Crenk » apple

Apple Mac OS X 10.6.3 Close To Release

Steven Finch — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:57:30 +0000

Apple on Friday distributed yet another beta of Mac OS X 10.6.3 to its developer community with no known issues, as the update to Snow Leopard moves closer to a public release.

Like numerous seeds before it, Friday’s update was reportedly clear of issues. People familiar with the matter said it is known as Build 10D567, and is available as a 718MB download.

The last beta of Mac OS X 10.6.3 arrived in late February, and it, like Friday’s had no changes made to the software’s enhancements checklist. The forthcoming update improves security and compatibility within QuickTime X, enhances the performance of Apple’s 64-bit Logic Pro suite, and improves compatibility with third-party printers.

Developers have reportedly been asked to focus their testing efforts on printing, Rosetta, iChat, QuickTime and graphics drivers.

The last major update to Snow Leopard, Mac OS X 10.6.2, came last November, when Apple addressed a guest account bug that could result in a user’s account data being accidentally deleted. The update also added native support for the company’s new multi-touch Magic Mouse.

Apple is also currently working on Safari 4.0.5, which reportedly fixes an issue with the browser’s JavaScript engine. The update will also improve HTML5 video playback, offer quicker loading of the Top Sites panels, faster JavaScript performance, better performance on YouTube, and a smaller memory footprint.

Also in the works is QuickTime 7.66, a maintenance, security and performance release expected to be one of the final updates to QuickTime 7, and a significant maintenance update to the Final Cut Studio and Pro applications.

New TiVo Introduces Competitive Offerings

Luis Sandoval — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:05:09 +0000

Nothing has changed the way we watched TV more than TiVo has. When the TiVo was first released it was truly revolutionary for the viewing audience. Time controlled TV; no longer were we to be enslaved by the powers that be and their scheduling practices. Even if we were watching something scheduled, we could record on another channel. The many iterations of TiVo over the years has seen increased offerings and versatility, but now with the release of the Premiere, we might see a new era for the TiVo…or will we?

The new TiVo Premiere ($300) takes full advantage of the many new HDTV models and their ability to connect to the internet. By accessing the internet TiVo can now not only surf the digital channels, but also content across sites like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, On Demand, and Blockbuster. The new standard version of the Premiere can record up to 45 hours of HD quality content. The larger version of the Premiere XL ($500) can record a whopping 150 hours of HD quality content.

The new interface for this TiVo is built on the Adobe Flash platform. You know Flash, the one Apple is so afraid of. Is this any good? Will this crash on us constantly? It’ll be interesting to see how things work out, but this TiVo is a heavy contender for in-home set top boxes.

Apple iPad Commercial Debuts During Oscars

Steven Finch — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:22:45 +0000

Apple’s iPad made its TV advertising debut at the Oscars a few minutes ago. Here’s the clip (via Engadget and Alley Insider):

Apple iPad Skin: Boa Skin XS from Booq

Steven Finch — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:07:25 +0000

Booq today unveiled their latest accessory specifically for the iPad. Dubbed as the Boa skin XS, the case is made of a durable Twylon that provides a well padded base for impact protection. This iPad case also features a soft non-scratch interior for added display protection, neoprene expands to accommodate additional accessories, power cords, batteries, etc. Available in turquoise, yellow, violet, sand, and black, the Boa skin XS is currently available for $29.95 a pop. [Max Borges]

Apple iPad Pre-Order From March 12, Available To Buy From April 3

Steven Finch — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:38:45 +0000

Apple just announced that its tablet device, the iPad, will be available in the U.S. on April 3. Starting on the 12th March U.S. customers can pre-order the device either online or at their local Apple retail store. The device will be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April.

Apple is launching with 12 apps designed especially for iPad and will run almost all of the 150,000 apps on the App Store. The supposed Kindle-killer will debut with an iBooks app, which will be available for free download from the App Store in the US on April 3. Apple’s partnered witha number of publishers including the Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Macmillan Publishers, Penguin Group and Simon & Schuster.

Apple® today announced that its magical and revolutionary iPad will be available in the US on Saturday, April 3, for Wi-Fi models and in late April for Wi-Fi + 3G models. In addition, all models of iPad will be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April.

Beginning a week from today, on March 12, US customers can pre-order both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G models from Apple’s online store (www.apple.com) or reserve a Wi-Fi model to pick up on Saturday, April 3, at an Apple retail store.

“iPad is something completely new,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We’re excited for customers to get their hands on this magical and revolutionary product and connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before.”

Starting at just $499, iPad lets users browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks and much more. iPad is just 0.5 inches thick and weighs just 1.5 pounds–thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook–and delivers battery life of up to 10 hours.*

iPad’s revolutionary Multi-Touch(TM) interface makes surfing the web an entirely new experience, dramatically more interactive and intimate than on a computer. You can read and send email on iPad’s large screen and almost full-size “soft” keyboard or import photos from a Mac®, PC or digital camera, see them organized as albums, and enjoy and share them using iPad’s elegant slideshows. iPad makes it easy to watch movies, TV shows and YouTube, all in HD, or flip through the pages of an ebook you downloaded from Apple’s new iBookstore while listening to your music collection.

The App Store on iPad lets you wirelessly browse, buy and download new apps from the world’s largest app store. iPad includes 12 new innovative apps designed especially for iPad and will run almost all of the more than 150,000 apps on the App Store, including apps already purchased for your iPhone® or iPod touch®. Developers are already creating exciting new apps designed for iPad that take advantage of its Multi-Touch interface, large screen and high-quality graphics.

The new iBooks app for iPad includes Apple’s new iBookstore, the best way to browse, buy and read books on a mobile product. The iBookstore will feature books from the New York Times Best Seller list from both major and independent publishers, including Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Macmillan Publishers, Penguin Group and Simon & Schuster.

The iTunes® Store gives iPad users access to the world’s most popular online music, TV and movie store with a catalog of over 12 million songs, over 55,000 TV episodes and over 8,500 films including over 2,500 in stunning high definition. All the apps and content you download on iPad from the App Store, iTunes Store and iBookstore will be automatically synced to your iTunes library the next time you connect with your computer.

Pricing & Availability

iPad will be available in Wi-Fi models on April 3 in the US for a suggested retail price of $499 for 16GB, $599 for 32GB, $699 for 64GB. The Wi-Fi + 3G models will be available in late April for a suggested retail price of $629 for 16GB, $729 for 32GB and $829 for 64GB. iPad will be sold in the US through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers.

iPad will be available in both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G models in late April in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. International pricing will be announced in April. iPad will ship in additional countries later this year.

The iBooks app for iPad including Apple’s iBookstore will be available as a free download from the App Store in the US on April 3, with additional countries added later this year.

*Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results vary.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

Apple iPad May Experience Limited Availability Upon Launch

Steven Finch — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:18:42 +0000

The iPad has been one of the most talked about gadget releases ever. However, According to a note by Canaccord Adams analyst Peter Misek, Apple is currently experiencing manufacturing delays with its iPad partners. If the issues keep up, production will be limited, making for a smaller supply of iPads upon its launch later this month. The problems could also limit next month’s production.

Part of the note reads: “An unspecified production problem at the iPad’s manufacturer, Hon Hai Precision, will likely limit the launch region to the US and the number of units available to roughly 300K in the month of March, far lower than the company’s initial estimate of 1,000K units.”

HP Offers Sleek Design in Elitebook

Luis Sandoval — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:44:04 +0000

Tablets, pads, call them what you will, they seem to be all the rage. While personally I’m not in the market for either, but there are enough consumers out there with money burning in their pocket for just such a device that manufacturers know their product could be the next big thing. Apple did their grand debut for their version of a pad, but HP is not to be left out of the game.

The HP Elitebook 2740P that combines a tablet and a high performance laptop. Starting at $1,600 and up, the tablet is touch enabled with both your finger and stylus. The tablet/laptop features a 12in. LED-backlit screen on a reversible convertible hinge. Other companies have attempted the reversible convertible model, none have really become staples in the household.

Under the hood you’ll find an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor (depending on the model you purchase), a maximum of 8GB or RAM, optional built-in 3G wireless, and a long lasting 6-cell battery. It seems HP did a good job of putting this piece together for both the business and personal consumer.

Blue Microphone Releases Mobile App

Luis Sandoval — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:05:55 +0000

I’m a huge fan of Blue Microphone. I’ve done reviews on their microphones in the past and tonight I want to introduce everyone to their mobile app. Unlike other microphones, Blue Microphone has released microphones with a lot of people in mind. Everyone from the desktop podcaster to the roving new media recorder, Blue Microphone has created products that are durable and versatile.

With the release of their new free app, Blue FiRe, Blue Microphone lays conquest on the standard microphone app that comes bundled with the purchase of your iPhone. Some will say that all they need is the ability to record and listen, and that probably works well for the vast majority of us. But what if you had an application that had all the control of a switchboard in order to get the right recording sound.

This feature rich application allows users to not just record but also to manipulate the audio recordings. The ability to set timing markers, bookmark certain areas of the audio, you can set low and high threshold auto-recordings based on what your surroundings are. Title your recordings, snap photos of your recording location to be attached with the audio, and rather than send SMS, you can simply set your browser to the set URL and download the audio format in three versions for you to either store, or edit in an audio editing program.

It really does make Apple’s Voice Memo app seem a bit out of date, and for the price, it seems like a nice upgrade too.

Grooveshark Gets Final Smackdown from Apple

Luis Sandoval — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 03:42:48 +0000

Ever gotten to the point where you’ve been pushed around, beaten down, kept from your goals, so much so that you just decided that enough was enough. If you have, then you know exactly where Grooveshark stands. It’s a known fact that app approval for the iTunes store is based on a mystical set of rules that like a chameleon can change in an instant depending on the weather, the planetary alignment, hell even what the person had for breakfast, and because of this randomness, many app designers have experienced a lot of frustration. Rejections come with vague reasons, forcing some designers to reconfigure and then resubmit hoping for a better outcome.

Grooveshark has submitted and has finally decided to toss in the towel and head for the darker side of things…the jailbroken iPhones. It’s a growing “black market” of sorts and Grooveshark is sure to find a thriving audience there.

According to TechCrunch, when the app was first tried back in 2009, not only did it work well, but it was also stated as possibly never making it through the app store qualifications, and they were right. The app will now find a home on Cydia, giving jailbroken users a chance to use the application. If you’re not attached to the Apple regime, there’s always Android, Blackberry, and Palm that you can find the app for, and it works just fine.

Kobo Ebook Reader Goes Cross Platform

Luis Sandoval — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:59:05 +0000

The Kobo ebook reader is just one of many mobile ebook readers on the market. What makes this ebook stand out from the many out there is the cross platform capability. We are familiar with ebook apps on our iPhone/iTouch, or maybe even our mobile phones, but the Kobo allows you read your selections from the mobile device, a smart phone, desktop, or laptop.

The ebook reader is globally known and backed by the likes of Indigo Books & Music, Borders, REDgroup Retail, Cheung Kong Holdings, and other leaders in technology and retail. They firmly state that they believe anyone should have access to their content and be able to read anywhere, anytime, no matter what. Their support of open standards goes directly against some of the bigger competitors who firmly believe in close systems. According to Kobo’s site, closed systems stifle innovation and growth, thus their support of allowing their product to go across multiple platforms.

They are currently boasting approximately 2 million books and over 200,000 PDF’s to browse through. With top hits from the New York Time’s best seller list to the most popular ebooks, readers should find something of interest and enjoy the fact that the open system allows for them to move from device to device without fearing any sort of lock down.

I find it interesting that they state that even if they have not heard of a device or if it’s not out yet, they can find a way to be on there. A true testament to the fact that the Kobo ebook reader is really part of an open system.

Sex Apps Removed for Parental Control, say Apple

Dean Sherwin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:11:16 +0000

A few days ago, Apple took the extreme measure of removing almost all sex orientated apps from their app store, as we reported here. It seemed to be the case that they were selecting which apps to remove on a case-by-case basis. However, today only a few well-known apps are left such as the Playboy application. Apple have finally announced exactly why they did this.

So why did Apple decide sex apps had no place in the app store?

“It came to the point where we were getting customer complaints from women who found the content getting too degrading and objectionable, as well as parents who were upset with what their kids were able to see”

So for the issue of parental control and to not offend the iPhone’s female users, they decided to remove the applications from the store. I personally find this a little odd on two fronts.

Firstly, if women find these kinds of apps offensive then that’s fine. But they don;t have to download them. It’s not like Apple ever advertised them on the homepage. They were there in the background if anyone wanted them, that’s all. There are bigger fish to fry on that font rather than a few relatively soft-core apps.

Secondly, on the issue of parental control, I genuinely don’t see what good removing apps from the store is going to do. If a kid wants porn or anything of the sort couldn’t he or she just open up the Safari browser?

I fear this move is little more than Apple wanting to wash their hands of any objectionable material. It’s not that they’re against it.

Apple, have left in a few apps from big companies such as Playboy though, which seems to contradict the above. Wouldn’t they want to eliminate the big players? Or is the revenue loss just too much to swallow?

“The difference is this is a well-known company with previously published material available broadly in a well-accepted format,”

I don’t get it either.

Apple Banning Sex Apps

Dean Sherwin — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:30:16 +0000

‘Sex Apps’, which have been available in the App Store, pretty much since its launch have their days numbered. Numerous apps with sexually explicit content such as Jon Atherton’s Wobble iBoobs have been removed from the grill.

He received this Email from the app store:

The App Store continues to evolve, and as such, we are constantly refining our guidelines. Your application, Wobble iBoobs (Premium Uncensored), contains content that we had originally believed to be suitable for distribution. However, we have recently received numerous complaints from our customers about this type of content, and have changed our guidelines appropriately.

We have decided to remove any overtly sexual content from the App Store, which includes your application.

Thank you for your understanding in this matter. If you believe you can make the necessary changes so that Wobble iBoobs (Premium Uncensored) complies with our recent changes, we encourage you to do so and resubmit for review.

Sincerely,
iPhone App Review

Numerous apps, most catering to the male audience, have been removed from the store. A simple error message appears when you try to purchase one. However, it also appears as though Apple are choosing which apps to give the bullet on a case-by-case basis. Apps such as “Sex Strip” are reportedly still available. So are Apple choosing which apps are too explicit or just haven’t gotten around to eliminating all sex related apps?

They send this statement to Tech Crunch:

“Whenever we receive customer complaints about objectionable content we review them. If we find apps that contain inappropriate material we remove them from the App Store and request the developer to make any necessary changes to their apps in order to be distributed by Apple.”

iPad Pre-Orders Start February 25th

Luis Sandoval — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 23:46:05 +0000

According to MacRumors, the iPad could very well go on pre-order as early as next week. Excited Apple fan boys/girls are surely getting ready to plunk down their hard earned money on a device that people just haven’t figured out if they really need or not. Nevertheless, the pre-order frenzy will surely create buzz and further articles on customer’s experience.

The iPad, which was recently announced by Apple, is supposed to fill the void between our laptop/desktop and our mobile device. Not sure if you really need one? No worries you’re not alone. But rest assured that thousands upon thousands of people will still order the device only to later realize if they really needed it or not.

According to the article the US wi-fi model is the first up, but according to Jobs presentation, the shipping date was still 60 days away. Could the pre-orders be taken this early? Sure they can, and fans will just have to wait to be the first on the block with their new device. What many looking out for is the release of previously unmentioned additions. It’s not unheard of for Apple to add something at the last minute, so fans are looking forward to that opportunity. Right now it’s not a guarantee to even happen, but Apple fans can dream.

App Store Not Skinemax, Policies Changed

Luis Sandoval — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 23:05:00 +0000

Remember the days when Cinemax was the channel you went to if you wanted to see any amount of skin. It has become a joke nowadays, but there was a time when many of us referred to it as Skinemax. Well Apple’s App Store is not to be labeled in the same way. Recently we’ve seen complaints about the type of apps that are being allowed to go through the approval process. Apps to include interests in busty asians, busty women, swimsuits, hot models, and all sorts of combinations. The once happy playground of games and productivity apps has now been diluted with apps that have “raised” our interest.

According to a great article on TechCrunch, the policies are changing, and it’s going to affect a large swath of apps already approved in the app store. The zero tolerance on “sexual content” has been passed and we’ll soon see those apps gone entirely from the store. Some of these apps were developed as the foundation for business, so Apple is essentially putting them out on the streets. While many of us may not agree with what we see, is Apple doing the right thing by running them out?

According to the article, the developer of Wobble has outlined the following change of policies:

1. No images of women in bikinis

2. No images of men in bikinis!

3. No skin

4. No silhouettes

5. No sexual connotations or innuendo: boobs, babes, booty, sex – all banned

6. Nothing that can be sexually arousing!!

7. No apps will be approved that in any way imply sexual content

Anyone want to share their opinion? Seems pretty ridiculous and perhaps a little overreaching, but it is Apple’s sandbox. If you want to play in it you follow their rules. Leave your comments and let’s chat about this.

The Book of Jobs, So It Shall Be

Luis Sandoval — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 22:19:29 +0000

Forgive the biblical format of the title, but an announcement of biblical proportions has been unleashed upon the public. Steve Jobs is authorizing a personal biography. After years of reading unauthorized books, years of wondering, years of rumors and speculation, the “official” book has been given the Steve Jobs blessing.

Is this going to be the honest look into his life that we want? Probably not, the unauthorized books will probably hold more truth then anything blessed by him, but for now, it’s an interesting topic.

Personally, as much of a fan of Apple I am, I also can’t deny the presence that Steve Jobs holds. While the company is definitely innovative, I see Steve Jobs walking down a hallway to the sound of the “Imperial March” from Star Wars, with guards on either side. Rumors of new hires being warned not to say “Hi” to Mr. Jobs or else they’ll be fired seem extreme, but not out of the realm of possibility. Do we really need an authorized book? Sometimes the mystique is better than the reality, but according to Macrumors.com we’ll be getting a look into his life sooner than we thought.

Unauthorized books have made him so mad in the past that he’s removed that entire publishing company’s line off of their stores shelves. Should be interesting to see just what he’ll allow us to understand, and perhaps we’ll become sympathetic to his processes.

Windows 7 Phone Sexes Up the Market

Luis Sandoval — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 05:41:28 +0000

When I saw the Windows 7 phone my jaw hit the ground like the cartoon characters of yesterday. You know, when the eyes bugged out and the jaw hot the ground with the tongue rolling out? Yes, this phone is sexy. Windows haters beware. iPhone killer? Maybe not, but this phone is sure to turn some heads as it lays out an UI unlike any other mobile phone out there. Zune owners might see some familiarities in the interface, but even those users can expect to see something new.

There was a day when Windows Smartphone would have been an oxymoron, but today, the mold is broken with this experience and it all lies in the UI. For starters, the interface is focused on dedicated “hubs” of information giving the users an interesting way to group like applications under one roof instead of being overwhelmed with information. The touch movement is fluid, the layout easy to understand, and by nature the device is social. A person’s social activity makes this phone a great pleasure to have as you are able to keep up with their status updates integrated into the UI.

You can take photos, create albums, record videos, access Xbox Live, a store to purchase your application needs, and a productivity store for those of us looking to get a little work out of it while having fun too. The phone currently has no pricing, but it’s sure to wow folks who are not familiar with Microsoft making anything this cool and sleek. I don’t necessarily think it’s an iPhone killer, but we’ll see what happens when it hits the market. Remember, Microsoft still needs to compete with Apple and Google which are the current giants in the sandbox.

Steve Jobs Holding Apple Products Like iPad, iPhone and the Next Generation of Apple Products

Steven Finch — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:29:20 +0000

Im a huge Apple fan and I really like what they have been able to provide with the iPhone and the iPad. Here is a breakdown of what Apple products Steve Jobs will be holding next.

via: The Escapist

Wired’s iPad Application Looks Great

Steven Finch — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:09:14 +0000

Google and Apple To Compete Over Search Engine Marketshare, Maps and more…

Steven Finch — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:07:49 +0000

It has been rumoured that having Google as the default search engine on the iPhone earns Apple more than $100 million per year in a revenue sharing deal. A lot of sites have been talking about Apple developing their own search engine, while others have been reporting Bing will become the iPhone new default search engine. However, Google still seem to be the leader in this area, so unless Microsoft offer more than $100 million per year nothing will change.

In addition to being the search provider for Safari on the iPhone, Google also powers the native Maps application included with Apple’s handset. The source claimed that making Google Maps a provider for the initial iPhone in 2007 was a simple two-week process. But when GPS was added to the iPhone 3G, negotiations between the two technology giants allegedly lasted six months.

“Google wanted access to all sorts of data from the maps, but Apple didn’t want to give it up, according to this person,” the report said.

Last summer, Apple purchased Google Maps competitor Placebase. Later in the year, it sought to hire a full-time employee to take its iPhone Maps application “to the next level.”

Apple has also entered the mobile advertising business after its purchase of Quattro Wireless, believed to be worth $275 million, in December. Through the acquisition, Apple also named the former CEO of Quattro Wireless, Andy Miller, to a new position: vice president of Mobile Advertising.

Watch out Google, Apple could soon become a real competitor in the search engine space, while also moving into your current markets and revenue streams.

Not All Phones Are “iPhone Killers”

Luis Sandoval — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 06:23:15 +0000

One of them most overused terms in the mobile phone industry is the term “iPhone killer.” For awhile there, everything was being termed as aniPhone killer. The BlackBerry Storm, the BlackBerry Bold, the Palm Pre, and countless others were basically set up for failure. Now sure perhaps the companies are not entirely to blame, pundits and other tech analysts are sometimes responsible for attaching that phrase to a next generation product that appears to be the next step in mobile phone development, so when it fails to provide a quality of service the customer expects, the entire ship goes down in flames. Well folks, not every phone needs to be an iPhone killer.

The LG Mini understands that, and purposely sets out to fit the niche it was created for, the socially engaged. There are times when we don’t need the “smart” in our phones, we just want it to do a few things well and we’re happy. This is the case with the LG Mini which does not attempt to be a smartphone, nor does it attempt to conquer any other phone out there. The Mini simply serves as an amazing phone that touts a strong social networking presence with Social Network Connect, a Social Network Feed, and a Social Address Book.

Aside from having those strong social functions, the phone offers Wi-fi, GPS, built-in FM radio, microSD storage, and a 5-megapixel camera. The strength is evident, but the obvious selling point is the social functions. If you’re one of those that can look past the face that this isn’t the iPhone, then perhaps this little device might be worth it’s weight in social contacts.

Apple Launched a New Version of Apple TV

Steven Finch — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:05:50 +0000

Apple has recently updated their Apple TV to version 3.0.2. This new update is related to the release of Aperture 3.0, which made changes to how that software shares images over the local network and adds support for iPhoto’s Places and Faces features. The new Apple TV Version 3.0.2 can be downloaded and installed from the Update Software option within the Settings/General menu on Apple TV. [Apple Insider]

Apple Releases iPhone OS 3.2 SDK for Apple iPad

Steven Finch — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:20:44 +0000

Apple has officially released the new software development kit for iPhone OS 3.2, which enables third party developers to begin creating new apps that take advantage of new features of the iPad.

If you are currently a part of Apple’s iPhone Developer Program you can login and download the new SDK, which includes an iPad simulator for testing new apps under development.

The site also presents an iPad Programming Guide that “introduces new features available for iPad and how to implement those features in your applications,” as well as new iPad Human Interface Guidelines.

The SDK also includes new example code projects that “provide an example of how to accomplish a task for a specific technology.”

Album Art to Complete Your Collection

Luis Sandoval — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 06:12:48 +0000

How many of you have created your iTunes playlists and feel like your list is never complete unless you’ve got everything you need for every song including album art? If you’re one of those types, then I’m right there with you. Nothing frustrates me more than playing music on my MP3 player and seeing no album art with a song. Perhaps I’m OCD, perhaps it’s just the huge music fan in me, but Album Art Search has been a holy land of sorts for all the album art I need.

The site offers up the album art of some of the most sought after albums, straight from the homepage, but digging deeper you’re able to find what you’re missing after a search for a specific album. The categories give you a broad based idea of what you’ll find, and by clicking on the image you can go to Amazon if you’d like to buy the physical media. You can also bookmark and save the images for your own use.

So now there’s no reason for any of your playlists to be without album art. Dig in, find what you need and let us know what you think. There are other competitors out that I think do it better, but I like the ease of finding what I need on this platform.

How to Buy Refurbished Apple Products

Steven Finch — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:11:39 +0000

Apple products are the hot new electronic items. With the iPod, iPhone and a line of computers it seems everyone wants to get their hands on something Apple touched. Their large stores are fun to spend time looking at all of the new shiny products. However, the price of a new Apple product can scare anyone. Luckily, you can buy a refurbished product for a lot less.

Decide where to buy. Refurbished Apple products are available from a number of online outlets such as eBay.com, amazon.com and smalldog.com. However, you can also easily purchased refurbished from apple.com. This is the most reputable place to buy them because Apple technicians are the ones who are working on the older models. They are putting their stamp of approval on the refurbished computers, so you know you are getting something of quality (see Resources below).
Decide what you want. Refurbished Apple products are a great way to get a deal on new Apple products, but it is also a great way to get some older device you once loved. Shop around and decide what you want. I you don’t want an iPod with video capabilities, look for an older generation. Missed that iBook you loved? Buy it refurbished to get a brand new on without it being new.
Buy from the Apple store. Go to the Apple store’s homepage and scroll down until you find the refurbished section on the left side of the scree. You can choose to browse through refurbished iPods, iPhones or mac computers.

Apple Store Down Globally: What New Products Are Coming?

Steven Finch — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:15:59 +0000

Sometimes it’s nothing, but often there is something new about to come out. The Apple store is now down globally. What can we expect when it comes back online? New Macbook Pros?

Check back at 08:30 ET (as is the norm) to see who got it right.