November 17, 2011
∞ Sunset at the north pole ∞
Stunning.
∞ jQuery Mobile 1.0 ∞
When we first launched this site back in the summer of 2010, we had a few concept sketches and some very ambitions goals: to create an elegant HTML5-based user interface library for the jQuery community designed to work on all popular mobile platforms. We are built on the strengths of jQuery core and jQuery UI and strive to make mobile development efficient, accessible and maybe even a bit fun.
Adobe contributed quite a lot to the project over the past year.
∞ PlayBook gets DOS ∞
Engadget:
So, BBM and a native email client for the BlackBerry PlayBook would be nice, but what we have today is a step in a completely different direction. DOSBox, everyone’s favorite open-source x86 emulator, has been successfully ported to RIM’s QNX-based tablet, bringing with it MS-DOS and Windows 3.11 support.
Well, that’s an improvement.
∞ New technology lets batteries last 10 times longer ∞
BBC:
A mobile phone battery built using the Northwestern techniques would charge from flat in 15 minutes and last a week before needing a recharge.
Want.
∞ Mac market share hits 15 year high ∞
Josh Ong:
Analyst Charlie Wolf of Needham & Co. informed investors on Wednesday that Mac shipment growth in the third quarter of calendar 2011 outpaced the PC market for the 22nd straight quarter. Apple’s 24.6 percent growth dwarfed the 5.3 percent growth in total PC shipments.
The growth in Macs is obviously great news for Apple. The computers are following the same trend as the rest of the company’s products like the iPhone and iPad in that they are selling them by the millions.
Computer buyers want the iMac, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, just as much as consumers want the iPhone and iPad. With Apple’s tight integration, especially with the release of iCloud, it’s easier than ever to share media and personal information between devices.
Apple made it easy for consumers to use their products, and they are responding by purchasing record numbers of devices.
∞ iPad, iPod touch, iPhone top kid's Christmas lists
We’re coming into the busiest shopping season of the year and all indications are that it will be another incredible year for Apple.
According to market research firm Nielsen, Apple’s iPad topped the list of kids aged 6-12, for the second year in a row. In fact, the iPad increased its position, rising from 31 percent in 2010 to 44 percent in 2011.
Coming in second place for that age group is the iPod touch with 30 percent of the kids indicating they want the MP3 player for Christmas. At 27 percent, the iPhone takes the third spot, giving Apple a sweep of the top three positions on the list of most desired electronic devices this year.
For kids over 13 years old, the iPad grabbed the No. 1 spot with 24 percent of them clamoring for the device. A further 15 percent wanted an iPhone and 8 percent wanted an iPod touch, but they fell behind products computers and televisions.
∞ Fender's Coldplay guitar giveaway ∞
As part of the contest, one lucky contestant will win a Fender American Vintage series ’72 Telecaster Thinline guitar swathed in a vivid Mylo Xyloto-themed custom graphic finish by noted graffiti artist Paris. Fender ’72 Tele Thinline guitars have long been one of the favorites of Coldplay guitarist Jonny Buckland.
Looks pretty funky.
∞ Mafia II headed to Mac in December
Feral Interactive on Thursday announced plans to release Mafia II: Director’s Cut for Mac on December 1, 2011. Mafia II Director’s Cut includes the original game and all of its add-on packs and downloadable content (DLC). It will cost $39.99 and will be available for download via various sites including the Mac App Store.
The Director’s Cut version includes arcade-style missions and a separate eight-hour campaign that chronicles the story of Vito’s childhood friend Joe Barbaro, answering some questions that remain at the end of Mafia II.
The game is rated M for Mature by the ESRB. System requirements call for a 2.0 GHz Intel Mac with at least 4 GB RAM, Mac OS X 10.6.8 or later and 256 MB graphics memory. Some video card requirements also apply, so visit the Web site for details.
∞ Annie Liebovitz recommends iPhone camera ∞
Daniel Eran Dilger:
“I’m still learning how to use mine,” Liebovitz said, pulling her iPhone 4 out to take a picture of her host. “It’s great. It’s a pencil, it’s a pen, it’s a notebook. I can’t tell you how many times I see people show me their children. It’s the wallet with the family pictures in it. It is so accessible and easy.”
The iPhone camera is all I’ve used for years. There’s no need for a point and shoot camera anymore.
∞ Indigo 5 home automation software adds Python support
Perceptive Automation has announced the release of Indigo 5, a new update to its home automation software for Mac OS X.
Indigo 5 enables you to monitor and control lights, appliances, sprinklers, thermostats and other electrically-controlled devices in your home, using interfaces developed by a variety of manufacturers.
The centerpiece of the new release is the addition of a new Application Programming Interface (API) with Python support. Python is a powerful scripting language. The software’s developers claim that with Python support, customers won’t have to wait for Perceptive Automation to release new versions of the software to see support for new technology.
Several plug-ins have been included, with support for EasyDAQ relay devices, native support for iTunes servers, weather data integration, and control of DirecTV-based DVRs.
Third-party plug-ins are available to integrate Global Caché infrared and relay devices, some alarm systems, energy-monitoring devices, thermostats and smartphone-based location and proximity detection.
The plug-in support is accompanied by a new Python-based scripting environment, new usability features, a new condition editor, support for video cameras, improved support for Insteon devices and more.
Indigo 5 Pro costs $179.95; Indigo 5 Lite costs $89.95. Owners of previous releases are eligible for a discount. A 30-day trial version is available for download.
∞ Navigon iPhone navigation map app sports new interface, features
Navigon GmbH on Thursday announced the release of Navigon 2.0 for iPhone, a major new release of its navigation app that touts a new user interface and many new features and enhancements.
The new interface was developed to help accommodate many new features added to the software since its original release. It’s more modular, as well – users can pick which maps they need on their iPhone – users who own the USA version can pick states they need now, then download others later. Navigon says this helps iPhone owners conserve space and simplifies the process of updating the app later without having to reinstall maps. Navigon 2.0 adds quarterly map updates with new points of interest and other changes which have been field-verified.
Other changes to the interface include animated menus, new multi-touch user gestures, menu changes, a new Actions menu that lets you quickly access points of interest search and social network postings, and a new look that displays the map in the background when you’re accessing menu pages. Rotation and zoom has been improved when in 3D mode, and it’s easier to tap points of interest and add them to a route.
The 2.0 update is free for registered users. What’s more, Navigon is selling its North American apps and selected in-app purchases for up to $25 off until the end of November.
Navigon is compatible with iPhone 4S, 4, 3GS, 3G iPad 3G and iPad 2 3G.
November 16, 2011
∞ Google Music launches ∞
Google Music helps you spend more time listening to your collection and less time managing it. We automatically sync your entire music library—both purchases and uploads—across all your devices so you don’t have to worry about cables, file transfers or running out of storage space. We’ll keep your playlists in tact, too, so your “Chill” playlist is always your “Chill” playlist, whether you’re on your laptop, tablet or phone. You can even select the specific artists, albums and playlists you want to listen to when you’re offline.
So Google Music is called iCloud?
∞ CocoaConf iOS and OS X developer conference ∞
The developers of North Carolina have spoken, and we’ve listened. By popular demand, CocoaConf will be coming to downtown Raleigh, NC, in early December.
The conference is December 2-3.
∞ HP Envy: I swear I've seen this design somewhere before ∞
I just can’t put my finger on it.
∞ CIA : Operation Ajax interactive graphic novel for iPad ∞
The complete edition of Operation Ajax, an interactive graphic novel that tells the true story of the first CIA-backed coup which toppled Iran’s democracy in 1953.The app includes a 210 page comic with full sound and animation, plus tons of bonus content including: 22 character dossiers, 9 historical newsreels, and 3 authentic declassified documents detailing the coup from within the agency.
It’s free for a limited time.
∞ Microsoft's Android patent squeeze ∞
Alan Shimel:
B&N claims that all of these are “trivial” and “insignificant” in terms of Android’s use. They claim Microsoft is using these patents for minor functionality to hold Android hostage. It is not just licensing fee’s either, though they claim is Microsoft is recieving anywere from $5 dollars to $15 dollars or more per copy of Android sold (which is equal to or more thanwhat they charge for Windows Mobile licenses). Barnes & Nobles claims that along with paying the blood money Microsoft demands, Microsoft also makes license holders sign an “oppressive” agreement which gives Microsoft say over future hardware and software configurations and innovations. This according to B&N is to ensure that they keep Android from advancing too far, too fast for Microsoft to keep up. That is in many ways worse than the licensing fees. Microsoft wants to control future Android development and innovation. Positively evil.
∞ National App Development Month ∞
Ian Robinson:
I was thinking recently that it would be useful to have a month to focus on doing an app from start to finish. I’ve dabbled with development for ages, without knuckling down and getting something done. I’ve decided to do it in December. Take 31 days and use my spare time to do an iPhone app that I want for myself. I floated the idea on Twitter and a few people seemed interested in doing something themselves. Of course I’m doing an iPhone app, but there is no reason that any other sort of app couldn’t be done. A Macintosh app, a Windows Phone 7 app, an Android app, a web app, or an app for whatever platform you like.
Great idea.
∞ Occupy Wall Street people, stop complaining ∞
Marcelo Somers:
Occupy Wall Street (and all the associated movements) completely defies what is amazing about today. I hate it because it’s sending young people every wrong message. Instead of inspiring the youth of today to create amazing things that add value to the world, it’s inspiring them to complain.Get out of the park and rethink the finance industry. Instead of protesting their ways, build something so great that society has to listen to what you’re doing, and take them down.
∞ Ozzy listening to a lost Randy Rhoads solo for the first time
I never get tired of listening to Randy play.
∞ The Insanely Great History of Apple ∞
The world’s most comprehensive mapping of Apple products, this print shows every computer released by Apple in the last thirty years, from the original Mac through the MacBook Air. Products are sorted according to type, including the connections between various form factors which have arisen as Apple has invented–and reinvented–insanely great products.
It’s an 18-inch x 24-inch poster and there are only 500 available.
∞ The Happy List ∞
You really have to see this to appreciate it. Ellen tells an entire story of what made her happy using only photos. You can see and feel why each particular image made her feel the way she did.
Much more dramatic than writing 1,000 words explaining your week.
∞ Android sees a 472% increase in malware since July
Android is definitely winning… the race for the most malware, that is.
According to a new study from the Juniper Global Threat Center, malware on Android rose an incredible 472% since July 2011. That’s only a few months.
“These days, it seems all you need is a developer account, that is relatively easy to anonymize, pay $25 and you can post your applications,” wrote Juniper in its report. “With no upfront review process, no one checking to see that your application does what it says, just the world’s largest majority of smartphone users skimming past your application’s description page with whatever description of the application the developer chooses to include.”
And that is where Apple sets itself apart. When developers submit apps to the App Store, they have to go through rigorous checks to make sure the app meets Apple’s guidelines.
“The main reason for the malware epidemic on Android is because of different approaches that Apple and Google take to police their application stores,” wrote Juniper. “Android’s open applications store model, which the lacks code signing and an application review process that Apple requires, makes it easy for attackers to distribute their malware.”
Sure, apps have slipped through and Apple has made some mistakes in the past, but at least they are not approving apps willy-nilly.
And if you think things can only get better on Android, think again.
“The Juniper Global Threat Center found that the months of October and November are shaping up to see the fastest growth in Android malware discovery in the history of the platform,” wrote Juniper.
∞ Think you can hide, anonymous blogger? ∞
Andy Baio:
Nonetheless, I found his other blog in under a minute — a thoughtful site about technology and local politics, detailing his full name, employer, photo, and family information. He worked for the local government, and if exposed, his anonymous blog could have cost him his job.
Kind of amusing.
∞ Upgrading tracks to iTunes Match ∞
Jason Snell at Macworld:
So you’ve bought iTunes Match, which gives you access to shiny new 256kbps AAC versions of your audio files. But by default your iTunes library is still packed with your old files. So how best to upgrade all of those old files, in place, to the new versions?
I tried this on a few songs last night and it worked flawlessly.
∞ Kindle Fire 'fails at almost everything' ∞
Peter Ha at The Daily:
Like most convergence devices before it, the Kindle Fire doesn’t do anything exceptionally well (except for buying things via Amazon) but the price is right at $200. Buyer beware. Perhaps the rumors of this model being a stopgap before the real Amazon tablet is released next year are true.
Ouch.
November 15, 2011
∞ Dell beats earnings, misses sales targets ∞
Brian Caulfield for Forbes:
Record sales to businesses helped Dell post stronger than expected third quarter earnings, even as the Round Rock, Texas-based company fell short of sales expectations Tuesday.
It’s cute that Dell’s still around.
∞ Steve Jobs wanted to replace carriers with an Apple network ∞
Nancy Gohring:
Stanton, chairman of venture capital firm Trilogy Partners, said he spent a fair amount of time with Jobs between 2005 and 2007. “He wanted to replace carriers,” Stanton said of Jobs, the Apple founder and CEO who died Oct. 5 after a battle with cancer. “He and I spent a lot of time talking about whether synthetically you could create a carrier using Wi-Fi spectrum. That was part of his vision.”
∞ Sir Jimmy Page? ∞
Gibson.com:
A member of the British Parliament is moving to make guitar god Jimmy Page a knight, according to the NME. Conservative MP Louise Mensch is suggesting knighthood for the Led Zeppelin guitarist, announcing the news on her Twitter page: “I’ve proposed Jimmy Page. Waiting to see if that finds favour with Honours Directorate. I hope so.”
One of the greatest ever.
∞ Jawbone UP ∞
Shawn Blanc does a great review:
It is clear to me that the UP is not a workout tracker as much as it is a low-level activity monitor. Or, put another way, I’d say the UP is an easy-to-use tool to help you become more aware of your own activity.
The UP would die on my wrist.
∞ Apple names Arthur D. Levinson Chairman of the Board
Apple on Tuesday named Arthur D. Levinson as the Chairman of the Board.
Levinson has been a co-lead director of Apple’s board since 2005, has served on all three board committees— audit and finance, nominating and corporate governance, and compensation, according to Apple. Levinson will continue to serve on the audit committee, the company said.
“Art has made enormous contributions to Apple since he joined the board in 2000,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “He has been our longest serving co-lead director, and his insight and leadership are incredibly valuable to Apple, our employees and our shareholders.”
Cook also announced that Robert Iger, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, will join Apple’s board and serve on the audit committee.