Q8mug.com

Hey all, just finished making the first q8mug.com rss feeds widget.  Its not much to look at but it works for now.  I am putting up and I would appreciate it if a couple of you test it out and give me some feedback especially with regards to graphics.  If you want to help with graphics let me know too.  I also need to finalize some files in it and give credit where credit is due.  This is Beta so no warranty is given or implied.

Download Q8mug.com Widget Here!

Apple has released a number of updates for the iLife ‘08 suite this afternoon, available in your Mac OS X software update.

iLife Support 8.1:

This update supports system software components shared by all iLife ’08 applications, improves overall stability, addresses a number of other minor issues, and supports general compatibility issues. It is recommended for all users of iLife ’08.

iDVD 7.0.1:

This update improves overall stability, supports general compatibility issues, and addresses a number of other minor issues.

iMovie 7.1:

This update addresses several areas including video and audio editing capabilities, and performance associated with opening and switching iMovie Events and Projects. This update also supports general compatibility issues, improves overall stability, and addresses a number of other minor issues.

GarageBand 4.1:

This update addresses isolated graphic display issues, compatibility with 3rd party audio software, fixes minor problems with Magic GarageBand, and supports general compatibility issues.

iPhoto 7.1:

This update addresses issues encountered when moving photos between Events, plus new greeting card themes, including holiday card designs. It also supports general compatibility issues, improves overall stability, and addresses a number of other minor issues.

[Update]
Also Included are:

Pages 3.0.1

This update primarily addresses issues with change tracking and performance.

Keynote 4.0.1

This update primarily addresses issues with builds and performance.

Numbers 1.0.1

This update primarily addresses issues with tables and performance.

iWeb 2.0.2

This update to iWeb addresses issues with upgrading iWeb 1.x websites,
and fixes some common publishing problems, and supports general
compatibility issues.

AppleInsider is claiming that the Apple PDA will return. They point out a remark that was said by Apple CEO Steve Jobs on the Wall Street Journal’s D: All Things Digital Conference. Jobs was asked to clarify a response he made about how proud he was of Apple products that the company released and the ones they did not. Jobs stated “an Apple PDA.” So the question is, how far are we from a real PDA? Well not far at all! All Apple has to do is open up the newly released iPod touch to developers and allow third party applications to be installed. What is missing is a mail app, a better calendar app, a file manager, and something that reads documents and PDA files and we are all set. Is it possible? Yes very much so. The interface is perfectly suited to handle input and navigation and the screen is good and big enough for reading documents. All we have to do is wait and see. Please share your thoughts!

I can’t say how much of “I told you so!” was said.  Apple said in a statement that unlocking the iPhone causes damage to the software and unpredictability in operation.  All the Mac rumors sites are pointing to Apple probably combating iPhone unlocking software with their next iPhone software update.  Apple is in a contract with AT&T for the exclusivity to sell the iPhone for the next 5 years.  This contract might obligate Apple to keep the iPhone locked but since no one knows what clauses exists we are still speculating.  It makes good business sense to keep the iPhone locked but it surely is a disappointment for consumers like us in Kuwait and else where in the world where the iPhone is still a no-show.  My advice to you is not to update your iPhone until we see what the hacker community would do in response.
Source:
    AppleInsider.com
    Macworld.com

As we approach the release of Apple’s Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard), Appleinsider suggests that this may be the last major Mac OS revision that supports the PowerPC architecture. 

 Looking ahead, those people familiar with Apple development cycles speculate that Mac OS X 10.6 will exclude support for PowerPC-based Macs entirely, requiring that users have one of the company’s Intel-based systems which first began making their way to market in early 2006.

 Cited as speculation, Apple may not yet have made a decision on this matter. Apple has made no announcements about Mac OS X 10.6. Based on the most recent Mac OS development cycles, Mac OS X 10.6 would not likely ship until 2009. 

 Source : Macrumors.com  

Apple has seeded what is known to be a final (release candidate) for its long awaited next rendition of it’s OS (OSX 10.5) Code named (Leopard) . Developers have tested it and noted some changes to the OS . Some of which are :

1. The Welcome Video to Mac OS X 10.5 now has a new audio track.
2. iCal’s Dock icon now reflects the current date when iCal is not running.
3. New Desktop images.
4. New Spaces Icon.
5. Front Row has its own icon seems identical to AppleTV.
6. Menus and dialog sheets now overlay with a translucent filter, allowing you to see a hint of the underlying windows.
7. Screen sharing “finally works right” and seems very fast at full resolution.
8. More user interface consistency across the operating system

We’ve managed to find a YouTube video of the new welcome Video once you install leopard. You can watch it below:

In the mean time. Looks like apple is on scedual to release the final version of Leopard this month.

9to5mac reports that Apple is readying MacBook updates in the near future which will see new enclosures. The new enclosures have been seen in both Black and Silver aluminum variants and are “considerably slimmer” than the current MacBook and a bit slimmer than the current MacBook Pros. The enclosures are said to have a thinner border around the LCDs, and the keyboards resemble the new Bluetooth keyboard. Cryptically, they claim that “there is something strange about the touchpad” but details are promised at a later date.    

Unfortunately I was not able to make it in time for the press event but as, I hope, you all know by now, it was quite disappointing. O2 got it and as much as I was hopping I would find some iPhones there but instead, I found the stage with “iPhone Coming November 9.”


I was again very disappointed. Then there was touch! Yes it was there.

Everybody was gathered around the display table to see it, and apparently touch it. So I queued at the checkout counter and got me self a 16 GB iPod Touch. I spent the next two hours walking around, smsed G-funk, and did my own un-boxing photos of the iPod Touch.

As you can see here is my new iPod Touch still in its box.

Here it is with the box cover opened.


Some manuals and also a couple of Apple logo stickers.

Also included in the box is a piece of cloth to wipe the screen and the back of the iPod touch.

Also included is the USB cable, headphones, and a dock adapter.


Here you can see the back of my iPod, notice the 16GB.


Notice here how thin the iPod Touch is, its at the bottom of the box.

Here is the first boot screen.

Sync in Progress screen. Notice the arrow button that you can slide to the right to cancel the sync process.

The main screen with Safari, YouTube, Calendar, Contacts, etc… Notice the Settings icon which looks like Leopard’s Preference icon. At the bottom is where you access you music, videos and photos as well as the iTunes music store.

This screen is the World Clock screen and you can add cities to your hearts content. At the bottom you can see buttons for Alarm, Stopwatch and Timer.

This is the Calendar screen.

This is the settings screen. Here you can set the Wi-Fi, Brightness and other settings.


The iPod and the Macbook Pro in sync.

This is the about screen.

Language selection screen. Unfortunately no Arabic.

iPod playing a song. Notice the volume control slider on the bottom. On the top right under the battery icon there is an icon that switches between the album artwork view and the list view. The 5 dots under the title is where you set the rating by dragging your finger across.


Here you can see how much of a finger print magnet the iPod touch. This much prints after less then 10 minutes of use.
So far, the iPod Touch is an excellent device but has a lot of potential. Imagine Skype running on it. a hotspot, and an extension to allow a microphone in, and you got your self a phone. Also with people hacking it to run iPhone software like Mail it is also and excellent PDA. The keyboard is sweet, the interface is sweet everything about is just perfect. Even Safari is responsive and pages look good on it. The touch makes listening to music fun and watching YouTube videos cool. I didn’t try playing a video on it since I have nothing on my computer that can be put on it. I am not sure if it is able to run other video codecs or if its possible to install Perian tools on it. I will try that soon when I get the chance. Over all the device is perfect for my needs. It is simple to use, looks good, and does what I wanted to do. What was a big seller for me was the fact it had Wi-Fi. What is disappointing is the lack of Bluetooth though. The 16GB os storage is good enough for me, but if you are a person with lots of music or video then it might be a little tight. I do think that 16GB should be entry level, even 20GB, but for now that is the maximum you can get.
Pros:
Excellent all over device.
Excellent User Interface.
Cons:
No bluetooth
No Mic in

I ended the day appropriately with a good fotoor and sheesha before I headed back to where I was staying. I did manage to miss the train and had to find another way back. Finally I got home at 2:00 AM in the morning.

BERLIN—September 19, 2007 — Apple® and T-Mobile today announced that T-Mobile, the leading network operator in Germany, will be the exclusive German carrier of Apple’s revolutionary iPhone™ when it makes its debut in Germany on November 9. iPhone combines three devices into one—a mobile phone, a widescreen iPod®, and the best mobile Internet device ever—all based on Apple’s revolutionary multi-touch interface and pioneering software that allows users to control iPhone with just a tap, flick or pinch of their fingers. Apple sold its one millionth iPhone just 74 days after it went on sale in the U.S. on June 29.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with T-Mobile to bring the iPhone to Germany,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Customer response to iPhone in the US has been incredible, and we can’t wait to introduce T-Mobile customers to the most revolutionary mobile device on the planet.”

 The iPhone expected has the same features as the current iPhone available EDGE and WiFi . The German version of the iPhone requires a new 2-year T-Mobile tariff and will be available in an 8GB model for €399 including V.A.T. and will work with either a PC or Mac. 

Steve Jobs comes to the UK to unleash the iPhone - it’s on O2, and costs £269! . It’s been a hell of a long time coming, and now, finally, it is here. 82 days after it was first officially announced, Steve Jobs is releasing the iPhone on the UK in person. The details you’ve been waiting for: It’s available from the beginning of November, costs 269 quid and is available on O2, who will tie you to an 18-month contract.

For more info about the iPhone UK launch, visit Apple.com/UK