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- Creating a picturesque gift on your Mac with Posterino
Filed under: iLife, Software, Holidays
Zykloid Software's Posterino serves as an elegant and easy-to-use way to create photo-based giftables for those looking for third party alternatives to iPhoto's offerings (postcards, photo books, and calendars), which are great in their own right. As in iPhoto, you can use Posterino to create elegant postcards, customizable with backgrounds and fonts to your liking. And because your iPhoto library is integrated within the app, you can easily drag and drop photos from your iPhoto folders, events, and albums. Posterino also features the ability to create posters, and this is what distinguishes it from iPhoto. These posters, dubbed "Life Posters," can be created based on 12 preset templates within the app.
Unlike iPhoto, which serves as a one-stop shop for creating and printing calendars, postcards, and photo books, Posterino requires users to export (as a TIFF or JPG) and ready their image to print at a third party service -- such as Internet-based Kodak Gallery and Snapfish, or at a local print shop.
Given their personalized nature, these photo-based products from Posterino can serve as nice holiday gifts and stocking stuffers.
Posterino is available for purchase for USD $24.99, but we've got two copies of Posterino to give away to TUAW readers. All you need to do to enter is tell us (in the comments below) about your most embarrassing baby picture -- you know, the one your parents insisted on showing to all your dates in high school.
The rules:- Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.
- To enter, leave a comment below. The comment must be left by Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time.
- You may enter only once.
- Two winners will be selected in a random drawing.
- Prize: One free license of Posterino (retail value US$24.99).
- Click here for complete Official Rules.
TUAWCreating a picturesque gift on your Mac with Posterino originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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IPhoto - Eastern Time Zone - ILife - Washington D.C - Kodak Gallery
Переслать - BetaBeat: .app/ads enters public beta, gives iPhone devs advertising flexibility
Filed under: iPod Family, Beta Beat, iPhone, App Store
With all the existing iPhone-targeted advertising services out there like AdMob, Adwhirl, and more, is there room for yet another advertising aggregator? The people behind the new .app/ads web site think so. Offering a host of innovative features and control options, this new service provides ways to customize the campaigns that run in the ad space you offer in your iPhone applications.
The .app/ads service is just entering a public beta. Developers can sign up at their website, which is currently up and running. Their Open Ad Integration SDK is available now with pre-compiled libraries and will include the open-source code within the next two weeks. They plan to launch publicly in Q1 2010.
Read on to learn more about this service and why it stands out from the existing pack...
Continue reading BetaBeat: .app/ads enters public beta, gives iPhone devs advertising flexibility
TUAWBetaBeat: .app/ads enters public beta, gives iPhone devs advertising flexibility originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Hands on with Labyrinth 2 for iPhone
Filed under: App Review
Illusion Labs has just released Labyrinth 2 in App Store [iTunes Link]. Beautifully designed and fun to play, Labyrinth 2 transforms your iPhone into a classic wooden labyrinth/metal ball game, but it's a lot more than that. Labyrinth 2 isn't just about manual coordination and keeping the ball from treacherous holes, it offers clever tricks and twists including gates with button-based controls that limit access to certain parts of a given maze, magnets, limited-access twirling discs, bb shooters that displace your ball, and more.
I am not normally a big fan of coordination-based games. I personally have the coordination of a dyspeptic llama doing heavy pharmaceuticals. I love that Labyrinth 2 offered many levels without the "avoid the hole" dynamics that I could play and enjoy.
The visual and sound design for this game are superb. I loved the care that went into it, from the diagonal main menus to the clicky feedback sounds to the ability to download additional levels after buying the game.
That's not saying that the GUI was perfect. I do wish that the clicky interaction was universal throughout. UI sounds for the back button and tab bars were notable in their absence. Also the tab bar buttons ("Official","Downloaded", "Faves") were way too tiny in height for practical use. Also, I have no clue what the little Pac-Mac ghost button at the top-right of the screen was for.
Those quibbles aside, the game design is really tight. The simulated physics were fabulous, the game twists (like magnets, rotating wheels, and so forth) welcome, and the entire app (retailing for $4.99) a very good value for the money.
Even with my limited motion control abilities, I found Labyrinth 2 to be an enjoyable game to explore -- and my kids gave it thumbs up across the board.
TUAWHands on with Labyrinth 2 for iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - The first iPhone development reality show?
Filed under: Multimedia, Developer, iPhone, App Store, SDK
We've heard stories of rapidly-developed iPhone applications before, but we've never seen the process play out live before our eyes (well, some of us haven't). That's exactly what the guys at Command Guru are doing: Developing an iPhone app from scratch with an international team and streaming the whole thing live over the course of 7 days.
Command Guru's founder and CEO, Alessio Zito Rossi, told prmac, "There are over 100,000 Apps and millions of users who do not have any idea of how they are developed. The stork doesn't deliver iPhone Apps! We will show the world how they are really born -- live and streaming!"
It started on December 6th and will continue through the 12th. The final product, described as "A sexy social networking app," will be available for free, as well as the source code. I've been watching a bit here and there and it's fun. They take questions from Twitter and literally go about their work as you watch. Witness coding sessions, meetings and more. In fact, the project timeline is laid out on the site.
Granted, this will appeal to a limited audience, but those in the audience should really enjoy it.TUAWThe first iPhone development reality show? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - "Preview All" added to albums in iTunes
Filed under: iTS
Apple has made iTunes a bit more useful for surveying entire albums. A TUAW reader directed our attention to the addition of a 'Preview All' button for albums on the iTunes Store.
The store has always given prospective buyers the ability to preview individual tracks. While 30 seconds of sound may not be an adequate representation of an entire song, it is at least enough to make sure that the song you're buying is the one that's been stuck in your head for days.
For previewing entire albums, however, AmazonMP3.com has, since its launch, provided a better solution for previewing entire albums. TUAW's own first look at Amazon's would-be iTunes killer in September of 2007 noted the convenience of the site's 'preview all' button versus the need on iTunes to select each track to preview individually.
Why it's taken a bit over two years for iTunes to catch up remains a mystery, but let it. Hit the 'Preview All' button and let the music play (in 30-second increments).
Thanks pisbonanza for the tip!TUAW"Preview All" added to albums in iTunes originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - AT&T offers app so you can report crappy service. Huh?
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Odds and ends, iPhone
In one of life's supreme ironies, AT&T today posted an iPhone app that allows you to report substandard service. That's right folks. Got a dropped call? No reception? AT&T Marks the Spot [iTunes link] is designed to get that info to your favorite cell company so they can act on it.
Let's see... I don't have any reception, so I pull out my new AT&T app to notify them of the problem. Doh! No reception to do that. And the app even nicely brings up a GPS map showing where I am. The GPS signal is much more reliable of course.
Look, I know AT&T means well, but the app is a tacit admission that all is not well on the AT&T network. I know you could travel to someplace with good reception, and send the data to them, but I think this app will rub salt in an already sensitive wound.
This reminds me of when I worked at a PBS station many years ago in Ohio. We had pretty weak reception, and the Station Manager decided to do an hour long program to tell people how to adjust their antennas if they couldn't receive us. I tried, and failed, to convince him that the very people we were trying to reach couldn't see the program. My pleas fell on deaf ears, so we did the program and great hilarity ensued as the local press chewed us up for our stupidity.
AT&T says they will acknowledge the report with an SMS (and I assume not charge for it) and I truly hope that they use the information they get to improve the network, because if it is just a PR stunt it is likely to backfire. There are already reports of people sending reports and not getting any acknowledgment. Oh well.TUAWAT&T offers app so you can report crappy service. Huh? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - TUAW Holiday Gift Guide: Displays
Filed under: Accessories, Peripherals, iMac
A display, whether it's a primary, extra display for a portable, or a desktop secondary, is something that's very useful, and makes a great gift. Here's a few gift ideas for displays to use with your Mac.
Dell ST2210
This display offers a 1920x1080 resolution, a 21.5 inch viewing area, and is available for only $189. It has a DVI and VGA port, which means that you might need an adapter to connect it. There's also a 24 inch model of this display, the Dell ST2410, if you're looking for something a little bit bigger.
Samsung XL2370
If you're wanting another option, there's the Samsung XL2370. It's LED backlit, like the Apple LED Cinema Display, and can be purchased for around $399. It has a display resolution of 1920x1080, and it features a DVI and HDMI port, so you'll need an adapter to hook it up to a Mac with a Mini-DVI or Mini DisplayPort.
Apple LED Cinema Display
The Apple LED Cinema Display offers unique features that make it easy to connect to a Mac, like the MagSafe connector that charges a MacBook. The display is measured at 24 inches, and can display a 1900x1200 resolution. It also features a built-in iSight camera, a mic, speakers, and a three-port USB hub. You can purchase it for $899, though refurbished models have shown up for $599 from Apple.
27 inch iMac
The 27-inch iMac, can be used in Target Display Mode as a monitor for another Mac with a Mini DisplayPort. It offers a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels, and it's LED backlit. You'll just need a cable to do so, and you can purchase a Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable from Apple or Monoprice. Of course, the iMac is a computer, so we aren't suggesting using it primarily as an external display.
Do you have any suggestions for displays? Leave a comment and let us know!TUAWTUAW Holiday Gift Guide: Displays originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - 5 gifts for the iPhone owner
Filed under: Accessories, Hardware, iPhone, iPod touch
The iPhone owner on your list loves her iPhone. Really loves it. Become an enabler and give her the gifts she really wants. Here are five great gifts for the iPhone owner.
WallDock - $25
iPhones need frequent charging and it isn't always convenient to connect them to your Mac. If Apple's own wall unit doesn't float your boat, check out the WallDock from Digital Lifestyle Outfitters. It plugs into any US wall outlet for cable-free charging. The top is cushioned so it won't scratch your precious and it supports a slew of devices, from the iPod classic to the iPhone 3GS. If you're traveling this season, just pop one in your bag and go.Continue reading 5 gifts for the iPhone owner
TUAW5 gifts for the iPhone owner originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Ven1 vid1 ja1lbreak1: Hands on with blackra1n
Filed under: iPod Family, iPhone, Jailbreak/pwnage
When it came time recently to jailbreak an iPod touch, I decided to take a look at George Hotz's BlackRa1n tethered solution. Unlike the Pwnage approach that creates a custom ipsw (iPhone software) bundle that you install via iTunes, the tethered approach communicates directly with your iPod or iPhone via the USB connector cable you use for normal syncing. That makes the tethered solution a very fast and easy-to-use approach, especially for units shipped with the 3.1.2 software installed.
Download the BlackRa1n tool for both Windows and Mac from the GeoHot site. Complete instructions are available at his Weblog. If you own more than one iPhone unit, make sure you unplug all but one from the system before you start the jailbreak. Launch BlackRa1n and click the "make it ra1n" button. Then be patient and wait as the software does its job, including replacing your recovery logo (normally a picture of the iTunes logo and the connector cable) with a vanity image of the software's author.
Be aware that the blackra1n jailbreak may present issues during reboot, forcing you into recovery mode and requiring BlackRa1n to launch properly. Hotz writes, "If your ipt2/3GS/ipt3 is rebooting into recovery after running blackra1n, this isn't a bug. It's a feature. You need to run blackra1n every time to boot it. This 'feature', called tethered jailbreak, is enabled by upgrades Apple made to the bootrom and the fact ipt3 uses nand flash." I did not experience this behavior on my iPod touch 2nd generation unit. It reboots without problem, and, no, it had not been jailbroken before.
Once the jailbreak has finished and your iPhone has rebooted, you can run the on-device version of the BlackRa1n software to install Cydia, the Rock store, and (for iPhones) the sn0w unlock that allows phones to be used with other carriers.
I found the whole process extremely easy to perform and would recommend it to anyone who had difficulties using Pwnage. The trade off, of course, is an easier install versus possible long-term reboot issues. It seems that my touch ducked the bullet on that one but that's only one experience among many.
Although BlackRa1n is free software, the author asks for donations to support this effort, so he can continue providing tools in the future. A donate link appears on his home page.TUAWVen1 vid1 ja1lbreak1: Hands on with blackra1n originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Rumor: Comcast, NBC deal to hinder Apple
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Apple Corporate, Multimedia, Rumors
Last week, cable giant Comcast purchased a controlling interest in US television network NBC, resulting in a media behemoth to rival Disney. The results remain to be seen (Must See TV ... it's Comcastic!), but it's been suggested by AppleInsider that the switch could affect Apple's rumored TV subscription model.
Last month we heard a rumor that Apple was working on a deal to offer iTunes customers a subscription for content. For $30 per month, Peter Kafka mused at the Wall Street Journal, customers could stream all the content they want.
You'll also remember that NBC and Apple had a spat a while ago that resulted in the network pulling their content from the iTunes Store. They eventually made up, but Wall Street Journal analysts believe that a Comcast-owned NBC would be less likely to participate in an "all-you-can-eat" subscription model.
If Apple charged me X amount of money per month for unlimited access to the iTunes library of television and movies from any approved device, including Macs, iPhones, iPods and, of course, Apple TVs, I'd be a happy customer. Yes, I want to have my music files physically on my hard disk. But if the shows and movies I wanted to watch all lived on a server farm in Cupertino (or North Carolina), that'd be fine with me.
I'd save a lot of disk space. There'd be nothing to sync, or forget to sync, before a vacation. I wouldn't have to cough up three bucks just to watch The Office, and and Apple would maintain its revenue stream. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.TUAWRumor: Comcast, NBC deal to hinder Apple originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Found Footage: The iPhone-controlled, solar-powered Arduino tank
Filed under: Hardware, Open Source, Found Footage, iPhone
Are you the type of person who likes to handcraft your Christmas gifts? This year, perhaps you can make someone's Christmas Day just a little bit brighter and happier when they unwrap their very own iPhone-controlled, solar-powered Arduino tank.
As you can view in the video above, the tank is pretty impressive in its current form; it could be used to strike terror into the hearts of unsuspecting senior citizens or small animals. It was built by Chris Rojas, a Colorado-based geek who used the iPhone TouchOSC app [US$4.99, iTunes Link], various parts from SparkFun including XBee modules and robot kits, and the Arduino open-source electronics prototyping platform to create this cool little tank. The tank can be charged by exposing a belly-mounted photovoltaic panel to the sun.
Maybe it's just me, but I'd love to see one of these modded out with a spinning saw blade, lasers, and maybe a paintball gun... What would be your accessory of choice for your iPhone-controlled tank?
[via Cult of Mac]TUAWFound Footage: The iPhone-controlled, solar-powered Arduino tank originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Iconfactory's Twitterrific charity toy auction closes today
Filed under: Odds and ends
The Iconfactory is giving you the chance to help a worthy charitable cause this holiday season, and own a rare collectible in the process. The company has placed an original set of 4 Vinyl Toy Prototypes of its Twitterrific icon mascot, "Ollie," up for auction on eBay. These figures, designed by StrangeKiss Art Toys, vary in color and style, and include the first production run model -- meaning you will own one before anyone else. The auction bundle also includes a $250 gift certificate for Strangekiss.com merchandise.
The deal is that all proceeds from this auction (at about $300 this morning) will benefit the American Cancer Society. In addition, the Iconfactory will be contributing up to $500 of its own money for the cause. If that doesn't warm your heart, you might be the Grinch... in which case you probably have no interest in Twitter or toys. Those of you with hearts not three sizes too small may go bid on these items.
Thanks TalosTUAWIconfactory's Twitterrific charity toy auction closes today originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Talkcast tonight, 10 pm: Apple sings a new tune with Lala acquisition
Filed under: TUAW Business
We had a delightful chat last week with our friend Dan de Grandpre from Dealnews as we dove into the early information from Black Friday and looked forward to Cyber Monday. Beth Gladstone from WalletPop wasn't able to be with us, but she's promised to come back another Sunday very soon. You can download the shows direct from Talkshoe or subscribe on iTunes.
Tonight, we're back live at 10 pm ET with the usual gang of ruffians, plus our frequent guest Ross Rubin of Engadget and NPD, as we mull over the Apple acquisition of Lala. Do join us!
To participate on TalkShoe, you can use the browser-only client, the embedded Facebook app, or the classic TalkShoe Pro Java client; however, for maximum fun, you should call in. For the web UI, just click the "TalkShoe Web" button on our profile page at 10 pm Sunday. To call in on regular phone or VoIP lines (take advantange of your free cellphone weekend minutes if you like): dial (724) 444-7444 and enter our talkcast ID, 45077 -- during the call, you can request to talk by keying in *-8.
If you've got a headset or microphone handy on your Mac, you can connect via the free Gizmo or X-Lite SIP clients; basic instructions are here. Talk with you then!
TUAWTalkcast tonight, 10 pm: Apple sings a new tune with Lala acquisition originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - NY Times Business section features the App Store
Filed under: App Store
It's always an interesting Sunday when the front page of the New York Times business section features a mostly-glowing piece on the dynamics of the App Store, leading off with some facts and figures from Freeverse's Ian Lynch Smith (who also appeared in our own video visit to Freeverse last month). Smith let the Times know that one month of sales for chart-topper Skee-Ball, an app that took two months to develop, came to $181,000. Not bad at all.
The entire article is worth a read, and it at least gives a brief nod to the ongoing struggles between independent developers and Apple's review process than we're used to hearing about (including a mention of one unlucky VoIP shop with an 'in review' time measured by the year). The anecdotal evidence is starting to mount that Apple is thinking seriously about how the App Store's failings are effecting the ecosystem and driving quality developers from the platform: direct executive intervention to approve apps, responding to allegations of review fixing, and quick turnarounds on low-logic rejections all help matters.
What would help more than those examples of good exception handling? More clarity, more transparency, and more equity -- assuming you're not in favor of my modest proposal to subvert app review entirely. Since there are now suggestions that even non-jailbroken phones might be vulnerable to data theft from malicious apps, it seems unlikely that Apple will let unreviewed apps through anytime soon.TUAWNY Times Business section features the App Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Relax Japanese-style with Yoritsuki
Filed under: Software, iPhone, App Store, iPod touch
Here's an app I picked up early last week that's earned a permanent home on my iPhone. Yoritsuki* by HYBRIDWORKS places you in a (virtual) Japanese inn complete with a beautiful view.
More of a toy than a game, Yoritsuki lets you customize the scene's appearance and behavior. The main screen depicts the perspective of someone sitting on tatami mats and gazing upon a wooded pond through shoji (sliding doors). The doors are customizable: Choose from 15 designs, slide them open and closed or eliminate them entirely.
The time of day depicted depends on your iPod/iPhone's clock, and the season is determined by the date. Of course, you can opt to show winter, spring, summer or fall at any time. Birds fly by and chip, leaves fall in autumn and snow in the winter while the sound of rushing water is ever present. At night, fireflies (or "lightning bugs" as we called them in Scranton) fly past.
OK, Yoritsuki isn't all form; there's some function, too. With a tap, the mats and doors disappeaer leaving you with the nature scene and a 24-hour clock. Once you've come to appreciate the app as I have, pick up the additional goodies, like gorgeous Mac desktop icons and wallpaper for your Mac and iPhone/iPod touch.
Yoritsuki costs US$1.99 and is available now [iTunes link].
*Note: "Yoritsuki" is the name of a fictional inn.TUAWRelax Japanese-style with Yoritsuki originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - 2222 short stories in your pocket with the Colossal Short Story Collection
Filed under: iPhone, iPod touch, App Review
Update: This app was just released this morning in the app store and can be found here: [iTunes Link]
I've done quite a bit of testing of eBooks, and quite honestly I've had a problem with the concept of reading a whole book on an iPod touch or iPhone. At a normal font size, an eBook can display about 75 words on a single screen. This requires even a rather short book to be hundreds and hundreds of screenfuls. My well worn copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer comes in at 218 pages which in the app Classics2Go [iTunes Link] translates to 813 screens of iPhone/iPod touch text. I know that this isn't a problem for a great number of people, but I haven't finished a book yet. There is too much flipping, and no matter how pretty the presentation, it just doesn't feel right to me. Your personal preferences may vary, of course.
The Colossal Short Story Collection app, currently under Apple review, solved my problem almost entirely. Contained in the app are over 2222 short stories, all in the public domain, that can be read in 15-20 minutes each. The vastness of the collection assures that you'll always find something that you want to read by authors ranging from Hans Christian Anderson to W.B. Yeats. An average story is around 30 screens. If light entertaining/distracting games can be referred to as casual gaming, this would be an app for casual reading.
I found that reading short stories on an iPhone/iPod touch is very enjoyable and not once did I get frustrated by the page size and number of pages/screens. Nothing got in the way of the story. Reading short stories seems like the perfect use of an eBook. Everything is in byte-sized pieces and I never had to make the considerable commitment that comes with starting an 800 page novel.Continue reading 2222 short stories in your pocket with the Colossal Short Story Collection
TUAW2222 short stories in your pocket with the Colossal Short Story Collection originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Count The Beats: Interview with a mixing engineer
Filed under: Audio, Interviews, Music
In the last year I've spent a fair amount of time doing some recordings. In particular, I've been working on some of my own material. Having invested a large amount of time and money into pre production and the actual recording sessions, what started out as a small bedroom demo soon escalated into something much more than that (I'm sure you know what I mean). It soon became apparent that I was going to need someone with a bit more experience and 'know how' when it came to post production, and in particular, mixing.
After calling in some "favours," and reaching as far as I could into the "industry," as such, I was introduced to Mr. Stephen Harding. An exceptionally talented musician, producer, and up and coming mixing engineer. To my delight, I discovered that not only is he a pretty nice guy, he is also darn good at mixing, and he's a fan boy of all things Apple too!
Amongst all our post production endeavors, Steve and I managed to sit down with a cup of tea and some rich tea biscuits to talk Macs, set-up , plug-ins, outboard gear and the art of approaching a mix backed by the stability of Mac OS X.
Read on for some wise words on mixing, but be forewarned though, as is becoming customary in the Count The Beats series, there is some pretty heavy tech talk ahead. However, it does make for some juicy reading. Don't forget, if you don't understand, just nod your head and pretend you do like the rest of us! Enjoy.Continue reading Count The Beats: Interview with a mixing engineer
TUAWCount The Beats: Interview with a mixing engineer originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Apple getting sued again by patent profiteers
Filed under: Apple
It must be hard to be as popular as Apple. You're always fighting the competition, who sometimes come late to the dance with a wannabee product, then deliver snarky punches into the kidneys with their TV ads. Even worse are the lawyers, who circle the company like a flock of vultures, picking away at whatever juicy bits of meat they can get.
But the true bottom feeders are the "patent trolls," a specific species of law firm that has picked up patents from companies that usually never brought a product to market. They watch for other companies to come out with products that use a piece of technology that may or may not be covered under the patents they hold, and then either sue the company for patent infringement or force them to pay license fees. This document from legal firm Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP details the strategy used by patent trolls and how targets can fight back.
Apple's latest attack, as reported in Macworld, is coming from St. Clair Intellectual Property Consultants Inc. (SCIPC), a firm made up of two lawyers who purchased patents for US$100,000 from a group of investors who failed to start up a digital camera company. The company says that its patents cover technology that allows digital cameras to save pictures in multiple formats. So far, SCIPC raked in over US$179 million from various other consumer electronics firms (Sony and Canon, to name just two), and now its leveled the sights at Apple.
SCIPC filed its lawsuit October 26th in Delaware, suing Apple for violating Patent 5,138,459, entitled "Electronic Still Video Camera with Direct Personal Computer (PC) Compatible Digital Formal Output." The suit is specifically targeting the iPhone and other devices made by Apple that include digital cameras in them. Judging from the legal precedent that has been set by previous SCIPC suits, Apple could easily be about to shell out some big bucks to a happy troll.TUAWApple getting sued again by patent profiteers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Apple kicks butt, takes names in October desktop and laptop retail sales
Filed under: Retail, iMac, Apple, Macbook Pro
Boo-ya! Apple took the top honors in terms of desktop and laptop retail sales in the U.S. in October, according to market research firm NPD Group. As reported on CNET, the iMac line (refreshed in October) and laptops occupied some of the top slots in the list.
During the month of October, the new 21.5-inch iMac was the best-selling desktop computer, with the awe-inspiring 27-inch model in third place. Stephen Baker, who is NPD's vice president of industry analysys, told CNET that Apple was helped by a rather dismal month for Windows desktops, since retailers were pushing existing inventory prior to the launch of Microsoft's Windows 7.
In the laptop list, the 13-inch MacBook Pro model was the number one seller, with three other MacBooks filling the number 8, 9, and 10 spots for October laptop sales.
NPD's numbers are pulled from online and retail store sales figures, but don't account for direct sales from the manufacturer to consumers.TUAWApple kicks butt, takes names in October desktop and laptop retail sales originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Found Footage: Here, File File! lets you access your Mac's files
Filed under: Developer, Found Footage, iPhone
When using your iPhone to access your files, you really have two options. First, some apps let you copy files to your phone for later viewing. In the second option, a service such as Dropbox or MobileMe allow you to access a subset of your files. However, none of these options cure I-completely-forgot-to-grab-the-sales-presentation-before-leaving-itis.
Here, File File! wants to make it incredibly easy for you to access any file from anywhere. By using a small application running on your Mac, HFF is able to do just that. The app provides user authentication and SSL encryption, as well as content-on-demand to prevent any eavesdropping on your file-access activities.
While the app isn't available yet, you can get a good idea of how it will work in the video above. In the video you can see how HFF will allow you to view all of your folders and connected volumes, as well as the files within them. This even includes the ability to stream movies and music. Furthermore, you can attach a file to an email and send it to someone else, or for particularly large files you can send a unique, randomly-generated download link via email.
According to the developers of Here, File File!, the app will be available in January for your downloading pleasure. Until then you can peep the video or sign up to be notified when HFF is released.TUAWFound Footage: Here, File File! lets you access your Mac's files originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Lala bought by Apple, streaming iTunes Store around the bend?
Filed under: Apple Corporate, iTunes, Apple, Music
Earlier today, Greg Sandoval at CNET reported that Apple was in talks to buy out music-streaming service Lala; his piece suggested that these talks were in advanced stages, and a deal could happen at any time -- Apple just needed to sign on the dotted line.
As of this evening, Sandoval's rumor is looking a lot more like a done deal. The Wall Street Journal and the NY Times are both confirming that Apple has pulled the trigger and spent a minuscule fraction of those billions in cash on Lala. No numbers were announced, but the WSJ notes that an investment of $20 million in Lala from Warner Music Group was written down by more than 50% earlier this year.
Why Lala for Apple? The AP noted that Lala co-founder Bill Nguyen demoed an iPhone app in October that allowed 'intelligently cached' songs to be streamed to your iPhone, with the recently-streamed songs replayable even outside of cell coverage areas; Wired suggests that Lala's bundle-payment setup, where users buy stream credits, could save Apple's iTunes Store millions in credit card fulfillment charges. The deal is expected to put Nguyen and the Lala engineers on Apple's payroll, although the Times notes that Lala's agreements with the labels to stream music are non-transferable.
Lala's model for music streaming is an interesting one; the service scans your hard drive for songs you already own and lets you stream them at will, taking the concept Apple's also providing with Home Share to the Web (other services also let you share media between iTunes instances). You can also choose to stream songs you don't already own for $0.10 a piece, and 'upgrade' to a downloadable version at will.
Lala also recently made an agreement with Google to offer music previews in Google searches, greatly expanding Lala's reach. It's not clear whether Apple's purchase will have any affect on that arrangement
Is this a streaming service you would like to see come to iTunes? Leave a comment below and let us know!TUAWLala bought by Apple, streaming iTunes Store around the bend? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Inside view of the iPhone Tech Talks from Daniel Jalkut
Filed under: Apple Corporate, Developer, iPhone
The following is a guest post from developer Daniel Jalkut of Red Sweater. Daniel recently attended an Apple iPhone Tech Talk, and came away inspired. He's also been gracious enough to share his experience on TUAW. Apple's Technology Evangelists have spent the last 3 months touring the USA, Europe and Asia with advice on how to best take advantage of the iPhone's technologies. According to Daniel, it's a fantastic event. --Ed.
Apple's iPhone tech talks are incredible. The format consists of instructional presentations akin to what developers would find at the World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC). But while WWDC lasts an entire week, tech talks are limited to a single day of sessions which Apple takes on the road, presenting in hotel conference rooms around the world.
On December 1, I attended the New York City tech talk, at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. The event attracted developers from all over the northeast of the United States (and beyond), because the number of cities Apple takes the tour to is pretty limited. Many folks traveling to New York City end up paying quite a bit for travel and lodging expenses, but that is greatly offset by another impressive aspect of the talks: they are completely free. Developers have to sign up early and then hope for acceptance, but if you're admitted, the entire thing is paid for including lunch, snacks and a wine reception at the end of the day. Very classy, Apple.Continue reading Inside view of the iPhone Tech Talks from Daniel Jalkut
TUAWInside view of the iPhone Tech Talks from Daniel Jalkut originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - TUAW First Look: Hippo High Jump
Filed under: App Review
There are beautiful games on App Store and there are fun games on App Store, and there are some games that are cool just because of the story that goes along with them. Hippo High Jump [iTunes link] falls into the categories of strikingly beautiful, somewhat fun, and great back story. The story goes like this.
Keith Shepherd and Natalia Luckyanova attended the 360iDev conference a few weeks back and joined in in the iPhone game jam. The jam offered an all-night coding marathon, where "people teamed up and had to build a fully working game in 1 night. We built the first version of Hippo High Dive from 8pm to around 6am the next day." You can see a video of the early prototype here.
After polishing the game up with the help of their artist pal, Kiril, the pair submitted Hippo High Dive to App Store where it just recently went live.
Costing just a dollar, Hippo High Dive does not offer a huge amount of play flexibility. You basically jump your hippo off a diving board and navigate her through burning hoops to a bucket of water below. I'll admit I have the attention span of a gnat with ADHD, but the game did not really keep my attention.
The art on the other hand definitely did. The video above does not do justice to the beautiful look of the game. The artistry both retains the original hand-drawn "let's whip up a game" style while pushing it forward into gorgeous design. The layered three-d effects while "climbing" the ladder as a prelude to the dive took my breath away.
So, in the end, it's a bit hard to rate the game. I found the actual gameplay a bit meh. My coordination skills are weak at best and this is not the kind of fine motion control I generally enjoy. At the same time, I absolutely adored the visual design. If you're a game developer, consider hiring that artist.TUAWTUAW First Look: Hippo High Jump originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - An iPhone orchestra -- something you don't hear every day
Filed under: Multimedia, Odds and ends, iPhone, Music
The department of Computing and Engineering and the School of Music at the University of Michigan have teamed up to offer an interesting course as part of their music program. Students are learning to make music using an iPhone or iPod touch. The generated tones can be altered by moving the phone using the built in motion sensor or the compass feature of the iPhone 3GS. By combining different instruments, an entire orchestra can be created.
I doubt people are leaving the auditorium humming the tunes, but it's yet another example of the extensibility that the App Store provides, and how it seems to give birth to all sorts of creative endeavors.
Here's a link to a video about the use of the iPhone in music, and another to a concert featuring the iPhone orchestra. The University of Michigan class is doing another concert on December 9th, so there is still time for you to get tickets if you're in the area.
The iPhone has had a rather large impact in music. For example, many professional piano tuners are using an iPhone app [iTunes link] that competes very well against dedicated hardware, while others have found ways to remotely play their piano using their iPhone or iPod touch. Also, many hobbyists and musicians alike who wish to synthesize music while on the go have a wide assortment of apps to choose from.
[Via Wired Online]TUAWAn iPhone orchestra -- something you don't hear every day originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Mac Pro gets a speed bump, Xserve has new storage options
Filed under: Hardware, Xserve, Apple, Mac Pro
After the introduction of the new 27" Intel Core i7 iMac in October, a lot of us in the Mac world were puzzled by the lack of a new higher-end Mac Pro. After all, the Mac Pro has traditionally been the most powerful Mac with the highest level of expandability.
This morning, Apple quietly announced a speed bump for the Mac Pro, as well as new storage options for both the Mac Pro and the Xserve. For the quad-core Mac Pro (but not the eight-core model), you can now order a 3.33 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon "Nehalem" processor. This is an amazing CPU, with 8 MB of fully shared L3 cache, Hyper-Threading technology, an integrated memory controller, and Turbo Boost for short bursts of speed up to 3.6 GHz.
Now that prices have come down a bit on 2 TB hard drives, Apple has made them a configure-to-order option for Mac Pro and Xserve systems. Using high-performance 7200 RPM SATA drives with 32 MB of cache and a potential throughput of 3 Gb/s, the Mac Pro can now have a total storage capacity of 8 TB, while the Xserve can max out at 6 TB of storage.
The new options are available immediately from the online Apple Store.TUAWMac Pro gets a speed bump, Xserve has new storage options originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - China Unicom's dismal iPhone sales
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Apple Corporate, Retail, Apple Financial, iPhone
Two weeks into official iPhone sales, China Unicom has sold only 5 units* through the online retailer Taobao.com according to PCWorld. China Unicom sells iPhones through its own site, but doesn't share sales figures. Still, PCWorld reports, Taobao.com is the country's largest e-commerce site, and has a large iPhone section.
What could account for the poor performance? The Golden Shield Project for one, which (among other things) prevents the sale of iPhones with Wi-Fi enabled. iPhones purchased outside of China do have Wi-Fi, of course. Another factor could be China's bustling black market. Despite the recent official release, the iPhone has been available in China for quite some time now. AppleInsider estimates that nearly 2 million iPhones are already circulating China, most of them jailbroken.
Cost is another factor. For example, a contract-free 32GB iPhone 3GS costs 6,999 yuan (approximately US$1,024 as of this writing) in China, compared to about US$800 in Hong Kong.
The news isn't all gloom-and-doom, however. AppleInsider reports that those who do purchase iPhones legitimately are flocking to the App Store. Still, the problem of getting more official iPhones into the hands of Chinese customers remains.
*As of Dec. 3rd, 2009.TUAWChina Unicom's dismal iPhone sales originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Two apps to help you find a parking spot
Filed under: iPhone, App Store
A while back in Chicago, a friend and I tried working on a Google maps API site that was sort of a crowd-sourced parking guide -- we'd set up a Google map that could be marked up with where the best free parking was, and then we'd turn it loose on the Internet to get filled in with information. Unfortunately, our project never got off the ground, but the New York Times covers two different iPhone applications designed to do the same thing: help you find some of that sweet, sweet city parking. PrimoSpot Parking is designed to help you find spots in New York City or Boston -- you punch in your location and parking spots, garages, or bike racks will pop up on the screen with markers according to when they open up. You can also locate good spots while moving with a "driving mode," and there's a feature that will mark your own spot once you find a place.
SpotSwitch is a little more complicated -- the idea is that when you leave your spot, you put a mark on the map, so that others can fill it in, and then when you're looking for your next spot, others will return the favor. This is a much more cloud-style type of application, and it depends on a lot of users, which the app may not actually have at any given time. PrimoSpot seems a little more concrete (apparently they hired college kids to fill in the database, though it's only in those two cities).
But if you feel like you're constantly looking for parking, either app may end up helping you (and it's good to see that some folks with a little more tenacity than my friend and I are ready to tackle this problem). PrimoSpot Parking [iTunes Link] is $1.99, SpotSwitch [iTunes Link] is free.TUAWTwo apps to help you find a parking spot originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - 5 ways to save money on iPhone apps
Filed under: Deals, iPhone, App Store, iPod touch
With over 100,000 iPhone applications in the App Store, finding the right app can sometimes be a bewildering experience. Apple's getting better at refining the interface -- it's certainly easier to find what you're looking for now than when the App Store first launched -- but if you're on a limited budget or just love a good bargain, the App Store doesn't give you the tools you need if you're waiting for that $9.99 app to go on sale for $4.99.
Fortunately, there are alternatives to the App Store's built-in search engine that do let you know when iPhone apps go on sale, and they can save you tons of money. As of right now I have 74 third-party apps installed on my iPhone, and out of those, 34 of them are paid apps. Out of those 34 paid apps, I snagged 17 of them when they were temporarily available for free; almost every other paid app I've downloaded at a significant discount from the nominal, full price.
I've saved somewhere in the neighborhood of $100 on apps for my iPhone, and I got the opportunity to try out apps I might have ignored otherwise. It's all thanks to two websites and three iPhone apps that monitor App Store prices and let you know when apps go on sale. Read on to find out what they are and how they can save you buckets of cash.
ShareContinue reading 5 ways to save money on iPhone apps
TUAW5 ways to save money on iPhone apps originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Twitter unveils new mobile version
Filed under: Internet, iPhone, iPod touch
It's probably fair to say that Twitter clients were the first "killer app" category for the iPhone -- Twitterific lead the charge way back when, but Tweetie came quickly after and then the flood gates were opened. But now, a late and unexpected challenger has entered the ring: Twitter themselves. Mashable has the screenshots -- Twitter has always had a slimmed-down mobile client (and it's still up right now at m.twitter.com, while the new preview is at mobile.twitter.com), but this one's a little shinier, with almost all the features and graphics of the main site.
A few things didn't make it -- you can't skin your page as you can in the browser client (although none of the third-party clients that I know allow you to do that from the mobile client either). And lists are missing as well, though perhaps that's because Twitter doesn't quite consider them ready for prime time yet. Still, it's a definite improvement from the other mobile version, and the official blog on the subject says that they still have lots of visitors, despite all the other third-party clients out there.TUAWTwitter unveils new mobile version originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - First Look: Interview with Tim Haines, creator of Favit for iPhone
Filed under: Cool tools, App Store
If you read Twitter for laughs, you might be familiar with Favstar, a website which compiles the funniest Twitter posts each day, as determined by the number of 'stars' (which Twitter calls 'favorites').
The developer behind Favstar, Tim Haines, has released a new iPhone app called Favit [iTunes Link] which is now available in the App Store. I've talked with Tim about Favstar since shortly after it was released and I've been a beta tester for Favit.
If you are familiar with other Twitter clients like Tweetie or Twitterrific, I should tell you right away that Favit is nothing like them. Favit is part of a small group of "helper" apps for Twitter. For example, Birdhouse [iTunes link] is an app meant to help you write (and rewrite) your best/funniest Twitter posts (see previous coverage of Birdhouse). Likewise, Favit is meant to help you find the best/funniest Twitter posts from others.
Favstar, like Favrd, is open to everyone, but tends to cater to a specific group of Twitter users. Favit will appeal to that group, but also has the potential to help you find a host of new and enjoyable folks to follow on Twitter, especially if you're there for the funny.
How It Works
Favit has a very simple user interface. When you launch it, you will see one Twitter post, shown in the image here. If you want to add it to your favorites, tap the star and it will turn yellow. If you want to see another, simply swipe from right to left.
Lather, rinse, repeat.
Oh, did you notice anything missing from the Twitter post? It's anonymous, with no indication who wrote it. As the saying goes, it's not a bug, it's a feature.
Those who are familiar with Favstar/Favrd know that sometimes it seems like some people get stars just for scratching their backsides. By reading in Favit, you can make sure that you are responding to what was said rather than who said it. In fact, it can be fun to try to guess who wrote what.
What do you do when you're ready to have the author revealed?Continue reading First Look: Interview with Tim Haines, creator of Favit for iPhone
TUAWFirst Look: Interview with Tim Haines, creator of Favit for iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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