Dropbox for Mac adds 'Import from iPhoto,' more features

Dropbox for Mac adds 'Import from iPhoto,' more features -

Dropbox has released version 2.4 of its OS X desktop client that adds a number of new features including the ability to import photos directly from iPhoto into your Dropbox. The "Import from iPhoto" feature is only supported with iPhoto 7.0 or later. The feature prompts a notification to appear in the Dropbox menu if you have photos in your iPhoto library. You can then set iPhoto Events to be imported automatically into a folder called "Photos from iPhoto" with subfolders for each event.

In addition to the Import from iPhoto even, Dropbox 2.4 also adds:

• Screenshot to Dropbox: any screenshots taken on your Mac will be automatically saved in your Dropbox.
• Move to Dropbox: a contextual menu item that will show up for most files or folders outside of your Dropbox enabling you to quickly move them to your Dropbox.
• Support for OS X 10.9 Mavericks.
• Much faster upload/download speeds for large files.

Dropbox 2.4 can be downloaded here.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Mariano Rivera Leaves the Mound at Yankee Stadium

Mariano Rivera Leaves the Mound at Yankee Stadium -

It’s been rough year for the Yankees, but they know how to do things like this right. What a great send-off.

(Via Daring Fireball.)

Apple Has Raised $65 Million for (Product) RED Fight Against AIDS

Apple Has Raised $65 Million for (Product) RED Fight Against AIDS - U2 singer Bono, who heads up the (Product) RED charity Apple has collaborated with since 2006, today announced (via TechCrunch) Apple has raised more than $65 million to fight AIDS in Africa.

Since it first debuted a special edition (Product) RED iPod nano in 2006, Apple has released a number of (RED) devices, including several iPod nanos and shuffles. The company has also produced a (RED) iPad Smart Cover, iPad mini Smart Cover, and an iPhone Bumper, along with a new (RED) iPhone 5s case. For every (RED) product bought, Apple donates a portion of the purchase price to the charity.

(RED) works with companies like Apple to fight for an AIDS-free generation by 2015 by creating (PRODUCT) RED merchandise. A percentage of gross profits from the sale of those products goes to the Global Fund to help fund AIDS programs in Africa.

(Product) RED is affiliated with several other companies in addition to Apple, including Starbucks, Nike, and American Express, raising more than $200 million to date.

(Via MacRumors : Mac News and Rumors.)

Square prompts iOS 7 users to allow microphone access for its reader

Square prompts iOS 7 users to allow microphone access for its reader -

Square has sent an email out to its users noting that they may have to make some slight settings changes if they want to continue using the Square credit card reader on their iPhone. The changes come from a new security setting in iOS 7 in which the user needs to grant each app access to the microphone or else the app will not be able to use it -- or anything that's plugged into it, like the Square reader.

The email lays out the steps users must take to approve Square Register for microphone access:

When you update your Apple device to iOS 7, you may need to adjust your microphone in order to swipe payment cards with your card reader.

If you have already updated to iOS 7, please allow Square Register to access the microphone. Here's how:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone
2. Turn on the Square Register slider
3. Relaunch Square Register and swipe away!

If you have not yet updated to iOS 7, your app will function normally. When you do update, follow the prompt to allow microphone access the first time you open Square Register.

Though this email addresses how to approve Square Register, you follow the exact same steps for any other app that needs microphone access. You'll only have to go through these steps for existing apps on your iPhone that were on it before you updated to iOS 7. Any new apps you download will prompt you to give them access to your microphone the first time you launch them.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Images From Space Confirm Pakistan Earthquake Created New Island

Images From Space Confirm Pakistan Earthquake Created New Island - We now have confirmation from space that a new island has formed off the coast of Pakistan. Yesterday, NASA sent their Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) satellite to check on the situation, and it took the picture on the right above (and below). The island is most likely a pile of mud from the ocean floor that erupted as a mud volcano shortly after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck northwestern Pakistan.

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

Amazon Introduces 7" and 8.9" Kindle Fire HDX at $229 and $379, Kindle Fire HD Now Starts at $139

Amazon Introduces 7" and 8.9" Kindle Fire HDX at $229 and $379, Kindle Fire HD Now Starts at $139 - With Apple expected to introduce a new line of iPads in the coming months including a thinner, lighter full-sized iPad and an iPad mini with Retina display, Amazon has refreshed its Kindle Fire line, headlined by the redesigned, 7-inch Kindle Fire HDX with a resolution of 1900x1200 at 323 pixels-per-inch (PPI) and the new 8.9 inch Kindle Fire HDX tablet with a resolution of 2560x1600 at 339 PPI.

As noted by The Verge, both of the Android-based tablets feature a new quad-core 2.2GHz Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, Dolby Digital Plus audio, a 720p front-facing camera, and a new Adreno 330 GPU, with up to 11 hours of battery life, or an extended 17 hours of battery life for strictly-reading use. Both tablets also feature the new Fire OS 3.0 “Mojito”, and an on-screen “Mayday” button, which enables live on-device tech support. Specifically, the feature allows for an Amazon technical support advisor to walk users through any feature with 24/7 one-way video support, enabling tech agents to draw on the screen and even remote control the device for support purposes.

The standard 7-inch Kindle Fire HDX is priced at $229 with 16GB, but Amazon is also offering a $329 version of the model with 4G LTE connectivity. Meanwhile, the 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HDX starts at $379 for the 16GB model, but also has an LTE option priced at $479. The 7-inch Kindle Fire HDX ships on October 18, with the LTE option shipping on November 14. The non-LTE 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HDX ships on November 7, with the LTE configuration of the model shipping on December 10.

Finally, Amazon has also updated the 16GB 7-inch Kindle Fire HD with a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and is now selling it at a new lower price of $169, down from the previous price of $199. Like the two higher-end Kindle Fire tablets, the Kindle Fire HD also features the new Fire OS 3.0 Mojito, which contains new features such as multi-tasking, speed enhancements, new content management options, and additional accessibility features. Additionally, a new 8GB model of the Kindle Fire HD is retailing for $139, with both models scheduled to ship on October 2.

(Via MacRumors : Mac News and Rumors.)

Apple now offering older iOS device owners 'last compatible version' of apps

Apple now offering older iOS device owners 'last compatible version' of apps -

Apple has begun offering owners of older iOS devices the "last compatible version" of apps that will run on their device, as noticed by Reddit members. For example, if an iPhone 3G owner tries to download the latest Twitter app, a dialog box will pop up alerting them that the most recent version of the app is not compatible with their device, but they can opt to download the last version that will run.

As Engadget notes:

We've successfully installed an older version of Instagram to an iPhone 3GS with iOS 4.3.3 and Twitter to an iPhone 3G running iOS 4.2.1. Although Instagram was "out of date," the last compatible version of Twitter (featured above) was version 4.3.2, and hit the App Store back on August 18th, 2012.

It's a smart move, as older iPhones are resold around the world and often stay in use years after Apple stopped selling the device. This allows those owners to have access to apps that run efficiently on those devices, which helps with the overall user experience and Apple's ecosystem.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

iOS 7 Quick Guide: Back up now!

iOS 7 Quick Guide: Back up now! -

It may not be "World Backup Day" by the letter of the law, but it might as well be in spirit. iOS 7 is due to drop tomorrow, and we at TUAW would gently like to remind you to perform a backup before the new firmware is released.

You'll want a clean, recent copy of all your files (especially all those levels you so laboriously earned and all your precious media like the pics of your pets and kids, not to mention those awesome barista swirls).

We recommend connecting your iPhone to a computer and using the manual "Back Up Now" option, so you can be sure that all your data and all your media is safely copied.

Happy upgrades everyone!

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Amazon’s Instant Video iOS app now lets you stream to Apple TV via AirPlay

Amazon’s Instant Video iOS app now lets you stream to Apple TV via AirPlay -

Amazon’s Instant Video iOS app, which allows users to watch video content purchased from Amazon and stream Prime Instant Video content, will now work better with Apple devices: In an update on Tuesday, Amazon added the ability to stream content from the app to Apple TV via AirPlay.

The update was a long time coming: The Instant Video iOS app was first released in July 2012. On iTunes, the app had garnered thousands of negative reviews for its lack of compatibility with AirPlay.

Apple TV still doesn’t have a native Amazon Instant Video app (Roku does), but this might be a step toward that.

The update also included more integration with IMDB, which is owned by Amazon.

(Via TheAppleBlog.)

Take a tour of Abbey Road Studios

Take a tour of Abbey Road Studios - A tour around the historic, epic, and incredible Abbey Road Studios. [Read more]

(Via CNET News.com.)

Office for Mac 2011 14.3.7 makes bugfixes, minor upgrades

Office for Mac 2011 14.3.7 makes bugfixes, minor upgrades - Microsoft has released a new patch for Office for Mac, v14.3.7. The code is primarily a maintenance release, cleaning up bugs in the software. It does however add a collection of improvements to Outlook, such as pane navigation, item sort order in the View menu, and the ability to insert images via the Format menu ...

(Via MacNN | The Macintosh News Network.)

Bob Geldof will be first rock-n-roller to blast into space

Bob Geldof will be first rock-n-roller to blast into space - The Boomtown Rats frontman and Live Aid mastermind is scheduled to be a passenger on a commercial flight to go see the cosmos up close and personal.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Microsoft releases fixes, critical security update for Office 2011

Microsoft releases fixes, critical security update for Office 2011 -
Microsoft has pushed out an update to Microsoft Office 2011 that fixes numerous issues with the suite as well as addresses a critical security flaw. The Office for Mac 2011 14.3.7 fixes a long list of bugs, most notably several with Outlook:

• Improves opening and checking out a file from SharePoint in Microsoft PowerPoint for Mac
• This update fixes an issue that may sometimes cause Mac Office to crash when you try to open Office documents from a SharePoint site.
• Improves access to customer's spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel for Mac
• This update fixes an issue that causes Excel to randomly crash when a file contains several drop-down macros.
• Improves message browsing using screen reader software in Outlook for Mac
• This update fixes an issue that causes certain information in the navigation pane and message list to not be read by screen reader software.
• Adds item sort order to the View menu in Outlook for Mac
• This update includes functionality that lets you change the sort order of Outlook items in the Outlook item list through the View menu. Menu items are located in the Arrange By submenu.
• Includes pane navigation functionality in Outlook for Mac
• This update includes functionality that lets you move quickly through the navigation pane, the reading pane, and the Outlook item list using the View menu, the Previous Pane keyboard shortcut, and the Next Pane keyboard shortcut.
• Improves message and meeting viewing and composing using screen reader in Outlook for Mac
• This update fixes an issue that causes certain message and meeting information to not be read by screen reader software.
• Improves the Contacts Search panel in Outlook for Mac
• This update fixes an issue that causes action buttons for search results to not be keyboard-accessible.
• Adds an Insert Image command to the Format menu in Outlook for Mac
• This update includes functionality that lets you insert images into Outlook items though the Format menu.
• Improves the ability to move through meeting attendee free/busy information using screen reader software in Outlook for Mac
• This update fixes an issue that causes free/busy information in the Scheduling Assistant to not be read by screen reader software.
• Improves the ability to add and edit accounts using screen reader software in Outlook for Mac
• This update fixes an issue that causes certain account information to not be read by screen reader software.

The Office for Mac 2011 14.3.7 update is recommended for all users and can be downloaded by running Microsoft AutoUpdate on your Mac or via the Microsoft Download Center here.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Apple adds $59 AppleCare+ for iPod Classic and iPod touch

Apple adds $59 AppleCare+ for iPod Classic and iPod touch -

Apple has quietly added a US$59 AppleCare+ plan for the iPod Classic and iPod touch. Like other products eligible for AppleCare+ plans, the iPod Classic and iPod touch can now get an additional one year of warranty coverage, a total of two years of phone support, and two incidents of repair or replacement due to accidental damage (with an additional $29 fee to cover accidental damage when it occurs).

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Dyson Accuses Samsung of Vacuum Cleaner Design Rip-Off

Dyson Accuses Samsung of Vacuum Cleaner Design Rip-Off -

Jennifer Rankin, reporting for The Guardian:

“This looks like a cynical rip-off by the giant Korean company Samsung,” said company founder, Sir James Dyson. “Although they are copying Dyson’s patented technology, their machine is not the same. Samsung has many patent lawyers so I find it hard not to believe that this is a deliberate or utterly reckless infringement of our patent.” Samsung dismissed the claims as “groundless”.

Shocker.

(Via Daring Fireball.)

Amazon warns users to update iOS Kindle app before installing iOS 7

Amazon warns users to update iOS Kindle app before installing iOS 7 -

Readers of Kindle books, take note: Amazon has issued a critical update to its Kindle app on iOS, warning users to install the latest update before upgrading to iOS 7 or risk losing their Kindle libraries. The company pushed out the Kindle 3.9.2 update last night to the App Store. In the app's release notes, the company states:

This is a fix for a Kindle issue with the upcoming iOS 7 OS upgrade that may cause customers to have to re-register and re-download books from Amazon. Please download and install - this is a required update before upgrading to iOS 7.

Without Amazon explicitly stating what the problem is, it's not clear whether the fault lies in the Amazon app itself or in some code in iOS 7. Should users fail to update the app before they install iOS 7, they will have to re-register and then re-download all their Kindle books, but that's as far as their troubles would go; there's no suggestion from Amazon that failure to do so would produce dire consequences, like losing all their Kindle books across multiple devices.

Amazon warns users to update iOS Kindle app before installing iOS 7 originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 09 Sep 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Source | Permalink | Email this | Comments

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Rumor Roundup: 'Apple likely to (verb) (product) in (year)'

Rumor Roundup: 'Apple likely to (verb) (product) in (year)' -

Here's what we know for certain about the upcoming September 10 event:

A new Apple product of some kind will be announced. Probably an iPhone.

Here's what we suspect will be announced at the September 10 iPhone event, based on the few credible rumors skimmed from the meniscus layer of a deep ocean of BS:

The next-gen iPhone will probably be called the iPhone 5S. With few exceptions, it will look externally identical to the iPhone 5. It will likely have a faster CPU. It may have an improved camera, including a dual flash. It may or may not have a fingerprint sensor.

Alongside this, the iPhone 5C is likely to be announced. This is an iPhone with a plastic backside that will be available in multiple colors. In most other respects, including the internal components, it appears similar to the iPhone 5. This may or may not be the long-rumored "cheap iPhone" that's been the object of endless speculation for years; the biggest unanswered question about this supposed low-cost product is just how low that cost will be.

Definitely not showing up at the September 10 event:

• New iPads
• Apple HDTV (sorry, Gene)
• iWatch

If Apple has any surprises up its sleeve, it's successfully managed to keep them hidden from the eagerly drooling jaws of the rumor blogs. Speaking of which, let's see what they've been up to this week.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Apple Announcement Event Tomorrow: Where to Watch

Apple Announcement Event Tomorrow: Where to Watch -

Tomorrow's the big day. Apple's holding its September 10 announcement event, and rumors suggest that we'll see the announcement of the iPhone 5S, the low-cost iPhone 5C, the "gold" iPhone 5S, and iOS 7 itself. As usual, we'll be covering the event and publishing articles online as we hear the news, but if you want to follow along yourself, we've provided a few links to help.

(Via Mac|Life all.)

Counting down the iPod's days

Counting down the iPod's days -

Ars Technica Editor-at-Large Jacqui Cheng offered up an opinion on Thursday on "Why the days are numbered for the legacy iPod." The original iPod with scroll wheel was introduced in October 2001. The currently selling iPod classic was introduced in September 2008 (the earlier version from 2007 was discontinued with the introduction of the newer model).

Cheng offers the continuous decline since 2009 in sales of the whole iPod category as evidence that it's time to retire the product line or at the very least some of the iPod models. She notes that in the third quarter over the past five years alone, the sales drop is significant: Apple "sold 4.57 million iPods during Q3 ... In Q3 2012, Apple sold 6.75 million iPods; in Q3 2011, Apple sold 7.54 million; and in Q3 2010, Apple sold 9.41 million." She predicts a showing of less than 4 million units sold in Q4 2013.

She also takes into account how Apple retires products with old technology. With the charging cable update from the 30-pin rectangle to the new Lightning connector in iOS devices, she seems to doubt that the iPod products will receive that upgrade. While she implies that some of the iPod products could be retired this year, she does clarify that they are still making money, so maybe Apple will wait to put them on the chopping block. The Ars Technica article's comments section includes messages from many people who don't seem to agree with Cheng's opinion and presents an interesting read.

Related Stories

Happy anniversary to the venerable iPod touch, by Victor Agreda, Jr. (9/5/13)

Create a bootable iPod classic, Steven Sande (9/5/13)

Six cool upgrades for an old iPod, Kelly Hodgkins (3/15/13)

Steve Jobs reportedly says "no plans" to discontinue iPod Classic, Megan Lavey-Heaton (3/23/11)

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Google introduces Chrome app launcher for Mac

Google introduces Chrome app launcher for Mac -

This past July, Google released a Chrome app launcher for Windows. Today, Mac users can finally get in on the fun, as Google has released a developer preview of the app launcher for Mac. The Chrome app launcher allows you to open your favorite Google apps like Gmail and Drive right from your dock.

Using the app launcher is simple. Click on the dock icon and a popup menu opens showing the apps you currently have installed. Each app will open in its own window outside of Chrome, just like any normal desktop program.

Most apps are streamlined for use, meaning you're free from normal tabs, buttons and text boxes that might normally distract you from your work. They're also connected to the cloud, silently updating themselves and your work without the hassles of hitting save. Your apps are also synced across your devices, allowing you to pick up your work regardless of where you last left off.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Kindle MatchBook to offer cheap, free ebooks from past Amazon orders

Kindle MatchBook to offer cheap, free ebooks from past Amazon orders - Amazon has announced a new program that will provide Kindle owners digital copies of books they already own. Kindle MatchBook will allow Amazon customers to get an ebook version of physical versions bought through the retailer in the past, with titles either being offered at no charge or for between $0.99 and $2.99 each ...

(Via MacNN | The Macintosh News Network.)

This watch-like recording device is always listening

This watch-like recording device is always listening - Kapture, a new hardware project launched Tuesday on Kickstarter, is just waiting for you to tell it when to save the last 60 seconds of whatever was said. Scary? Cool? Maybe both.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Neil Young's high-def music format Pono due next year

Neil Young's high-def music format Pono due next year - Rocker says new audio format will debut in early 2014, along with a portable music player and a library of music in the format.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Amazon's New Kindle Paperwhite Gets Official

Amazon's New Kindle Paperwhite Gets Official - The new Kindle Paperwhite has better contrast, an updated built-in light, and a faster processor than its predecessor. It also gets Goodreads integration and Amazon's new Kindle Page Flip feature.

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

Lava Lamp's 50 Years of Gooey Light

Lava Lamp's 50 Years of Gooey Light - Invented by British accountant Edward Craven-Walker, the first Lava Lamp appeared in stores 50 years ago today.

(Via Wired Top Stories.)