks! Here are a few from the comments.
- David notes that "...the GISTEQ product does NOT support geotagging of RAW images," so keep that in mind. His solution: "I ended up using the iTU4l.pl perl scripts from http://www.schimmelnetz.de/projekte/iTU4l/ and HoudahGeo ($30US)."
- jadam points out another solution: "If you have a standalone GPS that supports track logging, turn tracking on and bring it along with you on your next photo shoot. Then once you are finished, use the free GPSPhotoLinker (Free) to geotag your photos."
- Tim suggests the SD GPS Data Logger ($125).
- John Fischetti and a couple of others suggested the Eye-Fi Explore Wireless card ($99US).
- John suggested the Jobo photoGPS (couldn't find a price for some unknown, frustrating reason), which mounts on your camera's hotshoe.
TUAWHardware that supports iPhoto '09's geotagging originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать
- Лесная международная академия им. Дерсу Узала
- Блог о блогосфере: новости, конкурсы, обзоры!
- Спорт в блогосфере или блогоэстафеты…
- А что такое счастье?
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