- Facebook v2 for iPhone goes live
Filed under: Internet Tools, iPhone, App Store, iPod touch
The Facebook [iTunes link] application for the iPhone has just been updated to version 2 (although you may see it listed as version 1.1 in the store), and the new version number brings some stellar features! In this release, the Facebook team has completely revamped the user interface and brought the client up to parity with the mobile Facebook app for Blackberry (really surpassed it, if you ask me). Some of the new features are:
- Facebook Chat (OK, not new, but seems to be working much better now)
- Address book lookup
- New, easier to use interface, including notifications and the full news feed
WritePhoto post on friends' walls and view their full profiles- Photo tags (holding your finger down on the photo will show them)
- People search, friend requests and your full inbox/inbox search
- Photo uploading is faster
- You can now upload photos from your library stored on the iPhone
In addition to all those changes, there are also "dozens of bug fixes that improve stability" and speed -- especially for users with a large number of friends. Now that's something every iPhone-owning Facebook user will like!
You can download this new version of FaceBook.app for iPhone from the iTunes App Store today. Be sure to check out the changes in the user interface by looking at our gallery of screenshots.
Thanks for the tip, Jason!Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Mac Automation: Quickly add to-dos/events to iCal
Filed under: Features, How-tos
How many times have you been watching TV and wanted to quickly add a to-do or event (maybe both) to iCal? In this Mac Automation post, I'm going to show you how to create both a to-do and an iCal event from within Automator. You will be able to add new items to iCal without ever having to open it. Let's begin.
Creating the Automator Workflow (New iCal Event)
First we need to create an Automator workflow that will add the to-do and event to iCal. To create the workflow, just add the "New iCal Events" action to the workflow area. Before you continue, be sure to click the "Options" button at the bottom of the action and select the "Show this action when the workflow runs" checkbox.
Saving the Automator Workflow
To give you quick and easy access to the creation of iCal events, you can choose the Save As method of your choice.
Running the Workflow
To run the workflow, click the "Run" button in the top-right corner of Automator (or launch it as an application). When you run the workflow, you will be presented with a dialog that will ask you to specify a Name, Date, Time, and other information. When you press "Continue," the workflow will create the event in iCal.
Keep reading to learn how to quickly create to-dos in iCal.
Continue reading Mac Automation: Quickly add to-dos/events to iCal
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- App Store loses "All Free Apps" link
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Freeware, Apple, iPhone
Apple's made some strange changes to the App Store lately. While the reviews change was a good one, this latest update is just confusing: they removed all of the "See all" links from the sidebar of the main App Store page, including the much-visited "All Free Apps" that many of our readers used to browse the new free stuff in there.
Now, all that's there is a bunch of category links. You can still search for apps, obviously, and you can click on the Top Paid and Free apps to see those, and you can even click on the "See all" near "New," "What's Hot" and "Staff Favorites." But if you want to browse all the new Free apps in the store completely unfiltered, you're out of luck.
Why would this be? Depends on who's guessing -- if you're angry at Apple (perhaps one of many developers who haven't seen their apps in the store yet), you might claim that it's because Apple wants to keep a firm grip on just what new free apps get seen on the homepage. If you're so-so on the issue, it might be because you think Apple wanted to streamline the process and keep you from the hassle of browsing all the free trash yourself. And if you're what our kind commenters call a "fanboy," you might claim that Apple is just having problems with their store, or that they're actually trying to help developers by raising app prices.
Personally, I'm going for option D: someone working on the iTunes page didn't realize how popular the link was, and after a little outcry, it'll be back soon. In the meantime, there are still a few RSS feeds around that will help you keep tabs on what's showing up in the store.
Thanks to everyone who sent this in!Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Apple's ugly YouTube channel
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Video, Apple, iPod nano, iPod touch
Apple has designed some beautiful stuff over the years, from the ][e (hey, I think it looks good) to the iPod, but you can take the new OfficialApple YouTube channel off that list -- it's hideous. The glaringly huge sidebar ads got squished and crunched, and managed to make even the new nanos and iPod touches look ugly.
On the plus side, the channel offers lots of Apple videos in the YouTube player, from tutorials to tours to TV ads, so that's nice -- what YouTube videos lack in quality they make up for in ease of use and playability. Sure, the comments aren't much to read (unless you're a glutton for punishment), but at least the videos work.
But what did they do to those icons?! I'm tempted just to report the background with the link at the bottom of the page -- not because it's offensive or crude, but just because it's so badly done.
Update: The evil, unpleasant background is gone. Most commenters, justifiably, are quite skeptical that this is an actual Apple effort (could it be the 'ca' Canadian prefix?) -- we'll ask Apple.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Say Hello to the new TUAW
Filed under: TUAW Business
Almost four years ago, tuaw.com went live with a flurry of posts by future superblogger extraordinaire Barb Dybwad. Sporting our "default" theme at the time, The Unofficial Apple Weblog's design evolved into what you see today: a Mac-inspired theme with an upbeat, colorful logo. In the interim we've seen Apple bust out a few new product categories and drop the "computer" from the company moniker. It wasn't that long ago that the rainbow logo went out, and the sleeker monochrome logo came in.
As Apple evolves, so does TUAW. I'm proud to announce something we've been working on (along with the iPhone-tuned i.tuaw.com) for a while now: the new TUAW.com design and logo.
We hope this helps you, as readers, find what you're looking for quickly. Big stories will appear up top, plus our popular categories such as Mac 101 and our ongoing App Store coverage. There's even the no-iPhone page, where you may read TUAW 99%-free of any iPhone coverage, if that's the way you choose to roll. We've added breaking stories and featured stories to the right, so when releases appear in Software Update or we review new stuff, you'll see it after it moves off the front page. Our handy Tip of the Day keeps you informed, and our AAPL stock widget keeps you happily up-to-date with the markets (or sadly up-to-date, depending).
Other features include our TUAW videos from WWDC and Macworld, courtesy of the Truveo widget (the videos are also reachable via the iPhone/iPod touch Truveo search app). Our TUAW Flickr pool is back, so tag any Apple-related posts "TUAW" (no quotes) to have them magically appear. We hope you enjoy our improved comment UI for iPhone use, and the re-appearance of our tag cloud and comment stats.
Thanks for reading TUAW! We have no idea what the next four years hold in store for Apple, but we'll be among the first to report, analyze and dissect it.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Clips updated to 1.1
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Software, Developer
Clips is a relatively new application (designed by our friend Nicholas Penree and his cohorts
at Conceited Software, who
also sell Linkinus) designed to
kick your clipboard into overdrive -- it'll let you keep track of any and all clips even across applications, Spaces, and even different Macs. The screencast
gives a pretty good idea of just how capable it is, and while it seems just a tad bit too complicated for a user like me (I mostly just stick to the browser, and
Quicksilver's shelf gives me pretty good access to all the reusable bits I need), it definitely seems like the kind of program that finds its way into your workflow: the more you use it, the more uses you'll find for it.
Plus, they've just released Clips 1.1, with a bevy of new features -- Abbreviations are now live (they'll expand as you type them, like Text Expander), you can use hot corners to invoke the program, video URLs are now supported (along with Amazon and IMDb URLs), and you can rename clips through a contextual menu (that last one might sound boring, but have you tried it yet?). The application is $34.99 (though hurry to get that price -- it may go up on October 1st), and there's a 15-day free trial.
And hey, if you don't want to buy it quite yet, just wait a bit -- Conceited has given TUAW a few giveaway copies to pass on to you readers, so stay tuned for your chance to pick it up right here.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Perian 1.1.1 just released
Filed under: Software
Perian, the ultimate QuickTime plug-in, was just updated to version 1.1.1. Some of the changes in this version include:
- H.264 in AVI fixed
- Some anamorphic AVI files are now supported
- Performance problems due to PIC fixed with Xcode 3.1
- Incorrect frame skipping on H.264 intra frames fixed
- Better character set detection
- The update checker is now much more polite
- Several parsing and rendering bugs with subtitles fixed
- Player freezing while loading subtitles with embedded fonts fixed
- Audio fixed for some older MKV files with AAC/FLAC
- Strange values in MKV chapters or video sizes are handled better
- Initial support for SAMI subtitles added
- Worked around a QuickTime bug (#5770288) causing frames to be lost during export
- New codecs: DosBox ZMBV, VP6+Alpha, Nellymoser ASAO
FFmpeg: - Crashing on PPC G3 fixed
- Fraps decoding artifacts fixed
You can view the full change log on the support website. Perian is a free System Preference pane that can be downloaded from the Perian project website.
Thanks, Chris!Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Congress in your pocket
Filed under: Software, iPhone, App Store, iPod touch
Having a Congressman or Congresswoman in your pocket used to mean that they owed you a big political favor that you could call in at any time. Now with Congress+ for iPhone / iPod touch from Congress In Your Pocket, the phrase has an entirely different meaning.
Congress+ is designed for voters or political pros who need to have Congressional contact information at their fingertips. Not only does it have contact info, but also includes a biography, staff information, data on what committees the representative sits on, and political information including tracking polls and opponent information.
This version of the software includes yearly updates in 2009 and 2010, and sells for $9.99 in the App Store (click opens iTunes).Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Terminal Tips: 5 ways to navigate with ease
Filed under: Terminal Tips
How many times have you been in Terminal and wished you could navigate around with a little more ease? In this Terminal tip, we will show you 5 must-know tips for working with Terminal.app.
1. Change your current directory
If you want to change the current directory you're in, just type: cd /change/to/dir. For example, if I wanted to change the directory to my Desktop, I would type: cd ~/Desktop .
2. List files and folders in the current directory
Now that you're in a directory, you might want to get a listing of what's there. To see this, just type ls.
3. See which directory you're in
If you've navigated your way into an unknown land, typing pwd will display a path listing to the directory you're in.
4. End a running script/program
If you're running a program/script (for example: ping google.com) then you might think you have to close the Terminal window to exit. That's not true. To stop a running script or program, just press control + C.
5. Clean up your mess
If you have several of commands on the screen and want to "freshen-up" your Terminal window, typing clear will remove all commands you have typed up to that point, leaving you with a clean slate.
Want more tips and tricks like this? Visit TUAW's Mac 101 and Terminal Tips sections.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- OmniWeb 5.8 released
Filed under: Internet, Internet Tools
The Omni Group has released version 5.8 of OmniWeb, its venerable browser software.
OmniWeb 5.8 is now based on the same version of Webkit as Safari 3.1.x. It also fixes bugs with Spaces, and adds support for non-POSIX file URLs. Users can also choose Google Chrome in the list of user-agent strings. Full release notes are also available.
OmniWeb 5.8 is available from Omni's website, and works with Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later. The software is $14.95, with upgrades starting at $4.95 for users of Omniweb 4.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- First Look: Heart Monitor
Filed under: iPhone, App Store, iPod touch
If you run, or participate in sports, you can now use your iPhone to measure your heart rate in addition to listening to your favorite tunes. Last week we mentioned that Heart Monitor [iTunes link] would be released soon, and as it turns out, it was approved by Apple this weekend. I've been testing this application all week. Here are my results.
This application can measure your heart rate using one of two methods. One way is to place the iPhone, microphone-down, on the bottom of your wrist, or chest -- this method produced poor results.
The other method, which works well, is to use the standard Apple headset/mic combo and place the microphone portion on your neck. Both methods are sketchy in a noisy room, as Heart Monitor uses sound to detect your heart beat.
If you are in a noisy location, you can use the "Pulse Count" tab to measure your heart rate manually. The application will walk you through counting your pulse rate for 10 seconds. Then, you will be prompted to press the corresponding button for the number of beats. The application will then log your heart rate in the "Results" tab. It would be nice to be able to export the results somehow (possibly through email).
The hardest part to using this application is finding your pulse, but the developer has included pictures and tips to help. Overall, Heart Monitor works as advertised and has a beautiful user interface that gets right to the point. Be sure to look at our gallery of screenshots. You can purchase Heart Monitor for $4.99 on the iTunes App Store.
Thanks, John!Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- AAPL down sharply after two ratings cuts
Filed under: Apple Financial
Bad day for Big Rainbow: RBC Capital's Mike Abramsky and Morgan Stanley's Kathryn Huberty cut their ratings and price targets on Apple stock, both citing weakness in consumer spending on PCs.
AAPL was down 17.38 at 110.86 (-13.58%) as of this writing: a 20-minute-delayed chart is above.
Abramsky's price target on AAPL shares is now $140 (down from $200), while Huberty's is lower at $115 (down from $178). Huberty also notes Apple will struggle because the company "does not play" in the sub-$1,000 laptop market.
In a slim bit of good news, Abramsky raised his estimate of the number of iPhone units sold during the fourth quarter to six million, up from five.
AAPL's price during the trading day has been its lowest in over a year.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- First Look: Briefcase for iPhone
Filed under: Software, Beta Beat, iPhone, App Store, iPod touch
Briefcase is the latest in a flood of apps for the iPhone that let you transfer files to and from a PC or Mac, then view them on the iPhone. After using a beta for several weeks, my personal opinion is that Briefcase is the easiest of the bunch to use. So far, it's also the only app of this type to allow Wi-Fi file transfer between iPhones.
Several competing applications require running special software on the host computer, Briefcase doesn't. Mac users just turn on File Sharing in System Preferences and make sure that the iPhone and Mac are on the same Wi-Fi network. A list of machines appears on the iPhone, you tap on one to connect, and once the user of the computer allows you to have access, you can browse the directories of the machine you're connected to. WIndows and Linux machines simply need to support remote login via SSH. You can also make remote connections to machines if you know the IP address and SSH port number.
When Briefcase arrives in the App Store soon, it will cost US$4.99. A free version, Briefcase Lite, just lacks the ability to zap files to other iPhones. We'll write a full review soon. Until then, enjoy the gallery.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- BeeJive Instant Messenger app now available for hefty price
Filed under: iPhone, App Store, iPod touch
If you used an iPhone before native applications came along, then you may have used BeeJive's web app for instant messaging. BeeJive [iTunes link] has now released a native application for the iPhone/iPod touch.
Some of the features of BeeJive for iPhone are:
- 24/7 connectivity, but easy on battery life
- Get notifications via email even if the application is closed (you will need push email for this to work properly)
- Works with AIM, MSN, Yahoo, GoogleTalk, ICQ, Jabber, and MySpace IM (What? There's no FaceBook support?)
- Unicode support for chatting in any language
- Landscape typing supported
- Saves chat history, which you can email
- Send SMS messages through AIM or Yahoo
- Complete management of buddy lists
- Configure alerts, sounds, vibration, etc.
Now, with a feature list like this, there also comes a price: $15.99. That's right ... sixteen dollars for an iPhone IM application! Despite the high price, the reviews on the App Store seem to be mostly positive -- when I wrote this post the application held a 4.5-start rating.
According to the App Store listing, the developer plans to add emoticons, group chat support, and full support for hyperlink text. Here's to hoping this application gets a sale price in the future.
View Poll
Thanks, Zyber Joe!Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Original Mac appears in Season 2 of "Chuck"
Filed under: iTS, iTunes, Apple History
If you downloaded the freebie episode of the week from iTunes, then chances are you saw some vintage Apple hardware. That's because episode 1 of Chuck's second season features one of the original Macs in it. It's kinda funny that they're supposed to be building a new system to take over Chuck's job, but they use some really old hardware (at least it's a Mac). Still, this is consistent with last year's premiere, which featured a Mac Plus at the core of the CIA system.
We won't spoil the episode ending, but it involves the Mac blowing up (just sayin'). This is, however, an awesome start to another season of Chuck.
It is ironic that most of the computers in the show are Macs ... despite the fact that it airs on NBC. Get this free episode while you still can! It's definitely worth a watch.
Thanks to everyone who sent this in!Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Sketches goes 1.3, offers discount for those who waited
Filed under: iPhone, App Store, iPod touch
At TUAW, we love the Sketches application for iPhone and iPod touch. Without a doubt, this app is the best way to draw/edit photos on the iPhone -- and it recently got better with update 1.3. This update gives you some additional functionality as well as providing some major improvements to current features:
- You can now input text using the built-in soft keyboard. Now you won't have to attempt to read someone's horrible handwriting.
- Web sharing is now built-in. This feature is found on many other iPhone applications, and it is now standard in Sketches. You will no longer have to email your pictures to your computer -- just browse your masterpieces in your favorite web browser.
- You can now take one finger off the screen while placing images in a multi-finger gesture. This is handy when you are "zooming" an object and you run out of room on the screen.
- Additional shapes categories including "Office." The "Fun" and "Callouts" categories have additions as well.
If you are a new user to Sketches, the developers have added a tips system just for you -- this displays popups that let you know what each function does. This is handy for the less-experimental people among us.
To celebrate the launch of Sketches 1.3, the developer is offering the software for just $1.99 (regular price is $4.99). You can download Sketches from the iTunes App Store today for this special price. The special will last until Oct. 4, 2008.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
rss2email.ru - на что подписаться?
