Looks like the G-Phone is real and coming soon

Reports are all over the place of a google officially announcing a linux-based open platform phone.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/telecom/2007-11-04-google-phone_N.htm
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/flame-fanning/the-wsj-ponders-how-google-will-change-phones-verdict-feature-explosion-318728.php

Apple's MArket Cap Now Worth more than IBM

After the good news today Apple's stock price is going up, up, up into the $186 range - putting its market cap($161 Billion) above IBM ($156.45 Billion) for the first time in history.
Not bad Apple. Not bad. -From 9to5Mac

Folks, this is a pretty big moment. It seems that the 30 year war is turning.

Third Party Applications on the iPhone!!! Finally!!!

Under "Hot News" on Apple's wesite today:

Third Party Applications on the iPhone

Let me just say it: We want native third party applications on the iPhone, and we plan to have an SDK in developers’ hands in February. We are excited about creating a vibrant third party developer community around the iPhone and enabling hundreds of new applications for our users. With our revolutionary multi-touch interface, powerful hardware and advanced software architecture, we believe we have created the best mobile platform ever for developers.

It will take until February to release an SDK because we’re trying to do two diametrically opposed things at once—provide an advanced and open platform to developers while at the same time protect iPhone users from viruses, malware, privacy attacks, etc. This is no easy task. Some claim that viruses and malware are not a problem on mobile phones—this is simply not true. There have been serious viruses on other mobile phones already, including some that silently spread from phone to phone over the cell network. As our phones become more powerful, these malicious programs will become more dangerous. And since the iPhone is the most advanced phone ever, it will be a highly visible target.

Some companies are already taking action. Nokia, for example, is not allowing any applications to be loaded onto some of their newest phones unless they have a digital signature that can be traced back to a known developer. While this makes such a phone less than “totally open,” we believe it is a step in the right direction. We are working on an advanced system which will offer developers broad access to natively program the iPhone’s amazing software platform while at the same time protecting users from malicious programs.

We think a few months of patience now will be rewarded by many years of great third party applications running on safe and reliable iPhones.

Steve

P.S.: The SDK will also allow developers to create applications for iPod touch. [Oct 17, 2007]

Well, it looks like they are finally gonna support native third-party apps! Many f us have enjoyed the work of developers out there you have jumped through hoops to bring us cool apps so far. Well, unless you got bricked by 1.1.1. I bet Apple was fighting these apps so hard because they plan on selling software through iTunes and will get a piece of every trans after feb. Steve is getting good at setting up deals like that. Ha Ha to AT&T.

A New Newton on the Horizon?

According to this AppleInsider article reliable sources say that there has been a multi-touch OSX based PDA in the works from Apple for some time.

I think he should call it the iNewton!

The Newton was really one of the most innovative products of the '90s. However, it was one of Apple's biggest flops ever. It was just a bit to big and a bit to ahead of its time for the average person to get down with. Most of the good features ended up in the Plam OS later on in that decade.

This would be awsome. I think the iPhone is the first handheld I have ever used that gets close to not needed a laptop at all. Just imagine a device with a bit bigger screen. They could do what the UMPCs couldn't very easily. I just hope that Steve allows third party apps right away.

Maybe this will be the big announcement at MacWorld in January. Steve need something big after they announced that phone thing last year.

Microsoft plans to invest Facebook

Microsoft plans to invest Facebook: Caroline McCarthy over at "the social" is reporting that Microsoft plans to invest in, not aqcuire, Facebook.

Interesting stuff here folks, it says that Bill's big M is trying to buy a 5% stake for $500 million. According to analyst Scott Barnard, that means they think Facebook is worth $10Bn! Good call by Zuckerberg not to sell

9to5Mac: Slim Aluminum MacBooks Coming Soon from Apple

9to5Mac is reporting that slim new aluminum MacBooks are in the works.

These guys accurately predicted the iPod Nano Fatty.

Steve Jobs subpoenaed by SEC for deposition

Apple chief executive Steve Jobs has been subpoenaed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to give a deposition in a backdating lawsuit against the company's former general counsel, Bloomberg is reporting.

In Jobs we, um, well trust?

iCache: A One-Card Wallet

Have ya'll seen this?: A company called iCache has invented a credit card system that emulates every other credit card you own, so you need only one. You have to scan them all in initially. The gadget, also called iCache, can be used with new "contactless" systems, or you can use it to "swipe" your credit card. It also can handle barcodes like your gym membership or that discount card at every superstore. Authentication is handled with a fingerprint scanner and there is a little menu to pick which card to use. I worry a little bit about the fingerprint reader, I have never had mcuh success with the one on my thinkpad. Looks similar. The whole device is kinda like the size of an iphone. I really like the idea, but the implementation is still early. I would love to see the whole device be the size of a credit card with a small multi-youch OLED screen maybe. Or, Steve J, take notice and integrate this into that next iphone. They should also throw a leather casing with a money clip on the side. Make it feel like a wallet. But, I love the idea here. I have been saying for a long time that it is completely ridiculous that we are stuck in 1975 with our payment systems. Cash and modem dialing credit card machines are still very prevalent. I should only need one, single ID card and authentication device for verifying everything. But, thank you iCache("iCash") for trying in a mid term solution. Its kinda like the hybrid car of credit cards.

See the CNBC article here.
Funny enough, the first place I saw this was on TV, not the WWW.


UPDATE: It looks like they have a newer version in the work with a color screen:
Still no leather or money clip.

iPhone Price Cut Aftermath

So, after all that out-cry over the iPhone price cut it looks like Steve was right:

iPhone Price Cut Has Driven 300-Percent Sales Hike

This report from Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster who seems to think he can control Apple stock price single handedly. His reports have caused alot of hpe and spec over the last few months.

Well, at least Steve is kinda taking care of it's first 10-week early adopters.

Now, what should I use my $100 Apple store credit for? Ideas?

'The Beat Goes On'

..and on, and on till the break of dawn. Well, at least for Apple this year. A lot of of big announcements this year. We hope today will live up to the hype.

Live Coverage

- Gizmodo
- Engadget
- Macworld
- MacDailyNews
- MacObserver
- ArsTechnica
- SlashGear.com
- Utility Belt
- Cunning.tv


Folks,
This could be big! Everyone is feeling the iTouch iPod, others say we will see the iPhone nano today. The 9to5 guys are saying iTunes/iHub/iEntertainment 8 .

What I really want is just my ringtones for my iPhone!
It is a little weird that my iPod phone only rings like a rotary phone and not blasts "Party like a Rockstar when people call.

• Here is the MacRumors Roundup of rumors for Today's Event.

_______________________________________________________
UPDATES:

• APPLE STORE IS DOWN
• The Beatles' Paul McCartney to make "special announcement"
• Gizmodo seems to have the best early coverage.
• As new iPods loom, Zune gets price cut
• See AAPL moves from the event here.
  

WELL THERE YOU HAVE IT, Steve delivered a lot of iPods:

• Fatty Nano
• iPod (big storage) Classic
• New color shuffles
  
• iPod touch
• Killed the 4GB iPhona and Dropped the price of my 8GB (Usually being an early adopter means higher prices, but 2 C-notes cheaper after only 2 months. I guess the world moves pretty fast these days. )
• iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store --- This was pretty cool
  
• Ringtones
  
  
  
  

_______________________________________________________

Palm seems to be finally realizing that they lost their way

They killed the Foleo!

I have been saying that the thing was crap for a while now, so I am pretty glad Palm is getting serious about, well, I am not sure.

But, the important thing is that they are now acknowledging their utter lameness for the past, well, 5 years or so.

Rock Bottom: http://news.com.com/8301-13579_3-9770907-37.html

Economist.com : Facebook, dating, and sexual income inequality

Facebook, dating, and sexual income inequality from the econmosit point ov iew.
Heard of the “crush application” application on facebook yet?
I do agree that facebook can be an interesting vehicle for dating. These days, you just ask for a name from a girl, no need for a number., just look here up on facebook later. Send her that "poke" a fews days later, followed by a message giving her your number. Then, asking her to text you to meet up. No need for any live voice communication. Its great, because you get a chance to think about what you say and communicate in an unintrusive way.
So, either that works, or you are considered a facebook stalker, all just evidence the world is getting textier.

This all goes with what I have been saying forever, dating sites make people feel awkward, (although this is changing) yet social networking sites are inviting. When facebook opend things up as an application platform they opened things up for that mix of the two that could prove really awesome.

ALSO:

• Mini-Review: FaceBook Dating Applications
• eTwine Launches Second Online Dating Application on Facebook(R) Platform
• 30 other awesome apps
• Youtube FB Parody
  

New iPods on Sept 5th for real>?

Apple confirms "Special Event" on September 5th

Will it be a Multi-touch iPod, same form factor as the iPhone just no, well phone?
We hope, but it would suck to be the guy who can't make a call.

I just really, really hope the event is not jsut for: (PRODUCT) RED iPod shuffle coming on the 5th?

That would not be good for my AAPL investment.

UPDATE : It’s official: Apple invite confirms special event on September 5th
WHOA: Rumors unleashed: Wireless iTunes Store to debut Wednesday?

A "G-Phone" in the near future, for real?

Google is working on a mobile OS, and it's due out shortly

A "G-Phone", for real? Reports now say as early as the next few weeks. Seems crazy, but they have been working on this for a while. Most people thought they would wait till they owned the 700mhz band and created a wireless device different then anything else ever. But, who knows. Google is often as sneaky as Apple. Thinking of Apple and Google, Why dont they just team up on this one. An Apple iGoogle Phone? A/G iPhone?

Wow, that Zune is getting cheapo, still would never buy it.

more zune fun

Woo Wii!!! Welcome to Wii World Domination

The evidence is starting to point to the Wii surpassing the xbox in total sales. I love the Wii, Nintendo really got it right this time. Proof that simplicity and good game play can beat powerful graphics and high price tags any day. The Wiimote is changing the face of gaming one tennis swing at a time. Best drunk video game experience ever! Now, lets hope Nintendo can get the supply chain issues worked out and acutally have some Wiis in stock in stores this fall. But, I also think the shortage is all part of the hype.

Total Wii sales surpass the Xbox 360 worldwide?

Who is really editing Wikipedia?

Professor Virgil Griffith has developed a Scanner for anonymous wikipedia edits. The word is he was hired by the wikimedia foundation. Apparently his scanner ties in IP Address ranges of various organizations back to their edits.

The scanner:

http://wikiscanner.virgil.gr/

Facebook in Newsweek

I know its kinda old school, but I still read alot of print news. The Newsweek that came in the mail last week had our Friend Mark Z on the cover witha mockup of his FaceBook Profile.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20227728/site/newsweek/

Naughty, Naughty, Dell

Dell admits to 4 years of financial malfeasance -- up to $150 million to be scrubbed

Things just keep looking worse for Dell, but thats good for HP and Apple. And I like them better anyway. Apple actually innovates and HP tries really hard. Even with Michael D back at the helm I see a continued decline of Dell. And it really does look like they have been lying on there accounting ledgers for over 4 years. This is all Eron, WorldCom style dealings.

1873 Monocycle way to simular to the IT

Gizmodo was just reporting on this story about a reconstructed 1873 Monocycle Replica Is a Mechanical and Engineering Marvel



Dosen't it look at like the IT from South Park minus Mr. Garison's uncomfortable control system?

The FB arrival on the iPhone

The most amazing moment since the iPhone itself was released is upon us:
Gizmodo is reporting that a iPhone optimized Facebook app havs been release!

Interestingly enough I was just recently commenting how Safari on the iPhone was actually great for sites like facebook just how they are. But, in my first few minutes using iphone.facebook.com I am a fan over the normal way. Its like an tabbed RSS reader for all your facebook fun. This is also an interesting step for facebook. Now they are an open platform for apps and put theri info into interesting toolbars, widgets and apps as well.

Thanks Mark Z! I am sure Stevie J is really happy you did this as well.


Update: Other people blogging about the new Facebook iPhone Application:
http://laughingsquid.com/facebook-launches-amazing-new-iphone-app/
http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2007/08/15/facebooks-iphone-app/
http://thedailymac.com/the-best-iphone-app-facebook-on-the-iphone/
- Everyone seems to agree that this is one of the best iPhone apps yet. Also, many and I think that the facebook iPhone app maybe better than the facebook main site.
MORE EVIDENCE that the iPhone apps are changing the way we think about web applicaitons in general. The simplicity of these apps makes them appeal to normal web browsing as well. Steve like it simple, his gospel is spreading.

Ron Paul is Awesome!

Ron Paul is a name that most of you probably have never heard, but he is a Republican running for President of these United States in 2008. He is the guy that said all the contraversal stuff in their first debate. Any hoo, the reason he is awesome is because he is the only candidate who has an iPhone optimized website! Since there will probably be millions of iPhone users soon this is a great strategy to win the White House.


http://www.ronpaul2008.com/iphone

Hope for a future with Flying Cars

Oh, as a boy watching Back to the future I always assumed that I would be taking a flying car to work each day. I guess there is still time for 2015 to come along and have your car "converted into a sky-way flyer" as promised in that 1985 movie.

Alas, there seems to be hope on the horizon:

Flying Car Contest!

What People will do for the joy of the Holy iPhone

In this Engadget article: a Man has thumbs altered to improve iPhone dexterity

A guy from Colorado named Thomas Martel actually had surgery on his fingers to make it easier to hit the correct keys on hit iPhone. Tom, on your old blackberry or treo I get his problem. But Steve J gaves us great auto create on the iPhone.

Palm Foleo: Ha HA HA HA

What a silly stupid last attempt by Palm.
http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/10/palm-foleo-specification-details-begin-to-flow/
Sorry Jeff Hawkins. I think the days of your little company to be at all innovative are over.
I liked the Palm V
BUT, 1999 was a long time ago.
But, yeah dude, a tiny laptop that takes its power from a PDA. Cool
Well, it does run Linux! So, modders, hackers, and the like. Maybe a cool device to not use at all with your Treo, but as a compact Linux PC!


WAY RELATED:

Dear Palm: It's time for an intervention

iPhone Copy & Paste!

Well, not really. But here is a cool fake iPhone copy and paste video.
Steve, come on, we want this. it is OS X, right? Its should do it already.

BlockBUSTer buys MovieLink

What a weak move buy Blockbuster. Read the cnet article here. They cant do anything by themselves and all they ever do is copy NetFlix. And they copy them badly. The only reason anyone would pick bbust over netflix is the stores and the ability to actually get up off the couch and go there for instant movie refresh. But, really folks, who goes to stores anymore and who has enough time to need movies at a faster rate than the good ol us postal service. It makes sense that Blockbuster cant quite get the online movie game, its a bunch of old conservatives running the place.

The signs point to an eventual Touch Screen iMac

There was hope, not realistic, that this week's (Aug 7th) Apple press event would give birth to a touch screen iMac. They did announce an awsome new iMac. Probably the slickest thinnest desktop computer ever(check it out on engadget), but we all want to touch the screen. The journey of the last month with our new iPhone has shown us actual usefulness of a well implemented, tactile, quality, accurate, touchscreen interface. But lets think about it, apple is not completely magic, it is a relatively small company considering what it does. It will take a little longer to develop the rest of the necessary features to make a full Mac a touch screen. The things we like about the iPhone are not enough for the big screen. But, "in Jobs we trust", and he gave us the hint.

When asked at the press event, "what about a touch screen for the Mac?" Steve, surprisingly, replied. "Makes sense for the iPhone, not sure it makes sense in the Mac. Classify that as a research project."

"In jobs we Trust", he is thinking about it. And I hink the new iMac is the form factor, now they just have to swap out the screen. It is already glass and aluminum. Glass = touch screen in Jobs land. And it is eco-friendly. Computers gettin green. Us Boulderites like that.

Web 3.0?!?

So, just when most normal people still don't know what "Web 2.0" means people are already into talking about "Web 3.0"!
I get it, its a natural evolution of taking all the content out there on this super highway and making it accessible and logical like a database. This is really a natural extension of thinking about everything with service oriented architecture in mind.
Here is an interesting article from the NY Times about the idea.
This is all kinda like what google is already doing.

Well, folks, I think i am going to start working on my big "Web 4.0" ideas. Maybe, that would entail just streaming all the worlds collective knowledge directly into my brain.

New IMac unboxing here:

http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/08/apple-4g-imac-first-unboxing-impressions/

Couch Aerobics

I am so excited about the Wii Fit Balance board. (I do hope the get a better name, however) The Wii has already changed the world in regards to fitness. Fat kids everywhere are at least a little lighter from all the Wii Tennis. I love the idea of technology helping us get healthier. The iPhone pedometer app is another awesome new fitness toy. I had hoped this app would use the iPhones accelerometer to track your steps, but instead it only does a time calc. Oh well, maybe soon. Until then Chris P has some cool pedometer apps.

Wii Tennis is still the best!

Update: Not tech couch aerobics: http://www.solveyourproblem.com/senior-fitness/couch_potato_aerobic_exercises.shtml

It is really thin:

http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/07/apples-new-imac/

Where is the touch screen iMac?

Steve, we all expected it yesterday!
I actually belive that the new iMac is just an interim product for the back to school sales crowd. Steve will bring a touch screen iMac/Mac Book out at MacWorld in Jan with all the fun iphone like features.

The wiki revolution is here!

I know that WIKI is just a buzz word to many, but I believe that wikis are really starting to change the way people live and work.

www.mahalo.com
www.wikinomics.com

Oh, and by the way. David J. Kon has a blog!!!!