Magic Mouse

Apple recently released a new mouse. So what, right? Just another mouse among many mice. Wrong. It's sleek, futuristic design may seem only aesthetic at first, but look closer and you'll realize that this mouse has no buttons to click. It's a cutting edge idea and could possibly make interacting with a desktop computer much easier and more functional. While those who use Apple products are aware of the double finger swipe ideas on the MacBook, some may not be. One can use two fingers simultaneously swiping down to scroll through any page. This feature transfers over onto the mouse as well. Another feature some users are familiar with is the 'pinching feature' on the iTouch and iPhone. While moving two fingers in opposite directions allows you to zoom in on a page, moving them together in a pinching motion allows you to zoom out to get a better grasp of what the text on a smaller screen is saying. Unfortunately, this pinch feature is only transferable when one holds the command button on their Mac. Holding command and clicking the mouse bar on a laptop is the equivalent of a right click on a P.C. This is a slight drawback and requires more motion and effort than other models on the market. Another drawback is the fact that the Magic Mouse is so sleek, that many users might find it difficult at first. This is really not that big of a deal, considering we all had 'fat fingers' when touch technology first came out. A little getting used to and a few tweaks, and I believe this could be the new design for future models. Sure P.C. users might argue the fact that there is no technical right click, but given a try at it, and I'd bet they'll get over it. At a retail price of only $69, it wont break your bank, but you'll probably want to give it a look before you buy it.

GarageBand replacing the studio

In January, Apple revamped their program GarageBand. This is a program that comes pre-installed in newer versions of Mac. The program allows musicians to directly plug their instrument into their computer via a USB cable to record and edit music. Today, even professional musicians have adopted this software. They enjoy the speed at which you can record music and the spontaneity that comes along with being able to record virtually anytime and anywhere. This type of technology could very well mean that the traditional studio might be a thing of the past. In addition, unheard talents now have the ability to record music in the same way that many professionals are. This may lead to a more level playing field in which the music you record counts for more than the people you know in the industry to get you that first break. This is just another example of how technologies that are coming out affect not only individuals, but entire industries.

Competition for the iPhone

Recently, Google and Verizon Wireless have partnered together to launch a series of new phones. The new products will tout Google's coveted Android software platform. This could mean trouble for Apple in the near future. Although Apple currently has the 3G market cornered with their software partnered with AT&T's service, there are no real competitors out there with the software and capabilities of the iPhone. Android technology has already been released in T-Mobile's myTouch, but this service provider pales in comparison to that of Verizon. Verizon has a far larger network and this could mean far more people investing in Android technology. The new device, called Droid, will be able to download applications, similarly to the iPhone, and will come with several pre-programmed in. It is hard to predict whether or not it will have an impact on Apple sales. I do not think devout users of Apple products will necessarily drop the iPhone, but it may become harder for the company to attract new users with more choices out there. As it stands now, Apple and AT&T basically have the entire market cornered, but it will be interesting to see if the company can maintain this monopoly in the years to come with new technologies being released.

iTunes 9

Most, if not all of us, use iTunes. It's an easy and free way to organize music on your computer. I have used it almost since its inception and have never had a problem with it. Recently, Apple came out with the newest version, iTunes 9. A new feature that has been added is called Home Sharing. You have always been able to access other computers libraries on iTunes, provided they are on the same network. Home Sharing allows you to actually copy songs off of another library to your own without deleting or stealing them from the original computer. This is especially advantageous because you can now put these copied songs onto your digital media player, rather than only being able to play them through the computer. A downside to this is the shared and copied music can only be authorized onto five computers. The person who's music was copied has the option at anytime to de-authorize one, or all of the computers he or she has given permission to. I would not recommend this tactic in building your entire library because, as I said, the person can de-authorize the music at anytime and you would no longer have access. This is a good feature if a roommate or family member has an album or two that you don't necessarily want to buy and have forever, but would like to listen to for a while. This kind of social networking is a plus to the most broadly used media player out there and because it's free, I suggest that everyone give it a try. Download it here.

Camera in the Nano?

So everyone has been talking about the new iPod Nano and its ability to shoot video. This is a big step in the way of integrating different technologies into one as we've talked about in class. This particular model of the iPod has in the past been targeted more at kids, as it is one of the most affordable forms of the iPod. It is scarcely different from last years model, still coming in the same shape and in a wide array of colors. The only new feature it has to tout is the camera. From what I have read up on, the video is shaky at best and will most likely not replace a camera thats sole purpose is to shoot video in high resolution. I use the iPod touch and have been extremely satisfied with it. Applications like Mapquest make the device far more useful to people our age. Not to mention the comparative memory in the touch compared to the nano. This seems to be more of a 'toy' camera and while it will appeal to young kids, its staying power in the larger market will more likely depend upon Apple's ability to integrate it into other models while improving the resolution. I know I would rather have the ability to download applications and hold more information than be able to shoot a short video I'll most likely forget about in a few days. Decide for yourself and read more at The Chicago-Sun Times

Recitation blog

This is my first post for recitation in COM 435. All new to me. We'll see how it works out, although I'm skeptical I will continue to use this technology after the class has ended.

link to my TA

Link to Zeynep Tanes