The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) http://www.tuaw.com The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) http://www.tuaw.com/media/feedlogo.gif The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) http://www.tuaw.com en-us Copyright 2008 Blogsmith, LLC. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Call Recorder 2.3 releasedhttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/13/call-recorder-2-3-released/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/13/call-recorder-2-3-released/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/13/call-recorder-2-3-released/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We use Skype for the TUAW Talkcast and recently, our host and podcasting guru (OK, not guru, but he is the host and we like him), Michael Rose, has been looking at possibly using Ecamm's Call Recorder 2 plugin as an option for recording our weekly talkcasts. I actually have used it to record both audio and video chat for the Squadcast and really think that it is a fantastic, fantastic add-on.

For anyone unfamiliar, Call Recorder is a great little tool that adds a recording window to Skype. This makes it easy to record incoming and outgoing calls (audio and video). The files are saved in the QuickTime format and they can be converted to MP3 or split into separate tracks.

With the release of the latest version of Skype for the Mac, Ecamm has updated Call Recorder as well. In addition to the latest Skype compatibility, Call Recorder 2.3 also includes a new two-track video recording option (so that you can have a separate stream from each side of the conversation) and enhanced video recording quality.

Call Recorder 2 is $14.95 (for $7 more, you can also get Conference Recorder, which adds the same functionality to iChat, and unlike the built in iChat recorder, doesn't require both users to have Leopard) and a free demo is available if you want to try out the tool.

If you want a simple, hassle free way to record Skype conversations, give Call Recorder a shot!
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>audiocall recorderCallRecorderrecordingskypetoolsChristina Warren2008-02-13T19:00:00+00:00Feeder 1.5 kicks some RSShttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/08/feeder-1-5-kicks-some-rss/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/08/feeder-1-5-kicks-some-rss/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/02/08/feeder-1-5-kicks-some-rss/#commentsFiled under: ,

Feeder 1.5, a venerable champion in the area of RSS and podcast feed creation, editing and publishing just hit the scene with a host of improvements. In addition to an updated interface for Leopard, it improves on editing, video podcasting, enclosure redirects and more.

I'm pretty excited about the fact that Feeder's Sparkle support has been updated to automatically generate MD5 sums and DSA signatures, as well as handle password-less SFTP. If that's not your thing, you can get your RSS kicks in the improved template editor and support for the Media RSS extension that allows the inclusion of thumbnails in search engines and programs like Miro. And, in keeping with the times, the improved performance in tagging MP4 files will help anyone publishing for iPod, iPhone or Apple TV.

Feeder has a 15 day free trial and costs $29 to register. Version 1.5 is a free upgrade for all 1.x users. Check it out at Reinvented Software.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>FeederPodcastingReinvented SoftwareReinventedSoftwareRSSBrett Terpstra2008-02-08T18:00:00+00:00Calling Mac Devs: Audacity needs your help!http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/02/calling-mac-devs-audacity-needs-your-help/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/02/calling-mac-devs-audacity-needs-your-help/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/01/02/calling-mac-devs-audacity-needs-your-help/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Audacity, the free and open-source audio editor (also available for Windows and Linux) is in need of some Mac-love. Whilst Mac OS X users can get themselves either the stable v1.2.6 release or a 1.3.3 beta version, development going forward is a little uncertain at the moment. According to the Audacity forum, there are no active developers on the project with Macs, and the latest beta (v1.3.4) is not going to appear on the Mac platform until "someone [with a Mac] volunteers to compile it, and sort the remaining bugs out." Yikes!

If you're interested in working on the project, then you'll want to head over to the Audacity 'Get Involved' pages for more information on how to get your hands on the code. Even if you're not a developer, if you're able to contribute via another means (such as with documentation, testing or donations), I'm sure the Audacity team would welcome you with open arms.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>audacityaudacity-for-macaudacity-os-xNik Fletcher2008-01-02T18:30:00+00:00Holiday break, no talkcast this weekhttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/11/25/holiday-break-no-talkcast-this-week/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/11/25/holiday-break-no-talkcast-this-week/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/11/25/holiday-break-no-talkcast-this-week/#commentsFiled under:

Well, as you might have guessed, we're all turkey'ed out here at TUAW headquarters (located in scenic Hendersonville, NC) and as a result there won't be a talkcast this week -- sorry! Join us next Sunday night (12/2) at our normal 10pm ET timeslot.

Meanwhile, we're surveying the team here for favorite Mac and iPod/iPhone podcasts, and we've got a short list going; if you have must-listen or must-watch Mac podcasts, let us know so we can check them out. Also, a quick plug for our own Christina Warren in her costarring role on the Squadcast, the video podcast from Download Squad -- highly entertaining.

Our picks for podcasts + those suggested by your comments:
Post your podcast picks in the comments, por favor.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>podcasttalkcastMichael Rose2007-11-25T11:00:00+00:00Sneak Peek: WireTap Studiohttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/10/04/sneak-peek-wiretap-studio/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/10/04/sneak-peek-wiretap-studio/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/10/04/sneak-peek-wiretap-studio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

After our recent interview, Ambrosia Software's Andrew Welch was kind enough to give us a sneak peek at his company's forthcoming audio recording and editing application WireTap Studio. They've also prepared a series of videos that show off the application's unique features. What's remarkable about WireTap Studio is that it was designed from the ground up to work in lossless mode. This means that WTS creates a high-quality master of all of the recordings it makes. You can then compress and save at any bitrate you like (including live previewing of various compression settings), but the master is always there for you to go back to if you want to export a higher quality version. This also carries over to the editor, which is non-destructive (analogous to the way Aperture works with photos or iMovie '08 with video clips), so all of your edits can be undone and the original audio recovered at some future time.

WireTap Studio should ship next week, but in the meantime these videos are apt to whet your appetite if you're into podcasting or anything else that requires audio recording and editing.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>ambrosia-softwareAudio HijackAudioHijackwire-tap-studioWireTap StudioWiretapStudioMat Lu2007-10-04T09:00:00+00:00MacBreak Weekly has a Picks websitehttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/09/macbreak-weekly-has-a-picks-website/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/09/macbreak-weekly-has-a-picks-website/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/09/macbreak-weekly-has-a-picks-website/#commentsFiled under: , ,

MacBreak Weekly is one of my favorite podcasts. Listening to that crew wax ecstatic about the Mac industry, delve into ratholes where no man has gone before, and sometimes even toss a shout out to TUAW helps me get through those long errand trips around town and actually enjoy cleaning the house. Something I missed until last night, however, is that someone has actually started up a MBW Picks site to help keep track of everyone's software and website picks from each show. Either a fan or a friend, Paul Mayson apparently runs the site and logs and links the picks from each show so you can easily check them out at your leisure. As of this writing, this new site goes back to MBW show number 45, and Mayson seems to be staying on top things after that.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>MacBreak WeeklyMacbreakWeeklyMBWpickssoftwareDavid Chartier2007-08-09T12:30:00+00:00MacRadio opens beta for new designhttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/08/macradio-opens-beta-for-new-design/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/08/macradio-opens-beta-for-new-design/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/08/08/macradio-opens-beta-for-new-design/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

MacRadio, the home base for a few Mac-related podcasts, has announced they're going to facelife the entire site, and instead turn it into a hub for all sorts of Mac podcasts-- a "podcast portal for the Mac world," as they say. I sure thought that was the Podcasts tab in iTunes, but maybe that's just me.

Anyway, to kick off the redesign, they're offering a beta, in which you can give feedback and help them build the site the way you want it. There's a FAQ up on what's happening, if you're interested, and they mention that they're looking for people running all OSes and browsers. Oh, and apparently everyone who tests the beta gets a free t-shirt, as well as a chance to win more prizes. Pretty slick. Help MacRadio become better and win stuff!

[ via IMG ]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>betablogfreestuffmacradiopodcastportalpodcaststshirtMike Schramm2007-08-08T16:00:00+00:00Official Apple Quick Tip of the Week podcasthttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/06/07/official-apple-quick-tip-of-the-week-podcast/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/06/07/official-apple-quick-tip-of-the-week-podcast/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/06/07/official-apple-quick-tip-of-the-week-podcast/#commentsFiled under: ,

We here at TUAW have no qualms about our 'unofficialness.' It is what makes us all so cool (we're cool, right? Right?!). Our very own podcast is full of wit, wisdom, and helpful tips that make using a Mac even more pleasant. There is a new podcast in town, though, and this one is very official indeed.

That's right, Apple, Inc is serving up a video podcast called 'Apple Quick Tip of the Week.' At the moment 3 episodes are up, though the podcast is lacking album art (what up with that?). The podcast is hosted by Joy (to the right) and Anthony and judging by the soft, soft light it is filmed in I can only assume it is shot on location at the Apple Store in Heaven.

Thanks, Chad.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>applepodcastingScott McNulty2007-06-07T16:30:00+00:00The Philadelphia Podchestrahttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/04/16/the-philadelphia-podchestra/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/04/16/the-philadelphia-podchestra/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/04/16/the-philadelphia-podchestra/#commentsFiled under: ,

We don't usually single out podcasts, but every now and again one crosses our virtual desktops that deserves some attention. I'm a proud Philadelphian which is why I urge everyone to subscribe to the Philadelphia Orchestra's new podcast called Podchestra. The podcast previews upcoming performances, includes interviews with musicians and other involved with the orchestra, and best of all it is free.

The Philadelphia Orchestra is really embracing technology. Not too long ago they setup an online music store where you can buy their performances sans DRM. It makes this Philly boy proud.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>philadelphia orchestraPhiladelphiaOrchestraphiladelpiaScott McNulty2007-04-16T08:30:00+00:00Video bloggers receive email from Applehttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/04/12/video-bloggers-receive-email-from-apple/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/04/12/video-bloggers-receive-email-from-apple/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/04/12/video-bloggers-receive-email-from-apple/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

LC Angell at iLounge posted that Apple has sent out an e-mail to its roster of iTunes video bloggers recommending that they increase the resolution of their video blogs. We're not talking Washington Post-level High Def videos here. Instead, Apple recommends that those podcasters still using 320x240 videos upgrade up to 640x480 or 640x360. Welcome to the age of Apple TV.

It would seem that It is no longer cool to format your video blogs for iPod-only viewing.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>bloggingiTunesvideo bloggingVideoBloggingvloggingErica Sadun2007-04-12T16:00:00+00:00Übercaster shipshttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/04/11/bercaster-ships/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/04/11/bercaster-ships/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/04/11/bercaster-ships/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We last mentioned Übercaster several months ago, and now the German-made all-in-one podcast producing tool is finally shipping. Übercaster is designed to replace a variety of different applications, allowing you to produce, record, and edit your podcast all in one interface. You're able to set up a variety of clips (e.g. intro and exit music), clips, sound effects, etc., which you can invoke with one-click as you're talking. It even allows recording audio directly from iChat, Skype, and Gizmo Project. Once you've laid down your tracks, it allows you to edit them in a multi-track editing environment. I played with the beta while back and was impressed with the Mac-like nature of the program, though I did notice it sometimes does not gracefully handle large audio files dropped into it.

Unfortunately, all of this podcasting goodness does not come cheap. Übercaster is $79.95 and a demo is available.

[Via Macworld UK]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>audiopodcastpodcastingrecordingubercasterMat Lu2007-04-11T10:00:00+00:00iMultiMix 8 USB with iPod recordinghttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/03/30/imultimix-8-usb-with-ipod-recording/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/03/30/imultimix-8-usb-with-ipod-recording/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/03/30/imultimix-8-usb-with-ipod-recording/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

According manufacturer Alesis the iMultiMix 8 USB is the "first mixer to fuse together professional quality mixing, 3 band per channel EQ, guitar/line inputs, built-in FX and iPod recording in a single, intuitive package." The cool thing is that once you've completed your recording you just sync the iPod as normal and your new masterpiece is automatically added to your iTunes library, where you can find it for further editing, etc. The recordings are made in stereo at 44.1 or 48kHz either direct to iPod or to your Mac via USB. Anyway, for the budding musician or multi-channel podcaster this looks like it could be a great piece of kit. The Alesis website lists the iMultiMix 8 USB as "coming soon," but according to iLounge it "is scheduled to ship in Q3 2007 for $499."

[via Infinite Loop]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>iMultiMix 8Imultimix8iPodmixerUSBMat Lu2007-03-30T17:30:00+00:00PodCamphttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/03/22/podcamp/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/03/22/podcamp/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/03/22/podcamp/#commentsFiled under:

You've heard of SpaceCamp. You've heard of FatCamp. Now, discover "PodCamp". MSNBC posts about this latest kind of retreat. PodCamp offers BarCamp-style off-site conferences allowing people to learn about how to create video and audio content for sharing over the Internet.

Recent sessions have been held in Atlanta, Boston, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Toronto and Berlin. MSNBC reports that about half the participants were new to podcasting, attending so they could pick up basic skills like creating notes in advance and learning not to say "ummmmmmm" a lot.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>PodcampPodcastingErica Sadun2007-03-22T15:00:00+00:00AppleTV Podcast Showcasehttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/03/20/appletv-podcast-showcase/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/03/20/appletv-podcast-showcase/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/03/20/appletv-podcast-showcase/#commentsFiled under: ,

When your AppleTV arrives, what are you planning to watch? If your iTunes library is cruising at a content-lite state, Apple suggests you check out this showcase of free AppleTV-friendly video podcasts that range from edgy cartoons to comic stand-up routines to wildlife documentaries. If you haven't had a lot of exposure to iTunes' video podcasts, it's a great place to start watching even if you don't plan to purchase AppleTV.


Thanks, Ryan Humphreys.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>podcastsvidcastsvideovideo podcastsVideoPodcastsErica Sadun2007-03-20T15:00:00+00:00GarageBand podcasting tutorials availablehttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/03/19/garageband-podcasting-tutorials-available/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/03/19/garageband-podcasting-tutorials-available/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/03/19/garageband-podcasting-tutorials-available/#commentsFiled under: ,

Let's say you've made a few podcasts that you're proud of...mostly. There's always room for improvement, right? If you use GarageBand as your main podcasting tool, check out these tutorials at MacProVideo. Tips include using the right EQ settings for your voice, volume management and getting the most out of your remote Skype and other over-the-net sessions.

It's $29.50US for nearly two hours of video (you can view two demo videos at the website). Check it out, and bring your podcasts to the next level.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>garagebandpodcastingtutorialsDave Caolo2007-03-19T10:30:00+00:00Podcasting do's and don'tshttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/03/09/podcasting-dos-and-donts/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/03/09/podcasting-dos-and-donts/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/03/09/podcasting-dos-and-donts/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sharon Housley of Best Syndication has published a very practical guide on the do's and don'ts of podcasting. Her suggestions range from providing show transcriptions and iTunes support to adding useful metadata tags and providing enough bandwidth to handle your downloads as you grow your audience. In addition to the points she's laid out, let me emphasize the utility of a good outline and short punchy segments. And don't forget that podcasts do not have to be recorded all in one take. Programs like Fission and Garage Band can help you trim and assemble your final product and eliminate the segments that didn't quite work.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>PodcastingTipsErica Sadun2007-03-09T17:00:00+00:00Apple Online Seminar: Using FCP to Create a Rich Media Podcasthttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/03/05/apple-online-seminar-using-fcp-to-create-a-rich-media-podcast/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/03/05/apple-online-seminar-using-fcp-to-create-a-rich-media-podcast/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/03/05/apple-online-seminar-using-fcp-to-create-a-rich-media-podcast/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Apple is offering a free 47 minute online seminar on using Final Cut Pro to make a "rich media podcast." They say that you will learn:
  • How to combine digital photos, audio, and video in Final Cut Pro
  • How to create a universal master to deliver news in any format, from HD broadcast to podcast
  • How to record sound to amplify a story
  • How to use Final Cut Pro to create an immersive rich media experience
The seminar is given by Brian Storm, president of MediaStorm, who "shows news professionals how to use Final Cut Pro to take digital storytelling to a whole new level with rich media podcasting." The seminar is free but you do have to register.

[Via MacVolPlace]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>Final Cut ProFinalCutProPodcastPodcastingMat Lu2007-03-05T17:30:00+00:00Gear Media Tech podcast from the Pixel Corpshttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/02/24/gear-media-tech-podcast-from-the-pixel-corps/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/02/24/gear-media-tech-podcast-from-the-pixel-corps/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/02/24/gear-media-tech-podcast-from-the-pixel-corps/#commentsFiled under: ,

Leo and his growing band of merry podcasters can *not* stop generating media, and one of their latest efforts just might give the rest of us a smoother ride while hopping on the bandwagon. Gear Media Tech (iTS podcast link) is a new podcast headlined by Leo Laporte, Scott Bourne and Alex Lindsay (whom you may also know from such stellar podcasts as This Week in Media and MacBreak Weekly), delving into the tools, tips and techniques of producing media for the web.

I haven't gotten around to listening to an episode yet; I just stumbled across this and subscribed to download their first two episodes (it's brand-spanking new). Judging from the quality of the other TWiT empire shows, however, I'm sure this one will be a valuable resource to any aspiring pod and vidcasters, yours truly included.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>alex lindsayAlexLindsaygear media techGearMediaTechitsitunesleo laporteLeoLaportepodcastingpodcastsDavid Chartier2007-02-24T17:00:00+00:00Mainstreaming podcasts: First the Queen. Now Blairhttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/02/09/mainstreaming-podcasts-first-the-queen-now-blair/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/02/09/mainstreaming-podcasts-first-the-queen-now-blair/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/02/09/mainstreaming-podcasts-first-the-queen-now-blair/#commentsFiled under: ,

First the Queen podcasted her Christmas message, and now Tony Blair appears on a podcast interview with actor Stephen Fry. The State of the Union address and the Democrats' response are both available (for free) in iTunes. And presidential hopeful John Edwards even has his own widget.

Politics as usual have changed, and the medium for its delivery is moving with the times. In a kind of humorous aside, that doesn't mean Mr. Blair has moved with it. Unlike his colleagues, his famous "red box" does not contain a laptop--instead, he says he plans to learn about computers after leaving Number Ten. TUAW recommends the MacBook Pro.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>PodcastsStephen FryStephenFryTony BlairTonyBlairErica Sadun2007-02-09T14:30:00+00:00MAKE's guide to PDF podcastshttp://www.tuaw.com/2007/01/23/makes-guide-to-pdf-podcasts/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/01/23/makes-guide-to-pdf-podcasts/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/01/23/makes-guide-to-pdf-podcasts/#commentsFiled under: ,

My Make-buddy Phillip Torrone tipped us off on his recent PDF-in-iTunes guide. As you might already know, there are more and more PDFs appearing in iTunes, usually as support material for podcasts but they're starting to become a desirable product in and of themselves. Philip and his crew have put together as complete a PDF podcast guide as possible, to help people locate and download iTunes-available PDF podcasts from sources like CRAFT, SkyMaul (*hee*!), Rick Steves and more. Lots and lots of cool stuff to explore.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
]]>pdfspodcastingErica Sadun2007-01-23T08:00:00+00:00