Stan's List

OSWeekly has an opinion piece about where the Mac OS X and Apple iApp interfaces are going.

 You can’t help but notice the incline in gray in iTunes 7 than previous versions. Almost every item has some sort of gray color property to it, including the scrollbars, checkboxes, and so on. This color choice represents a change from not only iTunes 6, but also any other software that Apple has released for OS X. We’ve become accustomed to the aqua color and the glass-like qualities of the interface decisions that Apple has made in the past, but this software has a more sophisticated and understated look to it. More …

Single of the Week

This track, In the Morning, which also happens to be the title of the Hamilton duo’s stunning new album, is a loping little slice of electro-romance. Despite the fact that founding member (and rhythmic kingpin) Johnny Dark left the group (replaced by Matthew Didemus), vocalist Jeremy Greenspeen is able to drop into a hypnotic state, backed by some solid, but gently percolating synths is the free single of the Week.

Discovery Download

NiyoRah is a reggae artist in his 20s coming straight outta Dominica. He was raised on a steady diet of roots reggae greats, from Robert Nesta Marley to Burning Spear. His understanding of the rhythmic dynamics of roots reggae and the spiritual drive underneath it—is on fine display on this track, Nothing to Prove, the “free” Discovery Download.

No “free” TV this week.

What is viewed as one of his best speeches is available as a free movie download on iTunes

Ed Siebel, an attorney in private practice for 33 years in Newport Beach, CA, uses a Mac in his law practice because “…they just work.” According to Mr. Siebel in his Law.com article,

Since 1988, I’ve been using Apple Computer Inc.’s Macintosh computers. I’ve stayed with Macs for a single reason — they just work. Simply, consistently and at a high quality. They help me work solo or in a small office without worrying about my computer, essentially without the need for tech support. By and large, my Macintosh, like my telephone or desk lamp, is a reliable and unremarkable working tool. It’s just there and does its job. More …

Bloomberg News reports. “Apple to open iPod Bars, Studio: Apple Computer Inc. is unveiling a new store design to add more show room for iPod music players and Macintosh computers and stations where shoppers can get technical help for their products.” More …

Low End Mac reviews iTunes improved organization and new browsing modes, comparing them with iTunes 6. A good way to decide if the update is for you, regardless of the substantial number of full length movies which require iTunes 7. More …

Tom Yager has an interesting piece in his blog over at Infoworld. The Intel-Apple marriage, seemingly made in heaven, has taken a while to revive the flame after the initial honeymoon was over.

But this may all be changing, Yager writes. Apple has two ‘featured’ sessions at Intel’s Developer Conference, including one sprucing up OS X.

“Engadget reports that Wal-Mart accidentally published online the intended price of the Microsoft Zune; the iPod rival would apparently retail for $284. The price was quickly pulled from the Wal-Mart site. Reports say that Microsoft was flustered when Apple dropped the price for the iPod 30 GB, previously $299, to $249. BetaNews states that undercutting the iPod is a major goal of Microsoft’s upcoming effort

Apple has released Security Update 2006-005 and AirPort Update 2006-001. Both downloads are recommended for all users and improves the security for just one component:

• AirPort

This is an update for PPC Macs, but it’s also available in X.3.9 and universal (X.4.7) flavors.

MacUser reports that there are price discrepancies at the iTunes Store for movies depending on how the movie is purchased. “Bringing up A Bug’s Life yielded (a shock) [...] there seems to be a discrepancy in price. If I go to the iTunes Store page for A Bug’s Life, it lists a $14.99 price. Here’s where it gets strange: click the ‘Browse’ button in the bottom right hand corner of iTunes (the one with the eye), and you’ll get a hierarchical view. Select ‘Movies’ from the first column, and ‘Kids & Family’ from the second. A Bug’s Life is the first movie in the list. And it’s price? $12.99.” More …