tombrennan.org

Strike another one up for Apple.  A flickr user has pointed out on their page that Microsoft has published a picture on their website that was made on a Mac.  The digital fingerprint on the image shows that the image was made on a version of Adobe’s Photoshop on a computer running OS X, Apple’s operating system.

Since being pointed out an exploited online the Redmond-based software giant has pulled the image off the site and is using a PC-editied image.

This snafu is one of a few for Microsoft, who recently dumped the Bill Gates/Jerry Seinfeld ad campaign after two weeks.  It was reported that Seinfeld was paid $10 million for the contract.  Microsoft claims that they dumped the campaign becuase they “planned to”.  The current run lasted only two weeks.

written by tom

Upon the announcement last Tuesday that Apple unveiled it’s 2nd Generation iPod Touch users have been itching to buy them. Many users who are simply buying a replacement iPod (as in my case a 4GB Mini) are finding out that some of the accessories will either will not charge or will not work at all with the new iPod.

Case in point: JVC has a car adapter that plugs into the head unit of their car units. The JVC KS-PD100 will not work with the iPod Touch. This one piece of equipment became hugely popular over the past few years. Now, according to one Apple Support Forum has made quite a few people upset.

Other uses with expensive accessories, such as the Bose iPod Sound Docking. Although one Apple forum offers a little hope…at least you can hear audio from the 2GT.

The issue seems to be a new wiring configuration Apple has set-up with the new 3G iPhone and 2nd Gen. iPod Touch. It would seem these two forums are just the tip of the iceburg of the Apple/iPod fans who are not very happy with the new wiring scheme.

written by tom

We all know that immediate adoption of new products account for only a small portion of long-term usage.  With that said, a week after Google’s Chrome web browser was released it accounts for only a small portion (about 7/10 of a percent) of the market.

Current Firefox users have cited the lack of importable/usable plugins for the new browser as a reason why they will not make the leap from the Mozilla browser to Google.  Others (including yours truely) have noted that if Google tracks your movements beyond its search capabilities to all of your web browsing, you would be more suseptible to targeted advertising and “Big Brother” style databases storing your habits.

Time will tell how much of an impact Google will make on the web browser market, but after a week out, things are not looking too good.

written by tom

We all know that immediate adoption of new products account for only a small portion of long-term usage.  With that said, a week after Google’s Chrome web browser was released it accounts for only a small portion (about 7/10 of a percent) of the market.

Current Firefox users have cited the lack of importable/usable plugins for the new browser as a reason why they will not make the leap from the Mozilla browser to Google.  Others (including yours truely) have noted that if Google tracks your movements beyond its search capabilities to all of your web browsing, you would be more suseptible to targeted advertising and “Big Brother” style databases storing your habits.

Time will tell how much of an impact Google will make on the web browser market, but after a week out, things are not looking too good.

written by tom

Yesterday at a media event dubbed “Let’s Rock” Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple announced refreshed versions of the iPod Nano, iPod Touch, and iTunes.

The new version of iTunes (8) now has support for HD TV shows (avialable for $2.99) a new “Genius” playlist that suggests similar songs in your collection, and a new visualizer.

Excitement came over the crowd when Jobs introduced a refreshed iPod Nano and changes to the Classic and Shuffle.  The Nano, now the smallest iPod ever totes an enchanced interface, an accelerometer to detect tilt (for the new widescreen and “shake to shuffle” features, and the Genius playlist all in a new curved glass case.  The 8GB version will go for $149 while the 16GB will put you out $199. If you do decided to get one you’ll have to choose from the 9 different colors.  The Classic now will only come in a 120GB size, while the Shuffle has new colors and storage sizes.

Next came the iPod Touch.  The new curved back model has the same storage capacity but has added features.  There now is a built in speaker with external volume control (similar to the iPhone), and an extended battery life for 36 hours of music or 6 hours of video.  The 8GB model will set you back $229 ($70 less than previous versions), $299 for 16GB, and $399 for the 32GB model.

written by tom