Airplay from iOS 4.2

I'm sure you heard the news - iOS 4.2 is out, and the feature I covet the most is Airplay. Having purchased 2 Airport Express units over the last couple of years, I'm thrilled with the notion of streaming audio directly from my iPod Touch to my stereo. I'm curious if the feature affects battery life any more than simply using the "Remote" app to stream music from the Mac to the Express units. I'll let you know once I find out.

I hope the feature if iOS 4.2 push sales of the Apple TV unit. We'd love to get one, except we don't have a flat screen TV!! One day...

I think Airprint needed to be more versatile for it to be a hit.

Google Android search cash cow drying up?

It looks like the Android experiment from Google may backfire. Google makes money from Android by having Google search as the default search engine. But the carriers are now finding that they don't really need Google. They can use whoever makes it worth their while. So Google may need to start paying for having Google as the default search, cutting into profits. They already pay Apple for Google search on the iPhone. So does this mean that Google's revenue may vaporize enough to the point of cutting development of the Android operating system? Could be, at least hinder it. But since Android is now open source it may not matter. It may go the way of Linux and have a hord of computer hacks developing it. This in my opinion would be the demise of the operating system. From my experience with Linux, there are moments of brilliance in a sea of mediocrity, or at least excess complexity. Without a governing driving goal the system will splinter and become a hodgepodge of programs and philosophy. But how will this effect the iOS of Apple? With Apple being the initial leader in this platform, they have an opportunity to steam ahead. With the desktop computer systems, Apple stumbled and never was able to get the message out of the wonderful integration of their OS, and Windows buried them financially. But with the iOS, the cat is out of the bag and people love the simplicity and integration. There is no going back. In the end Apple may thrive even more due to Google's open OS of Android.

No more cash cow?

Meat the Beatles

Are the rumors true? Did iTunes land the Beatles finally? Tuesday is suppose to be the day of the big announcement. It is also rumored that the Beatles may be getting a special pricing arrangement too. And I would be ecstatic. It would be nice if iTunes allowed for a larger range of pricing, and let the market decide who wins or loses. Smaller groups on small labels may be willing to try to undercut the big name labels. Or artists may decide they don't really need a studio anymore and market there music directly. Anyway, it sure is nice that the Beatles have made their way to iTunes. At least so it seems.

Everyone wants to be an Apple

Now that Apple is this amazingly successful company several other companies want to emulate there success. Oracle's CEO said point blank that they are looking to copy Apple's strategy of designing all in one products and selling the computer systems as packages. They recently bought Sun as part of this strategy. I guess all the naysaying that was directed at Apple was wrong. The naysaying of how they try to control all of their system. This has actually benefited Apple by being able to design the entire system so that it works perfectly together. Nobody complains about a automotive company for designing all aspects of their cars (or at least the key aspects) to make the entire car experience a joy to own. Dell's CEO has also come out and said that they will no longer be driven only by price in the design of their products. Of course this comes after a considerable slowdown in the PC market which has hurt their business even when Apple continues to grow. "I have seen the light!!" I hope more companies realize that everything is not about cost alone but in value. People will pay a little bit more if the value is there. A race to the bottom is not a magnificent goal in and of itself. I have seen too many products be designed to last too short just to make them cheaper. The illusion of quality is still an illusion and the buying public is tired of finding out later that they bought junk. Let the games begin.

Mac Event Comments

I watched the Mac Event and there weren't too many Earth shattering surprises. Of course Apple is pushing ahead development of the next release of OSX, code name Lion. Incorporating many of the features learned from iPhone/iPad world. I think one of the coolest features is the new App store for OSX. This should help to push Mac apps into the limelight. And I like how the App store on the iPhone created a good competitive market to make Apps be reasonably priced. Hope this continues on the Mac App store. The iLife updates look cool especially the Garageband updates and iMovie updates. The iMovie movie trailer setup is amazing. The Mac software evolves at an amazing rate. I only wish they would open up some their iLife tools to allow for other developers to make new themes and trailer templates. Something along the lines of an Themes App store would be great. I am sure Apple is concerned about having a bunch of poorly made themes overwhelming the good ones. But with an App store type format, the best will rise to the top. Apple cannot think of everyone's choice of templates, please let other creative people have a shot at it too. The Apple templates can be more like examples. The MacBook air models with flash memory drives is the wave of the future as Jobs stated. And the prices are aggressively low for cutting edge hardware. I especially like Jobs' comment about touchscreen interfaces don't work because after a while you feel like your arm is going to fall off. The magic mouse is a good touch interface but it does have problems of getting your gesture wrong a lot. This was shown when the iMovie demo for iLife wasn't responding to the touch gestures by the presenter. All and all, a good step forward. I am sure the Umpa Loompas at Apple are hard at work making even more cool products!

Mac Event!!

Heard the news, Stitch? There will be a Mac event on October 20! With all the hoopla surrounding Apple's new mobile products, it sure is nice to hear a little bit about the Mac, which is where all this first started! It is assumed the new OS will be called "Lion", and I hope it satisfies the image if "King of the Jungle!"

I hope they also release the new version of iLife. I'm hooked on that software!

Windows 7 Phone Ad - Very very odd

Have you seen the new wave of ads for the new Windows 7 phone? The main message is that people are currently too preoccupied with their current smart phone ( aka iPhone ) that they miss out in the real things in life. So they show people in various situations overlooking the important things in life. And somehow the new Windows 7 phone simplifies all this so you can use it quick and get on with your life. But in reality the ads are just showing that the iPhone is so cool they don't want to put it down, and the Windows 7 phone is so basic you put it down immediately. Sort of follows along the lines of past Microsoft ads which after watching make you wonder, Huh? what is their point?. The ads have very little showing how cool the W7 phone is, which makes me wonder if the ad agency didn't have much to work with so they came up with this wild marketing strategy. Hmmm weird.

iPad in Walmart

Oh how times have changed, Stitch. I still remember the days when we had to search far and wide for the Comp USA store to get the latest Apple gear. Now, the iPad is in Walmart of all places!

Walmart

What do you think of picking up an iPad with your dog food?

Ping!!

Stitch, I have mixed feelings about Ping. I'm just not sure people want yet another online social networking tool. And yet, I want it to be successful. I haven't tried it for the same reason other folks might be hesitant - do I want to be checking and interacting in yet another online venue? What do you think, Stitch?

New Apple TV

Stitch, I'm dying to find out what you think of the new Apple TV. The price point is outstanding at $99, and by all accounts, streaming is the wave of the future. I'm not as familiar with current pricing as compared to the new Apple TV service pricing. Does it have the makings of a hit? I am seriously considering buying this iteration.

The New Nano

Well, Stitch, I will put forth a suggestion that the most unexpected modification of the iPod lineup was the nano. I still have my first generation iPod nano, and it still works, and I want this one too! Robin and I were both drooling over the new multi-touch design. Apple is really integrating multi-touch everywhere! This is really a creative way to re-invent the nano - it's super small (as Jobs always says), but awfully fun at the same time. It's functional, it's cool, it clips on! And on and on! Were you as taken as we were with this new diminutive device?

The G4 Cube

Stitch, did you see the retrospective on the venerable G4 Cube?

G4 Cube

It's amazing that 10 years have passed since it was introduced, and 9 years since it was discontinued. I would have to agree that it just wasn't priced for the intended market. Sure, they sold a few, but those were the folks who loved cutting edge technology and are willing to spend bucks to get their hands on it first.

I still love the look of the Cube. I loved the entire concept. And those who own Cubes say it was a robustly operating computer. I love the engineering so that it was fanless. But if you notice, I'm not writing this email on a Cube!! Too expensive for me! And I think that's the point.

As an aside, the Cube was released when there weren't any Apple Stores, and you could still boot into OS9!! Ah, nostalgia...

A New Look to Macnight?

Have you seen the new template feature? I think this is a nice theme. What do you think?

Le gets a Mac

Just so you know, Le bought a new Macbook Pro last night. And he also received a new printer and an iPod touch for $100 through a special program. We celebrated last night this momentous occasion! Naturally I assured him that I am there for assistance with any issues at any time! He is now a kindred in ownership as well as spirit!

Antennagate

Stitch, I watched in horror as one of the greatest products Apple has ever released faced a perfect media storm over the antenna attenuation. I genuinely thought that Apple did the right thing in explaining how all smart phones are susceptible to attenuation, and how the data simply did not support the problem it was made out to be in the media. Even for those who are unhappy, Apple is giving free cases, and a free return policy. It made sense to me.

But I'm wondering what your take on it is? I know I'm biased. Just last night we were at the Apple store, and I just cannot believe how awesome that phone is. The screen is miraculous!

Where is the Love?

For the new iPhone 4 that is. It seems to be another leap forward. Apple doesn't just sit on its laurels. (Is that spelled right? What are laurels anyway?) HD video editing on an iPhone. You gotta be sheeetin me. WOW!! The video calling is super cool too. The problem in the past with companies that tried to make a video phone is that no one you knew had a video phone to call. Self killing market. But the iPhone will be self fulfilling. People aren't just buying this for the video phone capabilities, but as soon as enough people have this capability, it will be mainstream. Then Apple can sell home video phones too. The money train just doesn't stop chugging for Apple. I bet the next innovation at Apple will be something to do with TV's. They are way past due for fixing TV. Especially the internet TV. Google TV needs a competitor. And hey, Google just does something to get more Ads in front of your face. I would like to see an open market place for internet TV from Apple where the cost of programs are dynamic. Forget this everything the same price crap. Let the market decide what a show should cost. Pleeeeeese Apple. Anyway, the new iPhone is impressive. Not a minor upgrade. Once again Apple, well done.

Apple worth more than Microsoft

Did you hear that Apple just recently overtook Microsoft in market capitilization? It is hard to imagine that having a very successful portable music player and cell phone can rocket you ahead of Microsoft. Sure Apple still sells computers, but supposedly it only accounts for 1/3 of Apples income. Only Exxon has a bigger market cap than Apple. Sure market cap is not the same as having more profits, but it shows that investors are tending to think of Microsoft as a has been, and Apple as the future as far as growth is concern. And for good reason. Not many company's tend to have one home run after another. But still, what can come after the iPad? The iFridge? Not quite as marketable, but it would have a touch screen door to interface with. The iCar? Hey why not? There are so many computer chips in cars these days that it is the software which makes it all work more so now than the actually hardware. Similar to computers. Don't get me wrong, I would love to see Apple make everything in our lives better. They are one of the few companies which can join style and function in the same device. I love it when the Apple haters diss Apple for making their products too pretty. I don't get it. Is it possible to have too cool of a product design? Just like it is not possible to be too young or too rich. Anyway, keep going Apple. Keep making our lives a little bit cooler. I am starting to feel like we are entering the age of the Jetson's thanks to Apple.

Android overtakes iPhone?

Stitch, the headlines have recently screamed that this is the first quarter that Android based phones sold more that iPhones. But consider the following article:

Android v. iPhone

The author suggests looking a little deeper into the statistics and the incredible deals the carriers have put out to spur sales. In a way, it may make the iPhone a more desirable phone. As the article also suggests, let's wait a little longer to see what happens when Apple releases the iPhone 4G.

One Million iPads!

Stitch, if there is a greater measure of success, then I don't know what that would be:

1 Million iPads

It's the dollars and cents that come in from massive sales that tells the story in this case. But how that can happen is the result of attention to detail and quality. More importantly, Apple takes the older Tablet idea and takes it into uncharted territory, as they often do. Sure, it's a tablet, but in a way that no previous tablets were!

1 Million!

The End of an Era

Well Stitch, Sony will cease production of the floppy disc:

Floppy Demise

I still remember inserting the good ol' floppy into the Macs of old. My G3 has the floppy drive. And I still remember what a leap it was when Zip drives came out! It just looked like a floppy on steroids.

But at this point, especially as online computing and storage takes hold, lots of portable media will be disappearing. I admit to a little nostalgia - I'll miss the era of excitement as we all realized what personal computing could do, and portable media was an essential part of that!

Would you like to share some of your thoughts and feelings?

Let the Ball roll no further!

I must say that Sunday night Robin and I did indeed go to the Apple store and handle the much coveted iPad, and I must say it is every bit as magnificent as they say! Leave it to Jobs to tell it like it is - you have to HOLD one to truly understand its magnificence. For the first time, I heard Robin say that this was definitely a product we should consider buying.

Stitch, it truly is a fast machine, and there is no other experience like surfing the web on it. Now I'll reserve judgement for the iWork applications, bit my limited exposure was very positive! I'm a huge fan of the new calendar implementation - it's just like a real classic desktop calendar where you flip the pages effortlessly. Apple really thought through the software!

I admit I am consistently annoyed by the deluge of copy cats out there who just can't seem to create original products. I know I am biased, but I truly believe that Apple leads the pack with innovations, an most everyone else comes into the market with their "me too" stuff.

Stitch, should I stop being annoyed, and just accept it as a part of our world?

Where are the iPad accolades?

I am amazed how MacNight has dropped the ball on the iPad hype. The release has come and went with not a peep from the following. I personally am also responsible too. I have yet to touch one in person yet, so a full review is not possible at this time. I hope we can revive the enthusiasm for MacNight, and the iPad might just do it. Even thought women don't really care for the name.

Multi Tasking on iPhone

Stitch, rumor has it that multi tasking will be a feature of iPhone OS4.0. It seems like a logical next step. Given the way cut and paste evolved, it seems like a reasonable assumption. I just wonder how they got around the drain on battery life? How necessary is it really? Sometimes I wonder. What do you think?

Our Sentiments Exactly!

Stitch, here is a great article on the iPad:

iPad

It mentions some of the complaints about the iPad. For example, wouldn't everyone love to have handwriting recognition! Unfortunately, nobody does it so it's really useful for most people! He says Apple didn't put it in because they want it to work extremely well, not just acceptable!

Check out the article, tell me what you think!

iPad Comments

I have viewed the Keynote and the iPad design video and even without seeing the device, I think it will be a hit. The key is the personal interation. Apple tried to run this home by having Steve Jobs sit on an easy chair and use the iPad. It is amazing at all the bad reviews it has been getting. All the complaints of no camera, small storage space, no hard drive, yada yada yada. If you put everything in the device then you either have to use low quality parts or price it through the roof. The iPad is not meant to be used to take pictures, be used for heavy workload work, or do video editing. It is to use casually as a personal media viewer. Look at pictures, video, eBooks, eMail, and surf the web. Yes you can do games too, and it does have iWork too. But I think these are misplaced. Are you going to edit your presentation on an iPad, or write a paper on an iPad? It does have the capability to be developed into whatever developers can imagine. The interactive painting program is a perfect example of a good fit with the iPad. The creative process does not work well sitting at a desk. An iPad gives you freedom to move whereever inspiration can be found. Apple stock tanked after the iPad announcement but I think Apple always gets backlash whenever they try to define a new paradigm. By leaving things out of the design, Apple has allowed for the inclusion of better components and a polished device at a reasonable price. I am amazed how much tunnel vision so many of these tech writers have. Everything is compared to what currently exists. In this environment, Apple will always get the short end of the stick. Many people cannot handle devices on the cutting edge. It is too bad, but they eventually come around and later say that they knew this device was good from the start. Ha.

The iPad Revealed!

Well, Stitch, I think this is the most significant announcement from Apple since the introduction of the iPhone in 2007. Like many people, what took me by surprise was the pricing of the device and the 3G pricing that comes with it. At these prices, it's enough to entice a tightwad like myself to buy!

I had mentioned before it's possible Apple was distinguishing itself on this product by including its proprietary chip (since it bought PA Semi) in the device. I would think this is one of the reasons they thought that this device wouldn't be as easy to copy as the iPhone. The performance and battery life appear to be outstanding on first glance, and that apparently is due to the chip!

A4 Chip

At these prices, and with the ability to run all these applications that are already written, it seems like a home run. What do you think?

The iPad!

Stitch, we will finally be introduced to Apple's new creation:

iPad

The word is it will possibly use ATandT or Verizon's network, which is really something! Should have e-reader capability as well, and if rumors are to be believed, has been in development for some time. Jobs wanted this to be right! I am very optimistic. How about you!

iPod Dominance

Stitch, you may have read the Macworld article by Christopher Breen about CES:

Consumer Electronics Show

He attended the CES and found that MP3 players were not much on display. A PR person said that they still sell Mp3 players, but really no one can compete with the iPod. He found almost no major competitors trying to display their MP3 players. When you think about it, and the more I read online, it seems future devices may be more geared toward accepting streams of music rather than downloaded tracks. I read another article which basically said the future will have music in the 'cloud' and all of us paying to have access to anything in the cloud. That may be true for many people, but I think I may be too old for living in a cloud!

When is the Tablet Coming?

Stitch, we have been hearing reports in cyberspace regarding the impending release of the mythical tablet or iSlate from Apple. I heard it would be an iPhone on steroids! Supposedly the multitouch gestures will be expanded to a new level. I also heard the processor originates from the chip company PA Semi Apple acquired a couple of years ago. Everyone wondered what Apple would use the technology for. I'm going out on a limb to speculate that Apple has mentioned that it will release something its competitors can't copy, and the capabilities resulting from a proprietary chip might be just that! What do you think of my conjecture, Stitch? Truth, or fluff?