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Entries in Apple (24)

8:00AM

4 Mac OSX Users

I have added a new page under the Basics tab in the menu bar, and will be updating the info periodically as I come across more helpful info! I have also posted the page info below...
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Visit the New Page here.
1:30PM

iPhone 4 Shoots & Edits HD Video

Mobile media moguls just got an early Christmas present.  Apple has announced the new iPhone 4 with a sweet looking, built-in HD Video camera.  It will capture 30p video 1280 x 720 (not 1920 x 1080).  Disappointed it can't record 1080?  I'm not… at least not yet.  I've got several consumer video cameras, all claiming to shoot 1080p… which the do… and they also suck (I'm looking at you, Kodak Zi8).  So, what good is 1080 if the quality is terrible? I'm hopeful that Apple stuck to 720 because they know they can do it well.  Then again, if their HD video looks lousy, I'll be doubly bummed. 

The new iPhone boasts a built-in led video light (that also serves as a flash for low-light photography), and a long overdue tap-to-focus feature.  In addition to the standard rear-facing camera, the iPhone 4 can also shoot video using it's front-facing camera -- handy for intimate, personal, soul baring videos you intend to post on youtube.com.  The front facing camera isn't HD, however.  It tops out with VGA quality.

Like the current iPhone camera app, the new HD app will allow you to trim your videos by dragging in and out points with your finger.  But forget about that.  Why?  Because Apple has also announced iMovie for iPhone!  This relativity cheap app ($4.99) allows users to swipe and pinch their way through an elegant editing interface.  Apple has provided themes, transitions, location-based titling, and the ability to import your own music.  Once your project is complete, you can export it in multiple sizes (640x360, 960x540, 1280x720), and then share it in a variety of ways (email, MMS, MobileMe Galleries, YouTube).  There's no indication on Apple's site as to whether iMovie will work on an iPhone 3GS, using its built-in standard definition camera.  As soon as we get the answer, we'll post it.

The iPhone is set to be released on June 24th, with reordering beginning on the 15th.  The new version of the iPhone OS, now known as iOS, is set to be released for current iPhone owners on June 21st.  It's going to be a busy month!

With the new iPhone 4, Apple is once again empowering mobile media makers to create and distribute their unique visions from wherever they happen to be when creativity strikes.  Now, if we could just convince Apple to allow shooting at 24p.

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Source article here.

3:00PM

Apple MacBook Pro Updates

Apple on Tuesday issued long-awaited updates to its MacBook Pro line of notebook computers, upgrading them to Intel's latest high-end Core i7, Core i5 and Core 2 Duo mobile processors, and adding new automated graphics switching technology.Apple on Tuesday issued long-awaited updates to its MacBook Pro line of notebook computers, upgrading them to Intel's latest high-end Core i7, Core i5 and Core 2 Duo mobile processors, and adding new automated graphics switching technology.

"The new MacBook Pro is as advanced on the inside as it is stunning on the outside," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "With faster processors, amazing graphics and up to three more hours of battery life, the new MacBook Pro delivers both performance and efficiency."

More Info - www.apple.com

11:45AM

Roundup: iPad Previews Around the Web

 

Here is an overview of all the lucky bums that were on Uncle Steve’s “good list” this year.

New York Times

David Pogue of the New York Times wrote his review from two angles: one for the Techie crowd, one for everyone else. Even if you feel you belong firmly in one camp or the other, it will be worth your time to read both parts of the article.

“For most people, manipulating these digital materials directly by touching them is a completely new experience — and a deeply satisfying one.”

Dislikes: The onscreen keyboard is a “horrible experience” and “barely usable” (Note: not everyone hates the onscreen keyboard).

Chicago Sun-Times

Andy Ihnatko covers technology for the Chicago Sun-Times. One interesting bit from the end of his article is that he chose to cover tech instead of movies almost exactly 10 years ago. He says the iPad proves he chose the more interesting topic. Andy also revealed his iPad live on TWiT and has also posted an unboxing video to YouTube.

“In fact, after a week with the iPad, I’m suddenly wondering if any other company is as committed to invention as Apple.”

Dislikes: The iPad is “not a replacement” for a computer.

Wall Street Journal

Walt Mossberg wrote his review for the Wall Street Journal and focused a bit of time discussing if the iPad could replace a laptop.

“It’s qualitatively different, a whole new type of computer that, through a simple interface, can run more-sophisticated, PC-like software than a phone does, and whose large screen allows much more functionality when compared with a phone’s.”

Dislikes: Limited email and web browser apps.

Houston Chronicle

Bob ” Dr. Mac” LeVitus writes for the Houston Chronicle and generally gushes over how great the iPad is.

“Speaking of my wife, prior to our iPad’s arrival she said she didn’t understand why anyone would want or need an iPad. Now she just keeps saying, ‘No, you can’t have it back.’”

Dislikes: Not much negative in the article, but he dislikes how he can’t get it back from his wife.

Time Magazine

Stephen Fry wrote the cover feature for Time Magazine, an interview with Steve Jobs about the iPad and Apple. While the article holds back from criticizing anything Apple, I did find the quotes from Jobs and designer Jonathan Ives worth the read.

“When I switch [the iPad] on, a little sigh escapes me as the screen lights up. Ten minutes later I am rolling on the floor, snarling and biting, trying to wrestle it from the hands of an Apple press representative”

Dislikes: Hard to find anything, but here’s a stretch — “…with the release of the iPad, Apple is an overdog for the first time. The smell of backlash is in the air.”

BoingBoing

Xeni Jardin wrote a “first look” piece for BoingBoing that gives us some details on “The Elements” app that was pre-installed on all the review units. There is some good advice about JQuery performance on the iPad too.

The Elements on iPad is not a game, not an app, not a TV show. It’s a book. But it’s Harry Potter’s book. This is the version you check out from the Hogwarts library. Everything in it is alive in some way.”

Dislikes: Can’t imagine doing lots of heavy text input on the iPad

PC Mag

Tim Gideon wrote a lengthy review for PC Mag. There’s lot of good details in here and some light testing with Exchange and other features that some will be interested to read.

“The built-in speaker surprised me—not with its excellent quality, but with its ability to get fairly loud and not sound horrifyingly awful.”

Dislikes: The iPad is an extra device that is not a full-fledged laptop.

USA Today

Edward C. Baig got a chance to write down his impressions for USA Today. His view is mostly favorable and the article covers the basics.

“Apple expects more than 1,000 iPad-specific apps to be available at launch.”

Dislikes: The video controls are buried in settings.

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Source Article

2:38PM

'Virgin America' Kills Flash as a Result of Apple/Adobe Conflict

"It’s probably not the first site to eschew Flash in favor of greater compatibility with Apple’s portable devices, but it’s one that’s definitely big enough to make waves.

Honestly, I think this is only the beginning of a new tide that will see corporations retreating away from either Adobe’s or Microsoft’s proprietary solutions for displaying animations and other advanced media elements in their websites. When the goal is to reach as many customers as possible, it only makes sense to take into account the limitations of some platforms. Flash may run on many portable non-Apple devices, but that doesn’t mean it does it well. 

Virgin’s new site is designed to let users check-in using their mobiles, using a system that issues electronic boarding passes you’ll be able to show to airport security staff. The plan is awaiting approval by the U.S. Transportation Security Authority. The site is responsible for 70 percent of Virgin’s $100 million quarterly revenue. Right now it’s advanced enough to suit the company’s needs, but Virgin does anticipate making the jump to HTML5 once it’s cleared by the W3C."
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Read the full article here.

1:40PM

Google vs. Apple

GigaOM has put together an infographic with a timeline of the back and forth tech battle between Google and Apple.

View Source

1:37PM

Apple iPad

Visit the Apple website!

Safari, Mail, Photos, Video, YouTube, iPod, iTunes, App Store, iBooks, Maps, Notes, Calendar, Contacts, Homescreen, Spotlight...and more!

12:11PM

Apple iPad Announced!

"It's very thin -- you can change the homescreen to whatever you want. And it's awesome to watch movies and TVs... let's take a look at the device. - Using this thing is remarkable. It's so much more intimate than a laptop, and it's so much more capable than a smartphone," ~ Steve Jobs

iPad Specifications

  • 9.7 inch IPS display
  • 0.5 inches thin
  • 1.5 pounds
  • Full capacitive multi-touch interface
  • 16-64GB of Flash memory storage
  • 1 GHz Apple-branded A4 chip (developed in-house)
  • Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
  • 802.11n WiFi
  • Built-in Speaker
  • Built-in Microphone
  • Accelerometer & Compass
  • 30-pin Dock connector (same as iPod and iPhone)
  • 10-hours of battery life (Over one month standby time)
  • Runs all iPhone apps
  • App Store application included

"What is the battery life like? We've been able to achieve 10 hours of battery life. I can take a flight from San Francisco to Tokyo and watch video the whole time. And it has over a month of standby time."

Handles all your old Apps

NEW APP! - iBook

NEW! - iWork compatible

3:25PM

Apple Event - January 27

Apple has confirmed, via invitations sent to the press, that there will indeed be a special event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco on January 27 at 10AM Pacific time.

There is a lot of speculation about what Apple will be talking about and showing off, but the bottom line is that Apple is keeping a tight lid on the info and they want you to tune in to find out.

Needless to say, they have my attention and come next Wed. I'll be checking around to find someone who is live blogging the event.

9:53AM

MacBreak Studio Podcast

This is a very informative podcast! I have learned a lot of tips, tricks, and shortcuts relating to Final Cut Pro and Soundtrack Pro. They also cover other Apple Final Cut Studio apps like Motion and Compressor.

"Join Steve Martin, Mark Spencer, Brian Gary, Alex Lindsay and friends as they reveal the ins and outs of video production on the Mac. From 3D to audio, video, and compression, learn from the experts how to add advanced techniques to your production workflow and a professional touch to your video content."

Click Here to check it out on iTunes. Or you can subscribe to the RSS feed here.
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