http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/contact/author/15/Brad Smith/ Daily news, opinions, editorials, reviews, tips, help, forums, comments, and podcasts all relating to the Mac, Apple, the iPod, the iPhone, and the surrounding industries. en brad@macobserver.com Copyright 2004 Mon, 30 Aug 2004 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FiTMS_Europe_Sells_5_Million_Songs_In_First_10_Weeks%2F&seed_title=iTMS+Europe+Sells+5+Million+Songs+In+First+10+Weeks http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/iTMS_Europe_Sells_5_Million_Songs_In_First_10_Weeks/ At today's Apple Expo in Paris, France, Apple Computer announced that the European iTunes Music Stores have sold five million songs in the first ten weeks of operation. Conferences Mon, 30 Aug 2004 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2FContour_Design_Perfit_Mouse_Optical%2F&seed_title=Contour+Design+Perfit+Mouse+Optical http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/Contour_Design_Perfit_Mouse_Optical/ Brad Smith reviews the Contour Design Perfit Mouse Optical in his quest to find the best ergonomic mouse. While not perfect, the Perfit may be one of the closest to that idealist goal we've seen yet Reviews Thu, 22 Jul 2004 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FNew_York_Times_Documents_San_Francisco_Store_Opening%2F&seed_title=New+York+Times+Documents+San+Francisco+Store+Opening http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/New_York_Times_Documents_San_Francisco_Store_Opening/ On Saturday Apple's newest flagship store opened it's doors in the heart of San Francisco. Roughly 7,000 people passed through the doors that day. The New York Times' Christopher Hawthorne examined the event in his latest column. News Wed, 03 Mar 2004 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FApples_Shake_Credited_In_Special_Effects_Oscar_Win%2F&seed_title=Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Shake+Credited+In+Special+Effects+Oscar+Win http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Apples_Shake_Credited_In_Special_Effects_Oscar_Win/ Last night the 76th Annual Academy Awards aired on television, and for the first time since Titanic, a film took home 11 Oscars (tying the record). The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King took home an Oscar in every category it was nominated in, including Achievement in Special Effects. The winning team at Weta Digital credited Apple's Shake as a key element in the creation of the effects for the film. News Sun, 29 Feb 2004 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FNew_York_Daily_News_Giant_Success_For_iPod_mini%2F&seed_title=New+York+Daily+News%3A+Giant+Success+For+iPod+mini http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/New_York_Daily_News_Giant_Success_For_iPod_mini/ When the iPod mini was introduced back in January, many balked at the price tag. Why would someone pay US$250 for a device that's less than one third the capacity of the US$50-more-expensive 15GB iPod? As everyone now knows, apparently 100,000+ people were willing to pay out to get their hands on this hot little device. The New York Daily News' Nancy Dillon examines the giant success of the iPod mini in her latest column. News Sun, 29 Feb 2004 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FBusinessWeek_Napster_Down_But_Not_Out%2F&seed_title=BusinessWeek%3A+Napster+Down+But+Not+Out http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/BusinessWeek_Napster_Down_But_Not_Out/ Napster is no stranger to the online music business. Once the pillar of file sharing online, it has evolved in form as many times as it has changed ownership. Each stop along the way has unearthed more and more trouble for this once-prominent brand. BusinessWeek's Peter Burrows takes a look at "The Nine Lives of Napster" in his latest column, concluding that Napster may once again be down, but by no means is out. News Sun, 29 Feb 2004 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FApple_To_Open_Flagship_Retail_Store_In_San_Francisco_On_Saturday%2F&seed_title=Apple+To+Open+Flagship+Retail+Store+In+San+Francisco+On+Saturday http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Apple_To_Open_Flagship_Retail_Store_In_San_Francisco_On_Saturday/ Apple is slated to open their fifth flagship store this weekend in San Francisco, California. The first 2,500 customers in the door for the 10 AM grand opening on Saturday will receive a free t-shirt. News Thu, 26 Feb 2004 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FApple_Introduces_Final_Cut_Express_2%2F&seed_title=Apple+Introduces+Final+Cut+Express+2 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Apple_Introduces_Final_Cut_Express_2/ Apple today introduced the second major version of Final Cut Express, a "prosumer" video editing application based on it's bigger brother, Final Cut Pro. The new version delivers RT Extreme features for real-time compositing, an updated interface, real-time color correction and more. Macworld Expo Mon, 05 Jan 2004 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FMacromedia_Announces_Director_MX_2004%2F&seed_title=Macromedia+Announces+Director+MX+2004 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Macromedia_Announces_Director_MX_2004/ Macromedia today announced Director MX 2004, the new version of its multimedia authoring tool. Enhancements in the new release include the new MX 2004 interface, support for JavaScript, support for Flash MX 2004 content, and DVD-Video capabilities. News Sun, 04 Jan 2004 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FWindows_Users_React_To_iTunes_Release%2F&seed_title=Windows+Users+React+To+iTunes+Release http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Windows_Users_React_To_iTunes_Release/ The wait is finally over. Windows users now can get their mitts on the newly released iTunes 4.1 and with it the iTunes Music Store. Hell may have frozen over, as Steve Jobs put it, but the reactions of Windows users to this Apple product might just have driven it down near absolute zero. What could do such a thing? TMO raided the dorms of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln to dig up opinions, and it seems the Windows users like it. A lot. Reports Thu, 16 Oct 2003 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FXserves_Other_Apple_Technologies_Key_In_Lincoln_Public_School_District%2F&seed_title=Xserves%2C+Other+Apple+Technologies+Key+In+Lincoln+Public+School+District http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Xserves_Other_Apple_Technologies_Key_In_Lincoln_Public_School_District/ In the realm of education, it's always a battle to keep technology up to date and working in perfect condition. In the case of the Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) district in Lincoln, Nebraska, the IT team is managing to stay on the cutting edge of technology while maintaining a cross-platform environment. How did they accomplish this? LPS's Internet Services Manager Kirk Langer says that Apple's Xserve was the key. News Wed, 15 Oct 2003 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FThe_Sun_UK_iPod_Is_The_21st_Century_Version_Of_The_Walkman%2F&seed_title=The+Sun+%28UK%29%3A%26nbsp%3B+iPod+Is+The+%26quot%3B21st+Century+Version+Of+The+Walkman%26quot%3B http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/The_Sun_UK_iPod_Is_The_21st_Century_Version_Of_The_Walkman/ The Sun's Dominic Mohan really loves his iPod. In a recent article in the UK paper, he gushes about the ease of use of the iPod. In fact, he even poses a question: "Has an iPod obsession ruined your relationship?" News Thu, 10 Jul 2003 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FBen_Folds_To_Make_New_Music_Available_On_iTMS_Moves_Away_From_Album_Format%2F&seed_title=Ben+Folds+To+Make+New+Music+Available+On+iTMS%2C+Moves+Away+From+Album+Format http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Ben_Folds_To_Make_New_Music_Available_On_iTMS_Moves_Away_From_Album_Format/ Musician Ben Folds is moving away from the album format that has long been the staple of the recording industry. What will he be doing instead? According to an article in Billboard Magazine, he'll be releasing three five-song EPs this year that will be made available at his live shows, through his Web site, and via the iTunes Music Store. The decision to do this was driven by his contempt for traditional methods of distribution News Mon, 07 Jul 2003 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FiTMS_Downloads_Now_Tracked_By_SoundScan%2F&seed_title=iTMS+Downloads+Now+Tracked+By+SoundScan http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/iTMS_Downloads_Now_Tracked_By_SoundScan/ From now on all purchases made on the iTunes Music Store and other similar services will be tracked on a new Billboard chart. According to a Reuters article, Nielsen Soundscan has added online sales of music to it's "nontraditional" category. This news comes as download services like the iTMS have been picking up steam and finally becoming a larger part of music distribution for the record companies. News Sun, 06 Jul 2003 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FSan_Jose_Mercury_News_iTMS_Inspires_Other_Companies_To_Pursue_Similar_Servi%2F&seed_title=San+Jose+Mercury+News%3A+iTMS+Inspires+Other+Companies+To+Pursue+Similar+Services http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/San_Jose_Mercury_News_iTMS_Inspires_Other_Companies_To_Pursue_Similar_Servi/ The success of Apple's iTunes Music Store is inspiring more and more companies to give online music stores a try, according to an article in today's Mercury News. While prior to the iTMS, record labels and companies interested in online sales were hesitant to pursue a download music service, now things have changed. AOL, Microsoft, Amazon, RealNetworks, and Yahoo are all examining similar services. News Sun, 22 Jun 2003 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FRecord_Exec_Labels_That_Dont_License_To_iTunes_For_Windows_Are_Crazy%2F&seed_title=Record+Exec%3A+Labels+That+Don%26%238217%3Bt+License+To+iTunes+For+Windows+Are+Crazy http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Record_Exec_Labels_That_Dont_License_To_iTunes_For_Windows_Are_Crazy/ Despite the surprising success of the iTunes Music Store for Macintosh, the service's Windows version has challenges to overcome before it is released later this year. One record executive, however, thinks labels would be crazy not to sign deals with Apple. News Mon, 19 May 2003 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FRoxio_Buys_Pressplay_To_Challenge_Apple_In_Windows_Market%2F&seed_title=Roxio+Buys+Pressplay+To+Challenge+Apple+In+Windows+Market http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Roxio_Buys_Pressplay_To_Challenge_Apple_In_Windows_Market/ Roxio -- the company that purchased Napster last year -- yesterday announced that they agreed to acquire Pressplay, the online music service previously operated by Sony and Universal. The US$40 million deal will be combined with the old Napster brand to create a new Roxio-operated online music service that will no doubt compete with Apple's new iTunes Music Store in the Windows market News Mon, 19 May 2003 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FSharing_iTunes_Libraries_Over_IP_Its_Not_Just_For_Rendezvous%2F&seed_title=Sharing+iTunes+Libraries+Over+IP%3B+It%26%238217%3Bs+Not+Just+For+Rendezvous http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Sharing_iTunes_Libraries_Over_IP_Its_Not_Just_For_Rendezvous/ Yesterday, Apple released an update to it's iTunes music software which introduced a new feature: the sharing of your music library and playlists. While this usually is done via Rendezvous over a local network, it can also be done over IP from anywhere in the world. How can you do this? We've constructed a little tutorial to help you get your music shared easily over IP via iTunes 4 Tips Mon, 28 Apr 2003 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FApple_Announces_New_iTunes_Music_Store_New_Version_of_iTunes%2F&seed_title=Apple+Announces+New+iTunes+Music+Store%2C+New+Version+of+iTunes http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Apple_Announces_New_iTunes_Music_Store_New_Version_of_iTunes/ At a special media event today in San Francisco, Apple announced its new online music service, the iTunes Music Store. Backed by all of the major record labels, it brings full integration with the new iTunes 4. Songs cost $0.99 while full albums cost only $10. News Sun, 27 Apr 2003 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FApple_Announces_Q2_Financial_Results_Net_Profit_of_14_Million_Updated%2F&seed_title=Apple+Announces+Q2+Financial+Results%2C+Net+Profit+of+%2414+Million+%5BUpdated%5D http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Apple_Announces_Q2_Financial_Results_Net_Profit_of_14_Million_Updated/ Apple today announced its quarterly financial results for the second quarter of the fiscal year, posting a net profit of $14 million. The company recorded some US$1.475 billion, which is down 1% from this time last year. Gross margins were 28.3%, the highest in the industry, and Apple increased its cash on hand to US$4.5 billion, up US$64 million. Apple Stock Watch Tue, 15 Apr 2003 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FMarketCircle_Releases_Update_to_DayLite%2F&seed_title=MarketCircle+Releases+Update+to+DayLite http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/MarketCircle_Releases_Update_to_DayLite/ Marketcircle has announced an update to DayLite, a contact and sales information manager exclusively for Mac OS X. The new version incorporates a new importer for ACT! data, refined Mac OS X Address Book sync, a new manual, and many bug fixes. News Tue, 11 Feb 2003 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FZDNets_Faber_Craves_The_Mac_Again%2F&seed_title=ZDNet%26%238217%3Bs+Faber+Craves+The+Mac+Again http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/ZDNets_Faber_Craves_The_Mac_Again/ ZDNet's Dan Farber is interested in the Mac again. In an article he penned earlier this week, Mr. Farber examines Apple's new product lineup and the philosophies surrounding the digital lifestyle. News Thu, 09 Jan 2003 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FMicrosoft_Accused_Of_Stealing_Trade_Secrets_From_British_Company_Omni_Group%2F&seed_title=Microsoft+Accused+Of+Stealing+Trade+Secrets+From+British+Company%2C+Omni+Group%26%238217%3Bs+Wil+Shipley+Quoted http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Microsoft_Accused_Of_Stealing_Trade_Secrets_From_British_Company_Omni_Group/ Microsoft has been accused of stealing trade secrets from partner Sendo in a US court, according to Tuesday's article in The Independent. At issue is a partnership between the two companies that proved to be less faithful from the Microsoft side, according to the company bringing the suit, Sendo News Thu, 09 Jan 2003 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FAMD_IBM_Team_Up_To_Develop_New_Microprocessor_Technologies%2F&seed_title=AMD+%26amp%3B+IBM+Team+Up+To+Develop+New+Microprocessor+Technologies http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/AMD_IBM_Team_Up_To_Develop_New_Microprocessor_Technologies/ IBM and AMD announced a partnership yesterday for joint development of new microprocessor technolgies, according to a Reuters story. Although details were not revealed, the new agreement is aimed at improving both AMD and IBM's competitiveness with Intel. News Wed, 08 Jan 2003 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FApple_Releases_QuickTime_6.1%2F&seed_title=Apple+Releases+QuickTime+6.1 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Apple_Releases_QuickTime_6.1/ Apple released today QuickTime 6.1, an update to it's multimedia architecture. The download is currently available via Software Update. Macworld Expo Wed, 08 Jan 2003 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FCNNMoney_Says_Buy_Apple_Now_Cites_Innovation%2F&seed_title=CNN%2FMoney+Says+Buy+Apple+Now%2C+Cites+Innovation http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/CNNMoney_Says_Buy_Apple_Now_Cites_Innovation/ While many analysts have been against Apple in recent months, yesterday's CNN/Money article recommends that people "don't bet against Apple" and explains why "now is the best time to buy the stock." With the Macworld keynote address looming, CNN points to innovation as the reason for their recommendation. News Mon, 06 Jan 2003 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FTiVo_Aspyr_and_Brother_Announce_Rendezvous_Products_That_Enhance_The_Digita%2F&seed_title=TiVo%2C+Aspyr%2C+and+Brother+Announce+Rendezvous+Products+That+Enhance+The+Digital+Hub+Experience http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/TiVo_Aspyr_and_Brother_Announce_Rendezvous_Products_That_Enhance_The_Digita/ TiVo, Aspyr, and Brother all announced several new products that take advantage of Apple's Rendezvous networking technology. These products include a new TiVo service package to play music and view photos from your Mac on your TV, a new printer from Brother, and a new multiplayer game from Aspyr. Macworld Expo Mon, 06 Jan 2003 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FApple_Introduces_17_Aluminum_PowerBooks_NVIDIA_GeForce4_440_Go_Bluetooth_Ai%2F&seed_title=Apple+Introduces+17%26quot%3B+Aluminum+PowerBooks%3A+NVIDIA+GeForce4+440+Go%2C+Bluetooth%2C+AirPort+Extreme%26amp%3Bqu http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Apple_Introduces_17_Aluminum_PowerBooks_NVIDIA_GeForce4_440_Go_Bluetooth_Ai/ Apple has introduced a new 17" PowerBook, made of what Steve Jobs characterized as aircraft grade aluminum alloy, that we will quickly dub the AlBook. The new unit sports a 17" widescreen 16:10 display, the same display used in the 17" iMac, a 1440 x 900 resolution, built-in Bluetooth, built-in AirPort Extreme, a new wireless technology. The AlBook has a SuperDrive, and sports a 1 GHz G4. It also features backlighting on the keyboard, with automatic light sensors that turn on the backlighting when it gets dark Macworld Expo Mon, 06 Jan 2003 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FApple_Announces_Safari_Web_Browser%2F&seed_title=Apple+Announces+Safari+Web+Browser http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Apple_Announces_Safari_Web_Browser/ Apple today announced Safari, a new Web browser for Mac OS X. Based on open standards, Safari is available as a free beta download from Apple.com. Macworld Expo Mon, 06 Jan 2003 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FApple_Announces_Keynote_Presentation_App%2F&seed_title=Apple+Announces+Keynote+Presentation+App http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Apple_Announces_Keynote_Presentation_App/ Apple today announced Keynote, a new presentation application for Mac OS X. Used by Steve Jobs for the past year, Keynote is designed to do slide shows, business presentations, and more. Macworld Expo Mon, 06 Jan 2003 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FTaking_Another_Look_At_Possible_Paid_iApp_Upgrades_Mea_Culpa%2F&seed_title=Taking+Another+Look+At+Possible+Paid+iApp+Upgrades%3A+Mea+Culpa%21 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/Taking_Another_Look_At_Possible_Paid_iApp_Upgrades_Mea_Culpa/ Last week we reported on a CNET News.com story regarding Apple's plans to charge for updates to three of it's "iApplications": iMovie, iDVD, and iPhoto. All three applications are expected to be available for $50 as a bundle, but would still be shipped for free with new Macs, according to C|Net's report. C|Net also reported, and we blithely passed along and commented upon in our Spin last week that such updates to these applications have always been free. As many Observers pointed out, this is not the case News Sun, 05 Jan 2003 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FCNet_Posts_Macworld_Predictions_For_Tablet_Or_iPod_2%2F&seed_title=C%7CNet+Posts+Macworld+Predictions+For+Tablet+Or+iPod+2 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/CNet_Posts_Macworld_Predictions_For_Tablet_Or_iPod_2/ CNET News.com's Joe Wilcox reports that Apple may be ready to introduce a new digital hub device tomorrow at MACWORLD in San Francisco. The device, reportedly making the digital hub far superior to Microsoft's Windows XP Media Center, is a tablet or a new version of the iPod. Macworld Expo Sun, 05 Jan 2003 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Freview%2FRaising_Your_Laptop_In_Style_With_The_iCurve%2F&seed_title=Raising+Your+Laptop+In+Style+With+The+iCurve http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/Raising_Your_Laptop_In_Style_With_The_iCurve/ Griffin Technology's new iCurve Invisible Laptop Stand aims to make your laptop a desktop by raising the screen to eye level. It tiles with Apple's LCD displays, increases air flow underneath the machine, and does so with style. How does it stand up to review? Reviews Wed, 01 Jan 2003 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FRuling_Forces_MS_To_Include_Java_With_Windows%2F&seed_title=Ruling+Forces+MS+To+Include+Java+With+Windows http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Ruling_Forces_MS_To_Include_Java_With_Windows/ Sun Microsystems won a major battle against Microsoft yesterday with a ruling in the U.S. District Court. Sun is suing Microsoft in an attempt to force the company to build the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) into Windows XP, instead of making Windows users download and install the software separately. The company is suing Big Redmond on the basis of its conviction as a predatory monopolist. Sun is seeking damages of US$1 billion, in addition to the Java issue. News Mon, 23 Dec 2002 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FMacromedia_Announces_Director_MX_For_Mac_OS_X_Corrected%2F&seed_title=Macromedia+Announces+Director+MX+For+Mac+OS+X+%5BCorrected%5D http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Macromedia_Announces_Director_MX_For_Mac_OS_X_Corrected/ Macromedia announced today Director MX for Mac OS X, a major update to their flagship multimedia authoring environment. Available in December, this release brings long-awaited Mac OS X compatibility, new accessibility features, improved Flash integration, and an upgrade to the MX-style interface. The company says that the product is optimized for AltiVec, which Apple calls The Velocity Engine, includes support for QuickTime 6, and is a native Mac OS X app. Macromedia is also announcing Director MX for Windows 98 SE, Windows 2000, and Windows XP News Sun, 24 Nov 2002 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FTurning_On_Journaling_In_The_Desktop_Version_Of_Mac_OS_X_10.2.2%2F&seed_title=Turning+On+Journaling+In+The+Desktop+Version+Of+Mac+OS+X+10.2.2 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Turning_On_Journaling_In_The_Desktop_Version_Of_Mac_OS_X_10.2.2/ As we reported Monday, Apple released an update to Mac OS X to version 10.2.2. Among other things, the update brings a journaling file system to the Mac. While Apple indicates that journaling is only available in Mac OS X Server 10.2.2, it is also present in the client release of the OS. To enable journaling on Mac OS X Server, simply open up the Disk Utility application, select a volume, and click "Make journaled" on the Information pane. In desktop version of Mac OS X 10.2.2, however, you must use the command line (CLI) Tips Tue, 12 Nov 2002 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FeBay_Patent_Case_Develops_Business_Process_Disputes_At_Issue%2F&seed_title=eBay+Patent+Case+Develops%2C+Business+Process+Disputes+At+Issue http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/eBay_Patent_Case_Develops_Business_Process_Disputes_At_Issue/ News.com is reporting on a series of developments in a patent dispute between eBay and MercExchange. At issue are several patents filed by Tom Woolsten, founder of MercExchange, back in 1995 -- several months before the creation of eBay. These patents describe "methods of creating and searching online marketplaces and auctions." News Sun, 27 Oct 2002 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FFollow-Up_Microsoft_EULA_May_Conflict_With_More_Federal_Privacy_Laws%2F&seed_title=Follow-Up%3A+Microsoft+EULA+May+Conflict+With+More+Federal+Privacy+Laws http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Follow-Up_Microsoft_EULA_May_Conflict_With_More_Federal_Privacy_Laws/ As we reported yesterday, Microsoft's new end user license agreement (EULA) may just cause financial institutions such as the Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union to violate federal laws set to go into effect sometime next year. In addition, the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act presents itself as yet another federal law Windows can help organizations violate News Thu, 24 Oct 2002 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FListen.com_Gives_More_Rights_To_Online_Music_Purchasers_But_Not_For_Macs%2F&seed_title=Listen.com+Gives+More+Rights+To+Online+Music+Purchasers%2C+But+Not+For+Macs http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Listen.com_Gives_More_Rights_To_Online_Music_Purchasers_But_Not_For_Macs/ According to a News.com story, Listen.com is preparing to allow users of it's Rhapsody music subscription service to download and burn digital files to CD-ROM for 99 cents per song. The agreement, made with both Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group, will give Listen.com non-exclusive rights to large portions of the music companies' digital libraries. News Wed, 23 Oct 2002 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FJohn_Martellaro_Examines_The_Megahertz_Myth%2F&seed_title=John+Martellaro+Examines+The+Megahertz+Myth http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/John_Martellaro_Examines_The_Megahertz_Myth/ One of the most ubiquitous terms in the computing world today is the megahertz myth. OSXFAQ's John Martellaro, however, takes a new look at the myth with respect to the G4, the Pentium, and Apple, including some things that he thinks could help. His thoughts incorporate his experiences while employed at 1 Infinite Loop News Tue, 22 Oct 2002 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FMicrosoft_Funding_Studies_Of_Value_Of_Windows_XP%2F&seed_title=Microsoft+Funding+Studies+Of+Value+Of+Windows+XP http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Microsoft_Funding_Studies_Of_Value_Of_Windows_XP/ Microsoft announced last week that they will fund studies using Gartner Group's Total Value of Opportunity methodology in order to provide large oranizations with data to "prove the value of upgrading to Windows XP." The announced plans, detailed in a Baseline online exclusive, provide $1 million for the program to be spread over approximately 40 separate evaluations of organizations News Tue, 22 Oct 2002 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FPC_World_Sick_of_Blue_Screens_Get_a_Mac%2F&seed_title=PC+World%3A%26nbsp%3B+Sick+of+Blue+Screens%3F%26nbsp%3B+Get+a+Mac%21 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/PC_World_Sick_of_Blue_Screens_Get_a_Mac/ PC World's Stephen Manes is frustrated with the Blue Screen of Death. The Macintosh, he suggests, could be a viable alternative to the troubled in the Windows world. News Tue, 30 Jul 2002 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2F.Mac_Available_Through_Resellers_Discounts_Possible%2F&seed_title=.Mac+Available+Through+Resellers%2C+Discounts+Possible http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/.Mac_Available_Through_Resellers_Discounts_Possible/ Apple's .Mac Internet services can now be purchased through Apple Authorized Resellers at possibe discounts from Apple's own $99 price. News Tue, 30 Jul 2002 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FWatson_Developer_Speaks_Out_Against_Apple_Plans_Port_To_Windows%2F&seed_title=Watson+Developer+Speaks+Out+Against+Apple%3B+Plans+Port+To+Windows http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Watson_Developer_Speaks_Out_Against_Apple_Plans_Port_To_Windows/ You could see people mouthing the word Watson when Sherlock 3 was introduced at MACWORLD two weeks ago. Watson, an Internet services application, was originally released in November of last year. When Sherlock 3 was first shown, it was hard to deny the similarities between the "new" features of Sherlock 3 and the functionality that Watson provided. News, TMO Scoop Sun, 28 Jul 2002 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FAOL_Slows_Efforts_To_Work_With_Rival_Platforms_Cites_Apples_iChat_As_Exampl%2F&seed_title=AOL+Slows+Efforts+To+Work+With+Rival+Platforms%2C+Cites+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+iChat+As+Example+For+Future http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/AOL_Slows_Efforts_To_Work_With_Rival_Platforms_Cites_Apples_iChat_As_Exampl/ The Associated Press is reporting that America Online is slowing down its efforts to make its instant messaging system compatible with rival instant messaging systems such as MSN and Yahoo!. The company cited expenses as part of the reason for the decision. In place of the interoperability efforts, AOL intends to focus on other relationships, with Apple's iChat held up as the example News Wed, 24 Jul 2002 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FApple_Offers_Sweepstakes_For_L.A._Store_Opening_This_Friday%2F&seed_title=Apple+Offers+Sweepstakes+For+L.A.+Store+Opening+This+Friday http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Apple_Offers_Sweepstakes_For_L.A._Store_Opening_This_Friday/ Apple has added The Grove to the "Coming Soon" list for Apple Stores. The Grove is located in Los Angeles, California, and represents the thirty-fourth retail store that Apple will have opened to date. The company is offering a very nice prize package in a sweepstakes for the event News Mon, 22 Jul 2002 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FApple_Announces_Shake_2.5_For_Mac_OS_X_Half_Price_Linux_IRIX_Windows%2F&seed_title=Apple+Announces+Shake+2.5+For+Mac+OS+X+%28Half+Price%29%2C+Linux%2C+IRIX+%26amp%3B+Windows http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Apple_Announces_Shake_2.5_For_Mac_OS_X_Half_Price_Linux_IRIX_Windows/ Apple today announced Shake 2.5, a compositing and visual effects software package. Shakes target market is the high-end post production workflow on motion pictures and television shows News Sun, 21 Jul 2002 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FMACWORLD_Keynote_Streamed_To_25000_In_QT_6MPEG-4_25000_In_QT_5%2F&seed_title=MACWORLD+Keynote+Streamed+To+25%2C000+In+QT+6%2FMPEG-4%2C+25%2C000+In+QT+5 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/MACWORLD_Keynote_Streamed_To_25000_In_QT_6MPEG-4_25000_In_QT_5/ Apple's MACWORLD keynote broadcast was the first large-scale MPEG-4 event, attracting 25,000 MPEG-4 viewers and 50,000 total QuickTime 5 & 6 streams. News Sun, 21 Jul 2002 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FRealNetworks_Announces_Helix_An_Open_Standard_For_Digital_Media_Delivery%2F&seed_title=RealNetworks+Announces+Helix%2C+An+Open+Standard+For+Digital+Media+Delivery http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/RealNetworks_Announces_Helix_An_Open_Standard_For_Digital_Media_Delivery/ RealNetworks today announced Helix, a new platform and community for the standardization of digital media creation, delivery, and playback. Developed over the past eight years, the source code for Helix will be made available to the online community as "Open Source" for the purposes of improving and adapting technologies within Helix in order to take digital media into the future News Sun, 21 Jul 2002 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=rss%2Fauthor%2F15&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fe.Digital_Announces_Apparant_iPod_Look-Alike_MP3_Player_For_Windows_Mac%2F&seed_title=e.Digital+Announces+Apparant+iPod+Look-Alike+MP3+Player+For+Windows+%26amp%3B+Mac http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/e.Digital_Announces_Apparant_iPod_Look-Alike_MP3_Player_For_Windows_Mac/ e.Digital Corporation announced today the new Odyssey 1000 digital jukebox and data storage device. The new media player, compatible with both Mac & PC, features a 20GB hard drive, 13-hour battery life, and a USB 2.0 interface. Better yet, or not, depending on who you ask, it bears a striking resemblance to Apple's iPod News Sun, 21 Jul 2002 15:00:00 -0400