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- iPhone users reporting reboots due to high App count
Filed under: iPod Family, Bad Apple, iPhone, App Store
Recently, TUAW has received numerous tips about near random iPhone boot loops that force users to restore their units. This forum thread suggests that these reboots may be due to the iPhone's onboard watchdog system.
The iPhone has to create a new Application Map whenever you load or unload apps to the system. Should the time to create that map exceed two minutes, the phone enters an endless boot cycle.
The solution proposed on the thread isn't of much general use -- it requires jailbroken shell access. You may want to limit the number and scope of Apps you load to your phone (i.e. cut down on those tip calculators and sudoku apps that we know you're secretly addicted to) to achieve the same, stable results.
Fewer apps mean a shorter time to generate that map and a better likelihood that your phone will work with greater reliability.
Thanks, Goran
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Customize your Leopard Dock and more with SuperDocker
Filed under: Software, Odds and ends, Freeware, Leopard
Ross McKillip over at Simple Help pointed out a great little Dock utility a while back called SuperDocker.
If you want a basic 2D Dock again, or think it would be cool to make the Dock look like a wooden shelf, then SuperDocker may be for you. This donation-ware utility not only gives you control over the look of the Dock, but also provides an easy-to-use portal for customizing other features of Leopard. SuperDocker can:
- Lock the Dock
- Make your Dock 2D
- Enable Dashboard widgets on the desktop
- Add the Development menu in Safari, including the Web Inspector
- Customize the Safari progress bar
- Disable the shadows on screenshots
- Disable the crash panel when an application crashes
- ...and a lot more
A similar app that is popular with a lot of Mac users is OnyX, which adds maintenance and optimization utilities to the mix. Do you customize your Dock or Finder? If so, what utility do you use? Let us know in the comments.
[via CreativeBits]
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Dice games to go with all the iPhone dice apps
Filed under: Gaming, Odds and ends, Freeware, iPhone
The App Store, so far, has seen a number of duplicate apps. One group of dupes we're seeing: dice rollers. Makes sense if you twist an old saw to say "if your input involves shaking, everything starts to look like an accelerometer." Or something.
My personal favorite for randomness is MotionX Dice. It has polish and allows you to roll one to five six-sided dice at a time. I also happen to use Dice Bag (iTunes link), but that's because my nerd blood runs deep. Still, there are plenty to choose from.
So what to do with all those dice-rolling apps? On the next page I've got a roundup of games you can play with dice. Some involve a pencil and paper for score keeping or whatnot, but all use dice as the basis for the game mechanics. Next time you're stuck in the doctor's office, don't just give your kids DizzyBee, play a "real" game with them!Continue reading Dice games to go with all the iPhone dice apps
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - iTunes Speechification
Doesn't matter whether you're a Republicrat or a Demublican, or if you're blue, red, or purple. If you've got an interest in World Events, the US iTunes stores has all the speeches from the recent American conventions -- from both sides of the aisle.
The speeches and video highlights are free and available as podcasts for your delectation (and bonus raised blood pressure, where applicable).
Pretty much everyone wants the same good things for the US and the world. Let these speeches help you decide which side can get you there.
Thanks, Gordon Werner
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Rogers revising iPhone plans?
Filed under: iPhone
MacNN reports that Rogers Wireless will be revising its iPhone plans on October 1 to include a new 250 minute plan for $60, among other changes.
The new bundles, MacNN says, would feature a $60 plan with:
- 250 daytime minutes
- 75 texts
- 1GB data
- Visual Voicemail
- three months of unlimited local calling
- a permanent MY5 Local option
A $75 plan may also be available, with 400 minutes, 100 texts, and 2GB data.
Early on, Rogers has had a rocky relationship with iPhone customers, many of whom are unhappy with the relatively high cost of plan rates and miniscule data allowances.
Canadian readers: Is this an improvement, or does Rogers still have a long way to go? Let us know by leaving a comment.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - iPhone document scanner
Filed under: Accessories, Hacks, iPhone
Since the iPhone's introduction, people have been using the built-in camera for more than quick snapshots. Some have taken macro shots, used it as a webcam or even created high art (OK, so that last one was a bug).
Another popular practice is to use it to generate to-do lists and even as a scanner. People have taken photos of things they need to buy or remember to do. Others have sent snapshots of business cards, receipts, etc. into applications like iPhoto and Evernote.
That's clever, but getting a legible image of your documents is difficult. Enter the iPhone Document Scanner. This device positions the iPhone and document to be "scanned" at the perfect distance and ensures a steady hand. If you're a Ponko member, you can download a free .eps file of the plans to build your own.
We knew Apple put the camera on the back for a reason!
Thanks, Baptiste!Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Ask TUAW: Finder thumbnails, wifi connection manager, external drive on PS3, Tiger on an old iMac
Filed under: Features, Troubleshooting, Ask TUAW
In this Ask TUAW we have questions on the need for anti-virus protection, customizing Finder views, connecting automatically to an AFP share, using an external drive with both Mac and PS3, installing Tiger on an unsupported iMac and more.
As always, your suggestions are most welcome, and questions for next week should be left in the comments. When asking a question please include which machine you're running and which version of Mac OS X, as certain answers will vary between different Macs and Tiger vs. Leopard, etc. (we'll assume you're running Leopard if you don't specify). And now, on to the questions!Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Learn a language with the Finder's Desktop
Filed under: Software, Freeware
Here's a nifty little application. DesktopLyrics is a free utility that displays the lyrics of the song that's currently playing in iTunes on your desktop. You can position it where ever you like, choose your font and then just let it run. Pretty neat, right?
Here's the catch. The lyrics must be in iTunes already, as DesktopLyrics doesn't fetch them. You could use an application like GimmieSomeTune (which we've written about before) to do this, or, if you're a masochist, enter them by hand. But I've thought of a better idea.
I'm teaching myself Japanese with the fantastic podcasts at JapanesePod101.com. Something I like about them is that they embed each lesson's transcript in the file itself. So, tapping on my iPhone's screen as I listen brings up the text of the lesson.
Now, I can launch DesktopLyrics and follow along with the transcript, both the Japanese and the English translation, on my desktop as I listen. I love it. Check it out, and happy learning!
[Via LifeHacker]Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Rumor: new visualizer in iTunes 8 to be Robert Hodgins' Magnetosphere
Filed under: Audio, Multimedia, Rumors, iTunes
On the heels of our earlier post about new features in iTunes 8 comes this post from video producer and designer Allan White, speculating that the new visualizer in iTunes might be Processing artist Robert Hodgins' amazing Magnetosphere, which was available up until a few months ago from The Barbarian Group (aka Robert's design company) as an iTunes plugin.
As Allan points out, there are two very strong pieces of evidence for this: 1) Allan emailed Robert, who told him Magnetosphere had been sold to a "third party", and 2) a twitter from Digg founder (and amateur Apple rumor mill) Kevin Rose on Sept. 2nd describing the new visualizer as "planet like objects wrapping around each other w/stars/light streams". As you can see in the image above, this sounds like a pretty apt description of Magnetosphere, which visualizes sound as particle explosions like supernovas. The Barbarian Group website's page for Magnetosphere says that "We've had a ton of interest in it, and we've got some exciting plans, but it's gonna take us a couple months to make it all happen."
Of course, nothing is confirmed, but it all points in the right direction. Personally, I'd love to see Magnetosphere on every iTunes user's screen, and not just because Robert is an amazing artist and also always gracious and helpful when I email him because my Processing particle system animations don't look as cool as his. The world just needs stuff this cool-looking everywhere.
[via Create Digital Music]Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Buy a Mac, get Office at 30% off
Until September 8th, you can buy Office for 30% off with the purchase of any Mac at Apple resellers. Visit this Microsoft Promo Page and choose "Save Now".
Students can get additional discounts by purchasing Office with academic pricing. This Student Pricing page offers tips about ongoing student discounts that aren't limited to the September 8th cut-off.
A cheap copy of Office ... what more could you want?
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - iPhone App rejected for "Limited Utility"
Filed under: iPod Family, Bad Apple, iPhone, App Store
When a developer submits a "Pull My Finger" application, you've kind of got to expect it's going to be rejected. iFartz was rejected. Ibrate was rejected -- and that one was even raising money for breast cancer research. Today, over at Mac Rumors, I read about "Pull My Finger"'s rejection for limited utility. Right at the bottom of the rejection letter was the name "Victor Wang".
Mr. Wang has become a near legend for his rejection letters, usually long, delayed (I suspect he's second- or third-tier in the review process) and for aesthetic reasons that leave developers blinking with surprise. While "Pull My Finger" would probably not meet "Koi Pond" levels of user reach (here's our look at Koi Pond), it could have a solid audience. It's a simple, stupid joke app (notice how I'm not pulling punches here) but it's the kind of simple, stupid joke app that a lot of people would download and use because people like simple, stupid joke apps.
I've complained about this before, so apologies to everyone who has heard this point -- the next post is just a wee bit below this one, feel free to scroll -- but until Apple offers developers a firm set of guidelines, developers will continue to be ticked off by seemingly arbitrary rejections like this one. Apple is clearly refusing applications that fail the sniff test -- and yes, I know that's a little more apt a metaphor than this application deserves. "Pull My Finger" is tasteless. Apple should have rejected it for that reason, rather than pulling new reasons out from thin air.
Apple needs to step forward, and do so soon, with a clear set of guidelines that explain to developers exactly what to expect when they press that "submit" button for their new app. Developers shouldn't be wasting Apple's time with unpublishable software. Apple should not be wasting Developers' time with a secretive and arbitrary review process.
Update: The app's author has set up a plea-page
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Rumor: iTunes 8 to include Genius recommender, grid view, new visualizer
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, iPod Family, iTS, Software, iTunes, Software Update
Kevin Rose is at it again, with a brand new round of rumors about iTunes 8, supposedly premiered next week at the big Apple iPod event. Did I miss the meeting where we all declared him king of iPod rumors? King or not, he's got what he claims is inside information, including a writeup about something called the "Genius" sidebar, which creates recommended playlists for you, a new grid view (like Delicious Library?), and a new music visualizer.
Additionally, Rose's tipster mentions HD TV shows in the iTMS, and reiterates the previous rumors of new IPod nanos and Touches. None of these things are a huge surprise -- while the Genuis system will certainly be interesting to see (and make fun of) if real, HDTV and the new iPods are old news in Rumorville by now.
Is it OK if we hope for some faster and easier iPhone syncing with a new version of iTunes as well? Whatever is coming next week, we'll find out all about it then.Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Do your kids play with your iPhone?
Filed under: Odds and ends, iPhone
Once my kids were beyond putting random technology into their mouths, I have let them play with gadgets. But what about my iPhone? It started innocently enough: a Leapster for a birthday. Then I cleaned out the garage and let them "borrow" a few antique Palm devices. Then I got them hooked on an old iBook G3 running OS 9 and some great old classics (the original "Toy Story" interactive storybook is a nearly-perfect example of the genre). A Palm T|X loaded with games, music, photos and movies might have been a step in the wrong direction, as was the Dell Axim with the same. Access to those was limited until the iPhone came along.
Once a kid has used iSaber (currently unavailable from the iTunes store) or played DizzyBee, it's over. When you show them you can add yet more fun diversions the question becomes "got anything new on your iPhone?" By then it's over.
Now the question becomes, what's the harm? Is there harm? I've limited their use to the inevitable "we're waiting right now" moments. But still, no matter what we've done that day that was new and exciting, if my son plays with the iPhone for 5 minutes that's all Mom hears about when he's going to bed.
I grew up with an Apple ][ in the house and I'm sure that had a hand in my love of tech. But there's also a case for letting kids find their own way, at an age-appropriate level. I cringe when they swing my naked iPhone around using iSaber, expecting Wii-style damage to our windows and the device itself. Yet I can't help but think that getting used to technology early -- something that will increasingly invade their lives as it becomes more embedded in our world -- is maybe a good thing. Everything in moderation, of course. I certainly don't want them erasing my high scores; I'll let iTunes do that.
Son's favorite games: Cannon Game and MotionX Dice. (iTunes links)
Daughter's favorite games: DizzyBeeFree (guess I better buy it!) and aSleep (iTunes links)
We've covered MotionX and aSleep before.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Shape IM+ All-in-One Mobile Messenger for iPhone
Filed under: Software, Odds and ends, iPhone, App Store
Another instant messenger app for iPhone has been released, joining the ranks of such stalwarts as Pairingo, MobileChat, and AIM for iPhone. Shape IM+ All-in-One Mobile Messenger for iPhone (click opens iTunes App Store) supports AIM/iChat, MSN/Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo!, ICQ, Jabber, Google Talk and MySpaceIM. All public IM systems can be connected through the one client, and all messages come into one shared inbox.
Shape Services GMBH is currently offering the iPhone application for free, while the Windows Mobile, Palm OS, Symbian, and BlackBerry versions retail for $29.99. Get it while it's free!
Thanks to ZaP for the tip!Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Found footage: Remembering Lisa
Filed under: Hardware, Apple History
Alfred DiBlasi is at it again. A few months ago, he impressed us with the Twentieth Anniversary Macintosh he found on ebay. What's impressive about that? It was still factory sealed. Never opened, never booted, never used. That's the kind of find that makes my beige, vintage heart flutter.
This time around, he's playing with a vintage Lisa in an exhaustive demonstration video. Before booting it up, he takes it apart and discusses the innards, piece by piece.
Next is the money shot as the computer boots up, and Alfred moves through the UI. It's a pretty cool demonstration of a nice piece of Apple history.
Thanks for sharing, Alfred. What's next?Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Terminal Tips: Change Safari's history limit
Filed under: Terminal Tips
Are you tired of not being able to see all of your browsing history in Safari? Well, with this Terminal hack, you can easily change how many items (or how many days) Safari shows in the History menu. To do this, just open Terminal (/Applications/Utilities/Terminal) and type in one of the following commands:
Limit to number of items:
defaults write com.apple.Safari WebKitHistoryItemLimit 2000
Limit to number of days:
defaults write com.apple.Safari WebKitHistoryAgeInDaysLimit 30
You can you can also use both commands to get both a day and an item limit.
Want more tips and tricks like this? Visit TUAW's Terminal Tips and Mac 101 sections.Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Flickr Find: Mac OS 10.0 UI
Filed under: OS, Apple History
Reader and Flickr user ismh has posted a series of screenshots of Mac OS 10.0 to our Flickr pool. It was just seven years ago -- March of 2001 -- that Mac OS 10.0 was released to the waiting masses. I distinctly remember driving to my local authorized retailer to buy a copy, and then quickly rushing home to install it on my 333mhz G3 iMac.
What I apparently fogot was how different the UI was. Remember the pinstripes? How about Sherlock? And don't miss the list of supported hardware, including the iBook, the PowerBook G3, The Power Macintosh G3 and the good 'ol Power Mac G4.
I also remember slower-than-molasses performance and aqua lozenge buttons everywhere. Oh, Mac OS X. How you've changed.Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Monitor your Mac's health with CheckUp
Filed under: Software
Geeks love to try out new applications, but hardcore nerds (like me) like installing new utilities.
At first glance, CheckUp by App4Mac is a system monitor. Use it to keep track of your processor(s), RAM, disks, network activity and processes. But that's just the beginning.
The UI is very nice. Each set of functions gets its own window. For instance, the "Profile" pane displays information like your machine's serial number, OS, processor(s), IP address, MAC address and more.
The "System" pane lists all installed applications and their version numbers, plus all operating systems that your machine will support, including Windows and Linux. A drop-down menu lets you switch between installed applications, fonts, drivers, Internet plugins, preference panes and login items.
The re-sizable window moves from pane to pane with a snazzy 3-D transition (either cube or swap) and is very easy to read. I especially like the "Processors" pane which lets you pop out the meters measuring processor activity.
Here's the cool part of CheckUp. You can use it to monitor a remote computer, either on your LAN or across the internet. This is very handy for IT pros who could use a quick-and-dirty glance at a far-away machine.
The purchase fee of $29US includes lifetime updates. If you're looking for a stylish system monitor that's actually fun to use, give CheckUp a try.Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Amazon Video on Demand service goes live for Macs
Filed under: Video, Internet Tools
A while back we noted that Amazon was planning to bring its video on demand service to the Mac. Well, it looks like they've finally flipped the switch because the service is now live.
Much like iTunes, they're selling TV shows as well as offering movies for purchase and rent. Unlike iTunes, it's a streaming rather than a download service. Fortunately, they've got a number of free videos which will give you a sense of the quality of the service (which requires Flash).
Frankly, I'm a big fan of Amazon MP3, so it's good to see Amazon getting into the video business as well to put a little more competitive pressure on iTunes. I'm doubtful, however, that it will really affect the iTunes juggernaut.
[via electronista]Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsПереслать - Sun xVM VirtualBox 2 enhances the free virtualization experience
Filed under: OS, Software, Switchers, Open Source
Sun xVM VirtualBox 2.0 has arrived! We did a detailed review of VirtualBox 1.6 back in July, and now a shiny new version is available. If you want to set up a virtualization environment on your Intel Mac, but don't want to spend money on Parallels or VMWare Fusion, xVM VirtualBox 2.0 is a free and full-featured package that may fit your needs very well.
What's new in version 2.0? Mac users will see the following changes:
- 64-bit OS guest support (only on 64-bit hosts, as one might expect)
- New native Leopard user interface on Mac OS X hosts
- New-version notifier
- Guest property information interface
- Host Interface Networking on Mac OS X hosts
- Framework for collecting performance and resource usage data (metrics)
- Added SATA asynchronous IO (NCQ: Native Command Queuing) when accessing raw disks/partitions (major performance gain)
Continue reading Sun xVM VirtualBox 2 enhances the free virtualization experience
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