macworld 2007
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Apple Macworld booth tour
It's kind of weird to think that Apple had a booth at Macworld just the same as HP or Toshiba had at CES -- well, ok, theirs was very Apple, and absolutely mobbed by throngs of Mac-faithful waiting to catch a glimpse of the iPhone (and to a lesser extent, the Apple TV). We know not everyone can be there, so peep the booth gallery.
XtremeMac HDMI switch and cables for Apple TV
Apple accessories are big business, and the Apple TV is no different. Apple has teamed up with XtremeMac to help you get your Apple TV connected, and they seem to have every option covered: HDMI, Component, HDMI>DVI, Toslink -- even analog audio, (no ATV doesn't support composite or S-Video). This takes care of most sets, but many TVs only have one HDMI input, so XtremeMac is also offering a HDMI 4-port switch. You can use the supplied remote or the button on the front, but there's no auto switching, which would have been nice. The surprisingly delightful part is the price; while many major retailers charge as much as $150 for a HDMI cable, this one is only $19.99. No word on the price of the switcher, but all will be available by the ATV's launch in February.[Via iLounge]
ModBook photo gallery, look but don't touch ... wait, you can touch
We're guessing the singular product shot of Axiotron's ModBook wasn't enough to sate your insatiable appetite for all things Apple and all things tablet. Our friends at The Unofficial Apple Weblog were on hand for the product's official unveiling at MacWorld today and they've got the photo gallery to prove it. They've even got a box shot so you can imagine getting your own in the mail.
Apple confirms: Macs already shipping with 802.11n
No surprises here, but following the launch of the Airport Extreme this morning, Apple came clean about the existence of 802.11n draft-spec hardware in their iMac, MacBook, MacBook Pro, and Mac Pro lineup of computers. So just like we thought, Apple will indeed provide a software update for your Mac. Only thing is, you'll have to purchase their Airport Extreme first, since the "enabler software" ships with new base station. Now that you know for sure what your hardware could do (with compatible draft-n hardware), we wonder if you can really wait until February for your update?[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
iPhone vs. iPhone: Cisco and Apple play nice
Apple "iPhone," huh? As we're all aware, that's the name of the new Linksys VoIP phone which Cisco (Linksys' parent company) owns the trademark to. So what's next? Another protracted legal battle for Apple? Oh hells no, son. After Steve dropped their latest i-bomb, Cisco told MarketWatch that they've been in "extensive discussions" with Apple recently and "it is our belief that Apple intends to agree to the final document. We expect to receive a signed agreement today (Tuesday)." Sweet.
Macworld 2007 keynote photo gallery
Relive moments at the Macworld 2007 Steve Jobs keynote from earlier today -- from the final time we'll ever see "Apple Computer, Inc." displayed to the first moment the world set eyes on Apple's new cellphone hotness. Fanboys: indulge yourselves.
The iPhone is not a smartphone
And the reality slowly sets in about what the iPhone is and is not. Noted analyst and Engadget pal Michael Gartenberg stated that the iPhone is first party software ONLY -- i.e. not a smartphone by conventional terms, being that a smartphone is a platform device that allows software to be installed. That means hungry power-users -- you know, those people ready and willing to plunk down $600 for an 8GB musicphone -- won't be able to extend the functionality of their phone any more than Apple (but thankfully not Cingular) dictates. Other unfortunate realities about the device: No 3G. We know you know, but still, it hurts man. No over the air iTunes Store downloads or WiFi syncing to your host machine. No expandable memory. No removable battery. No Exchange or Office support.
Axiotron's ModBook: distributed by OWC, tolerated by Apple
Since Apple is a bit too busy making teh sexay phones, OWC and Axiotron are taking up the slack with their new ModBook, which hacks up MacBooks and turns them into glorious slate-style tablet computers. The duo didn't cut many corners, either, since their MacBook mods hold onto most of those original specs, plus add in an optional built-in GPS module, and of course that Penabled Wacom digitizer. Pen input runs at 20x display resolution, with 256 pressure levels and zero battery use, and the MacBook's LCD is protected with some Chemically Strengthened glass, complete with a paper-like texture and anti-reflective coating. The ModBook is also shielded by aircraft grade magnesium alloy, with a copper and nickel layers for scratch resistance. Thanks to that slot-loading MacBook drive, the ModBook is apparently the only slate-style tablet computer with a built in CD/DVD drive, making it a nice option for portable DVD playback use. The ModBook is relying on Apple's Inkwell technology and other OS X enhancements for tablet functionality. Naturally, they're not exactly giving these things away, but the prices still seem reasonable for what you're getting: $2199-$2699 pre-order pricing for the "Good," "Better" and "Best" options. The latter two feature GPS, but if you pre-order now you can get it tossed into the low-end version as well. No word on an exact ship date, but it sounds like it won't be until March, April or later.
The genesis of the iPhone
"Everybody hates their phone, and that's not a good thing. And there's an opportunity there." Jobs told Time for a rather interesting and revealing piece chronicling the genesis Apple's new iPhone. (We didn't realize for sure that the iPhone can't use its WiFi to download tracks over the air, for instance.) What started more than two and a half years ago as a foray into tablet computing to counter Microsoft's efforts (whodathunk, Apple really was thinking of building a tablet PC), which inevitably led them to creating the iPhone. If you're the type wondering things like why the new device doesn't have rubber feet, check out the piece, it's a good read.[Thanks, Adhik]
Today's Apple announcements at Macworld 2007
You want the goods? You got 'em. Check out all today's coverage of Apple's Macworld 2007 announcements:iPhoneThe Apple iPhone runs OS XFirst iPhone pics!Apple unveils Bluetooth headset, new headphones for iPhoneApple iPhone sized up and compared to Treo 750, Moto Q, and BB Pearl The game has changedThe genesis of the iPhoneThe iPhone is not a smartphoneNokia on iPhone: what, no 3G?Video: iPhone in person, behind glassiPhone vs. iPhone: Cisco and Apple play niceHow the iPhone avoided being leakedApple TViTV becomes Apple TVFirst Apple TV hands-on pics!Live coverageLive from Macworld 2007: Steve Jobs keynoteMacworld 2007 keynote photo galleryOther announcementsAirport Extreme launched: draft 802.11n and USB hosting now supportedApple drops "Computer" from nameApple confirms Paramount and iTunes dealApple confirms: Macs already shipping with 802.11n
Apple confirms Paramount and iTunes deal
It's official, Viacom's Paramount Pictures will indeed offer its movies for download over Apple's iTunes service. Some 250 titles in fact, including Tomb Raider, Italian Job, Wrath of Khan, Chinatown, Zoolander, School of Rock, and Sum of all Fears. The titles are currently being moved into the iTunes store and once available, should cost the same (no pricing was given) as the Disney films already available: $9.99 apiece for most titles, $14.99 for new releases and $12.99 for pre-orders.
Apple drops "Computer" from name
Today Apple dropped the word "Computer" from their name. Now, known more simply as "Apple, Inc." to better reflect their steady but relentless move into the wider field of consumer electronics. With a portfolio now spanning software, retail, the on-line distribution of electronic media, home entertainment, digital audio players, cellphones and computers can anyone blame them? You paying attention Samsung, Sony, and Philips... Apple is serious about claiming your turf.
First Apple TV hands-on pics!
Not a lot's changed here since we last saw the Apple TV in iTV form, but here it is, a gallery of hardware shots and menus. More information soon, but check out the gallery for now. (Please bear with us as this gallery continues to upload, pics will be done in just a sec.)
Airport Extreme launched: draft 802.11n and USB hosting now supported
It may not bring the thunder like an Apple iPhone but the Airport Extreme does bring draft-N of the 802.11 WiFi standard. That means up to 5x the speed and 2x the performance of traditional WiFi networks which should deliver a bit of a rumble to the living room or office. It also support legacy 802.11a/b/g giving it full 2.4GHz and 5GHz coverage. It also features AirPort Disk, a USB host port around back allowing you to share an external USB hard drive over your wireless or wired network. Or just attach a USB printer and share that, your choice. Best of all, it should work with the unannounced, but apparently real, 802.11n draft hardware in your recently purchased Mac -- look for a software update to roll soon. By February anyway, when the Airport Extreme ships for $180.
First iPhone pics!
It was in the case, what can we say? We'd love to have gotten our hands on it, but this should tide you over until June when this thing hit the streets. You know what it does, check out our gallery.
Apple unveils Bluetooth headset, new headphones for iPhone
So Apple couldn't release its iPhone without also unveiling a new Bluetooth headset and a tweak to their iconic headphones now, could they? Keeping in line with Apple's minimalist design ethos, the Bluetooth headset appears from the side as a simple, thin, 2001-esque, black slab. It only has one button (on the top) and is apparently "incredibly small." Apple has also unveiled a new set of stereo headphones that accommodates the iPhone's cellular functionality. Similar to wire based hands-free kits, it has a small white box halfway up the wire with an integrated microphone and a "squeeze" switch for answering and hanging-up calls. Check out the break for a shot of the hands-free Apple headphones.
The Apple iPhone
Capping literally years of speculation on perhaps the most intensely followed unconfirmed product in Apple's history -- and that's saying a lot -- the iPhone has been announced today. Yeah, we said it: "iPhone," the name the entire free world had all but unanimously christened it from the time it'd been nothing more than a twinkle in Stevie J's eye (comments, Cisco?). Sweet, glorious specs of the 11.6 millimeter device (that's frickin' thin, by the way) include a 3.5-inch 480 x 320 touchscreen display with multi-touch support and a proximity sensor to turn off the screen when it's close to your face, 2 megapixel cam, 4GB or 8 GB of storage, Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR and A2DP, WiFi that automatically engages when in range, and quad-band GSM radio with EDGE. Perhaps most amazingly, though, it somehow runs OS X with support for Widgets, Google Maps, and Safari, and iTunes (of course) with CoverFlow out of the gate. A partnership with Yahoo will allow all iPhone customers to hook up with free push IMAP email. Apple quotes 5 hours of battery life for talk or video, with a full 16 hours in music mode -- no word on standby time yet. In a twisted way, this is one rumor mill we're almost sad to see grind to a halt; after all, when is the next time we're going to have an opportunity to run this picture? The 4GB iPhone will go out the door in the US as a Cingular exclusive for $499 on a two-year contract, 8GB for $599. Ships Stateside in June, Europe in fourth quarter, Asia in 2008. The review iPhone review It goes on sale Friday, June 29th at 6PM! iPhone on sale 6pm "local time" More iPhone news and information To keep up to the minute on all the iPhone news and developments, please go here and here (also available in RSS here and here). Selected news Apple lays down iPhone purchase rules -- max 2 per person iPhone facts from the first reviews How does the iPhone stack up in total cost? iPhone rate plans revealed, at-home activation announced New details about the iPhone Apple iPhone dock revealed: charges Bluetooth headset too? More news YouTube hits Apple TV today, headed for the iPhone as well Apple announces third-party software details for iPhone iPhone ain't even an iPod without service Apple takes you on an iPhone guided tour AT&T preps landlords for iPhone campers iPhone sightings iPhones are arriving at stores, being unpacked iPhone in the wild: French edition iPhone spottings, "first hand" claims abound iPhone spotted in public? Launch coverage iPhone multi-city lineblog Video: Interview with Steve Wozniak! iPhone first hands-on and unboxing iPhone splayed for your pleasure iPhone first hands-on in HD! iPhone stress test: how did it do? The Definitive iPhone user interface gallery %Gallery-1083% %Gallery-4246% %Gallery-4415% %Gallery-4429%
iTV becomes Apple TV
Well now we know that iTV has officially become Apple TV. It's real folks: we got 802.11 b/g AND 802.11n, USB 2.0, Ethernet, WiFi, HDMI, bunch of standard outs, plus a 40GB hard drive -- all powered by an Intel CPU. So resolution is only 720p -- looks like a few folks are gonna be out of luck, but TV manufacturers are sure gonna be happy to sell all those new sets. Not just one, two or three but five computers can connect to the Apple TV box, making a true hub for all your PCs. You can watch content stored on your rig -- movies, TV shows, photos, etc. -- and you can also pull streaming vid directly off sites like...Apple.com! Plus, the box will even grab content from PCs outside of your house -- finally, we can watch all the great swag that our rich friends can afford. Interested? You'll be able to grab one immediately for $299.
Live from Macworld 2007: Steve Jobs keynote
The game is on! Keep refreshing this page for a steady stream of updates. The keynote should get rolling sometime after 9am PST.7:54am - We're here, standing in line waiting to get in. People have been camped out since 9pm last night, there are at least three or four thousand people here minimum. Security detail is unreal.8:11am - Paul Otellini and the CEO of Quanta are here, in the VIP line.8:23am - Yup, Apple Store is down!8:56am - We're in! Almost the same seat as last time we did this.8:57am - Everyone's shuffling in -- including Jobs' family, who just rolled past. When the press barrier came down it was a mad rush to the elevator, people being trampled.
