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Slices of Apple episode 5: Core Values
Slices of Apple is a documentary series exploring the success of Apple as a company. It seeks to educate business leaders, entrepreneurs and laypeople about how Apple keeps delivering consistently great products. In this episode we're talking to Brian Wilson, CTO of Backblaze, one of the easiest backup solutions for your data. Brian was at Apple in-between the first and second Steve Jobs eras, so you might be wondering what relevance his experience would have. In fact, not everything Apple did in the 1990's was bad. The company still strove to deliver quality products, and in Brian's case there were a number of "skunkwork" projects that kept people like him employed. Brian worked on the A/UX team at Apple. It was an effort to make a memory-protected OS for Apple servers, like UNIX or NeXTStep. Of course, in the end Apple scrapped A/UX and just bought NeXT for its OS. Brian discusses some important concepts, like shipping great products even as a company is in decline, working on projects that ultimately pay off even when management questions their viability in the present and he tells us about the Mac emulator that was built on vacation but would become massively important when Apple moved to Intel chips.
Orbitsound announces T9 iPhone-friendly soundbar, we go ears on
You may remember seeing Orbitsound's T12 iPod dock / soundbar pop up in our summer buyer's guide. Today, the firm's just unveiled the latest in its product family: the Orbitsound T9. As you'll see, it's a very similar deal, but with an obvious difference -- its size. At 300mm (about 12") across, it's almost exactly half the length of its bigger brother (605mm) -- but not everything is a straight cut down the middle. Power-wise, this diminutive dock has a power output of 140W RMS (split 80 on the subwoofer, 35 on the front speakers and 25 on the sides,) and carries the same in- and output options. That means optical, line (phono and 3.5mm) and an iDevice connector going in, and a composite video (for piping those movies on your iPhone to your telly) in the other direction. The included subwoofer helps the device perform the dual roles of iPod dock, and TV soundbar. It's launching in mid-July in UK retailers, and internationally online for £200 / $249. Luckily, we managed to get our hands on one of the first production models, and took it for a spin, so boogie on past the break for our impressions.%Gallery-158189%
iPhone navigation packages, in S-M-L editions
Thinking about getting Dad some directional guidance for Father's Day? Our package selections cover small, medium and large budgets to get where you're going. Of all the industries disrupted by the emergence of these odd touchscreen computers disguised as mobile phones, the standalone GPS market may be the most topsy-turvy. Among Chris' 33 things he doesn't need any more now that he has an iPhone, a separate $100+ unitasker GPS unit is probably the biggest target; the same goes double for Android phone owners, who get a capable and free turn-by-turn navigation tool as part of the Google Maps application. Just having the phone isn't quite enough, though, if you want to help those notorious no-asking-for-directions family members (that'd be Dad) self-guide with the iPhone 4. Combining the right app with the right car bracket can turn a simple purchase into a genuine Father's Day gift -- so here are our package recommendations in small, medium and large price ranges. All apps are available on the App Store, and most of the hardware can be found at Best Buy, Radio Shack or Staples. Small Everyone likes free, and that's what our first app choice brings to the table. MapQuest 4 Mobile (developed by AOL, our corporate parent) provides capable turn-by-turn navigation with voice synthesis, powered by the same map data as the mapquest.com site. The app includes live traffic data, point of interest search and more -- and did I mention the free part? Drawbacks include a quieter voice than some of the other offerings; you also have to manually choose between power-saving mode (where the app will allow the phone to sleep) and high-performance mode. Still, if you're looking for voice directions on a budget, it's a great place to start. (Note that both MapQuest Mobile and our #2 pick require data connectivity to download maps on the go.) For a budget vehicle mount, Arkon delivers no-frills units in windshield or lighter-socket ($20) and beanbag friction mounts ($30). Personally I don't care for lighter socket mounts, as they make it much more difficult to glance at the map while driving when the phone is mounted so far out of the driver's heads-up sightlines. I've been using the IPM512 friction mount for a while, and it works; the phone holder swivels to work either in portrait or landscape, and it includes adjustable 'feet' to slide out of the way of the dock port and the headphone jack. It does sometimes tend to accidentally press the phone's sleep switch, but for the most part it works well. To power the low-cost setup, any USB adapter will do; best to combine it with an iPhone sync cable plus a USB A-A extender to give you the slack you'll need. The Bracketron dual adapter ($25) is available at most Staples stores and will happily charge both the iPhone and a second device. Medium The next navigation app up the ladder doesn't cost much, but it's garnered some high-powered fans. MotionX-GPS Drive ($0.99, also available for iPad at $2.99) may not have impressed Mel for last year's gift guide, but others swear by it. The advantage here is that you can get the app at the low price, then if you like it re-up for 30 days ($2.99) or a year ($19.99) of live voice navigation as you like -- visual/map navigation is free of charge after the initial purchase. Like MapQuest, MotionX-GPS requires data service to download maps, but you have the option of caching your route to avoid any hiccups or data issues on the way. The current version includes links to Facebook's check-in feature, full business/POI search and contacts integration. MotionX now even integrates with newer Pioneer in-dash hardware, as reported earlier this month. The middle-range mounting solution is Griffin's WindowSeat mobile hands-free kit, which combines both power and a mount with a microphone-equipped aux 1/8" cable for audio and speakerphone use. The PowerJolt universal adapter included in the package provides 1 amp charging, and the simple bracket/suction cup holder keeps the phone tucked into position. The package retails for $49.99. If you dislike the bracket shuffle, consider Clingo. This new mounting tech from Allsop uses a super-sticky pad (which apparently leaves no residue behind) to hold your devices neatly in place. The window-mount unit retails for $29.99. Large The next tier of navigation apps are all dramatically more expensive, which can cause a bit of app sticker shock. They do bring along a key advantage, though -- maps are included in the app itself, rather than downloaded on demand. This means that app downloads and updates in iTunes can take quite a while, but it also means you'll never be stranded without data service while navigating (and if you're traveling overseas/in a roaming area, the data costs would be pretty expensive). The 'big three' in full-featured, maps-included navigation are Magellan (just updated with a new look and features), TomTom and Navigon; all the apps have their adherents, but for my money Navigon MobileNavigator is the best of the bunch. I've used the USA East Region version (on sale for $24.99; full USA map version is $34.99 on sale) for frequent drives in and around New York City, and it's been very consistent and reliable. Navigon offers versions for most countries and regions, so if you're headed out of town it's worth a look. One of my favorite features in the Navigon app is the three-routes option at the start of navigation; the app shows you the route it thinks is best, but also two alternatives that may be better under specific circumstances. You can choose which way you want to go, rather than heading off in what the app thinks is the wrong direction and having to wait for it to clue in. A premium app deserves a premium phone cradle; there are good options in the $100 Griffin RoadTrip HandsFree or the $70 Belkin TuneBase Direct, but as mentioned I'm not big on the power socket mounting approach. Instead, I'd suggest taking a look at the Dension Car Dock for iPhone -- an integrated unit that includes both aux and FM outputs, power, and a custom app for device control and navigation links. In-app purchase adds 'Car Finder' mode, which saves the exact GPS spot where you parked to help you find your way back. The Dension unit lists at 80 euros, but hopefully will be coming to US distribution soon; I'd expect it to hit at about $100 when it gets here. and is available in the US now. Of course, if you choose the TomTom app you should also get the custom-fit TomTom car kit, and for $100 it's got to offer something more: enhanced GPS performance, a built-in powered speaker and better hands-free calling. It uses the same easy-mount back found on TomTom's dedicated units. TomTom's case also works fine with the other GPS apps; commenter Paul notes that there is a free TomTom Car Kit app to disable warning messages, read GPS status and more. If you already have a mounting solution but need a sleek, cable-minimizing power and audio solution, check out XtremeMac's InCharge Auto Aux for $50. Using the dock/charge connector for audio, it includes an aux-out jack in the charger housing, keeping the cable clutter at bay. Whichever size fits your needs -- small, medium, or large -- enjoy your summer drives!
IDT transmit touch information over DisplayPort's auxiliary channel
Still wondering if the future of display linkage really lies in DisplayPort? Hard to say for sure, but IDT's definitely making a good case for it with its latest demonstration. Integrated Device Technology has seemingly figured out how to shuffle touch information through DisplayPort's existing auxiliary channel, which simplifies and lowers the cost of integrating touch technology into tablets, laptops, AIO PCs, monitors, etc. It's being hailed as the world's first usage of the DisplayPort AUX channel to carry touch screen data, and if the prototype proves solid, it'll allow laptop manufacturers to eliminate USB interface communication from host to panel and reduce the number of wires that must pass through the display's hinge. And you know what that means -- slimmer, more flexible designs. IDT's not barking about a release date for its latest trick, but we're guessing it'll have display makers begging for access in no time flat.
Stylish Sony Walkman docks sport WiFi radio, ludicrous sheen
Thermos audio wasn't the only idea Sony Japan introduced this week; there's also the company's glossy new speaker docks, the NAS-V5 and NAS-V7M, whose intense reflection make us remember that time mom told us never to stare at the sun. Unfortunately, NAS doesn't stand for Network Attached Storage here, but the ¥50,000 (about $535) NAS-V7M does have 16GB of internal memory onto which you can rip audio CDs with a single touch, and both it and the ¥40,000 ($428) NAS-V5 have internal WiFi that'll have your Japanese counterparts pumping internet radio jingles from Shoutcast, vTuner, your PC and anything else with a compatible wireless audio stream when they hit Akihabara on June 26. They both feature 32-bit DSPs for what we can only guess will be crisp, clean audio quality, have all the standard AM-FM radio features you've come to expect, and include an AUX jack and a powered USB port. Oh, and lest we forget amidst all the bedside table aural goodness -- they're also Walkman docks. Hear a deep, soothing Japanese voice explain why you need one, after the break. %Gallery-90120%
Optimus AUX nearly ready for its $650 price tag
Two bits of new information to tell you about. First, Art Lebedev's AUX keypad is expected to be priced at "around $650." Second, that's a final pre-production prototype kicking it live with Art's Verbarius clock in the background. With any luck, this programmable OLED keypad could be ready for a limited production run by Xmas.
Optimus Aux OLED keypad reveals first skin
Oh sweet prototype of our financial doom, bring forth yon OLED luster and sheen into the physical form of the Optimus Aux. Wait, where are the programmable OLED keys? Ah well, nobody said that the art-to-part process was quick, especially when we're starting with an Art Lebedev part. Backside-front snap after the break.
Optimus Pultius becomes Optimus Aux, new prototype shows up
Feeling held back by the Optimus Maximus' 113 OLED keys? Then you've no doubt been anxiously anticipating Art Lebedev's Optimus Pultius keypad, which the design firm now says will be dubbed the Optimus Aux whenever it's actually released. So as to not leave us completely hanging, the firm has also revealed the new prototype pictured above, which is just enough to make us a little wistful of the early days when the Maximus first flickered to life. Head on past the break if you need a reminder of what the final product is supposed to look like.
Tascam MP-GT1 DAP touts guitar input for gnarly play-alongs
Tiger Electronics' Power Tour instructional guitar is weak sauce compared to what TEAC's latest training tool can accomplish, as the Tascam-branded MP-GT1 offers up a whole lot more than just MP3 playback. Aside from boasting a monochrome 128 x 64 resolution screen, 1GB of internal storage, a rechargeable Li-ion lasting around eight hours, and MP3 / ID3 tag support, this pocket-friendly DAP also touts a line-in for your axe, built-in tuner / metronome, and a bevy of sweet controls as well. Users can queue up their favorite track, plug in their guitar, and begin to shred away while attempting to follow along, but for the more creative out there, this little box also features ten different effects to modify the sound of your instrument. To top things off, an internal algorithm sniffs out the guitar frequencies in whatever track you're listening to, and if you switch on the VSA function, it mutes (as best it can, we presume) the recorded guitar track so the only six-string you hear twanging is your own. TEAC's latest toy for guitar freaks should be landing in Japanese shops the last day of this month, and at just ¥20,000 ($166), we're deeming this a surefire bargain.
