Apple sells out (WWDC)
For the first time in the history of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, the event has sold out.
I attended the event last year, and the 4000 plus attendance was one of the largest showings to date. It’s pretty safe to say that this year’s record attendance is fuled by the dual punch of new iPhone developers and increasing Mac sales.
Great news for Mac users, as WWDC attendance is a great barometer for interest in the platform.
Posted: May 14, 2008 / Category: Apple, Developers, News
AppleTV updated to version 2.01
Apple issued an update to the AppleTV software this weekend, bringing it to version 2.01. The new version features a “Genres” option for searching through movies in your library. The update is free to AppleTV users through the AppleTV software update. At the time of this writing, there were no release notes associated with this update.
New Macbook & Macbook Pro models arrive
Apple has unleashed a new generation of Macbook and Macbook Pro notebook computers. While looking nearly identical to the previous generation, the newer models feature faster processors, larger hard drives, and (on the Macbook Pro) multi-touch track pads.
The biggest improvements seem to be in the Macbook Pro line, with new Pernyn processors, double the previous generations video ram, and the addition of multi-touch track pads.
One thing that surprised me was that Apple kept the “black tax” on the Macbook model. I had figured Apple would have reduced the black tax, or dropped it altogether in an effort to spur sales. I guess sales aren’t hurting that much, since Apple seems content with holding the status quo on the black tax.
Additionally, the new models retain the previous form factor. It’s been five years since Apple updated the Macbook Pro form factor. Of course, many view the current form factor as a thing of beauty, and why mess with beauty when it is clearly still selling well, right?
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Apple updates Aperture
Apple has released Aperture 2, an update to its photo editing and management software. Boasting over 100 new features, including a new image processing engine. Aperture 2 also features a new lower price ($199).
New features include a redefined UI, new imaging tools for highlight recovery, color vibrancy, local contrast definition, soft-edged retouching, vignetting and RAW fine-tuning, and new output options that lets users directly post their portfolios on the .Mac Web Gallery* for viewing on the web, iPhone™, iPod® touch and Apple TV®
A free 30 day trial is available for download (138MB). If you purchased Aperture on or after January 1, 2008, you are entitled to an upgrade for only $9.95.
AT&T jacks up DSL price $5 per month
See story here. Now ask yourself - if you are seeing slowing growth, which do you think will spur sales - raising prices, or lowering them? I’ve never heard of anyone increasing sales by raising the prices, so I’m really puzzled by AT&T’s moves.
Disclosure: I’m currently an AT&T subscriber, and I am using their $10/month plan (a condition forced on them by the FCC as part of the Bellsouth merger). It’s not the fastest connection to the ‘net, but for $10/month, it does the job. However, AT&T is only obligated to offer this plan for two years. Once those two years are up, and AT&T jacks up their rates, I will most certainly head for speedier pastures.
Posted: February 6, 2008 / Category: News
SuperDuper! 2.5
Shirt Pocket software released SuperDuper! 2.5 today after a long testing period. The new version, a free upgrade to current owners, is Leopard compatible. SuperDuper! 2.5 allows for creating a bootable backups on the same volume as a Time Machine backup. Additionally, there are Spotlight enhancements and other bug fixes. SuperDuper! 2.5 is $27.95, although you can use the program for free with various limitations.
Apple upps capacity on iPhone and iPod Touch
Apple today released updated versions of the iPhone and iPod Touch. The iPhone is now available in a 16GB version for $100 more ($499), and the iPod Touch is available in a 32GB version for $499. The previous 8GB iPhone ($399), and 8GB ($299) and 16GB ($399) iPod Touch models are still available.
Moved to new servers
You probably noticed that we were down for a couple of hours today. We migrated our site off of MediaTemple’s Grid Service for several reasons. First of all, their uptime recently hasn’t been the greatest. Second, their automatic backup tool was removed from their control panel back in December, with the promise of a new, better back-up tool “real soon”. Two months without an automatic back-up tool is two months too long. Finally, they were supposed to give all their Grid Service customers a two month credit from their last outage. My credit never materialized, so I dumped them.
Everything is up and running now. If you see any wonkiness with the migration to the new servers, please let me know.
Posted: January 31, 2008 / Category: News
The Street - Apple has a hard road to 10 million iPhones
Financial journalists/analysts are never ones to let facts get in the way of a good headline. At least, that’s the only logical explanation for this article.
Priya Ganapati, Apple will not have to avg 2.5 million phones a quarter to reach their goals. Their goal wasn’t 10 million phones sold in 2008 - it was 10 million phones sold by the end 2008. They have already sold 4 million. That leaves 6 millionlion more to reach the goal, with a year. That is 1.5 million per quarter, not 2.5 million.
Additionally, Apple makes such good money on the contract, that they can afford to (if needed) drop the price $50 or $100 on the phone to increase sales. I’m sure they will probably do that anyway once the 3G version intros later this year.
Jeesh. These people deal with numbers all day. You think they could get something as simple as this right. (more…)
Posted: January 30, 2008 / Category: News
New Google Reader Improvements
I’ve noticed that Google has made two quiet improvements to the Google Reader application. First, if you have a large amount (I believe 50 or more) items in your reading list, and you check “Mark all as read”, you will now get a confirmation box asking you if you are sure you would like to do that. Nice touch.
Second, on the mobile version (when viewed in Mobile Safari), clicking on the “See Original” link now opens the link in a new page/tab.
If you use RSS to keep track of all your websites, you owe it to yourself to give Google Reader a try. Being able to keep all your feeds in sync whether you are at home, the office, or on the go is extremely useful.
Posted: January 26, 2008 / Category: News