Archive for January, 2008

Walt Mossberg’s Initial Reactions to Macworld 2008

Three New Software Updates Released

Apple has just released updates for iTunes, Quicktime, and Front Row. All three updates are related to the ability to Rent and Download iTunes Movies.

Stay Tuned for More!

Picture Below.

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New MacBook Air AD and Guided Tour Live on Apple.com

Check out the new ad at: http://www.apple.com/macbookair/#ad

Check out the guided tour for the new device at: http://www.apple.com/macbookair/guidedtour/

Apple Announces Third Mac Notebook, MacBook Air

In the 4th and final announcement of the Macworld keynote, Jobs announces the MacBook Air.

“MacBook Air is 0.16″ to 0.76″. The thickest part of the MacBook Air is thinner than the thinnest part of the Sony. It fits inside a envelope”

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“Magnetic latch, 13.3″ widescreen display”

“Move a window by double-tap and move. Rotate a photo by pivoting your index finger around your thumb. Of course, pinch-zoom.”

“1.6 GHz Standard, 1.8 GHz Option — Intel Core 2 Duo”

“Apple asked Intel to shrink the Core 2 Duo. Intel shrunk the processor by 60%.”

“80 GB hard disk standard, 64 GB SSD as an option. ‘they’re pricy, but they’re fast’”

“5 hours of Battery Life”

“802.11n + Bluetooth 2.1/EDR”

“45 Watt MagSafe, 1 USB 2.0 port, Micro-DVI, Audio Out”

“No optical drive, but a Superdrive accessory is available for $99. Also, software comes with the MacBook Air that allows you to “borrow” a Mac or PCs optical drive”

“2 GB of Memory Standard”

“Pre-orders today, shipping in two weeks”

“Environmental highlights: fully aluminum case (good for recycling), first fully mercury and lead free display, circuit boards are BFR free, retail packaging are 56% less volume than MacBook.”

“$1799″

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Fits inside envelope.

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More to come!

iTunes Movie Rentals Announced

As was expected, Steve Jobs has just announced the addition of iTunes Movie Rentals to the iTunes store.

“Touchstone, Miramax, MGM, Lionsgate, Newline, FOx, WB, Disney, Paramount, Universal, Sony all on board”

“Over 1000 movies (available 30 days after DVD release)”

“Watch anywhere (Macs, PCs, all current iPods and iPhone)”

“Watch instantly (30 seconds with modern broadband)”

“Rules: 30 days to start watching. 24 hours to finish”

“Library titles: $2.99, New Releases: $3.99″

“iTunes Movie Rentals launches today in the U.S. International will launch later this year. Software updates for iPods and iTunes will be forthcoming”

“HD rentals are $4.99. 100 titles today”

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Look for more updates soon!

Airport Extreme gets Internal Hard Drive

New Airport Extreme announced at Macworld 2008. Device comes with up to 1 TB in internal storage.

“Full Airport Extreme base station with ’server grade’ hard drive internal.”

“2 versions: 500 GB version – $299, 1 TB $499″

Look for more updates soon!

Watch Steve Job’s Keynote Presentation Tomorrow on Apple.com

Apple.com has just released a sneak peek advertisement for visitors of the site. It reads, “There’s something in the air.” The blogosphere has been inundated with rumors and speculation over this latest hint.

Two of the most likely rumors appear to be the possibility that Jobs could announce a new wireless capability or device for the Apple/Mac platform. The second, and somewhat more covered rumor has been the addition of iTunes store movie rentals.

The keynote presentation will be live on Apple’s website Tuesday afternoon, sometime after the actual presentation. Feel free to comment with your own speculation below!

Release of iTunes Rental Feature Expected at MacWorld 2008

It’s that time of year again, time for Steve Jobs to take the stage at MacWorld and captivate us with his newest additions to the Apple/Mac line. The conference starts January 14th and runs until the 18th. One thing in particular is keeping consumers and investors actively intrigued with this upcoming media event.

Yes, consumers have been well rewarded by some of Apple’s latest product creations, and it has becoming a regular occurrence to hear fantastic news when Steve Jobs steps onto the stage at MacWorld. This year most of the media is focusing on a rumored creation of iTunes movie rentals.

The move will allow Apple to capitalize on consumers’ desires to watch full-length movies on their Apple devices, but not pay a permanent, hefty fee of $9.99 to $14.99 for current movie releases.

A rental feature is expected to fill that gap and offer the movies at a more reasonable price, while also adhering to Apple’s standard for innovation in portability. The rental movies need to be available to the consumers for long periods of time.

Current online rental standards follow a pattern of a 30-day viewing period from purchase, but the videos often expire 24 hours from the first click to watch. Expect Apple to follow these standards, while also evolving the rental period to better suit multiple viewings of a movie over a longer period of time with iPods. (Perhaps a set number of full-length viewings of rental movies)

C’mon Steve! Surprise us!