Nov 22
If you’re like me, then you have around 7 home screens. It’s annoying to flip back and forth between them to find the Apple apps, which are normally stored on the first home screen.
With the introduction of the new iPhone/iPod touch 2.2 firmware, you now have the ability to jump to the first home screen with one click. No matter which screen you’re on, just click the home button again. You will instantly be shuttled back to the first screen. Now you’ll never have to flip again.
Want more tips and tricks like this? Visit TUAW’s iPhone 101 section.
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\\ tags: 101, 2.2, homescreen
Nov 21
As you’ve probably heard by now, Apple released the much awaited 2.2 firmware update for both the iPhone and iPod touch. This new firmware brings several impressive new features.
Downloading and Installing the new Firmware
First, you’ll need to get the new version of iTunes that was released last night. Next, launch iTunes, and connect your iPhone or iPod touch. Click on your device and select the “Summary” tab and then click “Update.” The update will then take a few minutes to download and install.
Maps
If you’ve ever used the maps application before, then you know how useful it can be. Apple has added cool new features with this update, including Google’s Street View service. Street View provides a full 360º view of some streets in the US (this isn’t available for every street). To try it out, enter an address in the search field. When it’s found, click the head icon in the bubble that appears above the pinpoint. The Maps application has a very cool transition from the 2D map to street view.
In addition to Street View, Maps also includes public transit and walking directions. When you drop a pin to remember a location, Maps can tell you which address it is near. When you drop new pins, you will also have the option to add the address as a contact (a very nice touch, literally). When you view details for a location, or pin, you can now share this location via email. When you click “Share Location,” a new email will be generated with a maps.google.com link.
Read on to learn about Safari, iTunes Store, and additional notes.
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\\ tags: 2.2, update
Nov 21
From tablets to type, finding the right gift for the choosy graphics expert in your life can be frustrating. Here are plenty of ideas at a variety of price points that should make any designer merry and joyful.
For any designer, a graphics tablet is a great way to illustrate, or just precisely control your mouse. I started using one about eight years ago to cope with RSI, and I’ve never looked back. Wacom offers the Graphire Wireless 6″ x 8″ tablet that connects to your Mac via Bluetooth. (It’s not entirely wireless, however: you have to plug it in to charge it.) You can use it up to 30 feet away. If Bluetooth isn’t your thing, or charging your tablet every night doesn’t sound like fun, the Intuos 3 USB tablet is available in a variety of sizes, including 6″ x 8″. The USB version also offers more dynamic pressure sensitivity, touch strips, accessories, and a five-button mouse.
SlimKey v2
Keeping your desk tidy is a constant challenge for the designer. Designers tend to fall into three categories when organizing their desks: the piler, the spreader, andwhatever. In any case, keeping your monitor up and away from the mess is sometimes helpful (or, it gives you more room to spread stuff into). The SlimKey v2 raises your iMac or Cinema Display with a spiffy ribbon of aluminum designed to match your hardware. Plus, it features four powered USB 2.0 ports: very handy if you have an iMac and a lot of peripherals.
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\\ tags: gift, graphic, holiday
Nov 21
Apple has released Pro Applications Update 2008-04, which includes updates to Final Cut Pro, Compressor, Color, DVD Studio Pro, Cinema Tools, Motion, Soundtrack Pro and Shake. The update, according to Apple, “addresses general performance issues and improves overall stability.”
No specific details were provided about what the update improved about each software component, other than to say each update “addresses specific customer issues and general performance issues.” The updates are recommended for all users of the software.
The update includes the following versions:
- Final Cut Pro 6.0.5
- Compressor 3.0.5
- Shake 4.1.1
- DVD Studio Pro 4.2.1
- Cinema Tools 4.0.1
- Motion 3.0.2
- Color 1.0.3
- Soundtrack Pro 2.0.2
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\\ tags: final cut, pro
Nov 19
Snow Leopard could ship as early as January, according to comments made by the director of Apple’s Unix Technology Group.
Jordan Hubbard said at the Large Installation System Administration conference last week that Mac OS X 10.6 will ship in the first quarter of 2009, according to MacNN.
This primes the Macworld Expo rumor pump: Scheduled for January 5, Steve could debut new quad-core iMacs in addition to showing off this new version of the operating system.
This is not to be confused with Mac OS X 10.5.6, a minor update, which could be available as soon as Friday.
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\\ tags: leopard, snow
Nov 19
It’s not even December, yet Macworld rumors are starting to fly. Digital Times is reporting that Apple is among the vendors ready to use Intel’s new 65W low-power desktop CPUs, specifically designed for all-in-one computers. The lower heat output makes these great little chips for the iMac.
Additionally, these chips would come with a faster bus, and even run a bit cheaper than the dual core chips Apple is currently using - the 2.33GHz, 2.66GHz and 2.83GHz chips cost $245, $320 and $369, respectively, according to Digital Times.
The iMac has been the star of many Macworld keynote speeches, and we expect the same this year. See you in January!
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