eXtensions: Macs in Bangkok - Information

Bangkok Diary Thursday 2 September 2010: Apple Event - The Clouded View from Thailand

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:07:32 +0700

While I was asleep, as expected, Steve Jobs made several announcements concerning Apple products. These were mainly in the field that is loosely iPod-related, but this is getting bigger all the time.

Podcast #267

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:37:12 +0700

I am afraid I have lost faith with my MacBook Pro. It still sits in my office uncollected [See notes at the end of this page] and that is going to have longer term repercussions as to future purchases. In the meantime, thanks are due to Apple's local office for getting me out of a mess.

MacBook Pro Failure: Mac mini to the Rescue

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:26:30 +0700

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the problems I had with my 2.66GHz MacBook Pro and how I had located the source of the problems and the freezes had ended. QuickTime we thought, and a lot of Windows users nodded sagely. Not so fast.

A few days after the apparent fix, the freezes began again.

MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.9

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 07:13:09 +0700

This is what Apple writes about the update:
resolves a rare issue that may cause the system to freeze during startup or intermittently stall during operation, and it improves compatibility with external displays.

iWork update - ePub for Pages

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 07:24:10 +0700

Apple has updated iWork to version 9.0.4 with a number of issues covered:

Keynote 5.0.4
Addresses an issue when printing handouts with rule lines.
Fixes an issue with the slide switcher.
Resolves an issue when automatically resizing some images while changing slide size.
Fixes an issue with tables.

Pages 4.0.4
Fixes an issue with tables.
Includes compatibility with the standard ePub file format (for use with iBooks) when exporting.

Numbers 2.0.4
Fixes an issue with tables.

Podcast #266

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:55:41 +0700

The saga of my now completely broken MacBook Pro continues and I have continued using that Mac mini. On the way, the newly released magic Trackpad came into my hands. But what is to come from Apple in the future? Some really interesting developments this week later in the podcast.

Apple's Magic Trackpad: Installation and Use

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:19:31 +0700

In mid-July, while I had the Mac mini in my hands, Apple released its Magic Trackpad. It struck me as the perfect device to go with the mini. I am less happy with a mouse now as I am so used to notebook computers and their trackpads.

The device appeared on the Apple online store with a delivery time of 5-8 days. As the credit card shackles loosened slightly, I ordered one and I was able watched its progress online as it shipped and made its way to my office, finally arriving on 10 August within the advertised time.

Podcast #265

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:22:14 +0700

A Week or More of Problems with a MacBook Pro; plus its subsequent failure; with updates on Apple, corruption, iPhones and all; with other news and comments.

Corruption at Apple? The arrest of a member of Apples team who supplied information to some Asian resellers, is a bad blow in what has been a couple of bad months for Cupertino. And me. My MacBook Pro has been misbehaving. And it has also got far worse.

A week or more of Problems with a MacBook Pro

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 06:52:26 +0700

Some may think that with all the Macs I have written about over the last few years, everything works perfectly. My own Macs have all behaved well. My first modern Mac which I bought in early 2002 still performs sterling duty in the hands of a friend. After three years great service from my 2.16Ghz MacBook Pro it was an easy decision to move to the current 2.66GHz version with the i7 processor.

The first four months were great: I revelled in the improved speed and graphics. In late July things began to go wrong.

Test item

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:42:21 +0700

I have switcehd computers so need to check it is all working OK.

Podcast #264

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:28:56 +0700

Mark Papermaster left Apple last weekend after the company took so many pains to get him on board. Mark Hurd of HP resigned and problems for Blackberry in the Gulf and elsewhere. In the meantime, I have the second part of my look at the new Mac mini.

And what an idiot I am: I put this as #262 and not #264. Hope that did not confuse anyone.

Mac mini 2.4GHz (2): Observations in Use

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 06:49:21 +0700

I have been running the latest Mac mini in my home and at my office for the last few days and in this time reminded myself of what a useful computer this is. I resisted the adjective, "little" in that last sentence as that demeans the device. Compact is more to the point. As with the previous versions, its dimensions give a user flexibility with regard to location.

Podcast #263

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:51:40 +0700

There nearly wasn't going to be a podcast this week. After several days of problems, my misbehaving Mac almost went back to the shop on Monday. One of the things that kept me relatively sane was the Mac mini I have on test.

The 2.4GHz Mac mini (1): Initial Impressions

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 08:21:19 +0700

As soon as the Mac mini was released back in 2007, I wanted to get my hands on one. In the end I had three. They were billed as the basic Mac and users were able to use the same mouse and USB keyboard they had for a PC. Taking lessons learned in the development of laptops and the angle-poise iMac, Apple managed to squeeze all the important components into a case the size of a biscuit-tin; and when I had one for review, I took a photo of the device in my larder. I have also seen pictures in which 400 were used as a server farm, showing the great flexibility of this computer

Times have changed and the latest version of the Mac mini has arrived with more powerful insides and a redesigned case that is constructed using the same unibody fabrication technique that Apple developed for its high end laptops.

Podcast #262

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:34:09 +0700

The fallout from Antenna-gate still continues, but has abated a bit. And is it really now legal to jailbreak an iPhone? I went into Apple's office last Thursday and picked up a new Mac mini that will feature next week, but this time I finish off the articles on steganography with a couple of disappointments and some comments.

And new Apple products were also announced this week.

Steganography on the Mac (2): Some Shortcomings

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 06:17:00 +0700

There has recently been much interest in the idea of hiding information within images: steganography. I have already looked at some applications available for Macs. There are few steganography programs for OS X, but there is much software for other platforms. With Open Source roots, some needs compiling. An excellent source for ideas on this subject (and for sources) is Johnson and Johnson: these are technology consultants and not the baby powder people.

In my earlier look at steganography software I had tried out one app for the iPhone and two for the Mac, which were fairly easy to use and successful. There were a couple of disappointments to follow.

New iMacs

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:04:27 +0700

Third out of the trap this evening are new iMacs with two display sizes (21.5" and 27"), and three processors available - i3, i5 and i7. There are also improved ATI Radeon graphics and this comes with the Magic Mouse with the Magic Trackpad as option.

The 21.5" has 3.06Ghz or 3.2Ghz i3 processors and are 40,900 or 51,900 respectively. The 27" has the 3.2Ghz i3 processor (58,900 baht) or 2.8Ghz i5 (68,900 baht). The 2.93Ghz i7 adds about 7,000 baht to the price. The 3.2GHz i3 iMacs can be upgraded to 3.6Ghz i5 for the same amount.

We also see, almost lost in the rush, that a new LED Cinema Display has been made available.

12-core Mac Pro released

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:41:14 +0700

Apple has released the latest update to its top-line Mac Pro range and this beast now has up to 12 cores. It will be sold with quad-core or 6-core Xeon processors from Intel, wiht speeds up to 3.6GHz, new graphics (ATI) and up to 4 x 512G solid state drives.

According to the information available, it will be on sale in August and we had already heard the 7th mentioned for this and other products.

Prices will range from $2,499 to $4,999.

Magic Trackpad released

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:33:24 +0700

Apple has just updated the Thai online store and I see that there is now an item called a Magic Track Pad. This is the rumoured device that adds gestures and the like to computers without a trackpad, such as the iMac or the Mac Pro.

The price in the online store is shown as 2,300 baht. It is $69 in the US store, so the pricing is quite close and there is only about 70 baht difference.

Also note that the iPhone 4 is shown in the Thai store but clicking through to a store, brings up a "not found" page. Not yet, anyway.

Podcast #261

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:17:06 +0700

The main news for this podcast, apart from my own main item, must be the events surrounding the problems -- real, imagined and hyped - with the iPhone 4 antennas. Later we also have Apple's Q3 financial results. We are in the realms of spies this week with a look at steganography: hiding data inside images.

Test posting

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:51:59 +0700

Ignore this item, please. Technical difficulties this morning.

Apple's Q3 2010 Financial Reports

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:29:16 +0700

Apple reports income for the Q3 quarter at $15.7 billion with net profit of $3.25 billion, compared to $9.73 billion and $$1.83 billion in the same quarter last year.

International sales now count for 52% of revenue and there were sales of 3.47 million Macs (33% up from last year), 8.4 million iPhones which is 61% growth, and 9.41 million iPods. That is a decline of 8%.

Steganography on the Mac (1): Hiding Data in Images

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:17:21 +0700

Although the analytical computer was theorised by Alan Turing in 1936, some of his work was critical in the devices used for decryption of messages created by the Enigma machines of the Axis Powers: his "bombes" and the later Colossus were the first computers. Encryption, therefore was part and parcel of the birth of the computer. . . .

am teaching a course in which some knowledge of such techniques appears. I have downloaded six applications that can run on OS X, plus one for the iPhone. These hide data inside the file and should not be confused with watermarking although there may be some similarities.

Apple updates iTunes (9.2.1)

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 07:04:05 +0700

Apple has released an update for iTunes, bringing it to version 9.2.1 with a number of changes -

iTunes 9.2.1 provides a number of important bug fixes, including:

• Disables older versions of some incompatible third-party plug-ins
• Addresses minor issues with dragging and dropping items
• Addresses a performance issue when first syncing to some devices with iTunes 9.2
• Addresses an issue upgrading to iOS 4 on an iPhone or iPod touch with encrypted back-ups
• Addresses other issues that improve stability and performance
iTunes 9.2 comes with several new features and improvements, including:

• Sync with iPhone 4 to enjoy your favorite music, movies, TV shows, books and more on-the-go

• Sync and read books with iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 4 and iBooks 1.1

• Organize and sync PDF documents as books. Read PDFs with iBooks 1.1 on iPad and any iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 4

• Organize your apps on your iOS 4 home screens into folders using iTunes

• Faster back-ups while syncing an iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 4

• Album artwork improvements make artwork appear more quickly when exploring your library

Find My iPhone app in the Thai App Store

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 11:28:32 +0700

We mentioned a couple of weeks ago, discussing the iOS4 update to the iPhone, that the new Find My iPhone app was not available in some stores, including the Thai App Store.

While checking other items and updates on the App Store earlier today, I now find that this free app IS now available to users here. It will also work for the iPad and the iPod touch when Mobile Me details are entered.

Windows 7 for mobile phones: a lump of coal

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 22:15:24 +0700

Galen Gruman at InfoWorld has almost no kind words to ease the pain of the latest phone operating system from Redmond. He writes, among other things, that it is a " a waste of time and money. It's a platform that no carrier, device maker, developer, or user should bother with. Microsoft should kill it before it ships and admit that it's out of the mobile game for good.". He adds that it is "a pale imitation of the 2007-era iPhone. It's as if Microsoft decided in summer 2007 to copy the iPhone and has shut its developers in a bunker ever since, so they don't realize that several years have passed, that the iPhone has advanced. . .". And there are three pages of this relentless commentary.

Oh dear.

Apple's Mobile Me Calendar beta arrives

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:20:05 +0700

I was notified this morning that I could start to use the Mobile Me calendar beta. After a couple of screens of warnings and agreements - the data is changed -- the screens were updated and the new look appeared.

I rather like the new Day view and the List view. The first is like the iPad and the second like I already see on the iPhone. I found a couple of minor problems. Some times of entries were shifted (so I shifted them back), there were a couple of double entries (I deleted them); and one entry was too narrow to read despite adding two hours to the event (I sent feedback).

On my Mac, iCal which was already open was blank which gave me a pause. I quit the application and restarted. All the entries returned, but it did remind me to remind you to backup your data.

Release of iOS4.0.1

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:22:33 +0700

A heads up from a Phuket reader who gets up much earlier than I, tells me that iOS4 is available and that he has updated his iPhone 3Gs. Much easier than the previous update, he writes. Others are not having the same luck, and a report on CNET tells us of some of these.

What I will do is to backup first, then do the double restart (Off + Home) twice. As servers may be busy, I will also download the update separately, then install later (rather than having to wait for it to dribble down).

Release of iOS4 Imminent?

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:42:13 +0700

Hot on the heels of the announcement of the Apple Press Conference (Friday) there are rumours that the update to iOS4 which was circulated to developers earlier this week, may be in users' hands on Thursday (US times).

Apple Press Event

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 07:53:04 +0700

As we suggested in yesterday's podcast (#260), Apple would have to say something about recent reports of problems with the iPhone 4 antennas, either at next week's Financial report (Q3), or before.

Cupertino has decied (wisely) on the before and, amid some reports that a coating is now being added and that some phones are being quietly replaced, there is to be a press conference at 10 am on Friday (midnight, Thai time) according to a couple of sources. As yet Apple has not sent out any PR information concerning this.

Podcast #260

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:07:48 +0700

Apple seems to be in the legal and PR woes a bit this week with fallout from the recent updates as a lot of people are upset, and the potentially larger problem of a class action lawsuit over the exclusive deal with AT&T. I am a little more down to earth with a look at the new podcast availability in the Thai online store.

Podcasting in Thailand: More to Come?

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 06:34:04 +0700

Recently Apple changed the iTunes store for Thai users and added Podcasts to the App store and iTunesU. This was long overdue. A podcast is a video or audiofile sent out by its creator at intervals. It can be played on a computer or a suitable player, like an iPod or the iPhone.

Podcast #259

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:16:07 +0700

Apple has been busy and Apple has a few PR problems concerning the iPhone 4 and its antennas, and later problems with the App store. This week my own look at the iOS4 update and a glance at the release of the iPhone 4.

plus iPhone4 and App Store problems; some input from Thai users; along with other news and comments

iPhone Update: iOS4 installation and Notes on the iPhone 4 Release

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 06:51:59 +0700

I had really been looking forward to the iPhone update, known as iOS4, since it was outlined by Apple. A number of features looked as if they would be useful. Some of these brought iPad tricks to the smaller devices. It was developed for the new iPhone 4 of course and is optimised for that device. Fewer features are available for earlier iPhones. Those before the 3G (and early iPod touch devices) could not install the update at all.

I had updated OS X to 10.6.4, and installed iTunes 9.2: needed for iOS4, released on Tuesday 21 June. With time-zone differences, Thai users had this at about midnight. I downloaded it Wednesday morning and planned to install on the iPhone 3G later in the day. By Thursday lunchtime I was pulling my hair out.

Bangkok Diary Friday 2 July 2010: A stolen iPod touch, Bangkok Police and Find my iPhone

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 08:54:07 +0700

As the guy who currently writes the Mac column for the Bangkok Post, occasionally I am sent a letter from a reader.

This week I was sent a letter from a UK visitor to Bangkok who has an iPod touch. Or, rather, had one: then with the help of Find my iPhone in Mobile Me and and the local police, managed to get it back.

Letter from Apple on the iPhone 4

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 21:51:40 +0700

Apple outlines the problem that it acknowledges exists and tells us it is due to an erroneous display of signal bars. The drop in signal looks worse than it really is, because the signal displayed was not as high in reality.

A change is to be made using a different formula for calculating the display and changes will be made to the iPhone software. Apple tells this will be available in a few weeks and it will also be for the 3G and 3Gs phones.

Apple also apologises for any anxiety caused.

Podcast #258

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:04:35 +0700

In some ways we are still getting the echoes from the WWDC as the announcements turn into reality and Apple releases more hardware and software.

Apple Developments and Users in Thailand: Whatever Next?

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 06:46:05 +0700

A week after the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple moved on. Safari 5 was out, the iPhone 4 was coming and iOS4 was announced for 21 June. Analysts pored over the information -- some second-hand and incomplete -- the pundits predicted the end of the Mac, while the rest of us sat back to wait for what came next. We did not wait long.

Podcast #257

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:50:49 +0700

Last week we had the OS X update and a new Mac mini, then the day after the podcast went out the update for iTunes arrived -- earlier than I had expected. That was in preparation for the new iOS4 which was this week. Which is followed by the iPhone 4 too. And this week, the eXtensions column is on screen calibration with the X-rite Eye-One Display 2.

Screen Calibration: X-rite Eye-One Display 2

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 06:27:22 +0700

A few months ago I interviewed Danai Chutinaton at Blue Pano whose nice panorama images are used by several local companies for promotion purposes. He recently got in touch and sent me links to panoramas of the Siam area. He told me he had taken delivery of a new 44" Epson printer which was installed in his new office near Samitivej Hospital. A few days later I called in, just in time to see a print job being wrapped up.
When talking about producing high-grade images, he showed me a number of test prints and explained his ideas about colour quality, enlightening me about the morning light having blue tones and the light in the evening yellow. As part of this explanation he gave me a quick lesson on calibration, allowing me to compare printed samples against a card he had that showed true black. He later offered me the chance to try one of the X-Rite devices he is agent for.

Apple releases Find my iPhone App, but not for you

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 22:21:57 +0700

Along with some of the updates to Mobile Me, Apple's $99 a year online service, an app has been released for the iPhone. Of course, you would need a second device to make use of this, but some people do have these.

However, if you are a user in certain countries, like Thailand where I live and work, try the link to the App Store and you are redirected elsewhere, while the Apple page about the app, simply has a footnote: Not available in some countries.

Why, pray?

iTunes update - 9.2

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:01:31 +0700

Perhaps a little earlier than expected, Apple has released this update to iTunes bringing it to version 9.2 all ready for the iPhone 4 and for iOS4. Features include -

• Sync with iPhone 4 to enjoy your favorite music, movies, TV shows, books and more on-the-go

• Sync and read books with iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 4 and iBooks 1.1

• Organize and sync PDF documents as books. Read PDFs with iBooks 1.1 on iPad and any iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 4

• Organize your apps on your iOS 4 home screens into folders using iTunes

• Faster back-ups while syncing an iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 4

• Album artwork improvements make artwork appear more quickly when exploring your library

Podcast #256 - corrected

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:14:31 +0700

Thanks to an eagle-eyed (or -eared) reader, I found that one of the links to the sound file was wrong - mea culpa, 100%. I have now fixed that, so if you download the page again, Podcast 256 will really be there.

Podcast #256

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:45:32 +0700

More news this week from the WWDC as information hardens and we get a better picture. This week, in the Thai online iTunes store, podcasts finally arrive; and in my podcast, the main item this week concerns malware and ways to protect from this, starting with downloading and passwords, plus the firewall and Little Snitch.

more from WWDC; new Mac Mini computers; changes to the App Store in Thailand; News from Dr. Smoke; plus other news and comments

OS X 10.6.4 released

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 07:03:13 +0700

Apple has released its expected updated to 10.6, Snow Leopard bringing it to version 10.6.4.

It is big. The basic delta download is bout 300M while I was shown one for over 600MB. The Combo is some 930.5 MB as downloaded to my disk.

Some changes include -
improves compatibility with some Braille displays
resolves an issue that causes the keyboard or trackpad to become unresponsive
resolves an issue that may prevent some Adobe Creative Suite 3 applications from opening
addresses issues copying, renaming, or deleting files on SMB file servers
improves reliability of VPN connections
resolves a playback issue in DVD Player when using Good Quality deinterlacing
resolves an issue editing photos with iPhoto or Aperture in full screen view
resolves an issue with Parental Controls Time Limits for Open Directory or Active Directory users
resolves a display sleep issue with MacBook Pro (Early 2010) computers
resolves an issue with MacBook Pro (Early 2010) computers in which the right speaker may sound louder than the left speaker

New Users (8) - Some Suggestions for Guarding Against Malware on Macs

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 06:10:43 +0700

I had intended to wrap up the look at some useful utilities last time, but recent reports of malware aimed at OS X had me looking at problems and solutions in the first few days of June.

I have written before about malware and I repeat, There are no viruses for OS X. Other threats do exist,like phishing, identity theft and Trojans. All require help from the user to do their work.

A number of online sources reported that certain screensaver files would download spyware during the installation. Once installed it would ask the user to take part in a survey and asked for password details. That would end things for me.

Apple updates Mac mini

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:24:09 +0700

Apple has just released updates to the Mac mini.

The two models are 2.4Ghz and 2.66Ghz, although the Mac miniS are both Core 2 Duo processors. Not simply an update of internals, the case shape has been redesigned and it is easier to change RAM modules too. These are priced at $699 and $999 in the US and come with 2G and 4G RAM respectively and a 320G or 500G hard disk. They are quite respectable computers. The larger one also comes with OS X Server. Interesting additions are SD card slots and HDMI ports: that will connect you straight to a TV. These are shown in the Thai online store at 24,900 baht and 35,900 baht.

iTunes App Store in Thailand adds podcasts

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 09:03:23 +0700

We note this morning, that as well as the iPhone, iPad and iTunesU sections, Apple has now quietly added a podcast tab to the Thai store. This will save all that inconvenience of switching stores to track down podcasts.

Podcast #255

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 18:17:40 +0700

Yesterday, Thai time, Steve Jobs made the keynote speech at the WWDC in San Francisco and this year I am stuck in Bangkok. I have a report on what was announced later. This week's Bangkok Post column looks further at useful utilities.

New Users (7): A Few More Useful Maintenance Utilities

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 06:23:49 +0700

I have been examining a number of ways that new users of Macs and OS X can improve their experiences of the (almost total) change in how they use computers. While new Macs come with a large selection of software, including some repair and maintenance utilities, eventually problems appear. These may be caused by poorly written websites, quitting applications before tasks are complete, or corrupted data, among other things.

We saw earlier Yasu and Cocktail which are able to clean caches and run other tasks to improve the running of the system. There are others like Maintenance and Onyx from Titanium.

Podcast #254

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 18:03:17 +0700

Last week, Apple passed Microsoft to become the second largest company after Exxon; and next week at the WWDC, there is to be a keynote by Steve Jobs: will there be surprises? This week's Post article is another on the basics of utilities for users of OS X.

New Users (6): Some More Utilities for OS X

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 09:21:48 +0700

I have recently been looking at utilities new users may find useful. Before making any changes, make sure your data is backed up. That should be second nature to computer users (Mac or PC), but for many people the message has not yet got through.

Today, I am looking at a couple of utilities for deleting files, a way to turn off the Flash plugin, and Cody Krieger's gfxCardStatues, that tells us when the latest i5 and i7 Macs switch graphics cards.

Podcast #253

Wed, 26 May 2010 18:48:54 +0700

Bangkok has returned to a semi-stable state and I will be venturing in on Thursday. This week the main item looks at some utilities that new users might want to think about.

New Users (5): Some Utilities for OS X

Wed, 26 May 2010 08:36:16 +0700

When I started looking at some essentials for users new to OS X, I had intended to outline some of the utilities I think are valuable. In the interim, when my MacBook Pro arrived, I looked at how I set up a new computer. I have now installed several of those utilities that help with the running of a Mac, and also found a couple that were new to me.

Podcast #252

Wed, 19 May 2010 16:55:18 +0700

It is somewhat hectic and unpredictable in some areas of the city this week. At my home, it is as quiet as ever, with sometimes just the birdsong to hear. We do look at the TV from time to time, but some of the previously reliable news sources cannot be trusted. My main item this week is the last part of my look at the new MacBook Pro i7.

Apple releases Java updates for OS X

Wed, 19 May 2010 10:43:35 +0700

A couple of fixes for Java problems are covered in releases for 10.5 and 10.6. For the 10.6 update we are told that, Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 2 delivers improved compatibility, security, and reliability by updating Java SE 6 to 1.6.0_20. The information for 10.5 refers to the fact that this download is for Java SE 5 and SE 6 on 64-bit capable Intel-based Macs.

Switching to a New Mac: Some Finishing Touches

Wed, 19 May 2010 06:58:51 +0700

I have been running a new 15" MacBook Pro 2.66GHz for the last couple of weeks. I took great care to transfer the data and install applications, mostly by downloading from new, but it was not totally seamless. The software I use to write the XML file for my podcast let me down and I ended up recreating the files, but that was my fault: transfers of software and data always throw up anomalies.

Other difficulties I have faced concern passwords for third party applications. In most cases, a simple email to the developers produced the details I needed in their replies: an advantage when buying shareware as opposed to software from mega-corporations.

MacBook Update

Tue, 18 May 2010 16:59:02 +0700

Local users can have a look at the updated MacBook which keeps the same price here of 34,900 baht. As well as the 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo processor and 2GB RAM, the 13" polycarbonate notebook carries the NVidia GeForce 320M graphics processor and the improved battery of the 13" MacBook Pro.

Podcast #251

Wed, 12 May 2010 18:15:36 +0700

think this month and last have had the longest period of high temperatures since I have been here. We are all wilting. More on Flash and Apple this week as well as iPads, Macs, and iPhones. To underscore this, the main article this week outlines some of what happened when I tried to transfer the iPhone to my new Mac.

AIS who today announced their micro-sim card

Switching to a New Mac: Transferring the iPhone

Wed, 12 May 2010 08:08:43 +0700

I have been running my new 2.66Ghz MacBook Pro for the last couple of weeks. I will report next time on day to day use and its performance. While I took great care to transfer the data and install applications, mostly by downloading from new, it was not all plain sailing.

More worrying initially, however, was transferring the iPhone to the new machine. I had left this task almost to last and had read up on the process, so was not expecting too many problems. The reality was a little different as before the iPhone can be transferred to the new computer, the computer has to recognise it.

Bangkok Diary Friday 7 May 2010: MotoGP, Official Live Timing - Premium Pass: 3 for the Price of 1

Fri, 07 May 2010 17:51:56 +0700

One of my must-have apps for the iPhone this year was the 2010 Formula One Timing app by Soft-Pauer. Despite its relatively high price, of $32.99 (just under 1,000 baht), when it was released I downloaded it almost immediately. I reviewed it in late March in the Bangkok Post. The lack of hesitation in buying the app was following my experiences with the previous year's version, which I had reviewed in the Bangkok Diary in August 2009 when that was released. Despite the outlay, which is mainly due to the providers of the data, Formula One Management, for someone like me who enjoys such sports, the additional information provided, particularly with split timing, made this a valuable complement to the basic television input.

Towards the end of that August 2009 article, I wrote, "I want this for MotoGP." Earlier this year, my wish was answered when Soft-Pauer released MotoGP, Official Live Timing - Premium Pass in time for the start of the season. It was priced at $18.99 (610 baht)

Podcast #250

Wed, 05 May 2010 18:08:41 +0700

A sort of milestone is reached this week with Podcast 250. I only started the podcast as an experiment. With lots of news this week, I am focussing the main article on the new MacBook Pro which arrived at my office a couple of weeks back.

MacBook Pro 15", 2.66GHz i7 Processor: Out of the Box

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:05:14 +0700

During the Songkran period when I was in siege mode, Apple announced its new MacBook Pro range. There were disappointments in some quarters with the 13" MacBook Pro retaining the Core 2 Duo processors, but I was pleased with the 15" computers.

Apple took a long time to update the MacBook Pro. I delayed buying a new portable Mac, which left my reliable 3-year old MacBook Pro cluttered and creaking with an almost full hard disk.

I know I am going to be mortgaged up to the hilt for the next couple of months, but I decided on the top of the range with its 2.66Ghz processor, partly because it is the only one that uses the new Intel i7 chip.

Aperture Update (3.0.3)

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:51:38 +0700

Apple has released an update to Aperture, bringing it to version 3.0.3. a number of fixes have been made including, as usual, stability. Also improved are applying certain adjutments, creating and using RAW presets, Faces and printers. Several other improvements are made to libraries and file handling.

This should be available via Software Update.

Podcast #249

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:22:14 +0700

An interesting week for me with the new MacBook Pro arriving last Thursday. I spent most of the weekend setting that up. Almost done now. The older machine was ready for the changes and as part of the preparation I had used Disk Warrior.

New Users (4): Preventative Maintenance and Disk Warrior

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 09:11:59 +0700

On several occasions while writing about OS X, I have mentioned the idea of preventative maintenance: fixing things before they go wrong. There is a school of thought that tells us, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it", but a modern operating system has so many things going on that we cannot see (so cannot know about). Only specialist software will help. On the face of things, while day-to-day running may seem fine, inevitable file corruption means that when the system is at its most vulnerable, for example when updating the operating system, problems then appear and some users are tempted to blame the update rather than the problems on the computer that were already there. . . .

Test item (we have a new computer)

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:43:56 +0700

And with a new computer we need to set it all up again so I need to make sure that the upload link works.

Podcast #248

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:14:33 +0700

This week the MacBook Pro, Apple's quarterly results report and I got my hands on an iPad just before the Songkran holidays.

The iPad in Bangkok - Two hours with it in my hands

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 08:49:58 +0700

If you read that title and are thinking of heading down to your local Apple retailer in Bangkok, don't. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a 16G iPad through the generosity of a local reader who teaches here. A friend brought him one from the US and he was happy to share this.

We met on Saturday morning just by Asoke BTS station for coffee. The iPad was everything I had expected from descriptions I had read, but as others have reported, the only way to write about this is to use it.

Security Update 2010-003

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 09:00:56 +0700

Apple has released a security update for users of Snow Leopard (there is also one for Leopard as well as Server variants). The file via Software Update is 6.3MB and a restart will be required.

Podcast #247

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:05:38 +0700

This week I am behind locked gates. Nothing to do with political turmoil, but this is my annual retreat while most of the rest usually throw water around. In the 3rd part of my look at what new users may find, I am focussing on the kernel panic and hope you never see this. And new MacBook Pro computers were announced this week.

New Users (3): The Kernel Panic: Something Many Users will Never See

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 06:48:48 +0700

While I was thinking about how new users deal with the move to OS X, one wrote to me with a question: What is a Kernel Panic? The Kernel is the core of the operating system, linking the computer's hardware components to the software.

In most cases everything will be running fine, but sometimes a problem or conflict can be introduced and the system becomes confused. . . .

New Mac Book Pro computers released

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:36:10 +0700

Apple has released several updates to the MacBook Pro range:

The 13" machines retain Core 2 Duo processors and have 4G RAM as standard, priced at 40,900 baht for the 2.4GHz (250G HD) and 51,900 for the 2.66GHz (320G HD).

There are three computers in the 15" configuration all with 4G RAM as standard:

2.4GHz Intel Core i5 with 320G HD at 61,900 baht
2.53GHz Intel Core i5 with 500G HD at 68,900 baht
2.66GHz Intel Core i7 with 500G HD at 75,900 baht.

There is one 17" MacBook Pro shown - a 2.53GHz i5 model with 500G HD at 79,900 baht.

These are all shown in the Thai Apple online store and are marked as shipping within an estimated 24 hrs.

Podcast #246

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:42:58 +0700

This week, saw the release of the iPad and in the first day or so, new records were set for units delivered and apps downloaded. This week's column continues on our road offering suggestions to new users of OS X, in the full knowledge that most will not heed any such advice.

New Users (2): Disk Contents and Some Pitfalls for New Users of OS X

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 08:11:24 +0700

For those new to OS X and Macs, the experience may be like walking into a dim room. You can make out shapes of important furniture, but you may walk into smaller items. As the eyes adjust to the light, working becomes easier; and when the sun rises, the first rays make all much clearer.

I mentioned earlier my first rule: OS X is not Windows. A second might be be, If you don't know, don't touch. That includes, delete, move, rename.

. . . and more updates. . . .

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 08:26:29 +0700

A couple more updates to continue the season of changes, al perhaps related to this week's arrival of the iPad in the USA. Today, we read of updates to the Airport Extreme Base Station and to Time Capsule Firmware. The latter is not needed if you are just running the Time Machine with an external hard disk.

Fixes include,

Not importing all settings when importing a configuration.
Not propagating MAC address control lists when using an extended network.

Podcast #245

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:43:15 +0700

We look at the ideas of Accounts and passwords that some new users may think are optional, but are a first line of defense. We also discuss the way the iPad is changing the media landscape, and the rush of some publishers to accommodate it in their plans. Updates and rumours are also examined, plus any other news that interested us here, along with some salient comments.

Update Gala - iTunes, iPhoto, VoiceOver for iPod - More to Come

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:05:26 +0700

As expected with the iPad on its way this week, iTunes has been updated to v 9.1. There is also an update to iPhoto (8.1.2), which is linked to changes in iPhone, iPod and Apple TV syncing. The list I see also shows me a VoiceOver Kit for the iPod (1.3).

These are available via Software Update or Downloads pages where several other downloads are shown for Windows and Leopard users, including QuickTime (NOT Snow Leopard).

New Users (1) - Use of Accounts and Passwords

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 08:38:29 +0700

I often think I might have written this column under the name, Cassandra - the daughter of the King of Troy. She saw the future, but no one believed her. As it was better suited to OS X, eXtensions won out, but the idea still applies. Like others in Post Database, I have lost count of the times I have warned about backing up, only to have emails detailing users' lost data: hard disk, system problems, user error, theft (that happened to me too).

While I believe that OS X is stable in the main, it would be wrong of me to pretend that I am living in a golden age where faults repair themselves and my Mac emits perfume all day. A computer is a collection of mechanical and electrical parts made to work using software: things will go wrong.

Apple releases 10.6.3 update to OS X

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 09:18:37 +0700

As expected (at least at some time) Apple has now released the latest update for OS X, bringing this to version 10.6.3..

It is big. . .

The normal update is shown as 719MB, while the Combo is at 784MB (Server updates are a bit larger). The Alpha update, via Software Update which installs necessary components only, is 438MB.

improve the reliability and compatibility of QuickTime X
address compatibility issues with OpenGL-based applications
address an issue that causes background message colors to display incorrectly in Mail
resolve an issue that prevented files with the # or & characters in their names from opening in Rosetta applications
resolve an issue that prevented files from copying to Windows file servers
improve performance of Logic Pro 9 and Main Stage 2 when running in 64-bit mode
improve sleep and wake reliability when using Bonjour wake on demand
address a color issue in iMovie with HD content
improve printing reliability
resolve issues with recurring events in iCal when connected to an Exchange server
improve the reliability of 3rd party USB input devices
fix glowing, stuck, or dark pixels when viewing video from the iMac (Late 2009) built-in iSight camera
We also see Security updates for OSX 10.5 Leopard.

Updates to Aperture and iMovie

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 10:09:45 +0700

We read online this morning (Thai time) that Apple has relesed updates for Aperture -- bringing it to version 3.0.2 -- and iMovie, which is now at 8.0.6

Bugs and incompatibilities are cited. A long list of fixes is given:

Upgrading Aperture 1.x and 2.x libraries
Importing libraries from iPhoto or from earlier versions of Aperture
Importing hierarchical folders of photos into a library
Adding names and confirming matches in Faces
Reordering snapshots on the Faces corkboard
Creating and saving print presets
Duplicating metadata presets
Adjustments using Curves, Straighten and Retouching
Navigation of photos in the Viewer using scrolling
Importing ratings, color labels and GPS data from XMP sidecar files
IPTC metadata compatibility
Deleting photos when emptying the Aperture Trash
Exporting versions and libraries

Podcast #244

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:57:15 +0700

Following the Grand Prix Season with an iPhone: Formula 1 Timing, by Soft-Pauer; plus iPad, iPhone and other Apple developments; with local and international ideas and comments.

Among items included this week are a first look at the Kindle application for the Mac desktop, more movement in the publishing industry because of the iPad, a look at some commentator hypocrisy -- those Windows guys -- and other odds and ends that passed me by.

Following the Grand Prix Season with an iPhone: Formula 1 Timing, by Soft-Pauer

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 06:29:39 +0700

I am a long-time follower of Grand Prix racing and can remember as far back as the 1950s, although it was not until the 1970s that I saw a Formula 1 race at a circuit. I visited several races then, but nowadays have to make do with televised transmissions along with whatever news I find online.

Last August I added to my enjoyment when I downloaded the Formula One Timing app, developed by Soft-Pauer. At that time it was $16.99 for about half the season and I wondered in my online report if I was really able to justify the cost.

With the experience of several races, I could not wait to download the 2010 version of this app, which is currently $32.99 for the whole of the season (1123 baht).

Podcast #243

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:59:49 +0700

This week I am working my way through some ideas around the iPad and what Apple is trying to do. It looks to me, especially with the movements by publishers and others, that Apple is once again playing the catalyst.

The iPad: Old Media, New Display Formats

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 06:28:50 +0700

The wifi iPad is to go on sale in the United States on 3 April, followed by Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland, and the U.K. in late April. It may not arrive here officially until later in the year. Since it was announced we have seen much repositioning and a fair amount of posturing along with the usual mix of silliness. Apple innovates, and has since its earliest days. Whatever people may think about the Corporation or its management, what Cupertino does today others scramble to repeat tomorrow: remember all those asinine comments on the iPhone.

Safari update

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:09:24 +0700

We note that Apple's browser, Safari, has been updated and is now at version, 4.0.5. There are apparently performance improvements and some bug fixes.

Podcast #242

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:39:57 +0700

Would you be willing to pay an internet tax? That was one of the solutions put forward by Microsoft last week as a way to deal with all the malware problems. A sort of injustice there, methinks. The problems I had last time with Aperture vanished and I was able to get back to work.

Aperture 3 (2): Light at the end of the Tunnel

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:11:44 +0700

A few days after I wrote about the depressing process for upgrading to Aperture 3, Apple released an update (3.0.1) that fixed most of the problems for users. Many people had reported difficulties and these centred on library conversion, especially if images earlier used in Aperture 2 had had multiple adjustments. Installations that were new (for example in my Admin account, which I do not use on a day to day basis) were generally problem-free.

After the 24 hours of processing, Aperture settled down, although there were still some difficulties: my version crashed on occasion while trying out some new tricks; and I was not alone. The 3.0.1 update improved things greatly and I have been able to use this software to do what it was designed for.

Podcast #241

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:26:55 +0700

This week I am going through the painful experience of upgrading from Aperture 2 to Aperture 3. The release was expected, and perhaps overdue, but not the pain.

Plus coverage and comments on local and international news and stories that caught my eye.

Aperture 3 (1) - A Dubious First Day

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:08:46 +0700

perture 3, a long-awaited update, was released in early February with over 200 additional features. Aperture 2 had begun to creak and this worsened after the Snow Leopard update last year: a 32-bit application for professional photographers on a 64-bit operating system. As soon as the online store for Thailand was back online, I ordered my update which arrived at my office on Monday morning. The update was 3,690 instead of 7,290 baht for the full version ($99 and $199). After lunch I opened the box.

I was taking a risk in updating a major application with a hard disk approaching usable capacity, but this sort of thing does not usually deter me. Testing or reviewing, after all, means finding out what can go wrong as well as what is right. With Aperture 3 I had a fair dose of both.

Zeus - a Trojan Story from Rixstep and the costly fallout for small guys

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:48:52 +0700

Read it. Zeus, like other similar malware, does not affect Macs.

Aperture updated (3.0.1)

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:26:02 +0700

Not really a surprise here, although this update is a bit sooner than some people expected. We are told it improves overall stability and addresses a number of issues in Aperture 3, including,

Upgrading libraries from earlier versions of Aperture
Importing libraries from iPhoto
Importing photos directly from a camera
Memory usage when processing heavily-retouched photos
Face recognition processing
Adding undetected faces using the Add Missing Face button
Printing pages containing multiple images
Printing photos and contact sheets with borders and metadata
Editing photos using an external editor
Display of images with Definition and Straighten adjustments applied
Zooming photos in the Viewer and in the Loupe using keyboard shortcuts
Accessing Aperture libraries on a network volume Selecting and moving pins on the Places map
Adding and editing custom locations using the Manage My Places window
Switching between masters when working with RAW+JPEG pairs.

Podcast #240

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:39:24 +0700

While I have managed to fix many of the Aperture disasters I reported last week, this is still not a perfect product: there is much more to come. This week I am having a brief look at the eBook as this medium along with other types of ePublishing are going to become bigger in months to come, despite those who cannot see past the end of their noses.

The eBook Format: Creating Content for the Smart Phone

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:12:17 +0700

Some never listen properly to Apple's announcements, preferring to make cheap points. Several criticisms of Apple's new online book store that commented on probable copy protection, failed to mention that current book readers (like Amazon and Sony) do this, nor that Apple is embracing the ePub format: an open source file type for publishing.

On the iPhone, I use Amazon's Kindle App and the Stanza reader, which I downloaded when the App Store first appeared here. As the iPhone supports the .EPUB format, I examined some software that would help me make my own examples. If, as an ordinary user, I can do it, then others can. . . .

Wired on the iPad - This is what we have been waiting for, for 15 years

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:55:05 +0700

An article this week on Huffington Post carries an interview with Wired personnel and video clips of how the iPad version of the magazine will probably work; and as Chris Anderson, editor in chief, says, "This is what we have been waiting for for 15 years."

The article has a useful video and a link to a simiar, but slightly less-dynamic article on the Andy Warhol founded Interview Magazine although the video certainly has some high points.

Podcast #239

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:05:06 +0700

Last week Apple updated Aperture to version 3 and my disk arrived Monday morning so I started the process after lunch. I am not a happy man. This week, perhaps connected for some, is the idea of backing up data before major changes or disasters.The main section this week looks at the Wednesday Post article, A Question of Backing Up.

A Question of Backing Up Data

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:23:32 +0700

I usually write the eXtensions column on a Sunday. Before starting this week's offering, I restarted my MacBook Pro. Again. . . .

As I am writing these words, the mirror of my website, which I keep on my MacBook Pro, is being copied to my iMac upstairs. For this operation, I use the Finder and login as a specific user (me) on the target machine, then I have access to the files and transfer them over my home network.

When I go to my office tomorrow, the first thing I do is to connect a 500G LaCie hard disk on my desk to the Firewire port (FW800) of the Mac. Time Machine then backs up the hard disk. . . .

Podcast #238

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:20:08 +0700

Although I had a look at the iPad in the podcast last week, I tried to be careful to avoid duplicating what was to be the main article this week.

Apple's iPad: Early Impressions and Some Comments

Not surprisingly it is clear that some are missing the point here and it is again no surprise to see some familiar names and publications appear in the corner which dooms the iPad and Apple to an early death. You will note this week that the Zune is on offer at reduced prices in the US.

Apple's iPad: Early Impressions and Some Comments

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:13:28 +0700

In some ways I was disappointed by Apple's "latest creation," the iPad, which at first glance looked to me like an iPod touch on steroids, but perhaps because it was just what I was expecting - at least on the outside. But Apple have ambitious technical goals and more features will become available. The pricing looks good, starting just below a psychological $500 in the US. I estimate after VAT this will be under 20,000 baht here. There are three wifi units and three with wifi plus 3G: 16G, 32G and 64G. The 3G units will be unlocked.

Aperture Updated to Version 3

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:39:39 +0700

Aperture 3, a long-awaited update that has lots and lots of new features: Apple says 200+. Faces and Places have been added and it is now, as expected a 64-bit application. Also added apparently is my wish: a tool to adjust focus. It is $199 for the full version and, lucky me, $99 for an upgrade.

Podcast #237

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:55:16 +0700

As was expected the new creation from Apple was a tablet computer that they are calling the iPad, although a lot are disappointed about the name. A lot are also failing to look past the tablet reader form. This week I am looking forward to my next MacBook Pro which is now on order.

Update to iPhone and iPod touch - 3.1.3

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 07:58:23 +0700

Apple has released an update to the iPhone and iPod touch firmware which is now at version 3.1.3. We can get this when we connect the device to iTunes. The fuxes are reported to be for the battery level indicator on the 3Gs, for fixing a problem when some 3rd party apps fail to start, and to craching apps with the Japanese keyboard (Kana).

Out with the Old: Get Ready for the New

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 07:48:53 +0700

When I was a teenager, I had a series of cheap, used cars. The criteria for changing those that lasted was either that the ashtrays were full or the tyres needed changing.

I do not drive much these days, but similar rules apply with my Macs. Not that I smoke nowadays. I have had my current MacBook Pro for almost three years and it has run almost faultlessly through three different versions of OS X. I have not powered the Mac down in all that time, apart from when updating software and changing the battery, with only two forced shutdowns. In short: a reliable machine.

That has changed recently and the "ashtray principle" applies: my hard disk is reaching capacity.

iTunes update - 9.0.3

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:40:51 +0700

There has been a minor update to iTunes released bringing it to version 9.0.3. Among the improvements are:

• iTunes no longer ignores your "Remember password for purchases" setting.
• Addresses problems with syncing some Smart Playlists and Podcasts with iPod.
• Resolves a problem recognizing when iPod is connected.
• Addresses issues that affect stability and performance.
iTunes 9 comes with many new features and improvements, including:

• An improved look and feel, including a new Column Browser for easily browsing your artists or albums, movies, TV shows, and more.

• iTunes Store has a brand new look, with improved navigation for quick and easy exploration.

• iTunes LP and iTunes Extras create unique experiences that feature exclusive interviews, videos, photos, and more — available with select album and movie purchases on the iTunes Store.

• Home Sharing helps you manage your family's iTunes collection between computers in your home. iTunes can automatically transfer new purchases, or you can choose just the items you want.

• Genius Mixes are created for you by iTunes and play songs from your library that go great together.

• iPod and iPhone syncing now allows you to organize your iPhone and iPod touch home screens directly in iTunes. Syncing is now also more flexible, allowing you to sync individual artists, genres, or TV show and Podcast episodes.

• iTunes U items are now organized into their own section in your iTunes library.

• Sync with iPod nano (5th generation), iPod classic (Fall 2009), and iPod touch (Fall 2009).

• iTunes 9 also includes many other improvements, such as HE-AAC encoding and playback, more flexibility with Smart Playlists rules, simpler organization of your media files inside an iTunes Media folder, and more.

Podcast #236

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:22:55 +0700

Apple Making More Advances: iPhone and the Future; plus Q1 Financial reports; with rumours and news from Thailand and elsewhere.

We may have one of the most interesting weeks out of Apple for a long time this week. Already we have the quarterly results and after the podcast goes out, there is likely to be -- if rumours are right -- a significant product announcement. There are also expected to be several updates to software and hardware this week. In a sort of anticipation I am looking this week at some apps that might be perfect for a tabet computer. If one were to exist, of course.

Apple Making More Advances: iPhone and the Future

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:51:59 +0700

This is a busy week for people following Apple. If you are reading this column on Wednesday (27 Jan), early yesterday Thai time Apple's First Quarter financial results were announced. This was expected to be another good quarter, following high sales over the New Year period: some reports showed a 31% increase over the previous year.
Tomorrow (Thursday 28)- Thai time again - there is an Apple Special Event at San Francisco's Yerba Buena Center. All Apple has to do is make an announcement and the media start a feeding frenzy. I do not know what is coming. Nor does anyone else, despite the authoritative pronouncements of some, apart from a small group at Cupertino. This group are under what one commentator calls a "Cone of Silence": identical to pre-release iPhone conditions.

Apple Financial Report (Q1)

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:39:19 +0700

Reporting, best-ever results, Apple just released its Q1 2010 figures with some interesting data. What next for Cupertino?

Podcast #234

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:33:12 +0700

Angkor by iPhone; plus Apple rumours galore, as well as some real news and comments.

As we approach the end of January things are getting interesting around Apple: the earnings report, anticipation of product announcements and retaliation for Nokia's actions are all included this week, while the main article has a more peaceful theme. And I have a cold.

Apple releases Security Updates for Leopard and Snow Leopard users

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:01:25 +0700

Apple has released Security Update 2010-001, version 1 which is recommended for all users with 10.5.8 and 10.6.2 versions of OS X. There is no other information concerning the content of this download which is available via Software Update or the Apple downloads pages (make sure you select the right one).

Angkor by iPhone

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:25:03 +0700

I am always trying to expand my uses of the iPhone, adding to its original design ideas with use of apps: technical evolution, not revolution. The iPhone allows us to use new types of media, for example: the current types like newspapers and books are declining.

Apple releases MobileMe Gallery App

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:50:12 +0700

For those who use Mobile Me, the Gallery is an attractive alternative way to show pictures online. Now Apple has released an app for that.

The link is to the App Store

Podcast #234

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:44:56 +0700

A fair amount of water under the IT bridge this week, with CES notable for what was not there, and to an extent who was. While many pro Microsoft commentators tried to make much of Ballmer's so-called keynote speech, it was little more than an extended advertisement with only a couple of minutes given over to an HP tablet computer.

The main item this week is on More Apps for iPhone Cameras. We laso have lots of news, rumours and comments on what is and what may be.

More Apps for iPhone Cameras

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:18:27 +0700

Although I carry an SLR camera about with me, I find that increasingly I use the iPhone 3G to take pictures, partly because there are now so many apps, allowing special effects to be used easily. I reviewed several last August in Post Database and several more in my Bangkok Diary blog. Recently there was a surge of photo apps.

How accurate is your touchscreen?

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 11:46:36 +0700

A lot of claims are made for the touchscreens of mobile phones and I refer often to the disappointment of a friend who had one of these phones from Korea. he is much happier with his iPhone now.

My input on this was subjective, but Moto Labs have carried out some research on a variety of phones and they conclude, "all touchscreens are not created equal." They test the iPhone, the HTC Droid, Motorola Droid and Gogle Nexus One. The HTC Droid had the best edge performance, while the iPhone traced the best.

Snagit beta for Mac

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 07:46:25 +0700

Snagit, a screen capture program that is already known on the Windows platform is being made available for OS X. Currently in beta, there is a free download of this for users to try.

Unlike the simple screen capture of the Mac, this application allows a certain degree of image manipulation, such as arrows and speech bubbles for customization of the capture.

2D Barcodes and Tags for the iPhone and other platforms (Updated)

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:08:12 +0700

Attending conferences, I exchange business cards with others, but back home I have to sift through the amassed pile and enter contact data. This takes an excessive amount of time.

It would be efficient if business cards carried codes so, I have looked at ways to scan data using mobile phones: in my case the iPhone. I focussed on 2D codes: specifically QR code (Quick Response); and Microsoft's "Tag" system which is still in beta. Both work on a variety of phones, including Blackberry and Nokia.

This was updated later with some more information on Lynkee a free scanning app that I can now get to work properly.

Bangkok Diary: Three Video Apps for the iPhone 3G (the 2G can play too) - Updated again

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:29:03 +0700

iVideoCamera an apps in the original review has had a significant update and there are several more ways to export files, but the most important part to this update counters my previous criticism and video exported to the desktop is now usable. Now this is really worth downloading.

Podcast #233

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:16:37 +0700

2D Barcodes and Tags for the iPhone and other platforms; Apple and Apps; Apple and Microsoft; Nexus One; plus other news and comments.

This week, some praise for Microsoft in the main article on its execution of a 2D barcode system. I do manage to redress the balance on Redmond in the news section later.

2D Barcodes and Tags for the iPhone and other platforms

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 06:53:07 +0700