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Apple releases iTunes 10.6.1 with bug fixes galore

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Music, Software,

iTunes 10.6.1

Apple has released iTunes 10.6.1, a bug-fixing update that improves usability in a bunch of areas:

  • Fixes several issues that may cause iTunes to unexpectedly quit while playing videos, changing artwork size in Grid view, and syncing photos to devices.
  • Addresses an issue where some iTunes interface elements are incorrectly described by VoiceOver and WindowEyes.
  • Fixes a problem where iTunes may become unresponsive while syncing iPod nano or iPod shuffle.
  • Resolves an ordering problem while browsing TV episodes in your iTunes library on Apple TV.

You can grab the update now through Software Update, or at http://apple.com/itunes.


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Unboxing Live 089: Nest Learning Thermostat

In this episode we open up the Nest Learning Thermostat. If you are unfamiliar, check out our video demo of Nest. Nest aims to manage the heating and cooling in your house by learning your usage patterns alongside built-in motion sensors that are used to tell when you are and aren't home. You can control Nest directly from the unit, as well as from anywhere that you have an Internet connection through the browser. It also has smartphone apps that allow you to control it directly from your mobile device. The more you interact with Nest, the more it learns about your preferences, and it will continually tune itself to your preferences and schedule. Nest is currently backordered by about two months from the company, but you can pick up Nest on Amazon.

Big thank you to GoToMeeting and JackThreads for sponsoring the show - be sure to check them out! GoToMeeting with HDFaces provides rich, super-simple collaborative virtual meetings. As for JackThreads, we've got exclusive invite codes that give you $5 to use towards anything you'd like on the site.


Apple posts record-breaking holiday quarter results with $13 billion in sales

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Corporate News,

Apple Q1 2012

This afternoon, Apple announced that it has posted a record-breaking holiday quarter for fiscal Q1 2012, led by massive sales of iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers. In a nutshell, the company made a ton of cash, selling over 37 million iPhones, 15,430,000 iPads, 5,200,000 Macs, and 15,400,000 iPods. Full release after the jump.

Click to continue reading Apple posts record-breaking holiday quarter results with $13 billion in sales


Bleeding Edge TV 414: Nest Learning Thermostat

We chat with Matt Rogers of Nest at CES 2012 in this episode. Nest is a learning thermostat that is created by the guys who created 13 generations of iPod and a few generations of the iPhone, and is an ingenious way to re-imagine saving energy in your home. The thermostat is a round metal dial with a circular color LCD screen that works a lot like an iPod classic click wheel. You can turn the temperature up or down by twisting the dial, or you can go through its menus by pressing it in like a button. It can be set to automatically change the temperature based on the time and whether you're present. We also demo the Nest thermostat to show you exactly how it all works.

Big thank you to MozyPro and JackThreads for sponsoring the show - be sure to check them out! MozyPro provides simple, automatic, and secure data backup. As for JackThreads, we've got exclusive invite codes that give you $5 to use towards anything you'd like on the site.


Steve Jobs to Receive Grammy

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Awards, Industry News, iTunes,

Steve JobsSteve Jobs will receive a posthumous Grammy award. The Apple company boss, who died in October from a rare form of pancreatic cancer, will be honored with the Trustees Award Grammy, for "outstanding contributions to the industry in a non-performing capacity."

Steve's company popularized the personal MP3 player with their iPod device, and set up the most commonly used digital method of music distribution worldwide through its iTunes store, as well as developing a number of software packages which have aided musicians to record relatively cheaply and easily.

"This year's honorees offer a variety of brilliance, contributions and lasting impressions on our culture. It is an honor to recognize such a diverse group of individuals whose talents and achievements have had an indelible impact on our industry," said Neil Portnowin, the US National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) CEO.

The Grammy Awards will take place on February 12, 2012 in Los Angeles.


2011 Holiday Gift Guide: iPod touch 4th generation

iPod touch 4th gen white

Apple's focused on the iPod touch as being the "funnest iPod ever" for a while now, but the introduction of the fourth generation model put it over the top. You've got the Retina display, FaceTime video chat, high definition video capture, and built-in gyroscope all packed into the thinnest iPod touch ever--and now it's available in white. Of course, you need great software running on hardware like this, and the App Store fits the bill with over 200,000 apps available. A great gift for teens who don't need an iPhone, or anyone who wants a mobile iOS device that isn't a phone. Prices start at $199 (or $189 on Amazon, a 5% savings):

Be sure to check out the rest of the stuff in our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide, we're adding new suggestions every day!


Here’s how the Nest Learning Thermostat works

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smart Home, Videos,

We just gave you the rundown on Nest, the new learning thermostat brought to you by one of the creators of the iPod. Now, here's a video that shows how it works. Definitely elegant due to its simplicity. You can pre-order Nest now, and they'll ship in November. 


Nest: The amazing iPhone-controlled learning thermostat

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Design, Smart Home, Wireless / WiFi,

Nest thermostat

If your house is less than 20 years old, you probably have a programmable thermostat. It's probably a plain rectangle with a handful of buttons and a monochrome LCD screen, and it's probably a slight nuisance to program. It also probably isn't connected to your home Wi-Fi network. Nest is trying to change that with its new Nest Learning Thermostat.

The thermostat is a round metal dial with a circular color LCD screen that works a lot like an iPod classic click wheel. That could be because Nest was co-founded by former Apple employee Tony Fadell, one of the creators of the iPod. You can turn the temperature up or down by twisting the dial, or you can go through its menus by pressing it in like a button. It can be set to automatically change the temperature based on the time and whether you're present.

Click to continue reading Nest: The amazing iPhone-controlled learning thermostat

Read More | Nest pre-order

The next four years of Apple products directly influenced by Steve Jobs

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Corporate News,

Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs has died, but his fingerprints will likely be seen in products for years to come. The Daily Mail reports that Jobs left behind plans for at least four generations worth of iPads, iPhones, iPods, and MacBooks.

In order to protect the future of the company he co-founded in 1976, Jobs spent a year preparing plans for four more cycles of these gadgets, the Daily Mail said. 

Despite his declining health, Jobs also fought for the approval of the plans for Apple's new massive spaceship-like headquarters in Cupertino. In June, Jobs appeared before the Cupertino City Council to outline plans for the 3.1 million square foot circular structure that will house 12,000 Apple employees.

Click to continue reading The next four years of Apple products directly influenced by Steve Jobs


Steve Jobs, 1955-2011

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Editorial,

Steve Jobs, RIP

Steve Jobs, the enigmatic and elusive chief executive of Apple, has died. He was 56.

His passing comes just one day after Apple unveiled its latest smartphone, the iPhone 4S. Tim Cook, the company's new CEO took the stage on Tuesday to unveil the phone and champion the many successes that Apple had accomplished under Jobs's tenure. Many of us hoped that the company's signature "one more thing" would be an appearance by Jobs, but we had to suffice with Cupertino's new product lineup, which Jobs no doubt had a hand in guiding.

Though Jobs suffered through various health setbacks in the past few years, he helped shape Apple into the powerhouse it is today. Few companies have people lined up around the block for their latest smartphone and hardware manufacturers would love even a fraction of Apple's iPad market share. Yesterday, Cook said that Apple has now sold 250 million iOS devices, all of which had to pass muster with the notoriously meticulous Jobs.

During his time in the tech spotlight, Jobs amassed a personal fortune of $8.3 billion, according to the latest figures from Forbes. He inspired an action figure, a fake blog persona, and numerous parodies featuring admirers donning his trademark uniform of black turtlenecks and jeans.

It wasn't always that way, though. Apple started like many a tech startup – in a garage. It was 1976 and the product was the Apple-1. There was no casing, power supply, keyboard, or monitor, and it was $700. Jobs and co-founder Steve Wozniak only sold about 200 of the devices, making about $20 each, but they had more success with the Apple II.

Click to continue reading Steve Jobs, 1955-2011


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