MacCentricity

How to Enhance Old Pictures in iPhoto

2012-02-26T14:04:00.001-08:00

Restoring old family photos is easier than you might think in iPhoto

Early photographs keep surprisingly well compared to more modern dye-based prints from the 70s and 80s. But they do eventually deteriorate – the paper gets creased and mottled by mold, which thrives in the damp garages and lofts where most of us keep our old family photos.

So it’s a good idea to scan them in as digital images before they get past the point of no return, especially given the upsurge in interest in family history. This doesn’t have to take forever, and you don’t need a fancy scanner. Any desktop multi-function device is adequate, and many can scan several smaller pictures at once and save them as separate images, saving you time.

BEFORE: Old Victorian photos are prime material for iPhoto retouching.

AFTER: Using iPhoto’s tools, you can bring your pictures into the 21st century!

You don’t need fancy software, either. If you were attempting a top-quality restoration of a badly degraded image, you’d be better off in Photoshop, but usually you can get by with a handful of adjustments and iPhoto’s Retouch tool.

Old photos usually have the same problems: fading, color shifts, skew, creases and scratches, and marks and stains on the paper base. The picture in our walkthrough has most of these, and presents an especially challenging retouching job.

There’s a knack to using the Retouch tool. Although it appears to fix blemishes by magic, it’s actually using the surrounding areas as the source for the repair. This means that if you get the Retouch brush too close to an area of different tone some of it can "bleed into your repair. You can also "brush" as well as "dab", but while "dabbing,” maintains the original texture of the area quite well, "brushing" tends to smear the pixels and produce an unnaturally smooth-looking repair.

But you can use this to your advantage when enhancing portraits like this one. Let’s have a look.

(Via Mac|Life all.)

8 Excellent iOS Apps for Writers

2012-02-24T16:01:00.001-08:00

8 Excellent iOS Apps for Writers -

One of the great things about being a writer in these tech-driven times is the ability to work from just about anywhere. Productivity while on the go can be a life-saver, but even bashing out a chapter of your novel or penning magazine articles from the comfort of your cushy couch has its own perks. Luckily, the App Store is brimming with handy tools for writer folks. From organizing your thoughts and taking notes to conducting research and knocking out articles without a computer, we’ve rounded up eight must-have apps to help you get the words flowing.

(Via Mac|Life all.)

So how much is a fair price to pay for an e-book?

2012-02-24T15:59:00.001-08:00

So how much is a fair price to pay for an e-book? - This issue is going nuclear and a lot of people believe that charging $10 or more for the portability and convenience of an e-book is ridiculous.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Dropbox update brings photo uploads

2012-02-24T15:58:00.003-08:00

Dropbox update brings photo uploads - Dropbox wants to be your new online photo repository: An update to the service allows you to automatically upload full-size copies of your snaps, whether you're on a Mac, PC, Android phone, or (coming soon) iOS device.

(Via Macworld.)

Will Apple dump the iPhone’s aging 30-pin connector?

2012-02-24T15:58:00.001-08:00

Will Apple dump the iPhone’s aging 30-pin connector? -

For a company as forward-thinking as Apple has been in the mobile world, it still depends on a relic of its pre-iOS days as the primary connection for charging iPhones and iPads. But now that Apple can update its iOS devices over wireless networks, the 30-pin connector may have run its course.

(Via TheAppleBlog.)

iFixit Takes a Closer Look at the 'iPad 3 Retina Display'

2012-02-24T15:57:00.001-08:00

iFixit Takes a Closer Look at the 'iPad 3 Retina Display' - Last week, we reported that we had been able to obtain a 9.7-inch display claimed to be for the iPad 3, confirming through microscopic analysis that the display offers twice the linear resolution and four times the total number of pixels as the iPad 2.

iFixit's comparison of iPad 2 and iPad 3 display pixels
We've since shared the display with our friends at iFixit to see if they could power the screen and otherwise take a closer look at it. Unfortunately, with the different connector on the new display, iFixit was unable to directly hook the display up to the guts of an iPad 2. Meanwhile, efforts to map the pins of the two displays in an attempt to jury-rig the iPad 3 display were believed to be too substantial to undertake with the limited time and no guarantees of success. iFixit was, however, able to confirm our findings of an ultra-high resolution display that quadruples the number of pixels over the previous-generation iPads.

(Via MacRumors : Mac News and Rumors.)

Houston to NASA Mainframe: You're Through!

2012-02-17T12:28:00.001-08:00

Houston to NASA Mainframe: You're Through! - First the Space Shuttle, now the mainframe. It seems like NASA is doing away with the last vestiges of its swinging '70s heyday, when TV astronauts were played by stars such as Farrah Fawcette. NASA pulled the plug on its last mainframe computer this month, an IBM Z9 mainframe at the Marshall Space Flight Center, NASA's giant research facility near Huntsville, Alabama.

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

Amazon seen micromanaging next Kindle Fire to trim price

2012-02-17T12:26:00.001-08:00

Amazon seen micromanaging next Kindle Fire to trim price - Amazon may be hoping to shave even more costs ...

(Via MacNN | The Macintosh News Network.)

Amazon Kindle Fire climbs to top of Android pack

2012-02-17T12:23:00.001-08:00

Amazon Kindle Fire climbs to top of Android pack - A new report from IHS iSuppli tells us that Amazon is on its way to owning the Android tablet space with a 14 percent market share for the Kindle Fire.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Iraq war veteran's iPod found 6,000 miles away, returned to him

2012-02-16T10:05:00.001-08:00

Iraq war veteran's iPod found 6,000 miles away, returned to him -

You always hear about a lost cat or a dog traveling hundreds of miles to find its owner. Here's a story from WFMY2 News in Greensboro, NC about an iPod that traveled thousands of miles to make its way home to a soldier in Iraq. The story begins with Venice Curtis,who had an iPod that he used for music, to take photos and keep track of contacts while serving in the Middle East. He sent the device home to Louisiana, but it was lost in transit. Believing the device was gone, Curtis got a new one for Christmas.

In the meantime, fourteen-year-old Dalton Williams was at Cone Hospital in Greensboro, North Carolina. Deep in the crack of a waiting room couch, he found an iPod. He reached down into the crevice, so small his hand could barely fit, and pulled out the device. Browsing through the iPod, he saw pictures of military helicopters and names of people with their ranks. After doing some sleuthing with his Dad, Williams found Venice Curtis, the iPod's rightful owner. The teenager sent the device back to Curtis, with a note thanking him for his service to our country.

Curtis talked to News 2 and said he was thankful that Williams sent him his iPod back, but was more grateful for the heartfelt note.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Skype co-founder wants to give you free mobile broadband

2012-02-16T10:02:00.001-08:00

Skype co-founder wants to give you free mobile broadband - Backed by Niklas Zennstrom, the industry disruptor behind Skype, FreedomPop selects Clearwire for its new free mobile broadband service.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Lemnis unwraps LED bulb under $5

2012-02-15T22:43:00.001-08:00

Lemnis unwraps LED bulb under $5 - Lemnis Lighting introduces two no-frills LED bulbs--one priced under $5 and one under $7--that don't give off much light but may tempt consumers to try efficient LEDs for general lighting.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Why NASA's really into making video games

2012-02-15T20:53:00.001-08:00

Why NASA's really into making video games - The space agency may be best known for launching spaceships, but it also has an obsession with creating educational games that might inspire kids to one day become rocket scientists.

(Via CNET News.com.)

FBI publishes Steve Jobs background file

2012-02-11T18:58:00.001-08:00

FBI publishes Steve Jobs background file - The FBI has released a 191-page file on former Apple CEO Steve Jobs, Gawker notes. The document actually dates back to 1991, when Jobs had long left Apple, but was being considered for an appointment to the President's Export Council in the George Bush Sr. administration. It also makes reference to an earlier bomb threat against Jobs, dating back to 1985 ...

(Via MacNN | The Macintosh News Network.)

FBI file on Steve Jobs reveals he was considered for White House position

2012-02-11T18:49:00.001-08:00

FBI file on Steve Jobs reveals he was considered for White House position - The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation has released its 191-page file on Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, revealing he was considered for an appointment to the White House in 1991, and that there was a bomb threat against him in 1985.

(Via AppleInsider.)

Flip camcorders down, but not out

2012-02-08T15:16:00.001-08:00

Flip camcorders down, but not out - Just because Cisco has discontinued the Flip camcorder doesn't mean you can't continue using it, even without Cisco's FlipShare software.

(Via Macworld.)

Add USB charging ports to any AC outlet

2012-02-08T15:15:00.001-08:00

Add USB charging ports to any AC outlet - RCA's $20 USB Wall Plate Charger adds a pair of powered USB ports to a wall socket, making it easier to charge your favorite devices.

(Via Macworld.)

On the Web, latest 'Bourne' trailer goes boom

2012-02-08T15:13:00.001-08:00

On the Web, latest 'Bourne' trailer goes boom - Anticipation is high for the latest installment in the popular spy-film series, if online reception to a new trailer is any indication.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Paul McCartney pulls tracks from streaming services

2012-02-08T15:12:00.003-08:00

Paul McCartney pulls tracks from streaming services - Paul McCartney follows bands such as AC/DC and Coldplay in snubbing streaming services, pulling all his music from Rhapsody and others.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Shanghai Tower elevator to climb at 40 mph

2012-02-08T15:12:00.001-08:00

Shanghai Tower elevator to climb at 40 mph - Mitsubishi Electric says its new technology will allow elevators in the Shanghai Tower, under construction, to travel some 40 mph.

(Via CNET News.com.)

29% of Kindle Fire owners plan to spend more at Amazon, but only 54% very satisfied

2012-02-05T21:03:00.001-08:00

29% of Kindle Fire owners plan to spend more at Amazon, but only 54% very satisfied - A new survey has revealed that 29 percent of Kindle Fire owners plan to spend more money at online retailer Amazon, but only 54 percent of them said they were very satisfied with the device.

CLINT>> I really dislike these "surveys." I mean, some of that 54 per cent of non-satisfied owners were irritated that the Fire didn't have a camera. But why do people research their purchases, then moan of features that were never supposed to be there? How valid is that study group/survey?

So, I am not even posting the URL to this study. A waste of your time, IMHO.

Five keyboard shortcuts you should set up now

2012-02-01T12:18:00.001-08:00

Five keyboard shortcuts you should set up now - Why are you opening the same menus and submenus, looking for the same commands again and again? Access menu commands across apps with these time-saving tips.

(Via Macworld.)

Neil Young: Steve Jobs preferred vinyl, wanted new format

2012-02-01T12:16:00.001-08:00

Neil Young: Steve Jobs preferred vinyl, wanted new format - Musician Neil Young in an interview at the D: Dive Into Media conference made the contentious claim that Apple's late chief Steve Jobs would have been pushing hard for improved audio quality. The "Needle and the Damage Done" creator claimed that Jobs, despite creating the iPod for digital music, preferred to listen to vinyl records at home. Apple's co-founder would have allegedly been working on higher quality devices, not just formats like Apple Lossless, to improve audio quality ...

(Via MacNN | The Macintosh News Network.)

Neil Young: Apple was working on super high-def music

2012-02-01T12:15:00.001-08:00

Neil Young: Apple was working on super high-def music - The popular recording artist says that he was working on a project with Apple co-founder Steve Jobs to bring studio-quality digital recordings to the masses.

(Via CNET News.com.)

The top gadgets at Macworld | iWorld 2012

2012-01-31T09:09:00.001-08:00

The top gadgets at Macworld | iWorld 2012 -

Macworld | iWorld had some fantastic products. Ignoring anything that wasn’t actually shipping, since so many products never actually make it to market or do make it, but years behind schedule (Nighthawk anyone?), here are my top picks from the show ...

(Via TheAppleBlog.)

Expo Notes: iFlashDrive USB drive works on both iPad and Mac

2012-01-31T09:08:00.001-08:00

Expo Notes: iFlashDrive USB drive works on both iPad and Mac - The iFlashDrive has a USB connector on one end that, when attached to a Mac or PC, acts like any other thumb drive. On the other end of the iFlashDrive is a dock connector that you attach directly into an iOS device.

(Via Macworld.)

Bang & Olufsen to debut (slightly) more affordable gadgets

2012-01-31T09:05:00.001-08:00

Bang & Olufsen to debut (slightly) more affordable gadgets - The luxury consumer-electronics maker will soon release the Beolit 12 speaker for iPhones, the first product from its B&O Play sub-brand.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Will Apple put Siri in everything?

2012-01-26T10:36:00.001-08:00

Will Apple put Siri in everything? -

Apple has wisely chosen to patent its voice assistant Siri, and the Patently Apple blog did what it does best: dug up the patent and dissected it.

The patent is long, detailed and goes into a lot of depth about how Siri works and could work, including as a personalized recommendation service for online shopping, as a travel booking service, and as part of a car navigation system or the car’s entertainment system. Clearly Apple would want to cover its bases when it comes to Siri and its potential future uses. But it doesn’t mean Apple is currently working on any of this. Still, it’s always interesting to get a look at what a secretive company is at least pondering.

(Via TheAppleBlog.)

Verizon reports $2B loss amid pension costs, iPhone subsidy

2012-01-26T10:34:00.001-08:00

Verizon reports $2B loss amid pension costs, iPhone subsidy - Verizon reported a $2.02 billion fourth-quarter loss, mostly due to one-time charges of $3.4 billion for severance, pension and benefits, as well as increased subsidy costs for iPhone sales.

(Via Macworld.)

London to get more spectrum, Tube Wi-Fi for Olympics

2012-01-26T10:32:00.001-08:00

London to get more spectrum, Tube Wi-Fi for Olympics - Two organizations are working to brace London's mobile data networks for the expected impact of the summer Olympics this year. Regulator Ofcom has planned to increase the amount of available wireless spectrum for 3G in the city. Among the efforts, it plans to borrow airwave access from government bodies like the Ministry of Defence, to exploit unlicensed bands, and to use frequencies going up for auction but which won't be used until 2013 ...

(Via MacNN | The Macintosh News Network.)

Intego publishes a 2011 Mac security overview

2012-01-26T10:29:00.001-08:00

Intego publishes a 2011 Mac security overview - Following F-Secure's malware analysis for 2011, security company Intego releases its own security report for OS X.

(Via CNET News.com.)

With SOPA, PIPA stalled, meet the OPEN Act

2012-01-23T17:10:00.001-08:00

With SOPA, PIPA stalled, meet the OPEN Act - SOPA and PIPA may have been put on hold, but other legislation is looming aimed at combatting online piracy.

(Via Macworld.)

Are Expensive Batteries Worth the Extra Cost?

2012-01-23T17:08:00.001-08:00

Are Expensive Batteries Worth the Extra Cost? - You pay more for name brand batteries, but are they worth the cost? Dot Physics blogger Rhett Allain gets out a voltmeter in the name of your wallet.

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

Solar flare blasts radiation storm toward Earth

2012-01-23T17:06:00.003-08:00

Solar flare blasts radiation storm toward Earth - The burst of plasma from a solar flare is expected to reach the Earth's magnetic field tomorrow and potentially cause disruptions to satellites.

(Via CNET News.com.)

How to Use External Microphones in iMovie

2012-01-23T17:06:00.001-08:00

How to Use External Microphones in iMovie -

If your movie sounds great it will make your screen images look even better.

There’s one element that makes it obvious you’re watching an amateur movie: the audio. Although nearly all camcorders or video recording devices capture sound as well as images, the quality is often very poor. Even HD camcorders that produce vibrant, high-quality clips are often let down by the low quality of the on-board mic.

(Via Mac|Life all.)

How to backup your Mac App Store apps

2012-01-23T17:05:00.001-08:00

How to backup your Mac App Store apps -

The excellent ReadNow application, which allows you to easily read articles from your Instapaper and Read It Later articles on your Mac, has been pulled from the Mac App Store "...because of an infringement letter." Developer Michael Schneider added "[i]n my current situation I'm not allowed to provide any further information."

The good news is that if you have already purchased the app, you can still download it from the "Purchases" tab in the App Store.app even though the iTunes page for ReadNow now leads to the message, "Your request could not be completed."

However, as I waited for the Mac App Store to load on my iMac this morning, I found myself wondering "What would I do if I couldn't re-download it from the Mac App Store?"

Fortunately I have the app on my MacBook Air, so I could go to /Applications/ReadNow.app and then select File » Compress "Read Now" (or control+click the app and choose "Compress" from the menu).

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

How to Use Logitech Vid HD for Cross Platform Video Chat

2012-01-18T17:51:00.001-08:00

How to Use Logitech Vid HD for Cross Platform Video Chat -

My daughter wants me to download Logitech Vid HD so that we can video chat with each other. She’s on a PC, and I’m on a Mac running 10.6.8. Will I have trouble with this program because I’m connecting to a PC? Or can I just use my iChat or Gmail account?

The Logitech Vid HD application has a Macintosh version as well as a PC version. If this is what your daughter will be using, it is possible for you to install the software as well (a free account is required) by downloading it from here. Unfortunately, this is the only way to connect with another Logitech Vid HD user as the service is incompatible with the host of other video chat services out there.

(Via Mac|Life all.)

App Showdown: Star Gazers

2012-01-18T17:50:00.001-08:00

App Showdown: Star Gazers -

Readers in the Pacific Northwest and certain portions of the midwest will understand: You hear of an awesome celestial event, set your alarm, wake at 3am, run outside, and it's all clouds as far as the eye can see. Galileo saw moons orbiting Jupiter with just his crummy telescope, but you can't even make out Orion with all the light pollution. Where the heck do you look when you want to even try to find a constellation? You look in the App Store, silly.

(Via Mac|Life all.)

What you need to know about SOPA and PIPA

2012-01-18T17:49:00.001-08:00

What you need to know about SOPA and PIPA - The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect IP Act (PIPA) have been making headlines, but what are they, exactly? Here are the facts.

(Via Macworld.)

Slideshow: Full-size headphones for Macs and iOS devices

2012-01-18T17:48:00.001-08:00

Slideshow: Full-size headphones for Macs and iOS devices - Get comfort and big sound without giving up the conveniences of an inline remote and microphone.

(Via Macworld.)

Satellite Snaps Show North Korea's Nuclear Progress

2012-01-14T07:45:00.001-08:00

Satellite Snaps Show North Korea's Nuclear Progress - Kim Jong Il may be dead, but his legacy in North Korea lives on through the nuclear program he left behind. New satellite images now offer a more detailed view of the work that went into North Korea's nuclear facilities in Kim's final years.

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

10 Apps for Tracking the 2012 Election

2012-01-14T07:44:00.003-08:00

10 Apps for Tracking the 2012 Election -

If you've turned on the news anytime in the past few months, you already know that it's a never-ending stream of political rhetoric, election updates, and campaign coverage -- and it's not stopping anytime soon. The constant flow of news from the campaign trail can be hard to keep up with, especially when there seems to be a new Republican frontrunner every other week. Put down the remote, step away from the television, and grab your favorite iOS device. It's time to turn to some sources -- like these 10 apps -- that you can trust to keep you up-to-date on the things you need to know during this year's election cycle.

(Via Mac|Life all.)

4 Quick Tips for Using iCloud

2012-01-14T07:44:00.001-08:00

4 Quick Tips for Using iCloud -

Solve problems and unlock iCloud’s hidden superpowers.

(Via Mac|Life all.)

Amazon: Time to start programming your e-books

2012-01-14T07:39:00.001-08:00

Amazon: Time to start programming your e-books - The release of new Kindle tools to create books using HTML and other Web technology dramatically expands graphics and formatting options.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Survey shows Apple offers most-satisfying mobile shopping experience

2012-01-14T07:38:00.001-08:00

Survey shows Apple offers most-satisfying mobile shopping experience - Respondents to a new survey gave Apple the highest satisfaction scores for its mobile commerce experience, with online retailer Amazon coming in second.

(Via AppleInsider.)

How to Use Documents in the Cloud

2012-01-09T17:45:00.001-08:00

How to Use Documents in the Cloud -

iWork just got a lot more mobile

Besides contacts and calendars, your documents are some of the most important files in your digital life. With the iWork suite, and a trip to iCloud.com on your Mac or PC, you can keep them in sync across all your computers and iOS devices. Just log in, click the iWork icon, and then choose an iWork application at the top of the screen. Drag files associated with the application (including iWork ’09, Office, or .txt and .csv documents) into your browser to upload them to iCloud. You can also click the gear icon to upload files through a conventional Finder interface, and even search for documents. Once files are in the cloud, you can browse them by application, select and Control-click documents to duplicate or delete them, or download files on other computers in the their original formats (and alternates like .pdf). Documents stored on iCloud.com count against your storage limit, just like your other synced data.

(Via Mac|Life all.)

Apple to open mini stores inside Target

2012-01-06T19:49:00.001-08:00

Apple to open mini stores inside Target -

Target is one of those stores that quietly carries a variety of Apple products. In between speakers and keyboards, you can find iPads, iPods and iTunes gift cards. Soon, you may find an Airport Extreme and maybe even a MacBook Air. This prediction is based on a report from AppleInsider, which suggests Apple may be opening mini-stores within select Target locations. These stores will be similar to the Apple shops located within Best Buy.

The report claims Apple will open these "stores within a store" in 25 Target locations. It's a small fraction of the 1,700 stores Target has nationwide, but it's a start. If the program is as successful as the Best Buy one, Apple will likely expand into additional Target locations. It'll help Apple extend their reach into areas that don't have a nearby Apple Store without the cost of building a new store.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

WSJ: Eastman Kodak readying bankruptcy filing

2012-01-06T19:44:00.001-08:00

WSJ: Eastman Kodak readying bankruptcy filing - A new report has rung an early death knell for once-mighty photography pioneer Eastman Kodak, claiming that the company is preparing a bankruptcy protection filing in case it is unable to sell off its digital imaging patents.

(Via AppleInsider.)

How Apple iBooks needs to compete with Amazon: KDP Select

2012-01-04T11:13:00.001-08:00

How Apple iBooks needs to compete with Amazon: KDP Select -

Amazon has trailblazed; Apple has followed. Apple's iBooks program currently allows authors to self-publish ebooks. Authors create their own business built around iTunes Connect, just as they do for self-published apps.

So where does Apple have room to improve? What follows is the first of several posts about how iBooks can improve to better compete with Amazon. In this post, I discuss Amazon's exclusive KDP Select program and what Apple can do in response.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Opinion: Why GoDaddy hasn't earned my forgiveness

2012-01-04T11:12:00.001-08:00

Opinion: Why GoDaddy hasn't earned my forgiveness - Now that GoDaddy opposes the controversial Stop Online Piracy Act, shouldn't up-in-arms customers return to business as usual? It's not that simple, PCWorld's Tony Bradley argues.

(Via Macworld.)

Apple to unveil next chapter in iBooks

2012-01-04T11:09:00.003-08:00

Apple to unveil next chapter in iBooks - Smartphones saw their biggest holiday, you might be reading books and magazines on your next Wii U game console, and Apple has something up their sleeves later this month regarding publishing.

(Via CNET News.com.)

iOS, Android apps surpass 1 billion downloads in final week of 2011

2012-01-04T11:09:00.001-08:00

iOS, Android apps surpass 1 billion downloads in final week of 2011 - The last week of the year proved to be the largest ever for both app downloads and device activations in the history of iOS and Android, according to new data from Flurry.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Twitterfight! Group Threatens Lawsuit Over Terror Tweets

2012-01-02T09:36:00.001-08:00

Twitterfight! Group Threatens Lawsuit Over Terror Tweets - Ever since terrorists started using the internet, amateur crusaders, lawmakers and others have tried to fight back, pressuring technology companies to shut out the militants. So it was only a matter of time before the war on terrorist media went social.

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

Dazzling Satellite Views of Vast Moon Crater

2011-12-30T23:47:00.001-08:00

Dazzling Satellite Views of Vast Moon Crater - Aristarchus, one of the brightest features on the moon?s surface, can easily be spotted with the naked eye. Going one better, NASA?s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter snapped this spectacular image as it swooped down to just 16 miles above the lunar surface.

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

Favorite Mac Gems of 2011

2011-12-30T23:43:00.001-08:00

Favorite Mac Gems of 2011 - We've given you the Eddy Awards and App Gems Awards. It's time for recognizing our favorite Mac Gems of 2011.

(Via Macworld.)

Top iOS Apps of 2011

2011-12-30T23:42:00.001-08:00

Top iOS Apps of 2011 - With the year coming to a close, we here at MacNN decided to compile a list of our favorite iOS apps. The list is presented in no particular order and reflects some of the games and tools that kept us more blissfully occupied in 2011 ...

(Via MacNN | The Macintosh News Network.)

Casio intros first watches with Bluetooth LE 4.0

2011-12-30T23:41:00.001-08:00

Casio intros first watches with Bluetooth LE 4.0 - Casio Japan, known for its calculators and wristwatches, has just introduced the first watches with Bluetooth LE (low energy) onboard, making it compatible with Bluetooth 4.0 cellphones like the iPhone 4S. The G-Shock GB-6900 will synchronize the current time from paired handsets and will display incoming call names or numbers, e-mails, and text messages on its display. Users can also switch handsets into vibration mode without touching them ...

(Via MacNN | The Macintosh News Network.)

Dropbox vs. iCloud

2011-12-30T23:38:00.001-08:00

Dropbox vs. iCloud -

Stephen Hackett:

iCloud may become a direct competitor of Dropbox’s, but thepurposes of the services are different at this point.
Dropbox’s main usage is to sync files; iCloud would have userssync data, hiding the individual files from the user interface.

Perhaps not a bad definition of a post-PC device: one with no user-visible file system. Dropbox is very much a PC technology, conceptually, because it is all about the file system. That’s why we nerds love Dropbox on our post-PC devices — it gives us some PC-like control. Sometimes we want files.

(Via Daring Fireball.)

New York Times mistakenly tells millions their subscriptions were cancelled

2011-12-28T13:12:00.001-08:00

New York Times mistakenly tells millions their subscriptions were cancelled - An e-mail sent to New York Times's subscribers telling recipients that their subscription had been canceled was believed to be fake. But the NYTimes now says it was simply a mistake.

(Via CNET News.com.)

How to Set Up Your Gmail Accounts as Push Email

2011-12-28T13:10:00.001-08:00

How to Set Up Your Gmail Accounts as Push Email -

Tired of being late to the party due to email messages that arrive belated on your iOS device? With push email, you can be notified the second an email arrives. Read on to find out how to set up a Google Apps accounts that supports push email by using the Microsoft Exchange features in iOS. We'll show you how to convert your existing IMAP Gmail accounts into IMAP Push accounts.

(Via Mac|Life all.)

New year's resolution: A clean Mac

2011-12-28T13:09:00.001-08:00

New year's resolution: A clean Mac - Simple ways to banish grunge, dirt, and dust bunnies from your computer and peripherals.

(Via Macworld.)

Dropbox testing automatic import of photos, videos

2011-12-28T13:07:00.001-08:00

Dropbox testing automatic import of photos, videos - The online file-sharing service has added a new option to its latest test build that would automatically import images and videos to your cloud-based Dropbox storage.

(Via CNET News.com.)

1Password: The best iPhone utility app in TUAW's Best of 2011

2011-12-27T11:26:00.001-08:00

1Password: The best iPhone utility app in TUAW's Best of 2011 -

If you just got a new iPhone for Christmas, there's one handy utility app that you might want to purchase right away. It's 1Password for iPhone (sale priced at US$5.99) from Agile Bits Solutions, and it was named the best iPhone utility app in reader voting in TUAW's Best of 2011 awards.

The app is a favorite of the TUAW staff, and it's obvious from the voting that 1Password is used faithfully by many of our readers as well -- the app pulled in 49.7 percent of the votes, thoroughly trouncing the other nominees in this category. It actually comes in two flavors -- the iPhone-only version linked to above, and the universal 1Password Pro (currently on sale for $8.99) that synchronizes with 1Password on Mac and iPad.

Apple had the runner-up in this category. Find My iPhone (free), an amazing app that has reunited many lost or stolen iPhones with their owners, nabbed 32.3 percent of the votes.

Congratulations to Agile Bits for their win, and thanks to all of the TUAW readers who took part in the nomination and voting process for the utility category in the Best of 2011.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Who owns your Twitter account? Check out this lawsuit

2011-12-27T11:24:00.001-08:00

Who owns your Twitter account? Check out this lawsuit - A Web site is suing a former employee for allegedly "misappropriating" a personal Twitter account and its 17,000 followers.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Fifty essential apps for new iOS device owners

2011-12-26T10:05:00.003-08:00

Fifty essential apps for new iOS device owners - If you're the proud new owner of an iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad, you might be wondering which apps you should add to your brand new iOS device. We asked our app experts, and they came up with 50 apps that cover a wide array of areas and interests.

(Via Macworld.)

New year's resolution: A backup plan

2011-12-26T10:05:00.001-08:00

New year's resolution: A backup plan - Make a New Year's resolution you can keep: Start backing up your Mac. And we're going to make it as easy as possible.

(Via Macworld.)

Space post office postmarks letters from orbit

2011-12-24T18:15:00.001-08:00

Space post office postmarks letters from orbit - China's new Space Post Office offers a direct digital link to the postal beyond.

(Via CNET News.com.)

FedEx apologizes for monitor-tossing courier

2011-12-24T18:14:00.001-08:00

FedEx apologizes for monitor-tossing courier - The company expresses remorse via video for its deliveryman's tossing of a Samsung monitor over a gate. It doesn't reveal, though, whether he was fired.

(Via CNET News.com.)

How to Locally Backup Your Mac

2011-12-19T11:58:00.001-08:00

How to Locally Backup Your Mac -

Keep your files close and your settings closer with a backup utility

Local backups copy files to an external drive that’s connected to your Mac, then stored in your home, office, or even hotel room. These backups have two main benefits: speedy data transfers and bang for your storage buck. Many drives 1TB and larger cost roughly $100 to $200, delivering plenty of room for multiple versions of all your documents. The tradeoff is that local backups are just as susceptible to theft, accidents, and natural disasters as your Mac (don’t tell it we said so).

(Via Mac|Life all.)

5 Simple Ways to Reclaim Disk Space

2011-12-19T11:57:00.001-08:00

5 Simple Ways to Reclaim Disk Space -

Sometimes, there are applications on your Mac that devour up all that precious disk space, leaving you with not much storage for documents, music, and other applications. These apps sometimes do so without any indication, which can be frustrating when you're in desperate need of a few extra megabytes. Read on to find out how to reclaim that disk space and keep those apps from occupying your Mac.

(Via Mac|Life all.)

Apple's Work on Wearable Computer Concepts Includes Wrist-Wrapping iPod with Siri

2011-12-19T11:54:00.001-08:00

Apple's Work on Wearable Computer Concepts Includes Wrist-Wrapping iPod with Siri -
The New York Times reports on Apple's and Google's efforts to develop wearable computers with the aim of augmenting their existing mobile product lines. In addition to peripheral devices that could communicate with a user's iPhone or iPod, Apple is said to also being looking at ways to make the device's themselves wearable, moving beyond the current iPod nano's wristwatch-like functionality when paired with third-party wristbands.

Apple has also experimented with prototype products that could relay information back to the iPhone. These conceptual products could also display information on other Apple devices, like an iPod, which Apple is already encouraging us to wear on our wrists by selling Nanos with watch faces.

A person with knowledge of the company’s plans told me that a “very small group of Apple employees” had been conceptualizing and even prototyping some wearable devices.

One idea being discussed is a curved-glass iPod that would wrap around the wrist; people could communicate with the device using Siri, the company’s artificial intelligence software.

Last year, Apple hired wearable computing expert Richard DeVaul to work on prototyping concepts in a secret lab under the direction of Jony Ive. DeVaul spent only 18 months at Apple, however, before moving on to Google where he is presumably working on similar projects.

(Via MacRumors : Mac News and Rumors.)

Google promises to release 'tablet of the highest quality' in 6 months

2011-12-19T11:50:00.001-08:00

Google promises to release 'tablet of the highest quality' in 6 months - Google Chairman Eric Schmidt has teased that his company plans to release an Android-powered "Nexus" tablet within the next six months to take on Apple's market leading iPad.

(Via AppleInsider.)

RIM now worth less than Apple's App Store alone

2011-12-19T11:48:00.001-08:00

RIM now worth less than Apple's App Store alone - Research in Motion's struggles in the smartphone market have driven its stock price so low that the company is worth less than the estimated value of just Apple's App Store.

(Via AppleInsider.)

Video: Drone Watches Last U.S. Convoy Leave Iraq

2011-12-18T19:56:00.001-08:00

Video: Drone Watches Last U.S. Convoy Leave Iraq - Video: Here's a drone's eye view of the final U.S. military convoys to leave Iraq. Over eight years after the U.S. began one of its most controversial wars, a flying robot loitered overhead to watch the military cross the Kuwait border.

(Via Wired Top Stories.)

A few of our favorite things: Power accessories

2011-12-17T15:24:00.001-08:00

A few of our favorite things: Power accessories -

This holiday season, we’ll be running a series of weekly features called “A few of our favorite things,” where we round up some gift suggestions based on the gear that has passed through our offices either for review purposes or through personal purchases. We’ll tell you what we think is the best gear out there, for a variety of product categories and budgets.

Shopping time is almost up for this year’s holiday season, but shipping deadlines have yet to elapse completely, and stores will still be plenty busy. In this week’s installment of our ongoing series, we’re looking at power accessories for Apple devices that could make great last-minute gifts and/or stocking stuffers.

Best backup battery: Just Mobile Gum Plus. There are a lot more solid options in this category than there were, say, a couple of years ago. But the Just Mobile Gum Plus wins for a number of reasons, including its high capacity (4400 mAh, enough for up to three charges for your iPhone), good looks and small, easily pocketable or stowable design. The Gum Plus is $69.95 plus shipping.

Best iPhone battery case: Mophie Juice Pack Plus. The iPhone battery case market is likewise crowded, but there are a few that have stood the test of time, and the Mophie Juice Pack Plus is one of them. Even considering the unfortunate recall that happened this year with its iPod touch model, the Juice Pack Plus is the best-in-class when you’re looking for something for your iPhone 4 or 4S extra battery life needs, because of its 2000 mAh capacity and pass through volume and sleep/wake controls. The Juice Pack Plus retails for $99.95.

Best charging adapter: PlugBug. The PlugBug from twelveSouth is a clever and invaluable add-on for people with a variety of Apple mobile devices. It’ll help convert your MacBook adapter so that it can also do double duty and charge your iPhone or iPad at the same time from the same outlet. Plus it can act as a standalone iPad charger and comes in an eye-catching red design that makes it harder to miss when you’re doing that final visual sweep of your hotel room. At the Apple store online, the PlugBus is $34.95

Best charging cable: The Magic Cable Duo. Innergie’s clever little cable with in-line, swappable 30-pin Apple dock connector and micro USB is able to charge pretty much any modern mobile device, including the above-mentioned Mophie Juice Pack Plus, as well as any Apple iOS gadget. The Magic Cable Trio adds mini USB to the mix, but we’re willing to bet that for most up-to-date gadget geeks out there, the Duo will cover all the necessary bases. The Magic Cable Duo sells for $19.99 on its own.

(Via TheAppleBlog.)

4 reasons Apple should make a 7-inch iPad

2011-12-17T15:23:00.001-08:00

4 reasons Apple should make a 7-inch iPad -

News of a rumored smaller iPad made the rounds on Friday as Asian supply channels indicate a 7.85-inch Apple tablet will arrive in late 2012. Apple essentially owns the consumer tablet market at this point, outselling all Android tablets combined by a sizable factor, depending on the sales numbers you look at. With such success for the iPad already, why should Apple even bother with a smaller slate?

There are several reason to consider such a device, even with the iPad as the top tablet. Let me preface those reasons with a baseline thought, however: I’m not suggesting the iPad isn’t a great tablet in its current form. It’s a breakthrough product that has created demand for a market that hasn’t had any since the first tablet PC was introduced in 2001. I have an iPad 2, and it offers a superb experience, but in a limited fashion. That leads me to the first of my reasons ...

(Via TheAppleBlog.)

Walter Isaacson reportedly to expand Jobs biography

2011-12-17T15:22:00.001-08:00

Walter Isaacson reportedly to expand Jobs biography -

Steve Jobs biographer Walter Isaacson spoke recently at a meeting hosted by the Commonwealth Club of California, and said that he very likely will add an addendum to the already 630-page biography of Apple's co-founder. "This is the first or second draft" of the book, he reportedly said. "It's not the final draft."

One obvious place the book could expand, according to Isaacson, is on the period after Jobs' death earlier this year, and the response around the country and the world from nearly everyone associated with Apple. Isaacson also says he's thinking about doing a more annotated version, including more details on the life Jobs shared with Isaacson over the last few years.

Isaacson also talked a little bit about Jobs' input on the book -- he specifically asked to help design the cover, and Isaacson was happy to oblige. And Isaacson says that during all of his research and their talks, the one thing Jobs really wanted him never to speak about was philanthropy; Jobs obviously wanted that part of his life to remain out of the public eye. But that didn't stop him, Isaacson remembers, from poking a little fun at Bill Gates' famous giving: "Bill Gates was better at philanthropy because he didn't care about making great products," Isaacson quotes Jobs as saying to him.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Twenty-one overlooked iOS accessories

2011-12-17T15:21:00.001-08:00

Twenty-one overlooked iOS accessories - We can't review every iOS accessory we receive, but we don't want to let the good ones go unappreciated. Senior editor Dan Frakes takes a look at some of the year's best under-the-radar add-ons for iPhones, iPads, and the iPod touch.

(Via Macworld.)

10 Easy Ways to Extend the Life of Your Old Mac

2011-12-17T15:17:00.001-08:00

10 Easy Ways to Extend the Life of Your Old Mac -

With every hardware release Apple announces, upgrading our hardware becomes increasingly tempting. Alas, a new MacBook Air does not come cheap. With the holidays imminiently approaching, it's even more important to save some pennies so we can give to others. These 10 tips will help you boost the performance of that Mac you're thinking about retiring, and hopefully keep you appreciating what you already have.

(Via Mac|Life all.)

Weather Underground releases iPhone app

2011-12-17T15:15:00.001-08:00

Weather Underground releases iPhone app -

Weather Underground was the first online weather service, but until now it didn't have an iPhone-specific app. That will all change soon when the Weather Underground app arrives on the App Store.

The developers of the app provided TUAW with a pre-release version of the software, which is expected to be approved by Apple shortly. We'll update this post with links to the application on the App Store as soon as it's available.

The free app takes advantage of official weather stations as well as the huge network of over 23,000 personal weather stations around the world. What this means is that users have the ability to get current weather readings for much closer locations. For example, there are four National Weather Service stations in the Denver area, none of which are closer than about 8 miles from my office. The Weather Underground app provides a list of stations that are closer -- two of them are about a mile away.

The Weather Underground's website displays weather information on an interactive weather map called WunderMap(R). The iPhone app includes WunderMap and a number of overlays that can be toggled on or off, including animated radar, satellite, webcams, and severe weather updates.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

App Gems: Hall of fame apps

2011-12-17T15:14:00.001-08:00

App Gems: Hall of fame apps - Some apps are perpetual contenders for our annual App Gems Awards. To recognize their ongoing excellence, we've created the App Gems Hall of Fame and inducted five mobile offerings into our inaugural class: 1Password Pro, Flipboard, Instagram, Instapaper, and MLB.com's annual At Bat offering.

(Via Macworld.)

Behind the Scenes of Apple's 'Think Different' Campaign

2011-12-17T15:13:00.001-08:00

Behind the Scenes of Apple's 'Think Different' Campaign - Forbes publishes a lengthy guest post from advertising executive Rob Siltanen, one of the primary contributors to the development of Apple's famous "Think Different" advertising campaign that helped turn the company around following Steve Jobs' return. In the piece, Siltanen details the process of pitching the campaign to Jobs and his work on the "Here's to the Crazy Ones" script.

Siltanen was inspired to write the post following the publication of Walter Isaacson's authorized biography of Steve Jobs, which repeats the oft-cited claim that Jobs himself was responsible for much of the "Here's to the Crazy Ones" text and ideas.

Steve was highly involved with the advertising and every facet of Apple’s business. But he was far from the mastermind behind the renowned launch spot. In fact, he was blatantly harsh on the commercial that would eventually play a pivotal role in helping Apple achieve one of the greatest corporate turnarounds in business history.

Siltanen goes on to describe how he and other representatives of the high-profile TBWA/Chiat/Day advertising firm were surprised that Jobs required them to pitch to win the contract with the then-struggling Apple. In dreaming up concepts to pitch to Jobs, the one that stood out was the "Think Different" tagline paired with photos and videos of famous creative thinkers. Jobs liked the campaign but initially worried that it would appear too egotistical. Within seconds, however, Jobs changed course and brought the firm on board to carry out the idea.

Siltanen used Robin Williams' speeches from the movie Dead Poets Society as inspiration for what became "Here's to the Crazy Ones". But when it was presented to Jobs in what turned out to eventually be nearly its final form, Jobs initially hated it.

We played the spot once, and when it finished, Jobs said, “It sucks! I hate it! It’s advertising agency ****! I thought you were going to write something like ‘Dead Poets Society!’ This is crap!”

Clow said something like, “Well, I take it you don’t want to see it again.” And Steve continued to go on a rant about how we should get the writers from “Dead Poets Society” or some “real writers” to write something.

Jobs eventually changed his mind again, and the "Think Different" campaign quickly marked a turning point for the company even as it was still trying to develop new products to execute the dramatic turnaround.

(Via MacRumors : Mac News and Rumors.)

iOS-controlled Top Brewer coffee maker is a thing to behold

2011-12-13T10:28:00.001-08:00

iOS-controlled Top Brewer coffee maker is a thing to behold -

Rejoice, o ye iPhone and iPad-toting coffee addicts with fat wallets! Just when you thought that there was nothing new under the sun to create the perfect cup of joe, Scanomat brings the Top Brewer to the market.

The Top Brewer is a high-end coffee machine that uses an iOS app to control brewing. Most of the hardware for the brewer is hidden under a countertop, meaning that all you see is a spigot, a drain, and a touch panel for those times when your coffee jitters have caused you to drop your iPhone.

The Top Brewer was demonstrated at the recent HOST hospitality show in Milan, Italy, where many top baristas gave the coffee-brewing juggernaut top ratings. Those who own more than one Top Brewer can control multiple machines simultaneously via the app's favorites screen. It gives you control all of your machines in one view, so you can be churning out a variety of drinks with a few taps, conducting a team of invisible baristas.

This may be the start of something big. Perhaps your local coffee shop will install a team of Top Brewers and let you order your coffee drink just the way you like it from your iPhone or iPad while you stand in line to pay for the beverage. There's no price tag for the Top Brewer yet, but it's probably going to be targeted at high-end homes and to the hospitality industry.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

Kindle Fire Review

2011-12-13T10:26:00.001-08:00

Kindle Fire Review -

Can Amazon’s budget tablet challenge the iPad?

For months prior to the Kindle Fire announcement, pundits were quick to label it “iPad killer.” However, Google has more to fear than Apple: the 7-inch device further fragments Android with a slick new UI that completely disguises (and improves upon) the search giant’s mobile OS, while the $199 price tag slyly kneecaps the search giant’s own tablet partners. This is not an iPad killer–but it doesn’t have to be. Kindle Fire is the newest weapon in Amazon’s content strategy, mixing music, video, and apps with a familiar brand that ties neatly into an ever-expanding ecosystem.

(Via Mac|Life all.)

Mi-Fi Monitor

2011-12-13T10:19:00.001-08:00

Mi-Fi Monitor -

I don't travel a lot, but I do have a MiFi which I use during the frequent power outages that seem to plague the area where I live. To help monitor my connection and the battery life of my MiFi, I use a Mac utility called Mi-Fi Monitor. It resides in the menu bar and displays both a battery level and a signal strength indicator pulled from your MiFi hotspot. All it takes is a quick glance to make sure your MiFi is charged and connected to your mobile broadband connection.

You can click on the Mi-Fi Monitor app if you need more information about your connection. The app will tell you the amount of data you've used in this current session, the network to which you're connected and the connection type. As you can see from my screenshot above, I have a stable, but slow Verizon Wireless connection where I live.

The app works with the Novatel MiFi hotspots including the MiFi 2200 which is what I use, the LTE 4510, and the WiMAX 2082. It'll also work with the MiFi 2352/2372 for AT&T. If your device isn't listed or you're not sure it will work, you can contact the developer and he will help you run a 30 second test that'll check to see if your MiFi is compatible this software.

Mi-Fi Monitor is available for US$0.99 from the Mac App Store. If you own a supported device, it's well worth the buck to be able to monitor your MiFi from your Mac.

(Via The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW).)

10 Must-have Apps for Mac Newbies

2011-12-13T10:17:00.001-08:00

10 Must-have Apps for Mac Newbies -

The Mac App Store has grown tremendously over the past few years. After all, you can only get your Lion update as a digital download. But Mac newbies may feel incredibly overwhelmed by all this new stuff. Hey, Windows wasn't exactly a cake-walk either. With these ten apps, new Mac users can get better situated with OS X. Read on for the handy list.(Via Mac|Life all.)

Apple TV Set-Top Box Predicted to Sell 4 Million Units, Grab 32% Market Share in 2011

2011-12-13T10:10:00.001-08:00

Apple TV Set-Top Box Predicted to Sell 4 Million Units, Grab 32% Market Share in 2011 -
Market research firm Strategy Analytics today reported on the release of its new research report covering "connected TV players" such as the current Apple TV and Roku boxes. According to the report, Apple is predicted to reach sales of four million Apple TV units for 2011, leading the way in a rapidly-growing market with a 32% share.

“Apple is leading this nascent market, which it still considers a ‘hobby’.” says Jia Wu, Senior Analyst at the Connected Home Devices (CHD) service. “As Apple prepares for its expected launch of smart TVs in 2012, rival platforms must accelerate their development plans to keep Apple from running away with the connected TV business, as it has done in smartphones and digital music.”

The report also notes that Apple TV users tend to spend more money on TV shows and movies than users of other set-top connected TV players, with 30% of Apple TV owners reported have rented content compared to 20% of owners of other devices.

Overall, Strategy Analytics estimates that the market for connected TV players has doubled this year, reaching almost 12 million units on the momentum of considerably lower pricing compared to previous years. The current Apple TV debuted in September 2010 priced at just $99, substantially cheaper than the $229 price tag on the original hard drive-based Apple TV.

Apple has long considered the Apple TV to be a "hobby", but rumors are increasingly pointing to the debut of a connected television set from Apple as soon as late next year. Such a device would presumably integrate many of the aspects of the current Apple TV box such as iTunes Store access and streaming from iOS devices directly into the television set. Apple is also said to have been working on revolutionary Siri-powered voice input for interacting with the television.

(Via MacRumors : Mac News and Rumors.)

Hitachi GST begins shipments of 4TB hard drive

2011-12-12T10:49:00.001-08:00

Hitachi GST begins shipments of 4TB hard drive - Hitachi Global Storage Technologies said Monday it began shipments of its first 4TB, 3.5-inch hard drive, targeted at the PC market.

(Via Macworld.)

Four Facebook security tips to stay safe in 2012

2011-12-12T10:45:00.001-08:00

Four Facebook security tips to stay safe in 2012 - Facebook users need to take extra precautions and exercise better judgment to ensure their accounts -- and their personal information -- stay safe. Here are four ways to do so.

(Via Macworld.)

How to pick the right iPod

2011-12-12T10:44:00.003-08:00

How to pick the right iPod - Which iPod (or iPhone or iPad) is right for you or the target of your holiday generosity? We run down your options.

(Via Macworld.)

'Steve Jobs' Tops Amazon's List of Best-Selling Print and Kindle Books for 2011

2011-12-12T10:44:00.001-08:00

'Steve Jobs' Tops Amazon's List of Best-Selling Print and Kindle Books for 2011 - Last week, we noted that Walter Isaacson's authorized biography of Steve Jobs had become Amazon's top-selling book of 2011, a feat all the more notable due to the fact that the book was not released until late October.

But that ranking only encompassed print sales, and with digital books now representing a majority of book sales at Amazon, rankings including Kindle e-book sales need to be included in order to generate a more complete picture of overall book sales.

Amazon has done just that today, releasing its list of best-selling books of 2011, and Isaacson's Steve Jobs once again topped the list.

“After the year of recommending books to our customers, it’s always fun to see what books really resonated with them,” said Chris Schluep, Senior Editor of Books, Amazon.com. “We chose ‘Steve Jobs’ as one of the Top 10 best books of the year, and even though it was published in October, the sales have been phenomenal in both formats. And we’re really excited that Kindle Direct Publishing authors have taken two of the top spots this year for book sales overall.”

The top 10 best-selling books overall are:

1. “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson
2. “Bossypants” by Tina Fey
3. “A Stolen Life” by Jaycee Dugard
4. “The Mill River Recluse” by Darcie Chan
5. “In the Garden of the Beasts” by Erik Larson
6. “A Dance with Dragons” by George R.R. Martin
7. “The Paris Wife” by Paula McLain
8. “The Litigators” by John Grisham
9. “The Abbey” by Chris Culver
10. “Inheritance (The Inheritance Cycle)” by Christopher Paolini

Amazon's list includes all books that were published as first editions in 2011 and includes only paid sales. Highlighting the growing influence of digital books and their impact on publishing, Amazon notes that both The Mill River Recluse (#4) and The Abbey (#9) are independently-published books made available only via Kindle e-book.

(Via MacRumors : Mac News and Rumors.)

No, the Kindle Fire isn't doomed

2011-12-12T10:41:00.001-08:00

No, the Kindle Fire isn't doomed - The honeymoon for Amazon's tablet is over, but history suggests that there's a strong chance the company will get it right over the long haul.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Amazon readying Kindle Fire update to address criticisms

2011-12-12T10:40:00.001-08:00

Amazon readying Kindle Fire update to address criticisms - With Amazon's new Kindle Fire tablet drawing criticisms from consumers and reviewers alike, the online retailer has revealed a software update will arrive in a couple weeks to address some user complaints.

(Via AppleInsider.)

Apple Posts a Beatles iTunes TV Ad: Covers

2011-12-10T21:45:00.001-08:00

Apple Posts a Beatles iTunes TV Ad: Covers -

Apple has posted a new TV ad on their YouTube page promoting The Beatles on iTunes. The ad is called "Covers" and shows off many of different album covers from The Beatles in an animated fashion. The ad ends with "The Beatles on iTunes".

The Beatles first appeared on the iTunes store back in November 2010. The new TV ad seems part of another promotion announced earlier today of a free animated version of the band's Yellow Submarine book as an exclusive on Apple's iBookstore.

(Via MacRumors : Mac News and Rumors.)

Review: Amazon Kindle Fire

2011-12-10T21:42:00.001-08:00

Review: Amazon Kindle Fire - After ignoring the tablet market for several years and dismissing color screens as inappropriate for e-book readers, Amazon has finally decided to expand its Kindle lineup to include a proper tablet. The Fire is aimed directly at Barnes & Noble's new Nook Tablet, though both devices are attempting to pull a bit of market share away from Apple's dominant iPad. In our full review, we compare Amazon's tablet to its direct rival and more expensive alternatives...

(Via MacNN | The Macintosh News Network.)

Yellow Submarine book on iTunes for free

2011-12-10T21:40:00.001-08:00

Yellow Submarine book on iTunes for free - The iTunes store is giving away copies of a Yellow Submarine e-book from the Beatles, as featured on the main page of the store. The book, which is dedicated simply "For Steve," tells the tale of the 1968 movie in form of a children's book, with clips from the film, animated illustration and a read-along feature using actor Dean Lennox Kelly. The book is a free download...

(Via MacNN | The Macintosh News Network.)

Apple posts beautiful Beatles animated video

2011-12-10T21:36:00.001-08:00

Apple posts beautiful Beatles animated video - A new ad promoting the Fab Four's music on iTunes is a beautiful combination of classic Beatles imagery and creative animation. Whether or not you ever buy any of their songs through Apple, it's worth a watch.

(Via CNET News.com.)

NASA: Anyone seen all the moon rock we've lost?

2011-12-10T21:32:00.001-08:00

NASA: Anyone seen all the moon rock we've lost? - Space agency declares that over 500 pieces of moon rock and other space substances are unaccounted for.

(Via CNET News.com.)

Amazon Kindle Fire continues to heat up the market

2011-12-10T21:31:00.001-08:00

Amazon Kindle Fire continues to heat up the market - Online activity from Amazon's new tablet is at a record high, according to ad network Chitika, and shows no sign of slowing down.

(Via CNET News.com.)

How to Optimize Your Mac with Onyx

2011-12-08T18:45:00.001-08:00

How to Optimize Your Mac with Onyx -

In the mood to do some housekeeping on your Mac? Onyx for your Mac can do it all, for the low, low price of free! Free is wonderful, and especially when it comes to keeping your system fresh. Onyx has been around for awhile now and with every new iteration it just keeps getting better. You can use for tasks like drive verification, system maintenance, and getting rid of extraneous files. It's been updated for Lion, so let's take a look!

(Via Mac|Life all.)