Time Capsule Available in Apple Retail Stores

500GB version- $399
1TB version- $499

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Apple, Consumer Electronics, mac, T4 Show

Interview with Scott Gruby from ReceiptWallet

Today I had the pleasure of interviewing Scott Gruby, the creator of ReceiptWallet and DocumentWallet. These two pieces of Mac software enable you to scan or organize all your receipts as well as any kind of document. I use both of these programs on a daily basis and highly recommend them. Please enjoy the interview and be sure to visit the ReceiptWallet site at www.receiptwallet.com.

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Consumer Electronics, Podcast, T4 Show, Software

Controversial iPhone SDK Details

Thanks to iLounge:

According to several sources familiar with Apple’s iPhone and iPod touch software development kit (SDK) plans, the company will use a March 6 event in Cupertino, California to formally announce a number of potentially controversial limitations on application development and publishing. Our sources spoke on the condition that their comments were not for attribution, independently confirming the following details, and offering differing opinions of their importance. We include both the details and opinions below for your reference.

iTunes Store as hub. Least controversially, Apple plans to require that all mobile applications be distributed through its iTunes Store, making the Store a necessary hub for those interested in browsing or purchasing iPhone and iPod touch software. While one source suggested that a company’s well-trafficked website or product packaging would be considerably more practical places to distribute certain types of software, another source lauded the Store as a logical place for Apple users to locate and purchase applications.

Apple as application picker. The most controversial aspect of Apple’s SDK plan is its intention to formally approve or deny all SDK-based software releases for its devices. Our sources confirm that Apple will act as a gatekeeper for applications, deciding which are and are not worthy of release, and publishing only approved applications to the iTunes Store; a process that will less resemble the iTunes Store’s massive directory of podcasts than its sale of a limited variety of iPod Games. While one source saw this as a positive for major developers, suggesting that Apple will be choked by application submissions and forced to give priority to releases from larger companies, another source disagreed, stating that Apple’s current approval processes for third-party products have resulted in lengthy, needless delays. It is unclear whether Apple will need to approve subsequent bug fixes and feature additions to accepted applications, another issue that could clog the approval system and postpone important improvements.

No accessory connectivity. Under current plans, SDK developers will be prevented from interfacing directly with Dock Connector-based accessories connected to the iPhone or iPod touch—a decision that we are told could cripple development of new accessories such as physical keyboards, traditional add-ons, and more ambitious, creative accessories such as Delphi’s iPhone car control prototype. One source described this limit as a guarantee that SDK-developed applications would be nearly as limited as current web-based ones, while consuming more of the device’s storage capacity. Yet integrated iPhone or iPod touch features such as the phone, Wi-Fi, and camera will be developer-accessible, certainly permitting development of programs that weren’t possible before. It is presently unclear whether Bluetooth 2.0, which is included in the iPhone but crippled to permit only monaural phone call streaming, will be opened to permit stereo audio streaming and data functionality as well.

Sources told iLounge that the collective impact of Apple’s decisions will be to control and stifle third-party development at a critical juncture in iPhone and iPod history, limiting what could be an open, thriving Mac-like collection of applications and accessories to a smaller, more stagnant iPod-like controlled environment. Consequently, a source suggests, developers who “jailbrake” iPhones and iPods to develop applications will be at an advantage relative to those who use Apple’s official tools. Even after extensive discussions on the subject, however, iLounge remains open-minded to the idea that Apple’s plans will result in net positives for the iPod and iPhone community, and optimistic that the company will loosen its planned restrictions to accommodate the Apple community’s demonstrated, impressive creativity.

According to our sources, Apple will use the March 6 event to tout the benefits of the SDK to selected media, analysts, and developers, releasing an incomplete, “beta” version of the kit that was originally promised for February. The actual kit will now ship in June, coinciding with Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference event in San Francisco. Additional announcements regarding iPhone compatibility with popular enterprise software, including Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Notes, will also take place, in an effort to convince corporate users to adopt the iPhone despite reservations over its on-screen keyboard and e-mail functionality.

New Podcast Recorded

Tonight Michael, Robbie and Vince recorded an episode of the podcast. We discussed the new MacBook and MacBook Pros, iPhone SDK Event on March 6th and the 1.1.4 update. Also, Sprint’s Unlimited Everything Plan was debated. Along with those topics were the usual OJ Simpson references and the new “Rocky” inconsistencies. Please subscribe to the podcast and enjoy. Michael Jackson and E.T. do.

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T4 Show, Podcast

Sprint Debuts Unlimited EVERYTHING plan

Seriously Sprint comes out with these and really makes me wonder how they will find a way to screw up billing. But T4 Show favorite Sprint has announced today that they have a plan coming out a little different than AT&T and Verizon’s 99.99 for all the minutes you can use, or T-Mobile’s all the minutes and text you can use. They just have 99.99 for all the EVERYTHING you can use. Text, Voice, and Data unlimited for 99.99 a month. When you figure in taxes being roughly 11ish percent, this would be an amazing deal…. But it’s Sprint, so there has to be someway that they mess it up.

Also guess we have some new viewers as of yesterday, hey everyone, subscribe to the podcast on ITunes! I like Wrestlecrap, and will actually try to prepare for the podcast today now that I know we have a bigger audience. I would have posted a hello on your board there, but my account hasn’t been approved yet…..

XOXO,
Robbie Z

New MacBook Pros

Prices and specs:

$1999. Macbook Pro 15″ 2.4GHz / 2GB / 200GB 5400RPM / 256MB Vram
$2499. Macbook Pro 15″ 2.5GHz / 2GB / 250GB 5400RPM / 512MB Vram
$2799. Macbook Pro 17″ 2.5GHz / 2GB / 250GB 5400RPM / 512MB Vram

New MacBooks

Here are the prices and specs:

$1099. Macbook 13″ 2.1GHz / 1GB / 120GB / Combo / White
$1299. Macbook 13″ 2.4GHz / 2GB / 160GB / Super / White
$1499. Macbook 13″ 2.4GHz / 2GB / 250GB / Super / Black

iPhone SDK Event on March 6

This is from the official Apple invitation:

“Please join us to learn about the iPhone software roadmap, including the iPhone SDK and some exciting new enterprise features”

iPhone 1.1.4 Update

Nothing really huge here. Just listed on Apple’s site as “bug fixes”. However, if you have a “jailbroken” iPhone, it is recommended that you don’t apply the update.

UPDATE: It seems that you can perform a jailbreak with 1.1.4 but cannot unlock it.

Palm Centro in Different Colors

From Palm Infocenter:

An official Palm training guide for Palm retail channel partners has revealed no less than four colors of (presumably) unlocked Centros alongside the existing AT&T ‘glacial white’. This varied color palette should give GSM customers the world over plenty of opportunities to find a Centro to suit their particular aesthetic style.

This is great news to anyone who is not a fan of the standard white with green??? number keys on the AT&T Centro. Now if they could just manage to get 3G on the damn thing, I may be tempted.

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At&T, cell phone, Consumer Electronics, Palm OS, T4 Show, Treo

iPhone SDK Delayed?

From BusinessWeek:

The iPhone SDK Will Be Late
Posted by: Arik Hesseldahl on February 22

There’s a week to go before Apple’s commitment to release the iPhone Software Developers Kit in February runs out of room. I’m hearing from one source that its going to be late. I’m not yet hearing any reasons why, and it’s sounding like the official release date could slide by anywhere from one to three weeks.

Apple had no comment, and as yet there’s no word on any events related to an SDK release next week. However I’m also hearing that the situation is fluid, and a lot of last-minute decisions are close to being made about what precisely will or will not be disclosed next week, if anything. There are, apparently, a lot of moving parts to something this complex.

Remember if you will that BusinessWeek broke the story of Apple’s plans to release an iPod SDK in October, a day before CEO Steve Jobs announced the company’s intentions himself via a statement on the “Hot News” section of Apple’s Web site.

So will they make it to the finish line in time or will they have to fudge it a little? We’ll all be watching next week.

This would definitely suck, but it looks very likely with no announcement of an event coming this month.

Palm Centro Video

You are welcome

XBOX Live WebApp for iPhone

This web-based application allows you to check on your fellow XBOX 360 gamers from just about anywhere. More than just a static gamer card, the 1337pwn.com application can display gamer score AND online status for your whole friends list.

Our application does not require your Microsoft Passport information. Simply enter the XBOX Live gamertags that you want displayed and the application does the rest.

Features
- View Gamer Score, Online Status, and Game Info
- Send a message via XBOX Live by tapping on the gamer picture
- Tap on their last played game for game information
- Edit your list of gamers at any time
- Purpose built for mobile Safari web browsers

Just go to http://1337pwn.com/iptfriends.php on your iPhone’s browser.

Podcast Recorded

Tonight Michael, Robbie and Vince recorded a “Very Full” episode of the podcast. So full it took 90 minutes and has been split into 2 parts. Enjoy it.

WARNING: There will be many OJ references and jokes. If you are a woman, you will probably get angry. Then again, I’m used to that.

T-Mobile Joins the Unlimited Plan Crowd

From Reuters:

NEW YORK, Feb 19 (Reuters) – T-Mobile USA, owned by Deutsche Telekom AG (DTEGn.DE: Quote, Profile, Research), said on Tuesday it would offer unlimited text messaging and voice calls for $99.99 a month, starting on Thursday February 21.

The company’s current offerings include unlimited text messaging for $14.99 and 5,000 minutes of calls for $129.99, according to spokesman Peter Debrow.

The fourth biggest U.S. mobile service unveiled the plan hours after its two biggest rivals AT&T Inc (T.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and Verizon Wireless announced unlimited voice plans for $99.99.

AT&T Counters Verizon’s Unlimited Plans

From AT&T’s press release:

AT&T to Launch Unlimited U.S. Calling Plan

$99.99 Plan Available Feb. 22 for New and Existing Customers

San Antonio, Texas, February 19, 2008

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) announced today new unlimited voice plans targeted to wireless users who want the predictability of flat rate pricing for unlimited minutes. The plans will be available to new and existing wireless subscribers for $99.99 a month for unlimited U.S. calling on all devices with no domestic roaming or long distance charges. The plans can be combined with any current wireless data plan to give customers the ultimate in wireless freedom.

The new plans, available Feb. 22, can be ordered at one of AT&T’s 2,200 company-owned retail stores and kiosks, at www.att.com, or at one of the thousands of authorized AT&T retail locations. Existing customers can choose unlimited calling without extending their contract. New customers have the option of a month-to-month, 12 or 24 month contract.

As with other voice calling plans, AT&T customers can choose from a variety of data and messaging plans to meet their needs. For example, customers with standard wireless phones* can choose a data plan such as $5 for 200 text, picture, video and instant messages or $35 for unlimited messaging and MEdia Net access.

“We are pleased to offer our customers these great new plans that deliver value and simplified pricing,” said Ralph de la Vega, president & CEO, AT&T Mobility. “This is a highly competitive market and we’re committed to moving fast to meet customer needs.”

HD-DVD Just About Dead

From Toshiba’s press release:

“We carefully assessed the long-term impact of continuing the so-called ‘next-generation format war’ and concluded that a swift decision will best help the market develop,” said Atsutoshi Nishida, President and CEO of Toshiba Corporation. “While we are disappointed for the company and more importantly, for the consumer, the real mass market opportunity for high definition content remains untapped and Toshiba is both able and determined to use our talent, technology and intellectual property to make digital convergence a reality.”

What do the people who invested in Toshiba’s HD-DVD Player or the XBOX 360 add-on accessory to do? I guess there may be an empty spot in the closet next to the BetaMax player.

Palm Centro Launches on AT&T

Here are the details:

1.3 MP Camera with video capture
Picture and video messaging
EDGE class 10 for rapid data transfers
Bluetooth v1.2 and Infrared connectivity
Supports MicroSD(TM) expansion memory – up to 4 GB
Full QWERTY keyboard and 2.2″ touchscreen display
AIM®, Yahoo!®, and Windows Live® Messengers
Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync email support
Support for Good Mobile Messaging
XM Radio, AT&T Music and MusicID
Support for Xpress Mail
Push-To-Talk

The Centro is $99 with a 2 year contract and $349.99 outright.

2GB iPod Shuffle

The 2GB version is $69 while the 1GB has dropped to $49.

Verizon Unlimited Plans Official

The details are different than originally thought, but here they are:

You can also go to http://estore.vzwshop.com/unlimited/ and check it out.

Sprint Launches Samsung Ace, Nobody Cares

Specifications for the Samsung SPH-i325 Ace:

Operating System Windows Mobile 6
Band CDMA 800/1900MHz, GSM 900/1800MHz
Data 1xRTT/EV-DO/GPRS
Size 118mm x 58mm x 13mm
(4.65″ x 2.3″ x 0.5″)
Weight 111g (3.9oz)
Battery Life Unknown standby
Up to 4.3 hours talk time
Main Display 2.3″ 65k color TFT, QVGA (320×240 pixel) resolution
Camera 1.3 megapixel
Video Playback/capture
Messaging MMS/SMS
Email POP/IMAP/SMTP
Bluetooth Yes with A2DP (stereo)
Memory Unknown internal, microSD card slot (up to 2GB)
Other QWERTY keyboard, supports unlocked SIM cards, Windows Media Player, Sprint TV. voice dialing, speakerphone

Available now for anyone willing to put up with awful customer service.

Blackberry 9000 with OS 4.6?

From a site which name escapes me at the moment:

OS 4.6.0 has un-officially graduated from internal development at RIM and has been moved on into the official builds and carrier certification process. This same process started for OS 4.3.1 in the September / October 2007 time frame and we’ve yet to see an announcement of availability from RIM or any carrier. It has been widely reported in forums that the successor BlackBerry – model number 9000 for those who are still spreading rumors otherwise – was plagued with battery drain issues due to the inclusion of Wi-Fi, GPS and 3G, much to the shared chagrin of every other vendor who can’t seem to perfect this flaw with 3G devices. The good news is that the introduction of the carrier certification process may indicate the remote possibility that a workaround and/or resolution has been implemented for the new does-it-all device.

BB Desktop Manager for Mac?

This is from a poster in the CrackBerry Forums. I’m sure that Mark Space, makers of The Missing Sync for Blackberry, hope this rumor isn’t true:

“RIM working on a program for Mac users
Hi all. Spoke to a T-mobile BB rep yesterday and he told me that the BB rep was just in there and let them know that RIM is working on a new Desktop Manager for Mac. Finally!! Also, he doesn’t know when it will be ready, but RIM feels that more people are going toward the Mac and so they feel it’s worth it to come up with a DM for the Mac. Let’s hope it’s for real!!”

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