Leander Kahney's Blog, page 1498
November 8, 2011
Steve Jobs Is Leading Contender For Time's Person of Year
Steve Jobs is the leading contender for Time's annual Person of the Year award, even though it's not usually awarded to someone who is no longer alive.
"The smartphone has changed the world as much as the Bible has," said celebrity chef Mario Batali, who was pro-Jobs at Time's annual POY panel debate in New York.
The 2011 Person of the Year award was discussed by a panel led by NBC's Brian Williams and Time's managing editor Rich Stengel. Also featured were actor Jesse Eisenberg, comedian Seth Meyers, lawyer/professor Anita Hill, senate candidate Elizabeth Warren, lobbyist Grover Norquist, and Batali.
Much of the debate was about whether Jobs should be the first person no longer alive to become Time's Person of the Year.
But Jesse Eisenberg, who played Marc Zuckerberg in The Social Network, said it was like the Oscars giving best director to someone who just died when they really deserved a lifetime achievement award.
Here's some of the debate:
The panelists also suggested:
Mohamed Bouazizi — The Tunisian fruit vendor who triggered the Arab Spring
The Occupy Wall Street movement
Esraa Abdel Fatah — lead organizer of the uprising in Cairo
Nicolas Sarkozy or Angela Merkel — trying to stop the euro debt crisis
What do you guys think? The guy who started the Arab Spring (who also passed) or Jobs?
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Apple Updates Java for Mac OS X 10.6 &10.7
Apple has released an update for Java on Mac OS X 10.6 and 10.7 the updates are available now via Software Update on your Mac.
Check out all the exciting details about these updates after the break.
According to Apple:
Mac OS X Lion
Java for Mac OS X 10.7 Update 1 delivers improved compatibility, security, and reliability by updating Java SE 6 to 1.6.0_29.
Please quit any web browsers and Java applications before installing this update.
See http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4883 for more details about this update.
See http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222 for information about the security content of this update.
Mac OS X Snow Leopard
Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 6 delivers improved compatibility, security, and reliability by updating Java SE 6 to 1.6.0_29.
Please quit any web browsers and Java applications before installing this update.
See http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4884 for more details about this update.
See http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222 for information about the security content of this update.
If you'd like to download the update directly to install on multiple computers you can get a copy of it for Mac OS X Lion or Snow Leopard.
Note a few people in the comments question the validity of one of the updates. Here's why I wrote about the two updates from support.apple.com/downloads — see the dates for the two Java updates. If you need either of these great if you don't that is even better since these updates also include security updates.
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Fold-Up Keyboard Case Turns Your iPad Into A Laptop [Review]
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This is the Incase Origami Workstation ($30), a case for your Apple Wireless keyboard.
Yes, you read that right: this is not an iPad case. It's a keyboard case. But it's awesome. Here's why.
It does two things: wraps snugly round your Apple Wireless Keyboard, ensuring it doesn't scratch, or get scratched by, other objects in your bag. Unfolded, the lid becomes a prop for your iPad in portrait or landscape mode, thanks to a couple of ingenious folds and a simple hook-and-loop fastener.
Behold: you now have a lightweight laptop-like device for working on, but for a fraction of the price of a MacBook Air.
Your iPad slips into place as-is, even if it's wearing another (thin-ish) case or sleeve. Switch on Bluetooth and start typing. When you're done, fold the whole thing up and it will slip into your bag adding very little weight. For those of you whose work revolves around writing, this is an ideal lightweight mobile writing setup.
Its simplicity is beguiling. It's remarkably sturdy, uses little space, and the built-in plastic clips keep your keyboard rock steady while you type. Despite the fold-out arrangement, the whole thing is surprisingly adaptable. I found it possible and comfortable to use this setup to type on my lap (although obviously it's always most comfortable to use a table or desk).
The Incase Origami costs only £20 here in the UK ($30 in the US), which makes it considerably cheaper than most iPad cases and sleeves. For anyone wanting to do lots of typing on an iPad, it's an accessory well worth the money. Recommended.
Rating: ★★★★½
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Nearly 40% Of iPhones Are Already Running iOS 5 [Report]
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According to a new report by Chitika Insights, nearly 40% of iPhones are currently running iOS 5. Apple released its latest mobile operating system to the public on October 12th, and users are continuing to install the new OS at a rapid pace.
Nearly one month has now passed since the release, and iOS 5 can be found on 38% of iPhones, 30% of iPads, and only 12% of iPod touch devices.
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Chitika Insights measured traffic on iOS devices between October 22nd and October 28th to determine user adoption.
Almost 80% of iPod touch devices are still on iOS 4, while the iPhone is naturally showing the fastest adoption of iOS 5. The iPhone's higher percentage can also be attributed to strong sales for the iPhone 4S that ships with iOS 5 pre-installed. The numbers also say something about how people use the iPhone and iPad as their primary devices, while the iPod touch is generally used more for leisure.
(via BGR)
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Apple Brings The Criterion Collection To iTunes
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The Criterion Collection consists of the "important classic and contemporary films" from around the world. 46 of its films from throughout the years have been made available in iTunes for film aficionados to download.
The films in the collection are considered to be titles that have made a significant impact on the world of cinema. Many titles have been remastered and released in the highest quality possible for iTunes distribution.
Criterion is offering a very small selection of films from their collection (especially in comparison with Hulu's library), but it is a start. They seem to be beginning with 46 films, including such hallmarks of cinema as Ingmar Bergman's THE SEVENTH SEAL, Jean-Luc Godard's BREATHLESS, Akira Kurosawa's SEVEN SAMURAI, and Francois Truffaut's THE 400 BLOWS. Each film is $14.99 to purchase and $2.99 to rent.
Criterion is known for its extensive extras, but the films' interviews and behind the scenes extras are not available in iTunes at this time.
If you think of yourself as a film buff, check out The Criterion Collection in iTunes. If you're like the rest of us, check it out and get educated!
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Microsoft Reportedly Dumps Blogger Over iPhone Use
Microsoft allegedly aborted a deal with a Swedish mobile blogger because he uses an iPhone.
Toni Johansson, at the helm of site winMobile.se, said that responding to an email with the "sent from my iPhone" signature cost him a funding deal from Microsoft. As a result, he's closing the site.
"They abruptly closed the door due to the fact of a simple signature," Johansson told iTnews via email.
Johansson says he was very close to working out a deal with Microsoft to sponsor a redesign of his site. While arranging lunch with a Microsoft "evangelist," Johansson answered and email from his iPhone.
Instead of confirming the appointment, the Microsoft contact reportedly highlighted the iPhone signature on the email and shot back: "not a chance that we'll continue after this!"
If that did cost Johansson the site he's been running for 6 years, I sympathize. His last post on the site (if Google translate can be trusted) blasting Microsoft for arrogance says that he's been in talks with them to sponsor the site for two years. He also says that he has confirmation that the response was not that of just one Microsoft employee but a company-wide policy.
He also points out that over the years, he has tested lots of phones (Android, Blackberry, etc.) to see what "healthy alternatives there are to Microsoft phones." Plus, Johansson, who has a day job, figured he's entitled to use whatever devices he wants — and the fact that he uses other platforms and is open about it has often provided interesting dialogue with readers.
It's a good thing no one would think worse of me for responding to Cult of Mac emails from my Android phone.
Apple aficionados think different, right?
Via ITNews
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How To Enable The Hidden Panorama Camera Mode In iOS 5 Without Jailbreaking
via @chpwn
We recently told you about the hidden panorama mode in the iOS 5 Camera app that could be enabled by editing a .plist file. Since then, a jailbreak tweak called "Firebreak" has been released that automatically enables the feature on any jailbroken iOS 5 device.
Panorama mode in the iOS Camera actually works, and you can get it on your own device right now without jailbreaking.
A simple hack has surfaced that enables the hidden panorama mode on the iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPod touch, and iPad 2 running iOS 5. To enable the feature, you'll need to perform a modified backup of your iOS device in iTunes. You will also need to restore from a new backup, so keep that in mind before continuing.
Step 1: Download the free trial of iBackupBot for Mac OS X or Windows. Install it on your computer.
Step 2: Backup your iOS device in iTunes. If you have a recent backup, then you can use that file. You have to manually backup instead of using iCloud.
Step 3: Once you've got a backup you're ready to restore to, open iBackupBot. Navigate to Library/Preferences/com.apple.mobileslideshow.plist and open that file. If you're running the trial version of iBackupBot, just click cancel after the warning message and continue.
Step 4: Add EnableFirebreak right below DiskSpaceWasLow and click the disk icon to save your edit.
Step 5: Exit out of iBackupBot and restore your iOS device in iTunes to the recent backup file you just edited.
That's it! You should now have the iOS 5 panorama mode enabled on your iOS device — no jailbreak required. When you launch the Camera app, the panorama mode should be available in Options under Grid and HDR mode.
[image error]via @chpwn
There are plenty of other apps in the App Store that let you take panoramic pictures, but this method enables the native panorama mode that Apple has disabled by default in iOS 5. While the feature is usable, it's obviously not ready for prime time, so don't be surprised if you run into some bugs.
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Aussie Airlines Finally Launches iPad Service
Via Lifehacker.
Pilots use them. Maintenance crews use them. Now you can rent an iPad to boost your entertainment options in flight.
The much-touted iPad entertainment system has finally take off at Jetstar, a subsidiary of Australian airlines Qantas. They will keep the minds of passengers off priority boarding irks and missed upgrades on a Nov. 9 flight from Melbourne to Auckland and will be on board for all flights over two hours.
This is perhaps the largest airlines to offer the service – AirBaltic currently offers iPads to passengers and Iceland Express also rents them to alleviate flight boredom.
Although airlines have been trumpeting about their iPad plans for in-flight use for ages, the programs have mostly failed to launch. This one was hailed as having wings during the trial period in June 2010 but took this long to get moving.
Back in September, Qantas said it would trial the iPads on just one one Boeing 767-300, starting in October for six weeks and only on domestic flights. The same airlines has also announced that Jetstar subsidiary would deploy in-flight iPads — but said iPad 2 procurement issues were slowing things down.
Like a lot of other things you now pay for on a plane, it's worth considering your options before you board.
iPad rental runs $10-15 per flight, depending on whether you book ahead or buy on the plane. The rub: there aren't iPads available for every passenger on board, as Lifehacker points out, so if you're on a long-haul flight and want one, you have about a 50 percent chance of getting it.
Another consideration: the movies and TV shows don't sound that different from what's offered normally: two Harry Potter movies, "Friends with Benefits," "Beginners," "African Cats," "Larry Crowne" and a few episodes of 25 different TV shows. Of course, you don't have to crane your neck (or even hold the iPad, seats will have holders) so there's definitely a difference.
Via Computer World
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Apple Introduces MagSafe Adapter Replacement Program
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Has your Mac's MagSafe adapter been worn down to the wires? Apparently, many people have experienced problems with MagSafe power adapters damaging where the cord and connector meet. So much so, in fact, that Apple had to redesign the MagSafe adapters to the L-shaped ones we know and love today just to try to resolve the problem, but to no avail.
No worries, though. Apple has launched an official Adapter Replacement Program for customers with damaged cables and broken hearts. There are now steps in place for getting your MagSafe adapter replaced and your money refunded.
From Apple's support page:
Apple may provide customers a replacement adapter if the power adapter shows signs of strain relief. Strain relief is defined as a condition where the DC cable (the thin cord that attaches the MagSafe connector to the power adapter) separates from the end of the MagSafe connector or from the other end of the thin cord, at the power adapter.
Whether your product is in or out of warranty, you can take your adapter to an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Retail Store for evaluation and replacement if necessary. Pending the results of evaluation, you may or may not be eligible for a replacement adapter free of charge. Signs of accidental damage would negate any coverage. Be sure to bring in the computer used with the adapter; it is required to process potential adapter replacements.
Customers can take part in the program by contacting an authorized Apple Service Provider, or Apple's own technical support department. You can always contact your local Apple Store and set up an appointment with a Genius as well.
This new program stems from a recent class-action lawsuit resolution on the issue. Not only can you get your MagSafe adapter fixed, but Apple will refund your money, too. Customers that bought a new adapter within the last year can be refunded $79.00. If you bought one two years ago, then you get $50.00. A three-year-old replacement equals a $35.00 refund.
Visit Apple's website to find out more about the new program. You can also troubleshoot your MagSafe adapter before you submit it for a replacement.
Has your MagSafe adapter ever frayed? Let us know in the comments.
(via Macgasm)
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Access The Hidden Field Test App For iPhone [iOS Tips]
Apple has hidden a field test app in iOS, which will allow you to quickly check the quality of your cellular signal by simply dialing a special code on your iPhone.
The code to dial is *3001#12345#* followed by pressing Call on your iPhone, which will launch the field test app.
The signal bars on your iPhone will be replaced by a number. The higher the negative number, the worse your signal is. For example, -100 is worse than -86. If you tap on the displayed number, the display toggles between the number and the normal signal bars.
The remaining sections of the field test app contain a plethora of technical information beyond the scope of this tip, but might be interesting to look at if you are curious. The biggest thing to take away is the signal strength test, which can be very handy to know.
If you are done testing, simply press the Home button to return to your iPhone Home screen.
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