The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) http://www.tuaw.com The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/feedlogo.gif The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) http://www.tuaw.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Save URLs for later with Quiet Read]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/07/save-urls-for-later-with-quiet-read/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/07/save-urls-for-later-with-quiet-read/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/07/save-urls-for-later-with-quiet-read/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Bambooapps has released a simple and useful utility called Quiet Read that has earned a spot on my Mac's menubar. With a simple drag-and-drop, it lets you save a web page for later review.

Of course, there are many apps that do this, including Instapaper and Evernote. Instapaper gets the job done via a bookmarklet; just give it a click while at the desired URL and it's saved. Evernote does pretty much the same thing, thought their bookmarklet behaves differently between Safari and Firefox. In addition, they have the Mac application for tagging and organizing.

I spent the day using Quiet Read instead of the other two. Here's what I liked and disliked. First, adding a URL is as easy as possible. Simply drag it out of your browser's address bar and drop it onto the menu bar icon. The display keeps track of how many you've collected. A tidy drop-down lets your browse the saved articles for easy selection.

What I disliked is that once an app is gone, it's gone. Instapaper saves read articles.

But Quiet Read isn't Instapaper. If you're looking for a free, simple way to save articles for later reading (and you're running 10.6 or later), Quiet Read could be the solution.

TUAWSave URLs for later with Quiet Read originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bambooappsinstapaperinternetquiet readQuietReadutilitiesSat, 07 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple Store Carrousel du Louvre opens today]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/07/apple-store-carrousel-du-louvre/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/07/apple-store-carrousel-du-louvre/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/07/apple-store-carrousel-du-louvre/#commentsFiled under: ,

Apple typically opens retail stores in high-end shopping areas, and this one is as high-end as it gets.

Beneath the great glass pyramid that marks the entrance to the Louvre Museum in Paris is Carrousel du Louvre, home to shops, a gourmet food court, exhibition space and, as of this Saturday, an Apple Store. This will be the first Apple Store in Paris and in France. Another Apple Store is poised to open in the seaside town of Montpellier next Saturday.

This location has the now iconic glass spiral staircase that's featured in other flagship stores and two levels total. If you can't visit Apple Store Carrousel du Louvre this weekend, check out the photos and coverage from ifoAppleStore as well as these photos on Flickr. C'est Magnifique!

Also notable this week is the new Musee du Louvre app that's available for free from the App Store [iTunes link]. Coincidentally, of course.

TUAWApple Store Carrousel du Louvre opens today originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple storeAppleStorecarrousel du louvreCarrouselDuLouvrelouvreparisretailSat, 07 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Squarespace hosting/CMS service launches iPhone app]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/06/squarespace-hosting-cms-service-launches-iphone-app/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/06/squarespace-hosting-cms-service-launches-iphone-app/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/06/squarespace-hosting-cms-service-launches-iphone-app/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

After a long wait, Squarespace customers finally have an iPhone app of their own. Squarespace is a hosted blogging/CMS service that competes with the likes of WordPress.com and Typepad. Having used all three, I can say that interacting with Squarespace (posting, changing your site's look and feel, etc.) is unlike the others. Instead of a separate control panel/dashboard, Squarespace previews changes in real time on the same screen. It's really nice.

The iPhone app [iTunes link] seems to be an extension of its browser-based sibling. For example, check out the live preview mode pictured at right. You can also manage multiple accounts, post, upload multiple images at once (awesome) view stats and more. The UI looks nice as well.

While bloggers on other platforms have had compatible apps in the App Store for a while now, this is Squarespace's first solution. We're eager to play around with it. Squarespace for iPhone is free and requires a paid Squarespace account.

TUAWSquarespace hosting/CMS service launches iPhone app originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app storeAppStoreblogbloggingcmsiphonesquarespaceFri, 06 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iTunes LP now available for Apple TV customers]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/06/itunes-lp-now-available-for-apple-tv-customers/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/06/itunes-lp-now-available-for-apple-tv-customers/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/06/itunes-lp-now-available-for-apple-tv-customers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A few of us here at TUAW received an email from Apple this morning stating that Apple TV-compatible versions of previous iTunes LP purchases are available for download. You'll remember that LP purchases made before the Apple TV 3.0 release would need a second download to work with the Apple TV. Apple is now offering those downloads.

The email from Apple is very straight-forward:

"With the latest versions of iTunes (9.0.2) and Apple TV software (3.0), you can now use iTunes LP on your Apple TV. We have updated the iTunes LP that was included with [your previous purchase here] so that it can now be viewed on Apple TV in addition to your Mac or PC...."

From there, the message provides a download link. Grab it, sync your Apple TV and you're off. My own is syncing as I type this, so we'll let you know how it looks and behaves later today. In the meantime, enjoy iTunes LP on your Apple TV!

TUAWiTunes LP now available for Apple TV customers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple tvAppleTvitunesitunes lpItunesLpFri, 06 Nov 2009 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Fortune names Jobs "CEO of the Decade"]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/05/forbes-names-jobs-ceo-of-the-decade/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/05/forbes-names-jobs-ceo-of-the-decade/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/05/forbes-names-jobs-ceo-of-the-decade/#commentsFiled under: ,

Forbes Fortune bestowed a significant honor on Steve Jobs today, naming him their CEO of the Decade. Fortune outlines the incredible leaps in business, technology and industry Apple has made since Steve's return. For anyone who might not remember, the 90's were not kind to Apple and nearly everyone thought the company was finished.

Consider this incredible fact: Apple launched OS X and iTunes, opened the first two retail stores and introduced the first iPod ... all in the same year (2001). Fortune also goes on to describe how Steve changed the film industry with Pixar, the music industry with the iTunes Store and the cell phone industry with the iPhone and the App Store.

He also kicked cancer's ass.

This is precisely why I'm excited about the prospect of a new piece of hardware from Apple. I won't call it a tablet because that's not what it will be. Apple didn't invent the digital music player, the mobile phone or mass distribution of media. But, they did demonstrate how to do those things the right way, which no one else could come up with.

If there's a new product coming, comparing it to contemporary tablets or netbooks is a huge mistake, because it won't behave like any of them.

Click below to watch Fortunes' video on this announcement.

[Via MacDailyNews]

Continue reading Fortune names Jobs "CEO of the Decade"

TUAWFortune names Jobs "CEO of the Decade" originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple corporateAppleCorporatebusinessforbessteve jobsSteveJobsThu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Perhaps Apple won't block Atom support after all]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/05/perhaps-apple-wont-block-atom-support-after-all/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/05/perhaps-apple-wont-block-atom-support-after-all/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/05/perhaps-apple-wont-block-atom-support-after-all/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There was a report this week that Mac OS X 10.6.2 will block Atom support, leaving Hackintosh owners stuck at 10.6.1. Intel's Atom processors have been used in netbooks by MSI, Dell and ASUS for their low cost and modest energy consumption. Hackintosh owners were disappointed.

Shortly after that report was published, Electronista noted that a newly-released build of 10.6.2 (10C535) brought it back. Of course, we're talking about "support" for hackintoshes in a developer build of the OS, so keep that in mind.

The moral of the story: Apple can kill this when ever they please, so have fun while you can.

[Via Engadget]

TUAWPerhaps Apple won't block Atom support after all originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10.6.2hackhackintoshosos xOsXsnow leopardSnowLeopardThu, 05 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[N64 emulator for jailbroken iPhones on the way?]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/04/n64-emulator-for-iphone-on-the-way/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/04/n64-emulator-for-iphone-on-the-way/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/04/n64-emulator-for-iphone-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There's an exciting announcement at All Tech Related this week that has us saying, "We can't wait!"

ZodTDD, the developer behind GpSPhone (a Nintendo Gameboy Advance emulator for the iPhone and iPod Touch), announced the development of an N64 emulator for the iPhone and iPod touch. Zodttd believes that the current generation iPhone and iPod touch have the graphic CPU horsepower necessary to run those games. "...I can't promise it will run games top notch just yet, as things are too early to say. There's hope though, with a 3D accelerated graphics plugin, as well as an ARM dynarec."

As iPhone Savior points out, the toughest challenge could be fitting the controls onto the screen in an unobtrusive yet usable way. That was my main complaint about Resident Evil for iPhone [iTunes link] -- my hand is often in the way of what I'm trying to see.

Note that this will require an jailbroken iPhone or iPod touch.

[Via iPhone Savior]

TUAWN64 emulator for jailbroken iPhones on the way? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g3gsemulatoriphoneipod touchIpodTouchjailbreakn64nintendoWed, 04 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A look at Apple's iPod touch-based EasyPay system]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/04/a-look-at-apples-ipod-touch-based-easypay-system/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/04/a-look-at-apples-ipod-touch-based-easypay-system/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/04/a-look-at-apples-ipod-touch-based-easypay-system/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Last week, we learned that Apple would be revamping some US retail stores, including a new iPod touch-based point-of-sale (POS) system. A new scanner accessory allows Apple to replace the old Windows CE-based sales handhelds.

Gary Allen of ifoAppleStore has given AppleInsider an exclusive look at the thing, and it's pretty cool (that is, if retail hardware is your bag). It's an iPod touch with a magnetic stripe reader, a barcode scanner and Apple's proprietary payment-processing software. The iPod rests inside what AppleInsider calls a "slip-on shell" that plugs into the dock connector; it includes its own battery to power the two scanning peripherals.

Apple Store employees will use the devices to accept purchases made with credit cards, debit cards and cash; they can even make returns and activate a new iPhone.

It looks like a clever device. If you see one in the store (or if you use one), tell us what you can.

[Via The Apple Blog]

TUAWA look at Apple's iPod touch-based EasyPay system originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple storeAppleStoreeasypayipod touchIpodTouchretailtouchWed, 04 Nov 2009 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First Apple Store set to open in Philadelphia]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/03/first-apple-store-set-to-open-in-philadelphia/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/03/first-apple-store-set-to-open-in-philadelphia/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/03/first-apple-store-set-to-open-in-philadelphia/#commentsFiled under: ,

Last night Philadelphia's baseball fans had something to cheer about, and soon her Apple fans will, too. After years of waiting, an Apple Store is finally set to open within the city itself at 1607 Walnut Street.

Probably.

It's not set in stone yet, as the proposed design is yet to go before the city's Art Commission. Let's hope Apple has a better time of it than they did in Boston, where Boston's Back Bay Architectural Commission had trouble approving the Boylston Street store's design.

By contrast, The Art Commission's executive director, William Burke, seems enthused, telling Metro, "...[Apple is] going to clean all that off and purify the design. It's a nice building that contributes to the character of the street."

The store currently closest to Philly is the Ardmore Apple Store. Other than that, you've got to go out to Jersey.

[Via MacNN]

TUAWFirst Apple Store set to open in Philadelphia originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple storeapple store ardmoreAppleStoreAppleStoreArdmorecherry hillCherryHillphiladelphiaretailTue, 03 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dutch hacker accesses jailbroken iPhones, requests €5]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/03/dutch-hacker-accesses-jailbroken-iphones-requests-5/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/03/dutch-hacker-accesses-jailbroken-iphones-requests-5/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/03/dutch-hacker-accesses-jailbroken-iphones-requests-5/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Running a jailbroken iPhone has its risks, as a Dutch hacker has demonstrated. Specifically, he used a bit of port scanning to find jailbroken phones with SSH running in his native Netherlands. From there, he sent unsuspecting users a message that reads, "Your iPhone's been hacked because it's really insecure! Please visit doiop.com/iHacked and secure your iPhone right now! Right now, I can access all your files."

The URL directs the users to Paypal and requests €5 in exchange for instructions that explain how to remove the hack. But how did he get in? By relying on users' forgetfulness. All iPhones have a default root password. Those who forget to change it are vulnerable to this very kind of attack.

Asking for money is kind of a bummer but much less obnoxious that other things he could have done. The moral of the story is pay attention and be thorough when jailbreaking your iPhone.

[Via Ars Technica]

TUAWDutch hacker accesses jailbroken iPhones, requests €5 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackiphonejailbreaksshvulnerabilityTue, 03 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple amps up iPhone production]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/01/apple-amps-up-iphone-production/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/01/apple-amps-up-iphone-production/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/01/apple-amps-up-iphone-production/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In preparation for the holiday rush, Apple has stepped up iPhone production, according to ITProPortal. Specifically, Apple has supposedly increased orders to both Primax Electronics and Foxconn Electronics (both companies manufacture iPhone components) from 17% to 20%.

In a recent quarterly earnings call, Apple COO Tim Cook noted that iPhone 3GS supplies were short in September, but noted that supply lines have been restored and he expects Apple to meet the demand of this year's shopping season.

In other words, If you're hoping to receive an iPhone this year, know that Apple has done its part. Now it's up to you to badger your gift-giving loved ones.

[Via Macsimum News]

Gift image: stock.xchng

TUAWApple amps up iPhone production originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hggholidayiphonesuppliesSun, 01 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone apps that bloggers will love]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/01/iphone-apps-that-bloggers-will-love/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/01/iphone-apps-that-bloggers-will-love/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/01/iphone-apps-that-bloggers-will-love/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

wpbeginner has posted a terrific list of 10 iPhone apps that every blogger will love. The first item on the list is, as you'd expect, WordPress for iPhone. Version 2.0 was released earlier this week and it's a huge improvement over its predecessor. It supports blogs powered by both WordPress.com and self-hosted WordPress.org. WordPress 2.0 for iPhone is free.

Add as many blogs as you like and manage comments, posts and pages all from the app. Adding new pages and posts is as easy as editing existing ones. Best of all, you can delete, edit approve/unapprove and spam comments with a few taps.

Of course, not every blogger uses WordPress, and the other apps on the list acknowledge this. Shape Writer aims to make it easier to enter text by letting you trace the "shape" of a word rather than type its letters. Proper names and acronyms can be "taught" to the app by typing them once. They'll be traceable from that point on. Shape Writer costs $3.99US.

Also on the list is Jott, a voice-to-text app that records your voice, converts it to text and lets you send the result nearly anywhere, including a WordPress or Blogger blog (as well as Twitter, Facebook and more). I haven't tested it, so I can't speak for how well it works. If it does what it claims (speak up if you've used it), Jott for iPhone will make it much easier to publish long posts from your iPhone (provided that it supports your preferred platform). Jott for iPhone is free and requires a Jott Assist Plan, which starts at $3.95/mo. Mel reviewed the similar Voice on the Go service last week.

Visit wpbeginner for the rest of the list. As for me, I get a lot of use out of Instapaper (for reading reference articles when I'm away from my computer) and Evernote (pretty much the same reason) among others. If you want the simplest blog-from-your-iPhone solution, check out Posterous. All you need to do to set up and maintain a Posterous blog is send an email to post@posterous.com. It doesn't get simpler than that.

[Via Wired]

TUAWiPhone apps that bloggers will love originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app storeappsAppStoreblogginginternet toolsInternetToolsiphoneSun, 01 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stream iPhoto and iTunes to a FiOS DVR]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/30/stream-iphoto-and-itunes-to-a-fios-dvr/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/30/stream-iphoto-and-itunes-to-a-fios-dvr/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/30/stream-iphoto-and-itunes-to-a-fios-dvr/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Just last week, Verizon released Media Manager for the Mac. While many customers are saying it's less powerful than its Windows-based counterpart, it received significant changes this week. Namely, users can now stream content from their iPhoto and iTunes libraries to a FiOS DVR (something TiVo did three years ago, but let's not nit-pick).

With the desktop app running (configured as a simple preference), you can browse iTunes playlists as well as your entire library. From iPhoto, browse your library, events and slideshows. Keeping events intact is nice for when you want to show Aunt Shirley pictures from your trip to Scranton.

Note that this requires a FiOS TV DVR Set-Top Box, Mac OS X 10.4 or greater, iTunes 7 or greater, iPhoto 6 or greater and QuickTime version 7 or greater. For an unnecessarily enthusiastic demonstration of the software, check out the video after the break.

(Screenshot courtesy of Dave Zatz / Zatz Not Funny)

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Stream iPhoto and iTunes to a FiOS DVR

TUAWStream iPhoto and iTunes to a FiOS DVR originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiosilifeiphotoitunesverizonFri, 30 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple to bring changes to retail stores]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/apple-to-bring-changes-to-retail-stores/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/apple-to-bring-changes-to-retail-stores/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/apple-to-bring-changes-to-retail-stores/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As the holiday season brings additional shoppers to Apple's retail stores, they'll be making changes to ensure a pleasant experience for the new customers, ifoAppleStore reports.

First, they're going to ditch the color-coded Starfleet uniform T-shirts, which shoppers have found confusing. Instead, all employees will wear the same color. Next, the handheld checkout devices will be swapped out for specially-equipped iPod touches. A new scanner accessory will interact with point-of-sale software on the iPods. Best of all, employees will be able to accept cash from customers right where the stand, eliminating the often time-consuming walk to the cash register.

Watch for these changes at an Apple Store near you.

TUAWApple to bring changes to retail stores originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleholidaysretailshoppingThu, 29 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The App Store unofficially breaks 100,000 approved apps]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/27/the-app-store-unofficially-breaks-100-000-approved-apps/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/27/the-app-store-unofficially-breaks-100-000-approved-apps/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/27/the-app-store-unofficially-breaks-100-000-approved-apps/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's another milestone (unofficially) met, as Apple has passed the 100,000 threshold of approved apps in the App Store, according to App Shopper. If you're unfamiliar with App Shopper, they list all of the apps that are in the store, tracking updates and price changes. As of this writing, they're listing 101,847 apps approved for sale and 93,118 actually available. We imagine Apple will make an announcement when the latter number officially hits 100,000.

Just last month, Apple announced that there were upwards of 85,000 apps available for purchase with sales figures in the billions -- 2 billion apps sold in fact, though there's no word on the mix of paid vs. free.

Despite the (often significant) bumps in the road, the App Store continues to grow at an incredible pace.

TUAWThe App Store unofficially breaks 100,000 approved apps originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app storeapple financialAppleFinancialappsAppStoresales figuresSalesFiguresTue, 27 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Schiller: Holiday lineup in place]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/27/phil-schiller-holiday-lineup-in-place/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/27/phil-schiller-holiday-lineup-in-place/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/27/phil-schiller-holiday-lineup-in-place/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's now safe to shop for Apple products without fear of getting burned by a last-minute release, at least for the next few months. Apple's senior VP of Worldwide Product Marketing, Phil Schiller, told Gizmodo today that "... the holiday lineup is set." Apple typically does this in late autumn to simply let customers know that it's safe to start spending money.

Gizmodo notes that they originally stated, "No more Apple products this year," but they subsequently received a call from Apple asking (by "asking" we mean "telling" ) them to use the language, "The holiday lineup is set." Conspiracy theorists will say that means there could be new stuff still in the pipe, but we think it's just meant to get people in a shopping mood.

[Via The Loop]

TUAWPhil Schiller: Holiday lineup in place originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hardwarehggholidayphil schillerPhilSchillershoppingTue, 27 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mac 101: Publish iWeb '09 sites to FTP]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/26/mac-101-publish-iweb-09-sites-to-ftp/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/26/mac-101-publish-iweb-09-sites-to-ftp/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/26/mac-101-publish-iweb-09-sites-to-ftp/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

More Mac 101, our series of tips and tricks for novice Mac users.

Now that the winter holidays are almost upon us, we're thinking about sharing stories, photos, and movies with far-flung relatives and friends. There's a slew of ways to get this done, and this post focuses on creating a simple site in iWeb '09 and publishing it not to Mobile Me, but to your own host via FTP.

If you're unfamiliar with iWeb '09, I'll say this: It does what it does well. If your goal is to share photos, movies and stories with minimal fuss and zero coding, iWeb will work. When I travel, I typically create an iWeb gallery and movie page. Yes, there are many other options, but this one works for me.

If you'd rather not publish your iWeb site to MobileMe and have access to FTP, you're in luck. The setup is simple. First, create your site. Next, click the title of your site in the iWeb '09 sidebar (this doesn't work with previous versions of iWeb) to reveal the publishing options. In the first drop-down menu, select "FTP Server." Give your site a name and enter a contact email.

Below that, enter your FTP settings. You'll need your server address, username, and password. Next, enter the path to the directory (http://mysite.com/paris, for example). Just make sure the directory already exists on your server or you'll get an error. It won't hurt to test the connection at this point by clicking the button that's available for just that purpose.

Finally, enter your site's URL and then click Publish. Off it goes! If you set it up correctly, your iWeb-powered site will be uploaded to the proper place on your site. Subsequent updates require re-publication, so just hit that Publish button again when you're done making changes

That's it! Have fun sharing your holiday experiences with iWeb '09.

TUAWMac 101: Publish iWeb '09 sites to FTP originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ftphow toHowToilifeiwebmac 101Mac101web publishingWebPublishingMon, 26 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: iPod, iPhone to take over growing handheld gaming]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/23/report-ipod-iphone-to-take-over-growing-handheld-gaming/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/23/report-ipod-iphone-to-take-over-growing-handheld-gaming/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/23/report-ipod-iphone-to-take-over-growing-handheld-gaming/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In a bold report released this week, DFC Intelligence states that if current sales and development trends continue, the iPhone and iPod could surpass both Sony and Nintendo in the fast-growing handheld gaming market in as little as five years.

Now, DFC isn't describing the number of units sold. They expect the Japanese companies to retain that lead. Instead, they expect the iPhone/iPod's growth rate to expand while PSP and DSi sales have plateaued. In other words, DFC predicts that the iPhone and iPod touch will be the only portable gaming devices still seeing significant growth by 2014.

It's interesting because Apple has never paid much attention to gaming... until the most recent press event where they went overboard to promote the iPod touch as a gaming platform. I play games on my iPhone and my original PSP and while it's a different experience, they're both enjoyable.

Of the apps you own, how many are games? If you own either a PSP or a DS plus an iPhone/iPod touch, how would you compare the three platforms?

[Via Electronista]

TUAWReport: iPod, iPhone to take over growing handheld gaming originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamingiphoneipod touchIpodTouchnintendosonyFri, 23 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Huge Apple ads ruffle feathers in Boston]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/23/huge-apple-ads-ruffle-feathers-in-boston/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/23/huge-apple-ads-ruffle-feathers-in-boston/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/23/huge-apple-ads-ruffle-feathers-in-boston/#commentsFiled under:

Last week I was in Boston and drove past the ad pictured at right, as I have done many times. Even though it first went up in 2007, I still think, "Man, that is a big ad."

Boston's Outdoor Advertising Board agrees.

Two years ago, they declared the 13,750 square-foot monstrosity illegal because of its size. Yet it's still in place. Last June, the groups behind the advertising agreed to pay the state $110,000 as a settlement, according to The Boston Globe.

Now, according to the Globe, there's a political backlash. It seems that the settlement was reached with some "help" given to a business person from a campaign aide from Boston Mayor Thomas Menino's office. The same acquaintance reportedly has made annual donations to the Mayor's office since 2005.

The owners argue that the ad promotes sales inside the self-storage business just behind the huge wall, where customers can buy iTunes gift cards.

The ad space first went into use 6 months before Apple opened the flagship retail store on Boylston Street.

[Via iPodNN]

Photo: Yoon S. Byun, The Boston Globe

TUAWHuge Apple ads ruffle feathers in Boston originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple advertisingAppleAdvertisingbostonipodFri, 23 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Snow Leopard Fixes: the angle-bracket "copy email" behavior]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/22/fix-snow-leopards-copy-email-behavior/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/22/fix-snow-leopards-copy-email-behavior/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/22/fix-snow-leopards-copy-email-behavior/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Snow Leopard introduced many welcome changes to Leopard and one huge annoyance. When copying an email address from Mail, Snow Leopard wraps the address in "< >" brackets, for example, "<annoying@email.com>". When pasting, you've got to go back and remove the brackets.

Mac Daddy World has identified the preference setting and posted the simple Terminal commands that will eliminate the brackets. I tried it and it's working perfectly! Thanks, Mac Daddy World. That was very simple and most welcome.

While most users are happy with Snow Leopard, there are these annoyances. Is there something bothering you?

TUAWSnow Leopard Fixes: the angle-bracket "copy email" behavior originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emailhow toHowTomailsnow leopardSnowLeopardterminaltipsThu, 22 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The growing list of unsupported Macs]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/22/the-growing-list-of-unsupported-macs/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/22/the-growing-list-of-unsupported-macs/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/22/the-growing-list-of-unsupported-macs/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Out with the old, in with the new. This week's hardware releases were met with new additions to Apple's vintage and obsolete hardware lists. The following have been added, and I'm sad to say that I'm still using the Dual Ethernet Airport Base Station:
  • iBook G4 (Early 2004)
  • iBook G4 (14" Early 2004)
  • eMac (USB 2.0)
  • Apple Cinema Display ADC
  • Apple Studio Display 15" ADC
  • Apple Studio Display 17" LCD
  • Apple Studio Display 17" ADC
  • Power Mac G4 (QuickSilver 2002)
  • Macintosh Server G4 (QuickSilver 2002)
  • PowerBook G4 (DVI)
  • iBook (14.1 LCD 16 VRAM)
  • iBook (16 VRAM)
  • AirPort Base Station (Dual Ethernet)
I've also got a 20" G4 iMac and my wife uses at 14" iBook, both of which were previously added to the list. Supported or not, they're still useful -- check out this Macintosh Classic being used as a window display.

Back in 1994 my employer had several SE/30's connected via LocalTalk, and we thought that was the baddest thing on the planet. Not to mention late-night games of Maelstrom and Glider Pro. Oh, memories.

[Via HardMac]

TUAWThe growing list of unsupported Macs originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple historyAppleHistoryhardwarelegacyobsoletevintageThu, 22 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 7 on Mac OS X Snow Leopard at no additional cost]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/22/free-windows-7-install-mac/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/22/free-windows-7-install-mac/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/22/free-windows-7-install-mac/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Anil Dash has described how to run Windows 7 on a Mac running OS 10.6 -- as a virtual machine -- for free (after you buy Windows 7, of course). It's not very tricky and, according to Anil, works well. Start by installing Windows 7 in Boot Camp and wait while it grabs the necessary drivers (the duration of this process will vary).

Next, eject the Boot Camp disk and enter a few simple Terminal commands. You'll also need VirtualBox, which is free and open source virtualization software. Once you're done in Terminal, launch VirtualBox and browse to the file you made with Terminal. Read Anil's article for the details.

As today is Windows 7 launch day, we're interested in hearing from anyone who has installed it on their Mac, either via Boot Camp or virtualization.

For more, read Christina's post on installing Windows 7 on a Mac (at Download Squad), or Steve's take here. You can get your absolute fill of Win7 coverage all day today at DLS.

TUAWWindows 7 on Mac OS X Snow Leopard at no additional cost originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boot campBootCampmicrosoftvirtualboxvirtualizationwindows 7Windows7Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Create GrabUp-style functionality with Dropbox and Jing]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/16/create-grabup-style-functionality-with-dropbox-and-jing/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/16/create-grabup-style-functionality-with-dropbox-and-jing/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/16/create-grabup-style-functionality-with-dropbox-and-jing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Before Snow Leopard was released, we were enjoying GrabUp for super-simple sharing of screenshots. It was a great little utility: After a brief setup, it automatically sent any screenshot to its servers (or your own) and added the resulting URL to the Clipboard. It was fast and very useful.

Snow Leopard killed it by changing the naming convention of screenshots. The developers haven't fixed it (in fact, Google now throws up a danger warning when I try to access the site) and it looks like they aren't going to. We posted a fix not too long ago, and today we found another approach on the Dropbox wiki that uses Dropbox and Jing. You get free online storage for up to 2GB of screenshots, and an easy way to get the URL of your screenshot where you need it in a hurry.

Here's how it works. First, download and install Jing (it'll work with the free version -- more on that later) and get a Dropbox account (again, the free version will work). Once your Dropbox install is all done, create a destination folder in your Dropbox's Public folder -- maybe "screenshots," for example. Now it's time to fill in the Jing preferences. Read on...

Continue reading Create GrabUp-style functionality with Dropbox and Jing

TUAWCreate GrabUp-style functionality with Dropbox and Jing originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dropboxgrabuphow toHowTojingsnow leopardSnowLeopardFri, 16 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Found Footage: iPhone as remote control]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/16/found-footage-iphone-as-remote-control/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/16/found-footage-iphone-as-remote-control/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/16/found-footage-iphone-as-remote-control/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Earlier this week, news of iDriver hit the Internet. In case you missed it, it's an app that was developed by computer science researchers at Berlin's Free University to drive a modified minivan, the "Spirit of Berlin." Steering, break and accelleration commands are sent over Wi-Fi. In the demo video, researchers are driving it around an airport for testing. I'd really like a turn.

Of course, this isn't the first iPhone-controlled vehicle we've seen. Here's a video roundup of iPhone- and iPod touch-powered vehicles both big and small.

[Via Popsci]

Continue reading Found Footage: iPhone as remote control

TUAWFound Footage: iPhone as remote control originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iphoneipodrcremote controlRemoteControlFri, 16 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dissecting the top 5 Apple myths]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/16/dissecting-the-top-5-apple-myths/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/16/dissecting-the-top-5-apple-myths/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/16/dissecting-the-top-5-apple-myths/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

One of my favorite podcasts is Stuff You Should Know [iTunes link]. Hosts Josh and Chuck (call him "Chuckers") are smart, funny and professional.* There's an article on the show's companion site this week that explores 5 myths about Apple. I encourage you to go and read it, but here are some highlights.

"Apple is going out of business." If we had a dollar, nay, a penny for every time we heard that, we'd all be eating caviar in the South of France. While the funeral dirge may have been warranted in the '90s when Gil was building beige boxes, things have been going swimmingly since Steve returned with the iMac in tow.

That doesn't stop pundits from making claims of Apple's demise, however. But they're greatly exaggerated.

Myth number four on their list is that Apple can't survive without Steve Jobs. This has been a hot topic since Steve took medical leave and opinions are as numerous as stars in the galaxy. Our take in a nutshell: Apple will be just fine without Steve.

We won't spoil the rest of the list for you, so go ahead and check it out.

*Maybe I'll get a shout-out on an upcoming show for this post. What do you say, guys?

TUAWDissecting the top 5 Apple myths originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple historyapple mythsapple rumorsAppleHistoryAppleMythsAppleRumorssteve jobsSteveJobsFri, 16 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Updates on iPhone on Bell in Canada]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/14/updates-on-iphone-on-bell-in-canada/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/14/updates-on-iphone-on-bell-in-canada/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/14/updates-on-iphone-on-bell-in-canada/#commentsFiled under: ,

Last week Canadian carriers Bell and Telus announced that they would be offering the iPhone to customers. At the time details were scarce, but this week more information is available.

Electronista's sources report that Bell will get the iPhone 3G and 3GS on November 4th, just as their HSPA-based 3G network goes live. Releasing the iPhone 3G and 3GS on the same day as a brand-new network ... what could go wrong there?

Information on plans is still sketchy. It's been suggested that users will be able to use Bell's existing Combo plans with the iPhone, but that's not clear at this point. The pricing of the phone itself will be the same, according to Electronista, and contract-free models will be an option at $599, $699 and $799 each.

To receive the latest information directly from Bell, sign up at their information page.

TUAWUpdates on iPhone on Bell in Canada originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bellcanadaiphonerogerstelusWed, 14 Oct 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[5 apps for the scoundrel]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/13/5-apps-for-the-scoundrel/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/13/5-apps-for-the-scoundrel/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/13/5-apps-for-the-scoundrel/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Earlier today we were inspired by Pepsi's AMP UP Before You Score app [iTunes link], which prompts the would-be ladies' man through several pickup routines, each suited to a different type of young lady (sorority girl, tree hugger, goth girl... that one probably requires a bit of sulking). It's a bit of fun if not a little classless (and Pepsi & AMP have since apologized). With that in mind, we've compiled 5 apps for the scoundrel.

Fake Call apps

This one is more of a trick than a particular app. Here, Manolith describes how to use one of the many fake call apps to your advantage. Before approaching the object of your affection, set up a fake "grandma" profile complete with picture and set to ring one minute into your conversation. Because starting off with deception is the way to go.

The fake call apps let you set up a fake phone call that looks and sounds like the real thing, even with a fake "voice" on the other side. Some are better than others, and could provide escape from a scrape.

Awesome Pickups

Awesome Pickups transports you to the Regal Beagle with the most horrendous pickup lines imaginable. That's probably part of the fun, in daring each other to actually tell a young single, "You must be Jamaican because you're Jamaican me crazy!" Simply tap to move from pickup line to pickup line until you're either slapped or asked to leave.

Amazing Rejections: Smackdown

If you're on the receiving end of a would-be suitor equipped with Awesome Pickups, Amazing Rejections: Smackdown is for you. Tap to view a laundry list of ill-advised pickup lines and their corresponding denials. Don't feel badly about using an especially vicious rejection, s/he probably deserves it.

Relationship Test

To end with something more savory than the rest, here's Relationship Test. This app presents a lighthearted quiz to share with your special someone. Have a few laughs while you learn about each others likes and dislikes. There's no heavyweight relationship advice here, just a bit of harmless fun. And it's better than targeting your tweets for a tree hugger.

Gallery: 5 Apps for the Scoundrel

AMP UP!Relationship TestPickup lines!Unknown callerSmack down

TUAW5 apps for the scoundrel originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5Appsapp storeAppStoreiphoneipod touchIpodTouchpickupsTue, 13 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone holds 21 percent market share in Australia]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/13/iphone-holds-21-percent-market-share-in-australia/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/13/iphone-holds-21-percent-market-share-in-australia/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/13/iphone-holds-21-percent-market-share-in-australia/#commentsFiled under: ,

The iPhone is selling well in Australia. Research firm IDC reports that the iPhone has taken 21% of the Australian smartphone market share in the past 12 months, putting Apple in 2nd place behind Nokia and just ahead of Blackberry.

What's most interesting here is how the iPhone has increased overall smartphone shipments to Australia. Specifically, other manufacturers have had to keep up with customer demands for features similar to the iPhone's, and as a result customer interest and overall smartphone sales have "...intensified of the past couple of years," said IDC telecommunications analyst Mark Novosel. He expects Australia's smartphone market to grow steadily over the next five years.

Australia's first Apple retail store opened in July of 2008, and the iPhone was released shortly thereafter.

[Via MacDailyNews]

TUAWiPhone holds 21 percent market share in Australia originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaiphonesalesTue, 13 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Office 2004 mainstream support extended to January '12]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/13/office-2004-mainstream-support-extended-to-january/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/13/office-2004-mainstream-support-extended-to-january/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/13/office-2004-mainstream-support-extended-to-january/#commentsFiled under:

As you probably recall, Microsoft dropped Visual Basic from Office for the Mac with Office 2008. At the time, I was working for a company that had a huge investment in systems that relied on Visual Basic, and that change was a real blow. In fact, we didn't upgrade past Office 2004 just to avoid trouble and plan our next step.

If anyone else is using Office 2004 for that reason, here's a thin shard of hope for you. This week, Microsoft's Office for Mac Team announced that mainstream support or Office '04, scheduled to end on October 13, 2009, will be extended through January 10, 2012.

Why extend support? As the blog post notes, Visual Basic support will return in the next major release of Office for the Mac, scheduled to hit the stands in 2010. This way, folks reliant on VB will be able to hold on until that new release is available. This is good news for anyone who was wondering how to migrate from a slew of mission-critical scripts.

TUAWOffice 2004 mainstream support extended to January '12 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftofficeoffice 2004office 2008Office2004Office2008softwarevisual basicVisualBasicTue, 13 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Swap a Macbook's glossy display for matte]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/12/swap-a-macbooks-glossy-display-for-matte/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/12/swap-a-macbooks-glossy-display-for-matte/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/12/swap-a-macbooks-glossy-display-for-matte/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Users have a love/hate relationship with Apple's glossy displays. Namely, they either love them or they hate them. I haven't used one myself, as I'll be hanging on to my original MacBook Pro until it ceases to work.

Until now, shoppers could get either a glossy or matte display with the 15" MacBook Pro, but not the 13" model. TechRestore has stepped in to do the "repair." For $200, they'll remove your 13" MacBook or MacBook Pro's glossy display and slap a matte screen in its place. The work comes with a 1-year warranty and TechRestore says they'll have your precious back to you within 24 hours of receipt. Note that this requires a trade-in of your existing screen; you won't get it back.

If you have this service done, please let us know how it goes. Enjoy your glare-free computing!

For comparison, RadTech sells an anti-glare film that can be applied over a glossy display. They're available for the 13in MacBook/Pro (unibody), the 15in MacBook Pro (unibody), the 17in MacBook Pro (unibody) and various iMacs. You can get the full list here. The films start at $19.95US each.

[Via Cult Of Mac]

TUAWSwap a Macbook's glossy display for matte originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>glossy screenGlossyScreenhardwaremacbookmatte screenMatteScreenportablesrepairsMon, 12 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bug tracker: Snow Leopard guest accounts eating files?]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/12/bug-tracker-snow-leopard-guest-account-deleting-files/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/12/bug-tracker-snow-leopard-guest-account-deleting-files/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/12/bug-tracker-snow-leopard-guest-account-deleting-files/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Update: Cnet reports that Apple is acknowledging the problem, while calling it "extremely rare."

There's a few threads on Apple's Discussion Boards describing a problem that's affecting some Snow Leopard users. An issue with the Guest account feature in SL appears to be chomping down on user data with extreme prejudice. Cnet/MacFixIt first took notice of the issue back in early September, but a 2nd report & a link from 9to5Mac have raised the threat level quite a bit.

According to affected users, the guest account's logout wipe -- a standard feature intended to prevent guests from leaving files on the machine -- is inadvertently clobbering the home directories of the non-guest accounts, with catastrophic results. One user writes, "I hadn't used my Guest Account since upgrading to snow leopard, and I accidentally clicked it instead of my user account this morning, to find that when I logged into my normal account ALL my files, settings, mail etc had been reset."

Worse of all is that he's not the only one.

MacFixIt reports that it isn't an epidemic, but readers have described the same issue in the comments to their post. For now, we offer this simple advice. First, make sure your backups are current. Secondly, turn off the Guest account feature if you're not using it (simple instructions here); some suspect that the issue is triggered by having it turned on prior to the SL upgrade. If and when the culprit is identified and squashed, we'll let you know.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in.

[Via Engadget]

TUAWBug tracker: Snow Leopard guest accounts eating files? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guest accountGuestAccountossnow leopardSnowLeopardtroubleshootingMon, 12 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[US Army video surveillance powered by Apple]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/12/us-army-video-surveillance-powered-by-apple/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/12/us-army-video-surveillance-powered-by-apple/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/12/us-army-video-surveillance-powered-by-apple/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Security System News is reporting today on the US Army's decision to use Mac OS X and Apple servers to run four video surveillance systems. When reliability and security are paramount, says Chris Gettings, Mac OS X is the choice. Chris is the CEO and president of video management software manufacturer VideoNEXT.

"You're not going to have some of the memory-leak issues that seem to plague different versions of the Windows systems," he says. "And mission-critical customers appreciate that."

Additionally, Mr. Pat Mercer, who has actually installed Mac-based systems for "...[a] large government entity" notes that low bandwidth, security and reliability are what those IT departments demand. "That's where the Mac conversation begins," he notes.

This isn't the first time we've seen the US Military using Apple products. In May we saw a story of soldiers using the iPod touch as an in-the-field translator. In December of '07, we published a post about more wide spread military adoption of Apple hardware and software. Of course, we can't forget the life-saving iPod.

[Via AppleInsider]

TUAWUS Army video surveillance powered by Apple originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple serverAppleServeripodmac os xMacOsXus armyus militaryUsArmyUsMilitaryvideoMon, 12 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[At Bat ramps it up for the playoffs]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/08/at-bat-ramps-it-up-for-the-playoffs/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/08/at-bat-ramps-it-up-for-the-playoffs/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/08/at-bat-ramps-it-up-for-the-playoffs/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Major League Baseball's At Bat for the iPhone and iPod Touch is one of my all-time favorites. I've sung its praises before, so I'll spare you the details. Just know that At Bat brings real-time stats, streaming audio and video of pro baseball games to your iPhone and iPod touch. Last month they added in-app purchases that let you grab a live game for $0.99US.

Now that the post season has begun, they've improved the app again. You can watch live post season games through the World Series with 7 camera angles to choose from. Or you can watch a split screen of four camera angles simultaneously. Admittedly, those four screens are tiny on an iPhone's screen but it's still fun. Switching from one angle to another is quick and simple.

At Bat costs $9.99 per season and is completely worth it. I use it every day to watch games, get stats, read stories, check standings and more. There's a free "lite" version as well [iTunes link], which provides real-time scores and schedules.

TUAWAt Bat ramps it up for the playoffs originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app reviewapp storeAppReviewAppStoreat batAtBatiphoneipod touchIpodTouchmlbThu, 08 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Canabalt makes running for your life fun]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/08/canabalt-makes-running-for-your-life-fun/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/08/canabalt-makes-running-for-your-life-fun/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/08/canabalt-makes-running-for-your-life-fun/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Pitfall + War of the Worlds = Canabalt. [iTunes Link]

The result of a 5-day coding session with the Flixel framwork, the free, web-based Canabalt quickly acquired fans and was soon ported to the iPhone. It's a fast-paced, great-looking game without complicated combinations or controls, and I can't stop playing.

Gameplay

The premise is this: Our hero's city is being destroyed by enormous, laser-wielding robots, leaving him with only one option.

Run.

Tap the screen and he starts off down the hallway of an office building and leaps through a window and onto the roof of the next building (and the next, and the next). You'll encounter obstacles along the way like boxes and bombs. Just tap the screen to jump over them. A quick tap executes a quick jump; press hand hold for a long leap. The longer you run, the faster he goes.

Some buildings are taller than others. Some collapse as you run across. Others are steel cranes. You must make split-second decisions about when to jump to make it onto the next building successfully. Don't bother making a mental map, as the order of buildings is random. Each time you play, it's different.

Look and feel

It's greyscale and blocky, but Canabalt looks great. Flocks of startled birds take flight as you run past them. Crumbling buildings shake and send chunks of concrete into the air. Huge spaceships rumble past and marauding robots can be seen wreaking havoc in the background.

The music sounds like a KMFDM album and is perfectly suited to the game's frantic pace.

Other goodies

You can compare your previous top score (measured in distance run before death) and brag on Twitter with the tap of a button.

Canabalt is just the type of game you want to have in your pocket. Uncomplicated, quick, playable with one hand and fun. It's perfect of a physician's waiting room, long train rides and so on. It's a great fit for the iPhone.

TUAWCanabalt makes running for your life fun originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app reviewAppReviewcanabaltgamesiphoneThu, 08 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Online Brazilian Apple Store now live]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/06/online-brazilian-apple-store-now-live/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/06/online-brazilian-apple-store-now-live/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/06/online-brazilian-apple-store-now-live/#commentsFiled under: ,



After months of rumors, Apple's official online store for Brazil has officially opened at apple.com/br. It joins the 34 other countries with localized online stores. The Brazilian store is a mirror of many others and joins Apple's effort to establish a presence south of the United States. Presently, there are localized online stores in Brazil, Costa Rica, Chile, Colombia and Ecuador among others.

Right now, there are no brick-and-mortar Apple Stores in Brazil, but they do run eight "Stores within a store" complexes in association with Fnac (similar to the arrangement with Best Buy here in the USA). Brazilian customers have anticipated the real thing for a long time.

Here's hoping you get physical stores soon. Until then, enjoy your online shopping, Brazil!

[Via AppleInsider]

TUAWOnline Brazilian Apple Store now live originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple storeAppleStorebrazilretailsouth americaSouthAmericaTue, 06 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bell, Telus end Canadian iPhone exclusivity]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/06/bell-telus-end-canadian-iphone-exclusivity/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/06/bell-telus-end-canadian-iphone-exclusivity/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/06/bell-telus-end-canadian-iphone-exclusivity/#commentsFiled under: ,

The iPhone was slow to launch in Canada and after a rocky start, Rogers has been the exclusive carrier. That changed this week when Bell and Telus both announced independent deals with Apple. Starting in November, each will carry the 3G an 3GS. Just in time for holiday shopping!

Keen customers know that both Bell and Telus are CDMA-only right now. However, they've both pledged to deploy compatible HSPA networks that will serve as an inroad to 4G.

Neither company has released details like pricing, plans, etc., but Telus has set up a web page for interested customers.

TUAWBell, Telus end Canadian iPhone exclusivity originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bellcanadaiphoneiphone 3giphone 3gsIphone3gIphone3gsrogerstelusTue, 06 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple quits the U.S. Chamber of Commerce over opposition to EPA]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/06/apple-quits-the-u-s-chamber-of-commerce-over-opposition-to-epa/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/06/apple-quits-the-u-s-chamber-of-commerce-over-opposition-to-epa/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/06/apple-quits-the-u-s-chamber-of-commerce-over-opposition-to-epa/#commentsFiled under: ,

Just 3 years ago, Apple was targeted by Greenpeace as being less environmentally friendly than they could be. Greenpeace even created a mock Apple website in an effort to goad them into action.

Several months later, Apple earned a silver in environmental evaluation (that rating has since turned to gold) from an EPEAT survey (EPEAT is a government operation created to approve computers before they can be purchased by other governmental institutions). Today, they tout "the world's greenest line of notebooks."

This week came the news that Apple has quit the US Chamber of Commerce over what they called the organization's "frustrating" position on global climate change. Specifically, the chamber has opposed a proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency to use the Clean Air Act to set limits on greenhouse gases; a proposal that would most likely take effect only if Congress failed to pass climate legislation.

Apple isn't the only prominent member to leave the chamber for this reason, just the one we happen to write about.

[Via Think Progress]

TUAWApple quits the U.S. Chamber of Commerce over opposition to EPA originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applechamber of commerceChamberOfCommerceenvironmentgreenTue, 06 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ramp Champ adds to ramps, challenges]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/05/ramp-champ-adds-to-ramps-challenges/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/05/ramp-champ-adds-to-ramps-challenges/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/05/ramp-champ-adds-to-ramps-challenges/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Red paper tickets are the currency of childhood.

On the shore of Oneida Lake, New York is Sylvan Beach, a small-town resort and amusement complex not unlike thousands of others that dot the country. To a parent, it's a fun day out. Just put the kids in the car and after a short drive set them loose on the beach, rides and sugary snacks.

To a kid, It's Xanadu.

My sisters and I were lucky enough to spend two weeks every summer in Oneida, and Sylvan Beach was the pinnacle of fun. Our grandparents fought toddler-induced exhaustion and a tight budget to host us for fourteen days, and by the time we hit Sylvan, they must have been dragging. Still, they never flinched as we requested money for rides. And sno-cones. And most importantly, for Skee Ball, so we could get tickets.

Oh, the tickets.

Nothing was more satisfying than the tick-tick-tick-clack! of the Skee Ball machine dispensing those heavy, cardboard tickets. The more you got the better you did, and we'd measure them against the length of our arms, our legs and each other. Of course, the best part was handing them to the shady carnie sitting behind a glass display case of cheap crap in trade. It was like shopping without money in a world of brightly-colored plastic. Nothing could be better.

Thirty years later I haven't hefted a wooden ball in a long time, but Ramp Champ for the iPhone and iPod touch offers a killer virtual version. If your unfamiliar, it's a carnival Skee-Ball type game that's wonderfully fun. In fact, the guys at The Iconfactory went all out, treating every detail with TLC: It's visually stunning, the sounds are immersive and dead-on (wear headphones) and game play is challenging, just like real Skee Ball. For more details, check out our first look and full review.

Gallery: Ramp Champ's new ramps

Grave DiggersTrick or TreatPlunderin' PiratesStar Stuck

Continue reading Ramp Champ adds to ramps, challenges

TUAWRamp Champ adds to ramps, challenges originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app reviewAppReviewgamingiconfactoryiphoneipod touchIpodTouchramp champRampChampMon, 05 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Our iPhone home screens]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/05/our-iphone-home-screens/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/05/our-iphone-home-screens/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/05/our-iphone-home-screens/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We were recently inspired by the First&20 project, which presents the home screens of some notable iPhone users. So, we've taken screenshots of our own iPhone home screens for a little comparison.

Once you've purchased an app, you audition it on your phone. Its usefulness determines its spot on the phone. For most of us, only the top apps - those we use most often or love the most - make it to the home screen. While browsing the results, we noticed some trends.

  1. Of the 11 bloggers who participated, seven had a Twitter app on their homescreen. Twitterrific was the most popular (Aron, Chris, Mike Schramm and me), followed by TweetDeck (Kevin and Brett) and finally Twitterfon (Erica).
  2. Only three of us had an IM app, including Beejive (Aron and Victor) and Yammer (Kevin).
  3. Six of us edited the default dock, most notably Kevin whose tricked-out iPhone is the envy of us all.
  4. All but one (Kevin) had the Maps app on the homepage
  5. Five of us have some sort of productivity app. The most popular is Daylite Touch (Steve and me). Mindmeister, Doris and Toodledo (Brett, Kevin and Victor, respectively) are tied with one each.
  6. Brett, Chris, Erica, Kevin and I all had less than five bars of connectivity.
  7. Mike Schramm has the most unread email messages. He's the popular one.
Click the gallery below to check out who's got what. The final observation is that the homepage is in a constant state of flux. I occasionally shuffle a new app to the top of the heap. Additionally, games are grouped together, so it's quite unlikely I'd ever have one up front.

What's on your home screen?

Gallery: TUAW Bloggers' iPhone home screens

Aron TrimbleBrettChrisDave CaoloDave Winograd

TUAWOur iPhone home screens originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app storeappsAppStorehome screenHomeScreeniphoneMon, 05 Oct 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Member of Psystar's legal team quits]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/03/member-of-psystars-legal-team-quits/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/03/member-of-psystars-legal-team-quits/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/03/member-of-psystars-legal-team-quits/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Earlier this week, David Welker (co-founder of lawfirm Welker and Rosario) left Psystar's legal team. He will be succeeded by Eugene Action, who is already listed as the council of record.

If you're unfamiliar with this story (and who could blame you, it's so ridiculous), here's a primer. Psystar sells Mac clones with Leopard installed. Apple played the conspiracy theory card and then declared copyright infringement and sued. Psystar responded with a counter suit, filed Chapter 11, recovered, sued over Snow Leopard ... you know what? Just check the history here. It's an epic exercise in red tape manufacturing.

At this point, Psystar is like that cricket you hear but can't find. Ultimately harmless, hard to ignore and supremely annoying.

TUAWMember of Psystar's legal team quits originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple legalAppleLegalclonespsystarSat, 03 Oct 2009 09:45:00 EST