The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.tuaw.comThe Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/feedlogo.gifThe Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)http://www.tuaw.comen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Holiday Gift Guide: The Perfect iPhone Ringtonehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/25/holiday-gift-guide-the-perfect-iphone-ringtone/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/25/holiday-gift-guide-the-perfect-iphone-ringtone/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/25/holiday-gift-guide-the-perfect-iphone-ringtone/#commentsFiled under: ,

Looking to get something for that new, special 3G or 3GS owner that doesn't cost a lot of money? Or even a little something for yourself? (After all, those monthly bills to AT&T are pretty harsh, so a bargain treat is welcome, right?)

How about an awesome ringtonable-song? "This is my Ringtone" from Parry Gripp [iTunes link] is it. The guys behind the "Do You Like Waffles" song have created the perfect $1 gift. Think of it as a virtual stocking stuffer. That one dollar buys you all the attitude that a 3GS iPhone truly deserves.

Sure, it will make the other people around you feel bad that they don't own their own iPhone, but isn't that what status symbols are for? So live the big life (even if you don't, actually, own an iPhone) with the ultimate iPhone ringtone.

Holiday Gift Guide: The Perfect iPhone Ringtone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Holiday Gift Guide: The Perfect iPhone Ringtone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>hggholidayhumoriphoneparry grippParryGrippringtonesongErica SadunWed, 25 Nov 2009 16:00:00 ESTCook that turkey, drink that wine! Five cooking apps for Thanksgivinghttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/25/cook-that-turkey-drink-that-wine-five-cooking-apps-for-thanksg/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/25/cook-that-turkey-drink-that-wine-five-cooking-apps-for-thanksg/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/25/cook-that-turkey-drink-that-wine-five-cooking-apps-for-thanksg/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Are you ready for the Thanksgiving Day feast tomorrow? If you're a typical American, the day will go something like this -- wake up, watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV, watch some football, eat some snacks, cook and eat a huge feast, watch some more football while dozing, eat some dessert, take some Maalox, and go to bed with visions of Black Friday in your mind.

To help with the cooking chores, we offer the following five apps to make your turkey day a bit less hectic and a lot more fun.

#1 -- iCooking American Celebrations

While this app features only 56 recipes, many of which are for other American holidays, the recipes that are included are the classic ones you always wanted to steal from Grandma. iCooking American Celebrations [US$0.99, iTunes Link] is a handy app for iPhone or iPod touch to help you make a memorable feast.

#2 -- Thanksgiving Dinner

Do you just need an app that will give you recipes for the classic Thanksgiving dinner? The aptly-named Thanksgiving Dinner [US$0.99, iTunes Link] has basic recipes for turkey, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, cranberry sauce, an orange dessert, and apple crumb pie. If it's your first time cooking the feast for an extended family, you'll love these features: an overall schedule telling you when to start prepping the food and a shopping list.

Continue reading Cook that turkey, drink that wine! Five cooking apps for Thanksgiving

Cook that turkey, drink that wine! Five cooking apps for Thanksgiving originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Cook that turkey, drink that wine! Five cooking apps for Thanksgiving originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>app storeAppStoreholidaysiphoneipod touchIpodTouchrecipesthanksgivingthanksgiving dinnerThanksgivingDinnerSteven SandeWed, 25 Nov 2009 15:00:00 ESTMousing around: A review of Disney theme park iPhone appshttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/21/mousing-around-a-review-of-disney-theme-park-iphone-apps/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/21/mousing-around-a-review-of-disney-theme-park-iphone-apps/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/21/mousing-around-a-review-of-disney-theme-park-iphone-apps/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

My wife and I are unabashed Disneyphiles, so the last two months have been a lot of fun. After my wife taught a tutorial in L.A. last month, we spent a few days at the West Coast properties -- Disneyland and California Adventure. This month, we had some Disney Vacation Club points left over, so we spent five days at our "home" resort near Disney's Animal Kingdom, Epcot, the Magic Kingdom, and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

I thought these trips would be a perfect opportunity to try out some of the many travel apps that have sprung up for the iPhone, all of which purport to be the solution to all of your Disney dining, lodging, and theme park information needs. As with any genre of app, there are a mixture of good and bad apps available. Since the Thanksgiving holiday weekend is generally a big time to visit the parks, here's a quick tour of a few of the apps that my wife and I used on our trips so you can load up your iPhone if you're going to visit The Mouse over the holidays.

Continue reading Mousing around: A review of Disney theme park iPhone apps

Mousing around: A review of Disney theme park iPhone apps originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Mousing around: A review of Disney theme park iPhone apps originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>disneydisneylandhggreviewWalt Disney WorldWaltDisneyWorldSteven SandeSat, 21 Nov 2009 18:20:00 ESTTUAW's Steve Sande provides gift ideas on the latest MacJury podcasthttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/20/tuaws-steve-sande-provides-gift-ideas-on-the-latest-macjury-pod/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/20/tuaws-steve-sande-provides-gift-ideas-on-the-latest-macjury-pod/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/20/tuaws-steve-sande-provides-gift-ideas-on-the-latest-macjury-pod/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Here it is, T-7 days until Black Friday, and you don't have any gift ideas?

I joined MacJury podcaster Chuck Joiner earlier this week to provide my ideas for gifting. This was part two of a holiday gift ideas episode on the popular podcast.

Joining me on the podcast were MacMouseCalls support genius (and grandmother) Pat Fauquet, Julio Ojeda-Zapata from the St. Paul Pioneer Press, and The Mac Observer's Jeff Gamet.

Storage seemed to be a popular gift idea from the panelists, along with iPhone / Mac jewelry, video tools, and even some freebies. I take no responsibility for the singing that was taking place...

You can listen to MacJury Episode 918 at the MacJury website, or subscribe to the podcast in iTunes.

TUAW's Steve Sande provides gift ideas on the latest MacJury podcast originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)TUAW's Steve Sande provides gift ideas on the latest MacJury podcast originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>black fridayBlackFridaygiftspodcastSteven SandeFri, 20 Nov 2009 15:00:00 ESTBuyer's Guide: 33 things you don't need if you have an iPhonehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/19/buyer-s-guide-33-things-you-don-t-need-if-you-have-an-iphone/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/19/buyer-s-guide-33-things-you-don-t-need-if-you-have-an-iphone/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/19/buyer-s-guide-33-things-you-don-t-need-if-you-have-an-iphone/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Every time I walk through Warehouse Stationery (New Zealand's equivalent to Office Depot) or Dick Smith's Electronics (pretty much Best Buy), I'm struck by how probably half the products in each store are pretty much useless to me since I've got an iPhone.

Thanks to the apps that come pre-packaged with the iPhone and the more than 100,000 third-party offerings now available in the iTunes Store, the iPhone has gained functionality that might have seemed hard to fathom under three years ago when Steve Jobs first announced the device.

"A widescreen iPod with touch controls... a revolutionary mobile phone... a breakthrough internet communications device... these are not three separate devices. This is one device." So Steve Jobs told us all back at Macworld Expo 2007. But since then, the iPhone has grown to be much more than just those three concepts.

What follows is a sort of anti-buyer's guide, a list of products and devices that you may never need or even want to buy again (or receive as a gift) if you have an iPhone. Some of these are certainly open for debate, but more than a few of them are products that, for all intents and purposes, are completely unnecessary if you have an iPhone. (Items in bold also apply to the iPod touch).

Continue reading Buyer's Guide: 33 things you don't need if you have an iPhone

Buyer's Guide: 33 things you don't need if you have an iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Buyer's Guide: 33 things you don't need if you have an iPhone originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>2079Air Mouse ProAirMouseProAmbianceCleartunedictionary.comDropboxFlight ControlFlightControlGoogle EarthGoogleEarthGuitarToolKitHandbrakeHero of SpartaHeroOfSpartahggiPhoneiPod TouchIpodTouchiShootKindleMotionXnetbooksPeggleRunKeeperShakespeareStanzaVLC RemoteVlcRemoteWriteRoomChris RawsonThu, 19 Nov 2009 15:00:00 ESTApple giving huge discounts on Black Friday? No way!http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/17/apple-giving-huge-discounts-on-black-friday-no-way/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/17/apple-giving-huge-discounts-on-black-friday-no-way/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/17/apple-giving-huge-discounts-on-black-friday-no-way/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The boy geniuses over at Boy Genius Report are getting a lot of hits out of a story they ran late yesterday. Apparently, one of their contacts tipped them to a "shot of Apple's yearly Black Friday deals" that is "reported to be something Apple will email out shortly." The email (seen at right, pasted with an editorial comment from yours truly) shows alleged discounts of up to 30% on all iPods (excluding iPhone or iPod shuffle), up to 25% on all Macs, and up to 15% on all accessories, Apple software, and Apple hardware. This will only happen on November 27th and apparently "select" Apple stores will open at 6 AM.

Well, most of us here at TUAW are pretty sure this is a fake. A compelling fake, mind you, but an utter fabrication. Why?

First reason -- Apple almost never discounts their products, other than selling refurbished equipment on the cheap. That's part of the reason that the company is so successful and has the highest margins in the personal electronics and computing world. Discounts of "up to 25% on all Macs" are an Apple fanboy's most exciting dream (next to the iTablet, of course), but we doubt if the Cupertino Kids would discount anything more than 5%.

Reason two -- Apple Stores are, for the most part, hugely popular anyway. Apple doesn't need to drag in customers on Black Friday by enticing them with wicked discounts. Let's face it, most of the Apple Stores are going to be packed on November 27th, so why would Apple want to create traffic jams and general hysteria by doing something like this? Hell, most of the Apple retail employees would probably quit during Black Friday, leaving the company in the lurch for the rest of the holiday season.

Number three -- Historical precedence shows that Apple usually provides discounts on Black Friday, but not as big as BGR is indicating. In 2006, Apple provided free shipping to shoppers at the online store. Last year, Best Buy discounted up to US$150 on Macs and Apple matched that, but there was no steenkin' 25% discount.

And finally, reason number four -- Apple's probably not going to send out anything with that much blank space at the top of it. They're too picky about design. They don't want someone to have to scroll down through an email to read the discounts, even if there is an Apple logo floating around at the top of the email.

How sure are we that this isn't going to happen? Well, if it actually happens the way Boy Genius Report says it will, I'll wear a Boy Genius Report baseball cap (provided by BGR, of course) for four hours at Macworld Expo 2010 and give you guys some free advertising. TUAW readers -- what do you think about the discounts? Are they going to happen or not?

Apple giving huge discounts on Black Friday? No way! originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple giving huge discounts on Black Friday? No way! originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>appleBlack FridayBlackFridayBoyGeniusReportdiscountssmackdownSteven SandeTue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST5 apps for Thanksgiving (and not a turkey in the bunch!)http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/17/5-apps-for-thanksgiving-and-not-a-turkey-in-the-bunch/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/17/5-apps-for-thanksgiving-and-not-a-turkey-in-the-bunch/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/17/5-apps-for-thanksgiving-and-not-a-turkey-in-the-bunch/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Here in the USA we're preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving. The typical celebration includes a turkey dinner, family and football on television (and perhaps a drunken uncle or two). Before you set up the folding card table for the kids, check out these iPhone/iPod touch apps meant to make the day more enjoyable.

Thanksgiving Jokes

Serving the "perfect" dinner while dealing with annoying relatives is stressful, so cut the tension with corny jokes, courtesy of Thanksgiving Jokes [iTunes link]. This free app is based on Dustin Kirk's Stacks platform, which puts flash cards on your iPhone or iPod touch. There's a large variety of topics available from math to trivia: nearly 13,000 in total. Dustin breaks from academia with Thanksgiving Jokes and focuses on groan-inducing one-liners. And you thought the turkey was dry.

Turkey Recipes

In my day, recipes were taped to cabinet doors. Today there's cooking software and even a dedicated television network. iPhone users can download Turkey Recipes [iTunes link] for $0.99 and pick from 27 recipes. Once you've selected the one you like (or added your own), you're a click away from generating a shopping list. Back in the kitchen, flick through the easy-to-read instructions (just wipe your hands first) and compare your finished product to the included photo. Just don't be too hard on yourself.


Continue reading 5 apps for Thanksgiving (and not a turkey in the bunch!)

5 apps for Thanksgiving (and not a turkey in the bunch!) originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)5 apps for Thanksgiving (and not a turkey in the bunch!) originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>5appshggholidayiphoneipod touchIpodTouchthanksgivingDave CaoloTue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:00 ESTApple introduces reserve and pick-uphttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/07/apple-introduces-reserve-and-pick-up/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/07/apple-introduces-reserve-and-pick-up/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/11/07/apple-introduces-reserve-and-pick-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

As a guy who likes shopping online, but who still appreciates the act of going into a retail store for big purchases, I love this news. Apple has introduced a "Reserve and Pick-up" service for the holiday season.

The name is a little unwieldy, but it gets the point across. You go onto the Apple web site to find what you want, click to reserve the product at a nearby Apple Store, and then go to the store and pick up the goods while you're doing your holiday shopping between December 15 to 24.

For many folks, this might seem awkward -- why not just buy the product online and get it shipped, or just go to the store and buy it? For guys like me, it's perfect -- all of the convenience of choosing a product online, with the added bonus of being able to check out the retail store during the holidays.

iLounge notes that there's no AppleTV on the list, so if you were planning to pick one up as a gift, you'll have to go a more traditional route. There's also no way to actually reserve an iPhone. Instead, you're told to get an iPhone gift card to give to some lucky recipient. Nevertheless, I like the idea of reserve and pick-up, an interesting mix of online shopping and in-store purchasing for the holiday season. It's Apple take-out.

Apple introduces reserve and pick-up originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple introduces reserve and pick-up originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>appleapple-storeappletvhggholidayiphonepick-upreserveretailretail-storeshippedshippingMike SchrammSat, 07 Nov 2009 09:00:00 ESTTUAW's Halloween rounduphttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/30/tuaws-halloween-roundup/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/30/tuaws-halloween-roundup/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/30/tuaws-halloween-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A look at Halloween posts gone by...

Thumbnail for The TUAW Halloween costume gallery The TUAW Halloween costume gallery
We asked to see your Apple-themed Halloween costumes, and you delivered. As Mac fans everywhere head off to Halloween parties, it's clear that TUAW readers have created some great outfits.		 Thumbnail for A handful of Halloween for your iPhone or iPod touch A handful of Halloween for your iPhone or iPod touch
Ready for Halloween on your iPhone? The App Store provides a quick fix for trick-or-treaters, and the offerings provide a little of each category. Here's a sampling.
Thumbnail for Flickr Find: Mac-O-Lantern Flickr Find: Mac-O-Lantern
Halloween is just around the corner, and you know what means: spooky Macs! Tim emailed us to share his instructions for making a Mac-o-lantern out of a Mac Classic. Some tape, a can of spray paint...		 Also of interest:

TUAW's Halloween roundup originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)TUAW's Halloween roundup originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>costumecult of macCultOfMachalloweenholidayiphoneipumpkinmac-o-lanternTUAW BloggerFri, 30 Oct 2009 15:00:00 ESTFive Gifts for the Mac AV Geekhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/30/audio-video-mac-geek-gift-guide/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/30/audio-video-mac-geek-gift-guide/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/30/audio-video-mac-geek-gift-guide/#commentsFiled under: , ,

'Tis the season to be buying. But what do you get for that special geek in your life?

I can't speak for your geek, but I know what I'm asking Santa for this year - I just hope he's a TUAW reader. Whether he is or not, maybe going through my list will give you an idea on how to max out your credit card spread some holiday cheer this year.


Dear Santa,

I've been a good boy this year. I've cut back on the booze, and they don't greet me by name at the strip club anymore. So instead of a stocking full of coal, could you find it in your heart to bring me one or more of the following items on the night before Christmas? I know it's a long flight to New Zealand from the North Pole, but you've got to admit, at least the weather down here is waaaay better than in Cleveland this time of year.

First of all, I'd like a shiny new 802.11n Airport Express. I like my Time Capsule (when it's not being a recalcitrant piece of junk), but the 5GHz wireless signal doesn't reach from my living room all the way back to my office. With an Airport Express, I'd be able to extend the wireless signal from my Time Capsule to the other side of the house and geek away in privacy. That way my wife won't have to grit her teeth every five minutes when the theme from Metroid goes off at 80 decibels and tells me I got a new e-mail. And since the Airport Express is 802.11n-enabled, I'd still be able to back up my data to the Time Capsule at a brisk pace.

I'd also like these Shure SE115m+ earphones. I've been using a set of Shure E2cs for about three years now, and I love them, but the one big advantage the SE115m+ has is the controls built into the cord that would allow me to pause, play, and skip through tracks on my iPhone. I'd also be able to take calls, and it even has a built-in microphone. Santa, if I had these earphones I'd be able to put those white earbuds that came with my iPhone into a drawer and never look at them again, and that would make me a very happy boy indeed.

You know how I like to shoot HD video, right Santa? But not those kinds of videos, because that would get me on the naughty list. My MacBook Pro does a good job of encoding video - it works pretty close to real-time - but if I had an Elgato Turbo.264 HD Video Encoder, it would go so much faster. Like 3-4 times faster. That way I could spend less time waiting for videos to encode and more time drinking helping old ladies across the street.

If I'd been a really good boy this year, like if I'd won the Nobel Peace Prize or employee of the month at TUAW, I'd ask for a bona fide guitar amplifier. But since I haven't been that good, I'd settle for a Zoom G2.1U Guitar Effects Pedal with USB interface. This thing will simulate all kinds of guitar effects for me, and it'll plug right into my MacBook Pro. So far playing my guitar through Garageband has been an acceptable substitute for a real, live amplifier, but the one thing I definitely miss is all my effects pedals. Garageband includes lots of neat software effects that simulate pedals, but you can't stomp on them to switch them on and off. I know - I've tried.

Last thing, Santa: if none of those other things will fit in your bag, could you just get me a big, fat iTunes gift card? I've got nearly US$120 worth of songs I want to upgrade to iTunes Plus so I can stop worrying about DRM nonsense on my previous purchases and get higher-quality music in the process.

Thanks Santa. Next year I promise to be more helpful and honest and say fewer naughty words about New Zealand's telecommunications companies.

Five Gifts for the Mac AV Geek originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Five Gifts for the Mac AV Geek originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>airport expressAirportExpresschristmaselgatofeatureshanukkahhggholidayholiday gift guideHolidayGiftGuideituneskwanzaashuresolsticezoomChris RawsonFri, 30 Oct 2009 14:00:00 ESTApple to bring changes to retail storeshttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/apple-to-bring-changes-to-retail-stores/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/apple-to-bring-changes-to-retail-stores/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/apple-to-bring-changes-to-retail-stores/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As the holiday season brings additional shoppers to Apple's retail stores, they'll be making changes to ensure a pleasant experience for the new customers, ifoAppleStore reports.

First, they're going to ditch the color-coded Starfleet uniform T-shirts, which shoppers have found confusing. Instead, all employees will wear the same color. Next, the handheld checkout devices will be swapped out for specially-equipped iPod touches. A new scanner accessory will interact with point-of-sale software on the iPods. Best of all, employees will be able to accept cash from customers right where the stand, eliminating the often time-consuming walk to the cash register.

Watch for these changes at an Apple Store near you.

Apple to bring changes to retail stores originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple to bring changes to retail stores originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>appleholidaysretailshoppingDave CaoloThu, 29 Oct 2009 09:00:00 ESTVrooooom! Start your car (and more) from your iPhone or iPod touchhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/25/vrooooom-start-your-car-and-more-from-your-iphone-or-ipod-tou/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/25/vrooooom-start-your-car-and-more-from-your-iphone-or-ipod-tou/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/25/vrooooom-start-your-car-and-more-from-your-iphone-or-ipod-tou/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

TUAW reader Ethan pointed us in the direction of something new, cool, and available only for iPhone and iPod touch (take that, Palm Pre and Android phones!)

BestBuy has an exclusive on the new Viper SmartStart System, which can do a number of things for your wheels:
  • Start your car with virtually unlimited range
  • Warm your car in winter; cool your car in summer
  • Unlock your car or truck
  • Arm the alarm to protect your car
  • Activate panic alarm to protect yourself
  • Receive push-button status notifications
It uses a free iPhone app [iTunes link] to give you that remote love, like when you are visiting friends overseas and want to scare people by starting your car up while it's sitting by itself in the airport parking lot. The developers also note that in the near future, a new release of the app will give you push notification if your car alarm goes off.

There are two versions available: a module (SmartStart VSM100 Module, US$299.99) for cars that are already equipped with compatible Viper starting systems, and a fully loaded package (SmartStart VSM4000 System, US$499.99) for the rest of us.

Some of the app reviewers have noted that you're not only paying for the system and your iPhone bill, but there's also a US$29 monthly annual GSM service bill that you'll have to pay (the first year of service is complimentary with your purchase). However, if the money isn't an object and you're already clueless about what to get a loved one for Christmas, this might be an idea to consider.

Vrooooom! Start your car (and more) from your iPhone or iPod touch originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Vrooooom! Start your car (and more) from your iPhone or iPod touch originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bestbuyHGGiphoneipod touchIpodTouchremote startRemoteStartViperSmartstartSteven SandeSun, 25 Oct 2009 21:30:00 ESTFound Footage: iPhone costumes are either genius or deeply misguidedhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/25/found-footage-iphone-costumes-are-either-genius-or-deeply-misgu/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/25/found-footage-iphone-costumes-are-either-genius-or-deeply-misgu/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/25/found-footage-iphone-costumes-are-either-genius-or-deeply-misgu/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


You have to hand it to Reko and Bobby John for their stick-to-it-iveness; they were behind a similar set of iPhone costumes in 2007, but those didn't have the fully-functional power of these new outfits. Yes, those are LCD TVs on the front (not touchable, sadly) showing content from the (almost certainly) jailbroken iPhones mounted on top; yes, each getup weighs 85 pounds because it includes a car battery to power the display. I can see how the illusion would be broken by a 500-foot charging cable trailing behind them as they trick-or-treat their way around the subdivision.

There's a part of me that wants to tell these guys to apply their wild, inventive energy to more productive pursuits. And yet... there's another bit of reptile brain that simply sits and watches, in awe.

Thanks to John for the tip!

[via MacRumors Forums]

Found Footage: iPhone costumes are either genius or deeply misguided originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Found Footage: iPhone costumes are either genius or deeply misguided originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>costumefound footageFoundFootagehalloweeninsaneiphoneMichael RoseSun, 25 Oct 2009 12:30:00 ESTPachter: iPod touch is "dangerous" for game publishershttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/17/pachter-ipod-touch-is-dangerous-for-game-publishers/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/17/pachter-ipod-touch-is-dangerous-for-game-publishers/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/17/pachter-ipod-touch-is-dangerous-for-game-publishers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

It's been just over a year since we officially noticed that Apple was pushing towards gaming on the iPod touch, and while their advertising hasn't stopped pushing, the actual push hasn't quite gotten to a shove. If you look at this holiday season, certainly the iPod touch is a popular device, butt kids are still asking for the PSP Go and the Nintendo DSi, handheld units meant specifically for gaming. If Apple wants to trounce gaming the same way they've trounced the smartphone market with the iPhone, they've got a long road to travel.

But don't count them out yet, says analyst Michael Pachter -- he says the iPod touch is the "most dangerous thing that ever happened to the [major video game] publishers, ever." Apple's main handheld gaming device is $200 this Christmas, but he says next year it'll be $149, and the year after that, maybe $129. When, in the future, you can put down $99 and walk away with an iPod touch, says Pachter, then "every nine year old kid is going to have one of those instead of a DS or a PSP, and if you train kids that this is the game that you want to play... How about Tetris? Why would you pay USD 20 for Tetris when you can get it for USD 6.99 or USD 3.99 on iPod touch?"

Interesting point. It's true that console manufacturers have been hesitant to lower prices on their products (in fact, Sony's latest version of the PSP actually had a price increase), while Apple seems committed to pushing the prices on iPods ever cheaper. And yes, as long as companies keep releasing the same games on both devices for $30 on the DS and less than $10 on the App Store (and why shouldn't they -- no packaging, no distribution costs), people will go for the cheaper one. I don't expect to see the iPod touch as a huge winner this year (as a gaming competitor, I mean -- of course it'll sell by the truckloads), but Pachter seems right: wait until the prices drop, and the iPod touch might have traditional gaming devices shaking in their D-pads.

Pachter: iPod touch is "dangerous" for game publishers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Pachter: iPod touch is "dangerous" for game publishers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>app-storeapplecompetitiongamersgamingiphoneipod-touchnintendosonyMike SchrammSat, 17 Oct 2009 08:00:00 ESTCatch a satellite on your iPhone this weekendhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/05/catch-a-satellite-this-weekend/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/05/catch-a-satellite-this-weekend/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/05/catch-a-satellite-this-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

As summer draws to a close for much of the northern hemisphere, try to get outside for some (hopefully) clear skies and a little star gazing.

We've taken a good look at many of the star gazing apps available for the Mac and the iPhone, and I thought it would be fun to try the 'next step', an iPhone app that finds passing satellites and the International Space Station. There are a lot of websites that give you this information, but having it in an app is even nicer.

I've just tried Satellite Visibility [iTunes link], a US$2.99 app that does the job and worked for me the first time out. You tell the app where you are, or let the phone GPS determine your location. You then get a list of all the brighter manmade objects hurtling around the earth that you can see over the next couple days.

If you click on one, you get detailed info on when it appears, when it falls into the earth's shadow, and what direction to look. In addition, you get little sky maps that show where the object will be in a graphic format.

It was partly cloudy here in Arizona last night, but I did locate the International Space Station as it made about a 1 minute appearance in the southern skies before it went behind a cloud bank.

The data for the app comes from a useful website called Heavens Above which has the information that this iPhone app picks up and uses.

The charts are helpful, but the trail of the satellite against the sky is sometimes subtle on the small iPhone screen. Even though I had my GPS radio on, each time I used the app it turned that option off. It does retain your last location, but I think it should just grab the info and not change my settings.

There are other similar apps available for the iPhone, some more expensive; others are free but missing some features that Satellite Visibility has. I think this app has a nice mix for the money.

If all you want is info for passes of the International Space Station, the developer has a US$1.99 app [iTunes app] that skips all the other satellite data.

I think hunting satellites is fun on a nice clear night, so here's a fresh holiday weekend activity you might enjoy.

Click below for a few screen shots:

Gallery: Satellite Visibility

Catch a satellite on your iPhone this weekend originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 05 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Catch a satellite on your iPhone this weekend originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 05 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>app storeastronomyiPhoneSatellite VisibilitySatelliteVisibilityMel MartinSat, 05 Sep 2009 15:00:00 ESTTraveling this weekend? Win a $100 gas card from App Cubby and TUAWhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/04/traveling-this-weekend-win-a-100-gas-card-from-app-cubby-and-t/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/04/traveling-this-weekend-win-a-100-gas-card-from-app-cubby-and-t/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/04/traveling-this-weekend-win-a-100-gas-card-from-app-cubby-and-t/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to statistics released this week from AAA, 39.1 million Americans are expected to take a trip of 50 miles or more away from home. That's a lot of driving, a lot of gas, and consequently a lot of cold hard cash. TUAW and App Cubby would like to help make this holiday more fuel efficient -- and for one lucky TUAW reader, a lot less expensive.

Tracking fuel economy over time is the best way to make sure you and your vehicle are driving as efficiently as possible. With Gas Cubby [iTunes link] on sale from now until Labor Day for only $2.99, you've got one less excuse for not being more aware of your gas consumption. Gas Cubby makes tracking fuel economy quick, easy, and, dare we say, fun (that's what Dave had to say in his review of Gas Cubby 2.0).

Leave your favorite green driving tip in the comments and we'll select someone at random and send that person a $100 Shell gas card.
  • Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 and older.
  • To enter leave a comment telling us your favorite green driving tip.
  • The comment must be left before Monday, September 8, 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time.
  • You may enter only once.
  • One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
  • Prize: Shell gas card ($100 value)
  • Click Here for complete Official Rules.

Traveling this weekend? Win a $100 gas card from App Cubby and TUAW originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Traveling this weekend? Win a $100 gas card from App Cubby and TUAW originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>app cubbyAppCubbygas cubbyGasCubbygiveawayiphonetravelVictor Agreda, Jr.Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:00:00 ESTHappy Easter from TUAWhttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/04/12/happy-easter-from-tuaw/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/04/12/happy-easter-from-tuaw/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/04/12/happy-easter-from-tuaw/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Today is Easter for those of you celebrating around the world, and what better way to celebrate than with Peeps? Specifically Peeps attending an Apple event -- these guys were made by Sarah Kohari and Erin Mastrangelo of Washington, and are part of the Washington Post's yearly Peeps diorama contest. This one is number 38, and they also made number 39 as well.

We like it, obviously, especially the little Steve Jobs peep, as well as the iPeep nanos (in, apparently, all of the different colors Peeps come in). Happy Easter to everyone -- may you have candy and chocolate of all kinds (if that's what you're looking for today), and may all of your egg finding go well.

Happy Easter from TUAW originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Happy Easter from TUAW originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>apple-eventcandydioramaeastereggshappy-easterholidayspeepsrabbitssteve-jobssugartuawwashington-postMike SchrammSun, 12 Apr 2009 14:00:00 ESTTUAW 2016http://www.tuaw.com/2009/04/01/tuaw-2016/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/04/01/tuaw-2016/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/04/01/tuaw-2016/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Good afternoon, and welcome to your daily brainload from TUAW, a division of Weblogs, Inc. owned by Comcast Online. Please make sure the neural connector is clicked in all the way, and then think "Start" when you are ready.

Steve Jobs returns to Apple's Board of Directors after stint at GM
Steve Jobs announced his return to Apple today after a government-mandated stint as CEO of General Motors. Obama White House spokesperson Ruth Christopher stated that since Jobs had saved the American auto company with the introduction of the extremely popular flyCar, he could return to his usual duties. Apple executives released a statement saying they were "overjoyed" to have Jobs back on the job.

New MacBooks and Mac mini appear on Apple Store site
Apple has quietly updated its legacy line of personal computers, adding exabyte molecular hard drives and gigacore nanoprocessors without raising the prices. Fans, unfortunately, were unimpressed with the updates -- "my implants can move faster than that," John Gruber transmitted to his brainload feed, along with a TwitFeeling of disappointment and anger. But Apple defended the updates, stating that the new computers were "perfect for the older member of your family who still need their hardware in the box, rather than out of it." Anyone who has purchased one of the older units in the past six months (if there are any of you out there still buying hardware) can be eligible for an exchange at any Apple center.

MobileMe announces record number of subscribers
Over three billion people have subscribed to Apple's MobileMe service since its reintroduction two years ago, according to a new study transmitted by analysts NPD. Apparently people love the fact that they no longer have to carry an iPhone, a laptop, or any hardware at all, as MobileMe now works directly with tiny processors implanted into your head to bring you brainloads, news, TwitFeelings, and the Webview over the cloud directly into your visual and memory cortexes.

"People really love not having to deal with devices or pesky buttons," said an NPD analyst. "MobileMe allows them to connect directly into the ethersphere, leaving them open to do or think or feel anything while anywhere." The price of the system was also lauded as one of the reasons it's so popular. Apparently after the big economic meltdown in 2010, Apple's customers are thrilled to get a full-service communication package for just over a billion dollars a year. "MobileMe has never been so worth it," said longtime user Dave Caolo.

Apple announces event next Tuesday: "Go ahead. Take a guess, suckers."
Press outlets around the brainsphere have recieved invites from Apple for an event next Tuesday in Chicago's Willis Tower (up until two years ago, events like this were held in San Franscisco at the Moscone Center, but of course the unfortunate earthquakes and flooding in 2014 mean that all of California is currently underwater). Rumors are flying about what might be announced at the event, but Apple hasn't given any indication of what there might be -- in fact, the invite itself features a question mark, and the text: "Take a guess, suckers. You still haven't gotten it right."

Most brainloaders have speculated that the event may finally feature the debut of the long-awaited iTablet, or maybe, finally, the reveal of The Beatles unenhanced audio recordings into the iCollective. Either way, TUAW won't be there: we still haven't gotten an invite. But we will, as usual, be providing Mike Schramm's unfiltered thoughts on the event live as it happens. Remember to make sure your children are unplugged at the time.

TUAW 2016 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)TUAW 2016 originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>appleapril-foolsbuttonsdave-caolodevicesgruberhumormobilemenpdsillysteve-jobstuawtwitfeelingsMike SchrammWed, 01 Apr 2009 19:00:00 ESTLucky Bags sold in Japanese Apple Storehttp://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/05/lucky-bags-sold-in-japanese-apple-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/05/lucky-bags-sold-in-japanese-apple-store/http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/05/lucky-bags-sold-in-japanese-apple-store/#commentsFiled under: ,

Fukubukuro, or "Mystery Bag," is a Japanese New Year's Day tradition during which merchants sell sealed bags of various items at a substantial discount, often as high as 50%. Apple participated this year, and one lucky shopper, Justin, blogged his experience.

For the approximate equivalent of $384US, Justin received

  • an 8 GB iPod touch
  • Nike iPod sensor and armband
  • Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere2 speaker set
  • Cool, re-useable bag (at right)
  • Commemorative T-shirt
  • 2009 calendar

Quite a haul! Shoppers lined up at midnight on January 2nd for a chance to buy one of Apple's Mystery Bags. I'm thinking that US retailers need to adopt this tradition.

[Via ifoAppleStore]

Lucky Bags sold in Japanese Apple Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Lucky Bags sold in Japanese Apple Store originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>apple retailApple StoreAppleRetailAppleStoreFukubukurojapanDave CaoloMon, 05 Jan 2009 17:00:00 ESTApple ranked #4 among online retailershttp://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/31/apple-ranked-4-among-online-retailers/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/31/apple-ranked-4-among-online-retailers/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/31/apple-ranked-4-among-online-retailers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A holiday survey of shopper satisfaction with e-retailers ranked Apple as number 4, with 78% of customers pleased with purchases made on the Apple website. The survey was conducted by ForeSee Results and FGI Research.

Only two online retailers scored above 80 percent, with Amazon and Netflix tied at 84%. QVC.com ranked third. The survey is intended to be predictive for how companies will do in 2009. Retailers losing some customer confidence included Circuit City, Gap, Home Depot, HSN, Neiman Marcus, and Overstock.com.

Larry Freed, President and CEO of ForeSee Results, said that too many e-retailers aren't paying attention to metrics like customer satisfaction and he said "that's just not playing to win in this economy."

Apple is down 1% from last year's rankings. In general, Apple does very well in surveys that measure customer loyalty, product reliability, and service and support.

2009 could be a tough year for brick and mortar and online retailers, so every little bit of customer pleasure really helps translate into sales.

Apple ranked #4 among online retailers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)Apple ranked #4 among online retailers originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Apple Storecustomer satisfactionholiday salessurveysMel MartinWed, 31 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST