Appletell

At Macworld 2008, Steve Jobs noted that Apple had provided updates every week for the year so far (at the time only 2 weeks). He also remarked that that was only 2 down, and 50 more to go. As time goes on, it’s becoming more and more clear that he was hinting that Apple would be updating something every week of the year. So far, it has held true.

In previous years, Apple updates were big. When a product was updated, it usually had a different look. Look at the iMac G3, iMac G4, and iMac G5 as a prime example. Little speed bumps were infrequent. Since Apple’s transition to Intel, there have been many more speed bumps, but not as many case changes. The iMac is the only product that has seen a case change since the introduction of Intel. The Mac Pro has held the same case since its PowerMac G5 days. The MacBook Pro has had the same case since the PowerBook G4. And the consumer level notebook, now named the MacBook, has been a white plastic slab since the iBook G3 back in 2001.

So why has Apple seemingly changed course? I believe the reason is twofold. First, Apple’s main computer idea is self-containment and thinness. At this point in time, there is no way to keep the specs of any of their computers while at the same time making them thinner. The iMac has pretty much achieved the goal of being “just a display.” Hence the last update keeping the same form factor and just changing the material the iMac was made from. Also, Intel is putting out chip updates much faster than the PowerPC chips ever came out. And Intel isn’t waiting around. They have announced that they are going to actively slam their new chipsets into the market leader seat, by cutting off the old chips, instead of phasing them out as before.

Overall, these updates are better. I like having little speed bumps more and more often. Though a case change is always fun, right now (with the exception of the MacBook), all of Apple’s computers are both beautiful and functional, something that other companies have caught onto but still haven’t perfected.

MacWorld Magazine has been known to test and review Apple products in every aspect. Their most recent test is a temperature test of a standard configuration MacBook Air ( the 1.6GHz machine with the 80GB PATA hard drive). In addition, they’ve also measured the temperature of a 2GHz MacBook Core 2 Duo, a 15-inch 2.6GHz MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo, a 17-inch MacBook Pro with a 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo chip, and a 1.67GHz PowerBook G4. They’ve conducted this test by using an infrared thermometer, measuring the same heat spots for each device. The 2 areas measured were the bar above the keyboard keys and the area surrounding the battery. Below are the results for the test, but temperature isn’t the only factor that potential buyers to should take a look at.

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Apple has once again released another game for the iPod. Bubble Bash is the latest game and comprises of over 100 levels that resemble arcade style console games. The new iPod game is played by using the click wheel to steer and shoot a bubble cannon to clear the same-color patterns. Do this before the advancing wave reaches the bottom of the screen. You’ll also face the threats from things such as monkeys, parrots, as these will add an extra challenge.

The game is available now from the iTunes Store for fifth-generation iPods with video, third-generation iPod nanos, and the iPod classic at only $5.

Via [Apple Insider]

Twitterrific, the most popular Twitter client for Mac, has just been updated to version 3.1. There are several new features implemented in this version, including: new keyboard shortcuts, action menus, sorted Growl notifications and more. Twitterrific 3.1 also seems a lot more stable within Leopard, coming from a user’s perspective. Ever since the previous release of Twitterrific, it has been an ad-supported shareware application. Users who don’t want the advertisements can pay a one-time fee of $14.95. To get this update, you will need to download it from Iconfactory’s website - my Twitterrific did not automatically update, and I couldn’t find a “check for update” button within the app’s preferences panel.

Via [Twitterific]

Now that the Mac line has been refreshed, let the next-generation iPhone rumors begin. Infineon, the current iPhone baseband supplier, will provide Apple with a new chip solution for its next-generation iPhone, which is expected to launch by mid-year - according to the investment bank, UBS. Research analyst Nicolas Gaudois said that a “new systems solution” will be provided by the German chipmaker. This includes a digital baseband controller, power management unit (PMU), and radio frequency (RF) module. “Consistent with these checks, our Apple analyst Ben Reitzes believes that 3G iPhones will be released by mid-year.”

The 3G iPhone was originally expected by many at the European launches. However, Apple released the standard 2.5G iPhones across Europe, and sales have proven good so far. Compared with other phones at this price level, the iPhone’s biggest let back is probably 3G connectivity. And seeing as the iPhone is advertised for having the world’s best web browser, the connections should be fast enough to get a good experience. I suspect the next iPhone will have a higher resolution camera, which has video support - maybe even supporting video calls over 3G… but these are just what I want.

What do you want from a next generation iPhone?

Via [AppleInsider]

Time Capsule is Apple’s answer to wireless Time Machine backups: A 500GB or 1TB hard drive enclosed in an Airport Extreme base station. Announced at this year’s Macworld keynote, it was one of the less-exciting but useful nonetheless products Apple released. Apple confirmed on Thursday that it would start shipping Time Capsule pre-orders. Customers that did pre-order Time Capsule should start receiving notifications of shipment this week.

Time Capsule is a great alternative to a regular external FireWire/USB drive for laptop users. It means you have the ability to backup (slowly) without the need for any wires. Of course, through gigabit ethernet, the speed will increase dramatically. Time Capsule is priced at $299 for 500GB, and a 1TB version for $499.

Via [Macworld]

Unsanity has created Shapeshifter, WindowShade X, Menu Master and more, but have been rather quiet since the release of Leopard broke their “Application Enhancers” that are used for all of their apps. Well, that technology may not quite be working, some of the developers have made a new enhancer that is a “Mobile Enhancer” technology called Caterpillar.

If you’ve jailbroken your iPhone, you’ll be able to use a variety of tools to increase the options of what you can do with your iPhone. Caterpillar has 6 major features, Smart Dialer, customized wallpaper with calendar, customized SpringBoard backgrounds, µCalendar, Privacy settings, System Fonts, Reminder and FaceLift. This unique package of lots of little tools for your iPhone can let you have more fun and be more productive.

Customization, business tools, quick contacts search, system font replacement and many more — constantly growing as we add new tools and functionality. ~ www.ripdev.com/caterpillar

The service will run $20 for six months, $35 for 12 months, or $45 a non-expiring license.

Via [TUAW]

HDCP is a new form of copy protection introduced with the HDMI platform, it stands for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection. According to Jeff Carlson from TidBITS, movie rentals on the Apple TV require HDCP. This means if the TV/monitor you’re using your Apple TV with isn’t HDCP-compliant, you won’t be able to play rented movies. This is probably not the situation Apple wanted, but the movie studios likely insisted that their movies were protected from anyone copying them.

HDCP is like the DRM of video, it sucks, it’s pointless, but we have to put up with it. Fortunately, almost every HDTV out there has HDCP in it - and if you’re already watching Blu-ray movies through HDMI, then you’ll have no problem watching Apple TV movie rentals. Also, if you’re using your Apple TV through an analog connection that’s not high-definition, then you should have no problem with playback either. If you do find that you can’t play a movie you purchased, please contact Apple support - they should give you a refund.

Via [MacDailyNews]

Office 2008 just launched, but a update set of bug fixes are set for March 11. These updates are listed as “high-priority” issues that they’ve discovered. Why the Microsoft Macintosh Business Unit, MacBU didn’t test it vigorously enough to fix this before it was just released is a question I have, but as an Apple fan, I don’t feel that Microsoft has ever done anything well. Version 12.0.1 is targeted at a March 11 release date. The update for Office 2008 will automatically be available via the Microsoft Auto Update and as a download from Mactopia.

Via [MacsimumNews]

Apple has sent out an invitation to press contacts inviting them to an iPhone/ iPod Touch SDK “Roadmap” meeting.

In an invitation sent to reporters, Apple wrote, “Please join us to learn about the iPhone software roadmap, including the iPhone SDK and some exciting new enterprise features.”

9to5Mac reports that “the event will largely cover enterprise topics like Exchange and Lotus Notes syncing.”

Apple on Tuesday released iPhone and iPod Touch Firmware 1.1.4, which was listed as 165 MB of bug fixes, but also likely laid groundwork for the SDK, which will allow for third party iPhone/iPod native applications. Currently the onyl way to get applications on the iPhone is through web-apps, which run through Safari and are not native, or Jailbreaking your iPhone/iPod Touch, which voids your warranty.