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Happy 20th, Apple QuickTime
Windows 8 Public Beta To Be Released In Late February - Rumor
'Obsolete' Computers Still Have Value
WD Dries Out Flood-Trashed Fab, Pumps Out First Disks
The Register Reviews Apple Thunderbolt Display 27in Monitor
VMware Fusion 4: Run Windows on Your Mac, Lion-Style
HP CEO Meg Whitman Concedes Apple Will Become Number One Computer Sales Leader
How to Install Ubuntu 11.10 in OS X Using VMware Fusion
Why Did Steve Jobs Die?
Belkin Conserve Power Switch Banishes Vampire Power Draw
Learn - Pixelmator 2 Video Training App from The Mac U Now Available
Apple Releases iCloud Control Panel for Windows
3G Surfstick for Mac OS X Users Supports HSPA+ Speeds With Up To 21.1 Mbit/s Download
Happy 20th, Apple QuickTime
The Register's Tony Smith observes that Apple's multimedia foundation, QuickTime, was released to the public 20 years ago this month. Introduced as an Extension for classic Mac OS System 6, Smith notes that QuickTime's ability to show tiny windows of video was premiered in May 1991 at Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference, and released on 2 December 1991, making it possible for computers to show video clips with synchronised sound out of the box.
For Smith's full retrospective and capsule history of QuickTime visit here:
http://bit.ly/tsWimA
Windows 8 Public Beta To Be Released In Late February - Rumor
The Next Web's Alex Wilhelm reports that "sources close to Microsoft" have informed TNW that the public Windows 8 beta will be released in late February of 2012, although a projected date for the completion and deployment of the forthcoming operating system final release remains undisclosed.
For the full report visit here:
http://tnw.co/rZ83YP
Firefox to Drop Leopard Support. So What?
Low End Mac's Dan Knight says that with versions for Windows, Macs, Linux, and most mobile platforms, you'd think the Mozilla. org's Firefox browser team had succeeded in its stated goal is to keep the Web free, open, and accessible to all, but observes that there's a dark secret that only those on the Mac Web know about: We're being left behind.
Dan points out that while the latest version of Firefox still supports Windows XP (from 2001), still the world's second most popular operating system behind Windows 7, and Windows 2000 on 233 MHz Pentium computers with 64 MB of system memory - something you could buy in 1995 - it doesn't support a single Macintosh introduced prior to 2006.
Most recently, he notes, the Mozilla team dropped all support for PowerPC Macs and OS X 10.4 Tiger (April 2005). Firefox 4 (March 2011) and later only run on Intel-based Macs with OS X 10.5 or newer. (Three cheers for the TenFourFox team, which continues to optimize and compile Firefox source code to run on PowerPC Macs using OS X 10.4 and 10.5!). And now, Dan reports, it looks like they're getting ready to drop support for Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, the operating system that a majority of Firefox users are running on their Macs at present.
The Mozilla folks rationalize that Leopard is four years old, even though it was the current Mac OS until late August 2009, when OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard replaced it. That's less than two-and-a-half years ago. Yet decade-old Windows XP is still supported, so it's obviously not a matter of age.
For the full commentary visit here:
http://bit.ly/w3fEP7
'Obsolete' Computers Still Have Value
Low End Mac's Alan Zisman notes that while one of the most common complaints of computer owners is, "I just bought the darn thing, and already it's obsolete!", until the hardware dies, your older computer can still do everything it did when it was brand spanking new.
dents learn.
For the full commentary visit here:
http://bit.ly/tQjddA
WD Dries Out Flood-Trashed Fab, Pumps Out First Disks
The Register's Paul Kunert reports that Western Digital has partially restored hard disk production at one of its flood-hit fabs in Thailand and expects to start pumping water from its second facility within ten days.
The drive maker said that power at one of its buildings in Bang Pa-In - which had been under six feet of water since 15 October - was restored on 26 November and production recommenced four days later.
For the full report visit here:
http://bit.ly/vjyoDd
The Register Reviews Apple Thunderbolt Display 27in Monitor
The Register's Alistair Dabbs says that after Apples hoo-ha about the Thunderbolt port on its newest Macs and MacBook Pros, it's great to finally have something to plug into it, noting that the 27inh Apple Thunderbolt Display looks and feels just like the 27in (non-Thunderbolt) Apple Cinema Display, ie: like a sawn-off 27in iMac. And like both these other products, the sheer visual quality of the screen is absolutely outstanding - as perfect as he's seen on any pro-class display anywhere - ever. They are sharp, contrasty, easy on the eye, and accurate, and picturesquely summarizing: "Oh oh so lovely. Oh oh so expensive. What else is there to say? Its an Apple product, which means its built to a standard that makes you wet your pants but priced to tighten your scrotum."
For the full review visit here:
http://bit.ly/sf66Y9
VMware Fusion 4: Run Windows on Your Mac, Lion-Style
AppStorm's Tessa Thornton says:
As fantastic as the Mac OS is, there are plenty of reasons you might want to run Windows from time to time: maybe you need to run some old school XP software for work, or you want to try out some PC games, or (like me) you have to test websites in Internet Explorer.
If youre going the virtualization route, you can try out the free VirtualBox, but if youre looking for something more powerful and user-friendly, the two main competitors are Parallels and VMware Fusion. Ive tried both, and have been happily using VMware Fusion for the year and a half. VMware recently came out with a major update packed with new features, so lets take a look at what it has to offer.
For the full review visit here:
http://bit.ly/tCQXQY
HP CEO Meg Whitman Concedes Apple Will Become Number One Computer Sales Leader
Asymco's Horace Dediu notes that HP's CEO Meg Whitman has admitted that, when iPads are included, Apple will overtake HP as the worlds leader in computer shipments, and that when quarterly shipment data is seen as a chart the doubt of this happening disappears.
You can check it out at:
http://bit.ly/swoib9
How to Install Ubuntu 11.10 in OS X Using VMware Fusion
MacInstruct's Matthew Cone says:
Everyone is talking about Ubuntu, the popular open-source operating system that's easy to install and use. Trying out this Linux distribution on your Mac is easy. With an application called VMware Fusion, you can create a "computer within a computer" and run Ubuntu in a virtual machine on your Mac.
Here's how to install Ubuntu 11.10 in OS X using VMware Fusion.....
You can check it out at:
http://www.macinstruct.com/node/394
Why Did Steve Jobs Die?
[Editor's note: I have no idea whether this doctor's non-mainstream theories hold any water, so to speak, but they are fascinating for anyone interested in the etiology of cancer. Ed.]
The MacDougall Newsletter says:
Steve Jobs gave tacit permission and encouragement for me to write this newsletter article about the medical and nutritional aspects of his life when he commissioned his biographer to tell a true account. I wanted my kids to know about me Also, when I got sick, I realized other people would write about me if I died, and they wouldnt know anything. Theyd get it all wrong. So I wanted to make sure someone heard what I had to say. Jobs would have been pleased to hear my challenging second opinions about his pancreatic cancer and his diet, because my thoughts are in agreement with what he intuitively and factually knew to be correct. Hopefully, my account will bring some peace of mind to his family and friends after his untimely death.
You can check it out at:
http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2011nl/nov/jobs.htm
Zittrain vs. Apple: What About the User Experience?
Tech.pinions' Steve Wildstrom comments that Harvard Law School Prof. Jonathan Zittrain doesn't like the iPhone or the iPad, or much of anything about the modern app economy, noting that in an article for MIT's Technology Review, Zittrain bemoans the loss of a golden age of software openness, when anyone could write and run software for an operating system, and up popped an endless assortment of spreadsheets, word processors, instant messengers, Web browsers, email, and games, and that in the dystopian future Zittrain sees, an unprecedented shift of power from end users and software developers on the one hand, to operating system vendors on the other means the Apples, Googles, and Microsofts of the world will control what you can do with your PCs, phones, and tablets and we'll all be the worse for it.
However, while Wildstrom acknowledges that Prof. Zittrain is a very smart and witty guy, he thinks the professor is missing something very important - user experience, which Wildsrtom characterizes as "horrible" back in Zittrain's glory days of computing freedom, observing that the many millions of people who have bought iPhones and iPads have chosen to cede to Apple the right to to choose what software their devices can run in exchange for a superior user experience.
[Editor's note: That's obviously what's happening, although some of us would dispute that the user experience in the iOS/iCloud walled garden is in fact qualitatively better, at least for content producers and other power users. Ed.]
For the full commentary visit here:
http://bit.ly/sdZUIt
Belkin Conserve Power Switch Banishes Vampire Power Draw
Many of the electronics and appliances around your home use electricity even when they're not in use - wasting energy and driving up your electric bill. The so-called "vampire power" phenomenon.
In a typical American household, there are up to 40 devices drawing constant power at a given time - even when theyre not in use. This can average up to $100 per year in unnecessary energy costs according to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Belkin's Conserve Power Switch completely shuts off power - including standby power - to your electronics and appliances with the flip of a switch, to help you save energy.
Like Unplugging - Without Unplugging
With the touch of a switch, the power shuts off automatically. The Conserve Power Switch itself uses no power when not in operation, so standby power is eliminated.
The Conserve Power Switch can be used with mobile phones, MP3 players, Bluetooth devices and digital cameras, curling irons, clothes irons, electric grills, coffeemakers and lighting, fans, and space heaters to save energy and make your home safer and eliminate standby power when charging.
Designed for standard US three-prong power outlets, the Conserve Power Switch's slim design won't obstruct an unused outlet when plugged in. Two Conserve Power Switches easily fit next to each other in one standard outlet and can work simultaneously.
Conserve Power Switch Features
• Draws zero power when off
• Reduces clutter of unplugged devices
• 1-Year Limited Warranty
$6.99
For more information, visit:
http://bit.ly/n4nSX6
Learn - Pixelmator 2 Video Training App from The Mac U Now Available
Now available at The Mac U and The Mac App Store, Learn - Pixelmator 2 Edition is a Video training App from The Mac U. This course includes over two hours of video tutorials on how to use the tools, adjustment commands and filters available in Pixelmator 2 to edit, retouch or manipulate your digital images. Each lesson is presented in HD video at 1280x720 resolution.
(*) 2 hours of HD video tutorials
(*) 36 individual video lessons guided by a Pixelmator Pro
(*) Simple interface that makes it easy to navigate through the videos
(*) The videos guide the viewer with zooms, pans and highlights of what is being discussed
(*) The keyboard shortcuts associated with each lesson are listed in the sidebar
(*) Use the notes pane to jot down things to remember from each lesson, then output all your notes in a single PDF document
Other Mac Training Apps available now from The Mac U:
(*) Learn - Lion Edition (4 hours, 83 individual HD training videos)
(*) Learn - iPhoto '11 Edition (2 hours, 28 individual HD training videos)
System Requirements:
(*) Mac OS X 10.7 or later
(*) 453 MB
Learn - Pixelmator 2 Edition is $3.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Graphics & Design category. To learn more and view several free sample lessons visit The Mac U online.
TheMacU:
http://www.themacu.com/
Learn - Pixelmator 2 Edition:
http://www.themacu.com/pixelmator2.html
Purchase and Download:
http://bit.ly/w3ZjGD
YouTube Video (Utilizing Palettes):
http://youtu.be/P4XgPh9NRq0
YouTube Video (Magic Wand Tool):
http://youtu.be/r60jktIyqWI
YouTube Video (Layers Introduction):
http://youtu.be/dynt-eOSvlA
Apple Releases iCloud Control Panel for Windows
The iCloud Control Panel for Windows is required to use Photo Stream, Contacts and Calendars (Microsoft Outlook 2007 or later required) and Bookmarks (Safari 5.1.1 or Internet Explorer 8 or later required).
Note: To create an iCloud account you need an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with iOS 5, or a Mac with OS X Lion v10.7.2.
Learn more at:
http://apple.com/icloud
System Requirements
• Microsoft Windows Windows Vista SP2 or Windows 7
• Safari 5.1.1 or Internet Explorer 8 or later
• Microsoft Outlook 2007 or 2010 recommended
• Broadband Internet access
For more information, visit:
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1455
3G Surfstick for Mac OS X Users Supports HSPA+ Speeds With Up To 21.1 Mbit/s Download
Berlin-based nova media has unveiled iCON 711, a new 3G surfstick for Mac OS X made by the Belgium company Option. The modem supports fast download speeds with up to 21.1 Mbit/s. The iCON 711 is neither SIM locked nor netlocked and can be used within most networks around the globe. It features a MicroSD card slot compatible to SDHC cards with up to 32 Gigabyte memory and an external antenna connector.
"HSPA+ speeds can be used in most European and Asien countries, otherwise EDGE or GPRS connections are established." says jan Fuellemann, PR spokesperson at nova media. "To avoid high roaming costs on mobile data, the iCON 711 can be used with prepaid SIM cards all over the world. The connection process is a breeze with the included launch2net Premium software."
The iCON 711 comes with launch2net Premium, a sophisticated 3G connection manager for Mac OS X. The software features a SMS text message manager, a comprehensive statistics, and the ability to share a 3G connection with other Macs and devices. launch2net Premium includes connection settings for most mobile network providers worldwide to avoid a cumbersome manual configurations. For cross-platform usage, the iCON 711 includes a connection manager for Windows operating systems alredy stored on the device.
On the technical side the iCON 711 is working in the 900/2100 MHz frequency ranges for 3G connections and supports HSPA+ with download speeds up to 21.1 Mbit/s and upload speeds up to 5.76 Mbit/s. 2G EDGE and GPRS connections are supported in the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz frequency ranges with up to 215 kbit/s download speeds and up to 200 kbit/s upload speeds. Antenna diversity is supported on all bands.
The iCON 711 is available today from nova media at http://www.novamedia.de for Euro 119.00 (including sales tax) and requires an Intel Macintosh computer running Mac OS X 10.5.8, 10.6.x. or 10.7.x.
For more information, visit:
http://wwww.novamedia.de
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