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 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[iTunes 10 quick tip: Liking a song in Ping]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/itunes-101-liking-a-song-in-ping/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/itunes-101-liking-a-song-in-ping/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/itunes-101-liking-a-song-in-ping/#comments
Here's a quick tip for iTunes that puzzled a few of us this morning: once you've gone ahead and set up Ping in iTunes 10, how do you 'like' a song instead of an album? The albums have those handy thumbs-up buttons, but it's not as obvious for songs.

A bit of exploration reveals that the 'Like' command is under the pop-up menu for each song, along with the other song-specific actions like gifting, sharing, wish-list-adding and the 'Other Versions' search.

We'll have more iTunes 10 tips and tricks coming right up.

TUAWiTunes 10 quick tip: Liking a song in Ping originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itunes 10itunes 101Itunes10Itunes101likepingsongsThu, 02 Sep 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[iTerm 2 in early development]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/iterm-2-in-early-development/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/iterm-2-in-early-development/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/iterm-2-in-early-development/#comments

Power users of the command-line are no doubt familiar with iTerm, the free replacement terminal application. iTerm has been the go-to alternative for people who wanted tabbed windows and other advanced features.

Development of iTerm has been fairly slow and irregular. The initial release was back in 2002 and the 0.10 release is almost a year old. A look at the version history shows very little has happened since 2006.

A "fork" of the project is now available on Google Code and goes by the name iterm2. The current version, labeled "Alpha 6" was just released yesterday. On the surface it looks pretty much the same, until you get into the bookmarks, preferences, and profiles which have been completely rewritten.

Thanks to TUAW reader Nikola Knezevic for sending this in!

TUAWiTerm 2 in early development originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>google codeGoogleCodeitermiterm 2Iterm2terminalThu, 02 Sep 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Twitterrific 3 for the iPad: change, tough love, and better]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/twitterrific-3-for-the-ipad-change-tough-love-and-better/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/twitterrific-3-for-the-ipad-change-tough-love-and-better/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/twitterrific-3-for-the-ipad-change-tough-love-and-better/#commentsHere's a good sign that you've made some pretty significant changes to your application: three different people from the company write three different posts about the new design. That's what the folks from Iconfactory did about Twitterrific 3. David Lanham wrote about Redesigning Twitterrific, not just the timeline, but also the settings, contacts, filtering, and more to "optimize the user experience." Gedeon Maheux wrote about Twitterrific's Tough Love, and realizing that Twitterrific had gotten out of hand, along with the steps they took to make it better rather than just pile more on top of it. Craig Hockenberry wrote about not designing for early adopters, whose expectations may limit making something better by expecting you to simply build on what you had before.

I was an early adopter of Twitterrific on the Mac, and still compare all other applications to Twitterrific when I am using them. When I first heard about the changes in Twitterrific 3, I was sure I was going to hate them. After having used it for awhile, I still think Twitterrific is my favorite iPad app. I've been using it since I bought my iPad back in mid-June, and although I've tried some of the others, I keep coming back to Twitterrific. Many others have just started using Twitterrific 3 for the iPhone or iPad because Twitter turned off "basic authorization" logins. All Twitter applications now must use Twitter's (severely, thoroughly flawed) OAuth system for logging in.

Read on for my thoughts on the app, as well as what TUAW heard directly from Iconfactory about the future of the app.

TUAWTwitterrific 3 for the iPad: change, tough love, and better originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gedeon-maheuxiconfactoryiPadiPhoneoauthoauthpocalypseTwitterrificThu, 02 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iOS 4.1 with HDR built-in comes as a shock to HDR app developers]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/ios-4-1-with-hdr-built-in-comes-as-a-shock-to-hdr-app-developers/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/ios-4-1-with-hdr-built-in-comes-as-a-shock-to-hdr-app-developers/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/ios-4-1-with-hdr-built-in-comes-as-a-shock-to-hdr-app-developers/#comments

If I had to make a list of the top ten features I thought would be included in the iOS 4.1 update, HDR photography would not have been on it. HDR really came out of the blue, and one developer told me he was 'shocked' to hear that the feature was included in the next iPhone update.

Let's back up a minute. HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography is a method where pictures are taken at different exposures and combined into one image. Since the iPhone and most monitors can't really display the full light to dark range of the image, the HDR software tone maps the picture, so you see details in the shadows and don't blow out the highlights, such as a bright sky. HDR images are controversial. Some people hate them, and think it produces garish pictures. Others love the flexibility to shoot pictures in challenging lighting conditions.

I like to use HDR at times when shooting landscapes, and recently documented a photo trek where I was able to use HDR apps on the iPhone.

TUAWiOS 4.1 with HDR built-in comes as a shock to HDR app developers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameraHDR ProHigh Dynamic RangeiOS 4iOS 4.1. HDRIos4Ios4.1.HdriPhonephotographytone mappingToneMappingTrueHDRThu, 02 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Set up your own Priority Inbox with Apple's Mail]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/set-up-your-own-priority-inbox-with-apples-mail/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/set-up-your-own-priority-inbox-with-apples-mail/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/set-up-your-own-priority-inbox-with-apples-mail/#comments

Last month, Google released Priority Inbox, a system that learns which messages are the most important to you and highlights them automatically over time. It's in beta right now and Google is slowly turning it on for its users. If you're tired of waiting, or if you use Apple's Mail and not Gmail, you'll appreciate this setup from Ben Brooks.

Ben explains how a combination of rules acts as his "priority inbox" for Mail. He's got some basic rules in place, like one that identifies messages from Apple and one that files backups away. Others are more clever.

For instance, he's written one that first notices if his work address is in the CC field, and then checks if his name appears in the message body. If not, it's highlighted red and stored away. That way, it's marked "less important" in Priority Inbox terms.

Conversely, another rule searches for messages from people on a pre-defined "Important" list and flags them. Taken individually the rules are clever but not amazing. Combined, however, they make for an effective system. Go and read the whole post.

[Via Shawn Blanc]

TUAWSet up your own Priority Inbox with Apple's Mail originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emailgmailmailpriority inboxPriorityInboxrulestips and tricksTipsAndTricksThu, 02 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Five dislikes plus five likes equals iTunes 10]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/five-dislikes-plus-five-likes-equals-itunes-10/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/five-dislikes-plus-five-likes-equals-itunes-10/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/five-dislikes-plus-five-likes-equals-itunes-10/#commentsBefore I get rolling here, let me warn you -- I'm not a frequent user of iTunes. I don't spend all of my time purchasing new music, videos, and movies, nor do I obsess over creating playlists to share with my friends.

However, I do use it often enough that after firing up iTunes 10 last night, I immediately found some things I wasn't fond of and some other items I quickly loved. Am I going to lose sleep over the things I don't like? Nope. But I hope that it gets TUAW readers thinking about what they like and dislike about the new iteration of iTunes.

Dislikes:
  1. What's with the close / minimize / maximize buttons being vertical in the top "toolbar" of iTunes 10 (see example at right)? As I stated to my cohorts here at TUAW this morning, doesn't that fly in the face of 10 years of experience with OS X and even violate Apple's Human Interface Guidlines? Fortunately, there's relief. A tweet from @rudyrichter showed how to fix this -- pop into Terminal and type or paste in "defaults write com.apple.iTunes full-window -1", press Return, relaunch iTunes and life is back to normal.
  2. I miss the colorful icons in the sidebar. There used to be color in the icons for Library, Store, and Shared Items. What happened to the color? It looks so ... drab over there now. If anyone can come up with a defaults command to bring the colors back, I'll give 'em a nickel. Hey, they also removed color icons in the preferences. I want my color back! Everything is so grey and boring. Perhaps that's Apple's way of saying "focus on the content we're trying to sell you, not the application."

TUAWFive dislikes plus five likes equals iTunes 10 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresiTunes 10Itunes10PingThu, 02 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iTunes 101: How to set up Ping]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/itunes-101-how-to-set-up-ping/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/itunes-101-how-to-set-up-ping/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/itunes-101-how-to-set-up-ping/#commentsApple has jumped into the social media pool with both feet by introducing Ping to iTunes 10. Since this is brand-new, we'll show you how to set it up and start pinging your friends. Whatever that means.

After installing iTunes 10, you'll see the Ping button. Click it to enter your Apple ID and begin the process of creating your profile. It'll pull the information stored on the account, like name and address, but fortunately you can edit it. You can add a photo to represent yourself as well. There are many PhotoBooth-style filters available, so have fun playing around.

Note that your photo won't go live until Apple approves it. Mine took a good 20 minutes to show up, and others have said the same thing. Just be patient, it'll get there.

Click below to read more.

Gallery: How to set up Ping

Expand an albumCreating your profile step oneAdding FacebookSelect your preferred genres.Jack's photos



TUAWiTunes 101: How to set up Ping originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>how toHowToitunesitunes 10Itunes10macpingtipsThu, 02 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Official Twitter app updated for iPad]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/official-twitter-app-updated-for-ipad/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/official-twitter-app-updated-for-ipad/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/official-twitter-app-updated-for-ipad/#comments A few months ago, Twitter announced that they had acquired Tweetie and the web (I refuse to use the word "blogosphere" because it is a stupid word) exploded with predictions that they had effectively killed off the market for 3rd party Twitter applications by offering a free alternative.

With the release of Twitter as a universal app that now includes iPad support (read the official announcement here) I feel confident that the reports of the death of 3rd party Twitter applications have been greatly exaggerated.

The UI for Twitter for iPad is, without question, unlike any other Twitter application that we've seen. Opinions around the TUAW offices differ on whether this difference is "awesome" or "an abomination." I definitely range towards the latter end of the scale, and judging by most of the comments of people that I follow on Twitter, the initial reaction is definitely one of "too busy" and "over designed."

This is in sharp contrast to Twitterrific, which just released a major update for the iPad and iPhone where the Iconfactory made dramatic simplifications to the app, while retaining the most important features for the most users. (Craig Hockenberry talked about those changes here.)

TUAWOfficial Twitter app updated for iPad originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapp storeAppStoreiPadiPhonetwittertwitterrificThu, 02 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Count The Beats: Akai brings the analog synth to your iPhone, and more]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/count-the-beats-akai-brings-the-analog-synth-to-your-iphone-an/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/count-the-beats-akai-brings-the-analog-synth-to-your-iphone-an/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/count-the-beats-akai-brings-the-analog-synth-to-your-iphone-an/#commentsIf you have a secret love affair with shoulder padded t-shirts (that you wear around the house when no one's looking), and you instinctively roll up your sleeves when you put on your favourite blazer jacket (and don't get why people look at you funny), then here's an app for you.

Back in June Akai Professional released SynthStation for the iPhone / iPod touch, and we got excited. Very excited. Why? Because we love synths, especially when they are the old school type (cue Terminator soundtrack). And it just so happens to be that Akai has got a rather large name for itself when it comes to synths, especially the old school type. So we decided to take a closer look. You know, any opportunity to lay down some ominous beats over a sea of warm pulsating analog synth.

SynthStation is an all-in-one mobile music creation setup. It comprises of three virtual analog synths sonically tailored for melodies, chords and bass lines respectively. To go with your texture, there's a comprehensive and customizable drum kit, too. Add some awesome sounding synth effects, a sequencer, on the fly input and tweaking, a mixer to pull it all together and you've got yourself a package that Thom Yorke may even appreciate for his next solo project.

TUAWCount The Beats: Akai brings the analog synth to your iPhone, and more originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Billboard has announced that it will be giving awards out for iOS music apps (of all things). At the Music App Summit on October 5th, Billboard will choose winning iOS apps in six different categories, from Best Artist App and Best Music Creation App to Best Branded Music App. You can find the full list of nominees after the break, and there are some recognizable names on there, including a Phish touring app, TUAW favorite I am T-Pain, and the now Disney-owned Tap Tap Revenge.

Winners will be announced at the summit, and they will be selected by a panel of judges that includes (not kidding about this) MC Hammer and a bunch of CEOs and marketing folks. It seems silly (and let's face it... it is), but Billboard is a big deal in the music industry, and this means that the dinosaur-like recording giants are at least starting to notice the effect that apps have on artist profiles. Plus, it's good to see LaDiDa get a little more attention -- I liked that one.

TUAWBillboard nominates music app awards originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsawardsbillboardcompaniesdisneyinteractiveiosiPhonemusicmusic-appsrecordsmulesummitt-paintapulousThu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TUAW's Daily App: Super Mega Worm]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/tuaws-daily-app-super-mega-worm/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/tuaws-daily-app-super-mega-worm/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/02/tuaws-daily-app-super-mega-worm/#comments
Sometimes you roll along, having a pretty good day... and sometimes, you just want a giant worm to rise up out of the ground and destroy everything. Super Mega Worm is for that second type of day. (You'll have to find something else for the first -- Doodle Jump, perhaps?) It's a game where you control a gigantic worm on a 2D field. You use a slider (or the accelerometer) to direct it through the soil and up onto the surface of the Earth, where puny little humans await their inevitable destruction. The game is funny in a morbid way; you end up cheering for the little worm as it grows (and learns new abilities) over time, and eventually, you'll find yourself reveling in the destruction of the human race.

Quality pixelated graphics and excellent sounds help immersion a lot, and the control scheme is surprisingly fitting for the kind of movement that the worm does. There's even a little mini-game in jumping off of various vehicles into the atmosphere and exploring the game field in both directions. Super Mega Worm isn't really a title for the faint of heart; even though the graphics are pretty retro, things get gory fast. But if you've ever found yourself laughing at or cheering for the monster in a horror movie, Super Mega Worm will probably dig its way into your free time. The game is US$2.99 on the App Store right now.

TUAWTUAW's Daily App: Super Mega Worm originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app storeAppStoredeceased pixelDeceasedPixeliOS 4Ios4iPhonesuper mega wormSuperMegaWormtuaws daily apptuaws-daily-appTuawsDailyAppThu, 02 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iTunes 10. It lives]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/itunes-10-it-lives/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/itunes-10-it-lives/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/itunes-10-it-lives/#commentsHave you been waiting all day for iTunes 10 to go live? It finally has. Although the download page remains a little spotty, this direct link seems to work fine for downloading. We're installing our version right now and will update with fun iTunes facts as we discover them.

Happy Pinging, everyone!

Update: Windows link to supplement the OS X one above. And an x64 link as well. (Thank you to everyone pitching in in the comments!)

Update: See our gallery of installation and setup screenshots.

p.s. Hey, we're on Ping! Come share our awful musical tastes (Erica Sadun, Steven Sande, Victor Agreda, Dave Caolo, etc)! And let us share yours!

Gallery: iTunes 10

Installer!What's New - 1System RequirementsMore system requirements...For more information...

TUAWiTunes 10. It lives originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DownloadDownloadableiTunesiTunes 10Itunes10LiveWed, 01 Sep 2010 21:55:00 EST<![CDATA[New iPod commercials now on Apple.com and YouTube]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/new-ipod-commercials-on-apple-com-and-youtube/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/new-ipod-commercials-on-apple-com-and-youtube/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/new-ipod-commercials-on-apple-com-and-youtube/#comments
You saw them in the keynote today, now watch them again in the privacy of your own home: the new iPod touch and iPod nano television ads are live on Apple.com and on Apple's YouTube channel. "All kinds of fun," indeed.

(If you're a fan of NBC's Chuck, like some of us are, you may appreciate that Cake's Short Skirt/Long Jacket -- the show's theme song -- is featured in the new nano ad.)

[via MacRumors]

TUAWNew iPod commercials now on Apple.com and YouTube originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cakeipodipod nanoipod touchIpodNanoIpodTouchtv commercialTvCommercialWed, 01 Sep 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC dissects the new iPod touch]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/fcc-dissects-the-new-ipod-touch/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/fcc-dissects-the-new-ipod-touch/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/fcc-dissects-the-new-ipod-touch/#comments

The public servants at the FCC are earning their keep today, favoring us with several PDFs full of lovely, detailed images of both the internal and external design of the soon-to-ship iPod touch.

Check out the gallery below for several of the pictures, and consider how much nicer it will be when you actually have the new hotness in hand.

Gallery: iPod touch internals from the FCC


[via Engadget, their video hands-on of the new iPod is after the break]

TUAWFCC dissects the new iPod touch originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fccipod touchIpodTouchpicturesWed, 01 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A roundup of today's Apple news]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/a-roundup-of-todays-apple-news/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/a-roundup-of-todays-apple-news/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/a-roundup-of-todays-apple-news/#comments
In case you're just getting off of work, just waking up, or your plane just landed after a 15-hour flight, here's all of today's Apple news condensed into one quick post:
  • Steve Jobs looked good at today's event, which was attended by Steve Wozniak. Steve J. did a nice shout-out to his "partner in crime" at the beginning of the presentation.
  • Jobs announced that there are now 300 Apple Retail Stores in 10 countries, with new stores opening in Spain soon. The Apple Stores get more than 1 million visitors combined on some days -- the primary reason why the company dropped their presence at Macworld Expo.
  • Other stats -- 120,000,000 iOS devices, 230,000 new iOS activations per day (not including updates), 6.5 billion downloads from the App Store, 250,000 apps on the App Store.
  • iOS 4.1 will be out next week, featuring fixes for the proximity sensor, Bluetooth, and iPhone 3G issues. There will also be support for HDR (High Dynamic Range) photos, the ability to upload HD video to other devices (Apple TV) over WiFi (this is known as AirPlay), 99¢ TV show rentals, and GameCenter. The latter will bring a new level of interactive gaming to the platform.
  • In November, we'll see iOS 4.2 for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. This adds printing support, AirPlay, multi-tasking, and folders (among other features) to the iPad.

TUAWA roundup of today's Apple news originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple eventAppleEventipadiphoneipod nanoipod shuffleipod touchIpodNanoIpodShuffleIpodTouchnewsWed, 01 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Booyah releases InCrowd for iPhone and iPod touch]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/booyah-releases-incrowd-for-iphone-and-ipod-touch/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/booyah-releases-incrowd-for-iphone-and-ipod-touch/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/booyah-releases-incrowd-for-iphone-and-ipod-touch/#commentsBooyah has released an iPhone and iPod touch version of its Facebook game, InCrowd, and it's now available on the App Store. The app, like the very popular MyTown, uses location check-ins to create a game around social networking. But unlike MyTown, this app was originally released as a Facebook game. Booyah originally started InCrowd as its first Facebook venture, but it's now bringing the game back to the iPhone, where it's presumably more comfortable at development. But the Facebook and iPhone versions work together (in fact, you need a Facebook account to play it), so check-ins on either platform can be seen in the app.

As for the game itself, it's exactly the kind of thing that's very popular among the huge tween audience for Facebook games -- there's a cartoonish avatar that can interact with friends socially, and checking-in to certain places earns the avatars popularity and status. There's a microtransaction element as well -- interacting uses energy, and if you don't want to wait for a refresh, you can spend 99 cents to get more. Standard social gaming stuff, although Booyah is pretty good at putting it together by now.

Booyah remains a company to watch in the social gaming space -- it doesn't seem to have had quite the success it wanted on Facebook, but the company is flexible enough to switch a game like this over to Apple's platform without skipping a beat. We'll have to wait and see whether or not the free app gains MyTown's level of adoption, however.

TUAWBooyah releases InCrowd for iPhone and iPod touch originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapp storeAppStorebooyahfacebookincrowdiPhonemicrotransactionmytownsocial gamessocial-gamingSocialGamesWed, 01 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TUAW TV Live: The Apple event aftershow with Steve and Mike]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/tuaw-tv-live-the-apple-event-aftershow-with-steve-and-mike/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/tuaw-tv-live-the-apple-event-aftershow-with-steve-and-mike/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/tuaw-tv-live-the-apple-event-aftershow-with-steve-and-mike/#comments
Wow! We have a lot to talk about today on TUAW TV Live. There's so much to talk about that two of us are going to be chatting it up on the show this afternoon. Mike Rose is joining me to talk about the new iPods, the updates to iTunes, Ping, and that new Apple TV. As usual, you can join in on the discussion -- we'd love to see how you feel about the new product lineup for fall.

Now it's time to get on with the show! To join in from your Mac or PC, just go to the next page by clicking the link at the bottom of this post, and you'll find a live stream viewer and a chat tool. The chat tool allows you to join in on the fun by asking questions or making comments.

If you're driving somewhere and would like to watch TUAW TV Live while you're stuck in traffic, please don't -- keep your eyes on the road! However, if someone else is doing the driving, you can watch the show on your iPhone by downloading the free Ustream Viewing Application.

iPad users haven't been forgotten, either, as you can tune in to TUAW TV Live on your iPad! That link will send you to a non-Flash page, although you won't have access to our chat tool.

TUAWTUAW TV Live: The Apple event aftershow with Steve and Mike originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple eventapple tvAppleEventAppleTvfeaturesipodsitunesmike roseMikeRosesteve sandeSteveSandetuaw tv liveTuawTvLiveWed, 01 Sep 2010 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Why is the Apple TV so expensive in Europe?]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/why-is-the-apple-tv-so-expensive-in-europe/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/why-is-the-apple-tv-so-expensive-in-europe/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/why-is-the-apple-tv-so-expensive-in-europe/#comments
There are lots of disgruntled people in the UK this evening, following Apple's announcement that the new Apple TV, retailing for $99 in the US, will cost... £99. If you subtract our sales tax (which is always quoted upfront, unlike in the US) that's the equivalent of $128, a rather excessive 28% hike. We're used to paying a premium for Apple goods here -- the graph above shows how much more expensive we are across all the new iPods and the entry level iMac and 15" Macbook Pro -- but it's normally around 7-10%. Continental Europe fares no better. The French store's Apple TV page show a price of 119,00 €, which works out to $128.

Apple is perhaps feeling a little defensive about this; all its new iPod pages on the UK store have little notes next to the price. For example the iPod Nano 8Gb page states "£129.00 (Includes £25 VAT, duty and levies)". Certainly, Apple have been criticised for European price hikes before, sometimes deservedly and other times less so, and this tagline suggests it is sensitive to that and wants to stress that in Europe prices are quoted inclusive of sales tax and have an import duty charged.

None of that explains the anomalous price of the Apple TV though. Considering that us folk back in the Old Continent also don't have access to that tasty, tasty Netflix streaming, this really does make the Apple TV look like a significantly poorer deal east of the Atlantic.

TUAWWhy is the Apple TV so expensive in Europe? originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple tvappletvfrancepricingstoreukWed, 01 Sep 2010 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[iPod touch outselling PSP and DS in games, not systems]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/ipod-touch-outselling-psp-and-ds-in-games-not-systems/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/ipod-touch-outselling-psp-and-ds-in-games-not-systems/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/ipod-touch-outselling-psp-and-ds-in-games-not-systems/#comments
During this morning's event, Steve Jobs tossed out the factoid that the iPod touch was trouncing traditional handheld gaming, claiming that the system had sold more than Nintendo and Sony's portables combined. If, like us, you thought that meant Apple had sold more devices than traditional game makers, then Steve was wrong -- he mentioned in the same event that Apple has shipped 120 million iOS devices, and while that's very impressive, it's not quite as big as the 125 million Nintendo DS systems the Japanese company had sold around the world as of January. That doesn't even count the 62 million PSP units Sony has sold worldwide. In terms of gaming devices sold, Apple has a long ways to go.

But Steve can't have been that wrong -- he said that the iPod touch had sold more than Nintendo or Sony combined. He can't be off by over 60 million, right? It's more likely that he meant software sales. There have been about 718 million DS games sold in the system's history, and about 252 million games sold on the PSP. And there have been 6.5 billion downloads of iOS apps so far (with 1.5 billion of those being game and entertainment apps). When you compare the numbers that way, yes, Apple is far outselling Nintendo and Sony in terms of game sales. But of course, iOS apps tend to be much cheaper than Sony and Nintendo's software (if not free), and gamers could probably argue all day about the difference in average quality of the two platforms.

Either way, Steve was stretching the truth a little bit on that stat. Apple has done a terrific job making inroads on portable gaming (some of it even without planning to do so), but the Cupertino company has a little way to go yet before it starts really competing with the established console manufacturers.

Update: A few commenters suggest that Apple has sold more iPod touches than both other systems combined recently, as in the last quarter or so. But the other two devices are a few years older than the oldest iPod touch, so that doesn't seem like a great comparison either. Again, Apple has made really incredible strides into handheld gaming, but the company isn't quite overwhelming its competitors in this market yet.

TUAWiPod touch outselling PSP and DS in games, not systems originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsdevicesfreegamesiosiPhonenintendopricesalessonystatsteve-jobssystemsWed, 01 Sep 2010 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple hasn't buried the iPod classic yet]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/apple-hasnt-buried-the-ipod-classic-yet/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/apple-hasnt-buried-the-ipod-classic-yet/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/apple-hasnt-buried-the-ipod-classic-yet/#comments

Rejoice, ye lovers of magnetic drives and scroll wheels! While Steve announced no updates to the iPod Classic, that doesn't mean it is going anywhere. In fact, it is prominently displayed on the iPod page over at Apple.com. So if you're into "retro" tech and you like big capacities and thick gadgets, you can still grab one of the hard drive-based multitaskers for US$249.

TUAWApple hasn't buried the iPod classic yet originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicipodWed, 01 Sep 2010 15:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Center coming in iOS 4.1, Epic Games working on Project Sword]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/game-center-coming-in-ios-4-1-epic-games-working-on-project-swo/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/game-center-coming-in-ios-4-1-epic-games-working-on-project-swo/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/game-center-coming-in-ios-4-1-epic-games-working-on-project-swo/#comments
Steve Jobs just showed off some screenshots and functionality for Game Center, which will be officially releasing with iOS 4.1 next week. The official app will provide social networking features for App Store games, including friends lists, achievements, "auto matching" (the rest of the world calls that matchmaking), challenges and a host of other cross-platform features for gamers on Apple's mobile platform.

Jobs also invited a few gentlemen from Epic Games onstage to show off "Project Sword," a gorgeous title running in the Unreal Engine inside iOS. It's an action RPG title that's coming soon with full Game Center integration, and the demo featured practically instant multiplayer fighting from a third-person perspective, as well as first-person world exploration. Seriously, this thing looked great, but you don't have to take my word for it -- Epic has already uploaded the very same environment shown in the demo as a free app, so go download and check it out now. It does require an iPhone 3GS or better, but man that's a good looking game.

Game Center is finally coming out with iOS 4.1, which Jobs said would be available next week. Looking forward to it!

TUAWGame Center coming in iOS 4.1, Epic Games working on Project Sword originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsepic gamesEpicGamesfeaturesgame centerGameCenteriosiOS 4ios-4.1Ios4iPadiphoneiphone4project swordproject-swordProjectSwordWed, 01 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TUAW TV Live: The after-liveblog episode]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/tuaw-tv-live-the-after-liveblog-episode/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/tuaw-tv-live-the-after-liveblog-episode/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/tuaw-tv-live-the-after-liveblog-episode/#commentsToday's a special day for the Apple world, as we anxiously await word on what new products or services are forthcoming from the wizards of Cupertino. TUAW will be liveblogging the event at 1 PM EDT (10 AM PDT) today, and later this afternoon on TUAW TV Live, fellow TUAW editor Mike Rose will be joining me to discuss the announcements.

As we do every week, we invite your comments, your questions, and your insights into what's going on in the world of Apple. The show starts at 5 PM EDT (2 PM PDT) here at TUAW.com -- drop by a few minutes early and we'll have the livestream and chat windows warmed up and ready to go, along with full instructions on how to join in on the fun.

It's sure to be a lively discussion of the news of the day, and we hope you can join us.

TUAWTUAW TV Live: The after-liveblog episode originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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During today's Apple event, Steve Jobs announced that the next version of the iPad flavor of iOS, 4.2, will be available as a free update in November 2010. The iOS 4.2 version will support the iPhone and iPod touch (4.0 friendly versions of those devices) in addition to the iPad.

Among the new features in 4.2 will be folder organization for apps on the iPad, bringing parity with the 4.x smaller devices.

Innovations include AirPlay, which will allow you to stream video and audio from iTunes to your iPad or from your iPad to the newly-announced Apple TV. Also added: printing! The iPad will be able to print to networked printers or printers connected to your computer, details TBD.

TUAWiPad OS will be revved to 4.2 in November, unifies the line originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's billed as "One More Hobby." It hasn't been a big hit, but those who used the Apple TV have shown affection for the device and provided Apple with valued feedback. Apple took this feedback and retooled the Apple TV into a smaller form-factor that clocks in at 1/4th the size of its first-generation sibling.

The power supply is built into the Apple TV along with HDMI and Ethernet connections, and onboard 802.11n WiFi support. It also includes an Apple remote.

The biggest change is that it's an all-rental model, with purchases no longer available. The rentals will all be high definition when available. There is no storage management, and all the content is streamed rather than synced -- including items you have on a desktop computer. Netflix and YouTube streaming is available, along with photo streaming from Flickr and MobileMe.

The new AppleTV will also be able to stream content from an iPad using the just-announced AirPlay in iOS 4.2 that's slated to come out in November. Content is currently available in 6 countries.

Apple delivers on the $99 price point for the second-generation Apple TV. You can pre-order it today, and it will be available within the next four weeks.

Edit: The just-released specs page puts the HDMI cap at 720p.

TUAWNew AppleTV delivers on $99 price point, streaming originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steve Jobs announced iTunes 10 today, complete with a new logo. The core interface does not receive much tweaking, however in the list view there is a hybrid view where if you have more than 5 songs from the same album, it will show you the album artwork.

Most of the new release's focus is on Ping, a social network for music. "It's like Facebook and Twitter meets iTunes," Jobs said. Jobs is right; it looks almost, but not quite Facebook. It's much like that service where you can follow friends, have a circle of friends and share what music you're listening to through the network. When following an artist, you can be alerted to their concert listings.

Ping will be available for 160 million iTunes users in 23 countries right off the bat. It will also be available in the iTunes Store on the iPhone and iPod Touch.

iTunes 10 will be available for download today.

TUAWNew iTunes features Ping social media network originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookiTunesitunes 10Itunes10pingsocial mediaSocialMediastreamingtwitterWed, 01 Sep 2010 13:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple introduces 4th gen iPod touch with camera]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/apple-introduces-4th-gen-ipod-touch-with-camera/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/apple-introduces-4th-gen-ipod-touch-with-camera/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/apple-introduces-4th-gen-ipod-touch-with-camera/#comments


FaceTime. It isn't just for iPhone any more. Apple has just introduced a new generation of iPod touch with an improved chip (the same A4 that powers the iPad and the iPhone 4), a better display (the iPhone 4's double-resolution Retina display), and a built-in, front-facing camera that introduces FaceTime video conferencing capabilities.

This is a hefty refresh for an already great device, providing lots of new features that really expand the way consumers can use the device in their day-to-day lives. If you can't walk away from your Blackberry, the latest generation iPod touch units bring nearly all of the iPhone magic to a Wi-Fi only platform.

Preorders start today, and they'll be shipping within a week, well in time for the Christmas season. Prices start at $229 for the 8GB version.

TUAWApple introduces 4th gen iPod touch with camera originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iPod touchiPod touch 4giPod touch 4th generationIpodTouchIpodTouch4gIpodTouch4thGenerationWed, 01 Sep 2010 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple updates the iPod shuffle]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/apple-updates-the-ipod-shuffle/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/apple-updates-the-ipod-shuffle/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/apple-updates-the-ipod-shuffle/#commentsAt today's press event, Steve Jobs announced a full revamp of the iPod line. The new iPod shuffle is smaller than the 2nd generation device and brings back something that many users missed with the previous model. Specifically, buttons!

The new shuffle has a familiar-looking click wheel on the small postage-stamp shaped model that was introduced a few years ago. It will hold 15 hours of music, is available in 4 colors and sells for US$49. As of this writing, availability has not been announced. The iPod shuffle, and all models introduced today, will go on sale (pre-orders) today, with expected delivery next week.

We'll have more on this and the rest of today's announcements all day long.

TUAWApple updates the iPod shuffle originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's hip to be square. Announced today, the newly introduced iPod nano finally dispenses with the wheel as a control surface -- because now the control surface is the iPod touch. The new model is so small that like the newly announced iPod shuffle, it has a clip that allows it to be worn and has a 24-hour battery life.

What isn't there: the video camera that was included in the last release of the nano a year ago.

Other features include:
  • VoiceOver
  • FM radio
  • Nike+ and pedometer

It comes in six colors, two more than the shuffle. It will cost $149 for 8GB and $179 for 16GB.

The new nano can be preordered today, and will be released next week.

Edit: The just-released tech specs show that not only is the camera gone, so is video playback entirely.

TUAWNew iPod nano dumps scroll wheel and video for square screen originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ipod nanoIpodNanonanoWed, 01 Sep 2010 13:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple announces the release of iOS 4.1]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/apple-announces-the-release-of-ios-4-1/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/apple-announces-the-release-of-ios-4-1/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/apple-announces-the-release-of-ios-4-1/#comments

During today's press conference, Steve Jobs announced the release of iOS 4.1. The new operating system for iPhone and iPod touch comes with the following features:
  • High Dynamic Range photos: The phone will take three photos in rapid succession -- one at what the phone thinks is the normal image, one underexposed and the third overexposed. The image is then combined to create the high dynamic image. Mel Martin demonstrated the power of this type of program in July.
  • Bug fixes including those relating to the proximity sensor, Bluetooth and the iPhone 3G.
  • High-definition video upload over Wi-Fi.
  • TV show rentals and purchase
  • Game Center debut
The OS will be available next week through iTunes.

TUAWApple announces the release of iOS 4.1 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Welcome to our live Apple Fall event! Today, we'll be liveblogging Apple's announcements and adding our traditional TUAW twist to the proceedings. Watch Apple's live stream with us as we analyze, celebrate, and otherwise party down with Apple's traditional September iPod refresh. Will there be new TV rentals? iTunes in the cloud? A refreshed nano? Find out with TUAW and share the excitement!

Please note: due to the hundreds of participants and hundreds of comments we cannot publish everyone during the liveblog. We aren't ignoring you, it just isn't possible. Thank you for understanding.

TUAWSeptember 2010 Apple media event liveblog originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleeventipodmetaliveblogWed, 01 Sep 2010 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[The US online Apple Store is down, and back up]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/the-us-online-apple-store-is-down/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/the-us-online-apple-store-is-down/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/the-us-online-apple-store-is-down/#comments


Yes, yes. We know! The store is DOWN! Thank you everyone who sent in a tip to let us know. And now it's once again time to play our favorite waiting game: Guess What's Gonna Be New In The Store Before It Comes Back Up.

You know where the comments are. Let's play!

Update: Back up, now with preorders for all the goodies.

TUAWThe US online Apple Store is down, and back up originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Apple StoreApple Store downApple Store is DOWNAppleStoreAppleStoreDownAppleStoreIsDownFunHumorThe Store is DOWNTheStoreIsDownWed, 01 Sep 2010 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Event streaming to stress-test new datacenter]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/event-streaming-to-stress-test-new-datacenter/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/event-streaming-to-stress-test-new-datacenter/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/event-streaming-to-stress-test-new-datacenter/#comments

Not much of a surprise, but nice to have some details: Cult of Mac cites a source close to Apple saying that the live stream of today's iPod event will be used to put some real-time load on Apple's new North Carolina data center. The facility isn't all the way operational quite yet, but it's apparently ready enough to play a major role in today's festivities.

The NC datacenter is five times the size of Apple's similar facility on the West Coast and is officially intended to support the iTunes music and app stores. Obviously there's a lot more horsepower needed for streaming content, so here's where you'll find it.

As noted last night, today's live stream is intended for Intel Mac OS X 10.6 users in Safari, iPhone/iPod touch users running iOS 3.1 or higher, and iPad users. Support for the HTTP Live Streaming methodology is included in the current version of the ffmpeg open source library, so in theory apps like Mplayer should be able to handle the stream; VLC may also work.

TUAWEvent streaming to stress-test new datacenter originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cult of macCultOfMacdatacenterhttp live streamingHttpLiveStreamingnorth carolinaNorthCarolinaquicktimestreamingWed, 01 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CoPilot GPS nav app adds ActiveTraffic]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/copilot-gps-nav-app-adds-activetraffic/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/copilot-gps-nav-app-adds-activetraffic/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/copilot-gps-nav-app-adds-activetraffic/#commentsALK Technologies today is releasing a new version of the CoPilot Live app with a feature called ActiveTraffic. It uses real time traffic flow information that mates with dynamic routing technology to get you to your destination by selecting alternate routes, then accurately estimating your new arrival time.

The traffic information comes from INRIX, which is a leading provider of traffic data. I tried the new app, and it certainly showed some traffic snarls. But here in southern Arizona, things don't get too dicey even at rush hour, so there wasn't any need to select a new route. I could see very detailed information in Phoenix, where traffic can be downright hellish.

The ActiveTraffic feature is US$9.99 for a 12 month subscription. Current owners of CoPilot Live v8 US Traffic subscribers will get upgraded to TrafficLive for free.

Gallery: CoPilot Live screen shots

TUAWCoPilot GPS nav app adds ActiveTraffic originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActiveTrafficALK TechnologiesCoPilot LivegpsipadiPhonelive trafficnavigationWed, 01 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dear Aunt TUAW: From Earth to Romania]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/dear-aunt-tuaw-from-earth-to-romania/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/dear-aunt-tuaw-from-earth-to-romania/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/dear-aunt-tuaw-from-earth-to-romania/#commentsDear Aunt TUAW,

I have a late 2008 MacBook Pro and a 4 year old MacBook Pro that I will be taking to Romania next month to give to my in-laws so we can video conference with them. Seeing as they are not very computer literate, I want to be able to perform remote control / screen sharing in case the need should arise.

I know that OSX has built-in screen sharing capabilities on a local network, but over the Internet is something else altogether. I know that there are several services, such as LogMeIn, that provide this service for a fee, but I was wondering if I could do this without paying for a service.

Can you direct me to some documentation as to how to set this up? ssh configuration, port forwarding on the firewall, etc.... that might be able to get me started? Or make a recommendation that would be how you would do this.

Love,

Your Nephew Chris M.

TUAWDear Aunt TUAW: From Earth to Romania originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aunt TUAWAuntie TUAWAuntieTuawAuntTuawDear Aunt TUAWDearAuntTuawLogMeInLogMeIn IgnitionLogmeinIgnitionremote accessRomaniascreen sharingWed, 01 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TUAW's Daily App: Star Fighter X2]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/tuaws-daily-app-star-fighter-x2/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/tuaws-daily-app-star-fighter-x2/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/tuaws-daily-app-star-fighter-x2/#comments

Star Fighter X2 is a brand new App Store release that actually started development way back at the 360iDev Game Jam that I attended in April. Developer Dan Byers originally began the game as a tank combat title, but with the help of some other programmers and artist Mike Berg of We Heart Games, it's become Star Fighter X2, a two-player iPad space combat game that has you trying to shoot down real-life opponents with the help of power-ups and health drops.

You can check out the video above to see how it works. You just use one touch to control your ship (two, if you turn on the manual aiming), and then it's just a matter of maneuvering in and out of the way to try and grab goodies and/or avoid opposing fire for as long as you can. The first ship to run out of health loses the battle.

The game is simple, but the cool graphics and smooth, intuitive gameplay make it worth a look if you've got some ready and willing players around. Plus, it's pretty interesting that the foundation for the title came from that all-night party a few months ago. If you have an iPad and an opponent to shoot at, the game is on the App Store right now for US$1.99.

TUAWTUAW's Daily App: Star Fighter X2 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360idevdan byersDanByersgame-jamgamejamiOS 4Ios4iPadmanicmanic-networksmike bergMikeBergstar fighter x2star-fighter-x2StarFighterX2tuaws daily apptuaws-daily-appTuawsDailyAppwe-heart-gamesWed, 01 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Did you catch that? Event livestream is Mac and iOS only]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/did-you-catch-that-event-livestream-is-mac-and-ios-only/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/did-you-catch-that-event-livestream-is-mac-and-ios-only/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/09/01/did-you-catch-that-event-livestream-is-mac-and-ios-only/#commentsMost of you noticed something a bit... oddly specific about Apple's streaming announcement for the 9/1 event:

Apple(R) will broadcast its September 1 event online using Apple's industry-leading HTTP Live Streaming, which is based on open standards. Viewing requires either a Mac(R) running Safari(R) on Mac OS(R) X version 10.6 Snow Leopard(R), an iPhone(R) or iPod touch(R) running iOS 3.0 or higher, or an iPad[TM]. The live broadcast will begin at 10:00 a.m. PDT on September 1, 2010 at www.apple.com.

What's missing from this picture? About nine-tenths of the Internet; specifically, anyone using a Windows PC. As pointed out on ReadWriteWeb, there is no QuickTime X for Windows yet and no client supporting HTTP Live Streaming. I'm not sure why RWW's Adrianne Jeffries is convinced that it's up to Microsoft to implement QuickTime X (hint: it's not), but Apple's engineering team is still working to flesh out the new QuickTime stack on the Mac -- no surprise that the Windows version is lagging behind.

Yes, HTTP live streaming is an open standard, but that doesn't help much without a working implementation (as Adobe's John Nack is pointing out). Having a fallback stream of plain old RTSP wouldn't just be a nice gesture for the rest of the world -- it'd also be welcomed by the millions of PowerPC Mac users who won't be able to watch the stream, either. Yep, that requirement specifies Safari on Mac OS X 10.6 -- no Intel, no joy. Of course, even if you can't tune in for the video goodness, you can still come here for our lively and informative liveblog.

Update: MacRumors points to this test stream and also suggests that VLC may be able to watch the stream, at least in fits and starts.

TUAWDid you catch that? Event livestream is Mac and iOS only originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>91http streamingHttpStreamingipodlivestreamquicktime xQuicktimeXread write webReadWriteWebseptemberWed, 01 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Found Footage: MacOSXTutorials explores Mac Dropbox tips]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/08/31/found-footage-macosxtutorials-explores-mac-dropbox-tips/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/08/31/found-footage-macosxtutorials-explores-mac-dropbox-tips/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/08/31/found-footage-macosxtutorials-explores-mac-dropbox-tips/#comments

As a Dropbox fan, I am always looking for new uses for the ubiquitous cloud storage service. Matt Fisher, whose videos have been featured on TUAW before, has produced a new video chock-full of great Mac OS X Dropbox tips.

In this 10-minute clip, Matt shows:
  • How to copy the Mac clipboard to a Dropbox text file by creating an Automator service
  • A demo of AirDropper, an excellent way of securely requesting files from others and having them delivered via Dropbox
  • How to email files to Dropbox using Habilis
  • A quick way to access your Dropbox using a Chrome Extension (also available for Firefox)
  • Start torrents from any computer or device connected to Dropbox
  • Add PDFs to iBooks
  • Edit files from anywhere using Droptext
Some of these tips are rather straightforward, while others are incredible "why didn't I think of that" ideas that can really help make you more productive. What are your favorite things to do with Dropbox and your Mac? Leave us a comment.

TUAWFound Footage: MacOSXTutorials explores Mac Dropbox tips originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airdropperautomatorchromedropboxdroptextfound footageFoundFootagehabilisibooksipadiphonemacmacosxtutorialstorrentsTue, 31 Aug 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple to stream video of tomorrow's live event]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/08/31/apple-to-stream-video-of-tomorrows-live-event/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/08/31/apple-to-stream-video-of-tomorrows-live-event/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/08/31/apple-to-stream-video-of-tomorrows-live-event/#comments
It looks like Apple has decided that it's finally time to let the public in on their press events -- the company will be streaming live footage from the event tomorrow on its website. Traditionally, the company has depended on third parties (like, ahem, us -- we'll still be metaliveblogging the event here on TUAW, don't worry), but it looks like tomorrow's event is free for everyone to watch.

That's assuming things all go to plan, of course -- it'll likely be tough for even Apple to keep up with the demand of streaming out live video to what must be millions of people around the world. Apple's PR release says that the stream will be up on Apple.com tomorrow at 10am PDT, and that it will be viewable on Macs with Safari and Snow Leopard installed, or iPhones, iPod touches, and iPads running iOS 3.0 or higher.

So tune in tomorrow morning -- we'll see if Apple can handle the demands of its hungry customers on live streaming day. And even if not, we'll be here with all of the information you need anyway.

TUAWApple to stream video of tomorrow's live event originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleeventiphonesipod-touchlivemacssafariseptember-eventstreamingvideoviewablewebsiteTue, 31 Aug 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wall Street Journal confirms iTunes TV show rentals [Update: Netflix on Apple TV claimed by BusinessWeek]]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/08/31/wall-street-journal-confirms-itunes-tv-show-rentals/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/08/31/wall-street-journal-confirms-itunes-tv-show-rentals/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/08/31/wall-street-journal-confirms-itunes-tv-show-rentals/#comments

TV shows and iTunes go back several years now, to October 2005. If iTunes TV show sales have not been as brisk over those five years as Apple and the studios might have hoped, perhaps a less expensive rental solution might introduce vigor to the TV market.

This afternoon, the Wall Street Journal has confirmed with "people familiar with the matter" that Apple is set to announce $0.99 rentals during tomorrow's media event. Rumors of iTunes TV rentals have been widespread over the last month.

With Hulu Plus waiting on the sidelines for $10/month (and ads, for that matter) and Netflix hyping digital streaming to mobile devices, it seems like a good time for Apple to dip its toes into new and more flexible revenue streams. While Apple is willing, it seems like the studios had to be convinced. WSJ sources say that studio participation in the rental scheme is contingent on broader Apple participation in digital development deals.

I know that I have rarely re-watched any of my iTunes purchases -- and that most of those purchases were based on pre-Hulu availability after my EyeTV system failed to record shows. But with Hulu as a major player these days, not to mention the promise of Hulu Plus's mobile streaming service, and with a growing recession, will consumers be willing to pay extra just to skip ads?

Update: Engadget points to the Bloomberg BusinessWeek report claiming Netflix streaming will also be on deck for a revamped Apple TV.

TUAWWall Street Journal confirms iTunes TV show rentals [Update: Netflix on Apple TV claimed by BusinessWeek] originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleApple Media Eventapple tvAppleMediaEventAppleTviTunes RentalsItunesRentalsnetflixrentalsSeptember 2010September EventSeptember2010SeptemberEventWall Street JournalWallStreetJournalWSJTue, 31 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Join TUAW September 1 for our patented metaliveblog of Apple's Fall event]]>http://www.tuaw.com/2010/08/31/join-tuaw-september-1-for-our-patented-metaliveblog-of-apples-f/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/08/31/join-tuaw-september-1-for-our-patented-metaliveblog-of-apples-f/http://www.tuaw.com/2010/08/31/join-tuaw-september-1-for-our-patented-metaliveblog-of-apples-f/#comments

Well, there's not really a patent on our metaliveblog, it's just the way we're rolling until Apple's media team acknowledges our existence and puts us on the invite list. Or, at the least, acknowledges the existence of the iPhone 4 in Mexico. Tomorrow at 1PM Eastern in the US we'll be liveblogging right here. Bookmark that link, and join us for the mayhem, and watch along with us with Apple's live feed.

Who knows what we'll see? Not us! Although, we love to make educated guesses. Meanwhile, the latest rumors include the iPad showing up on sale in Target stores, and Bloomberg chiming in that Netflix playback will be included on the next-gen Apple TV.

TUAWJoin TUAW September 1 for our patented metaliveblog of Apple's Fall event originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ipodmetaliveblogseptemberTue, 31 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST