It is now official, the WWDC 2009 will take place from June 8th till 12th.
As depicted by the screen shot, it will most likely be focusing on the iPhone OS 3.0. We also expect to get more information about the forthcoming update of Mac OS X, Snow Leopard. Apple might be delaying its availability to better compete with Microsoft Windows 7 release date...
iLuv debuts new iPod shuffle 3G cases
iLuv has a launched a new pair of case options, designed for the third-generation iPod shuffle. The iCC12 and iCC14 are both intended to provide protection against various scrapes and scratches. The iCC12 is a pack that includes four silicone cases, arrayed in black, white, blue and pink colors....
iPhone apps: Convertbot, MyTrainer, Twice
Convertbot ($1) is a conversion tool that allows users to convert between different units such as, currency, length, mass and time. The interface features large input buttons with audio feedback and allows users to enter mixed units such as a combination of feet and inches or pounds and ounces. In addition to the previously mentioned units Convertbot also features support for categories such as ar...
The price of popularity: "hottest" iTunes songs will cost $1.29 on April 7
Filed under: iTS, iTunes, Apple
Remember in 2007 when Apple started selling "iTunes Plus" tracks as DRM-free and 256 kbps AAC files? Much later you were able to upgrade your songs on a per-track basis, if you were so inclined. Well, get ready for more pricing changes. The LA Times reports a date has been set for the kickoff of the variable pricing model Apple announced at Macworld this year: April 7. While I doubt most people care about a slightly better listening experience (seriously, have you used an FM transmitter to play music in your car?), I think simply paying more because a song is popular won't go over so well. I'm not alone in thinking there will be backlash against the policy of selling more popular songs at a higher price. Jim Guerinot, who manages Nine Inch Nails, a pretty vocal opponent to the labels' stranglehold on the industry, feels the increase in prices will only ramp up piracy -- again. I'm inclined to agree.
Yes, we knew this was coming. But the average consumer embraced the iTunes Store not only because it was Apple, or the iPod, or iTunes itself, but also because the one-price-fits-all model is easy to understand. People don't pay taxes with Zune Points or Disney Dollars, they prefer to think "Hey, it's just a buck." The psychological impact of having a price point at $0.99US for everything makes impulse shopping a no-brainer. Just ask all those fart app devs.
The only upside is that less popular songs will be priced lower. Essentially, it's the bargain bin of the iTunes store, featuring one-hit wonders and college radio flops and a random assortment of attic-dwelling musical pieces as low as $0.69. I only hope it doesn't play into the theory of perceived value, which Joel Spolsky noted when iTunes Plus tracks debuted. Apple also said at Macworld "many more songs" will be available at 69 cents versus the $1.29 price point. It'll be interesting to see what develops and if sales suffer as a result of the changes. The labels certainly love variable pricing, and they've been right about this new digital era all along, haven't they? In the meanwhile, get your Top 40 Radio fix while you can; it'll soon be a premium experience to join the "in" crowd.
TUAWThe price of popularity: "hottest" iTunes songs will cost $1.29 on April 7 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
SlingPlayer for iPhone submitted to app store
Filed under: Peripherals, Video, iPhone, App Store
It's something many iPhone owners have been waiting for since the iPhone first appeared 2 years ago. It was on again, off again, will they, won't they? Well, it seems they did. Sling has announced that SlingPlayer for iPhone has been submitted to the app store for approval. The company had previously said the app would be submitted this quarter, and it's in just under the wire.
The Slingplayer is a multimedia system that allows people who have one to watch their TV or other video sources on a PC or laptop, from anywhere in the world. The mobile versions allow you to control your home TV from your handheld device, changing channels, even controlling a DVR. It's a tremendously popular system, and that will be enhanced when the iPhone version makes the scene.
Hopefully, AT&T is on board, and Apple realizes that the SlingPlayer will drive even more iPhone sales. Now stand back and watch the buzz build. Yay. Finally.
Thanks to Rob for the tip.
TUAWSlingPlayer for iPhone submitted to app store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Presented By:
IbisMail take 2
Filed under: iPhone, MobileMe, App Store, iPod touch
This is my week to take a second look at some iPhone apps that were less than thrilling on their first appearance, but have been updated with fixes and enhancements. Earlier, I took a look at VoiceMail, and today I'm taking a fresh look at IbisMail, [App Store link] an email client for the iPhone and iPod touch that offers some features Apple does not. The app is U.S. $0.99.Although the specs indicate that almost all mail protocols are supported, last time around I had no luck with a simple POP3 account, and a complete fail at working with MobileMe. I'm happy to say it now works with both types of mail, although setting up MobileMe mail is not automatic, and the defaults the program enters are not correct. You'll have to do it manually, copying the same information you use on the Apple Mail app. I tried a couple of other IMAP mail accounts, and they worked OK.
Users of the latest version are having no luck with Gmail, and some POP3 port selections don't work, while others do.
There are two big features IbisMail offers that Apple doesn't. First is the ability to create folders and rules for mail. Second, it works in landscape mode. Apple has addressed the landscape feature in OS 3.0 that will be out this summer. There is no evidence so far that Apple will add folders with rules in all email protocols.
One of the other downsides of this app, pointed out in my last review, is that it can't run in the background, which is a pretty important feature for a mail program. That's not the fault of the developer, but Apple. OS 3.0 has some workarounds for this issue, but they still don't plan to support true multitasking in 3rd party applications. If the developers stick to the new Apple SDK, you can probably get alerts to new mail when you are running other apps.
So in summary, some bugs are fixed, some still appear to be there. If you really wanted landscape view for email, I'd wait for Apple to update the iPhone in a couple of months. If you really need rules and folders, IbisMail is worth a look, taking into account the app may not work with your particular mail setup.
TUAWIbisMail take 2 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Mainstream iTunes tracks to raise in price April 7th
Apple's plans to enact variable music pricing at the iTunes Store will take effect April 7th, says the LA Times. Although Apple has yet to publicly announce a firm date, the information is said to be circulating in the music industry, as a result of Apple telling record labels in preparation. Many mainstream hits, including both new and old songs, will be raised in price from 99 cents to $1.29....
iApp updates ready for download
Filed under: iLife, iWork, Software Update
Earlier today, Apple released updates for iWork '09, iWeb, iMovie, iPhoto and iLife Support. As usual, the cryptic descriptions of each disclose very little about their contents. Along with the usual "...overall application stability improvements," the iWeb update fixes FTP issues (what those are we don't know) and iPhoto fixes issues with Faces, Places, photo sharing, and slideshows.You can grab them now via Software Update. They range in size from 1.4MB (iLife Support) to 88.8MB (iPhoto Update). A restart will be required. As usual, let us know if anything goes wonky after installation.
Thanks to everyone who sent this in!
TUAWiApp updates ready for download originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Speck launches new fitted cases for iPod touch, Nano
Speck is launching fitted hardshell cases for the iPod touch 2G and iPod nano 4G, expanding on the line that is already available for the iPhone 3G. The new cases are carrying patterned designs; some are colorful, others are designed with a refined look in mind. Among the cases are the BubbleSpotDot Aqua and CheeryPlum Purple for the iPod nano 4G and the Lovely Roger White/Pink, Lovely Roger Black...
The WWDC 2009: June 8th-12th
It is now official, the WWDC 2009 will take place from June 8th till 12th.
As depicted by the screen shot, it will most likely be focusing on the iPhone OS 3.0. We also expect to get more information about the forthcoming update of Mac OS X, Snow Leopard. Apple might be delaying its availability to better compete with Microsoft Windows 7 release date...
iLuv debuts new iPod shuffle 3G cases
iLuv has a launched a new pair of case options, designed for the third-generation iPod shuffle. The iCC12 and iCC14 are both intended to provide protection against various scrapes and scratches. The iCC12 is a pack that includes four silicone cases, arrayed in black, white, blue and pink colors....
iPhone apps: Convertbot, MyTrainer, Twice
Convertbot ($1) is a conversion tool that allows users to convert between different units such as, currency, length, mass and time. The interface features large input buttons with audio feedback and allows users to enter mixed units such as a combination of feet and inches or pounds and ounces. In addition to the previously mentioned units Convertbot also features support for categories such as ar...
The price of popularity: "hottest" iTunes songs will cost $1.29 on April 7
Filed under: iTS, iTunes, Apple
Remember in 2007 when Apple started selling "iTunes Plus" tracks as DRM-free and 256 kbps AAC files? Much later you were able to upgrade your songs on a per-track basis, if you were so inclined. Well, get ready for more pricing changes. The LA Times reports a date has been set for the kickoff of the variable pricing model Apple announced at Macworld this year: April 7. While I doubt most people care about a slightly better listening experience (seriously, have you used an FM transmitter to play music in your car?), I think simply paying more because a song is popular won't go over so well. I'm not alone in thinking there will be backlash against the policy of selling more popular songs at a higher price. Jim Guerinot, who manages Nine Inch Nails, a pretty vocal opponent to the labels' stranglehold on the industry, feels the increase in prices will only ramp up piracy -- again. I'm inclined to agree.
Yes, we knew this was coming. But the average consumer embraced the iTunes Store not only because it was Apple, or the iPod, or iTunes itself, but also because the one-price-fits-all model is easy to understand. People don't pay taxes with Zune Points or Disney Dollars, they prefer to think "Hey, it's just a buck." The psychological impact of having a price point at $0.99US for everything makes impulse shopping a no-brainer. Just ask all those fart app devs.
The only upside is that less popular songs will be priced lower. Essentially, it's the bargain bin of the iTunes store, featuring one-hit wonders and college radio flops and a random assortment of attic-dwelling musical pieces as low as $0.69. I only hope it doesn't play into the theory of perceived value, which Joel Spolsky noted when iTunes Plus tracks debuted. Apple also said at Macworld "many more songs" will be available at 69 cents versus the $1.29 price point. It'll be interesting to see what develops and if sales suffer as a result of the changes. The labels certainly love variable pricing, and they've been right about this new digital era all along, haven't they? In the meanwhile, get your Top 40 Radio fix while you can; it'll soon be a premium experience to join the "in" crowd.
TUAWThe price of popularity: "hottest" iTunes songs will cost $1.29 on April 7 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
SlingPlayer for iPhone submitted to app store
Filed under: Peripherals, Video, iPhone, App Store
It's something many iPhone owners have been waiting for since the iPhone first appeared 2 years ago. It was on again, off again, will they, won't they? Well, it seems they did. Sling has announced that SlingPlayer for iPhone has been submitted to the app store for approval. The company had previously said the app would be submitted this quarter, and it's in just under the wire.
The Slingplayer is a multimedia system that allows people who have one to watch their TV or other video sources on a PC or laptop, from anywhere in the world. The mobile versions allow you to control your home TV from your handheld device, changing channels, even controlling a DVR. It's a tremendously popular system, and that will be enhanced when the iPhone version makes the scene.
Hopefully, AT&T is on board, and Apple realizes that the SlingPlayer will drive even more iPhone sales. Now stand back and watch the buzz build. Yay. Finally.
Thanks to Rob for the tip.
TUAWSlingPlayer for iPhone submitted to app store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Presented By:
IbisMail take 2
Filed under: iPhone, MobileMe, App Store, iPod touch
This is my week to take a second look at some iPhone apps that were less than thrilling on their first appearance, but have been updated with fixes and enhancements. Earlier, I took a look at VoiceMail, and today I'm taking a fresh look at IbisMail, [App Store link] an email client for the iPhone and iPod touch that offers some features Apple does not. The app is U.S. $0.99.Although the specs indicate that almost all mail protocols are supported, last time around I had no luck with a simple POP3 account, and a complete fail at working with MobileMe. I'm happy to say it now works with both types of mail, although setting up MobileMe mail is not automatic, and the defaults the program enters are not correct. You'll have to do it manually, copying the same information you use on the Apple Mail app. I tried a couple of other IMAP mail accounts, and they worked OK.
Users of the latest version are having no luck with Gmail, and some POP3 port selections don't work, while others do.
There are two big features IbisMail offers that Apple doesn't. First is the ability to create folders and rules for mail. Second, it works in landscape mode. Apple has addressed the landscape feature in OS 3.0 that will be out this summer. There is no evidence so far that Apple will add folders with rules in all email protocols.
One of the other downsides of this app, pointed out in my last review, is that it can't run in the background, which is a pretty important feature for a mail program. That's not the fault of the developer, but Apple. OS 3.0 has some workarounds for this issue, but they still don't plan to support true multitasking in 3rd party applications. If the developers stick to the new Apple SDK, you can probably get alerts to new mail when you are running other apps.
So in summary, some bugs are fixed, some still appear to be there. If you really wanted landscape view for email, I'd wait for Apple to update the iPhone in a couple of months. If you really need rules and folders, IbisMail is worth a look, taking into account the app may not work with your particular mail setup.
TUAWIbisMail take 2 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Mainstream iTunes tracks to raise in price April 7th
Apple's plans to enact variable music pricing at the iTunes Store will take effect April 7th, says the LA Times. Although Apple has yet to publicly announce a firm date, the information is said to be circulating in the music industry, as a result of Apple telling record labels in preparation. Many mainstream hits, including both new and old songs, will be raised in price from 99 cents to $1.29....
iApp updates ready for download
Filed under: iLife, iWork, Software Update
Earlier today, Apple released updates for iWork '09, iWeb, iMovie, iPhoto and iLife Support. As usual, the cryptic descriptions of each disclose very little about their contents. Along with the usual "...overall application stability improvements," the iWeb update fixes FTP issues (what those are we don't know) and iPhoto fixes issues with Faces, Places, photo sharing, and slideshows.You can grab them now via Software Update. They range in size from 1.4MB (iLife Support) to 88.8MB (iPhoto Update). A restart will be required. As usual, let us know if anything goes wonky after installation.
Thanks to everyone who sent this in!
TUAWiApp updates ready for download originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Speck launches new fitted cases for iPod touch, Nano
Speck is launching fitted hardshell cases for the iPod touch 2G and iPod nano 4G, expanding on the line that is already available for the iPhone 3G. The new cases are carrying patterned designs; some are colorful, others are designed with a refined look in mind. Among the cases are the BubbleSpotDot Aqua and CheeryPlum Purple for the iPod nano 4G and the Lovely Roger White/Pink, Lovely Roger Black...
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