Apple welcomes HBO to iTunes - with a per episode price increase on some shows

Posted by: Michael on May 13, 2008 | 5 Comments

Apple today announced that HBO has been added to the iTunes store, and they bring with them a VERY BIG change to the way business is handled in iTunes. Some of the programs, “The Wire” and “Flight of the Concords” for example, are $1.99 - as you would expect. More popular shows, however, like “The Sopranos” and “Sex in the City” are priced at $2.99.

This is exactly what Apple was supposed to be fighting when NBC left iTunes late last year. I have to tell you, I’m disappointed to see this, but I’m interested to hear your thoughts on it. Sound off in the comments below.

Full press release after the jump.
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Review: New AOL Desktop for Mac

Posted by: Michael on May 6, 2008 | 10 Comments

I have to commend the team at AOL that have developed the new AOL Desktop for Mac. They have created an interesting all-in-one mail, messaging, and browsing experienced that is clearly been well thought out, and designed specifically for a great Mac experience.

The new AOL Web Bowser, which is based on Webkit and looks very similar to Safari, is the fastest browser I’ve ever used on my Mac. It beat out Safari and Firefox in tests on my Macbook Pro. I was shocked - to say the least.

The new Mail App looks very much like Apple Mail (with the notable exception of an extremely annoying banner ad at the bottom of the application.) It’s easy to use, and efficient. I won’t be switching to an AOL email account anytime soon because I have .Mac - but if you’re a current AOL user, or looking for a more desktop like experience with a web-based email address, you may want to give it a look.

The new AOL Messenger is a vast improvement. The last version of AIM on Mac that I tried was a jumbled mess that I couldn’t even use because of the constant advertising bombardment on it, but this new version is slick, lean, and has nice features like tabbed chat that make it very useable and friendly.

The software will work with Tiger or Leopard, and both Intel and PPC Macs. Its free, and a must-have for current AOL users. New users may want to give it a try as well. I was surprised by how much I liked it.

If you ever want to chat, you can find me under my AIM ID - applegazette

You can download the new AOL Desktop for Mac right here.

The Beginner’s Guide to Apple Spotting

Posted by: Michael on May 13, 2008 | 5 Comments

Guest Post by Melinda Seckington

About two years ago, three of my friends all switched around the same time over to Mac. After that, whenever we were watching a movie or a TV show they would keep pointing out the Macs to me, much to my annoyance. I mean, I didn’t feel the need to point out the PCs to them; why did they get so thrilled by a Mac on TV? Then half a year later, I also switched. And sure enough: I also started doing the exact same thing, which I now call Apple Spotting.

Anytime I see an Apple product, I have to mention it to someone and even when no one else is around, I still feel happy that I’ve managed to spot the product. It’s like some game you’re playing with the powers that be; as if the products were hidden like easter eggs, especially for you to find. I’m still not sure why I do this, maybe I’m more of a Apple fangirl than I thought I was. Maybe I like seeing these products I love featured on TV shows I love. Anyhow, here are some tips and tricks on how to become an Apple Spotter:

1. Know your Apple products.

It helps to know exactly how the products look like you’re trying spot. Yes, most of you may know an Apple laptop when you see it, but can you tell the difference between an iBook and a MacBook from a distance? Now, that’s what separates the newbie Spotters from the hardcore pros. If you’re watching old shows or movies, you might also want to examine the older product ranges a bit better.

2. Always be alert.

Don’t assume the products will be the main focus of attention; even if in your mind the world revolves around your Mac, the plot of a TV show or movie doesn’t. Keep an eye on the background, especially during scenes at offices.

3. Don’t depend on the Apple logo.

With some movies and TV shows, the product placement is not intentional and the set directors will try to hide the Apple logo. Stickers, conveniently placed plant pots and messy desks will often obscure the pretty glowing Apple. The true Spotter though shouldn’t rely on only the logo to know it’s an Apple product; if you know your stuff, you should easily recognize them.

4. Beware for impostors.

Not all products you see will be Apples. In these cases the most important thing to remember is not to call out “hey, an Apple!” only then to be shot down, once you realize it isn’t. Again if you know your products, this shouldn’t happen.

5. Extra plot info

This doesn’t happen that often, but there have been a few select cases where the choice of Mac versus PC actually indicated the nature of a person’s allegiance. The most famous example is the first season of 24: the good guys used Macs, the bad guys used PCs. Even the traitor who is only revealed in the finale of that season, is using a PC from the very beginning. A less plot-twisting but similar characterization was done in Legally Blonde: the bubbly blonde main character used a Mac, the stiff law students used PCs.

And that’s all there is to it! One small final remark: why does Hollywood use the iPhone upside down?

So will you become an Apple Spotter too?

You can find more of Melinda’s writing at MissGeeky.com.

Apple Gazette Daily 266 - Listener Questions!

Posted by: Michael on May 13, 2008 | No Comments

podcast sponsor link:
Click Here to check out Blogflux!

Today’s Show: Listener Questions!

You can subscribe via iTunes, or by RSS feed, or…

you can listen to the episode right here:

In addition to that, you can also download the Apple Gazette Daily Widget and listen to every episode of the show right on your Dashboard. Click Here to download.

AGTV - Behind The Scenes - A look at the Apple Gazette “Office”

Posted by: Michael on May 5, 2008 | 5 Comments

In the video above you’ll get a look at the office that I work from. It doubles as the “set” for AGTV…I’ve packed a lot into this small space.

Click Through to the Blip.tv site will give you a much higher quality video. You can see it here.

AGTV premieres May 19th, 2008.