Posts

Mac Hybrid - Speculative Fun on Secret Product from Apple

People are all over the place when it comes to what sercet product, if any, will Apple be introducing that require them to warn investors of lower margins in future quarter? Some Apple fans think Apple will merely be lowering prices but others think Apple will actually introduce a brand new product that will cause panic and pandemonium among its competitors.  TUAW reportedly received information that points to changes among Apple TV marketing material and a September 30th webcast. Pure speculation.  Simply rumors.  It'll be a couple of slow weeks between now and mid-October, when Apple is most likely to offer new Macbooks.  But for speculative purposes, it would make sense for Apple to merge it's "hobby", the Apple TV, which has been met with limited success to be it kindly and the Mac in creating a consumer-class Mac that let folks use it as a computer, gaming machine, and as an Apple TV. What would be the sole purpose of the "Mac Hybrid". (Apple, ple...

iPhone Not Game Machine Yet

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As many games as there are on the iPhone and the iPod Touch, Apple's newest mobile sensation is no closer to being a contender to even be consider a threat to DS or PSP.  In fact, we posed the question whether iPhone gaming may ruin mobile games because of the low prices and dropping prices that developers may not think it worthwhile to develop for any system if iPhone's pricing precedent takes hold. Now, I love my iPhone and I'll be getting the new iPod Touch in days.  However, as much games I've got on for my iPlatform devices, most are by small parties, and they're excellent games.  Still, we are still being pitted as casual mobile gamers, not hard core portable gamers as DS and PSP gamers may be called. Where are the Final Fantasies, Sonic Chronicles, and sports games like Madden and NHL.  Where is Capcom and Konami? I'm expecting a Harry Potter game from WB but I won't hold my breath on that. $10 cap.  That's why.  And the games that TUA...

Mac-iPhone Update For September 26, 2008

Biggest news in the last couple days is the unlocked iPhones that went on sale in Hong Kong.  Between $700-$800.   Not a bad price consider that you'll be able to use them with just about any service and network.  Almost.   We're probably looking at a $100 lower price for the US market if it ever makes it to the US.  We don't know what kind of deal Apple and ATT has but you can bet ATT wants to make sure no one can use the new iPhones with T-Mobile. Also, a beta version of iPhone 2.2 has been making rounds.  Looks like they're up security and stability issues being resolved this go-around.  Still looking for cut-and-paste.  I know, that's getting old. iPhone-iPod Update: Wired reports iPhone battery lawsuit dismissal. Yahoo News reports Visa plan may not work. MacDaily News reports on Mass and Apple to make iTunes accessible to the blind. TUAW on app pricing dropping very quickly.  Apple wins.  Us too.   Go here...

LifeCast - iPhone App for Blogging

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This is the blogging app for Google's Blogger service that I have been waiting for. And guess what? It's free! From LifeCast I had hoped that Google would come out with a future version of their Google app with blogging functions (there is not direct way to do it on the Web either). Leave it to third parties seems to be the mantra Google has taken with their Web apps and their first Android phone. So far, there are two blogging services available for posting with LifeCast. Tumblr and Blogger. I have scanned the comments and there is a demand for for other types of blogging services. Also there is a beta 1.2 that I hope to participate in. Hopefully, there will be more functions like tagging and picture attachments. This is what this version can do now: create multiple timelines use with Tumblr and Blogger attach pictures from iPhone library expanded support coming The best feature? It can easily support multiple blogs within a service. I am able t...

Mac-iPhone Update For September 24, 2008

No rumors.  It's a promise but this post from Appleinsider is a bit more concrete.  You'll understand why this is important. Appleinsider informed the world that there are now six additional placeholders in Best Buy's Futureshop computers up in Canada.  Four points to make of this: New Macs are coming.  Like the usual suspects:  3 Macbooks, two 15" Macbook Pros, one 17" Macbook Pro.   No Macbook Air update - MBA would take up two spaces all on its own. No iMac updates - this is more obvious.  iMacs would take up three place holders all on its own. No iBrick or any game changing device that will be coming with the new Macbook updates. Again, we believe Macworld is when we'll see anything new if at all.  However, given the margin statement by Apple's CFO during the last round of financial call, it's still possible to see a drop in Macbook prices, maybe even iMacs.   I was so hoping for a new mini Mac tower.   iPhone-iPod Update: St...

Hand Crank to Charge your iPod

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I was looking to see if there is a hand crank out for the XO (OLPC's laptop) when I came across a link that takes you to a page where there is instructions on creating a hand crank to power your iPod. Geek Technique has a very interesting way to go about it.  That post was from 2005.  Since then, there have been other more modern ways to go about it. I also recommend going over to Brookstone at your local mall and check out their own solutions.  You'll see one of the flashlights used in GT's demo as well. I also like this Bodyguard Survivor  .  It's McGyver-approved.  It has 13 functions with a hand-crank to charge up the internal battery.  And more importantly, it'll charge your phone or iPod. However, you will still need to create a link between the proprietary iPod connection and theses devices.   Of course, you can save yourself the trouble with the self-powered weather radio  .  It already has a connection for iPods. I ...

Using the Cloud To Hide Your Passwords

I came across a neat way to secure passwords involving a couple of handy programs and Dropbox. I currently use 1password which works fine on just my Powerbook. I also use a notebook at home where I write all my passwords and secure it in a safe place. But for mobile warriors like yourself, here is better way involving the cloud.  Please head to Onxo for this mobile tip.