Apple
Macworld 2008 Musings
It was a whirlwind week for me at Macworld in San Francisco. I saw so many interesting new products and met so many great people it's almost impossible to contemplate. What really comes across, though, during my week there is the Mac community as a whole and just how nice everyone is. Gracious, intelligent and extremely pleasant people seem to gravitate towards the Mac and I, for one, couldn't be happier about it.
It's really hard to pinpoint a highlight of the show but if I had to pick one (or two) one would have to be meeting <a href="http://43folders.com/">Merlin Mann</a> and getting a chance to chat with him for a few minutes. We did an interview with him for <a href="http://www.tuaw.com">TUAW</a> but before and after we got to talk a bit off-camera. Good times with a great, funny and articulate man. I also got the chance to meet <a href="http://walt.allthingsd.com/">Walt Mossberg</a> of the Wall Street Journal, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Breen">Chris Breen</a> of <a href="http://www.macworld.com/">Macworld Magazine</a> and a whole host of other sharp and Mac-loving people.
Also, another highlight was the famed Cirque Du Mac party featuring a great band, great drinks (especially because they were free) and great company. Thank you Laurie D., Nik F., Victor A., Isiah C. and David C. for making that night extra fun. And, of course, another highlight of the show for me was getting to meet the great people I work with at TUAW for the first time in person. I know it may seem odd but we've been working together since last May and up until last week I had never met any of them face to face. In fact, we had never even spoken on the phone very much except to plan the first Talkcast and when we actually record the Talkcasts (at least the ones I'm in).
Other than that, it's just been email, IM and Twitter most of the time. How very futuristic, right? Scott McNulty, Michael Rose, Nik Fletcher and Victor Agreda from TUAW are all stand-up guys and some of the nicest, most gracious and funny people I've been around in a long time. Their humor, brains and talent are in so many ways humbling to be around. It's a real privilege to get to work with them and I appreciate it even more now that I've had a chance to meet them all in person.
In most cases I really prefer talking to people in person most of the time. Although, communicating via email, IM or Twitter is a great to avoid actually having to communicate at all. In fact, in some cases you can pretty much avoid all communication by simply ignoring these types and not responding. I think I'll start calling that "Zero Communication" or something like that. Could catch on. Maybe.
If you get a chance head on over to TUAW and check out the continuing coverage of Macworld and see some of the video I shot last week. Also, I'm posting pics at <a href="http://flickr.com/chrisu">Flickr</a> (at least some) and even managed to churn out a few TUAW posts so check those out too.
All in all a fun time in SFO @Macworld 2008 and something I hope to have the privilege to do again next year.
My latest TUAW Post
This is the most recent one concerning predictions for the upcoming Keynote. Also, I’ve got a few pics up over at the site as well so take a look. Of course, expect a crap load more pics, video and even some writing over the next few days.
Keynote tomorrow! Something is in the air.
Next Stop Macworld Expo in San Francisco
I'll be going up to San Francisco on Sunday to cover the big Macworld Expo gathering of the faithful all week for TUAW (thank you TUAW parent company AOL for sending me). Consequently, I'll be posting here less next week.
However, if you just can't get enough of me, check out the multiple ways in which you can keep up with my adventures, and those of my TUAW colleges, at Macworld as we bring you all the exciting news and info this year.
Here's some of the best ways:
The Unofficial Apple Weblog Website
Posts Tagged with the Macworld Tag at the TUAW Website
Our TUAW Twitter Feed (you do Twitter, don't you?)
My TUAW Articles - Stuff just from me (the best part, of course)
And, my Twitter feed is right there to the right so I will be posting to it as much as I can.
That a pretty good start. If you can't get enough Macworld info using these various methods, you're not trying hard enough. Also, be sure to check out our predictions of what Steve Jobs will announce at this year's keynote. There's some good ones there and if even half of them come true, it should make for an exciting keynote not to be missed.
And, if you are attending Macworld this year, be sure to say hello. We'll be the ones running around shooting video, taking photos, interviewing celebs and booth babes and loving every minute of the Macworld experience.
See you in San Francisco.
Fingers Crossed
I really hope Apple announces a new subnotebook at Macworld. And I don't mind if it looks a little something like this:
Checking In
Well, a lot has happened over the last couple weeks. Most of it not so good but some of it encouraging (at least a little). Without going into too much detail let's just say that I am dealing with some stuff of a very personal nature which has an effect not only on me but on my family as well.
However, things are beginning to look up a bit and perhaps in the next few days they will continue to improve even further. Until then, I won't be posting much here or writing anywhere else either. I know, try to make it through -- tough as it may be.
I do think things may return to some semblance of normalcy in the near future. On that day I will surely be a happy person. Until then, stress is doing not so fun things to me and my physical well-being so after I finish here I'm off to the park for a long, brisk walk.
Oh, in case you're keeping track of stuff like this, Apple released a <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2007/09/05/metaliveblogging-the-beat-goes-on-event/">bunch of new iPod variations</a> this week as well as dropping the price of the iPhone by two hundred bucks. Some people were angry about the price drop and so Steve Jobs is now <a href="http://www.apple.com/hotnews/openiphoneletter/">going to give</a> an Apple gift certificate to those of us who purchased the iPhone at a higher price.
On the day they were released, I actually purchased two of them. Maybe I'll get two hundred in Apple credit? If so, I wonder if I'll be able to find a way to spend it?
Can't Talk, Playing With the iPhone
Yes, I managed to snag one on Friday (the 8gb model, btw). Yes, its very, very cool. Yes, I will have more to say about it. Yes, I can’t say it here (blame AOL, not me). So please, look elsewhere for all things iPhone from me and other far more intelligent people. In fact, why not go here.
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/2007063022401.jpg" alt="2007063022401.jpg">
I'm Very Important
Sure, I'm joking with the title of this post. My ego isn't <em>quite</em> that big. However, I do have some rather good news to share. Well, good for me at least. For the rest of you, it won't really mean all that much except for the fact that I'm sure you all want to see me happy and doing well. I really appreciate that, btw. So, what is this great bit of news then?
Well, starting this week I'm bringing all of my exhaustive Macintosh and Apple love and knowledge to a new venue: <a href="http://www.tuaw.com">The Unofficial Apple Weblog</a> (aka TUAW). Some of you may already have seen me at this new website as I already started writing there yesterday. But if not, head on over and check out some of my posts -- mostly about the iPhone at the moment -- but as things progress, I'll be branching out into all-things Apple.
I've secretly (and not so secretly) wanted to write for TUAW for quite some time and as I already work for <a href="http://www.cinematical.com">Cinematical</a> (which is owned by the same company: Weblogs, Inc. / AOL) it was only a matter of time before I managed to work my way into writing for TUAW. And now, all that hard work has paid off and I got what I wanted. So, if you get a minute, head on over and take a look.
The site is good (better now that I'm there of course) and can fulfill your every wish where Apple and Apple-related news, reviews and more are concerned. This is one of the things I was talking about recently that I couldn't talk about. The other is still hush-hush but should be ready for public consumption sometime soon.
In other news, I'm now back from my travels to Portland and am pretty happy to be back in LA. Although, as I mentioned earlier, i really like Portland and at one time or another, entertained thoughts about moving there. After all, I really love comic books and there are a bunch of people there doing just that so it seems a natural place to go.
In truth, I might make the move if it was just me. But as its not, I need to consider other people's thoughts and feelings about the situation. Given that, I feel pretty strongly I won't be leaving LA any time soon. However, you never really know, do you? Life is funny sometimes and once in awhile you actually do get what you want. The trick, of course, is knowing what that is.
The Apple Developer Keynote Made Me iSleepy
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It may come as somewhat of a surprise that I, the vehement Apple fan would ever say anything even remotely negative about my favorite computer -- er, sorry "consumer electronics" -- company, but here I am saying just that. After much hype, speculation and furor all across the web and beyond, the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference <a href="http://events.apple.com.edgesuite.net/d7625zs/event/">Keynote</a> went off this morning not with the expected bang, but with a whimper. And not a particularly interesting whimper either.
Sure, there were some interesting things about it but those bits of joy were few and far between. Basically, what it amounted to was a big commercial for Apple's upcoming update to OSX called Leopard and some bits about the iPhone and the fact that yes, you can now experience the bliss of using the Safari web browser on your <a href="http://www.apple.com/safari/download/">Windows PC</a>. There are some cool ones like <a href="http://www.apple.com/macosx/leopard/features/timemachine.html">Time Machine</a> and the new look for the <a href="http://www.apple.com/macosx/leopard/features/desktop.html">Desktop</a> but without actually using it I can't get too excited yet. If you're really interested, the full list of the new features Leopard has to offer can be found <a href="http://www.apple.com/macosx/leopard/features/">here</a>.
I have to say I was expecting more. Although, some might argue that I really shouldn't because this event is geared towards software developers and so isn't the place to debut new, exciting updates to Apple's products. Nor is it the proper venue to announce new additions to Apple's ever-expanding line of consumer electronics. That might be true but Apple needs to remember one thing when they decide the content for these keynotes: everyone is watching.
Apple is a trend-setting company whose products have a tremendous appeal and whose influence is felt in many corners of the business and consumer markets. They are not the little company in Cupertino trying to make it anymore. They are a world player to rival the biggest in the industry and they shouldn't waste any opportunity to announce new stuff -- especially stuff people are really waiting to see. So, given all of that, what did I want from the keynote? I'm glad you asked because I made a list:
• Something about an update for Apple's ailing suite of .Mac offerings. The days where getting what amounts to an email account and 1GB of online storage for a hundred bucks a year are drawing to a close. Apple needs to make .Mac more valuable and even better, make it free, for it to compete in today's world where Google gives it all away. Not only that, but now it seems that .Mac was not only overlooked during the keynote, but has disappeared from Apple's website completely. Mmm, I wonder where it's gone? Hopefully it will surface somewhere new and be more fantastic than ever. Google anyone?
• Something about an update for Apple's suite of iApps which include iPhoto, iMovie and iWeb. I like all of these applications but it would be great if they did more -- especially in the case of iWeb. Its pretty good for version 1.0 but it really needs more features and more custom features to remain viable. Of course, there's always the chance that the iApps are also going to appear somewhere else. Maybe they will end up being available the same way .Mac will?
• New hardware. How about an updated iMac in stunning aluminum enclosure or something I really, really want: a 13" MacBook Pro. Surely Apple recognizes the need for a ultra-portable Mac laptop for business people who don't want to lug the 15" MacBook Pro around with them and who won't want to use a MacBook. More than anything, I would really love Apple to come out with this kind of machine. If they do, I'll be ordering one the first second its available. I can't be the only person who wants one of these, can I?
• Tone down the iPhone hype a bit. Sure, the iPhone looks cool and on the surface seems to have a bunch of great features. But seriously, its not the second coming or anything. It's a phone that supposedly does a lot of other stuff still unproven in real-world conditions.
So, while you're flogging the crap out of the iPhone, it might not be a bad idea to remember your loyal user base of Mac computer users. You remember them, right? The ones that kept buying Macs even though everyone in the press was predicting Apple's imminent demise? They kept the company going during the dark times of Amelio and Scully so please try to remember and throw them a bone once in awhile. They deserve your respect and your thanks.
All the hype and attention surrounding the iPhone and its imminent release to a salivating public is one of the reasons I'm counting the days until it finally comes out. Once its finally out there and succeeds massively or falls flat on it shiny, touch screened face, maybe Apple can then get back to doing what it has always done best, make terrific computers that "just work." Until then, if I have to watch any more Keynotes like this I'm gonna need a lot more coffee.
Apple won’t sell 10 million iPhones, Secrets and “Mac Chicks”
I don't know for sure but it does <em>seem</em> like <a href="http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/06/02/apple_iphones/">Lance Davis</a> doesn't have much love for Apple, Steve Jobs or the iPhone. Or, it could be that he's just a reserved Brit used to having lowered expectations and settling for less. Or, he's just not been effected enough by Job's notorious "reality distortion field." Whatever the case, his conclusions seem wrong to me. I could tell you why but over at TUAW, David Chartier <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2007/06/04/on-doubting-the-iphone-and-making-the-wrong-comparisons/">does it for me</a> (and you) so take a look over there.
Why am I linking to another Apple website instead of commenting myself? Well, I could tell you but its not something I can talk about yet. Yes, another one of those "secrets" I seem to have of late. I know, I hate secrets too. And while we're on the subject, surprise birthday parties. But rest-assured all will be revealed in short order. As soon as I know something, I will let you know. Until then, enjoy this months latest "Mac Chick of the Month" <a href="http://www.mandyamano.com/">Mandy Amano</a> over at <a href="http://macenstein.com/default/archives/636">Macenstein</a>.
Actually, on a bit of a side note, my frequent collaborator Anthony D. and I almost cast Mandy in a project once -- right before her now infamous Pepsi Superbowl add aired. Sadly, the project fell through (as they sometime do) and we didn't have the pleasure of working with Mandy. Maybe next time. Although now, we probably can't afford her. At least we still have the new photos and the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisu/31393755/">one I took</a> at the casting.
<img src="http://cullrich.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/mg-jun-2007-1.jpg" alt="mg-jun-2007-1.jpg">
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Moving Again
No, I’m still sticking with Wordpress but I’m moving to a new host that will give me better control over the site. Wordpress is a great program and I will continue to use it over at the new host.
For the next day or two we may experience some issues as the URL of this here site changes hands to new hosts. I appreciate your patience and promise that this will be the last time I move this site around. Well, probably the last time anyway.
In the meantime, check out my <a href="http://www.laist.com/archives/2007/03/27/ask_the_macist_getting_an_appletv.php" target="_blank">article at LAist</a> concerning the new AppleTV. Should you get one? Read and see.
300: Made on a Mac + The Screaming Death Monkey
Over at <a href="http://www.ballergoods.com/home/2007/3/12/300-creating-the-visual-effects.html" target="_blank">this site</a> they have an interesting bit of info on the film <a href="http://imdb.com/title/tt0416449/" target="_blank"><em>300</em></a> and how the Macintosh was a very big part of getting the film done. Some of the Apple tech that was used to make the film possible include Final Cut Pro, Shake and Quicktime. Even though the film was primarily edited on an AVID system, the filmmakers said they prefer to use Macs running Final Cut instead of AVID. Interesting bit of info. And, if you want even more, head on over to the <a href="http://www.fxguide.com/article405.html" target="_blank">FX Guide</a> site. Even more bits of interesting info there including the above mentioned 'Death Monkey.'
While we are on the subject of <em>300</em>, I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the film. As I usually do these days, I went in with almost no expectations and as open a mind as I could possibly muster. Fortuntely, the film more than lived up to the hype and I was rewarded with a great experience. Sure, the film isn't perfect but its a visual treat that should not be missed. Obviously, I'm not alone here because the film made over $70 milion in the first weekend -- the third biggest opening weekend for an R-rated film of all time, btw. So, get a babysitter and go out and see the movie if you haven't already.
Also, got some new stuff up over at Cinematical -- including details on <a href="http://www.cinematical.com/2007/03/13/frank-miller-from-now-on-i-direct-my-own-stuff/" target="_blank">Frank Miller's career aspirations</a>, Michael Eisner's <a href="http://www.cinematical.com/2007/03/13/michael-eisner-takes-us-one-step-closer-to-movies-via-internet/" target="_blank">new venture</a> and the <a href="http://www.cinematical.com/2007/03/10/hollywood-and-youtubes-relationship-on-the-rocks/" target="_blank">YouTube saga</a> -- as well as a brand new '<a href="http://www.laist.com/archives/2007/03/13/ask_the_macist_getting_gmail_with_apple_mail.php" target="_blank">Ask the MACist</a>' over at LAist. Plus, I should have a couple things coming out at <a href="http://www.comicbookresources.com" target="_blank">CBR</a> in a few days as well. And, possibly something new and cool I'm not at liberty to discuss just yet too. You'll just have to chcck back to find out, sorry.
iPhone - Yes or No?
Over at LAist I've written a little piece answering a question from a reader who asks if they should get an iPhone or not. As an unapologetic Apple and Mac fan, I think my answers were put as well as I could put them. There are a lot of other pros and cons but I tried to settle on the main ones that I feel are worth it to normal cell phone users when considering an iPhone. Anyway, the piece is up so if you get a chance, feel free to take a look.
Marissa Miller + iPod = Who needs a swimsuit?
Hey, I love iPods <em>and</em> I love hot swimsuit models. So this is really a win win for me. And now for you too. You're welcome.
Moved
So yeah, obviously I moved to Wordpress. And yes, I like the way the blog looks now. But no, the move wasn’t perfect. Sadly, all of the pictures and video files I had put into my posts didn’t make the trip so they will have to be dropped in manually. Quite a bummer actually considering I’ve got over three years worth of posts here and most of them have pictures or some other kind of media.
Anyway, I probably won’t go back and bring all the pictures back in. I just don’t have that kind of time. So, if you happen to read a post with a whole where a picture should be, please forgive me. I am also having some trouble getting embedded videos to play at Wordpress so that will take a little effort on my part as well. Or, I suppose I could ask support for help. Not there yet. I always like to figure this stuff out for myself anyway. It help later if someone else asks me what to do and I can tell them from experience.
Other than that, I’m writing this while looking at an Apple 23" Cinema Display attached to my MacBook Pro. I gotta say that it’s a pretty great monitor and I may keep it. Actually, it technically is supposed to go to someone else but they don’t need it right away so I thought I would check it out for myself and see how nice it is. You know what, its pretty nice.
Steve Jobs and His Thoughts on Music
This is a very interesting read especially coming from a guy whose company also has DRM on its music from iTunes. Still, you have to give him credit, he sure seems to be pretty darn smart. I guess you have to be to do what he's done with Apple over the years. Enjoy.
Live at Macworld Expo Keynote
Apple iphone with touch screen running osx. so that's pretty cool.
Apple tv released next month.
Live at Macworld Expo Keynote
I'm here and seated and ready to see the magic of a steve jobs keynote. starting soon.
iPod Stroller and Mac World Expo
Now I just need something to put in the stroller. Any suggestions (besides an iPod)? Also, I will be heading off to San Francisco next week to pay homage to the Apple Gods at MacWorld Expo. As I often do, I'll probably wind up seeing Mr. Apple himself Steve Jobs around the show floor.
So, if you have any questions for him that you would like me to ask, fire away and I will see what I can do. After all, we're close Steve and I. One year I actually said “Hi” to him and he nodded back. So you see, we're tight. Other than that, it should be a rather interesting show full of all kinds of announcements and whatnot. Just to start things off, I have a couple of predictions:
1. A new iPod with Video and perhaps even 802.11n wireless to connect it to the next item on the list.
2. The iTV or whatever they end up calling it. Connect your TV to your computer and watch stuff. Fun. But I already do that with my Tivo and now I've also got a Slingbox (thanks Dad) so I'm not sure what this will do for me. Although, it would be cool if it did HD. I bet it will or else what's the point? If it does do HD then expect to see HD programming available at the iTunes store as well.
3. Updated iLife Suite (aka iLife '07). New apps including a spread sheet program (ala Microsoft Excel) and improvements to iPhoto and the rest of the gang including more Photoshop-like features for iPhoto and better RAW file handling. I also think Apple might wrap all the stuff its done for Aperture into iPhoto and make one nice photo editing suite for the Mac as part of iLife.
4. Last but not least (and here's the tough one) a new iPod/PDA/Phone that will most likely debut on Cingular first but may even have an unlocked version at first as well. Either way, definitely will be GSM (sorry Verizon and Sprint folks). This new device will not be called the iPhone now that that name is gone (if it ever was available in the first place). No, this new device will be called a name Apple has already spent millions of dollars getting people to know and remember. What's the name? The iPod.
Ok, that's it for now. But if I get a chance I'll drop some more predictions on ya Monday -- the day before the Keynote by Steve Jobs where all will be made clear.
