Every few months, for the last few years, Internet bloggers have rumored that Apple’s MobileMe Internet service is just moments from becoming free. Recently the rumors have kicked up to explain the massive data center Apple recently finished building in North Carolina. Then there was “evidence” discovered in some of the iOS 4.2 framework files. Still, if you buy a new Mac, or a new iOS device and want “syncing for the rest of us,” you need to sign up, and pay, for MobileMe.
MobileMe is (according to Apple), “a service that pushes email, contacts, and calendar events over the air to all your devices.” Basically keeping your “iPhone, iPad, Mac, and PC…in perfect sync,” wirelessly. Preceded by .Mac, MobileMe was released in the summer of 2008. Since it’s introduction, MobileMe has retailed for $99US (per year) for individual users and $150US (per year) for a 5-member-family pack. While I find the price reasonable (especially when divided monthly) and have dedicated several tutorials to maximizing the service, it would still be nice to get MobileMe (or a majority of it’s features) for free.
So, is MobileMe becoming free for the masses? I think it might be, soon, and here’s why:
Loyal Apple fans likely noticed that the mother ship slightly modified their public website a few weeks ago. The tweaks were minor, but fun, bringing us a slightly darker navigation bar and some flashy sprites under the “Mac” landing. Apple made the modifications using HTML5, a new Internet standard that they’ve been backing for sometime. While the modifications were simple and welcome, most people didn’t perk up and take notice too much, myself included. That was until today.
While helping a new Windows-to-Mac convert, I was explaining the benefit of MobileMe, particularly in light of their new Verizon iPhone purchase. “It’s a great way to keep all of your information synchronized and backed up,” I said before jumping online to load up additional reading for the switcher. Instead of just typing the URL to Apple’s MobileMe page (which I know based on their site map/setup), I chose to navigate through Apple’s website instead. In the past, I’d log onto Apple.com, click “Mac” in the navigation bar and then click “Applications” in their product-slider. A little box icon of MobileMe sat, in that section, just after the respective iLife and iWork icons.
But, guess what was missing now? MobileMe. I continued exploring, assuming that it had been moved. I checked “Mac,” “Accessories,” even “Server.” Nothing. Not even a self-promoting banner on the page, like the one that had lived there for-eve-er.
Anxious, I typed in the URL that I had initially skipped: http://www.apple.com/mobileme
BAM. Finally, some info on the service popped up. But, a bit hard to find, don’t you think? Imagine being a new user, someone unfamiliar with Apple’s site, or perhaps not even sure what the “internet service” they heard about was called. Apple certainly isn’t advertising MobileMe in television commercials.
My last stop was Apple’s Online Store: again, there was nothing on the landing page. In fact, there wasn’t a single mention of the service ANYWHERE on the main-store-page. I had to dig to find it buried in “Mac Accessories,” twelve products deep.
It’s particularly odd that Apple adjusted their product matrix just before and during the launch of the Verizon iPhone. MobileMe is such a natural compliment to the iPhone/iPad/Mac that it seems unusual to hide it from millions of potentially new customers.
Unless, of course, you were just about to announce that it’s FREE…another reason for Mac & iOS users to taunt the others.
What do you think?
Are you following MUM on Twitter?
Earlier this morning, Apple announced another media event for this coming Wednesday (October 20th, 2010). The invitation is traditionally nebulous: the Apple logo slightly turned revealing, what appears to be, a lion behind it. Written below, “Back to the Mac.”
A few months ago Steve Jobs made news when a consumer emailed, his famous email address, to ask why Apple had seemingly abandoned the Mac OS, spending all of their time on iOS: this year’s developer’s conference was dedicated 100% to iOS (iOS powers iPhones, iPod Touches and the iPad). Steve responded, telling the concerned user “…not to worry.”
Apparently, Steve wasn’t lying: The invitation (pictured above) clearly reminds us all that Apple is dedicated to the Mac platform and isn’t abandoning it anytime soon.
In a recent Apple patent filing, the company applied to trademark a Mac that could stand upright (like a traditional iMac), but also kneel down, possibly transitioning to iOS and better suiting itself to touch interaction.
Microsoft has supported touch with their OS for some time now and they even advertise it with many of their licensed desktops and “tablet” PCs; the problem is that Microsoft has never modified their OS to truly adapt to touch. Instead, they’ve simply supported hardware that will allow you to touch your screen. Trying to touch something small is still one hell of a task. After all, there is a reason most of these devices ship with a pen-like stylus —- our fingers are just too big.
Apple, on the other hand, has recognized that touching an operating system designed for a mouse is not only unpleasant, it’s unacceptable. Their iOS was built specifically for touch. The question at large is, “will Mac OS X somehow integrate with iOS?“ Could a hybrid Mac be on the horizon?
While we won’t know what Apple has up their sleeves until the 20th, that won’t stop us from hoping speculating: One can reasonably assume that we’ll see a preview of what OS X.7 will look like, perhaps even a release timeline (i, personally, doubt we’ll see it released during this time). But, here’s hoping to something MUCH more exciting…
Are you following MaximizeUrMac on Twitter?
During Steve’s keynote in early September, he finally admitted that the AppleTV was no longer just a hobby; Jobs and the other folks at Apple finally felt as though they had figured out what consumers wanted in an entertainment companion. The AppleTV went from an expensive, lack-luster peripheral to a small, reasonably priced, internet streaming device. Now featuring $0.99 tv show rentals, streaming HD movies, Netflix and AirPlay, the AppleTV has been posititioned to finally take the world of “home entertainment” by storm. But, will it?
Earlier this summer Google announced ”GoogleTV.” While GoogleTV will offer similar features to Apple’s device, Google is hoping to infiltrate more consumer homes by building their “device/feature-set” into new consumer television sets.
While Apple has beat Google in getting their device to market (the AppleTV is available now, while GoogleTV devices and tv sets won’t start showing up until November 2010), the holiday season is still upon us; it will take a while to figure out exactly who’s winning/won the competition.
What i find interesting, in recent news, is that Google has started showing off their device integration AND their new “remote control” (pictured left). While Apple prides itself on simplicity (their remote has only 3 buttons), the Google device looks a lot like the massively advanced/complicated scientific calculator i used during the latter half of my high school career — the TI-92.
I still think the world is plagued by having “too many remotes” in their living room: there is one for the audio receiver, the tv, the cable box, the dv-r, etc. Who wants another remote? Further, how FEW people would NOT be intimidated by seeing a remote (for a TV) like this!?
I’m a little baffled surprised that Google thinks introducing this complex remote is a good and inviting idea.
What do you think?
Are you following MaximizeUrMac on Twitter?
It was another big day for Apple aficionados. As announced, Apple held their [now] annual “Music Event.” There were predictions across the blogosphere about what would be announced (even some here), and what people doubted we’d see.
Well, after the live streaming of the event (a first in years), we can now rest happy with what we got and a little disappointed by what we didn’t.
I’ve taken my initial reactions and kicked them around so that I could provide you with some expert advice.
Apple has traditionally used this platform to announce new iPods & updates to existing models and this year’s event was no exception. Apple refined almost all of their existing iPod models: the shuffle, the nano, and the iPod Touch. The iPod Classic (the only non-flash based iPod) hasn’t been updated, but hasn’t disappeared either).
The iPod Shuffle:
In its last refinement, the iPod Shuffle lost ALL buttons. That iPod Shuffle introduced “VoiceOver,” but was essentially controlled by the few click controls on the ear buds.
With the newest release, Apple has brought back the shuffle’s buttons, but managed to keep the iPod small, and still maintain the VoiceOver controls. As expected, the shuffle comes in five colors: pink, blue, green, orange and silver. It is available in a 2GB for $49 US.
The iPod Nano:
Of all the new iPods, the new iPod Nano has seen the biggest physical adjustment this time around. Apple completely redesigned the Nano to more closely resemble the iPod Shuffle (built-in clip, size, etc), but added its incredible “touch” technology. While I haven’t had my hands on one of these new iPods [yet] I find the design and concept very appealing.
For a long time, the Nano was Apple’s best selling iPod (it has since been eclipsed by the iPod Touch…likely because of the available apps). This new design could help re-popularize the Nano. For $149 US (and starting at 8GB), it’s a far better value than the shuffle. The touch features seem a little strange (compared to the touch we’ve learned to love in the iPhone, iPod Touch and the iPad), but still seem intuitive enough to replace the shuffles limited feature set. Unfortunately, unlike the iPod Touch, the new nano doesn’t have access to Apple’s App store and (at present time), users cannot load additional applications onto their nano. I wouldn’t be surprised if that changed. Additionally, the video recording and camera capabilities that Apple introduced into their nano last year, are now gone. The iPod Nano still comes in six different colors.
The iPod Touch:
While this iPod received the smallest update, it has gained the most exciting changes. As the blogosphere predicted, both a front & rear camera have been added (nearly matching the iPhone 4′s specs, but aren’t quite as good/powerful). The rear camera now adds HD recording and it also takes advantage of Apple’s new “FaceTime” video conferencing. Prior to this updated Touch, only iPhone 4 users could video chat [with one-another]. Now, even non-iPhone 4 users can get in on the fun. I assume that integration with the desktop computer (mainly Apple’s iChat application) isn’t far off.
The iPod Touch is also a smidge thinner and steals from a few other iPhone 4 features: the Retina Display, an A4 processor and a 3-axis gyroscope. Aside form the brilliant image quality the Retina Display provides, most of these other updates will go unnoticed. They are under-the-hood adjustments that dramatically improve the overall user experience. The iPod Touch starts with 8GB at $229 US.
iTunes 10:
I admit that I’m surprised that Apple unleashed iTunes 10 in the manner and with the features that it did. Previously, I suspected that they might abandon the name “iTunes” in favor of something else, like “iHub,” since listening to “tunes” is hardly the main usage for the application these days. Further, I assumed that with a major number like “ten” Apple would have finally rewritten the application so that it was 64bit. They didn’t do either.
That aside, Apple did make some interesting adjustments/improvements: they’ve have changed the overall user interface to (as they call it) be “more streamlined, sleeker.” After using the new interface for a few days, I admit that I’m a fan. As a modernist, I like the way that iTunes 10 has toned down its color combinations, accents and buttons. Interestingly enough, there are many people tweeting, and blogging that they do not like the interface and have said, “if this is a sign of OX 10.7, [they] are switching back to windows.”
Not only is that a little dramatic, it’s probably not true. It’s not the type of interface that we’ve come to love & expect from Apple, but it is a nice update. And, no random visual-interface-adjustments are going to send us away from the features, stability, reliability and intuitiveness that we’ve come to love from our Macs.
Apple did decide to change the icon that has represented iTunes for nearly ten years. Jobs, in his keynote, said that they no longer felt it was appropriate to have the “CD” in the icon because far fewer people are actually using CDs and CD-Rs these days. The icon isn’t the only place Apple has killed the compact disc: in iTunes 9, if you were looking to burn a CD, you simply created a playlist, inserted a CD-R and clicked the “burn” button in the lower left corner of the application. That “burn” button no longer exists. If you decide to burn a playlist to your CD, in iTunes 10, you must go into the File menu and select the “burn playlist to disc” option.
Apple has also introduced a few other small enhancements including changes to “airtunes,” now “airplay,” a new list view option and “improved device syncing.” Airplay will certainly become more interesting in the future (it’s only been renamed for now…but the features are set to change with the next iOS software release).
Apple has also managed to re-negotiate with the television networks, now providing their shows, commercial free, for just $0.99 US. Movies are now available in HD for just $4.99 (rented).
The big news to come out of iTunes 10 is the addition of “Ping.” Ping is Apple’s take on social sharing and social networking. According to Apple, Ping is a way to “…discover new music by going social…learn even more about your favorite artists and friends starting with their bios. See what they’ve been up to — even listen to 30-second previews of music they like. Find out when and where artists and bands are on tour, and check out photos and videos they’ve posted. With Ping, a community of the world’s most passionate music fans is just a click away.”
At the moment, Ping’s features are a little confusing and not all that interesting. If Apple can find interesting ways to incorporate Ping into services like Facebook or Twitter, I think they may gain a larger market, and subsequently kill the beleaguered MySpace. While Apple has officially announced that over a million people have signed up to join Ping in just a few days, the social network still feels a little anemic. And, a lot of the content that people (celebrities) are posting already exist on Twitter and Facebook. Who wants ANOTHER network to check, if it can all be combined in one magical place?
Finally…Apple’s big surprise (sort-of) announcement…
AppleTV:
While the AppleTV has been around for a while, Apple has always proclaimed that it was just a “hobby” project of theirs. In the few years that it’s been on the market, it has never seen a physical change, and only saw minor changes to its interface. That ALL changed with Apple’s newest announcement. On Wednesday, Apple announced the first major update to their AppleTV product and, that it is no longer considered a hobby for them. The physical design is simple and appropriate: the new AppleTV box is all black and is 80% smaller than its predecessor and it no longer requires a big, bulky, external power supply. NICE.
Jobs admitted that they’ve been using all the feedback they’ve received [from users] to modify, update and improve the AppleTV experience.
He even gave a checklist of the “most desired” user features:
- More movies and TV shows on demand
- HD
- No computer required
- Silent
- No local storage, storage management or syncing
- Smaller
- Cheaper
With the largest library of online content Apple is moving everything to full HD and adding more and more movies and TV shows. “Purchasing” movies on the AppleTV will no longer be an option (the device no longer has onboard storage). With the new AppleTV, you will only be able to rent or stream your content. That being said, if you want to buy and own your shows or movies, you can always purchase them on your Mac (via iTunes), your iPad, your iPod Touch or iPhone and stream them directly to the AppleTV. Smart.
Another excellent addition to the AppleTV is its ability to link to your Netflix account for instant movie streaming. Prior to this update, users that wanted to access Netflix through their AppleTV were forced to hack and modify all sorts of things. Even then, IF it worked, the experience wasn’t very pleasant (I can attest with personal experience). In addition to streaming from Netflix, the new AppleTV will stream content from YouTube, Flickr, MobileMe and from your home computer (and iDevices).
The best part? It’s no longer $229 US (to start), but instead is just $99 US. It is expected to ship in the next few weeks.
I am already and AppleTV owner, but admit that it’s feature set hasn’t been all that ideal, until now. While no mention has been made, I’m hoping that the software update will not be exclusive to new AppleTV owners and devices, but also to those of us with previous models.
Are you following MUM on Twitter?
It’s back-to-school time for many young adults and with that comes the inevitable: a new computer. Many folks are purchasing for the first time, and even more are considering the switch from Windows to Mac. Windows has typically had a much larger following of established users, but that’s changing. It started with the original iPod and has only snowballed since. It’s called the “halo effect:” “a cognitive bias whereby the perception of one trait is influenced by the perception of another (or several traits) of that person or object.”
In Apple’s case, the iPod & iPhone have shown loyal windows users that they [Apple] not only make impeccable hardware, but that they create beautiful, functional, simple and powerful software that outperforms even the best competitors —- including Microsoft.
As more and more people are using iPods and iPhones they are left thinking: “If this device is this good, this simple to use, i wonder what their computers might be like.” That’s when they consider switching.
For a long time, Apple had to put out a message that when comparing Apple to Windows, Apple was far superior…you remember the commercials, right? “I’m a Mac, and I’m a PC.” Well, Apple has since stopped those commercials, but it looks like Microsoft has been forced to start. Nothing on television yet, but they did make recent news with this terribly designed page (right): an attempt to dismay potential switchers. Apple still maintains their page (also right), showing how easy it is to switch and how easy it is to use a mac.
In a smart article, Mac | Life has taken on each of Microsofts claims and I have been complelled to not only reprint there content here, but add my comments as well. Their original article can be found here.
Mac | Life in purple:
1. Microsoft says: Manage windows more easily with Windows 7
Hold on, what? Apple invented Windows when they created the Finder back in 1984, and things have only gone uphill for Mac OS users. Windows 7 touts the fun new feature of “snapping” windows together–arranging windows side by side neatly snaps them in place, and dragging borders instantly maximizes–but this is kids stuff compared to Expose and stacks–all features Windows 7 copied directly from OS X!
Managing windows within Windows has always been a chore. With Windows 7, Microsoft has finally introduced a few management techniques for their users, including those described above. But, i still think that they are missing the mark. Rather than incorporating features that are usable (as Apple has), they are throwing in whiz-bang gimmicks that they claim will improve usability. I disagree. Take the new “Shake” feature for example: Microsoft says “Need to cut through a cluttered desktop and quickly focus on a single window? Now with Windows 7, you can just click, hold down, and give your mouse a shake. Voila! Every open window except that one instantly disappears. Jiggle again—and your windows are back.”
huh? how is that usable? or productive? disrupting the existing window to isolate others? and what if aren’t using a mouse? On a trackpad, you’d need to click the titlebar with one finger and use the other to “swipe back and forth, quickly” on the track pad itself. Silly.
Even if Apple had NO other window management features, Expose alone outshines everything, even the whiz-bang, on Windows. Getting in the habit of using Expose amplifies productivity like few other tools —- whether you are using Photoshop, Word, iMovie OR the Finder [desktop windows].
2. Microsoft says: Macs can take time to learn
We’re not really sure where this point comes from, unless you’re a hardcore Windows user switching over to a Mac–then certainly, a Mac will be less familiar than Windows. We can only assume Microsoft is targeting the most casual user, who hasn’t chosen sides yet. And with programs that sync your entire life out of the box, and a file structure with clear labels, you can’t get simpler than a Mac. Microsoft, tell us, have you started hiding the C:/ drive yet?
My argument doesn’t steam much from ML’s above. The statement is not only generic, but misleading. Switching anything in life will require some getting use to, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. Imagine going from an automatic car, to a manual transmission…
Apple has the advantage in that at least their applications and operating system are notoriously intuitive —- hello drag & drop!
3. Microsoft says: Networking is easier.
Microsoft points out that you can access wireless networks in “as few as three clicks.” We’ll stop them right there. In OS X, it takes one! As we know, OS X conveniently displays a drop down of accessible networks in the status bar. Also, OS X automatically sees Windows PCs. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same about Windows 7.
Having spent many years networking college campus’ and offices (with both Macs & Windows PCs), i can attest that there is no easier platform to network with than a Mac. Not only do they automatically discover one another, they easily find and link with Windows computers.
4. Microsoft says: Manage devices more easily.
In this day and age, most of our external devices are iPods and iPhones. iTunes manages these devices and is much more stable on the Mac. What about printers, you say? Mac has been doing plug and play for ages.
ML makes a good point here, but i’d like to go a little further with Apple’s help:
“Almost any device that connects to a computer via USB, audio cable, or Bluetooth will work with a Mac. That includes digital cameras, external hard drives, printers, keyboards, speakers, and more.
You can even use a right-click mouse with a Mac. And with thousands of device drivers included with Mac OS X, you can start using these devices as soon as you plug them in — no need to manually download additional software.”
It’s also worth pointing out that all new Macs come with iPhoto: Apple’s award winning, free, photo management application. Plug your digital camera into your Mac and iPhoto magically knows to open it. It guides you through downloading pictures, retouching them, organizing them and sharing them. Windows users have no viable counterpart & are often left to install the manufacturer’s sub-par applications JUST to download and manage their photos. That may not have been such a big deal when digital cameras were first emerging in our lives, but just think about how many photos you have, digitally, now. Furthermore, Apple rethought the nature of the personal computer back in 2001, calling it our “Digital Hub.” They were the first computer company to identify that it is no longer the primary device in our lives, but instead, a device that brings all our other devices and information together.
5. Microsoft says: More options and color choices.
If by color choices they mean black and beige, we’ll take white and silver any day. It’s no secret that people like Macs because they look good. And you pay for the PCs that do–just Google the price of a nice Sony Vaio. Microsoft also seems to forget that you can build a Mac to spec–and damn, does it look good!
I differ from ML’s opinion a little here because there are many more color/shape options for Windows users, but not without a compromise. While you can get a pink laptop, or a translucent tower, you are often forced to get them from one of the thousands of computer builders that Microsoft licenses to. Anyone could be building your computer in their basement and selling it. Is that a compromise you are willing to make? just for a colored computer? What happens when the computer or hardware fails? Will that company be able to provide the service necessary to repair or replace it?
Still, ML is right; people have long been drawn to the beauty and simplicity of the Mac and they way that they look. If you insist on having more color options for your Mac, there are plenty of 3rd party options to help.
6. Microsoft says: Compatibility.
Maybe 20 years ago, but these days all files are cross compatible between Macs and PCs, including Microsoft’s own proprietary formats, like .docx, and plug-ins like Silverlight. You have to buy Word for a PC just the same as you do for a Mac!
I’m actually surprised that Microsoft has been foolish enough to try and use the idea of cross-compatibility as a selling point for Windows. Not only does the Mac have versions of Microsoft’s Office Suite, but they have a host of alternatives. Google docs are free and read and write office documents with ease. As we’ve forged further ahead in technology (and as the web has continued to redefine accessibility), formats are no longer just proprietary. Many of them are becoming standardized. Think about it: .mp3, .mpeg, .rtf, .pdf, .jpg, .png, .zip, .txt, etc.
Even more impressive is the Macs ability to actually RUN WINDOWS. That’s right, you can actually buy a copy of windows and run it on your Mac if you want. Everything you need is built right in. For those that only require a few “windows-only” applications (perhasp Microsoft Access), there are many elegant solutions (like Parallels) available for running windows on your Mac with ease.
If you have a PC, it is impossible to run Mac-only software. Want iPhoto? iMovie? iDVD? You’re out of luck.
7. Microsoft says: Easily create movies.
We’re not sure what they mean by easy, but nothing is more direct than making a movie with iMovie, which is free with every new Mac and integrates beautifully with the entire iLife suite. On a PC, we could stick with something like Adobe Premiere, but we have to pay for it!
I couldn’t have said it better myself. The fact that Microsoft even believes they have a leg to stand on (in this particular area) is laughable. A family friend recently made the mistake of trying to create a video for her daughter’s 4th birthday using her “top-of-the-line” Windows PC. After weeks of frustration, she finally gave up and bought a Mac. Her video was done & on DVD in less than 24hrs. She told me, “it was easy, I had fun doing it, and I’m surprised at how professional it looks…for a novice.” Nuff said.
8. Microsoft says: Quickly find what you’re looking for.
Spotlight has been doing this for ages now. Microsoft, you seem to love taking OS X features and saying they’re a reason to use a PC! We’ll give you props for implementing them at least, even if you’re a little late to the game.
Not only is MSFT late in the game, their implementation is not nearly as sophisticated as Apple’s. Spotlight has become a revolution and continues to change the way people use their computers and find their information. In it’s simplest form, it finds documents, pictures, contacts, and visted websites instantly. Go a little further and you’ll be using it to launch applications, scanning networks, etc. Having Spotlight built-into Apple’s Mail application is a dream. Finding an email from three years ago is as easy as typing a word that would have been in it. Microsoft’s Outlook has nothing that even compares. Searching still requires hunting, pecking & re-reading.
9. Microsoft says: Get quicker access to all of your stuff
Windows 7 has jump lists. Mac OS X has stacks. We’ve been dragging stuff to our dock to access it on the fly for ages, and it works great. Windows 7′s new taskbar just emulates our dock a little more. Did we mention we can drag and drop stuff there?
There isn’t much more to say here, except that Microsoft was forced to copy Apple’s dock & stacks after it quickly surpassed the usability of the Windows taskbar. While copied, it’s still not the same.
10. Microsoft says: Share files among multiple PCs
Hey now Microsoft, we have networks, too. And, even better, we have things like iTunes home sharing. It let’s us not only listen to music from other computers over the network, but allows us to consolidate our music libraries too, out of the box. Can you do that?
First, see number 3 above.
After re-reading all that, consider that Apple has long been the leader in sharing your data & media among multiple Macs. In addition to music sharing (as described by ML, above), we have photo sharing. Need to get a file from one computer to the next, just drag and drop. Want to mount a hard drive (connected to another Mac) to the one you are using (wirelessly) on the couch? It’s a click or two.
Apple has even one-uped Microsoft by building VNC directly into the Finder. You can log into ANY Mac of yours, ANYWHERE in the world, easily. Not sure how to set it up? You can follow a tutorial, or just sign your Mac into MobileMe & it will all happen automatically. Windows has nothing even close.
As you can see, there are many, many arguments here and even more that I could make to nearly every point Microsoft might argue, but I think i’ve said enough. The race is no longer as tight as it was, years ago, because Apple has done a superb job of innovating and refining their operating system and computers.
If your considering a new computer, consider a new Mac. If you are a student & are still unsure, consider this: more college students (new and graduating) are buying Macs than any other computer.
Oh, and Apple’s currently offering a free iPod Touch and printer to all students buying a new mac.
Steve Jobs image courtesy of Six Revisions.
Student Statistic chart courtesy of MacRumors.
Are you following MUM on Twitter?
Thanks for the question!
As you many of you are already aware, I own not only the iPad, but also the wireless-bluetooth keyboard from Apple. I purchased the keyboard upon confirming a week long vacation (back east), where i planned to travel with ONLY my iPad. The 17″ MacBookPro was staying home.
Apple’s wireless keyboard retails for $69 US and is available worldwide. I ordered the keyboard for one main reason: typing on the iPad is definitely an exercise of practice. While i don’t think it’s particularly difficult, and it’s perfectly suited to casual/everyday use, it is a little tedious for lengthy correspondence.
My experience has been nothing but positive. Not only is the keyboard small and light, it’s easy to turn on and off, and it works perfectly with the iPad. I was able to write lengthy emails, blog and otherwise type/write with perfect ease.
I chose Apple’s wireless keyboard over their “keyboard dock” (same price) because I felt that it offered more flexibility; the iPad isn’t locked into any particular orientation, which I think is better. Furthermore, like the iPad, the keyboard doesn’t need to be removed [from luggage or carry-ons] for TSA inspection while going through airport security. That ALONE was worth the price of the iPad to me!
For those of you that missed it, Mac | Life reported that there are a number of hidden features in the iPad dock connector…”easter eggs” that are unlocked with the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit ($29 US). While i haven’t tested these tricks yet, Mac | Life is a reputable publication with highly experienced writers and mac addicts: they can be trusted. If you have a spare keyboard lying around, and don’t mine being “wired” to your iPad, perhaps the $29 camera connection kit would be more reasonable than the wireless keyboard? That choice, is up to you.
Are you following MUM on Twitter?
Well, according to Apple, the iPhone sold more than 600,000 units during its presale yesterday —- selling out. Ordering now, while more smooth, will not get you an iPhone 4 on the June 24th launch date. In fact, according to the Apple Store website, iPhone 4 models ordered now won’t even ship until the 2nd of July. That’s a real bummer.
Macworld has reported that many people are furious with Apple & AT&T for the constant hiccups and the server errors that resulted in some eager buyers getting screwed left without an iPhone 4.
As i mentioned yesterday, I’ve decided to wait until the release of the white model (I think I’d like it better). I did, however, attempt to order the black model (one can never have too many!) several times yesterday. I started at 3am PST and attempted several times throughout the day. I too was locked out each time. There were a few instances where I made it a little further than others, but never enough to complete the purhcase process.
Did you get the iPhone 4 in time?
Are you following MUM on Twitter?
Well, after months of speculation, Apple announced their next generation iPhone yesterday: the iPhone 4. I took some time to review the technical specs and to think about how the news will impact you.
Right away, I have to admit that Steve’s keynote left me conflicted — much of what was announced was expected, rumored, even leaked, so there were little surprises. However, the biggest surprise [to me] was that some of these rumors actually came true; “video chat” on the iPhone has been whispered about for years, so I wasn’t surprised to see it added to the new iPhone, but instead, was more impressed that Apple managed to make it work. Effortlessly.
Also, surprising was the lack of other announcements. I mentioned in an earlier post that we might see a bump with AppleTV, MacBook Air, iLife, MacPro, iTunes or at least some glimpse in the future of OS X, but no. Steve’s keynote was dedicated nearly 100% to iPhone and its operating system, iOS 4 (formerly iPhone OS).
Let’s break down the announcements:
Name:
Gone are the days where the iPhone’s name is associated with the network it runs. Finally, Apple has decided to name the phone for its own generational evolution — the iPhone 4.
Design:
The iPhone 4 sports a super-sexy new housing comprised of glass and stainless steel. The prototypes that leaked (and were sold around the internet), proved to be real. Still, the design is truly something to behold.
Not only is the new phone 24% slimmer than the previous model (iPhone 3GS), the new iPhone 4 is packed with a variety of nice new physical upgrades. Among those that really stand out are the new larger battery (up to 40% more life, per charge) and the new top mounted microphone. The average consumer will likely overlook this mic, but shouldn’t; the top-mounted mic will not only help when video chatting on the phone (more on that later) and recording video, but it will also use “sophisticated audio technology to suppress unwanted background noise.” This should improve call quality tremendously and really help a caller hear your voice, even if you are in a noisy crowd, restaurant or bar. Awesome.
Additionally, the iPhone 4 now includes a built-in gyroscope to help monitor more user movement. This doesn’t sound like much, but really needs to be seen to be appreciated. Once developers (I suspect lots of gaming developers) start to take advantage of this sensor, we are going to have a whole new category of *cool* applications. Steve played “Jenga” in his demo and, while he looked crazy spinning around on stage, the simple app was awe-inspiring.
The iPhone 4 also supports a tremendously sharp IPS “Retina” screen. For non-tech people, this won’t mean much until you see it in person. It should be absolutely unreal.
The iOS:
Announced a few months ago (when it was released in beta for developers), the operating system that powers the iPhone, the iPod Touch and the iPad has come close to completing its fourth version. It will ship with the new iPhone on June 21st, and will also be available to most, previous iPhone and iPod Touch users. While iPod Touch users had to pay (typically $10) for upgrades in the past, users with modern enough devices can upgrade for free. iPad users will see an upgrade later this Fall.
While I won’t spend too much time talking about all the bells and whistles included in the new software upgrade, the standouts are all welcome additions: multitasking, folders, orientation lock, spell checker, iBooks, improved Mail app, etc.
Improved Camera:
Apple has made some excellent choices with the new iPhone 4’s camera. While most manufacturers are just beefing up the megapixel receivers in their mobile-phone cameras, Apple has gone one step further: the iPhone 4 has been bumped up to 5 megapixels (previously 3), but also includes “a backside illumination sensor,” a 5x digital zoom and an LED flash to help improve the overall quality of photos captured. The camera is also capable of recording full 720p HD video (making a solid competitor to the FlipHD).
The new front-mounted, second camera, will also help narcissists frame and capture personal pics with ease. It’s worth noting that while there is a second camera, mounted on the front of the phone, it is not as sophisticated or advanced as the rear-mounted camera. It will provide adequate results for personal shots and video conferencing, but is not designed to go the distance that the rear-mounted camera can.
Apple has also created a mobile version of their legendary iLife application, iMovie. While it’s amazing to see how well you can shoot, edit and share a full HD movie on the new iPhone 4, I can’t imagine wanting to edit a film on a screen that small. I think if the application is ported over for the iPad (which I imagine it will), it will have more success. Editing a movie on an iPad seems to have more appeal, more ease and more practicality.
The last major announcement, that I think deserves mentioning, was a doozy: FaceTime.
FaceTime is Apple’s name for phone-to-phone video conferencing.
What has been dreamed about for years, and rumored about for even longer, is finally a reality. Many other smartphone manufacturers have put a front-facing camera on their devices, but NONE have ever written the software required to instigate a video chat. Once again, Apple has not only made the future a reality, they’ve done it in such a way that even a complete novice will understand.
There is no setup, no configuration. If your call meets the requirements for a FaceTime chat, the option is one touch away. The requirements are fairly strict, but I don’t think alarmingly so. When you think and consider what is required to achieve a video chat (computer to computer), there are clear limitations that Apple has to work around. Among those limitations are the low-bandwidth, slow mobile networks, intense processor requirements and battery-sucking resources. That being said, it’s no surprise that FaceTime is available only between two iPhone 4 users, on a WiFi network.
What will be interesting (and something I hope for) is whether or not Apple will devise a way for Mac users to video-conference (assuming with iChat) iPhone 4 users via FaceTime. Imagine being able to video chat with a room full of colleagues, on a Mac, while you are mobile? That. Would. Rule.
Finally, Apple has also yet to clear up how FaceTime will account for the duration of your chat. Since it requires WiFi, and doesn’t utilize the mobile network, your provided carrier minutes shouldn’t be effected —- meaning, video chats would be free. Let’s hope that’s the case.
Are you following MUM on twitter?
While Facebook isn’t necessarily an Apple product or creation, it is something that many mac users are apart of. With so many of their privacy features changing (frequently) and even more of your/our personal information becoming “property” of FaceBook (that they own, can sell, etc), users need to know how to protect their information.
MacLife has written a great, comprehensive, guide about all FaceBook Privacy features here >>.
If you use FaceBook, it’s worth a look.
Are you following MUM on Twitter?
It certainly hasn’t been slow in Apple’s world of news, but I must admit that nothing particularly juicy has enticed me to comment. I’m curious by the 2nd accidental “4th-generation iPhone” leak, but now even more eager to get my hands on one. The idea that MobileMe may soon become a free service is awesome, but not so compelling. I still think that the $100 price tag is more than reasonable when compared to all the features the service provides. Then there is Apple getting investigated by the Federal Trade Commission, but who cares? They aren’t cornering the development market for smartphones —- they are isolating the development market for THEIR smartphones. I think it’s justified, and I suspect the government will too.
So what does have me smiling in the world of Apple, right now?
For those of you that are regular readers, and for those of you that comment on posts I provide here, you’re sure to have discovered the recent debate between those of us that prefer the iPod over the Zune. It’s obvious (with a website dedicated to getting the most out of your Apple products), that I lean towards the iPod camp. And, to be fair, it’s not just because it’s something that Apple has produced. I’ve owned and played with every model iPod that Apple has ever created, and toyed with every Zune Microsoft has created, and thus, determined my opinions without major bias.
At the end of the day, I’m left to acknowledge that everyone is entitled to their OWN opinion. My job (with this blog) is to simply give my opinion to help each of you make the decision that is best for your purchasing future…and or day to day life.
I found this amazing graphic analysis of the iPod [and Zune] on Mashable, recently. I thought it was just too awesome to not share. If nothing else, the statistics speak for themselves. One has caused a revolution (I think justifiably so), and the other is still wearing training wheels:
are you following MUM on Twitter?
