Macworld08
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TUAW interviews Walt Mossberg
We were lucky enough to run into Walt Mossberg, columnist for the Wall Street Journal, co-founder and host of D: All Things Digital. He shares his thoughts on the keynote and Apple's new products. What was the biggest surprise for him? Watch and learn.Also available on:YouTube, Metacafe, DailyMotion, Blip.tv and Crackle
Parliant releases PhoneValet Home Edition
Mac users looking to integrate their home phone line with their Macs have had a couple of sophisticated options in Ovolabs' Phlink and Parliant's PhoneValet. The only problem is that both are clearly aimed at small businesses with prices around $150+ for either application. Perhaps sensing the hole in the market for home users, Parliant is shipping PhoneValet Home Edition at Macworld for a much more palatable $50.Like its more expensive brother, it includes Caller ID announcement, voicemail, ringtones and more, but it lacks more advanced logging features and call recording. The regular edition also includes a USB hardware interface, while the Home edition is designed to work with the Apple modem. PhoneValet Home Edition is $49.95 and a demo is available. If you have a internal modem they have a test program on their downloads page to confirm compatibility. If not, it works with Apple's USB modem.[via MacMinute]
iPhone 1.1.3 update: Google Maps first impressions
This particular post won't be near as in-depth as one Erica might do (she knows way more about the iPhone than I) but I just wanted to share my first impressions of the new Google Maps functionality on the iPhone after today's 1.1.3 software update. Granted, some would call me crazy for updating such a critical piece of equipment as my iPhone during a busy time like Macworld. But hey, let's live on the edge, shall we?Throwing caution to the wind I made the leap and charged ahead with the update. Before I go on let me mention that I have the most vanilla iPhone out there with no hacks or custom anything (not even ringtones) so the update was a smooth process for me. In and out in under five minutes. Once done and restarted I began to explore what had changed. One of the first things I really wanted to try out was the new maps functionality. Fortunately, an opportunity put the new Google Maps through its paces presented itself immediately; I had to join my fellow TUAW crew at a Macworld party, but all I had was the address with no idea how to get there. Which direction should I go, and how far? Fortunately, these questions were no match for the iPhone's new maps functionality. To do this I first clicked on the Google Maps tool on the iPhone and then on the brand new button in the lower left corner of the screen (looks somewhat like a target crosshair) and waited a few moments while my iPhone triangulated my position using nearby cell towers. Impressively, it located my position almost exactly, and displayed it on the screen. Next, I pressed the directions button and in the new window I saw that next to "Start" was "Current Location" -- obviously where I was at the moment -- and below that I entered the address of where I wanted to go.Once done I pressed the 'Route" button and in about five seconds was presented with a detailed route to my destination complete with a purple line on the map to follow. I admit when I first heard about this feature in the 1.1.3 update I was a bit skeptical about how well it would work. I'm happy to report that, at least in this first-impressions situation, it performed exactly as advertised. Although, I guess I should have expected that from an Apple product. They do seem to pretty much always turn out well.UPDATE: OK, we fixed the title.
iTunes Movie rentals now available
As it was keynoted, so it is done. That's right, folks, the rental feature of iTunes has been turned on (as long as you update to iTunes 7.6 that is). Sound off in the comments with your first impressions. I am about to rent the 300 to get a taste of the whole process, and I have a feeling you'll be seeing a mini-review of iTunes renting in the not too distant future.
Show floor video: VMWare demos virtualization of Mac OS X Server
At a booth tucked away in an uncomfortable corner of the South Hall, VMware is showing a preview version of Fusion with virtualization for Mac OS X Server (on Apple host hardware only, naturally) running smoothly. We are heading back to VMware to get a more thorough video walkthrough of the app when the crowds thin a bit, but here's a little clip to whet your appetite (after the jump).
Beer and Taxes - The H&R Block Macworld Booth
As we've wondered wandered the show floor here at Macworld we've come across some interesting and diverse booths so far. We've seen several great products and have some terrific video of the Elgato booth and the Eye TV 3.0 and also the folks at Plasq showcasing their Doozla illustration software for kids.We also saw a booth sponsored by the tax prep company H&R Block. Huh? What are they doing at a Macworld expo you may wonder? To be honest, I did too. Well, they are showcasing several things at the expo including demos of their new tax prep software called Tango -- which supposedly makes preparing your taxes even easier than before. They are also giving out free copies of their Tax Cut software at the booth as well.As if that wasn't enough already, here's the really good part: they are also graciously giving away free beer from 4-6 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week. Yes, that's right, I said free (or wrote to be precise). Unfortunately, according to what I was told, you are technically supposed to be a member of the media in order to take advantage of this great public service. However, I would bet that if you asked really, really nicely they might be able to hook you up. What the heck, it's worth a try at least, right? After all, free is good.
Steve pitches the MacBook Air at CNBC
As he usually does, Steve went on CNBC after this morning's keynote presentation to pitch his company's newest goodie. In this case, the MacBook Air. He talks about the size, of course, but also the relationship between Apple and Intel as well as the process of building the MacBook Air:"...We built probably a hundred models to get to this ... If we could make this real, we would all just lust after this. And we did ... It's been two years of work to make this."Most interestingly, CNBC reports that the supposed failed negotiations between Apple and China Mobile amounted to nothing more than a single visit to Cupertino by a single representative; hardly the contentious relationship we thought existed.
Show floor video: Plasq's Doozla, illustration for kids
We tease the Plasq crew for their taste in outerwear, but their taste in software is impeccable. Announced at the show: open beta of our fave Skitch, upcoming add-on to 'expert' version of Comic Life (Comic Life Magiq, a separate product from the original Comic Life), and an entirely new application based on the Skitch vector engine: Doozla, a $25 children's art application that's simple and clean. Keith demos Doozla and the alpha of CL Magiq in the video below (after the jump).
Poll: Are you spending $20 on new iPod touch apps?
So while the iPhone and Apple TV got shiny new firmware updates and new features for free today, iPod touch owners will have to lay out $20 to get Mail, Weather, Stocks, Notes, and Maps -- five apps the iPhone's had since day one. That seems like a raw deal to us -- but then again, we're up to our necks in handheld devices that can check email and take notes. So what's it going to be, iPod touch owners -- will you be laying down a Jackson or what? %Poll-8318%
The highlight of MWSF '08 keynote
OK, the keynote is over. We're all aflutter over the new products and software (in fact, my iPhone is wiggling with delight). We can't wait to get our hands on a MacBook Air. How about you? What was your personal highlight from Steve's keynote? The MB Air? The Apple TV 2? Yet another chance to support the US economy while increasing your personal debt?Vote in our unscientific poll and check back tomorrow for the results. In a few weeks we'll be able to judge how it compares to keynotes past, but today we think it was pretty darn great. %Poll-8297%
Stevenote video now live on Apple's site
You brought AOL to its knees, you took out the Apple online store, but now the true test: can the power of one billion fanboys take on Akamai?Update: The answer was a quick yes -- but we're sneaky and figured out the direct link. Have fun, kids.
Macbook Air: The downside
The Macbook Air is only a couple of hours old (to you and me, at least), and only a handful of people have even seen one, so let's pick apart its flaws! Just kidding. This post is meant to point out certain aspects of the little machine that may not be immediately obvious. No user-replacable battery. Not the end of the world, for sure, but a nuisance, especially as your battery's life drops to four hours, then three, then ... (but that's a few years away, right?). Shades of the user-inaccessible iPhone battery commotion here. Recessed USB slot will hinder certain peripherals. Prepare for a cottage industry of adapters to appear (much like those for the iPhone's headphone jack). Plus, there's only one -- expect small, streamlined & white USB hubs to appear soon. No Firewire port. Forget uploading digital video from a camera, or using those spiffy Firewire external hard drives. Now, we're not ripping the MacBook Air apart here, just pointing out a few details you'll want to keep in mind if you plan to use it as your primary machine. Speaking of which, don't you love how the curved bottom makes it appear to be floating?
Accessories for MacBook Air: USB Ethernet
Get used to hearing the word 'dongle' in casual conversation, because Apple is shipping one for the MacBook Air -- an Ethernet to USB adapter for those who absolutely must use a wired network. For $29 you get a 10/100Base-T Ethernet connection and the opportunity to use up your one USB port for connectivity (hint: either get used to typing on the full-size keyboard on the laptop, or pick up a small USB hub). It's not the fastest gun in the West but it will certainly get the job done.
Apple TV Take 2
The Apple TV has hardly been the most successful Apple product. In fact, you could say it has been kind of a flop. Even Steve Jobs admitted in his keynote address that the Apple TV has failed to meet expectations and truly link online content with the television. So what is Apple's plan to try to change that? Welcome to Apple TV Redux!While the Apple TV's form factor remains the same, the software interface has changed significantly. The most notable feature is the ability to buy music, movies and iTunes rentals directly from the device, no computer required. Frankly, this is something I think should have been included from the very beginning. The Apple TV will be able to playback HD and standard definition movies and support Dolby Digital 5.1 sound.Additionally, Apple TV will now support interactive slideshows via Flickr and .Mac accounts.There's one more change - one I also think is a big improvement to the overall product - the price has dropped. The 40 GB entry model is now just $229 USD (down from $299) and the 160 GB model is $329. Now that users actually have the ability to buy content directly from the device, and that HD content will be readily available, it has suddenly become much more attractive.Current Apple TV owners can get the additional benefits via a software update now in the two weeks (when the new units ship).
MWSF '08 keynote video is online
Well, that didn't take long! Roughly one our after Randy Newman sang at the end of Steve's Keynote presentation, the video has been posted on Apple's website. Reading about the keynote is fun, but watching the video is so much better. See the demos, marvel at the shiny hardware, revel in the crowd's "oohs" and "aahs." Finally, whip out your credit card!Thanks, Sebastian!Update: Apple seems to have removed the video. We're sure it will be back up later. Keep your eyes on the Special Events page.It's back.
iTunes Digital Copy
iTunes Digital Copy sort of snuck into the Keynote, but it is a pretty big deal (that we already knew about). Starting today if you buy any 20th Century Fox DVD that is labeled 'iTunes Digital Copy' you'll not only get the physical DVD, but a digital copy. Simply insert the disk into your Mac or PC, enter a unique code into iTunes, and iTunes will import a digital version of the movie onto your Mac/PC. You can view the movie on your Mac, iPod, or iPhone as many times as you like (since you own the movie) but the digital copy can only be imported into one iTunes library.
Time Capsule backs up your Macs
Apple has released Time Capsule, a NAS (network-attached storage, I'll admit I'm so far from an IT guy that I had to look it up) unit that will wirelessly sync with multiple instances of Time Machine, all the while also working as an 802.11n base station (there are three included ethernet ports as well). Time Capsule has wireless backup, wireless networking, and even a USB port for networked printing, a networked hard drive, or both with a USB hub.And perhaps most amazing is the sheer size available-- it's $399 for a 500gb hard drive, and $499 for a 1 TB hard drive. Sure, that's a little pricey if you've got only one or two computers at home, but $500 for a complete (and completely wireless) backup solution for a house full of computers is a pretty nice setup. This definitely won't cause as much of a stir as the iPhone updates or the MacBook Air today, but for someone who's been seeking a backup solution for a whole house of computers, Time Capsule has to be pretty good news. It's available for preorder right now, and will release in February.
Remote Disk
The MacBook Air doesn't have an optical drive, but it does have a new software feature called Remote Disk. This comes with every MacBook Air and works with both Macs and PCs. Simply install the Remote Disk software on the Mac or PC that has an optical drive and that drive will now be available to the MacBook Air. Slide a disk into the optical drive and Remote Disk shows up in the MacBook Air's Finder. Install software to your heart's content, but sadly you won't be burning CDs using Remote Disk.
MacBook Air doesn't have a user-replaceable battery
We sort of understood it with iPods, and we grudgingly accepted it with the iPhone, but the MacBook Air has a sealed, non-user-replaceable battery, and that means we're suddenly a lot less in love. We're digging for details on how much it'll cost to swap out -- and what Apple expects road warriors to do when their slick new ultraportable dies on the go, stick with us.
MacBook Air Guided Tour
Following in the grand tradition of the iPhone guided tours Apple has posted a guided tour of the new MacBook Air. Available in QuickTime, of course, for download (iPod or large versions) and in a variety of streaming sizes.This guide will answer any questions you might have about just how thin this thing is (it is very thin) and just might get you to open that wallet of yours and increase your consumer debt.
