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Full synchronization of iCal and Google Calendar coming via Spanning Sync
Spanning Sync looks to be the holy grail of true, two-way calendar synchronization between Apple's iCal and Google Calendar. Yes: by 'two-way' I mean 'you can edit the same calendar in either place and the changes will synchronize.' Nasty translation I know, so maybe you should go watch their demo video to really get your mouth watering. In it, one of Spanning Sync's creators shows off how easy it is to link iCal calendars with equivalents in Google Calendar (bonus points for the ability to chose exactly which calendars shake hands), as well as moving an event in one calendar and having the change sync to the other. If this doesn't have you excited, please excuse me while I go check my blood pressure.Spanning Sync's blog has more details, and its release is billed as 'coming soon.' Stay tuned to TUAW as well, as I was fortunate enough to get my name in on the private beta before the signup list closed, and I'll have a screencast and a review for you as soon as possible.
Nintendo booth tour at AARP event
Siliconera was on-hand during the recently-concluded AARP sponsored event Life@50+ to document Nintendo's booth setup and how the public were receiving Nintendo's products. With a Wii display featuring Wii Sports: Bowling, as well as a section of DS Lites featuring Brain Age, Nintendo's flagship Touch Generations title, there were many a reason for attendees to stop by. The Brain Age section also featured a tournament throughout the show where the winner received a free DS Lite (color unspecified) along with a copy of Brain Age. While Siliconera focused more on the Wii display and the steady audience it received, we're sure the "dangling carrot" of a free DS Lite and Brain Age attracted a few folks to the DS section, as well.
IDG unveiles Macworld 07 event highlights including Kevin Smith, David Pogue
Get your frequent flier miles ready boys and girls, cuz IDG has just announced the event highlights for the Macworld 07 (of course, if you're a lucky SF resident, you can probably hang onto those miles). Key speakers include Kevin Smith (yea, the), as well as the New York Times' own David Pogue. Of course, Mr. J's keynote has been confirmed again, and let's not forget it should shape up to be quite the event considering IDG added a second hall.Personally, I'm with reader boom bam boom bam bam's comment: I think we should turn Steve's 'Boom!' into a drinking game.
TUAW Podcast #12: Quicksilver and iCal
There wasn't much podcast-worthy news to chat about last week, so we thought it was the perfect time to do something different and bring you the first TUAW screencast evar! In this podcast (netcast!), I demonstrate that trick we covered last month of how to add iCal events and todos from Quicksilver, and I've ironed out a few details for a much more usable process. I figured this would be a great way to demonstrate some of Quicksilver's unique power with purty moving pictures, instead of the typical non-moving pictures. This screencast clocks in at 7:32, and it's 21MB of H.264 goodness.Speaking of goodness, we're soliciting feedback on this screencast (as if you need to be asked). This is my first screencast, so it's a little rough around the edges. I sound a lot better podcasting-wise, though I'm still working on picking up a Samson USB mic that reader Jules Stoop recommended, especially since I've seen it written up as *the* killer podcasting mic (I'm trying to find a good deal, since $80 is a little steep right now). But let us know what you think: too fast? Too slow? Do I sound like a muppet? I have a lot to learn about moving video between the big suites, as I have some good After Effects skills I could've used to spice this up, but I couldn't find a decent codec to preserve the quality when exporting the edited video out of Final Cut Pro (I especially am accepting workflow feedback on this topic). Rest assured, this is at the top my todos (pun intended!) for the next screencast, so I'll be able to add all sorts of flying text and 3D space aliens.But that's enough chatter for now: here's a direct link to TUAW Podcast #12, another link to our iTS podcast feed, and of course: our good ol' fashioned raw RSS feed.Update: Our iTS feed had a little bug that prevented this video from making the list, but it has since been fixed. Podcast #12 is ready to roll from the iTS Podcast Directory, so head over and grab a copy!
Like a Phoenix from the ashes: Nintendo World 2006
Okay, so it's not Space World, the legendary Nintendo-only event whose last appearance occurred in 2001. Nintendo's announcement of a new event, however, named Nintendo World 2006, certainly conjures fond memories. The event, which takes place over a mammoth ten-day period from November 3rd to the 12th (and again on November 25th and 26th), will feature hands-on playtime with the Wii and some of the hottest new DS titles. Best of all, it's open to the Japanese public, and completely free. Awesome.While it's unknown if Nintendo will be making any major announcements at the event, it's understood that they will, at the very least, announce more specific details of the Virtual Console service (read: launch titles) a bit closer to Wii Day. What better place to spring some good news on the unsuspecting Japanese?(The image is a personal favorite, from digital artist Greg Martin. Check more of his work here.)
Sunlight messing with gameplay?
Over at the Nintendo NSider forums, a poster documented their time with the Wii during the NYC event. Yes, late coverage, but it poses an interesting scenario all the same. Turns out, the sunlight affected gameplay for this poster during the event, affected gameplay for the worse. To quote:"We know that the sensor bar goes all wonky when halogen lights are in the room. But did you know that natural sunlight messes it up too? That's right, if you have the sun beaming right onto the sensor bar, it doesn't work. For about an hour or so, the sun shone right into the store, the two MP3:C kiosks had to have curtains above them, and the Wii Sports Tennis and Shooting Game kiosks were unplayable since they were "shrouded" in sunlight. Later the sun went behind a building, and everything was in working order again."Interesting, however does it actually affect most of us? With the advent of curtains (or mini-blinds, if you're that kind of person), we're hard-pressed to believe this will really hurt the experience had on the console. That is, only if you're playing on the front porch or out by the pool.
Wii news and how the DS was affected
Nintendo's US press event recently concluded and while all of your Wii information needs have probably been satisfied, nothing else was discussed about Wii-DS connectivity. We know that Iwata already said that the WiiConnect24 service could be used to download content to the DS, whether it be a demo or something else, and also that the DS could also be used as a controller through the Wii's menu interface, but this was not demonstrated at the event or further discussed there.So what does this mean? Probably nothing. We should still see Nintendo's handheld play a large role in the Wii's interactivity and extra content. We should still see the DS downloading demos from the WiiConnect24 service. We should still see the DS being used as a controller to navigate menus in the Wii's interface. Just because Nintendo didn't show any of the features you'll be able to access on the Wii through the DS doesn't mean they aren't coming. We should be seeing and hearing more on the two consoles interacting as the launch date for the Wii draws near.
U.S. Nintendo presser somewhat-liveblogging [update 8]
Our man on the ground in NYC for the U.S. Wii information event has been delayed [update 1: He's there and feeding information below the jump], but we're keeping up with the news via sites like GoNintendo and Engadget (who provided the above photo). A lot of the stuff was already revealed in the Japanese press conference early this morning but here's what seems to be new: Confirmed price of $249.99 on Nov. 19 in U.S. with Wii Sports pack-in. Worldwide debut is in U.S. Reggie: "One price, one config, one color: white." Included in box seems similar to Japanese system, besides Wii Sports. Games will cost roughly $49.99. Virtual console games will be $5 for NES, $8 for SNES, $10 for N64. Super Mario 64, Super Mario World, Donkey Kong and Legend of Zelda at launch. Thirty titles in U.S. by year's end, about half at launch. Launch games include (compiled from GoNintendo/Engadget): The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Excite Truck, Trauma Center, Madden 07, Need for Speed: Carbon, Elebits, Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz, Metal Slug Anthology, Rayman: Raving Rabids, Red Steel, Barnyard, Cars, Avatar, Blazing Angels, Far Cry: Vengeance. Continue reading for more direct from the press conference.
Showtime Rumor Roundup
In the weeks leading up to an Apple Special Event, much of our little corner of the internet is abuzz with prognostication, rumors of what might be announced, and more editorial analysis than you can shake a stick at. Historically, all this speculation rans rampant with little to no new reiable information added to the discussion until the actual product announcements. This is how it has been since time immemorial (well, at least as long as Steve has been back at Apple), and how it would ever be... or so we thought. The announcements of updated iMacs and Mac minis throws a wrench into the workings of the rumor mill, stopping the coolant pumps, and causing the already heated debate to flare into a full fledged iClonflagration usually reserved for Macworld Stevenotes. The fact that the products announced on the 6th were accurately predicted means that at least some of the info floating around the web in regards to product announcements was correct, even if they were off by a week. If they were right about the iMac and Mac mini, who's to say they're any less correct in their other predictions? And if they are correct, what does that mean in terms of what we'll be seeing on Tuesday?
Apple to release a 23-inch Core 2 Duo iMac September 12th?
While trying to figure out why my TUAW Tips mailbox just choked and cried uncle, I finally found the source of the clog: too many tips to count started pouring in that the announced September 12th special event (not to be confused with the 25th) could be the announcement of a 23-inch iMac Core 2 Duo, not to be confused with the Core Duos in many Macs right now. This new chip is code named Merom (aren't Intel and their code name games cute?) and promises a 40% performance increase over current Core Duo chips, but with zero increase in power consumption.This rumor has blown up everywhere, from AppleInsider to MacRumors and, of course, Engadget. September 12th could easily be something big, as it isn't simply some arbitrarily chosen day - it coincides with the first day of Apple Expo Paris.Speculators - start your engines.
The Ides of September
At last, it looks like this could be it. Nintendo announced a second press conference in the middle of September, a day after the New York event. The only thing that's missing is an announcement for Japan, but if this is the real deal -- when we'll learn release dates and pricing -- then surely we'll hear about a Japanese event soon.Of course, there's always the possibility that these events could be about something different. Nintendo seems to be enjoying keeping us on the edge of our seats. But if the system is going to make a splash this holiday season, something has to come soon.
Apple planning event in SF on September 12th?
We haven't yet been able to confirm the reports starting to come over the wires, but it sounds like Apple's got an event cooking in San Francisco for September 12th. They typically like announcing these things about two weeks in advance, so it clicks, but we were kind of expecting something in October in terms of fall/winter buying season announcements from Cupertino. Of course, the predominant rumor going around right now is the iTunes Music Store movie support we've all been expecting for, well, forever, but we wouldn't peg anyhting for sure. Anywho, apparently this keynote will be beamed to London, possibly in lieu of a keynote at Apple Expo Paris, which also begins that day. We'll keep you informed!
More Scourge Invasions?
Remember the huge scourge invasion that accompanied the roll-out of patch 1.11? After a few weeks of undead-slaughtering fun, the scourge invasion points across Azeroth vanished - whether your server had finished the invasion event or not. The "end" of this event was somewhat disappointing, as it occurred without any fanfare, and left me with a heck of a lot of now useless necrotic runes in the bank. However, there's now some suggestion from Blizzard that this invasion won't be a one-time event - though as to how often the scourge may become restless and attempt to invade Azeroth, no one yet knows. Like the invasion or not, it was an excellent way to rack up Argent Dawn reputation, and the rewards (consecrated sharpening stones, blessed wizard oil, +damage versus undead armor), while situational, were useful. And, while I'm glad the invasion isn't a permanent thing, I think having it back on some regular basis will make for an entertaining diversion.
iCalFix: automatically add reminders to iCal events
We've blogged iCalFix before, back when it was just a fledgling 0.1 release that didn't even have a GUI interface (you had to edit a pref file lying around in ~/Library). For those who don't remember: it's a simple iCal plugin that automatically adds a reminder to every event you create.In this latest 0.5 release, iCal has become a true-blue iCal plugin, with its own preference pane and everything (As you can see, Robert Blum, iCalFix's creator, is looking for an icon designer. Check his blog for contact details). Now it's possible to specify your own alarm time for new events, as well as which sound to use, right from within iCal's preferences.iCalFix is donationware and available from Robert Blum's site.[via Hawk Wings]
Apple Store Lincoln Road opening July 21st at 6 pm
We just received word that the Apple Store Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, FL will be opening this Friday, July 21st at 6 pm. As usual, there will be t-shirt giveaways to the first 1000 customers, and a Grand Opening Sweepstakes valued at $2229. The winner will receive a 17-inch flat-panel Intel Core Duo iMac, an iPod nano, a Canon PowerShot SD450 digital camera, a Sony Handycam CCD-TRV138, and an HP Deskjet 5440 printer. As an added bonus from 6-9 pm, the store will be featuring DJ Martin Accorsi.You guys know the drill - send in some pictures (preferably Flickr sets) from the events and we'll post the antics for the world to see.Thanks Emil.
Mid-Midsummer Fire Report
Well, the festival of Midsummer Fire has been going on for a while now, and I have to admit, I basically forgot about it after about a day...Oh, I took the quests to seek out the fires throughout the lands, and I did get that really nifty Cinder Elemental that saved my butt a couple of times, and some nice experience, but all in all, my opinion on the event so far has been...blah.For one thing, I'm tired of Stormwind looking all dingy & smoky. This is one of the reasons I stopped spending so much time in Orgrimmar; the air is almost thicker in the game than in my room...and that's saying something.What about you folks? Have you enjoyed the event so far? Should Blizzard make this an annual occurrence? Chime in...
Scourge Invasion FAQ
For those of you who have left comments asking specific questions about the ongoing Scourge Invasion event, this post over on the official forums might just be what you're looking for; it's a FAQ (frequently asked questions, for you acronym-impaired) all about the Scourge event, that answers just about all the questions we know the answers to so far. We still don't know how long the event will last or what it will take to defeat the invasion, but there are plenty of tips here to get you started on the path. Kudos to player Ghostwalka for putting it all together. My experience so far with the event has been limited to taking on a few isolated undead in Stormwind & encoutering a Necropolis in Winterspring that scared the heck out of me when I first saw it. I plan to dive headfirst into the events this weekend, though, and this post has me surious to see some of the things that will happen. Check it out & while you're out there battling the Scourge, report anything new you find back here to us!
Dragon Invades Stormwind, Hundreds Perish
I've seen a lot of crazy things on the Lightninghoof server, but I never expected to walk outside from checking my bank box in Stormwind to find a huge red dragon in the middle of the Trade District square, killing innocent lowbies by the dozens. The dragon was Teremus the Devourer, who usually resides in the Blasted Lands. How he got to Stormwind remains a mystery, but people spent a good five minutes arguing about who pulled him there before finally banding together to actually do something about it.Finally, a militia was formed, the dragon was led to Stormwind Keep, and with the help of the king's guards, was finally killed, but not before leaving literally hundreds of piles of bones in his wake. The streets looked like an undead crash pad for hours afterwards. It was definitely something to see, even if it did mean me missing the fishing contest in Booty Bay again. I took some pics with my magical medieval camera so the horror would not be soon forgotten...you can see them right here. Me, I can't look anymore....
WoW + Second Life Crossover Event?
While browsing the latest WoW news today, I stumbled across this tidbit of info; A faction of players from two of the most popular online games, WoW and Second Life, are apparently planning some sort of unofficial crossover event, to take place in late July, according to this blog posting. No solid details are given on exactly what the event is or how it's to take place, but I'm just curious as to how such an event could happen. Players from one game meeting up in the other, and vice-versa? Ok, fine...but doesn't sound all that sexy right off the bat. Then again, there could be something actually cool going on here that I'm just completely unaware of....it happens. I'll keep my ears open...
Chicago signing for Uematsu, Aki, & Roth tonight
Are you in Chicago tonight for the big PLAY! concert tomorrow, but weren't willing to shell out $125 for the VIP meet-and-greet at the event? Well, you might be in luck (even if you're not attending), as a few famous folks from the concert will be on hand to sign autographs in Chicago proper for free tonight.From 7 to 9 PM (presumably Central time) at the Tower Records store on 2301 N. Clark St., Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu, bilingual songstress Angela Aki (who wrote and sang the theme song for FFXII), and Principal Conductor and Music Director of PLAY! Arnie Roth will be signing autographs to promote the world-tour premiere of 'PLAY! A Video Game Symphony' and the CD for More Friends - Music from FINAL FANTASY.While this blogger is sadly occupied with prior engagements tonight, gamers in the area are more than welcome to mob that Tower Records and cause the store's employees much consternation and bewilderment. If you don't have any imported CDs to sign, however, don't fret: the store's web site claims to have "some awesome Japanese imports available for you to purchase and have autographed at the event." Not only that, Angela Aki will be performing live as well. Score! Anybody wanna tell us how this evening turns out when it's all sung and done?[Via The Daily Northwestern; image culled from Angela Aki's blog, Nobuo Uematsu's Squenix profile, and Arnie Roth's 2005 interview with IGN]See also: Official page for Tower Clark Street (with details on the signing) Ticketmaster site for the PLAY! concert debut tomorrow Sonic and Chrono composers to join PLAY! in Chicago
