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 Today DELL made good on their promise to be first to market with a sub-$1k notebook with an included Blu-Ray drive. After doing some comparison shopping on both DELL and Apple's site, you can see that for a paltry $79 more than the low end Macbook you can land yourself an Inspiron 1525 which will burn both CD/DVD and BURN Blu-Ray. Why is a company that has pioneered DVD creation and movie making for the past 5 years still shipping their low-end notebook with a combo drive as the standard configuration? It is 2008 right? I haven't slipped into a worm hole and landed myself in the year 2001 have I? Even at the risk of hurting movie download sales, Apple needs to start including Blu-Ray now. By the end of the year there will be over 13 million PS3 sold, and countless more stand alone players. The format is here to stay and eventually Blu-Ray will become a bullet point when a customer is deciding between an Apple computer and a competitors.
I know it ca be hard to remember to sitdown in front of a computer at a specific time to watch something. We hope you will though. Each week on TDL Live we look at the latest Apple headlines, and technology news and rumors. And you never know what we might give away, or what might happen. It is, after all, live. And you can interact with us via iChat or email during the show. So I hope you'll get a chance to check us out this Monday. Here's a look at what you missed last week:
Jesse McPherson came back from the SXSW Interactice festival in Austin, and he was in for quite a surprise: His Powerbook, Xbox, and flatscreen TV had been stolen. While growing impatient with the "official" investigation, McPherson posted his story on his blog, and submitted it to digg. What happened next was a classic example of the power of community:
Macgirl had a chance to give Vortex a whirl on her 5th gen iPod. The quick take: the gameplay is fun, fast, and easily controlled.
Here's the full review:
As first reported by Appleinsider.com, Apple has settled a lawsuit brought by two photographers, regarding Apple's claim of millions of colors on the MacBook and MacBook Pros. So how many colors were there? Can't we just count them? Well, yes and no.
Essentially, the suit claims Apple reached the millions of colors through a process called dithering. Essentially, pixels next to each other that were two different colors could be used to give the look of a third, separate color. No big deal, you say? Well, it can be to a photographer, which is probably why this wasn't thrown out.
Color accuracy at the pixel level is an essential for a professional photographer. Admittedly, I've never looked at a photo, and pointed out a flaw in a single pixel, but I see the point.
What does this mean to you? Well as a class action suit, this case may very well end in some sort reparation to all MacBook and MBP buyers. Don't quit those day jobs just yet. If history is our guide, this will most likely end with a discount on Apple hardware/software. Hmmm... Aperture anyone. Our prediction: a $50 off Aperture coupon. You heard it here first.
Sure it's easy to find a bunch of reviews for a product when it first comes out, but what about after all the hullabaloo dies down, and people have actually had a chance to use the device?
It's hard to believe, but it's already been nine months since Apple introduced the iPhone. I thought it would be worthwhile to take a look at the phone now, through nine months of ownership, especially for those of you still on the fence about buying, or holding out for a 3G phone.
The battery life is iffy. Here at TDL HQ, the iPhone needs to be charged on a nightly basis. If you're used to smartphones, this won't be a dramatic change, but if you're coming to a standard phone, say a Motorola RAZR for example, this will take some getting used to. I don't like feeling stressed on trips about whether my charge will hold up. Miss a night, and you could be looking at a dead battery by the end of the next day.
From an interface standpoint, for an internet device, the layout is great. As a phone? Well, it certainly takes more button pushes than you're probably used to, and so far, Apple has not enabled any sort of voice-activated dialing. As an iPod, the interface (shared with the iPod touch) is slick, however, it isn't a perfect replacement in every situation. Using the iPhone as an iPod replacement in a car, for example, requires extra attention: you can't simply "feel" the click wheel as you would with a standard iPod. It is definitely more distracting to use while driving. Additionally, don't forget that due to its recessed headphone jack, you'll need an extra adapter (or be comfortable sanding/whittling existing peripherals) to attach your accessories to the iPhone.
The iPhone has had it's shares of issues, however. I personally had an issue in which I couldn't talk to, or hear calls unless I used the speakerphone. After visiting a Genius Bar, I was told it was an issue that could be reset by plugging in, and removing the headphones. After pointing out the absurdity of needing to travel with a pair of headphones in case it happened again, I was given a replacement phone. Two months after getting that phone, the same issue is occurring. I've been told the issue is not hardware-related, so hopefully it will be fixed through a software update. As I was given the new phone I was given no guarantee that it wouldn't happen on the new phone, as the problem was not yet fixed.
When the phone launched, 4GB and 8GB seemed large enough to serve as a phone with essentially a built-in iPod nano. However, with the approaching release of the Apps store for the phone, space on those devices could quickly be at a premium. If you are thinking of buying an iPhone at this point, go with the 16GB (or larger as they become available) at the very least. What seemed like gobs of space for tunes, goes quickly when allotted for video, photos, and a slew of new applications.
The cell phone landscape has changed immensely in the last nine months. Spurred in no small part, by the iPhone, nearly every manufacturer has some sort of touchscreen device. But a touchscreen does not make a phone an iPhone. If you want internet surfing, email, and music in the closest form to having you Mac (or PC) in front of you, the iPhone is the way to go. If you're looking for the quickest way to make a call, or the best iPod for your car, you might want to re-consider.
Taking your computer to an Apple Store, and leaving for repair requires a certain amount of trust. As mentioned previously on Root Access, there will always be people who will take advantage of the system, and may look at things they aren't supposed to on your computer. But what happens when Apple replaces your computer? Where does your existing data go? Well, the short answer is it's hard to tell.
For the full story, here's our segment from Root Access talking about data privacy on replaced machines:
  The original title of this post was going to be "LOLCats in Vegas" but after two hours last night trying to get the the kitties to pose for a picture I gave up. Instead I'll be playing through the game this weekend staring at myself. I just wish the developers gave the option of adding some polygon hair!
The rumor mill is abuzz today with reports Apple might be considering a premium service, that would allow you to pay a premium, $100 perhaps, over the normal iPod price for the privilege of lifetime downloads from the iTunes Music Store.
And believe it or not, this actually makes economic sense for everyone involved.
First a look at the numbers. As of January, Apple had sold 150 million iPods according to analysts. And from Apple's press releases, the music store has sold roughly 3.5 billion songs. Some quick division shows that's a mere 24 songs per iPod sold. Let's say the $100 premium is split evenly between Apple and the labels. That still means more than double the revenue from iTunes than now, for everyone involved. Well, of course except for the artists. (Quick tip: don't go into music for the money.)
Additionally, Apple would be an ally of all the big labels. After all, which player will they push if they're getting such a fine cut? Sure, other players will inevitably get the same deal, but it will be too late.
This would also eliminate the headache of users losing music in a hard drive crash: simply create a restore library option to bring all those songs to your new hard drive.
But what about TV shows and movies you ask... Well, they would most likely not be included. However, Apple could partner with the new industry site hulu.com to make TV shows available for free with advertising. TV show sales and movie sales, by all accounts, haven't quite caught on fire on iTunes. Imagine the possibilities to stoke AppleTV sales. And if the content's free anyhow, there wouldn't be nearly as much resistance to adding dvr functionality.
Overall, it's a sensible, though probably unlikely scenario. After all, this is the same company that still makes users pay $99 a year for .mac email...
Hey True Believers, If you have seen recent episodes of Root Access, you may know that we are planning to cover and discuss more gaming related topics in the upcoming weeks and months. This will include not only iPhone games, but also Xbox360, Wii, PlayStation and retro gaming. Hopefully TDL will offer a slant on gaming that breaks the recycled story pattern of many gaming blogs today. So if there are any topics you want us to touch upon, give me a shout. jamie@thedigitallifestyle.tvAnd if you want to come kick my ass on COD4 or Rainbow Six Vegas 2 send me a friend request over Live.
When John Doerr speaks, Silicon Valley listens. As part of Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, the Valley's premier venture capital firm, Doerr has seen his share of huge, game-changing technology. From Google, to Amazon, Sun and others, Doerr has had the vision to see the future just ahead of others. At Apple's iPhone SDK roadmap event, Doerr, took the stage to announce the establishment of the iFund: a $100 million dollar pot of venture capital money for applications intended for the iPhone. Lost in the coverage of the fund's establishment was something else Doerr said.
"Today we're witnessing history... In your pocket you have something that's broadband and connected all the time. It's personal. It knows who you are and where you are. That's a big deal. A really big deal. It's bigger than the personal computer," Doerr said at the launch.
Let's digest that for a moment. The iPhone as a bigger development in technology than the personal computer. Is there a bigger statement that could be made about the SDK release?
Well in fact, it could very well turn out to be true. While the iPhone has proven itself has a worthy phone/ipod/portable internet device, this SDK does indeed take things to a whole new level. Suddenly everyone from an 11 year-old girl to a Wall Street executive need/want the same device. The business app integration becomes a must-have for some, while a slew of cool, independently produced games become the hip item on every playground. John Doerr is seldom wrong, and he's not wrong this time either. This is bigger than the personal computer. Period.
(Each month we weigh the pros and cons of a particular potential merger for Apple. Please note the "fantasy" part of this speculation: Many times the mergers mentioned couldn't or wouldn't be realistically possible. But put all that aside and enjoy this month's edition of Fantasy Merger.)
With Apple's revamped Apple TV, or more specifically, the "Take Two" software enhancements, critics seem to universally agree that Apple TV is better than it was. Many though, lament that there's still no way to record shows to the box, and that it cannot serve as a cable box replacement. Another box to have to hook up, and one without a dvd player is a barrier for many people.
It has also become clear in the past few weeks that Apple does not offer nearly the movie selection for rent as other outlets. Take Comcast's OnDemand movie offerings, for example.
Apple's plans seems set on a world in which the concept of networks disappear, and people are free to watch whatever they want to, whenever they like. Tivo has been but a small taste of Apple's ultimate network-free model.
Of course, there are a few problems with that future. For one, the cable companies have been doing just fine providing traditional network television. And, for those who enjoy live programming like sports and news, the cable connection is key to getting those programs as they happen.
But now, go down the rabbit hole.. to a world in which Comcast and Apple are one. For the sake of this discussion, we'll assume Apple was able to outright purchase Comcast (not financially possible, but that's why we call it fantasy merger!). Now imagine that all those Comcast boxes in the universe are replaced by Apple TVs, or given Apple TV features. The resulting service would create a seamless experience: whether you want to watch podcasts, rent movies, or buy TV shows, it would all be handled by one device. And with Apple as an internet provider to millions, the possibilities to enhance/fix .mac become incredible. Personal photo albums from iPhoto/.mac could be made easily available to family members all over the country. And because Apple would control "the pipe" to the home, they would have tremendous leverage in dealing with the major networks, maybe dismantling the whole concept of networks, for better or worse, in the process.
What do you think? What other pros and cons would come from this merger?
The HD format war is over.HD-DVD has lost, and lost big. Lost in all the buzz about Blu-Ray's victory is the question of what becomes of those who purchased HD-DVDs. Short term, those people's lives haven't really changed. What happens though, a year from now when their HD-DVD player stops working? Some people have collected fairly large collections of HD-DVD movies. This is content that they have paid for, and content that is, unfortunately, locked to the disc.
In the audio world, it's easy to rip a CD, and have those files in a digital format. The same cannot be said for HD DVD, or Blu Ray. Here's a situation in which honest, law-abiding consumers have a legitimate reason to want to move the content from the original delivery medium. Let's not lose sight that that's what we're talking about here: media tied to a delivery medium, rather than a purchase.
This is the first significant digital format to go belly-up. And while Blu Ray supporters are high- fiving each other victoriously, don't forget your format could be next.
But then again, maybe this is much ado about nothing. Perhaps this discussion will look quaint in five years. One would think once movies are delivered primarily online, the ability to play them would last as long as there are computers. What do you think? Should HD DVD movie buyers be able to convert those films to another format? Is this a problem that will go away in time? Should the studios be able to lock content to a particular delivery method?
Today Apple announced new pricing/capacity on the iPod Shuffle, with the price of the current 1GB model falling to $49, and the announcement of a forthcoming 2GB model for $69.
The question becomes though, how low will Apple go? I've got to think $49 is the bottom-most price point for a player branded as an iPod. so as memory prices continue to fall, will the shuffle disappear? The prospect of a 4Gb or 8GB shuffle leads to questions: How many songs do you want on a device without any screen? With the both the price to capacity ratio, and size of the Nano shrinking, Wouldn't soon make sense to simply offer a 2GB Nano as the bottom of the iPod lineup? What do you think?
This is just more or less another test entry to make sure everything is fine, post iWeb. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like there's an easy way to move our previous posts over here, but if anyone knows a way to do it, please let us know!
(NOTE: All posts prior to, and including this one, were on our original iWeb blog) If you’ve been following the site since day one, you know that we used iWeb for our initial web design. What a novel idea we thought; use Apple’s own webpage creation tool to create a highly-trafficked, user-focused website. Well, now that our brief bit of naivete as worn off, and our jaded selves have returned. It’s painfully apparent that iWeb simply won’t do what we need. It may offer great features for people hosting/creating websites with .mac, but otherwise, it can be quite a bear.
So slowly over the next 6-8 weeks, we will be transitioning out of iWeb. The first part of the transition will be to move the blog over to an industry-standard account, most likely Blogger. Once that’s done, we’ll let you know here.
This is more or less a test entry as we start to move to blogger, away from the built-in blogging tools in iWeb.
What a day yesterday! It was, of course, the Super Bowl of the Apple universe: the Macworld Expo keynote. The viewership for our live coverage yesterday far exceeded our expectations. So first, thanks to everyone for tuning in. The keynote address seems to create more and more of a media circus each year, and we’re proud to be here all year around with the best Apple/tech-related video content available, not just on keynote days.
But getting back to the viewership yesterday (and the title of this email.) thanks to you we passed the one million viewer minutes mark yesterday. Viewers have watched over one million minutes of tDL programming in less than two months.
So thank you, and we look forward to the next million minutes, and beyond! Look for more new shows, and more live programming as we go forward, including more live Macworld Expo coverage today at 2:30 PM/ET. We hope you’ll join us!
We’re gearing up for our live Macworld Expo coverage on Tuesday. Are you headed to Macworld? If so, we want to hear from you, to be part of our broadcast. Send an email to ryan@thedigitallifestyle.tv .
We’re adding more live programming to the channel. Tonight marks the start of the regular timeslot for “TDL Live,” our new weekly, interactive live show. You can join in tonight at 9PM ET/6PM PT. You can participate in the livechat, or send a mesage to us via iChat/AIM at tdllive.
But this is just a warmup for our live coverage of Macworld 2008. Throughout the day on January 15th, we’ll have live updates from San Francisco, as well as live anchored coverage throughout the day. I hope you’ll join us!
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