MWSF07
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Steve Jobs interview on CNBC
You've watched the Keynote, but you need another hit of that Reality Distortion Field, don't you? Check out this CNBC interview with Steve Jobs after his Keynote. Steve talks about why Apple is going into the phone business (hint, Steve wanted an iPhone of his own and he has a little pull at Apple).Steve also talks about the stock options scandal that we've been covering.
TUAW Podcast #17: The Keynote aftermath
Last night we broke the Snowball mic out and did an impromptu podcast debating what we would see at the Stevenote. Some of our predictions were right, some were wrong (like all of mine) but it was entertaining and fun to do.Tonight, after the Keynote, we decided to gather round the USB mic once again and reflect upon what Steve, and the many talented people at Apple, hath wrought. Keep in mind that this is a quick and dirty podcast, so the production level isn't high but the content makes up for that.This time around the podcast weighs in at just over 21MB and 23 minutes. As always, you can grab it via direct link here, our iTunes Store podcast directory or with our dedicated podcast RSS feed. Enjoy, and be sure to drop us some feedback in the comments!
David Pogue gets his hands on the iPhone
We're just lowly bloggers here at TUAW, so we got no closer to the iPhone than the rest of the Macworld attendees, that is from the other side of a clear plastic barrier. David Pogue, though, is a different story. The New York Times columnist had an hour long meeting with Steve Jobs and Phil Schiller where he got to touch, and use, one of the iPhone prototypes. He typed an email (typing is a little awkward on the virtual keyboard), made a phone call (crystal clear), and found out that it isn't ready for prime time (some features aren't complete).Pogue addresses some of my concerns about the 'smudginess' of the display, but I'll still need to hold one myself before I pass judgment.
Macworld brings parking problems, needed revenue to San Francisco
While we Mac geeks are having a grand old time here at Macworld, it would seem that some San Francisco natives aren't that thrilled. This article in the San Francisco Gate bemoans the fact that parking will be tougher, the city will be more crowded, and congestion will be up. It does go on to mention that Macworld isn't the largest convention, and since no streets are being closed for it traffic shouldn't be too bad. Plus, as the article points out, Macworld brings in lots of cash, and who can argue with that?
Apple Inc., beyond the "Computer"
With all the hubbub today folks may have missed a small but telling detail. Given the focus on iPods and now the iPhone, Jobs announced the company itself had changed its name from "Apple Computer Inc." to simply "Apple Inc." (already reflected on the bottom of the homepage, right). Since the iPod became such a hit, many old-time Mac folks have worried that that Apple was increasingly moving away from the Macintosh. While I think it's premature to worry too much, certainly the change in name reflects a substantial shift in Apple's (or perhaps better, Steve Jobs') understanding of what Apple is as a company. It's starting to look like Apple is repositioning itself into a consumer electronics company that also makes computers (Sony, anyone?). What this means in the long term, both for the Mac and for Apple, is anyone's guess. It's heartening, though, that the iPhone will run OS X, so we can hope that even as Apple goes into new markets it won't forget the Mac faithful who got it here in the first place. What's your take on the name change?
Macworld SF 2007 Keynote stream available
The Keynote is now available for streaming on Apple's Quicktime site. Interestingly, you can watch either the whole Keynote, or just the iPhone introduction. Apple is really betting the farm on this phone and if a first impression from a distance is any indicator then they have a hit.I just tried to stream the Keynote, but 'Due to exceptional demand, your request could not be completed at this time. Please try again at a later time.' Try again, Mac faithful, try again.Thanks to everyone who sent this in.
Office 2008 for Mac in second half of 2007
The Microsoft BU has just announced that Office 2008 for Mac will be released in the second half of 2007. Office 2008 will be Universal (hurrah!) and include a number of Mac only features: Publishing Layout Views - Let's you create newsletters and things by presenting the related Office tools in a new layout Ledger Sheets - Makes managing your finances even easier in Excel My Day - A new stand alone application that lets you stay on top of your activities across Office applications Office 2008 for Mac will the new Office Open XML Formats from the get go so it'll be compatible with Office 2007 on Windows. Check out this interview with Roz Ho, general manager of the Mac BU to get some juicy details.
URL for the Keynote, to be posted later today
The Stevennote finished a little over an hour ago, and Apple already has a placeholder up for the streaming video. Head on over to the iPhone section of Apple's website to see the placeholder. We'll let you know when the video goes live.
Apple announces Apple TV (formerly 'iTV')
Apple has just officially announced the Apple TV, formerly the iTV, for both Mac and PC. We knew it was coming, but now we have the details It is coming out next month and it can: wireless transfer to Apple TV HDMI output support for 720p includes 40gb drive includes 802.11 a/b/g/n (yes, n) stream from up to 5 machines can sync iTunes library AppleTV ships next month and goes for $299. That $299 includes the Apple TV, an Apple Remote, Power Cord, and a Quick Start Guide. The dimensions are 7.7 by 7.7 inches (Steve loves squares), height 1.1 inches, and weighs only 2.4 pounds.What formats does it support, straight from the specs: Video formats supported: H.264 and protected H.264 (from iTunes Store): 640 by 480, 30 fps, LC version of Baseline Profile 320 by 240, 30 fps, Baseline profile up to Level 1.3 1280 by 720, 24 fps, Progressive Main Profile. MPEG-4: 640 by 480, 30 fps, Simple Profile Audio AAC (16 to 320 Kbps) protected AAC (from iTunes Store) MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps) MP3 VBR Apple Lossless AIFF WAV
Keynote QueueFu: When to get in line
The question of the day for Macworld attendees seems to be "What time should I line up for the keynote?" If you're looking for hints so you can set your alarm clock, we've rounded up some links for you. The consensus is that earlier is better. Some Macworld attendees are hitting the line at 3AM. Others think that 5AM is plenty early. The picture shown here from Robert Padbury at Macworld 2006 suggests that at 4:30 AM the line was already around the block. Apple Insider: 4-5 AM for general seating. 7-9 AM for the Super or Platinum Pass. Inessential.com: 3-4 AM YourMacLife: 4AM Whenever you do show up, dress warmly and, if possible, pair up with a friend so you can do coffee and donut runs as well as potty breaks. Have fun. Take pictures. And maybe you can send some of them to us here at TUAW. Contact us via the tip form.
Macworld IRC Backchannel
Backchannel, noun The practice of using networked computers to maintain a real-time online conversation alongside live spoken remarks.In other words, a backchannel is a conference specific chat-room which provides a virtual round-table at which conference attendees can chat and make snarky comments. In my experience, the backchannel is often one of the most enjoyable parts of any given tech conference. Additionally, for those unable to attend a conference, the backchannel provides a digital analogue to actually being there which allows users to get a feel for whats going on, even if thousands of miles away. For this year's Macworld, Chris Forsythe of Adium and Perian fame has set up a dedicated IRC backchannel on the freenode network. Whether you're here at the conference, or stuck at home at your computer, I invite you to open up your IRC client of choice and join the conversation./server irc.freenode.org/join #mwsf2007
Mark Your Calendar: Mac Mashpit Thursday Afternoon
Blake Burris from CocoaRadio has picked up the MashPit torch and organized a little get-together for any and all Mac geeks and greek-etes who will be in San Francisco this Thursday. If you're not familiar with the concept of a Mash Pit, it's traditionally a chance for geeks and hackers to get together and work on a few interesting code projects, but the idea has long ago been co-opted into an excuse for food, drink, and casual socializing.So if you're in the area Thursday afternoon (12 till 4) come on down to South Park and join in the fun. Admission is free, and so is the pizza (if you get there early enough).
