Two things shipped today:
- My new 16GB black iPad
- 512 Pixels t-shirts
US readers should get their shirts this week, with international readers a few days later. Except for Federico Viticci, whose shirt is going to take about 10 years to get to Italy.
Year: 2012
Farewell, iWork.com
On July 31, the beta services will join iTools, .Mac and MobileMe in the great eWorld in the sky.
More on Linked Lists
I’ve thought a lot about this over the last few days.
Currently, everything on 512 Pixels would be considered a “post” on a DF-style blog. That is, that the headline goes to the permalink for the post itself, not to the linked content.
The most common criticism of this set up is that it seems like I’m double-dipping for page views. (Granted, I’ve gotten a whole two emails about this in 4 years.)
I don’t see this as a viable argument. If you want to go straight to another website that I’ve linked to, doing so is as simple as clicking the link in your RSS reader of choice. No one ever has to view my actual site to get to content I’m linking to. Since I offer all of my content as full-length posts in RSS, no one is getting left out.
As far as Twitter goes, Daring Fireball, The Brooks Review and more auto-tweet links to their site, meaning readers see their site first, then have to click through to the linked site. This is no different than how the 512 Pixels Twitter account works.
To make sure it is easy as possible to pass traffic to the people I’m linking to, my “linked list items” usually follow this pattern:
- Link to source
- Block quote
- My commentary
There’s nothing in here that’s any different than how other people do it, except that the headline for the piece links to itself.
At this point, I am not changing the way the site works. I understand that a majority of people who responded to my survey would like me too, but I don’t think I’m doing anything convoluted by writing the way I do.
Don’t forget, the majority of sites on the Internet work like 512 Pixels. DF-style blogs are only found in our corner of the Internet, but the style just doesn’t feel right for me to implement.
Rare Johnny Cash Photos Surface
‘Bullshit’
Ben Brooks calls Apple out about the AT&T iPhone 4S showing “4G” in the menu bar when running iOS 5.1
I agree with Ben. This leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
On Apple, iPhoto and OpenStreetMap
After my post yesterday on the map tiles in iPhoto for iOS, I heard from several people who have worked with map tiles.
The general consensus is that Apple is using OpenStreetMap data, but has rendered their own tiles.
There is strong evidence that this is what Apple is doing, at least outside of the US.
Furthermore, the OSM Foundation has confirmed Apple is using the group’s information outside the US, but that the data is old, dating from April 2010.
This change in map tiles is yet another chapter in the growing separation between Google and Apple. While no one knows if the iOS Maps app will be replaced in the future, this change, coupled with Apple’s acquisition of several map companies over the past few years sure builds a case for it in my mind.
Discovery
Today, with iOS 5.1, Apple’s added a second gesture to the lock screen.
Previously, getting to the camera required a tap on the camera button, which only appeared after double-clicking the home button.
While that’s not that convoluted, in hindsight it clearly lacked the ease of discovery Apple usually ships features with.
The new gesture, with its ever-present icon is much easier to discover.
Apple’s even taken care of those of us trained for the old way of doing it — tapping the new button makes the screen jump, showing off the movement needed to now launch the camera.
Clever.
iPhoto for iOS Not Using Google Maps [Updated]
Whatever map tiles are in iPhoto for iOS, they don’t look like Google Maps:
Apple, back in 2009, bought PlaceBase, a mapping company. Rumors have been circulating for years that Apple was developing its own mapping solution. Last year, the company bought C3 Technologies, a group working on 3D map tiles.
The desktop version of iPhoto uses standard Google Maps:
These two images show the same location. The top one — Google Maps, in desktop iPhoto — is more accurate, showing the land correctly, and labeling the golf course a “Recreation Ground,” as it is known today. The second image, from iPhoto on iOS, isn’t as accurate, and has the old name:
Here’s the same location, from Google Maps online:
Some have suggested that these tiles are from OpenStreetMap, but they don’t look like they are from that source, either. Here’s the above location from OpenStreetMap’s database:
Update 1: The Next Web agrees.
Update 2: It seems that this has been confirmed by Holger Eilhard, via The Verge.
Update 3: John Gruber:
OK, what I’m hearing now is that Places still uses Google Maps, but the maps in Journals and slideshows are not using Google Maps, and are Apple’s own stuff.
Update 4: More on OpenStreetMap
Thoughts on Today’s Apple News
iPad: The Hardware
Retina display iPad. Is there anything else to say? I cannot wait to take a look at this thing.
Without changing the case or button layout, Apple has re-defined its tablet offering. It’s all screen, and with four times the pixels, it’s got to be breath-taking.
4G/LTE caught me a little off guard. Historically, LTE chips have been very power hungry. With the new iPad being a tad heavier and thicker than its predecessor, my guess is that while Apple has gotten the power consumption down on these chips, it still had to pack some extra battery in there to make up the difference. I suppose we’ll know when iFixIt tears one down next week.
(For what it’s worth, I will be going Wi-Fi only again. I already pay for Hotspot on my iPhone’s data plan to connect my laptop and iPad 2, and enjoy the flexibility that gives me.)
I’m glad the camera got updated, but with an iPhone 4S in my pocket, and the fact that taking a photo with a tablet feels ridiculous, I’m not sure I’ll use the new optics that much.
iPad: The Software
It all of these hardware events, Apple reminds the world that it views itself as a software company. Apple makes hardware to run its software on. iPhoto is a clear example of this. Clearly, Apple was waiting for this iPad for this software. The demo made it look more powerful than the desktop app.
I hope that iCloud can become the magic sauce here, making it easy to keep albums and more in sync between the OS X and iOS versions. If importing has to take place on both ends (or Photo Stream as we know it today is used), the whole thing will just feel clunky.
After today, iWork and iLife are both present on the Mac and the iPad. (iWeb and iDVD being dead, for all intents and purposes.) It is clear that Apple wants people to be creative on either platform, and with software like this, they can be.
iPad: The Name
I’m glad Apple dropped the number from the name. “iPad” says it all. It isn’t the first time Apple’s done this, either. The iPod was just “iPod” for years, and it did pretty well.
I hope we see Apple do this with the iPhone, too.
The AppleTV
I’m psyched that the AppleTV is still an independent box, and is still just $99. Going to 1080p at the same price point is even sweeter. We’re installing over two dozen of them at work in the next few months, and getting the spec bump at the same price is awesome.
The new UI looks really good in photos. (I’m hoping to update an AppleTV later today.) I really think Apple is inching forward to a place where this thing has more apps/channels on it.
This is the third big UI update to the AppleTV, and I think it shows that Apple is still struggling to get it right. That said, the AppleTV is years ahead of anything put out by other companies. Apple isn’t content to let mediocre work sit stagnant, even if their product is doing well in the market.
That’s how you end up not doing well in the market, after all.
The Rumors
Everything announced today — and more, as usual — has been circulating the web for some time. It’s really lame to not be surprised anymore. I guess the new way to have fun with this is to guess which rumors are accurate.
Wrap-Up
Overall, I think today — as big as it was — was an evolutionary step forward. I am not saying that I am disappointed in today’s announcements, or think Apple missed the boat on any of the features it added. I think the company knocked it out of the park today.
Expecting revolution every year is insane. Besides, that new iPad looks like one hell of an upgrade. I can’t wait to get mine.
Oh, and iTunes 10.6 is out, as is iOS 5.1. And all of those Apple iOS apps listed above? They got updated, too.
Apple Launches AppleCare+ for iPad
Every iPad comes with one year of hardware repair coverage through its limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary support. AppleCare+ for iPad extends your coverage to two years from the original purchase date of your iPad and adds up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a $49 service fee. Whether you use your iPad with a Mac or a PC, just one phone call can help resolve most issues.
It must be purchased within 30 days of the iPad:
To buy AppleCare+ at an Apple Retail Store, a Genius will first need to verify your iPad purchase date and confirm that your iPad has no pre-existing damage.
Apple Posts ‘New iPad’ Pages
The iPad 3 New iPad
01:20 PM
The 16 GB, Wi-Fi iPad 2 will be sold for $399.
01:13 PM
iPhoto for iPad is just $4.99. Can publish journals to iCloud… Like .Mac, back in the day. The app is universal, according to MacStories.
01:10 PM
At each of these hardware events, Apple likes to remind the world that it views itself as a software company first.
01:06 PM
Apple has brought all of iLife that matters — iPhoto, iMovie and Garageband — to the iPad. iWork for iOS was present from Day One. Clearly, Apple is moving the iPad more and more in to “the real computer” category of things, which is great. Hopefully iCloud plus Mountain Lion will make it easier to work on both platforms, seamlessly.
01:03 PM
I really hope iPhoto for iOS syncs well with iPhoto on the Mac. Maybe iCloud could power all of your synced albums, etc. If you have to import back and forth, it won’t be nearly as useful — or as fluid as it could be.
01:00 PM
iMovie looks like it was made with this iPad in mind. Oh, and iPhoto is out. With a terrible icon:
Is iDVD next?
2012–03–07
iWork updated for Retina display; Garageband gains Smart Strings and iCloud support.
12:49 PM
SketchBook Pro can export images over 100 megapixels on the new iPad.
12:45 PM
Just a thought: magazines are already huge on the iPad 2. With Retina graphics, how long will it take to download Wired in the future?
12:43 PM
Software demo time. These things are never exciting, but I bet Retina-ready apps will looks fantastic.
12:42 PM
My credit card is smoldering. Come on, online store!
12:40 PM
Same prices as iPad 2. For sale on March 16. Pre-orders start today.
12:39 PM
Still 10 hours of battery life. 9 on 3G. Same battery life as the iPad 2.
I bet the next iPhone gets LTE. 9.4mm thick, 1.4 pounds. It’s a tad heavier than the old one. FIRE TIM COOK!
12:37 PM
Separate LTE models in the US, but are 3G world-ready. Personal Hotspot included, if supported. And if you have gold bars to mail to Verizon or AT&T.
12:36 PM
No Sprint LTE. Just Verizon and AT&T here in the US.
12:35 PM
Damn, can’t order yet:
12:33 PM
4G LTE.
- iPad 2: 3.1Mbps on EV-DO, 7.2 on HSPA.
- New iPad: 21Mbps HSPA+ and DC-HSDPA at 42Mbps. 73Mbps on LTE. Wowzers.
12:32 PM
Camera will record 1080p video.
Voice dictation on the keyboard, just like the iPhone 4S has. Can speak in to any standard text field.
12:31 PM
Phil Schiller:
Auto-exposure, auto-focus, auto-face detection, great edge-to-edge detail, AF-lock. It is just a blast to use!
12:29 PM
New “iSight camera” on the back. Not “FaceTime” camera. BLAST FROM THE PAST TIME:
12:27 PM
The new iPad is powered by a “A5X” processor, with quad-core graphics. 4x the performance of the A5. My iPad 2 is unusable now.
12:25 PM
Display clocks in at 2048 x 1536 pixels. That’s 3.1 million pixels. That’s better than 1080p. 264 pixels per inch. Insane.
12:24 PM
Bad photos. There does seem to be a home button. And a Retina display.
12:22 PM
Where’s the home button?
12:21 PM
Tim Cook:
Everyone’s been wondering… who will come out with a product that’s more amazing than the iPad 2?
Oh, I know this one… Samsung?!
12:19 PM
There are over 200,000 iPad apps. Tim Cook:
These apps are gorgeous and groundbreaking. They help you create or learn or do almost anything.
12:17 PM
Holy crap:
Apple sold 15.4 million iPads last quarter.
12:13 PM
As someone who is going to install over a dozen AppleTVs this year in a new building at work, I’m pumped. The interface looks very iOS-esque. New AppleTV still just $99. Looks like the old one, which isn’t a bad thing at all. For sale next week.
12:12 PM
New Apple TV interface, via the Verge:
iTunes Match adding support for TV shows.
12:10 PM
“iTunes in the Cloud” now supports movies. Movies and TV shows now in 1080p.
New Apple TV supports 1080p.
12:08 PM
iOS 5.1 available today. Siri is available in Japan now. No other details mentioned yet.
12:06 PM
Tim’s talking about iOS. “One of our favorite new features of iOS is Siri.”
I guess he doesn’t see this often:
12:05 PM
Apple is super proud of its Grand Central Terminal store, as it should be. It looks amazing, and from what I’ve heard, is even more stunning than the 5th Ave. store.
12:02 PM
iOS “post-PC” devices make up 76% of Apple’s revenue. Just think about that.
12:00 PM
Tim Cook:
We’re talking about a world where the PC is no longer the center of your digital world.
Video of Steve’s “Digital Hub” concept from 2001 is worth a watch, if you haven’t seen it. Today, iCloud is the center, with the iPad, iPhone and Mac all interacting via the service.
11:59 AM
Tim Cook is on stage at Yerba Buena. “Morning. Thank you very much for joining us. We have a great morning planned.”
11:52 AM
Upgrading to a VPS on Media Temple is paying off today. You kids keep hitting refresh all you want.
I’m following along at:
Lots of sites are also doing good coverage, like MacStories, Macgasm and Macworld.
11:45 AM
Shawn Blanc, on electrostatic-based haptic feedback:
I have no personal experience trying this type of technology and so it’s hard to imagine what it’s like. If this does get announced in an hour from now it would make a lot of sense as to why the “And touch.” was part of the invite.
Makes sense to me, and while it would make typing easier in theory, I’d want to be able to turn it off if I wish.
15 minutes to go!
11:35 AM
Really though, I’d love a 1080p AppleTV.
11:31 AM
Ah, the memories:
11:22 AM
Found someone to grab me lunch! Thanks, Josh.
11:14 AM
Will the new iPad will come in colors, like the iPod nano?!
11:05 AM
I wonder who in the office I can bribe in to picking me up lunch. Kevin, if you’re reading this, I could use some food.
10:59 AM
Someone should bring me a soda. This bottled water doesn’t have enough GO JUICE in it.
10:53 AM
Several people have tweeted at me, asking if I think the new models will be available today. While in the past, Apple’s shipped iPads a few days after the announcement, my gut says that the new iPad will ship today. I don’t have any hard proof, though.
10:50 AM
I have to say, I’m excited about today’s announcement. I sold my iPad 2 online this morning, and will be pulling the trigger online as soon as I can today. I’ll update this post with news and thoughts through out the day.