The Mac Observer

Product News: GadgetTrak 3 Adds Support for Tracking Multiple Devices

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:55:52 -0400

ActiveTrak announced Thursday the release of GadgetTrak 3, a new version of the company’s tracking software that allows users to track multiple devices from one Web-based interface. Aimed at families and small businesses who want to be able to find their laptop, desktop, or netbook computing device if it’s stolen, GadgetTrak can remotely track the location of the tracked devices.

GadgetTrak - Business - Laptop - GadgetTrak 3 - Mobile phone

Ted Landau's User Friendly View: Want to Downgrade Your iOS? Apple Says No

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:15:02 -0400

If you have an iPhone 4 or other iOS 4 compatible device, you’re probably running iOS 4.0.1. Great. But what if you want to downgrade back to iOS 4.0 or iOS 3.1.3? Too bad. You probably won’t be able to do it. At least not easily. There are several roadblocks that get in your way. The source of these roadblocks is Apple. They have deliberately made it difficult to downgrade. Why have they done this? How have the done this? And how you can circumvent their obstacles? You are about to learn the answers to all of these questions.

Apple - IPhone - IPhone OS - Handhelds - Smartphones

Product News: Just Mobile Announces UpStand Aluminum iPad Stand

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:53:25 -0400

Just Mobile announced a new stand for the iPad called UpStand Thursday. The stand is made from aluminum, with rubber-fitted grips to protect your device. Thestand will work in portrait or landscape mode, and it can accomodate many iPad cases too.

IPad - Page orientation - Aluminium - Business - Metals

Deal Brothers: “Esc” T-Shirt: $15.99

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:21:31 -0400

The Deal Brothers found another fun, geeky T-Shirt, this one the “Esc” T-Shirt for $15.99.

Shopping - Clothing - T-shirt - Shirt - Crafts

In-Depth Review: ZAGG InvisibleSHIELD for iPhone 4 has Problems

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:19:00 -0400

The ZAGG invisibleSHIELD for iPhone 4 is a set of thin, adhesive plastic strips designed to be stuck to the stainless steel edge of the iPhone 4. The claim is that it provides insulation sufficient to allow better signal reception.

Zagg - IPhone - Smartphone - iPhone 4 - Handhelds

Product News: GadgetTrak 3 Adds Tracking for Multiple Computers

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:09:09 -0400

ActiveTrak announced the immediate availability of GadgetTrak 3 on Thursday. The new version of the service for tracking lost or stolen computers added the ability to track multiple devices.

GadgetTrak - Business - KenWestin - GadgetTrak 3 - Security

News: Android App Steals and Sends User Data to China

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:12:54 -0400

A popular third-party wallpaper app for Android-based smartphones apparently collects user’s personal data and uploads it to servers in China without permission. The news was revealed by the mobile security company Lookout at the Black Hat Conference in Las Vegas.

Android - Lookout - Black Hat - Las Vegas Nevada - China

Hot Forum Topic: Reader Speculation: Google’s Money Making Plans for Android

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:20:34 -0400

Today TMO readers are talking about Apple, Google, and how Google plans to make money off of its Android platform.

Google - Apple - Searching - Search Engines - Eric E. Schmidt

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Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:20:34 -0400

News: iFixit Dissects Apple’s Magic Trackpad

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:48:28 -0400

Only a day after the Apple introduced its new Magic Trackpad, iFixit managed to get ahold of one and promptly stripped it down to the frame. The technology packed inside Apple’s stand-alone trackpad is both diminutive and impressive, but don’t try to take yours apart unless you know what you’re doing.

Apple - iFixit - MagicTrackpad - Macintosh - multitouch

News: Adobe to Buy Enterprise Content Management Company

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:20:42 -0400

Adobe plans to buy Day Software Holding, a Swiss company that specializes in enterprise-level software solutions for digital asset management, Web-based content management, and social collaboration. The two companies are ready to move forward with a deal that will cost Adobe about US$240 million.

Content management - Day Software - Digital asset management - Site Management - Enterprise content management

Product News: Amazon Revamps Kindle, Offers Wi-Fi Only Model

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:46:18 -0400

Amazon.com introduced its third generation Kindle ebook reader on Thursday with a redesigned body and the option to buy versions with Wi-Fi and 3G, or Wi-Fi only. The new models highlight Amazon.com’s plans to steer clear of Apple’s iPad and focus on the dedicated ebook reader market.

Amazon.com - Apple - IPad - Wi-Fi - Barnes & Noble

Product News: Macintosh Explorer 5 Adds Snow Leopard, Quick Look Support

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:17:42 -0400

RAGE Software announced the immediate availability of Macintosh Explorer 5.0 on Thursday. The new version of the Microsoft Windows-like file browser improved support for Mac OS X 10.6, and added Quick Look support for Mac OS X 10.5.

Mac OS X - Mac OS X Snow Leopard - Quick Look - Apple - Microsoft

News: Verizon 3G Data Usage Taking Off from iPhone’s Lead

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:58:44 -0400

Apple’s iPhone may have made on-the-go data access commonplace for the average consumer, but now Verizon’s smartphone customers seem to be inching past them as 3G data use climbs. The data comes from a study conducted by cell phone bill service and tracking company, Validas, that underscores the quickly growing number of smartphone users in the United States.

iPhone - Smartphone - Apple - United States - iPhone 3G

News: Mac Business Unit Posts Promo Video for Office for Mac 2011

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:43:22 -0400

The Mac Business Unit has posted a promo video previewing Office for Mac 2011, which is due to be released later this year. The video features several program managers and coders in the Mac Business Unit at Microsoft showing us some of the new features and some of the ways the company has been working to make the new version ever-more Mac-like.

Microsoft - Macintosh - Microsoft Office - Apple - Operating Systems

Product News: OWC & Ramjet Announce RAM Modules for New iMacs

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:16:48 -0400

Otherworld Computing (OWC) and Ramjet both announced RAM modules for Apple’s new iMac models Wednesday. Both companies are offering 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB kits, and both companies have designed their modules to meet Apple’s strict RAM specifications.

IMac - Apple - Macintosh - MacPro - Hardware

Mac Geek Gab Premium Podcast: MGG 276: Time Machine, Permissions, Remote Access, More

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:08:37 -0400

Dave and John answer some great questions today, including how best to have Time Machine only backup a fraction of your hard drive, fixing some permissions problems, securely shipping your hard drives and sensitive data, what to disable when you visit a hotel (or public hot spot) and more. Subscribe today, support your two favorite geeks, and enjoy!

Time Machine - Hard disk drive - Hardware - Storage - Backup

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Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:08:37 -0400

Games: MaxNick Releases Box Battle for iPhone, a Steampunk Puzzle Game

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:55:09 -0400

MaxNick announced the release of BoxBattle Pro Wednesday, a steampunk-themed physics-based puzzle game for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. The game combines steam-powered cannons that players use to shoot their way through a series of industrial-styled puzzles.

IPhone - IPod Touch - Puzzle video game - IPad - game

Product News: TrendyDigital Design Announces Dimension Case for iPad

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:12:06 -0400

Trendy Digital Design announced Wednesday the release of a new iPad case called Dimension Case for Apple’s iPad. The case is designed to both protect the iPad and allow users to view the device from several positions.

Apple - IPad - Macintosh - Business - Apple II

Deal Brothers: Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock iPhone Case: $9.99

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:35:00 -0400

The Deal Brothers found a deal on a totally geeky Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock iPhone Case for $9.99. It fits iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS.

Rock-paper-scissors - Spock - IPhone - iPhone 3G - Smartphones

Just a Thought: ABC Does It Right: ABC Player and ABC News For iPad

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:30:27 -0400

Vern Seward wonders aloud why other TV studios haven’t stepped up with apps like ABC Player and ABC New for iPad.

Television - American Broadcasting Company - Arts - ABC - IPad

Hidden Dimensions: Apple’s Troubles Aren’t Over, and That Could be Good

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:22:24 -0400

Antennagate showed that Apple can no longer have its own way with all customers. The broader product offerings, like the iPad and the iPhone, mean than scrutiny and criticism come from a wider circle of interested parties.That will change the company.

Apple - iPhone - IPad - Handhelds - Smartphones

News: Motorola Jabs at iPhone 4 with New Ad

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:49:46 -0400

Motorola began running an ad in newspapers on Wednesday that’s clearly targeted at Apple’s iPhone 4 and free case offer. The ad features the Droid X and implies that the smartphone doesn’t suffer from signal strength loss issues.

Apple - IPhone - Droid - Motorola - Smartphone

Hot Forum Topic: Sorting Out Apple’s Magic Trackpad

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:12:19 -0400

Apple introduced its new Magic Trackpad on Tuesday, and today TMO readers are talking about how it fits into the company’s product lineup and what they think it means for Apple’s product roadmap.

Apple - MagicTrackPad - Macintosh - Companies - Touchpad

Product News: Atomic Software Intros Bike Repair for iPhone

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:42:27 -0400

Atomic Software announced the immediate availability of Bike Repair 1.0 for the iPhone and iPod touch on Wednesday. The app includes step-by-step instructions for several common repairs across many bicycle brands.

iPhone - IPod Touch - Apple - Handhelds - Smartphones

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Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:42:27 -0400

News: Early Free Apple Bumper Case Orders Shipping

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:10:46 -0400

Despite Apple’s promise of late August shipping dates for iPhone 4 owners that requested free Bumper cases, at least some customers have been receiving notification that their case are already in the mail.

IPhone - Apple - Smartphone - Handhelds - iPhone 4

Product News: Safari 5.0.1 Enables Extensions Support [Updated]

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:58:33 -0400

Apple released Safari 5.0.1 on Wednesday, officially enabling third-party extension support in the Web browser application. The update also enables support for Safari Extensions Gallery, available via the Safari menu and at the Apple Web site.

Safari - Apple - Web browser - Safari Extension Gallery - World Wide Web

News: Apple Seeds iOS 4.1 Beta 2 to Developers

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:41:48 -0400

Apple released beta 2 of iOS 4.1 to developers Tuesday night. The new beta update comes about two weeks after developers got their first taste of iOS 4.1 for the iPhone and iPod touch.

iPhone - Apple - IPhone OS - IPod Touch - Handhelds

News: Apple Discontinues 24, 30-inch Cinema Displays

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:18:22 -0400

The introduction of Apple’s new 27-inch LED Cinema Display on Tuesday also heralded the beginning of the end for the company’s 24-inch LED Cinema Display and 30-inch Cinema Display.

Apple - AppleCinemaDisplay - Light-emitting diode - LED Cinema Display - Business

Apple Context Machine Podcast: ACM 174: India’s Tablet, iPhone 4 Overview

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 07:48:40 -0400

In this special edition of the Apple Context Machine we take a look at India’s $35 tablet computer and offer our bird’s eye view of Apple’s iPhone 4.

IPhone - Apple - Smartphone - Handhelds - India

Product News: Apple Rolls Out Mac OS X 10.6.4 Update for New iMacs

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:16:13 -0400

Apple released Mac OS X 10.6.4 Update iMac (Mid 2010) for its just announced new iMac models Tuesday afternoon. The update includes patches that were previously released as part of Mac OS X 10.6.4 along with special fixes for the new iMacs.

Apple - Mac OS X - IMac - Operating system - Mac OS

Product News: Apple Releases Magic Trackpad, Multi-Touch Trackpad Update

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:05:01 -0400

Apple followed up its morning introduction of the Magic Trackpad with its Magic Trackpad and Multi-Touch Trackpad Update 1.0 on Tuesday afternoon.

Apple - multitouch - MagicTrackPad - Magic - Performing Arts

Product News: Kensington Launches Laptop Locking Station

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:42:56 -0400

Kensington announced Tuesday the release of a new locking station solution for laptops of 13” to 17” in size. The company has released both a locking device that attaches to your laptop that can be bolted to a desk or other service, as well as an option tethering kit that allows you to secure the locking device without the use of bolts.

Laptop - Hardware - Notebooks and Laptops - Security - Cases and Accessories

Presented By:

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:42:56 -0400

Apple Stock Watch: AAPL Gains 1.85% Following New Product Announcements

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:33:50 -0400

Shares in Apple Inc. advanced Monday, moving the stock back towards the high end of its three month trading range. The gains came on the heels of new product announcements from Apple, including new iMacs, a new 27” LCD display, a new Mac Pro, a new trackpad, and a battery charger.

Apple - IMac - Mac Pro - Touchpad - Macintosh

News: Apple: Jaibreaking Your iPhone Can Void Warranty

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:56:04 -0400

In response the U.S. Copyright Office and the Library of Congress’s ruling that jailbreaking an iPhone is a legal act, Apple released a statement saying that doing so still might void your warranty on the device. The company also warned users that jailbroken iPhones offer a “degraded” experience.

Apple - IPhone - Jailbreak - United States Copyright Office - Smartphones

Deal Brothers: Fantom 1TB G-Force Dual Interface Hard Drive: $59.99

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:21:39 -0400

The Deal Brothers found a deal on the Fantom GF1000EU 1TB G-Force Dual Interface Hard Drive for $59.99, after a 420 mail-in rebate.

Arts - Electronic - Theaters - Movies - Drive-In Theaters

News: Philadelphia Apple Store Opens July 30

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:06:52 -0400

Apple will be opening its first retail store downtown Philadelphia on Friday, July 30 at 5PM. The Walnut Street Apple Store will sport the usual amenities including a Genius Bar and One to One sessions.

AppleStore - Apple - Retail - Genius Bar - Macintosh

News: Apple Hit with iPad Heat Lawsuit

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:31:10 -0400

Apple was hit with a new lawsuit on July 23 that alleges the iPad overheats too quickly and stops working in sunlight and hot weather conditions. The case was filed in Federal Court in Oakland, California, and is seeking class action status.

Apple - Lawsuit - Class action - IPad - Law

Hot Forum Topic: Forum Poll: Macs, Displays, or Trackpads?

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:07:28 -0400

Apple updated the iMac and Mac Pro on Tuesday, introduced the 27-inch LED Cinema Display and Magic Trackpad, and introduced its own AA battery charger kit. Take today’s TMO forum poll and tell us what are you’re most excited about.

Apple - iMac - Mac Pro - Apple Cinema Display - Macintosh

Apple Stock Watch: Analyst: Mac Refresh Primes Apple for School Season Sales

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:39:44 -0400

Apple’s new iMac, Mac Pro and 27-inch Cinema Display launch sets the company up for strong computer sales heading into the school buying season, according to UBS analyst Maynard Um. Apple introduced the computer updates, along with its Magic Trackpad, on Tuesday morning.

Apple - iMac - Mac Pro - Apple Cinema Display - Macintosh

Product News: Apple Unveils AA Battery Charger

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:58:09 -0400

Apple rounded out its Tuesday morning product launches with its own battery charger. The Apple Battery Charger is targeted at the company’s wireless keyboard, Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad users, but is compatible with most other products that rely on AA batteries.

Apple - Magic Mouse - Battery charger - AA battery - AppleBatteryCharger

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Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:58:09 -0400

Product News: Apple Adds Magic Trackpad to Product Lineup

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:45:46 -0400

Apple’s Magic Mouse gained a new cousin on Tuesday with the introduction of the Magic Trackpad. The Magic Trackpad is a multi-touch trackpad for Apple’s desktop computers that works just like the trackpad that’s built into the company’s MacBook Pro lineup.

Apple - Magic Mouse - multitouch - Touchpad - MagicTrackpad

Product News: Apple Announces 27-inch LED Cinema Display

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:29:19 -0400

Along with new iMacs and Mac Pro models, Apple introduced its new 27-inch LED Cinema Display on Tuesday. The new high resolution display includes a built-in iSight camera and speakers, and works with the new iMac and Mac Pro models without special adapters.

iMac - Apple - Mac Pro - Apple Cinema Display - ISight

Product News: Apple Unleashes 12-Core Mac Pro

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:13:24 -0400

Apple unveiled updated versions of its Mac Pro lineup. The new models include quad-core and 6-core Intel Xeon processors along with improved ATI video cards, and will be available in August.

Apple - MacPro - Multi-core processor - Xeon - Macintosh

Product News: Apple Intros Quad-core i5, i7 iMacs

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:51:27 -0400

Apple released updated iMac models sporting quad-core Intel i5 and i7 processors Tuesday morning. Dual-core i3 and i5 models are also available, and the new iMac is available with 21.5-inch and now 27-inch LED backlit displays, too.

IMac - Apple - Intel Core - Intel Core i5 - Multi-core processor

News: Apple Store Offline Hints at New Macs

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:16:47 -0400

Apple’s Web-based store went offline Tuesday morning, adding fuel to the rumors that the company will be releasing new Macs and possibly even a new Cinema Display today.

Apple - AppleStore - Macintosh - Apple Cinema Display - Mac Pro

Games: Europa Universalis Rome: Gold Edition for Mac Released

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:23:56 -0400

It’s a busy day for Mac gamers: In addition to the release of Hearts of Iron III: Semper Fi, Virtual Programming announced Monday the release of Europa Universalis Rome: Gold Edition for the Mac, too. This release bundles the full game with the Vae Victus expansion pack for one price.

Macintosh - Expansion pack - Video game - Gold - Games

Games: World War II Real-Time Stratey: “Hearts of Iron III” Gets “Semper Fi”

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:50:14 -0400

Virtual Programming has released Semper Fi, the newest expansion for the real-time strategy game Hearts of Iron III. The expansion for the game introduces new cooperation capabilities with NPC allies and an improved artifical intelligence for computer-controlled countries.

World War II - Real-time strategy - Hearts of Iron - Game - Strategy

Mac Geek Gab Podcast: MGG 275: Follow-ups, Time Machine, Troubleshooting, Fonts

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:33:30 -0400

Straight from the weekend into a show just for you, John and Dave have LOTS to cover today, including your tips and suggestions for a few previously-discussed topics, then it’s onto a Time Machine question, 10.6.4 troubleshooting, iCal digging, and more. Subscribe to this feed for free and enjoy!

Time Machine - ICal - Apple - Macintosh - FAQs Help and Tutorials

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Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:33:30 -0400

Product News: Warpia Easy Dock Wirelessly Connects MacBook to Mouse, Keyboard, Monitor

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:58:57 -0400

Source R&D released a product called Warpia Easy Dock, a wireless way for you to connect your MacBook, MacBook Pro, or Windows laptop to a keyboard, mouse, speakers, and even an external display. The product works across Bluetooth through paired adapters, and it will support displays from 15”to 21” in size (resolutions up to 1400 x 1050).

Bluetooth - Wireless - Keyboard - Laptop - Windows

In-Depth Review: Car Calc Pro for iPhone/iPad - All You Need for Car Loans

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:20:00 -0400

Every once in awhile, one runs across an app that is perfectly designed and in tune with every possible need of the user. Then it becomes a joy to use and customers rave about it. Car Calc Pro, for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, designed to assist with car loan and lease calculations, does all that.

IPhone - IPad - IPod Touch - Apple - Handhelds