Appletell

It looks like Apple could be tossing it’s current touch panels for the iPhone in favor of some Haptic technology from the ever popular Immersion (you know, the maker of those touch panels in Nokia products). Anyhow, reports say that Apple has been having many meetings with the guys over at Immersion regarding licensing of the technology and product. If all goes well, of course, we should be seeing some new and improved touch panels in the iPhone, possibly with vibration feedback. What’s even more interesting is that President and CEO of Immersion, Clent Richardson, worked at Apple for five years, so the chances of this rumor being true are even greater now.

Via [Engadget]

I sort of hate RSS, and use it oddly. To start off, I’m subscribed to about 100 feeds I hate and am too lazy to unsubscribe to, though that’s mostly my fault. What I really hate is the UI of most RSS apps, they aren’t that friendly. If I’m reading news I like to either read it on a nice web page or read it in a style similar to a newspaper, and the latter is just what Times does. Times is an RSS reader that’s being released this week, and the big difference between Times and any other reader, is that Times formats your news, as said, like a newspaper. You can choose your own layout, dragging different feeds into different areas and columns. Using Times is like designing your own newspaper, it’s quite fun. Multiple pages are a prominent feature as well, allowing a selective view of a topic. The coolest feature, though, is a desk Times gives you to drag pages to that you want to check later, almost like a “favorites” for RSS.

I can see myself using this over another reader. Although I haven’t had the chance to test it, TheAppleBlog has an awesome write up and some beta screenshots. Times comes out this week, so be sure to check it out and give it a spin.

[Times] via [The Apple Blog]

I really want a second display, but simply cannot afford it. However, there are many apps that can make the most of a smaller, single display, including Afloat. The app can make windows transparent, and even keep certain windows above others (hence the name “Afloat"). You’re probably wondering how the hell this helps maximize display space. The transparency allows you to, in theory, see two windows at once, or overlap windows if there isn’t enough room. No more putting windows side by side, with Afloat you can see everything at once. There’s one minor restriction which may stop users from downloading this, which is that Afloat pretty much only works with Cocoa apps, so carbon apps like iTunes and Finder just won’t work. Check out Afloat and see if it helps maximize your display space.

[Afloat] via [Ars Technica]

TUAW just received an interesting tip indeed, one detailing the possibility of a Jabber client on the iPhone as an instant messaging app. XMPP would allow iPhone users, in essence, to IM one another on a possible secluded and selective iPhone chat network. However, no one knows whether this is true or whether the client is open for the adding of other XMPP servers/accounts. What we do know for sure is that this app won’t be getting developer hands on it, as XMPP support will stay in a private framework, and won’t be accessible to developers. It should be noted, however, that this is simply a rumor and may not be accurate.

Via [TUAW]

I’ve had my iCurve for years and love it, though I’ve always wanted a second display. When, and if I ever get that second display, the Ergotron Neo-Flex Combo Lift Stand is definitely an item I would consider purchasing. The difference between the Neo-Flex and other stands is that the Neo-Flex has a stand for your laptop, and a VESA mount for a display, giving a sleek and aligned setup. This places your laptop’s in a nearly direct alignment with your mounted external LCD display, allowing seamless use of dual monitors. Desk space is also cleared up with the display’s stand no longer in place. As with many VESA mounts, the Ergotron Neo-Flex is a bit pricy, selling at a whopping $179. Of course, if you’re desperate for desk space and have been craving a laptop stand/mount combo, then it may just be worth your money. Otherwise, an Elevator should do just fine.

[Ergotron] via [TUAW]

For those of you who use Aperture, a new version of the SDK for the popular photo management app has arrived. If you can’t remember straight, Aperture 2.1 added a greater ability to write and create plugins, extras, and even editing tools. A month later, the SDK has arrived, allowing the general public to stop looking at and finally create these add ons. Hopefully with the SDK out, Aperture’s functionality will be greatly improved (sorry, I’m a Lightroom fan.) The SDK is available for download from ADC, so go, check it out, and start coding!

[ADC] via [TUAW]

At the office or in school and you need your files? Too lazy to deal with actual working file serving protocols? Then be sure to check out FarFinder. The app transforms your Mac into a file server, using a fake web-based Finder as the UI. The pages can be accessed by almost any device and/or browser, as well. The first thing I thought when I saw this was regarding my dynamic IP problem, but Flying Mac already covered that issue and offers an optional static/stable address which routes your IP through their server/domains. If you’re too lazy to use VNC or Back to My Mac, but just want some sim then FarFinder is right up your alley.

[FarFinder] via [TUAW]

Some of you out there may be musically challenged. If so, you may want to consider picking up an instrument, and what a better way to do so than with Piano Wizard. This app is great if you want to learn an instrument but also want to save some money by not paying for lessons. Released by Music Wizard Group, Piano Wizard is completely customizable and can teach you anything from a super easy level to an advanced level. Beginner or pro, Piano Wizard seems to fit all players’ skill levels with adjustable preferences. Piano Wizard even includes some games and other exercises to break away from normal lessons and test out your newly learnt skill. Piano Wizard comes in two versions, an easy version for $49.95 and a premier version for $119.95, both of which include stickers to put on your keyboard. Of course, you can bundle the premier software with a Keystation 49e for just $199.95 total. So, if you want to learn piano or just want to practice more, check out Piano Wizard.

[Piano Wizard] via [MacUser]

My Address Book is a mess, and I’ll be the first to admit it. I decided the app needed a bit of clean up, so I deleted contacts who I didn’t talk to anymore and I didn’t need. Of course everything was tidy, except for the actual addresses. That’s where PostCheck comes in handy, the handy cleaner-upper for Address Book. I had a ton of addresses to start with, and for the most part they were all formatted oddly/differently. PostCheck quickly fixed this problem and formatted my addresses to the standard USPS format. I was also missing Zip Codes in a lot of addresses, and a lot of addresses had wrong zip codes as well. PostCheck, as it should, fixed this and gave me correct 9 digit Zip Codes based on the original address entered. If your Address Book is messy, PostCheck is highly recommended to clean and fix it up. This underrated utility will set you back a measly $10, so check it out.

[PostCheck] via [TUAW]

One piece seemed to stand out at LA Art Weekend, the Porta Party. Although the box looks like a mobile toilet mixed with an older-generation iPod nano, it’s actually a box, that people can party in. Go in, plug in your iPod, and dance all you wish. The revolutionary anti-social device created by Nick Rodrigues allows you to party without other people, a party for yourself, by yourself, in a way. Sadly, if you need to use the toilet, the maker has not installed one inside of the device. However, the feature could technically become an accessory, add-on, or included in the next version. What’s a party without a good toilet? Of course, you probably want to know how to get ahold of this amazing piece of art/device. Nick has the device available for events and more information can be retrieved on his site. Now, go and be anti-social, party!

[Porta Party] via [TUAW] via [LAist]