DanFrakes
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Macworld goes hands-on with Apple's Lightning adapter
One of the more controversial design decisions on the iPhone 5 was the change to the Lightning connector. In order to smooth the transition from the 30-pin Dock connector that had been in existence since before the first iPhone, Apple developed two adapters -- the US$29 Lightning to 30-pin adapter and the $39 Lightning to 30-pin adapter (0.2m) cable version. Macworld's Dan Frakes had a chance to do a hands-on with the adapters and has found that they're mostly compatible with existing accessories, with a few notable caveats. Frakes notes that just about every audio dock or dock-cradle speaker he tested, whether old or brand new, worked with the adapter. Things weren't as clear-cut with some chargers due to the new pin arrangement, with some devices requiring a "kludge" arrangement that included a charging adapter from Scosche or CableJive. When it comes to microphones or audio-input devices, the post cites an interview that Macworld's Peter Kim had with pro-audio company Line 6 in which he was told that "audio products that operate using USB Host mode and follow Apple approved methods such as CoreAudio and CoreMIDI" should work with the new adapters. The adapters are now shipping to people who had ordered them, so we'll be able to get a much clearer picture of exactly what accessories work with the adapters and which do not. Until then, the Macworld post is a good way to get a feel for what items definitely won't work with your Lightning-equipped iPhone 5 and the newest iPod touch and nano models.
Macworld on what you need to know about iTV
We may not know when Apple will be shipping the iTV, or what it will be called, or what all it can do, but that won't stop us from talking about it. I mean, we know even less about the iPhone and lots of Mac websites parrot on about that ad nauseum (TUAW being no exception).Jason Snell and Dan Frakes, of Macworld, have written up a guide to thats the things that we know (and can infer) about the forthcoming iTV. Now, they say that the iTV doesn't seem to have a hard drive but a certain Disney employee disagrees. I suppose we'll know as soon as Apple posts some more info about this puppy.The only thing I want to know is: when can I order one?
Get the skinny on Spaces
Our good friend Dan Frakes, writing for Macworld, takes a look at Spaces which is Apple's virtual desktop manager to be introduced in Leopard. Dan points out that Apple isn't the first to think of this feature (much like Time Machine) but that they have implemented it well.Dan gives Spaces a very thorough going-over and ends up with some unanswered questions. Here's hoping that Apple is listening (which I bet they are).
Playlist highlights the Home Entertainment Show
Dan Frakes, that wacky iPod aficionado, was on the ground at the 2006 Home Entertainment Show and he saw lots of cool iPod gear. Above you see the $1250 FH007 Mini System from Ferguson Hill (which remind me of the speakers that came with the Cube). Dan saw lots of other stuff (including a $16,000 speaker setup) so check out his article for the full scoop.
Macworld releases iPod/iTunes "Superguide"
There's no doubt that the folks at Macworld and Playlist Mag (like Chris Breen,* Dan Frakes, etc.) have written some great articles on the iPod and iTunes. Wouldn't it be nice to have them all in one convenient location?To that end, Macworld has released the iPod and iTunes Superguide. It's an 88-page collection of the best of their best articles on getting the most out of your iPod and iTunes, plus troubleshooting, accessory information and a whole lot more. You can order your copy as either a download-able PDF ($12.95US), an actual, honest-to-goodness, color book ($24.99US) or as a CD ROM ($15US). It sounds like a great reference for the iPod-toting geek in your life (or even yourself). Check it out.*I didn't meet Chris Breen once. It's sort of a long story.
