January 2006 Archives

[ via my entry on GearLive.com ]

Motorola today announced the new Moto SLVR L7 iTunes Phone.  The 2nd generation iTunes phone is sleeker and slimmer with an all new ad campaign from Cingular to boot.  The new bluetooth, quad band (GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz) phone features international support and is currently only available from Cingular.  Motorola is claiming the phone measures 4.5 inches tall by 1.9 inches wide by .45 inches thick and weighs just 3.5 ounces. It features talk time of “up to 6 hours” and standby time of “up to 17 days.” Pretty nifty if I do say so myself.

Other features and extras include iTunes software (same 100 song capacity - ugh), integrated hands-free speakerphone, illuminated etched keypad, VGA camera with 4x digital zoom, 262,000 “vivid color” TFT display, built-in stereo speakers, and video capture and playback. Nice.  Very nice.  Moto is also throwing in some additional ring tones and the typical Java software with AIM/Yahoo/ICQ messaging.  SMS/MMS capabilities are included as always.

Expect to pay about $199 and commit to a 2 year contract for the pleasure of owning this sexy beast.

Just in case you don't follow the Gear Live blog, I wanted to let everyone know that I'll be blogging there for the next month or so, as well as updating a doing reviews on the shopping guides.  If all goes well, it will become a steady gig.  I'll try to cross post what I post on Gear Live here, but just in case, make sure you subscribe and check it out!  Peace!

Well that didn't take long!  24 hours into his gig, Lasseter drops the hammer.  Rock on!  Someone needd to get Disney back in shape and I think the best of Disney is yet to come.

[via MacDailyNews ]

Pixar's Lasseter quickly axes Disney's 'Toy Story 3':

"John Lasseter, the creative chief of Pixar Animation Studios, has wasted no time asserting who is boss after Pixar's takeover by Walt Disney - by stopping production of Toy Story 3, the controversial sequel to the two wildly successful animated films," Jason Nissé reports for The Independent.

"The original Toy Story, completed in 1995, was the first major collaboration between Pixar and Disney. The highly lucrative partnership went on to produce the hits Toy Story 2, A Bug's Life, Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc and The Incredibles," Nissé reports. Disney's desired to keep the Toy Story franchise running with a third and forth movie, without Pixar's input, as the deal between Disney and Pixar allowed. "Mr Lasseter was deeply opposed to the idea but Disney went ahead, as it owns the intellectual property, putting 100 scriptwriters, animators and other creative staff to work on Toy Story 3 at its own Walt Disney Studios animation complex in Burbank, California... [the new] Disney-Pixar deal gives Mr Lasseter creative control over all of the two studios' animated film output, while still maintaining Pixar's independence."

"On Wednesday, less than 24 hours after Mr Jobs and Disney's new chief executive, Bob Iger, unveiled the merger, Mr Lasseter went to Burbank with Pixar's president, Ed Catmull. He announced that Toy Story 3 would now be scrapped, without a word about the fate of the animation team," Nissé reports.

Full article here.

[ via Mercurynews.com ]

Rest in Peace, Sony Aibo:

The Aibo lived seven years -- or 49 if you count robotic dog years. On Thursday, Sony pulled the plug on Aibo, its peppy robotic dog with a software-controlled personality and abilities that has entertained thousands of faithful owners. The dogs, which cost upward of $2,000 each, can dance, whimper, guard and play, developing personalities based on interaction with their owners. Sony has sold more than 150,000 Aibos since launching the product in May 1999.

Hey there blogsphere and friends,

It's been a few days since my last post, things here have been utterly insane.  In addition to running my business, I decided to accept an offer of employment that was too good to turn down.  So back to working 2 jobs I go!  It's all good though, I am learning more each day and I work with some absolutely great people.

But the real story behind this post is that the main reason I haven't been able to post much is because Bellsouth has completely screwed my DSL service and they have no clue what to do about it.  Yeah, you read right...Bellsouth doesn't have a clue.  Surprise surprise. 

The nightmare begins after the jump....

[ via Apple Insider ]

As part of its exhibition at National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) trade show this week in Aniheim, Calif., Apple Computer could be seen demonstrating a new version of its Logic music composition and production software designed to run natively on the first Intel Macs.

The company also said it is ahead of schedule developing the application and plans to release the software as Logic Pro 7.2 next month.

According to a report from Macworld, Logic’s performance seemed much faster running on the new Intel Macs than with PowerPC-based machines.

"The performance is stunning and has met my already high expectations," Dr. Gerhard Lengeling, Apple senior director and lead architect audio applications said.

The company was performing the Logic demos on a pre-production MacBook Pro laptop. During one demo, Apple’s Bob Hunt was reportedly running video, with thumbnails, music and a dozen or more high-end effects.

"None of these sessions would even run on a PowerBook," said Hunt, comparing the new Intel-based MacBook Pro to the PowerBook.

Logic's evolution to a Intel-native application won't be the only change users will notice, according to Macworld. Logic Pro 7.2 will also reportedly feature integrated support for the new Apogee Ensemble interface; Digidesign Pro Tools HD 7 DAE support; Serato Pitch ‘n Time support; Improved Rewire support; Enhanced Control Surfaces support; and 32-channel support for multi-channel Audio Units instruments.

The application also adds compatibility with GarageBand 3 through new support for playback of compressed files; a Ducking plug-in; a speech enhancement plug-in; and the same jingles and sounds effects found in GarageBand.

Owners of Logic 7.1 may upgrade to Logic 7.2 for Intel via a $49 crossgrade upgrade package Apple will begin offering in February.

Been a loooong weekend at Disney and I am beat.  Just checkin the wires and came across this.  Pretty spankin cool!  Give some new life to that old iBook or PowerBook laying around...

[ via MacMinute ]
MacStyles relaunches expanded, enhanced Web site:
MacStyles.com today relaunched an all new and expanded Web site. MacStyles are custom-cut vinyl decals for iBooks and PowerBooks. They can be made in a variety designs and are crafted from a selection of 21 colors. Eleven new colors are being offered as of today. Along with the addition of "MacPads and MacStyles Pro," the company is working on a line of decals for iPods, as well as an extended line of accent decals known as "Maccents."

Palm has officially released another Treo 650 Updater.  Be advised - this updater is for UNLOCKED PHONES!  There have been other updates in the past, but this specific update that was just released is v1.20 for UNLOCKED GSM phones.  Other sites are reporting this as an update across the board, this is NOT the case.  Updates for the unlocked phones are:

Performance enhancements:

• Improved memory handling for opening larger web pages
• Optimized Bluetooth performance and added support for additional headset or carkits*
• Improved voice quality
• Improved device performance for heavy data usage such as email or web downloads.
• Includes Versamail 3.1E, the latest version for the Treo 650 smartphone including an updated Mail Service (ISP) list which includes Gmail support
• Added support for Gmail attachment downloads via web browser
• Improved performance and increased stability with third-party email solutions that are offered directly from carrier partners
• Added support for wired carkits
• Updated carrier settings for data connections and MMS or when roaming internationally
• Masked password entry in browser to increase privacy
• Improved customizable voice or sound recordings for specific callers

* Only in areas where wired carkits are available

This updater also incorporates past updates and updates bundled 3rd party software (Windows only).

Anyone remember the Titanium PowerBook?  Yeah, I have 2 and lapburn scars to prove it.  Boy would this have come in handy!

[ via Gizmodo ]

Prevent Lap Burn:

If hot laptops have ever been a problem, here's the perfect, simple solution. Cooler Master NotePal all-aluminum coolers work for 15-and 17-inch laptops and even have a range designed for Apple's widescreens. The NotePal takes down heat with twin 2.8-inch fans (that have a life expectancy of 3000 hours), which also help with airflow around your laptop, shielding it from any direct heat. And bonus—it's fairly quiet as well. The NotePal is powered directly from your laptop and has two 2.0 USB ports and an on/off power button for the fans. The line starts at about $40.

I have never really understood Bellsouth.  Having worked there doesn't help clarify some of the things they do either.  Great news that they are deploying more WiMax areas, but who exactly is determining where these deployments will take place?  For anyone who doesn't know where DeLand is, it's just west of Daytona Beach, basically in the middle of BFE.  Another place Bellsouth deployed access to is Palatka, FL.  If you think DeLand is in the boonies, Palatka makes DeLand look like NYC.  So why deploy a service where like 3 people will actually subscribe, instead of a major city like Miami, where people will sign up in droves and extremely tech savvy users will put it to the test?  I don't get it....

[ via PR Newswire ]

ATLANTA, Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- In its sixth launch of wireless broadband service in six months, BellSouth (NYSE: BLS) announced today that BellSouth(R) Wireless Broadband Service is now available in DeLand, Fla.

BellSouth's wireless broadband service offers residential and business customers high-speed Internet access, with downstream speeds up to 1.5Mbps and no phone line needed. The system transmits signals between local radio towers and a small non-line-of-sight desktop subscriber modem and utilizes BellSouth
licensed WCS 2.3GHz spectrum.

"BellSouth Wireless Broadband Service aids in our efforts to continuously extend the reach of our broadband service," said Marshall Criser, president of BellSouth Florida. "The deployment of this exciting new service in DeLand is just another example of how BellSouth is paving the way in wireless broadband."

BellSouth was the first major telecom provider to commercially launch wireless broadband using pre-WIMAX technology. The company initially deployed the service last August in Athens, Ga., and has since deployed in Palatka, Fla.; New Orleans, La.; Gulfport, Miss.; Biloxi, Miss.; and now DeLand, Fla. BellSouth plans to expand the service to additional cities throughout 2006.

"For many people, wireless broadband may be their first opportunity to experience high-speed Internet," continued Criser. "BellSouth Wireless Broadband Service can offer those and other customers a high-speed Internet solution with the flexibility they want, the simplicity and security they need and the affordability they have come to expect from BellSouth."

That thing got a HEMI?  Holy smokes, this is gonna be one BAD ride...

[ via Leftlane News ]

Dodge announces 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee:

Offered in “Detonator Yellow” with black accents, the 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is the first special edition of the “Charger on Steroids.” Powered by the Street and Racing Technology-engineered 6.1-liter HEMI producing 425 horsepower, the Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee features special logos on front and rear fenders, contrasting yellow stitching on the seats, steering wheel and shift knob. It will be available in dealerships this fall. More photos after the jump…

Bring it on Apple - we race fans are ready!

[ via iPod Observer ]

NHL and NASCAR Working on iTunes Music Store Deals:

The NHL and NASCAR are both within weeks of signing deals to provide content to the iTunes Music Store (iTMS), according to the Sports Business Journal (subscription required). Apple has already signed deals with ESPN and ABC Sports, and is close to a deal with MLB Advanced Media, too.

The extent of the NHL's and NASCAR content is not yet clear, but it looks like a deal may be struck in time for the Daytona 500 in February.

Video downloads at the iTMS and other legal Internet video content provider sites are proving successful for the broadcasters that have already jumped on board. The NFL and NBA are both looking for deals, although neither have committed to a specific provider yet.

Brenda Spoonemore, senior vice president of interactive services for NBA Entertainment commented "The iPod is a great device and it's exciting to see what's happening. Apple, however, is only one piece of a much larger distribution model. The key thing is having the best available content in the most convenient manner for fans."

The code warriors over at CocoaTech have this little app called Path Finder 4.  What an incredible app!  This is everything we have all wished for in our best buddy, the Finder.  Rather than go through all the features here, just visit their site for the details and reviews from other industry uber geeks.  All I can say is that this app is another must have.

Anyone seen Google's homepage today?  A special tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King.

Someday I hope to own a Cirrus SR22-GTS or better.  As much as I love flying other aircraft like Cessna's, there's nothing that could replace the peace of mind that your family / passengers safety is a yank of a handle away.  I've been in some pretty scary IMC conditions, it can happen to anyone - so this is a much welcomed technology in the world of aviation.

[ via Flightnest.com ]

Ballistics Recovery Parachute Saves Again:

Over the weekend Ballistics Recovery Systems announced their parachute system has recorded another save. Kerwin Day, a CFI found himself in severe icing conditions and unable to control his Cirrus SR22. With two other passengers onboard the aircraft stalled as he tried to climb above the area of icing. The parachute system was activated and the Cirrus came to rest in Alabama suspended by trees.

“I pulled the chute and got a sudden jolt against the seatbelt, said Day. ”The nose pitched down and very quickly leveled itself and in less than a minute we were on the ground.“

Ballistic Recovery Systems says their parachutes have been documented in saving 184 lives.

Hmmmm, I dunno whether to cry or be elated.  I think this is potentially the secret trojan horse that Apple needs to be honest.  The perfect machine - you get to pick your platform of choice. Doesnt get much better...

[ via Engadget ]

Video: OS X 10.4.3 dual-booted on a Thinkpad:

Now THIS is a sweet portal for the PSP web browser!

• All new "Aqua" and "Dark Aqua" look.
• Contains 10 applications, including "Address Book", and "System Preferences".
• Custom user desktop pictures.
• Featuring 15 games such as "Battleship", and "Towers of Hanoi".
• Over 65 links ranging from "Email", to "Travel".
• Redesigned standard 12 hour digital clock.
• Sony PSP™ (PlayStation® Portable) exclusive.
• Zero error source code.

This guy is friggin hilarious.  John Gruber over at Daring Fireball has continued the saga from where he left off last year.  You will definitely enjoy the read...

iLife ’06 From the Perspective of an Anthropomorphized Brushed Metal Interface:

Brushed metal visits Safari.

Now THAT's what I'm talkin about!

[ via Gizmodo ]

Live at Macworld: Finally, True iPod Car Integration:

You've seen products like Ten Technology's FlexibleDock, and Belkin's TuneBase FM, or even Harman Kardon's Drive + Play Kit, but you've never seen true, or at least easy streamlined iPod car integration until you've seen 2point5's spec.dock. The thing that's different about the spec.dock is that it's the only iPod solution that actually blends in with your car. It's makes it look as though your car was built with this thing. And because the spec.dock benefits off of your car's cigarette lighter, you have two options — you can either blow off your tunes, or rock out till you need a hearing aid.  What more could you ask for?

Please, please please....SOMEONE tell me that this is a BAD joke.  This DEMOCRAT did NOT just say that we Americans must just "learn to deal with it" when it comes to losing our jobs to overseas companies in the name of CORPORATE GREED.  I would expect this from a Republican.  Did someone actually vote this idiot into office?  So now that we must deal with being unemployed because we actually want to be able to afford a home and feed out children, where is this training, education and tax incentive he is talking about?  What about those people who are out of work NOW because of this?  Don't those tax paying AMERICANS have a right to work and not live in fear that their job will be outsourced? 

"Critics in the West say outsourcing puts skilled people out of work just so big companies can save money. But supporters argue that it actually creates jobs by helping companies grow faster. "

Are you seriously kidding me?  So now that these companies have "grown faster", where are the jobs?  Are we supposed to believe that those put out of work by outsourcing were re-hired into better positions?  Who the hell are we kidding here?

This is the most classic example of why each and every American on this planet needs to get out and VOTE.  If we only let the rich and corrupt have a vote in society, you have no right to bitch and complain about losing your job.

Senator calls outsourcing of white-collar jobs a fact of life:

Sen. Max Baucus, the top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, said Friday that outsourcing white-collar jobs to low-wage countries such as India has become a global fact of life -- and that America must learn to live with it.

Read the rest after the jump...

Enter BookIt.  Mark this as one of those must-have apps.  Sometimes you just come across a bit of code that is so simple, yet makes all the sense in the world.  One thing about using Safari on the Mac is the lack of a way to sort your bookmarks.  Let's say you want to sort them alphabetically, I have yet to figure out a way to do this without manually dragging and dropping each bookmark.  When you have 10,000+ links, that gets a bit tedious.  BookIt makes it as simple as a click of a button. 

So how about you web-heads like me who use multiple browsers for checking your work for compatibility across browsers.  You DO check your work right?  If not, that is a ripping session for another day.  I like having my bookmarks synchronized across all my browsers.  Again comes BookIt to the rescue.  It just doesn't get any easier than this.  Right now I have it checking all those links to see which are dead or moved.  Another great feature is the Dock and System Menu icon support.  I like having the little icon in the menu bar.  From there, I can go to any of my links in a snap.  Yet another kick-ass feature.  For $12, go grab it NOW.  You will thank me later.

[ via PSPMagazinees.com ]

Splinter Cell Essentials Comes To PSP:

SplinterCell.com
Developed specifically for Sony's handheld, Splinter Cell Essentials starts off where Splinter Cell Double Agent ends, and even takes Sam back to his years as a Navy SEAL before he became a Splinter Cell. The game features unique gameplay sequences designed specifically around the PSP, contains new missions and objectives exclusive to the console, and even has a wi-fi spy vs. spy deathmatch mode.

• PSP system debut: The highest-rated and top-selling spy franchise hits the PSP system for the first time, pushing the boundaries of yet another platform.
• Developed specifically for the PSP system: Unique gameplay sequences designed specifically for the on-the-go nature of handheld gaming and a new adapted interface.
• Exclusive content: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Essentials starts where Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent ends, and takes players to the years before Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell when Sam was still a Navy Seal.
• A game of gadgets for your gadget: Features all the weapons and gadgets from the Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell franchise, in addition to some new ones exclusive to the PSP system version.
• Accessible Wi-Fi multiplayer: Challenge your friends in Spy vs. Spy Deathmatch multiplayer mode.

Well this explains an awful lot about my experiences with Cingular.  Pretty safe to say that when my contract is over, I'm sure I will want a new phone and I will be shopping elsewhere.  Sprint / Nextel maybe?  I dunno...they are all equally as bad.  Anyone out there actually LIKE their cell provider?

[ via the Consumerist ]

Former Cingular CSR Speaks: "Having worked there I would never do business with them.":

Steve W. is a reformed call center representative for Cingular who wrote in just to share his experiences during the storied Cingular/AT&T merger. If you ever had any reason to wonder why your account might have been screwed up during the transfer, his account sheds quite a bit of light.

I just wanted to drop you guys a line about Cingular. I was until recently an employee, I was a Call Center Rep. for the Northeast Region, thats pretty much everything north of Virginia not including NYC and New Jersey. Also I'm not particularly disgruntled, I left of my own accord for a better position but I thought I would shed some light on the practices that lead to the problems that some of your readers experience.

The whole ATT merger was to say the least a fiasco, Cingular simply did not think ahead on this. The same happened with their buyout of Triton in VA & WV. Basically they just dumped all the ATT customers on their Cingular call centers without training their Cingular reps on any of the ATT plans or features, or for that matter, on what would be needed to transfer from one service to the other. This left the majority of reps with no idea what to do with ATT customers, most of the time the only thing any of us could figure to do for their problems was to transfer them to an ATT call center.

Steve's whole story after the jump.

Sometimes there are people in this world that just don't get it.  Jeremy seems to be one of those folks here.  Now this is ok, because the poor soul is just temporarily misguided, and just needs someone to find his hot button and push it a few times. 

Yawn @ Apple:

"Between Google's "big announcement" of Google Video + Google Pack, and Apple's non-announcement's this week at Macworld (yes, I watched the whole presentation), I'm incredibly surprised there hasn't been a mass exodus of PC, Google and Mac users to something more exciting. Like Libyan Midget Volleyball."

I can understand the disappointment of the keynote, after all, even we die-hard Mac fanatics were expecting something with a litle more OOOOMPH, like say.....a 50" Plasma iMac?  Apple could very well still be working on this, or it could be total bunk.  Only time will tell.  One thing is for certain though, they WILL get there.  Now back to the main point here...

I need to try and communicate a few things to Jeremy that maybe he just hasn't been made aware of.  Apple didn't just make Unix or Linux cool, that was a side effect.  Apple made unix FRIENDLY and USABLE by anyone.  There is a HUGE difference. 

Jeremy made some comments about how Apple just announced some Widgets and fixed some broken apps.  What planet are you on Jeremy?  Apple added new widgets, which was barely mentioned, and they made MAJOR upgrades to an already incredible suite of products, which happen to ship for FREE with every single Mac.

Jeremy also seems to think that Apple's industrial design will be wiped away in the next few years, and OS X will be made moot by Vista.  Man, I gotta tell you...Jeremy is really smoking some good shit today.  NOBODY in the industry has been able to successfully emulate Apple's industrial design.  They are quite simply BAD IMITATIONS.  There is a difference between imitating someone elses design, and actually INNOVATING by not only coming up with never before used designs, but designing the hardware and technology to go in those designs, while at the same time making it all look elegant and sexy.  Apple has pioneered almost every single technology used in a PC today, from the floppy drive to wireless and firewire, Apple was the INNOVATOR.

One of the best statements by Jeremy was how Steve Jobs didn't show him any VISION.  No vision huh?  That's pretty interesting.  It seems to me that the ONLY person / company showing any vision these days is Apple and Steve Jobs.  Again, Apple was the first to demonstrate vision with the iPod and even HD.  Apple's iMovie has had HD capabilities for over a year now. 

The best quote of all has to be...

"I was disappointed. I know, a Windows guy disappointed at a Mac announcement. For shame. But, really, the only thing worth looking at that came out of the announcement was the new hardware. And it wasn’t even all that nice. Especially when you consider that you get the same hardware from any PC manufacturer for 800$ less."

Now I am really dumbfounded by this statement.  Apparently Apple is NEVER going to win over certain folks.  Now that we are not only on par, but FASTER than most PC's, they are still bitching about something.  I'd LOVE to see an $800 laptop and what specs it brings for that money.  And I bet it looks just dandy to boot.  It would never look like a 50lb plastic boat anchor now would it?  A quick peruse of Dell's website begs to differ.  WHATEVER.

Jeremy, it's ok to be a happy Windows user.  Everyone has a personal preference and taste.  But PLEASE don't make silly comments and rant about what you have no idea about.  I really honestly wish someone with knowledge of how YOU work and what YOUR needs are, would take the time to just see how a Mac could make your life better.  Everyone is different, so it could be that you just haven't seen what you need to see to make that light-bulb go off in your head.  Maybe a Mac truly isn't for you, and thats ok - they aren't for everyone.  But I used to be sitting on that side of the fence at one time, until a Libyan Midget Six Pack hit me across the side of the head and knocked me to my ass.  At that point, I screamed EUREKA, and saw the light.  The rest is history.  It can happen to you too... :-)

Read Jeremy's rant after the jump...

So here is the blow by blow details of the Keynote for MWSF 2006:

Retail Update:

• 135 Retail Stores
• 26 Million visitors during the 2005 holiday quarter
• First $1 Billion dollar quarter
• Over $5.7 Billion in total revenue for the 2005 holiday quarter

Music Update:

• Sold over 14 Million iPods in 2005 holiday quarter.
• Over 100 sold every minute 24/7.
• Over 850 Million songs sold on iTunes /// Avg. of 3M per day ///  >1B Songs per yr. run rate.
• New video content for the iTunes Music Store.
• iPod Remote + FM Tuner for nano or 5G iPod - $49, available TODAY.
• Chrysler iPod integration support - in 2006 over 40% of vehicles sold in US will offer iPod integration New iPod Ad.

Mac Updates:

• Aperture - Recap with some old videos.
• Widgets - Over 1500 New Widgets available for Tiger.  New widgets introduced.
• iLife '06 - Impressive enhancements to the iLife suite.  New Jam Pack. New product - iWeb. Updated iWork.
• Intel-based iMac. Duo Core processor, 2x faster than previous iMac.
• New Intel TV Ad.
• PowerBook replaced by MacBook Pro. Intel Duo Core processor, 4x faster than previous PowerBook G4. Built-in iSight, Apple Remote, Front Row.
• Magsafe Power Adapter - AWESOME!.

My thoughts and commentary on the individual products to follow...stay tuned!

Well, most of the world already knows the details of the MWSF Keynote, now it's time to watch it for myself, and then write up the summary reports.  You can catch the keynote here.  Back in a bit...gotta drool for a while...

[ via Engadget ]

The KNG iPod DJ dock:

Filed under: Peripherals, Portable Audio

Read

FoxTrot by Bill Amend:

Now here's a project with some legs!  Can't wait to see the outcome, this would absolutely ROCK!

[ via PSP Nation ]

In Development: PSP°Map to Help Find PSP Users:

This project is being kept very hush-hush, but we're going to report on it anyway, because it's right in line with out mission. Mario Eckl, a computer science student from Germany is developing an app (still in pre-beta) that will allow PSP gamers to find each other using some elements of Google Maps. 

Apparently, he's developing this sample application for a thesis. Looks like the app will contain information on a user's current location, the game titles they own, plus a message forum. This type of connectivity is what I've been wanting to see in the firmware for months now. Mario, if you're out there, please keep us posted. Check a larger screen of the app after the jump!

Now here's an interesting blog post.  Adobe blogger, John Nack, has written a blog entry introducing Project Lightroom.  There are a couple of things in his blog entry that raised a few of my own questions.

"Obviously Lightroom and Aperture aim to tackle a similar set of challenges, and one might say, "Well, you guys are just releasing this beta now because Aperture is in the market."  That's not the case, actually, as we've been planning since early in the project to release a public preview.  But even if we were spurred by the release of Aperture, so what?  Isn't it better to break new ground on openness?"

Now if I were to read into this statement, I would be drawn into the part stating "But even if we were spurred by the release of Aperture, so what?  Isn't it better to break new ground on openness?"  This is nothing short of HOGWASH.  What's this "so what?" stuff?  So what?  I'll tell you what --- call it for what it is John.  Adobe is pissed as hell at Apple for releasing Aperture and Lightroom is Adobe's way of giving Apple the bird.  What makes that perfectly clear is that it is available for the Mac ONLY, and just happens to coincide with MWSF.  Now this could have all been planned so that the Mac version would indeed be ready for demo at MWSF, and I won't dismiss that.  However, it just seems that Adobe is taking a defensive stance and protecting their turf (which is perfectly acceptable and to be expected).  But don't get all high and mighty on this new idea of  "openness" because we all know that Adobe is about anything BUT openness.  If so, Photoshop would be "open" and all your other apps would be too. Somehow I don't think we'll be seeing too many "open" projects from Adobe.

My second comment is that it appears that Lightroom will eventually become part of Photoshop, as well as a separate app.  There's nothing to substantiate this other than John's comment in the Q&A about Lightroom being available together with Photoshop.  If this is indeed the case, then great!  It will all but guarantee that Adobe will retain the pro photographer crowd, unless Apple addresses those major shortcomings in Aperture.

I don't want to sound like I am coming down too hard on Adobe, I think that having Lightroom is going to be a great and much needed addition to the Adobe product line.  I just don't things being masked to look like something they aren't.  It's ok to come straight out and say "Apple, you crossed the line and we're pissed".  Lightroom clearly is a major shot across the bow at Apple and I say let the photo management wars begin!  The winners in this whole thing will ultimately be the end-users.

Read the full blog posting from John after the jump...

This is definitely one of the smartest things that an auto manufacturer can do these days.  My next vehicle MUST HAVE iPod integration.  The iPod is now a permanent fixture in my vehicle and I couldn't imagine driving without it.  The other thing these auto manufacturers seriously need to consider doing is creating a dedicated docking station for the iPod in the vehicle.  Whether that be a hidden compartment with the cable or a dedicated mount that is visible on the dash, I don't want my iPod just floating around the car, It's gotta look good and be protected!  :-)

[ via Leftlane News ]

Detroit 2006: Apple, Chrysler announce iPod integration

The Chrysler Group today announced that it will be the first American automaker to provide full iPod integration as an option in most of its 2006 models, with over three million 2006 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models offering seamless iPod integration beginning this spring. The optional iPod Integration Kit for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge model lines will be available to customers for the MSRP of $175 (US) plus installation from authorized dealerships, and will debut this spring. In addition, the solution can be retrofit to many model year 2005 vehicles.

Drivers will be able to listen to their iPod through the car’s audio system, select their music by artist, album or playlist with radio or steering wheel controls and view selections on the radio’s display.

“Customers have been asking for iPod connectivity and we’re excited to make it available to so many of our vehicles in 2006,” said Randy Ewers, director, Mopar Accessories Portfolio Team. “We’re providing the largest number and range of automobiles with iPod support of any automaker, allowing Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge owners to bring and listen to their entire music collections.”

“We’re thrilled that over three million Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge automobiles will offer great iPod connectivity in 2006,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing. “Over 40 percent of all cars sold in the US in 2006 will offer iPod connectivity.”

[ via Signal vs. Noise ]

Introducing Vitamin:

Vitamin is a  brand new website from Carson Systems, aimed specifically at web developers, designers and entrepreneurs.

We're going to be offering six different RSS feeds:

1. Features
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Now THIS looks like something that Masterchief (from Halo) should be driving!  Sign me up man - this blows away anything I have been considering so far...

[ via Leftlane News ]

Detroit 2006: Ford’s futuristic F-250 Super Chief Concept

Ford at the Detroit auto show announced the F-250 Super Chief concept, the world’s first vehicle with Tri-Flex fueling, enabling the supercharged V-10 to run for 500 miles between fill-ups on hydrogen, E85 ethanol or gasoline. The tri-fuel flexibility is one possible innovation by Ford to help pave the way for hydrogen vehicles, as the nation’s ethanol and hydrogen fueling infrastructure continues to develop. Super Chief features an interior paneled in American walnut, brushed aluminum and bold brown leather. Convenience features include bold light-emitting diode (LED) headlamps, a full glass roof and automated ottoman.  More after the jump...

Here we go again with more legal stupidity.  So let me get this straight...now WE are supposed to HELP the studios preserve evidence of something that has never happened, so that THEY can win a case against us?  Lately, this country has become a land of "GUILTY until proven innocent".  It seems that only large organizations and corporations with huge money, legal teams, and political influence get any "justice".  Something is just fundamentally WRONG here.  You know it's getting really bad when there is now a TV show on ABC, In Justice,  based on this very concept.  The show is VERY good by the way, the pilot was excellent last night.  It's just a shame that there are actually innocent people in prison because the very system that is supposed to protect them, and give them life and liberty, has FAILED them.  Does the constitution even exist anymore?  As of lately, it just seems that anyone from the President on down can make (or break) the law as they please.

[ via Tech Republic ]

| Police blotter: Alleged eDonkey pirate gets trial | Latest Technology News from TechRepublic.com:

"Police blotter" is a weekly report on the intersection of technology and the law.

What: A Philadelphia man with a cable modem is sued by Paramount Pictures for alleged copyright infringement of a movie through the eDonkey file-sharing network.

When: U.S. District Judge Thomas O'Neill in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ruled on Dec. 2.

Outcome: O'Neill denied each side's requests for summary judgment, clearing the way for an eventual civil trial.

Summary: Paramount detected a copy of its Jim Carrey movie "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events" on the eDonkey network on Dec. 23, 2004. That was a week after it was released in theaters.

More after the jump...

Ok, can someone tell me what the hell is WRONG with this picture?  Tropical MY ASS!  It's cold out there, but I am NOT about to go and see if my buddies will shrink up in that cold outside.  Something tells me the widget might be FUBAR.

[ Update ]

All is well in suburbia and there are no icebergs floating past my window in Miami.  For a second, I thought Steve Jobs made an early Macworld announcement instead of waiting for the keynote, and all hell had frozen over.  Apparently there is another Miami in hell that has frozen over, but it's not the one I live in at the moment.

Sony's Memory Stick Pro Duo pushing 8GB in 2006:

If Sony want's to even think about challenging the iPod, they should be GIVING THESE AWAY!

[ via Engadget ]

Read

Today's "idiot's in authority" post comes from Akron, OH.  Yes folks, these people are actually charging this young whipper-snapper with a FELONY for allegedly creating a website that linked to his school, and directing people to hit the F5 button.  For those of you Mac heads here, F5 on a PC is the refresh button on the browser.  Wow, I never knew refreshing a browser would cause catastrophic harm to a schools computer system!  Gimme a break.  What morons.  This is the problem with judges, law enforcement, and other idiots in authority that don't know anything about technology.  This is just as bad as what happened to Kevin Mitnick.  Due to these people's lack of understanding of technology and how systems work, they are wrongfully prosecuting someone for what amounts to the same as TP'ing someone's house on Halloween.  This isn't exactly the equivalent of launching a DOS attack folks.  All this can do is bring the web server to a crawl.  And I got news for ya, if the school's entire system is tied in to the web server and they don't have a separate pipe for that server, then the moron that should be prosecuted is the "IT guy" for the school or district.

[ via Digg ]

Student arrested for deadly F5 attack:

Lake County High school senior has been charged for linking to his school website (http://lake.stark.k12.oh.us/hs) and telling people to hit F5 multiple times, No word about survivors.

Well, if negotiating with ABC doesn't get you what you want, take it to the public.  That's just what GoDaddy has done here.  They have basically issued a PR tattle-tailing on ABC and trying to brow-beat them into caving in and allowing their commercials to air.  I say LET ER RIP!  Come on ABC, if you can have Janet Jackson's boob on national TV, how bad can a GoDaddy.com commercial be?

[ via PR Newswire ]

GoDaddy.com(R) Issues Statement Concerning Super Bowl Commercial:

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- GoDaddy.com(R), the world's No. 1 Internet domain name registrar -- and the advertiser censored in last year's Super Bowl commercial controversy -- today issued the following statement at a news conference by Bob Parsons, GoDaddy.com founder and president.

"Last year's GoDaddy.com(R) Super Bowl commercial was a runaway success. We want to be in the Super Bowl again this year.  We have agreed to buy a
Super Bowl commercial and are in contract negotiations with ABC television right now, but at this time the network has not yet approved the 'GoDaddy-esque' spots we submitted.

"It would be disappointing if the Super Bowl, which has long been known as the world's stage for the most innovative and cutting-edge advertisements,
lost its relevance for adventurous companies like GoDaddy.com.    "GoDaddy.com is continuing to work with the ABC television network's 'Standards and Practices' division to reach agreement on the commercial's creative content.

"We hope censorship will not kill the creative edge that once accompanied Super Bowl commercials, especially those ads we would choose to run."

DOOOOD - this mommy-mobile is off da chain!  Ok, I will go with the modern day station wagon if it looks like this!

[ via Leftlane News ]

LA 2006: Volvo shows special edition Evolve XC90 V8 (updated):

Volvo and aftermarket Volvo specialists Evolve teamed up at the 2006 LA Auto Show to unveil an SUV specifically designed to appeal to the car-crazy Southern California marketplace. The Volvo XC90, owned by film director Brett Ratner, has been significantly redesigned with a number of visual and performance enhancements. More photos and details after the jump…

Now this is T-I-T-E (tight).  My big question is...can you hook up a Mac Mini to this beyotch?

[ via Gizmodo ]

Clarion's In-Car Multimedia System at CES:

New and improved (like just about everything at this show) the Clarion VRX765VD will make life in your car a dream, and shut up any crying child in minutes (not guaranteed by the company, unfortunately). With a 7-inch flip-out touchscreen to play with, the DVD multimedia system comes with a soil-resistant (I love that. Because we're all soilers, aren't we?) touchscreen that controls DVD menu options. It also sports an improved user interface that now offers video playback for the Video iPod. Also includes 200 watts of max power, 24- Bit D/A Converter and a single play DVD mechanism that plays DVD Video, CD Audio and Video CD and a bunch of other audio formats including MP3/ WMA and encoded CDs. Runs for about $1100.

I am soooooo in love!

[ via LeftLane News ]

LA 2006: Saleen debuts Sport Truck S331:

Saleen, a manufacturer of limited edition, high-performance vehicles, today marked a “new paradigm in sport truck performance” with its debut of the pre-production Supercharged Saleen Sport Truck S331, at the LA Auto Show. The S331 is a modded and upgraded Ford F-150. Steve Saleen, president and CEO of Saleen, said, “We set out to produce the perfect high-performance truck. The Saleen Sport Truck integrates higher horsepower, superior suspension, and aggressive styling with the best in functionality.”

Ok, I want one NOW!!!  Just let me put all of Apple's technical documentation on this thing and I am good to go.  Wow, can you imagine being able to carry an entire reference library of books, technical briefs, white papers, magazines, etc...all in a little compact and READABLE form factor?  Awesome...

[ via Gizmodo ]

Live From CES: The Sony Reader:

Who needs Blu-ray? This is the Sony reader that uses the display technology from E-Ink I've been hearing so much about. To give you an idea of just how good this display looks... I walked up to the counter, looked at the text on the screen and asked, "So when will you have working units to play with?" The reply: "This is a working reader." I mistakenly though the text on the screen was some kind of plastic overlay—that's how ink-like it looked. Then the PR rep increased the text size, searched through the table of contents and showed me some Manga comics. It is the first e-reader that seemed like I could sit down and spend hours on without experiencing eye strain. Part of the reason it works is that it does not have a backlight, so forget about reading in the dark. There is also zero flicker, as far as I could see. It's small and lightweight too (.5 inches thick and smaller than a hardcover book). The reader accepts both Memory Stick and SD flash memory cards. It's got a USB plug, and could be used to download and read websites, JPEGs or PDF docs. The battery life, as they are selling it, is equivalent to "7,500 page turns, avid readers can devour a dozen bestsellers plus War and Peace without ever having to recharge."

The books will be available through the Connect Store, and there is some Connect software for managing your books (so far this is the only drawback). Random House, HarperCollins Publishers, Penguin-Putnam, Simon & Schuster and Time Warner Book Group are all on board with titles, along with Manga publisher Tokyopop. Sony is promising to deliver this reader by Spring.

Sexy laptop...still no Powerbook, but damn nice.  If it comes pre-loaded with Linux, I give it a thumbs up!

[ via Foursprung ]

Notebook: First pictures of the Lamborghini notebook!:

The German Car Blog has the first pictures of the long awaited Lamborghini notebook.
The Lamborghini notebook will be produced in cooperation with ASUS and will be available in Lamborghini yellow and black with all the characteristics of a Lamborghini: Energy, Speed, Power and Beauty.

Expect more product details next week!

[ via Digital LifeTV ]

DL.TV goes to CES:

DL.TV is live from the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show. We hit the road to show you all the latest gadgetry, before it hits the stores.
CES kicked off with a keynote by the Microsoft Founder himself: Bill Gates.

Click here to watch the Bill Gates (Microsoft) Keynote

We're going to bring you full coverage of CES over the next few days, so check in with us tomorrow!

[ UPDATE ]

DLTV hasn't updated their video link yet.  You can catch the keynote directly from MSFT here.

[ via PalmInsider ]

Palm presents Treo 700w on the site:

The D day is here. Palm has officially introduced Treo 700w on the Palm's site.

Unify, Simplify are the messages shown on the site and which summarizes the spirit of this new Treo

A couple of weeks ago I decided to shut down our web hosting division to focus on some more lucrative projects.  For us being a small boutique company, it just wasn't worth keeping up with the support calls and infrastructure required to provide a top notch hosting service.  So after plenty of research, I decided on using Dreamhost due to the plans they had, and my requirements for development.  The single biggest feature they had was the ability to host MULTIPLE DOMAINS under one account.  This is huge for someone with more than one domain name.  Now I can host ALL of my sites for one low price.  As if that wasn't enough, they include a FREE domain name registration for every account!!!  So far I have been incredibly satisfied.  More after the jump...

Sometimes you have to wonder why you even bother to play video games when you have to compete against guys like this.  This guy is absolutely INSANE!  The editing on the video was also great.  Incredibly smooth transitions, so smooth in fact, I had a hard time noticing when they were going from one map to the next.

[ via HBO ]

Maptacular - A Tribute to Halo 1:

Yesterday, insidi0us (heretofore known primarily for s7ylish speedruns) sent me a link to a thread on the MLG forums, which highlighted a new project he'd just released. In it, he took a really artistic tour through the Halo 1 multiplayer maps - every aspect of this video was amazingly well thought out. Ostensibly, it's a 1v1 game with his girlfriend - but in actual fact, he manages to cut gracefully from one map to the next, showing every map at least once, and really taking care with the details. (The score's perfect every time, there are no left-over blastmarks, powerups are perfectly used, the opening and closing credits are really clever... and on and on.) There are some really slick gameplay moves, as well - I know the grenaded rocketlauncher on Damnation is common, but geez, he didn't even slow down or turn around to make sure the throw was good! All in all, a really, REALLY slickly-done ode to the beauty of Halo 1 multiplay; a must-see. The MLG thread has links to a hi-res WMP9 version (97 mb) and a low-res WMP9 version (49 mb) - to that we'll add a hi-res WMP9 mirror and a hi-res QuickTime version (87 mb). This one makes me feel warm all over.(Louis Wu 17:18:40 UTC)

For those of you who have been under a rock lately, the Treo will be undergoing yet another major upgrade to the Treo 700p.  Along with this upgrade will come some nice additions for us existing Treo 650 owners.  Rumor has it a new firmware will be released later this month that will bring some MAJOR changes to the Treo 650.  What those changes are is anyones guess, but we know that an upgrade is imminent.  Can't wait to see this one.

[ via Computerworld ]

South Park turns to Apple for new storage setup:

To handle its growing storage needs, South Park producers are  moving away from a sluggish direct-attached disk backup and a tape library to a faster system that later this month will blossom into a full storage area network.

2007 Chevrolet Tahoe website:

For those of you who missed it, Chevy's new 2007 Tahoe was revealed on New Years Eve.  I had to do a double take when I saw 2007.  What's up with that?  A little early are we?  Either way, the site is pretty decent with some good photos of the Tahoe.  The center console has a slick new video display that is just BEGGING to be hooked up to a Mac Mini.  I'm in the market for a new ride and this just might fit the bill.  Pricing is yet to be determined, all you get on the website is "Price to come."  Doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me to release a 2007 model car this early and not even have pricing, but who am I to know what they are thinking. 

[ via The Different District ]

MacUpdate offers free membership in January:

MacUpdate, one of the top websites for downloading Mac software and updates, today announced that they will be allowing users to register for free in January (normally $20 per year).  Benefits for members include: customized watch list; customized wish list; automated email update notifications; daily releases email; download history; customizable site layout; customizable columns; and a member profile. Go check it out and register now!

[ via OsViews | OsOpinion ]

Apple increases .Mac bandwidth from 10GB to 1TB per month:

Apple's .Mac service has increased the data transfer capacity from 10GB per month to 1024GB (a terabyte!) per month for select users in what may be a methodical rollout to all .Mac users and a sign of something(s) to come at Macworld Expo.

On December 10, 2005, Ryan Katz reported for Think Secret, "Apple is planning to unveil a robust new content distribution system in January at Macworld Expo alongside its revamped media-savvy Mac mini.

Well I certainly don't need this as an excuse for owning my own airplane, but it sure does give you warm and fuzzies and justify all that is right in the world, even if just for a few hours on the weekend...

[ via Flightnest.com ]

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to pass this along. It is the story of a nine year old kid who told ATC “REBEL BASE, THIS IS RED 5. WE ARE STARTING OUR ATTACK RUN ON THE DEATH STAR”. And ATC responded with “RED 5, YOUR CLEARED FOR THE APPROACH TO THE DEATH STAR. REPORTS HITS AWAY”. This is a must read story.

Why I own my own Aircraft

[ via MacVroom ]

Mac'd Ride: Jeepintosh - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee:

Check out this sweet Mac mini install in a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The mini is installed in the glove box and snugly held in place with a soft, but rugged carpet-covered custom bracket. A hub is mounted behind the CPU and USB and Firewire cables run to the back of the Jeep to easily add peripherals to this system. The 7" Xenarc 700 TSV display has replaced the original stereo in the center console. Grey vinyl was used to match the display surround to the factory grey interior. Below the heat/air controls is a small Kensington USB hub with a Griffin PowerMate connected to it to control iTunes.

[ via TUAW ]

[ via O'Grady's Power Page ]

Leak is in the Air: Bluetooth Headphones?:

The Apple Japan Web site has a little teaser for their New Year's Special t-shirt design that depicts an iPod nano dandelion with iPod earbuds as the wishes.

The caption reads "Luck is in the Air" and a pair of the headphones are suspiciously detaching from the rest.

Could this be a hint of an upcoming wireless Bluetooth headphones for the iPod? Or even an iPod with Bluetooth built-in? Tough to say, but it's great fodder in the build up to Macworld, no?

The t-shirts will be given out to the first 1000 visitor of each Apple store on January 2nd.

[ UPDATE ]

Totally bogus rumor!  After going to the Apple store, there were no special t-shirts to be given out, at least not in the USA.  Must be a Japan only thing.  Oh well, it was a good trip to the Apple store anyways!  ;-)

2006 is FINALLY here!  Here's to hoping 2006 is going to be our best year ever.  I have a lot of catching up to do (2200+ posts to read in NetNewsWire).  The week off was great and I am recharged and ready for what the new year has to offer. Normal posting will resume immediately, but will probably be a little slow until I catch up with all the news from the past week.  I hope everyone had a safe and fun holiday.