Steve Jobs and His Legacy

Today, the world lost a truly great man.

Steve Jobs, father of Apple Computers, passed away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Although he isn't with us anymore, we can rest assured that he won't soon be forgotten. He instilled in this generation and those past a love for technology. He turned something rigid and data-oriented into something beautiful and human. He made a small bunch of circuits the iPod, and proceeded to the change the world with it. Time and time again he'd shake the foundations of the computing industry with his devotion to simplicity and undying love of innovation.

But, not only did he pioneer the world of technology, but he singlehandedly assured the creation of Pixar Animation Studios at a time when nobody else would believe in them. In a press release from just moments ago, John Lasseter and Ed Catmull say:

Steve Jobs was an extraordinary visionary, our very dear friend and the guiding light of the Pixar family. He saw the potential of what Pixar could be before the rest of us, and beyond what anyone ever imagined. Steve took a chance on us and believed in our crazy dream of making computer animated films; the one thing he always said was to simply 'make it great.' He is why Pixar turned out the way we did and his strength, integrity and love of life has made us all better people. He will forever be a part of Pixar’s DNA. Our hearts go out to his wife Laurene and their children during this incredibly difficult time.

Steve was also heavily involved with Disney in the past decade or so, after all of his Pixar stock awarded him a seat on the Board once Disney acquired Pixar. Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, had this to say:

Steve Jobs was a great friend as well as a trusted advisor. His legacy will extend far beyond the products he created or the businesses he built. It will be the millions of people he inspired, the lives he changed, and the culture he defined. Steve was such an "original," with a thoroughly creative, imaginative mind that defined an era. Despite all he accomplished, it feels like he was just getting started. With his passing the world has lost a rare original, Disney has lost a member of our family, and I have lost a great friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Laurene and his children during this difficult time.

The world is certainly a little bit brighter thanks to Steve. He was a truly unique individual with a love for the minimal, a passion for technology and moving forward, and a thirst for life he shared with so many during his outstanding life.

Steve, you will be missed, but never forgotten.

Image: Courtesy of Disney/Pixar

Read More...

Wooden iPad 2 Cover

Briefy: I know I don't post much about gadgets anymore, but this is just way too cool for me to pass up. Above, you'll find a video from Miniot, an awesome company based in Holland, demonstrating their brand new "smart cover"-esque cover for the iPad 2...and it is made out of wood! Very classy and cool. I stuck with my original iPad 'cause the sequel didn't entice me enough, but now I'm having second thoughts...

The case is going to be released tomorrow, March 25, in several types of wood, starting at €50, or about $70, which ain't a bad price, considering Apple's dorky, boring leather cases are the same price.

Read More...

The Apple iPad

Today, Apple announced a "revolutionary and magical" product. Check it out at their website. Pretty cool. While it's not as revolutionary as the iPhone, I wouldn't bet against Mr. Jobs. He seems to know what he's doing.

Plus, if Bob Iger and Lee Unkrich are at the release event, I think it's something I should maybe pay attention to.

The iPad ships in about 60 days, and I can't wait to play around with one.

Read More...

iPhone 3.0 Details Announced [UPDATED]

Today Apple had an invitation-only event where they gave up all of their secrets regarding the next iPhone update: 3.0.

Here is a quick run-down of what to expect from the new software update coming out this summer:

• Copy/Paste: This is the most exciting. Copy/Paste should have been offered from 1.0, but, little matter, because we are getting it this summer! Apple says that it will be used by touching and dragging small "grab points" with a pop-up offering cut, copy, or paste. This functionality also includes the ability to copy and paste photos, as well as "shake to undo".
• MMS: This is another function available on the simplest of handsets that Apple has oddly been ignoring, but now they are including it in the iPhone's various functionalities. You will be able to send and receive photos, audio files, contacts, and more, although this functionality is only availabl on the iPhone 3G due to "hardware limitations" on the 1st generation.
• A2DP stereo Bluetooth: All this means is now you can connect headphones and speakers via bluetooth rather than the headphone jack. A very nice feature.
• Spotlight Search: A screen to the left of your first home screen which will allow for a universal search of your phone.
• Tethering: The ability to make your iPhone a modem has been put into the 3.0 update, although the carriers will have the final say on whether or not it will be present, as well as pricing plans regarding this.
• P2P: Peer-to-Peer meaning that you can connect to other iPhones to transfer files or play multiplayer games without the need of a Wifi network; both iPhones will be able to automtically connect with one another with no set-up required.
• Push: This is also an overdue feature which will allow instant messaging apps and other apps like them to receive messages and alert you to that fact without having to be open.
• Turn-by-Turn GPS: Apple is finally allowing developers to release apps with turn-by-turn directions; a feature that has been holding people back from calling the iPhone a true GPS device.
  

The update will be free to all iPhone owners "this summer", and will cost iPod Touch owners $9.95.

Engadget has a nice complete list of some other small things added by Apple, but these are all of the big ones. All we're missing now is the ability to record video and Flash. Anyway, I am pretty pleased with these new features; they add almost all of the features that the iPhone needs to become a truly great smartphone (although it is already, in my opinion, the best phone available).

UPDATE: Here is a nice 90-second video of the most exciting portion of the Apple event:

Read More...

Apple News Updates

I'm sure you've heard about this, but Apple has made many announcements in the past week, and mostly on last Tuesday. These include (with links and pictures!):

1. A new, fancy iPod Nano with a tall screen, 9 color options, video support, and a neat shake-to-shuffle functionality.


2. A new installment of the iPod Touch, with a new shape similar to that of the iPhone 3G, as well as other minor changes.


3. And, finally, a 2.1 update for iPhones everywhere, which includes Genius Playlist creation on-the-go, as well as improved signal strength and battery life, as well as numerous other "bug fixes".

The new nano is a great improvement over the last model (which looked like it was run over by a car). The new iPod Touch looks better than its predecessor, and I am very excited about the 2.1 update, who's "bug fixes" are sorely needed. Although the event on Tuesday went great, and the products are a success, as usual, this event wasn't quite as epic as usual, due to a lot of leaks before hand. Oh well, Apple remains the king of media players, and the owner of the best smart phone on the market.

Read More...

Pixar Honored by Vanity Fair

The Vanity Fair 100: The New Establishment list was released today. It has many prominent people awarded for their movies, TV shows, governance, and journalism, among other things.

Why am I bringing this list up? Well, Pixar has four people on this list...who are all found in the top 28 positions. Steve Jobs can be found in slot #4 on the list. He earned this slot through his extremely successful computer company Apple, and through his generous contributions to the world's best animation company, Pixar.

But that's not all. Brad Bird, John Lasseter, and Andrew Stanton are tied for #28 on the list! Vanity credits them for being the "greatest rolls in entertainment history" for having "produced nine straight commercial and artistic winners".


I am very glad that Pixar is getting all of the recognition they deserve. Their movies truly are pheonomenal works of entertaining, comedic, action-packed art with fantastic animation.

Source: The Pixar Blog

Read More...

The 30 Best iPhone Applications

The App Store is great. It adds so much more functionality, depth, and fun to the already awesome iPhone. One thing that the App Store is without, however, is a “try before you buy” demo-type system. Due to the lack of this, a list of my favorite free and paid apps will be listed here so you won’t need to waste your money or time on bad apps. There is a link after each app description, this link leads directly to the iTunes Store.

My 15 favorite free iPhone apps:

Shazam- A truly great song recognition application. If you hear a song playing that you enjoy, hit the “tag now” button, it takes about 20 seconds, then you get the album art, artist, and album. You are also given a direct link to watch the YouTube video and a link purchase the song in the iTunes Music Store. It works great for me, perhaps my favorite app for the iPhone. Get it.


BubbleWrap- A fun little game where you get to pop bubble wrap. Great sound effects. Get it.


Cookie Bonus Solitaire- Just normal solitaire for the iPhone. Pretty flawless for being free. (Screen shot is that of desktop version, no chat in iPhone platform). Get it.

Cube Runner- A game where you are simply an arrow flying through a 3D world of cubes. You steer around the cubes using the accelerometer. Multiple difficulties. Very fun. Get it.

The Dark Knight: HaHaHa- Add Joker make-up and phrases to your pictures. This app could use some work, but, afterall, it is free. Get it.

iPint- The little “bonus game” on this one is the most fun. Turn your iPhone into a mug, fill it up, and make it seem like you are actually drinking out of it! Really neat app to show off your iPhone. Get it.


PhoneSaber- A lightsaber for your iPhone. Multiple color choices, awesome sound effects, and an excellent use of the accelerometer. One of my favorites. Get it.


Pandora- A great radio for the iPhone. Plays songs based on your favorite artists and styles. Get it.


More Cowbell!- This app is really funny. It is based on the SNL skit with Christopher Walken and Will Ferrell. There is a picture of a cowbell, and then Walken yells, “I need more cowbell!” you touch the cowbell, it makes noise, and when you stop, Walken yells some more. Pretty dumb, yet awesome. Get it.


Remote- Awesome app that allows you to control your iTunes library from your iPhone. Get it.


Google Mobile- Quick searching, as well as other features, all optimized for the iPhone. Get it.


Jott- I used this long before I got an iPhone. Speak into the mic, select a contact, and then that contact receives your voiced message as text. Includes other features as well. Awesome. Get it.


Talking Spanish Phrase Book- What more can I say?... Get it.


Yelp- Uses your location to find businesses near by. Includes reviews, descriptions, etc. Get it.


myLite- A simple tool to turn your iPhone into a flashlight, strobe light, and multi-colored light. Get it.


My 15 favorite paid iPhone apps:
Lumina- $1.99. ‘Simon Says’ for the iPhone. Good UI and sound effects. Very fun and cheap. Buy it.


Crash Bandicoot Nitro Cart Racing- $9.99. A fun cart racing game. It may be a bit pricey, but the fact that it has Crash makes up for that. Buy it.


de Blob- $7.99. A fun game that has a lot of depth. It combines the accelerometer and multi-touch flawlessly. Buy it.


Labyrinth- $6.99. A maze with obstacles. You navigate through it using the accelerometer, very fun, and very smooth game play. Buy it.


Texas Hold’em- $4.99. Just what you’d expect. Texas Hold’em Poker with great graphics and multiple levels. Buy it.


Tic-Tac-Touch: FS5- $1.99. One or two player Tic-Tac-Toe. Easy and fun with multiple difficulties. Buy it.


Touch Tennis: FS5- $1.99. Like a modern version of ‘Pong’ with good sound effects and smooth game play. Buy it.


Quordy- $2.99. A Boggle-type game for the iPhone. Utilizes the accelerometer and the wide touch screen. Has a vast dictionary of words and is very fun. Buy it.


Trism- $4.99. A puzzle game that reminds me of Bejeweled, but is better. Uses the accelerometer and the touch screen. Multiple modes and levels. Buy it.


Super Monkey Ball- $9.99. A bit pricey, but has great graphics, lots of levels, and uses the accelerometer very well. Buy it.


Band- $9.99. Multiple instruments for your iPhone. Buy it.


Sketches- $7.99. Drawing app, add shapes, lines, etc. to existing pictures or a blank canvas. Buy it.


Scrabble- $9.99. Classic Scrabble game made by EA Games. A bit too expensive, though. Buy it.


South Park Imaginationland- $9.99. Help Butters get through Imaginationland! Pretty expensive and simple, but you gotta love South Park! Buy it.


Etch-a-Sketch- $4.99. Drawing app. Use your fingers or knobs, and shake to erase. Buy it.


Now you know what apps are worth your time and money. If I come across any other truly great apps I will write a brief post about it so that you can make sure you have all of the highest of quality apps available.

Read More...

An iPhone 3G Smoothie

You may have heard that Apple's had a pretty bad day today. Not only was MobileMe delayed, but there were so many people activating and updating their phones, that many couldn't do just that. Well, Apple's day may have just gotten better, because they can add another feature to the list for the iPhone 3G: It Blends!

Read More...

A Few Apple Updates (Updated)

As the release of Apple's newest gadget, the iPhone 3G, comes near, more rumors and reports continue to trickle in. Here is a brief list of links and facts relating to the iPhone 3G, and its upcoming release:

1. Apple announced, as AT&T already has, that its doors will be opening up bright and early on the 11th (at 8am to be precise). Presumably, because most of the activating will be taking place in store, and will take around 10 minutes.

2. iPhone 3G displays have begun to pop up at the odd Apple Store, and should be at every one within the next week or so. Source: Gizmodo


3. After various people have studied and dissected the guided your for the iPhone 3G, one very peculiar tidbit has arisen: On the bottom of the phone, 2 very visible screws can be seen. Usually, Apple tries very hard to conceal any and all such items, which leads everyone to believe that these screws mean a user-replaceable battery! One can only hope... Source: iPhone Atlas


4. And, finally, the online Apple Store is down. It could be some regular maintenance, or perhaps they are planning to announce the user-replaceable battery, or, more likely, MobileMe is ready for shipment. Whatever the case, we'll find out soon enough.


Well, there ya have it. All the facts you need to know as July 11 draws ever closer.

3 days and counting...



Update: In Portugal, there was an unboxing of the iPhone 3G!! Here is a picture, and the link.

Read More...

More On the Line Forming In New York For the 3G iPhone

As you probably know, there is a line that has formed outside of Apple's 5th Avenue Store, and they're all waiting for the iPhone 3G. Supposedly, the group of people at the front of the line are trying to break a record for the longest time waiting in line for something. Here's the link to the video on Engadget.

Read More...

People to Wait On Concrete for One Week For 3G iPhone

How crazy are you about being the first to get the iPhone 3G? Well, whatever you answered, you can't possibly be as crazy as the 10 or so people who are waiting right now outside of the Apple Store on 5th Avenue in New York. The people at the very front of the line are a couple and a young baby. They are hoping to break some ludicrous record about having a baby in a line for a long time, or some nonsense. Here are some pictures from Engadget. Oh, and if you live in New York and want an iPhone 3G, you might wanna take the next week off of work and go ahead and hop in line.

Update: As of right this moment, it is raining in Manhattan. Thus, the couple and their baby have left. Also, closed tents are being set up along the queue. They must really want an iPhone 3G.

Read More...