The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.tuaw.comThe Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/feedlogo.gifThe Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.tuaw.comen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Finder icon birthday cake will make your dayhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/22/finder-icon-birthday-cake-will-make-your-day/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/22/finder-icon-birthday-cake-will-make-your-day/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/22/finder-icon-birthday-cake-will-make-your-day/#commentsFiled under: Humor, Cult of Mac, Odds and ends, Found Footage

If there's one thing I like better than pie, it's cake. And if there's a best kind of cake, it's definitely one that's shaped in the form of something geeky. Which means the video above, which shows what seems to be a tasty confection in the form of Apple's Finder icon, hits the spot perfectly. David B.'s wife made it for him for his birthday earlier this week, he says over on his Twitter account. He doesn't say what kind of cake it is, but given that it's Finder, I'm going to guess chocolate. An iTunes icon cake would give off a more "vanilla" vibe to me.

We've also, you'll remember, seen this Finder icon parading around on pillows as well. Which isn't too surprising -- who could pass up a face like that? Not only is he a handsome dude with a mischievous smile, but he's got access to all your files and passwords. That's the kind of guy you'd better get along with.

Thanks to Chris Pirillo for the tip!

Finder icon birthday cake will make your day originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Finder icon birthday cake will make your day originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>birthday-cakechocolatefindericonituneslogomacparadingvanillaMike SchrammSun, 22 Nov 2009 20:00:00 ESTTUAW Interview: Fake Steve Jobshttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/17/tuaw-interview-fake-steve-jobs/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/17/tuaw-interview-fake-steve-jobs/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/17/tuaw-interview-fake-steve-jobs/#commentsFiled under: Humor, Cult of Mac, TUAW Interview

We got a chance to sit down (virtually) with the unofficial version of everyone's favorite iCEO, via his alter ego & consigliere Dan Lyons. Fake Steve's perspective is always unique and sometimes astonishing; read on.

TUAW: Fake Steve, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with me. Before we begin this, I'd like to start off by saying that, on behalf of everyone, it is wonderful to see you in good health and back at the helm of Apple. Phil Schiller did a fine job in your absence, but the man has no stage presence. And Tim Cook's droning voice could put even sugar-fed hyperactive children to sleep -- what a snoozer.

First question: Let's talk about Microsoft. The company recently released its newest operating system, Windows 7, and with it an experimental chain of branded retail stores that largely copy Apple's own concept, right down to the inclusion of in-store support centers, called Guru bars. Your thoughts?

FSJ: Microsoft still hasn't realized that its copycat business model (also known as a "close follower" strategy) doesn't work anymore. For 20 or 25 years this company just waited for others to innovate, then copied the innovation and sold it for less - and this worked great for them. But this stopped working right around 2000 or so. The rest of the world just moves too fast now. Look, they're still trying to catch Google in search, and they've got what -- one percent market share? Same thing for Zune, right?

Well, keep fighting the good fight on that one, you morons. As for the stores, well, they look nice enough, since they copied ours. But in terms of how well they'll do? Come on. Their stores are a joke and they've arrived too late. The whole point of being a close follower is you have to follow closely. We opened our first store in 2001 and we've got something like four thousand of them in the United States alone. I know you're going to tell me I'm a bit off on that number, and, well, maybe so. But I still say we've got four thousand stores and if I say it enough times, people will believe me. Anyway, the other thing Microsoft seems not to understand is that it's not enough just to open a store -- you need to have something cool to put in that store. That might be a problem for them.

TUAW: Their mobile strategy has fallen flat on its face. Windows Mobile, now renamed Windows Phone, is clearly way behind OSX iPhone. Windows Mobile 6.5 is a stopgap measure at best. Windows Mobile 7 is another year away from shipping on devices. And with the recent Danger debacle, the future looks bleak for Microsoft. Do they stand a snowball's chance in hell of ever competing with you? Do you even care?

FSJ: Wait a minute. Microsoft makes mobile phone software? I didn't know that. Are you serious?

TUAW: Speaking of companies that are universally despised. Your contract with AT&T, as the exclusive carrier for the iPhone, is due to expire soon. Tell me you don't plan to continue shackling iPhone to this single carrier?

FSJ: If it is the last thing I do, I will get us off AT&T. By Grabthar's hammer, by the sons of Worvan, this shall be done. Look for news on this early next year.

TUAW: Moving on to Google. With the introduction of Android 2.0 and increasing product introductions like the recent Verizon Droid, Google is slowly gaining traction in the market. How badly do you want to drive hat pins into Eric Schmidt's testicles?

FSJ: Well, very badly, except that Eric Schmidt does not have testicles. Lot of people don't know that. But if he did have them, yes, I would want to harm them. A lot. The guy sat here in our board meetings and listened to all of our product plans and then just stole all of our ideas. I mean he sat here -- right here -- talking to me, asking me questions. I'm sorry. This just gets me really upset. Sniff. Can we move on?

Continue reading TUAW Interview: Fake Steve Jobs

TUAW Interview: Fake Steve Jobs originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

TUAW Interview: Fake Steve Jobs originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>fake steve jobsFakeSteveJobsfsjinterviewKent PribbernowTue, 17 Nov 2009 07:00:00 ESTStink Different with an Apple toilethttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/14/stink-different-with-an-apple-toilet/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/14/stink-different-with-an-apple-toilet/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/14/stink-different-with-an-apple-toilet/#commentsFiled under: Humor, Cult of Mac, Odds and ends

We've long heard jokes of the iCar, the iToilet, and other iCrap, but until now we'd never seen a real, working example of one of these things. Well, here's your iToilet, gang. It doesn't connect to the internet in less than three steps, but it does connect to a series of tubes.

Tipster Mike Jones actually had this made for himself, but through Rival Toilets, makers of custom, printed potties. Yep, the owner of Rival, Fred, has figured out a way to get decals under a coat of specially-formulated finish (a trade secret), resulting in some glorious toilets you see in the gallery. They last, they are custom and they are really quite something to see.

Rival's specialty? Sports team toilets with rival team logos in a "special" place on the bowl. I'm told the Apple version seen here has a similar "rival" logo in the bottom of the bowl. I'll leave the specifics to the reader's imagination. I don't think it's IBM, however.

Gallery: Custom toilets by Rival

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Stink Different with an Apple toilet originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Stink Different with an Apple toilet originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>apple toiletAppleToiletcult of macCultOfMaccustomfanboyitoiletrivalthink differentThinkDifferentVictor Agreda, Jr.Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:00:00 ESTOff the screen and onto your desk: Mac OS X Calculator app done in atoms, not bitshttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/12/calculator-concepts-create-consuming-cravings/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/12/calculator-concepts-create-consuming-cravings/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/12/calculator-concepts-create-consuming-cravings/#commentsFiled under: Accessories, Cult of Mac

The creative minds at Mintpass have taken applications we're all pretty familiar with and brought us ideas that make the TUAW bloggers drool. Recently, they created Mint Calculator #4; a concept that pulls the calculators from both the Mac OS and Windows out of the screen and places them on your desk -- as real, physical desk accessories.

The picture to the right is a mockup of the Mac OS calculator application, made into a real life calculator with mashable buttons and the typical aluminum style of Apple products.

The creator says that the Apple product would cost more to manufacture than its Windows counterpart because of the aluminum it would need. I'm tempted to reference the "Apple tax" (which I truly believe doesn't exist, so I'll just leave it alone). The Mac OS calculator definitely looks nicer than the Windows version -- which looks more like a toy than a usable product -- but from a design standpoint that shouldn't come as a surprise. In fairness, the Windows calculator is based on the XP version and not the snazzier Windows 7 accessory.

Off the screen and onto your desk: Mac OS X Calculator app done in atoms, not bits originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Off the screen and onto your desk: Mac OS X Calculator app done in atoms, not bits originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>calculatorconceptmintpassJosh CarrThu, 12 Nov 2009 15:30:00 ESTAn interview with the man behind the name "iMac"http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/05/an-interview-with-the-man-behind-imac/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/05/an-interview-with-the-man-behind-imac/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/05/an-interview-with-the-man-behind-imac/#commentsFiled under: Hardware, Cult of Mac, iMac, Steve Jobs, Apple History

This is a cool interview over at Cult of Mac -- you've heard of Steve Jobs of course, you know who Jonathan Ive is, you might have heard of Rob Janoff, but do you know Ken Segall's name? He's a former creative director from TBWA\Chiat\Day, and he has two claims to Apple fame: he worked on the "Think Different" campaign, and he's responsible for coming up with the one letter that may have defined the modern-day Apple as we know it. That's right, he named the iMac.

The writeup is fascinating, even if you get the sense that we're looking through the lens of history, and things may not happened quite as stylishly as they seem. Jobs apparently showed the Bondi Blue iMac to the ad team, and while he originally "hated" the name, he obviously came around -- though Segall apparently never got the satisfaction of official approval.

He closes with an interesting sentiment about the company, too: at Apple, it's always about moving forward to the next big thing, and everything is product-centered, not number-driven. Segall says he was around for a few Jobs "flare-ups," but if there was a fit thrown, it was always in trying to keep the company moving forward as quickly as possible.

Interesting stuff. It's quite a legacy, too -- the iMac was originally called so because it was a Mac that connected to the Internet, but obviously since then, the i has become symbolic of many other things, all the way up to iLife, the iPod, and the iPhone. You tend to forget, after all of the millions of dollars and the culture and promotion, that it all came from the head of a guy in a conference room looking at a computer Jobs just pulled the cloth off of.

An interview with the man behind the name "iMac" originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

An interview with the man behind the name "iMac" originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bondi-bluecult-of-macimacinterviewmotionnamesnamingsteve-jobstbwachiatdaythink-differentMike SchrammThu, 05 Nov 2009 11:00:00 ESTiPhone user survey gives excuses to dump gadget-undesirable romantic partnershttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/04/iphone-user-survey-gives-excuses/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/04/iphone-user-survey-gives-excuses/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/04/iphone-user-survey-gives-excuses/#commentsFiled under: Cult of Mac, iPhone

My beloved fiancé,

It is with great sadness that I write you at home to your Gmail account to inform you that I am intending to sell your ring on Ebay and we will part ways. You see, ours was a mixed relationship to begin with. You have your Windows 7, your Linux, your original Android phone from T-Mobile in the UK. I have my iPhone, my iMac and everything good that's Apple (and even a few pieces that aren't).

That's why I know it'll never work out between us. According to a recent study from Retrevo, iPhone owners believe that a "cool gadget" makes a person far more attractive than the measly doctorate you've spent years studying for. Every time we are together, I can't help but shudder over the fact that your Android phone is not of the latest generation.

So forget the four years of history between us, the months of separation due to our being in two different countries, and the fact that you are a wonderful, kind, sweet, and intelligent man with a bright future ahead of you. I have someone else I think the world of, and it is my iPhone. Now if you'll excuse me, I must go watch adult material and post up an ad at Match.com for someone with a 3GS.

Much love,
Your dear departed Megan

P.S. This letter is satire, I'm not dumping my fiance over his gadget preferences. Love you, honey!

iPhone user survey gives excuses to dump gadget-undesirable romantic partners originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

iPhone user survey gives excuses to dump gadget-undesirable romantic partners originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>iphoneRetervosatirestereotypestudyMegan LaveyWed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:00 ESTGiant iPhone wedding cake threatens to devour us allhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/28/giant-iphone-wedding-cake-threatens-to-devour-us-all/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/28/giant-iphone-wedding-cake-threatens-to-devour-us-all/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/28/giant-iphone-wedding-cake-threatens-to-devour-us-all/#commentsFiled under: Cult of Mac, Odds and ends, iPhone

Or maybe it was devoured first? Jerry Brito emailed a link to his wedding cake photos, made by the good folks at Charm City Cakes. It's an astoundingly accurate rendering of an iPhone save one thing our own Dave Caolo spotted: four bars on AT&T? Wishful thinking, although in the context of a wedding cake, maybe it's a good signal.

This is neither the first nor the last cake done as Apple gear, although it is certainly one of the best. But Charm City does nothing halfway, which you know if you've ever seen the show 'Ace of Cakes' on Food Network.

Congratulations to Jerry and his wife!

Giant iPhone wedding cake threatens to devour us all originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Giant iPhone wedding cake threatens to devour us all originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>cakecharm city cakesCharmCityCakesiphonewedding cakeWeddingCakeVictor Agreda, Jr.Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:30:00 ESTFound Footage: iPhone costumes are either genius or deeply misguidedhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/25/found-footage-iphone-costumes-are-either-genius-or-deeply-misgu/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/25/found-footage-iphone-costumes-are-either-genius-or-deeply-misgu/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/25/found-footage-iphone-costumes-are-either-genius-or-deeply-misgu/#commentsFiled under: Humor, Cult of Mac, iPhone, Holidays

You have to hand it to Reko and ~~Bobby~~ John for their stick-to-it-iveness; they were behind a similar set of iPhone costumes in 2007, but those didn't have the fully-functional power of these new outfits. Yes, those are LCD TVs on the front (not touchable, sadly) showing content from the (almost certainly) jailbroken iPhones mounted on top; yes, each getup weighs 85 pounds because it includes a car battery to power the display. I can see how the illusion would be broken by a 500-foot charging cable trailing behind them as they trick-or-treat their way around the subdivision.

There's a part of me that wants to tell these guys to apply their wild, inventive energy to more productive pursuits. And yet... there's another bit of reptile brain that simply sits and watches, in awe.

Thanks to John for the tip!

[via MacRumors Forums]

Found Footage: iPhone costumes are either genius or deeply misguided originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Found Footage: iPhone costumes are either genius or deeply misguided originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>costumefound footageFoundFootagehalloweeninsaneiphoneMichael RoseSun, 25 Oct 2009 12:30:00 ESTSteve Ballmer's Windows 7 pitch features MacBook Pro in the backgroundhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/23/steve-ballmers-windows-7-pitch-features-macbook-pro-in-the-back/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/23/steve-ballmers-windows-7-pitch-features-macbook-pro-in-the-back/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/23/steve-ballmers-windows-7-pitch-features-macbook-pro-in-the-back/#commentsFiled under: Humor, Cult of Mac, Odds and ends

Talk about embarrassing. Steve Ballmer guest hosted on NBC's Today Show yesterday to talk about the Windows 7 launch. Sadly for Steverino, Matt Lauer talked a lot about Apple and the iPhone. Even worse, sharp eyes noticed an NBC-produced graphic in the background with a Windows 7 logo appearing on the screen of what clearly is a Mac laptop.

You can watch the video here. That's probably not the kind of quality control Microsoft would have liked.

Thanks to Bill for sending this in (no, not Bill Gates)

[via TechCrunch]

Steve Ballmer's Windows 7 pitch features MacBook Pro in the background originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Steve Ballmer's Windows 7 pitch features MacBook Pro in the background originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Macbook ProSteve BallmerSteveBallmerWindows 7Mel MartinFri, 23 Oct 2009 15:00:00 ESTThrowboy releases Halloween Finder pillowshttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/01/throwboy-releases-halloween-finder-pillows/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/01/throwboy-releases-halloween-finder-pillows/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/01/throwboy-releases-halloween-finder-pillows/#commentsFiled under: Humor, Software, Cult of Mac, Odds and ends

We've mentioned Throwboy here on the site before -- they make handmade pillows, usually in the shape of Mac-related icons. And they just recently sent word about a brand new line of pillows: just in time for Halloween, they've branded the Finder and related icons with a little October 31st flavor. Sure, they're silly and pretty useless (really -- who buys a pillow for a one day-a-year holiday?), but just look at them! The FrankenFinder especially is pretty darn charming.

As usual, they're $29 each, or $100 for the whole set of four, which includes the Finderstein, Count Macula, Mac-o-lantern, and the great-looking Spooker. Shipping takes around 3-6 weeks, though if you order ASAP, they can probably make sure and get it to you before Halloween this year (and they're only available until 10/31 anyway, so pick yours up soon). Each pillow is 9" by 11" and made of comfy fleece, plus seriously, they're scarily cute.

Gallery: Throwboy Halloween Finder pillows

Throwboy releases Halloween Finder pillows originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Throwboy releases Halloween Finder pillows originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>10-31count-maculacutefallfinderfindersteinhalloweenmac-o-lanternoctoberpillowsthrowboyMike SchrammThu, 01 Oct 2009 00:30:00 ESTTake a stroll down memory lanehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/18/take-a-stroll-down-memory-lane/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/18/take-a-stroll-down-memory-lane/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/18/take-a-stroll-down-memory-lane/#commentsFiled under: Apple Corporate, Cult of Mac, Apple

Most Mac users know the ads that Apple produces are really good and very effective at getting a message across. It's pretty much been that way from the start. Don't believe me? Web Designer Depot has collected ads that go way back to the Apple II, and it's a fun trip. I remember most of these ads, as I first started with Apple after I dumped a TRS-80 for an Apple II way back around 1977 or so.

Some of the ads look a bit dated of course, but Apple always had great copy and a decidedly non-institutional bent to their message. That, of course, continues today.

Those who remember these products will get a kick out of seeing the ads again. Those who don't are sure to find them an interesting window into the corporate mind of Apple.

If, by the way, you haven't had your fill of Apple advertising history, saunter on over to the Mothership gallery and look at even more Apple stuff.

Take a stroll down memory lane originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Take a stroll down memory lane originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>apple adsApple advertisingApple IIAppleAdsMel MartinFri, 18 Sep 2009 16:00:00 ESTA walk through iTunes historyhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/17/a-walk-through-itunes-history/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/17/a-walk-through-itunes-history/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/17/a-walk-through-itunes-history/#commentsFiled under: Software, Cult of Mac, Odds and ends, iTunes, Apple History

Recognize the software above? The brushed steel, the rounded buttons, the liquid digital-style display. If you said SoundJam, you're right. But if you said iTunes, you're right, too -- SoundJam is the app that Apple originally bought to turn into the multimedia/handheld software juggernaut we know today. This is the first (public) iteration of the software, as told in this interesting history of iTunes over at Mac|Life.

The program actually started as a Winamp-style (oh man, remember Winamp? Justin Frankel's now doing stuff with Reaper, which is the app artists will use to release their songs in Rock Band. But I digress...) media management application, and it's really interesting to see how it turned into a real keystone of Apple's media plans over the years, from the "Rip. Mix. Burn." idea to the home base for the iPhone, up into the current iTMS (complete with music, movies, TV shows and even audiobooks) and of course the game-changing App Store.

If you'd told the SoundJam guys that their software would one day revolutionize the music and smartphone industries, not to mention be at the center of a multimillion dollar software delivery system, they'd probably have told you to keep dreaming.

And we're only at version 9. Who knows what we'll see in the next ten years of iTunes?

A walk through iTunes history originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

A walk through iTunes history originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>10-yearsapp-storehistoryipod itunesitmsitunespodcastsscreenshotssoundjamwinampyearsMike SchrammThu, 17 Sep 2009 09:00:00 ESTFound Footage: Use your iPhone in your Halloween costumehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/08/found-footage-use-your-iphone-in-your-halloween-costume/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/08/found-footage-use-your-iphone-in-your-halloween-costume/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/08/found-footage-use-your-iphone-in-your-halloween-costume/#commentsFiled under: Cult of Mac, Odds and ends, iPhone

Are you still struggling to find that perfect Halloween costume this year? Here at TUAW headquarters we've seen people dress as iPhones, more iPhones, even more iPhones, iPods, and of course more iPods. If you're looking to use Apple gear for your costume in a way that's a little more unique, check out this robot head made using MouthOff, aluminum foil, tons of tape, and of course an iPhone. While the execution leaves a little to be desired, the idea is a solid one that can be adapted to many types of costumes. If only the iPhone app supplied a hole to eat and drink through, this costume idea would be flawless.

[via Engadget]

Found Footage: Use your iPhone in your Halloween costume originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Found Footage: Use your iPhone in your Halloween costume originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>costumehalloweeniPhoneiPod touchIpodTouchmouthoffrobotTim WassonTue, 08 Sep 2009 13:00:00 ESTThe beautifully detailed art of Mac OS X app iconshttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/05/the-beautifully-detailed-art-of-mac-os-x-app-icons/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/05/the-beautifully-detailed-art-of-mac-os-x-app-icons/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/05/the-beautifully-detailed-art-of-mac-os-x-app-icons/#commentsFiled under: OS, Software, Cult of Mac, Odds and ends, Graphic Design, Snow Leopard

Over at his blog Cult of Mac, writer Leander Kahney published a post this morning featuring full-size 512 x 512 pixel screenshots of Mac icons. As he notes, the highly detailed icons are part of a move to make the OS resolution independent, but they're also an indication of Apple's attention to detail.

Many of the icons are works of art when viewed at their full size. The TextEdit icon, for example, is actually a note from "John Appleseed" to "Kate" featuring the text of the "Here's to the crazy ones" ads of the late 1990s. The Jar Launcher app, featuring a cup of hot Java sitting on a paper napkin, reveals miniscule bubbles on the side of the coffee, as well as real Java code written on the napkin.

All of these icons are indications of the fanatical attention to detail of Apple designers. After looking at Kahney's gallery of art, I gathered my own collection of icon goodness from both Apple and third-party apps. Click the gallery icon below to see what I found. If you have found any 512 x 512 icons that are incredibly good, send 'em to us at http://tuaw.tumblr.com/submit.

Gallery: The Art of Mac App Icons

Front Row

GarageBand

Photo Booth

Transmit

Picturesque

Continue reading The beautifully detailed art of Mac OS X app icons

The beautifully detailed art of Mac OS X app icons originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The beautifully detailed art of Mac OS X app icons originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>artcult of macCultOfMaciconsleander kahneyLeanderKahneymac os x 10.6MacOsX10.6snow leopardSnowLeopardSteven SandeSat, 05 Sep 2009 18:00:00 ESTHelp cure diabetes, win great Mac softwarehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/01/help-cure-diabetes-win-great-mac-software/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/01/help-cure-diabetes-win-great-mac-software/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/01/help-cure-diabetes-win-great-mac-software/#commentsFiled under: Software, Cult of Mac, Odds and ends, Deals

Developer Jim Whimpey is riding a bike to cure diabetes, and he's asking for your help (and promising a chance at some great Mac software). For every $10 you donate to his upcoming ride in southern Australia, he'll throw your name in a raffle to win one of two big Mac software bundles, both worth almost $190 each and both including Things, MarsEdit, Tweetie, and Wii Transfer. Any one of those apps is worth the donation, not to mention that your money will go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, one of the biggest organizations around committed to fighting type 1 diabetes.

You get a raffle entry for every $10 you donate, so put in $20 and you'll get two entries, and so on. He's asking for all the donations by September 14th, so you've got about two weeks to get over there and put some money in. Great cause and great way to pick up some sweet new apps for your brand new Snow Leopard install to run.

Help cure diabetes, win great Mac software originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Help cure diabetes, win great Mac software originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>australiabundlebundlescharitycure-diabetesdiabetesentrymacmarseditraffleride-to-cure-diabetessoftwarethingstweetiewii-transferMike SchrammTue, 01 Sep 2009 13:00:00 ESTA bit of [Big] Apple history: visiting Tekservehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/29/a-bit-of-big-apple-history-visiting-tekserve/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/29/a-bit-of-big-apple-history-visiting-tekserve/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/29/a-bit-of-big-apple-history-visiting-tekserve/#commentsFiled under: Retail, Cult of Mac, Retro Mac

It may have lost a bit of luster compared to the chrome, glass and steel of Apple's nearby retail stores (one within easy walking distance, in fact), but there's no denying the draw of New York City's original Apple emporium, the delightfully idiosyncratic Tekserve. Featured on an episode of Sex and the City, the venerable Mac repair and retail shop maintains its own clientele and distinctive look as the possibility of yet a 4th NYC Apple store looms large.

Not to take anything away from the city's other indie Mac shops; we love them dearly, but they often find themselves overshadowed by the Big T. Since my office is roughly equidistant from both the W. 14th Street Apple Store and Tekserve (although, now that I've checked, I realize I'm slightly closer to Mike Volchok's Mike's Tech Shop -- noted for next time!), I decided to go old school today when I picked up my copy of Snow Leopard, and I snapped a few iPhone pics of the store while I was there. Enjoy!

Gallery: Tekserve: Apple's original home in the Big Apple

A bit of [Big] Apple history: visiting Tekserve originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 29 Aug 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

A bit of [Big] Apple history: visiting Tekserve originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 29 Aug 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>gallerynycold schoolOldSchoolretailtekserveMichael RoseSat, 29 Aug 2009 01:00:00 ESTThe sordid past of Mac OS Xhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/27/the-sordid-past-of-mac-os-x/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/27/the-sordid-past-of-mac-os-x/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/27/the-sordid-past-of-mac-os-x/#commentsFiled under: Cult of Mac, Apple

If you're a relative newcomer to the Mac (read: halo switchers inspired by iPod/iPhone) then chances are pretty good that you and OS X (Oh-Ess Ten) don't have a very long history together. In fact, switchers who were enticed by the iPod/iTunes ecosystem would likely not have any experience with the Mac prior to 2003.

That being the case, and given the ramp up to the release of Snow Leopard this Friday, it might be a worthy use of time to check out TwistedMac's overview of OS X. It starts with the Public Beta of OS X that was released in September of 2000 and flies all the way through to the current, latest release of OS X, 10.5 Leopard.

A brief description and screenshots galore provide ample coverage for many of the features and nuances of each release over the years. If you have only been using a Mac in this millennium you will find this overview quite interesting and informative. Even if you've been on the Mac since the OS 9 days, it is still entertaining to see how far OS X has come in the past 9 years.

As a relative Mac newbie, I will open myself up to public flogging and admit to the fact that my earliest experiences with Mac OS were in the 10.3 Panther days. Truth be told, I didn't even switch until after 10.4 Tiger was released. Now, however, I'm going to hide out until tomorrow morning when I can purchase 10.6 Snow Leopard while the rest of you give up the goods as to when you joined the team.

Tip of the hat to Evan H. for sending this in!

The sordid past of Mac OS X originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The sordid past of Mac OS X originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>mac os xMacOsXos xOsXswitcherAron TrimbleThu, 27 Aug 2009 10:00:00 ESTWant a 1st generation iPod? They're still available from the Apple Storehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/20/want-a-1st-generation-ipod-theyre-available-from-the-apple-onl/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/20/want-a-1st-generation-ipod-theyre-available-from-the-apple-onl/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/20/want-a-1st-generation-ipod-theyre-available-from-the-apple-onl/#commentsFiled under: Humor, iPod Family, Cult of Mac, Odds and ends

In 2001, the same year the Game Boy Advance was introduced, Apple brought the iPod to us (and not to universal enthusiasm, either). When I was doing some Google searching last night on Apple model numbers, I found something quite strange.

Who knew that there were first-generation iPods still for sale on store.apple.com! This is the very first iPod model, introduced in 2001. I don't know how they ended up there, or why they're selling them, but they're shipping "within 24 hours" and are available for $129.00. Remember, this is the model with the "scroll wheel," it's not touch sensitive, and you have to physically turn it with your thumb or finger. Note that the image Apple is using on the store is actually for a third-generation iPod, but the product description and model number are for the first-gen. Also, these iPods are refurbished, they're not brand new.

It includes a 5GB iPod (for Mac only, the Windows-compatible versions came later) w/rechargeable lithium battery, original scroll wheel, headphones, an Apple iPod Power Adapter, an Apple FireWire Cable (2 meters), a Manual (iPod Getting Started), CD-ROM Disc w/iTunes (version unknown, but let's take a guess and say "old"), and a One Year Limited Warranty that by rights should have expired eight years ago.

Are you going to take the plunge? Will it look good next to your G3 iMac? If you do or don't, feel free to leave a comment below!

Update: Before this post was written, I did order the 5GB iPod linked on this page, but it looks like they will now send me a 10GB 2nd generation iPod instead for some reason.

We are also getting reports of confusion as people try to order over the phone.

Plus, there's a brand new 1GB iPod shuffle available.

Gallery: Refurb Apple gear at Apple

1GB iPod shuffle

5GB iPod

iPod receipt

Update 2: It must be random nostalgia day in Cupertino, because tipster Will V. sent us a list of more old iPods supposedly for sale. Check them out on the next page.

Update 3: I just got an email from Apple stating that this iPod is no longer available.

Update 4: I just got refunded by Apple for this iPod. Case closed.

Continue reading Want a 1st generation iPod? They're still available from the Apple Store

Want a 1st generation iPod? They're still available from the Apple Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Want a 1st generation iPod? They're still available from the Apple Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>1g2001apple storeAppleStoreipodoldtouch wheelTouchWheelJoachim BeanThu, 20 Aug 2009 11:45:00 ESTLondon Sunday Times profiles Steve Jobs over Apple objectionshttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/17/london-sunday-times-profiles-steve-jobs-over-apple-objections/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/17/london-sunday-times-profiles-steve-jobs-over-apple-objections/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/17/london-sunday-times-profiles-steve-jobs-over-apple-objections/#commentsFiled under: Analysis / Opinion, Apple Corporate, Cult of Mac, Steve Jobs, Apple, Apple History

The London Sunday Times has done an interesting profile of Steve Jobs that is a good read, even though it may infuriate some and please others.

There's nothing really groundbreaking in the piece, but it brings together a lot of material and a bit of pop psychology to try an illuminate the mysterious and mercurial Apple CEO.

Jobs is, in the words of the psychiatrist and scholar of leadership Michael Maccoby, "a productive narcissist". To Jobs, the world is an epiphenomenon, a side effect of the existence of Steve. Or rather, it is a pyramid with Jobs at the top, a few bright people just beneath him, and then the rest of us - the "bozos". The customer bozo is not, to him, always right...

"The very striking thing about productive narcissists, particularly men" [said Maccoby], is that they grow up in families where there is an absent or weak father figure. You can see this in narcissistic presidents like Obama, Clinton, Reagan and Nixon. They struggle with their identity and view of the world. So they tend to come up with a very original view of things and are then driven to find followers.

There is also plenty of positive insight:

I swim through Apple newsfeeds like a whale swims through krill," says Elmer-DeWitt. Yet the company continues to surprise and amaze. I don't want Jobs to die because my computers and iPhone are, indeed, "insanely great" compared with the dismal competition but, more importantly, because he is an extraordinary figure. I don't use the word "genius" about businesspeople, but in Steve Jobs's case I'm prepared to make an exception.

It's worth reading all of the profile. Steve Jobs doesn't like being written about, and Apple did all it could to kill the piece.

See what you think, and come back and share your thoughts.

London Sunday Times profiles Steve Jobs over Apple objections originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

London Sunday Times profiles Steve Jobs over Apple objections originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Jobs personalityJobs successSteve JobsSteveJobsMel MartinMon, 17 Aug 2009 18:00:00 ESTFlorida school may trash 200 Macs to go PC-onlyhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/12/florida-school-may-trash-200-macs-to-go-pc-only/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/12/florida-school-may-trash-200-macs-to-go-pc-only/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/08/12/florida-school-may-trash-200-macs-to-go-pc-only/#commentsFiled under: Desktops, Cult of Mac, Odds and ends

This could be the saddest thing I've seen all week (and I've watched a few Cubs games): a Florida school is declaring itself PC-only, and apparently was planning to toss almost 200 Macs in the trash to get new Windows computers for the kids and teachers. Hearing that kids will have to use Windows is sad enough, but tossing out working Macs, even if they're old G3 models? Not cool at all. The teachers were apparently also told originally that they couldn't buy them or give them away to kids either -- it was the trash bin for these machines.

Cult of Mac also updates with pictures of the Macs, and we warn you, if all of those machines really are headed for the landfill, it's a little scary to look at. Fortunately, the outcry has caused school officials to reconsider (or at least state their position more clearly), and it looks like what they'll be doing is assessing the machines to see if they can be refurbished and then given away or sent off to a recycling center. The other problem apparently lies in the software -- giving away the machines is no problem, but the school has to make sure all the software is cleaned off of the computers, as they don't have licenses to distribute software that way. And as the school administrator says, the computers aren't much good without an OS on them.

But surely we can save these guys. Apple, want to step in here and grant this school some licenses to keep these computers (208 in total, many of which are likely workable, even at "five to ten years old") in the hands of people who can use them? It would be a shame if the school had to toss working computers because their hands were tied by OS X software licenses.

Florida school may trash 200 Macs to go PC-only originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Florida school may trash 200 Macs to go PC-only originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>costscult-of-macibooksimacsmacmac-massacremacbooksosos-xschoolMike SchrammWed, 12 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST