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Apple unveils the all new “Mac Mini”

Jun 22

Posted by Admin in Apple | No Comments

Apple has brought fresh lease of life into its Mac Mini range of computers. It was already in a small form factor which has now been enhanced for better user experience. The features of the new product are as below:

1. New Enclosure

The new Mac Mini has been repackaged into an anuminum enclosure, called Unibody. This has apparently been carved from a single block of aluminum. This ensures a perfect fit and finish which looks truely stunning on any desk.

2. Built in Power Supply

Unline the older Mac Mini, the new one has a built in Powe supply. You now don’t need any special adapters, just plug in the power chord and the Mac will roar up to power.

3. New Ports

The new machine has HDMI ports to seamlessly connect to High Definition TV. You can also transfer images and videos directly from your SD card using the SD Card slot. It carries the slot-loading drive from the older machine to play/burn CDs and DVDs.

4. Upgraded Graphics

The new Mac Mini sports NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics onboard adaptor. This delivers phenominal performance compared to the old mini. Despite the pixel crunching power of this processor, Mini continues to be one of the most green machines around.

5. Faster Processing and more RAM

Mac Mini now supports up to 8 GB of memory. This is twice the amount that older mini could support. It is powered by Intel Dual Core 2.4Ghz/2.66Ghz processors which makes this a mighty fast computer.

6. Easy to add memory

The new Mini comes with a removable bottom panel, which provides easy access to memory slots. Just twist the panel, open the box and add another memory stick.

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HP All in One Device Manager does not work with Snow Leopard

Sep 1

Posted by Admin in Apple, Troubleshooting | 1 Comment


After upgrading your Mac OS X to Snow Leopard, you may not be able to use your Hewlett Packard(HP) All in One’s device manager. This Device Manager allows users to scan multiple pages and club the output into one single PDF. While the Snow Leopard’s interface is much better, it does not allow such scanning output. If you also intend to scan multiple pages into single PDF document and are facing issues after upgrading to Snow Leopard on your Macintosh machine, follow the steps below:

  1. Open the Preview
  2. Click on “File” menu
  3. Now click on “Import from Scanner”
  4. Select your scanner from the installed scanner list. When you select your scanner, a new window for “Your Scanner Name” will appear.
  5. Click on “Details” button. On this screen adjust the settings for color and size
  6. Uncheck the options for “Detect Separate Items” and change the format to “PDF”
  7. Click on “Scan”

Once the scanning is complete, you will see a preview of all pages into a single PDF file.

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Tags: AIO, All in One, Apple, HP, Mac, macintosh, Scanner, Snow Leopard

Apple responds to FCC Questions: Apple vs Google

Aug 24

Posted by Admin in Apple, Google | No Comments


Apple has responded to the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau’s inquiry on information regarding Apple’s App Store and its application approval process. This was considered a response from Google after Apple rejected appgooatntapproval of Google Voice as an application for iPhone. There were contemplation that this is was an effort by AT&T to block Google’s entry into a domain that is controlled by them in North American region.

Following is the response to the questions that were asked by FCC to APPLE. The 3 primary questions and their responses which directly correspond to Apple’s & AT&T’s motive or involvement to block Google Voice are below (Source: Apple)

Question 1. Why did Apple reject the Google Voice application for iPhone and remove related third-party applications from its App Store? In addition to Google Voice, which related third-party applications were removed or have been rejected?

Contrary to published reports, Apple has not rejected the Google Voice application, and continues to study it. The application has not been approved because, as submitted for review, it appears to alter the iPhone’s distinctive user experience by replacing the iPhone’s core mobile telephone functionality and Apple user interface with its own user interface for telephone calls, text messaging and voicemail. Apple spent a lot of time and effort developing this distinct and innovative way to seamlessly deliver core functionality of the iPhone. For example, on an iPhone, the “Phone” icon that is always shown at the bottom of the Home Screen launches Apple’s mobile telephone application, providing access to Favorites, Recents, Contacts, a Keypad, and Visual Voicemail. The Google Voice application replaces Apple’s Visual Voicemail by routing calls through a separate Google Voice telephone number that stores any voicemail, preventing voicemail from being stored on the iPhone, i.e., disabling Apple’s Visual Voicemail. Similarly, SMS text messages are managed through the Google hub—replacing the iPhone’s text messaging feature. In addition, the iPhone user’s entire Contacts database is transferred to Google’s servers, and we have yet to obtain any assurances from Google that this data will only be used in appropriate ways. These factors present several new issues and questions to us that we are still pondering at this time.

Question 2. Did Apple act alone, or in consultation with AT&T, in deciding to reject the Google Voice application and related applications? If the latter, please describe the communications between Apple and AT&T in connection with the decision to reject Google Voice. Are there any contractual conditions or non-contractual understandings with AT&T that affected Apple’s decision in this matter?

Apple is acting alone and has not consulted with AT&T about whether or not to approve the Google Voice application. No contractual conditions or non-contractual understandings with AT&T have been a factor in Apple’s decision-making process in this matter.

Question 3. Does AT&T have any role in the approval of iPhone applications generally (or in certain cases)? If so, under what circumstances, and what role does it play? What roles are specified in the contractual provisions between Apple and AT&T (or any non-contractual understandings) regarding the consideration of particular iPhone applications?

Apple alone makes the final decisions to approve or not approve iPhone applications.

There is a provision in Apple’s agreement with AT&T that obligates Apple not to include functionality in any Apple phone that enables a customer to use AT&T’s cellular network service to originate or terminate a VoIP session without obtaining AT&T’s permission. Apple honors this obligation, in addition to respecting AT&T’s customer Terms of Service, which, for example, prohibit an AT&T customer from using AT&T’s cellular service to redirect a TV signal to an iPhone. From time to time, AT&T has expressed concerns regarding network efficiency and potential network congestion associated with certain applications, and Apple takes such concerns into consideration.

It seems that Apple has put all doubts to rest that they did this as a part of genuine evaluation process and this move was not intended to block Google and protect their long term partner AT&T.

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Tags: App Store, Apple, AT&T, FCC, Google, Google Voice, iPhone

Apple Mac OS X Snow Leopard: Available from August 28

Aug 24

Posted by Admin in Apple | No Comments

Apple will make its latest Operating System: Snow Leopard available a little earlier than expected. This will be available from Friday, August 28, 2009.

snowleopardApple had already confirmed that this Operating System will be more of update for their existing OS in terms of stability and performance, rather than addition of features and functionalities. Apple has stated that this Operating System is almost half the size of the previous OS and frees up about 7 GB space on the hard drive post installation. Almost 90% of the Operating System coding has been reworked to achieve this. However, This will only support Intel based Mac computers.

From a performance standpoint, it is said that its Mail application loads twice as fast, Time Machine does its first backup up to 80% faster and the new 64 Bit Safari is up to 50% faster.

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Tags: Apple, Mac, macintosh, OS X, Snow Leopard

Apple Mac Mini: The Eco Friendly Machine

Aug 20

Posted by Admin in Apple | No Comments


354_7_apple_mac_miniEnvironment is becoming a growing concern across the globe. Computers are adding to this problem every day. There is an increased focus amongst users and manufacturers to create and innovate environment friendly machines, without compromising the growing need of effective and efficient powerful computing.enviro_recycle20090303

Apple has been a pioneer in technology innovation. They have answered the call of people and nature together by creating Mac Mini. This is probably the most environment friendly machine available off the shelf today.

The following elements determine the environment friendliness of any computer:

  1. Degree of toxins used in manufacturing cycles
  2. Packaging of the computers
  3. Recyclability of computer components
  4. Energy consumption of various devices

Apple has managed to address all these elements aggressively with their MacMini product.

Elimination of Toxins

Apple has made tremendous improvements in reduction of toxins that are part of the computer manufacturing process. They have removed Brominated Flame Retardents(BFRs) and Polyvinyl Chloride(PVC) from circuit boards, internal cables, connectors and many such internal components in Mac Mini.

Packaging

Apple has not only reduced the size of the machine, but also used a combination of highly recyclable aluminum and polycarbonate to construct the external casing. This makes it one of the most material efficient desktop computers in the world.

The outer packaging of the finished product is also about 60% smaller than its competitors and previous Mac versions. This also results in reduced impact on our environment.

Energy Consumption

The hardware components used in Mac Mini are ENERGY compliant and use very little energy. This clubbed with capabilities of Mac OS X allows dynamic adjustment of power consumption. It allows longer battery life also. According to Apple, this machine uses up to 45% less energy than its predecessors. This computer is also certified by ENERGY STAR and meets the requirements of Energy Star version 5.0.

Recyclability

Mac Mini is EPAT Gold certified, which is the highest rating for recyclability of computers. This not only looks at the recycling, but also looks at energy efficiency, designing and manufacturing.

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Tags: Apple, consumption, environment, Green, Mac, macintosh, Mini, OS X, power, recycle

Apple Boot Camp: Blue screen on updating drivers for Windows XP

Aug 14

Posted by Admin in Apple | No Comments


As you would probably know, Boot Camp Assistant enables installation of and execution of Windows XP on Apple Mac machines. You can use this application to install hardware drivers. It allows users to copy Mac drivers on a CD and install them for use on Windows XP. These drivers allow users to use Mac built in function on Windows XP, such as Graphics, USB, audio, bluetooth and ethernet. Boot Camp requires system software updates to install updated drivers. However, sometimes you may get a Blue Screen (Microsoft trademark of serious issues) and you may not be able to update the drivers. If you encounter such issue, follow the steps below to resolve the issue at hand.

  1. Restart Windows XP
  2. Tap the F8 key on the keyboard while the computer is booting up
  3. It will take you to Windows Startup Options screen
  4. From this screen, select “Last Known Good Configuration” and press “Enter”
  5. Select the Operating System that you want to boot into
  6. It should take you to the Desktop screen of Windows XP
  7. Restart the computer again in Normal mode
  8. Now reinstall drivers from the Mac Drivers disk.

Please note that these steps have been tested only on Boot Camp 1.1.2

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Tags: Apple, Blue Screen, Boot Camp, drivers, Mac, macintosh, Windows XP

Microsoft Office 2008 update for Apple Mac

Aug 13

Posted by Admin in Apple | No Comments


Microsoft released Service Pack 2 for Office 2008 for Mac on July 20, 2009. This is focussed to improve speed, stability and compatibility. With this update, Microsoft has equipped Apple Mac users with a tool to browse and share documents on SharePoint technologies and Office Live Workspaces. This is critical for business users and end consumers from an experience perspective. This goes on to say that Microsoft is investing heaviliy into providing cross platform user experience to Apple customers also.

Microsoft says that lot of customer feedback was incorporated to create SP2. Following are the key features of this free update to Mac users:

  1. Custom path Animations (PowerPoint 2008): This feature adds the functionality to author motion path animations. Prior to SP2, users could only playback motion path animations.
  2. Default Theme (PowerPoint 2008): This feature provides the functionality to define a default theme to a presentation deck, which was not possible for Apple users earlier.
  3. Increased Speed (Word and Excel 2008): This update primarily impacts launch and scroll speed for both Microsoft Word and Excel 
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Tags: 2008, Apple, Mac, macintosh, Microsoft, Office, update

Apple Snow Leopard Server

Aug 13

Posted by Admin in Apple | No Comments


Apple will release its server OS version with Snow Leopard desktop version in September 2009. Following are the new features of Snow Leopard Server system.
1. iCal Server 2: This will allow easy sharing of calendars, schedules, meetings and coordination of events. It now offers “Push Notifications” which will notify colleagues wherever there is a new invitation or changes to existing meetings/schedules. It also allows external entities who do not use iCal, iCal Server 2 to be invited to meetings through emails. They can open these invites through an attachment, irrespective of the platform (Mac/PC). It also includes a web-based calendar that allows users to check their schedule, etc on the move. It also allows integration of iPhone into the system to remotely access calendars.

2. Podcast Producer 2: This is an ideal tool for publishing and distributing high quality podcasts. This is ideal for training, lectures, presentations, etc. Snow Leopard Server adds 2 new features to existing Podcast Producer: Dual Source Capturing & Web Capture. The earlier allows you to create PiP (picture in picture) and latter allows you to capture video through remote cameras and microphones.
Upon completion of Podcast, it automatically publishes the content in selected format, which is customizable for viewing the podcast on Apple TV, iPod, Mac or PC.

3. Quick Look (Wiki Server2): This is one of the most powerful features on Snow Leopard Server. It allows you to view an uploaded document without the need of downloading it. It supports standard file formats including text, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, etc. A new feature, “Quick Search” allows users to search information in wikis, blogs, mailing lists, calendars and podcasts also.

4. Address Book Server: The new address book server uses a new protocol standard called CardDAV, which allows storage of contacts outside the LDAP directory. The contact management is handled by this application. Users can give access to their address books to others also.

5. Mobile Access Server: With this, users can set up and manage secure remote access to corporate network. It allows always on connection from any part of the world without the need of setting up a VPN. This is done through internet and allows access to intranet sites, emails, contacts, etc. It supports HTTP/HTTPS, IMAP and SMTP. This is completely secure through encrypting data transmission and authentication of communications.

For more information, go to the Apple Snow Leopard Server site.

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Tags: Apple, macintosh, OS X, server, Snow Leopard

Apple’s new MobileMe for iPhone

Aug 13

Posted by Admin in Apple | No Comments


Apple has launched a fully revamped MobileMe for Apple iPhone users. Following are the features of the new application:

  1. Locate your iPhone: This feature allows you to find your iPhone in case you loose it. This feature is called “Find my iPhone”. You just need to enable this feature on your phone and you can access your location through logging in to me.com.
  2. Display a message on your lost iPhone: You can also display a message or play a specific tone on your lost iPhone remotely. This will over ride the “silent” mode on your phone, in case someone’s playing a prank on you. This message can come really handy if someone locates your iPhone and doesn’t know where to send it back to.
  3. Data Safety: If the message display and tone play on your iPhone does not help you get the phone back, you can restore the iPhone to factory settings. This will ensure that your messages, phone contacts, etc are not compromised. If you get your phone back, you can log on to MobileMe and restore all your data.

There are more free applications for your iPhone and iPod Touch available at apple site.

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Tags: Apple, data, iPhone, lost, MobileMe, recover, Security, track, tracking

Apple releases new Mac update: 10.5.8

Aug 13

Posted by Admin in Apple | No Comments


Apple has released an update for Mac OS X Leopard Operating System on 5th August. The download of 274 MB boasts of over 300 new features. The tagline for this update is “A new mac for your Mac” It is recommended for all users of Mac OS X Leopard and includes fixes for Operating Systems that will enhance stability, security and compatibility.  This update also contains an update for Apple’s browser: Safari. With installation of this update, the version of Safari will change to 4.0.2.

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Tags: Apple, Leopard, Mac, macintosh, OS X, update