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Mac support for Windows Phone 7 Series: 'maybe'
Speaking on The Engadget Show today, Microsoft's Aaron Woodman didn't commit to supporting Mac OS with Windows Phone 7 Series, but he certainly didn't close the door on the idea either. There are apparently "internal discussions" going on as to whether support will move beyond Windows proper, but one thing's for sure: seeing how WP7S uses the Zune client, there could be implications beyond phones alone if Redmond breaks down and loops Cupertino into the party. Saying that it partly comes down to a trade-off for time to market, Woodman concluded with a big, fat "maybe" -- but if they decide to make it happen, we're pretty sure they'd be pleasantly surprised at just how far and wide the love really goes.
Some thoughts on using the iPad as an IT support tool
I make part of my living as an Apple consultant, so one of the first thoughts that went through my mind on Wednesday when I first saw the iPad was "would I be able to use that to help support my clients?" After a bit of thought yesterday while waiting for files to be loaded onto a new server I was installing, I think the answer is a resounding yes. Usually when I'm visiting my clients, I lug along a computer bag filled with various tools along with my MacBook Air. The rest of the time, I'm either in my office with my iMac, or away from a Mac enjoying myself. Unfortunately, Mac issues tend to arise at the worst possible times, and so there are many situations where I only have my iPhone available for support. One of my tricks of the trade is to talk with clients while looking at their Mac screens using a remote support tool, and the iPhone screen has always been too small to be useful. When you're trying to control someone's computer through Jaadu VNC or some other remote control software, screen real estate is very helpful. I can see using the iPad for remote support in many situations where an iPhone just won't work.
Talkcast reminder: it's Mac Help night, live at 10 pm ET
Last week, we were joined by NPD & Engadget's own Ross Rubin for a fun-filled hour of tablet speculation, iPhone VoIP consideration and Talkshoe & Skype frustration. You can download the show, along with all past shows, from Talkshoe or subscribe in iTunes. We'll be back live tonight with one of our every-so-often Mac Help hours; call in with your Mac OS X questions, concerns and headscratchers and we'll do our best to advise you, live and in real time (yes, this can go off the rails very easily -- that's part of the spectacle). To participate on TalkShoe, you can use the browser-only client, or you can try out the classic TalkShoe Pro Java client; however, for maximum fun, you should call in. For the web UI, just click the "TalkShoe Web" button on our profile page at 10 pm Sunday. To call in on regular phone or VOIP lines (take advantange of your free cellphone weekend minutes if you like): dial (724) 444-7444 and enter our talkcast ID, 45077 -- during the call, you can request to talk by keying in *-8. Talk with you then!
