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- GoDAP amplifies your mobile audio and provides optical output for iPhone 4Most of the gadgets we're seeing here at CES 2011 this year aren't too big a surprise -- we set up meetings even before we walked into the convention center, and the surprise is in seeing the new gadgets we've only read about before. But the GoDAP was a surprise, found just by walking around the show floor and checking out the booths. It's made a Japanese company named VentureCraft, and it's a clip-on unit for the iPhone that not only works as a rechargeable battery, but also serves as a headphone amp, spiking up the output audio on your iPhone 3GS or 4.
The current model for the 3GS isn't quite as impressive as the new model -- it's just basically got a volume control (though the audio heard through headphones does sound really clear and loud). But the iPhone 4 model (of which we only saw a prototype on the show floor -- the real thing "will probably be thinner," according to VentureCraft, and should be ready to ship around April) is really interesting. It has digital audio output, and can send it through a optical cable in either 96k/24bit or 48k sampling rate (adjusted via a toggle). That means you can use the DAC port to kick out audio to a home theater system directly from the iPhone itself, and because the amp is running, it'll sound that much better. The frequency response is listed as 10 Hz to 120 kHz and suitable headphone impedance is listed as 16-100 ohms. The op-amp is a Texas Instruments/Burr-Brown running on each channel, which all adds up to some pristine digital audio output.
These are billed as battery chargers as well, but we suspect they may be more of a drain than a dedicated battery -- while you use the amp, you'll probably need to just keep it plugged in. The unit isn't cheap -- the 3GS version (without optical) runs $199 shipped from Japan, and the iPhone 4 version will probably be somewhere between $300-350. That is shipped, VentureCraft told us -- no extra charge, even though the unit is coming from Japan. But come April when this thing is ready, the right user might find it just what they need.
We've got a quick video from the booth on the next page.Continue reading GoDAP amplifies your mobile audio and provides optical output for iPhone 4
GoDAP amplifies your mobile audio and provides optical output for iPhone 4 originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - iFrogz shows off cases and headphones at CES 2011We stopped by the iFrogz booth at this week's CES 2011 here in Las Vegas to see the company's line of cases and headphones for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. We also got to hear some interesting behind-the-scenes information about the business of selling accessories for Apple's devices. The best-selling case color of all time? We heard from multiple companies, including iFrogz, that you can always bet on black. But iFrogz' cases come in a bevy of colors -- "you need something to attract the eye," iFrogz told us. Still, even though you need a whole slew of colors on the shelf, anyone who sells cases knows that black is what sells.
iFrogz' most popular design is the Luxe case -- it's an iconic two-piece design that was released early in the iPhone's life cycle, and customers like the combination of a case that looks good and the function of being able to remove the bottom for easy access to the dock connector. Of course, the Luxe cases are also sold in AT&T stores, and iFrogz said that having cases available right when the device is purchased will always help sales.Continue reading iFrogz shows off cases and headphones at CES 2011
iFrogz shows off cases and headphones at CES 2011 originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Seen at CES: iDevices through the yearsWe saw these displays over in the actual iLounge booth (they also have a deal to sponsor some of the iPhone-related displays here at CES), and thought you readers would enjoy a look. Basically iLounge went back and obtained a version of every single iDevice out there (with the exception of the two iPad models currently out), and mounted them all on the wall lined up from oldest to newest.
It's a pretty cool look at Apple's most recent history. Above, you can see the iPod line from the original device in 2001 up through the iPod classic, as well as the iPod shuffle from introduction shrunk down into the current square form. And after the break, you can see the various iPod nanos, and all of the iPod touch and iPhone models so far. It was definitely a cool little look at Apple's history in between all of the other CES chaos going on this week.
Continue reading Seen at CES: iDevices through the years
Seen at CES: iDevices through the years originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - UnityRemote brings a universal, customizable remote to iOS devices
Ever since Apple killed the Griffin IR remote on the original iPod I've been wanting to consolidate my iPod with a home theater remote. The iPhone seems perfect for this; with an infinitely variable canvas available, you could theoretically do anything with your remote.
The trouble is getting an IR signal to your components. The UnityRemote from Gear4 solves this problem by connecting your iPhone to a small cylindrical IR beamer via Bluetooth. We didn't get much of a chance to try it ourselves, but the demo was mighty impressive. I should note that Gear4 is not new to this game -- they created an RF-based remote for iPods several years ago but it never took off. iOS devices, however, are much better suited to remotes.
While you have the usual raft of buttons and shortcuts (you can add buttons to your favorite stations with station icons) plus the ability to teach the device your oddball remote codes, the really compelling piece in my mind was the ability to use gestures. You can flick your finger up in the gestures screen to increase volume, much like FlickTunes does on your iPhone or iPod touch. The UnityRemote works on iPad as well, which means you can have a really big remote in your living room.
The app is free, but the UnityRemote hardware will set you back $99. Considering Harmony remotes can cost $200 or more, that's still a pretty good deal if you have a lot of components or you're a control freak.UnityRemote brings a universal, customizable remote to iOS devices originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Wall Street Journal confirms iPhone coming to Verizon
Rumors of the iPhone coming to Verizon are almost as old as the iPhone itself, and earlier today we heard about a Verizon event next week, cleverly timed for 11 AM on 1/11/11.
That set off speculation across the Internet, but we paid special attention to when the Wall Street Journal confirmed the rumor, citing "a person familiar with the matter." The WSJ has a solid history and isn't prone to confirming without good sources, so it seems a sure thing at this point.
While Apple has not been involved in this announcement (the WSJ says Apple declined to comment), many people have noted that Apple has generally not been involved in the "second carrier" in any country getting the iPhone.
I will be glad to see the iPhone on Verizon for the same reason that I am glad The Beatles are finally on iTunes: so that people can stop talking about it and speculating about when it is going to happen. That said, I've paid enough attention to Verizon's customer service reputation that I'm not convinced that I would switch. Competition is almost always a benefit to customers, so I am hoping that the arrival of the iPhone on Verizon will give customers more choice about calling plans, data plans, and (heck, let me dream) more reasonable SMS pricing. Fingers crossed?
Wall Street Journal confirms iPhone coming to Verizon originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Keeping your Mac apps up-to-date without the Mac App Store
One of the great features of the Mac App Store is the notification system that tells you when there is an update to one of you apps. However as we've seen, unless you buy all your apps through the Mac App Store, you won't receive notice of updates to apps purchased or download outside the store.
Luckily there is a very handy widget I've used for years (and that we've noted before) that automatically scours the net for updates to installed apps on your Mac. AppUpdate is the brainchild of Georg Kaindl and with the click of a button searches three software tracking sites: Apple's (soon to be defunct) Downloads page, MacUpdate, and Version Tracker (now owned by Cnet).After running the widget, you'll see links all the updates to the apps on your Mac. You'll still have to click the links to go to the app's download pages, but running this widget is a lot less time-consuming than going to all of the software tracking sites and entering your apps manually, or even running the "Check for Updates" menu command that many apps offer. (If you prefer a non-widget update manager, both Cnet's TechTracker Free and the under-development Appfresh are worth checking out.)
The developer notes that he knows Version Tracker has been rolled into Cnet, and that he will be updating the widget to scan Cnet's Download pages in the future. As for the Apple Downloads pages, the scanning works for now. But even without these two sources, I've found MacUpdate always offers the most current listings of any app updates.
AppUpdate is a free download -- best of all it works on any Mac that is running Mac OS X 10.4 or later.Keeping your Mac apps up-to-date without the Mac App Store originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Congressional Mac maven is new majority leader
Just a few days ago we told you how the U.S. Senate rules had been opened up to allow Macs into Senate offices with official permission. Well, it turns out that Macs are quite popular in the House as well. Our example: the newly named House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA). In the picture above, he is at his iMac-equipped desk calling President Obama about the confirmation of Rep. John Boehner as House Speaker.
A close look will also reveal Cantor's iPad in the black Apple case. According to his staff, the Congressman has had an iPad since the day it was released, and uses it quite a lot to read his hometown newspaper, the Richmond Times Dispatch (via the paper's app). Congressman Cantor has been a Mac user for many years, while his office is split between Macs and PCs based on the preference of the staff member.
With a loosening of the restrictions on Macs on the Senate side, and the increasing popularity of the iPad as a quick way to catch up on the news and deal with email, I'd look for more and more Apple products showing up on Capitol Hill -- even in such previously off-limits areas as the House floor.
Check the gallery below for some more pictures of Congressman Cantor using his favorite computer and tablet. Thanks to the congressman's staff for the pictures and detail for our story.
Congressional Mac maven is new majority leader originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Pixelmator now $30, available exclusively on Mac App Store
Pixelmator is an image-editing app for Mac that has a lot of fans. For just US$59, it performs many of the tasks that can also be done with the much more expensive Adobe Photoshop. The developers, Saulius and Aidas Dailide, have announced that Pixelmator will now be available exclusively through the Mac App Store. The price tag for Pixelmator has dropped as well; for a limited time, you can purchase the app for $29.99, making it even more of a bargain.
So why did the developers decide to move Pixelmator to the Mac App Store? In a blog posting on the Pixelmator site, they cite the following reasons (quoted from the post):
- The Mac App Store is the future of Pixelmator (and probably of all other great Mac apps, too) sales and distribution.
- Thanks to the Mac App Store, installation of your favorite image editor becomes easier than ever.
- Because we are always improving Pixelmator, you will rest assured that your Pixelmator is always up-to-date with the latest improvements and features within the Mac App Store.
- With the Mac App Store, you can easily re-download Pixelmator anytime you wish. This is especially useful when you get a new Mac.
- With the Mac App Store, the headaches of dealing with all those serial numbers and anti-piracy system stuff are gone forever.
Peter Cohen at The Loop interviewed Saulius Dailide, and the interview reveals insights into the price change -- it's basically a way for existing users of the app to transition to the new Mac App Store purchase and upgrade infrastructure without being penalized. By purchasing the app at the lower price point now, buyers receive a free upgrade to the upcoming Pixelmator 2.0.
Several of the TUAW staffers have made Pixelmator their first Mac App Store purchase, and during the transition period it's certainly a good deal for a great piece of software.
Pixelmator now $30, available exclusively on Mac App Store originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Line2 adds unlimited phone, voicemail and texting to your iDevice for $10 a monthLine2 is a tri-mode calling app for your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. It uses data, WiFi or even cellular voice connections to make and receive calls -- a first for iPhone. While there's a 30-day free trial, the service ultimately costs $10 per month. But for that fee you get unlimited calls, unlimited texts and a powerful voicemail system. Check out the gallery for some screenshots of the app in action.
When you're in a WiFI area, Line2 uses that for calls and texts. When you're in an area with data available, Line2 is smart enough to use the data connection for your calls. This app could save you around $50 a month on your bill, but even more if you drop down to the cheapest iPhone calling plan available.
The app itself is quite nice, with all the features of iPhone calling, including merge calls, speaker phone, mute. Plus, you can transfer calls or set up a conference call as easily as you can in Skype. Texting is nicely done with a great interface similar to Apple's. Voicemails are handled as you would expect and you can easily send them to others via email. Personally I like the implementation in Line2 of voicemail and calling features more than Apple's in some ways. The pop-up menu for emailing or forwarding a voicemail, for example, seems more intuitive than Apple's secondary menu.
If you're looking for a cheap way to make and receive calls, or you have issues with AT&T's coverage (and who doesn't?) you may want to give Line2 a shot. It just might be what you're looking for.
Line2 adds unlimited phone, voicemail and texting to your iDevice for $10 a month originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Verizon iPhone rumored to launch on February 3
Over the past few months, the rumors of a Verizon CDMA-based iPhone have reached a fever pitch. Now the folks over at BGR think that they've come up with the exact date that the fabled VZW iPhone will hit the streets -- February 3, 2011.
Why the day after Groundhog Day? Well, they based it on confirmed stories from "sources close to Apple" that retail employees have been told that they cannot take vacation between Thursday, February 3 and Sunday, February 6. This is a usual Apple retail response to the impending release of a new product. We reported on this vacation moratorium yesterday, but the timeframe was vague. Now it's been pinned to a specific four-day period.
The Loop is also reporting that there's a Verizon special event planned for 1/11/11 at 11 AM ET. The event, which will be held at Rose Hall in the Time Warner Center (the home of Jazz @ Lincoln Center) in New York City, may or may not be about the Verizon iPhone -- for all we know, it could herald the availability of yet another Android phone.
Our sense is that it would be out of character for Apple to let Verizon make the announcement without an Apple-controlled event being held in Cupertino or San Francisco, but there is the contrary notion that outside the US, second or third carriers picking up the iPhone barely merited a press release from Apple HQ. Obviously, AT&T losing its exclusivity is a big deal... but we don't know yet what's happening next Tuesday. Update: Well, if you like reading tea leaves, consider the fact that Gizmodo hasn't yet received an invitation to the Verizon event; that's unusual, considering there's no particular bad blood between the site and the carrier. That's not true for every company out there, obviously, and if it turns out to be an Apple/VZW collaboration then the edited guest list would make a lot of sense. As of Friday afternoon, though, Macworld hadn't gotten an invite either.
As BGR points out, the iPhone 4 was launched over a 4-day period (June 24 - 27, 2010) that was also a Thursday to Sunday slot. Verizon also likes to launch new products on Thursdays, and as far as we know right now, Apple has no other big surprises (i.e., iPad 2) to amaze the world with in that timeframe.
Personally, I'd love to see a Verizon iPhone that runs on their new 4G network and allows tethering. If that happens, I'll be jumping to VZW faster than you can say "Can you hear me now?" How about you, TUAW reader? Would you drop AT&T for Verizon? Take our poll.
Verizon iPhone rumored to launch on February 3 originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - TUAW talks to T-Pain at CES ShowStoppers 2011
We stopped by the ShowStoppers event at CES 2011 this evening, a special event in the Wynn hotel in Las Vegas for a few CES exhibitors and select press, and there we found none other than the prince of Auto-Tune himself, rapper T-Pain. He was there shilling a brand new microphone gadget that will automatically Auto-Tune your voice, just like the iPhone app released a while back that bears his name.
T-Pain (can we just call him Mr. Pain?) tells us a little bit about the making of his app, and why he's brought the technology into the microphone. Plus, we got to meet T-Pain (and he wasn't even on a boat). But you should definitely try that I Am T-Pain app out -- it's pretty great. The microphone will be available this fall for US$39.99, so look for it in stores then. Shawwty!
TUAW talks to T-Pain at CES ShowStoppers 2011 originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Bloomberg: Apple's net income rose 47 percent
Bloomberg is reporting that Apple is helping to drive U.S. corporations to the most-profitable Q4 since Bill Clinton's early days in the White House, when the PowerBook Duo was the latest in subnotebooks (and only weighed a mere 4.1 pounds!)
Of course, this isn't exactly news to us, as Deutsche Bank speculated a couple days ago that holiday Mac and iPad sales were far better than expected. Bloomberg estimates that Apple's net income rose 47 percent to US$4.97 billion during its fiscal first quarter, which ended in December and included those all-important holiday sales.
We'll know exactly how well Apple made out during the company's quarterly earnings call on Jan. 18, with the possibility of a Verizon iPhone announcement just a couple days later.
Bloomberg: Apple's net income rose 47 percent originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Are these next-generation iPhone drawings?
TW.Apple.pro has posted drawings of what's suggested to be the next-generation iPhone. There's little more here than sketches of iPhone parts, but they do seem to line up with images from a YouTube video of suspected "iPhone 5" parts. That video was recently pulled from YouTube at Apple's request, suggesting validity.
One point of note is that the break in the external band that forms the antenna has been moved. We can only assume that means a new design will be in place on the next iPhone. We couldn't glean any other major revisions from these sketches, but you're welcome to take a crack at it.
[Via MacRumors]Are these next-generation iPhone drawings? originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Grantwood Technology MacVelope for MacBook Air: Review and giveaway
I've said it before, and I'll say it again -- being a TUAW blogger is dangerous in that I see way too much cool stuff that I end up wanting to purchase. The Grantwood Technology MacVelope for MacBook Air is precisely what I'm talking about. Fortunately, these fun interoffice envelope lookalike sleeves have a nice light price tag of US$21.99 (sale price, they're usually $29.99), so I'll be able to spend my January paycheck on it (just kidding).
The MacVelope is a play on what Steve Jobs did at the introduction of the original MacBook Air at Macworld Expo 2008 -- he fished it out of a manila envelope before waving it at the crowd. The MacVelopes come in two flavors, one for the 11" Air and another for the "big" 13" model. Both are made of a yellow vinyl material that's actually a bit more yellow than most manila envelopes I've ever seen, with a velcro closure and a fun red string closure that adds to the illusion. The inside is lined with a soft ballistic nylon that makes sliding the MacBook Air into and out of the case a breeze.
One commenter in Grantwood's online store noted that "the best part is the look on people's faces when a computer comes out of such a small envelope," while another said "it offers a BIT of protection-from-theft in that most casual observers wouldn't assume it contains a laptop." The company also offers a companion bag for $10 that the MacVelope snugs into, but I think I'd just carry my Air in the MacVelope. Click Read More to learn how to enter our giveaway.
Continue reading Grantwood Technology MacVelope for MacBook Air: Review and giveaway
Grantwood Technology MacVelope for MacBook Air: Review and giveaway originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - tap tap tap makes a million - in both sales and profit - from Camera+
With much glee, tap tap tap announced today that not only has it sold the millionth copy of Camera+ for the iPhone, but it's also made a million dollars in revenue from that app plus the effects pack that's an in-app purchase (after Apple's cut, of course).
Fellow blogger Steve Sande reviewed Camera+ a few months ago and found it a worthy addition to your iPhone photo-app arsenal. Camera+ is currently on sale for 99 cents.
taptaptap's John Casasanta also took the occasion to muse on the future of the mobile market, gnash his teeth at grubby venture capitalists and make the argument that there will always be a role for high-quality paid apps in the iOS world.
tap tap tap makes a million - in both sales and profit - from Camera+ originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Apple goes after @CEOSteveJobs Twitter account
Apple is requesting that changes be made to the @CEOSteveJobs Twitter account, citing requirements of a recently-passed California bill that criminalizes certain online impersonations. The state's SB 1411 identifies criminal and civil penalties for certain online impersonations that demonstrate an intent to harm, intimidate, threaten, or defraud another person (not necessarily the person being impersonated, either). In addition, a tipster told TechCrunch that Twitter has received a "valid report" that the account is in violation of its Impersonation Policy.
You'll remember that back in June, the UK's Daily Mail quoted a tweet from the account as actually originating from Steve Jobs.
The account's owner has added the word "parody" to the account's bio, and is considering adding a work like "fake" to the handle, though he complains that "all the good ones are taken."
Meanwhile, there's still no word from the Empire on the validity of @DarthVader.Apple goes after @CEOSteveJobs Twitter account originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Mac App Store support page a day late to the party
A day after it was needed, the Mac App Store support page has gone live. It largely contains information found in the help file in the Mac App Store app itself. It does address the pesky 'error 100' issue that we reported on Thursday as well. If you don't happen to have an up-to-date OS, Apple helpfully points you in the right direction for downloads and the forums where you can discuss the pros and cons of the 1-day-old store.
Mac App Store support page a day late to the party originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Denon and Marantz release AirPlay update for $49
Denon and Marantz announced that owners of select AV receiver models can download a highly anticipated AirPlay update. The update will let you stream video from your iOS 4.2 device or from your iTunes library on your PC or Mac. Receivers eligible for the update include,- Denon AVR-4311CI
- Denon AVR-3311CI
- Denon AVR-991
- Denon AVR-A100
- Denon N7 Networked CD Receiver and 2.0 Channel Speaker System
- Marantz SR7005 A/V Receiver
- Marantz AV7005 A/V Preamplifier
- Marantz NA7004 Network Audio Player
- Marantz M-CR603 Networked CD Receiver
[Via Engadget]
Denon and Marantz release AirPlay update for $49 originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Get an iTunes or Mac App Store account without a credit card
Parents, the safest way to keep your kids from accidentally spending your money in any of the iTunes stores, including the App Stores, is to give them their own iTunes Account that doesn't have an associated credit card.
Whether you want to let your kids play around safely, or just don't have a credit card, you can use an Apple Account with no credit card to try one of the hundred free apps in the new Mac App Store or download free apps on an iPhone or iPod touch.
You can't create an account in the main iTunes Store without a credit card, but you can from the App Stores.
From iTunes, if you're already signed into an account, sign out. Choose your country (use the country flag at lower right), then navigate into the App Store section using the top nav bar. Now, you must try to "buy" a free app, such as Apple's iTunes Remote. You'll be prompted to Create a New Account. Go through the process, making sure to choose "None" for your payment option. Check your email and click the link to verify your account. The process is essentially the same from an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, but you'll specify your country after you click Buy.
Now you have an iTunes Store Account without a credit card on file, and you don't have to worry about your little snowflakes raiding your wallet for the latest holiday edition of Angry Birds.
We found this tip in the new Mac App Store Support site. For a step by step guide, along with instructions for setting up the free account from an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, see Apple's Knowledge Base article.
UPDATE: In the comments, some readers are saying this is not working for them. I've confirmed on the iPhone, in iTunes, and even in the Mac App Store itself: as of 10 PM UTC on 7 January 2011, this tip still works as described. Sign out any existing ID. Find a free app, click to buy, and follow the steps to create a new account. For your Credit Card type, choose None, exactly as shown in the screenshot above for iTunes, the button labled "None" in the Mac App Store, or the last item in the scrolling menu on your iPhone or iPod touch.
Get an iTunes or Mac App Store account without a credit card originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Mac App Store launch day: roundup of TUAW's coverage
If you somehow missed the news, yesterday the Mac App Store went live (somewhat earlier than the midday ET that had been rumored, which caused an amusing all-hands-on-deck scramble in the TUAW newsroom!), and as you'd expect, we were right there in the thick of it reporting the news as it broke. If you missed some or all of our posts, never fear -- here's what you need to know to get caught up on Apple's latest assault on your wallet.
First off, the basics. We showed you how to find the Mac App Store (including the useful tip that you can get to it from the Apple menu if you remove it from the Dock), a gallery of the basic UI and another one walking you through the app downloading experience. We were also happy to see that the store itself is its own app, rather than yet another thing crammed into iTunes. A big launch-day release exclusive to the Mac App Store was Twitter (formerly Tweetie) v2.0, and Steve took a look and liked what he saw.
Continue reading Mac App Store launch day: roundup of TUAW's coverage
Mac App Store launch day: roundup of TUAW's coverage originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Mac App Store downloads surpass 1 million in first day
Let's say it's off to a good start. Apple has announced that users downloaded over 1 million apps from the Mac App Store since its launch just over 24 hours ago. That's a truly incredible number. The fact that millions of iOS users instantly knew how to use the Mac App Store certainly helped.
"We're amazed at the incredible response the Mac App Store is getting," Steve Jobs said in a press release. "Developers have done a great job bringing apps to the store and users are loving how easy and fun the Mac App Store is."
We can assume that sales will slow down after the initial rush, but for now Steve et al. can enjoy some good news as their weekends begin.
CUPERTINO, California-January 7, 2011-Apple(R) today announced that over one million apps have been downloaded from the Mac(R) App Store℠ in the first day. With more than 1,000 free and paid apps, the Mac App Store brings the revolutionary App Store experience to the Mac, so you can find great new apps, buy them using your iTunes(R) account, download and install them in just one step.
"We're amazed at the incredible response the Mac App Store is getting," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "Developers have done a great job bringing apps to the store and users are loving how easy and fun the Mac App Store is."
The Mac App Store offers apps in Education, Games, Graphics & Design, Lifestyle, Productivity, Utilities and other categories. Users can browse new and noteworthy apps, find out what's hot, see staff favorites, search categories and look up top charts for paid and free apps, as well as user ratings and reviews. The Mac App Store is available for Snow Leopard(R) users through Software Update as part of Mac OS(R) X v10.6.6.
Mac developers set the price for their apps, keep 70 percent of the sales revenue, are not charged for free apps and do not have to pay hosting, marketing or credit card fees. To find out more about developing for the Mac App Store visit developer.apple.com/programs/mac.
Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork, and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple is reinventing the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.
Mac App Store downloads surpass 1 million in first day originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Third-party apps not purchased via Mac App Store may appear as Installed
Apple just released the Mac App Store, and with it came one very unfortunate feature. It was well-intentioned, but poorly executed, and it ends up being an "attractive nuisance," meaning that it's something that you're really better off ignoring: third-party apps not purchased via the Mac App Store may appear as "Installed" there, leading to unrealistic expectations of what you can do with Apple's latest service.
Here's a quick overview of how the Mac App Store works, in case you haven't tried it: 1) you search for an app, 2) when you find an app you want, you click on the button showing "Free" or "Buy" with the price listed, 3) the button changes to "Installing" while the the app is downloaded to your Applications folder and 4) the button changes to "Installed" when the app is fully installed.
The problem is that the Mac App Store also recognizes apps that you have purchased outside of the Mac App Store if the version of the app matches the Mac App Store version exactly, using something called the "Bundle ID." For example, if you noticed that the Mac App Store showed iPhoto as "Installed," even though you bought it through the boxed iLife set, but the Mac App Store did not notice that you already have Pages installed, it may be because you haven't installed the latest iWork update.
As you might expect, this has led to quite a bit of confusion, so it bears repeating: if you have not purchased an app through the Mac App Store, you cannot re-download it or get any future updates through the Mac App Store. For that, you will have to continue to check for updates using the app's built-in mechanisms, or check the developer's website. The folks at Panic and Barebones have written very good posts about this, as have the folks over at Macworld, so check them out if you're still unclear about how this works.
Continue reading Third-party apps not purchased via Mac App Store may appear as Installed
Third-party apps not purchased via Mac App Store may appear as Installed originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - TUAW's Daily App: ArtRage
ArtRage is a very slick drawing and painting app, originally for Windows and Mac, but now also found on the iPad. The app is extremely realistic. You can use any number of various brushes and paints, and the colors will even blend and warp on the canvas as you lay them down, just as they would on a real surface. The iPad app even allows for unlimited layers and blending, and it can export files out with a sync or send them straight to email for the Photo library.
ArtRage is an excellent app for the iPad, and just for the CES 2011 show, it's been discounted to just US$1.99. If you're interested in a serious art app for the iPad, that's a bargain at even twice the price.
We got to meet Ambient Design at CES just last evening here at the show in Las Vegas, and in addition to chatting about the iPad app and the sale, we asked the representative if ArtRage would find its way onto the Mac App Store as well, since the original program is still available for OS X. But we were told that it wouldn't. There was an issue with the way that ArtRage opens certain file formats in layers, and the company rep told us that because Apple was leery of malware and locking down the way certain apps opened certain files, ArtRage as it exists wouldn't be allowed in the store. That's too bad. Hopefully as the Mac App Store develops, Apple will find a way for developers like Ambient Design to do what they want to do.TUAW's Daily App: ArtRage originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Time Machine holds a place in my heart, and it should in yours too
One of my TUAW colleagues who shall remain nameless revealed to us yesterday that he doesn't use Time Machine. "Don't talk to me about Time Machine," he said. "I hate it!"
My goodness, I thought. Is that even possible?I cannot recount the number of times that Time Machine has saved me from thoughtless text edits or file deletions that I later regretted. Surely that has happened to you too -- you edit something in-place without saving an unmodified original. That's the way most people work. Few are diligent, methodical, and neurotic enough to save every state along the way as they work, version numbering and backing up as they go.
There's pharmaceuticals for those people. There's Time Machine for the rest of us.
Continue reading Time Machine holds a place in my heart, and it should in yours too
Time Machine holds a place in my heart, and it should in yours too originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Beatles receiving direct royalties in iTunes deal
Citing "industry sources," Reuters claims that direct royalties may be part of the deal that finally got The Beatles on iTunes. According to Reuters, "superstar artists" (like The Beatles) typically get 20-25 percent of retail revenues, which would equate to between 18 to 22.5 cents per track sold on iTunes. Supposedly, The Beatles secured a deal with Apple that gives the surviving band members (and the estates of John and George) far higher royalties than that, though it's unclear just how much higher; Reuters's sources didn't put any firm numbers on the deal. Earlier reports indicated that it was primarily disputes between The Beatles and music label EMI that kept the band's music off iTunes for so long, and it's very likely that royalty distribution was at the heart of the matter.
To be honest, I'm not sure why it's taken this long for artists to get a bigger cut of digital sales. Under the old brick-and-mortar sales model, it seems like music labels would have had to pay out a lot more to market and distribute music than under a purely digital sales model. If The Beatles are getting a bigger slice of the profits from sales of their music, I see that as a good thing, and frankly I hope that becomes the rule rather than the exception.
Beatles receiving direct royalties in iTunes deal originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Otterbox's Reflex Case shown off at CES ShowStoppers 2011Mobile device case manufacturer Otterbox was at the ShowStoppers event here at CES 2011 in Las Vegas, and the company showed us its new Reflex series of cases. The company borrowed some pretty solid tech to make this protective case -- they called it a "single layer, dual density" product, which means that there's both a rubber body and two polycarbonate spines that hold the case together in one layer. The case is a little larger than your iPhone, which Otterbox claims provides a protecting cushion of air -- if you're iPhone's dropped, the air inside the case will soften the blow. At least that's what they said -- it's not like the case is airtight, so we're not sure exactly how much protection that "cushion" really provides.
It is a nice solid case and looks pretty classy. The case also snaps apart easily, so if you're at home and just want quick access to the iPhone's dock connector, you can snap the bottom part off and plug in a sync cable.
At US$44.95, Otterbox's case is quite pricey -- probably a little more than we'd be willing to pay. Yet it is a nice, solidly constructed case, and if you're looking for something that's rugged but still stylish and simple to use, it might be worth wrapping your iPhone 4 in.Otterbox's Reflex Case shown off at CES ShowStoppers 2011 originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - 4i at CES 2011: iPhone keyboard, iPad strap and an iPod nano wristbandWe first saw the 4i keyboard for iPhone at Macworld. Back then, you had to "install" it, but the company has learned this isn't optimal and has created a clever case that we got to see at CES 2011 today (one quite similar to Apple's bumper) with a slot for easily adding the overlay keyboard in portrait or landscape mode. 4i has also added to the lineup with a clever iPad strap and iPod nano wristband named the Torq made out of titanium or steel. You can check out all the new gear on the 4i site, but as of this writing the links to individual products don't work just yet, so you can check out the gallery for some close-ups. All of these items are supposed to be available for purchase sometime later on this month.
4iThumbs2+
The next version of the 4i keyboard overlays a plastic sheet on your iPhone and provides a tactile keyboard by adding small bumps where the software keys are located. It may seem silly, but if you are used to feeling keys on your phone, this is a pretty good fix for the otherwise flat surface. Not everyone is comfortable with typing on just a slick surface. There's no need for the rampant "this is stupid" comments like last time we covered this keyboard -- we get that the tactile thing isn't for everyone. But it is for some people, so let it go and accept that this product actually has a market. The case is a nice solution to the problem of what to do with the overlay when you don't need it, and it provides protection to boot.
The 4iThumbs2+ comes in two versions: one with the bumper-style case, and one is just the overlay. Without a case, it costs US$12.95, and it's $24.95 with the case. Again, you can slide the overlay keyboard into the case when you type, and then slide it onto the back of the phone when not in use.
Continue reading 4i at CES 2011: iPhone keyboard, iPad strap and an iPod nano wristband
4i at CES 2011: iPhone keyboard, iPad strap and an iPod nano wristband originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Finder now offers to search Mac App Store for unknown file types
If you try to open a file in the Finder and it doesn't recognize the extension, it will now offer to search the Mac App Store for applications that can open that file type. Before the Mac App Store's launch, the alert panel you see above would simply say, "There is no default application specified to open the document 'foo.bar' " and offered only "Cancel" or "Choose Application..." as choices.
Ideally, I wish the Finder would tell you if you already have any applications installed that could open those files, but this is a nice addition for people who might receive an unknown file and not know what to do with it.
In December, 9to5Mac spotted this dialog in a prerelease seed of 10.6.6, so it's nice to see that it made it into the final product.
Finder now offers to search Mac App Store for unknown file types originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Apple puts the freeze on retail employee vacations
AppleInsider reports that Apple Retail has issued a freeze on employee vacations beginning the last week of this month. The freeze reportedly bars any Apple Retail employee without seniority from taking vacation during a three-week period. The vacation freeze is expected to expire by the beginning of the third week of February.
So what could this rumored vacation freeze mean? It's possible there will soon be an announcement from Apple introducing a new product, and Apple wants its stores fully staffed to handle the flood of customers.
On the Mac front, Apple's MacBook Pros are overdue for an update, last being revamped in April 2010. However, it's unlikely that new MacBook Pros would cause a stampede of customers to the Apple Store. The most likely scenario is that Apple is planning on announcing the next generation iPad or a Verizon iPhone in the next few weeks, either of which could go on sale by the end of January. Lending further credibility to a major launch in the upcoming weeks is that Apple has reportedly retained its temporary holiday staff through mid-February.[One point of clarification: Though AppleInsider's report notes that "Apple is also said to have retained its overstaffed holiday personnel at many retail stores, even with the annual shopping season now concluded," TUAW's retail sources suggest that the company has not brought on seasonal/temporary staffers in several years. -Ed.]
Apple puts the freeze on retail employee vacations originally appeared on TUAW on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - Mac App Store devs need careful code validation, otherwise downloads can be copied
John Gruber of Daring Fireball reports that Mac apps whose developers didn't follow Apple's advice on validating apps (link for registered Apple developers) can easily be copied by users. Gruber notes if Mac App Store developers are following Apple's advice, the technique for using a copied app won't work, but many apps aren't following that advice. He suggests Apple test for this in their review process and reject apps that are vulnerable.
Sean Christmann explains on his blog, CraftyMind, how developers can better protect themselves against copying apps. He recommends hard-coding receipt bundle identifier and version identifier strings into applications rather than depending on strings in an app's info.plist file, because that file is easy to find and duplicate. You may read that "the Mac App Store has been hacked," but the instructions floating around out there aren't how to "hack" the App Store; they're how to steal certain apps if a developer didn't follow the guidelines well.
Devs, check your code. Users, support developers. This is new for everyone. It's certainly a very interesting time for software delivery models -- putting indie developers on the same shelf space as Fortune 500 companies -- and there are bound to be hiccups along the way.
Mac App Store devs need careful code validation, otherwise downloads can be copied originally appeared on TUAW on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Переслать - iWork '11 hinted at on Apple web page, then disappears
Several TUAW readers and our very own Mike Schramm pointed out something interesting today: on Apple's web page about the Mac app store, one of the screenshots shows a link for the iWork '11 apps.
iWork '11? The suite made up of Pages, Numbers and Keynote that didn't make it into the Mac App Store on opening day? Yeah, that iWork '11.
Earlier today we were all looking at this page, which showed a store screen with a link to iWork '11:
If you happen to go to the same page now, you'll notice it's a bit different:
It could mean nothing, or it could be that the suite was pulled from the App Store at the last minute, resulting in some poor web designer getting screamed at by Steve Jobs for not removing the characters "'11" from a rather insignificant web page.
Time will tell. Any bets on when iWork '11 will finally drop?
iWork '11 hinted at on Apple web page, then disappears originally appeared on TUAW on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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