Apple Rumor: Macbook Nano/Apple Netbook

New York Times 'bits' contributor, John Markoff, has done some hard-nosed reporting about an unusual occurrence within Apple Computer: Steve Jobs on a conference calls with analysts. I know that doesn't sound too groundbreaking, but considering he hasn't taken part in one in eight years, it's news worthy. What's more news worthy is what was discussed.

First off, the economic tailspin isn't worrying the hipster computing giant. One analyst noted during the call...
Apple currently has "enough money in the bank to hire all of the engineers in Silicon Valley for a lifetime."

Secondly, with $25 billion in the bank, no debt, and a growing army of loyal clientele, Apple is positioned, like no other company in the industry, to develop a netbook computer that will provide the full computing experience for under $500.

And Markoff has some interesting news about this possibility as well; "A" search engine company [contacted Markoff, stating they] "spotted Web visits from an unannounced Apple product with a display somewhere between an iPhone and a MacBook."

Furthering this storm of speculation is Snow Leopard, Apple's latest incarnation of their lauded OSX, said to be optimized for a touchscreen interface; just the kind of interface a 'Macbook Nano' or Apple Netbook machine would be sporting.

I think that battery capacity and lifespan will be a deciding factor in how quickly, if at all, this will come to market. That screen looks like a battery killer to me.
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Go From Rags to Riches (and back again) with Apple

Tired of seeing your hipster-savvy developer friends make fists full of cash off of the asinine game they developed for Apple’s iTunes App store? Now, you can stop complaining and learn how to do something about it.

To help encourage the admittance of more indie developer’s into this Apple beneficiary enclave, Qantm - a self-proclaimed global media college, is offering the first accredited coursework in iPhone development. The course is “specifically for designers who want to produce games and applications for the world’s most iconic instrument.”

Luckily for students, this particular college experience requires moving to some of the greatest cities in the world, outside of NYC. “Following the London launch, the iPhone course will be available in Qantm colleges throughout the world, including Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Amsterdam, Berlin and Munich.”

Don’t forget to mention Steve Demeter’s story when you pitch this idea to your financer.
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Apple's New iPods are Rumors No More

Below are the new iPod ads that are already making the rounds. If you haven't heard, the freshly announced 4th gen Nanos use the accelerometer technology found in the Touch and iPhone, and Apple has ditched the 'stocky like Rocky' look, to ventured back into coveted tall, thin and skinny territory (much like Steve himself). Additionally, new colors match the artsy players to primary and secondary colors, while silver and graphite round out the newly available Nano array.



The iPod Touch got a much needed...
volume control rocker switch, but no GPS. Price cuts did happen, much to my chagrin, and range from minimal to substantial. The updated 2.1 firmware adds a playlist genius, so if you're a mix master skills aren't up to snuff, the device intervenes and helps you fill in the blanks. The Touch has always been more than a media player and Apple's marketing plan reflects their new aspirations for the device, a portable gaming system. This new ad leans toward adding gamers to the loyal music lover demographic.


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Apple Event is On

Apple's invite...
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Apple Rumors: New iPods, iTunes 8, and a Price Drop?

Digg.com’s founder Kevin Rose: is either - quite well connected, lucky enough to get random emails by Apple insiders, or is just looking for blog traffic. Really, it’s probably all three. A self-made gentleman of the blog-o-sphere, Rose is taken quite seriously by most bloggers and podcasters, as his information is the stuff of dream posts. Hard hitting, late breaking, unconfirmed tech rumors… revealed.

We bloggers crave this type of inside track so badly that we’ll believe most anything. Rose revealed on Sunday’s “This Week in Tech” that he has received unsolicited anonymous emails, which included...

PDF files of reference photos and technical specs for the new nano. The photos released, show a rounder, thinner, and longer body design, in addition to a wider screen. Who knows if the emails are from people working for or with Apple on the latest iPod nano design, but the information is thought to be creditable.

Rose also wrangled up some insider info on the iTunes 8 release, however remained tight lipped about the purported new features, in hopes of avoiding ridicule if his information is found to be false. Of course, that’s silly because people are going to ridicule and discredit him, either way. He also won’t release the full photos of the nano with the technical specifications attached to protect the sources anonymity. OK, then. So we should just take his word for it? Seems as if.

Rose also added what seemed to be his speculation of an impeding price drop. Making the assertion that the current iPhone price, of $199 w/ two-year contract, has been taking sales away from regular iPods.

I personally never really considered buying an iPhone, the service contract always seemed like a rip off, so I bought the iPod Touch, no contest, no debate, no wavering. It seems counter-intuitive that Apple would readjust their entire iPod line's price point to match a discount that is given when a two-year contract is signed. I don’t see it happening… good thing we’ll only have to wait a few weeks for all to be announced (Sept. 9). I hate not knowing whether I'm right.



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Apple has first day jitters in NYC

Here at the 14th St Apple store in Nyc, the activation computers apparently went down, leaving many would be iPhone buyers stranded outside - prompting the store to hand out Apple golf umbrellas to beat the heat, of course they're black.

Upon arriving I noticed an impromptu on-the-street unboxing. When I asked "how long did you have to wait" I got a reluctant response, "too long, 8hrs". Obviously he wasn't proud of it.

Damn... is a phone worth that much of my time - No way. I ask a salesperson if he thinks they'll sell out like the last release. He says Apple stopped the supply of the first iPhone due to unlocking issues and jailbroken phones, "[Steve] wants us to have this phone". The thing is, I just need a phone - mine went for a swim on the 4th, guess I'll go another weekend without. They'll have more Monday.
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Macbook Air Uncovered

Wired's Gadget Lab, yesterday, broke the news on Apple's new "sub-notebook" computer. Is this their version of ASUS Eee PC?

Our own source inside Apple enlightens us to further specs. The MacBook Air, as it is rumored to be called, will sport a seven inch screen and don around 32Gigs of hard drive space. That's about all we've got on this breaking story, check back after Steve's keynote address for more news.

Update: Well, we couldn't be more wrong. Here's the scoop from Steve himself.

MACBOOK AIR specs: 0.76" at its tallest end and 0.16" at shorter end, 13.4″display, ships with 80gb flash HD or 160gb solid state, 1.6ghz or 1.8ghz Intel Core Duo, new Intel chip that is 60% smaller than usual core duos, comes with 802.11n and latest Bluetooth, price: $1799, 5 hr batter life, 'remote disk' feature will allow you to install software from another computer.

..Via TechCrunch..
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Alpine iDA-X001 DMR Made for Apple iPod

These days, it seems as if the electronics market is slowly becoming overcrowded with iPod accessories. This trend is due to the pervasiveness of iPod ownership…many companies are happily making millions off iPod accessory development. Yet, leaders still emerge.
Alpine iDA-X001 Digital Media Receiver designed for iPod
So it only makes sense that, to their mutual benefit, companies like Alpine would join forces and work cooperatively with Apple to develop integrative iPod technologies. Ultimately, with one common goal in mind…quenching that mobile music thirst. Now, the new kids on the block known as digital media car revivers (DMR for short) are redefining the way we look at are car audio systems. On the Alpine iDA-X001 there‘s no disc player and definitely no cassette player. Instead they’re a multitude of possible add ons, optional: CD changers, Blutooth technologies, satellite radio, and HD radio are available, but who needs ‘em. This jewel gives you jog wheel music library navigation and album artwork (with 5th generation iPods) displayed on it crisply render LCD display. The connection is all digital through high speed USB 2.0. Generic USB flash memory drives, with MP3s present, can also be play over the system. Most users rate this unit high and the only drawback is the jog wheel is a bit cumbersome. A touch wheel would be nice. Maybe next time guys try a touch wheel.
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