RouteBuddy, a first siting for myself, is a GPS solution for the Apple Mac. Gone are the days relying on Route 66 (which has not seen an update for many years). Routebuddy delivers one standalone app which intergrates with Garmin GPS devices (more device support to follow). Once purchased, all updates are free, with new maps available at an additional cost.
Geocaching is built right into the software, with topographical data being added at a later date.
Head on over to www.routebuddy.com for the full lowdown.
Price: $99.50
MacFormat Labs - Podcast Away @ Mac Expo
MacFormat Labs are giving visitors the lowdown on GarageBand. Nine iMac stations surround the presentation, which focuses around the podcasting features of the application.
Taking a back seat to see how things are panning out, really showed that visitors were enjoying and following the demo.
Well done MacFormat, I love your magazine, website, and now I praise you for your Mac Expo Labs stand.
iTango Dock for iPod Launched - Mac Expo
iTango launched its' new iTango Dock today for the iPod Nano and full size 5th Generation iPod (with video). A few things make this neat looking dock unique. You can actually dock your iPod whilst keeping it in the case. On the stand were docked iPods in silicone and hard cases. Both of the docks are in a nice domed shape, with an integrated cable tidy.
The smaller Nano dock comes with two inserts for use with or without an iPod case. The larger dock comes with five inserts. The unit looks very pleasing to the eye and is available now in white, with a black version shipping at the end of November.
iTango Dock for iPod Nano will retail for around £23.
iTango Dock for the 5th Gen iPod will retail for around £25.
Check out full details here.
New launch "Quark Interactive Designer"
Today, Quark launched their new product to the world. In a packed Apex Suite, right next to Olympia, London, all was unveiled.
"Quark Interactive Designer" allows the use of Quark Xpress 7 and Server Edition, to build fully interactive content. Design for web, print and interactive multimedia, all from within Quark. With full support for flash, multiple video formats, with nice add-ons like zooming in on an image, the package mean "No more need for a separate web app or Powerpoint."
It is available to order today, for windows and as a Mac Universal application.
Retail price: £139.
Special intro price for next 6 months: £69.
Students get the best deal when they buy Quark Xpress 7 for £130, they et the new "Quark Interactive Designer" free of charge.
Mac Expo Starts Here
Well, the Mac Expo starts today and things are pretty lively. My first post today, slightly later than anticipated due to wireless issues. The halls are packed, plenty of visitors, so enjoy the coverage.
Mac Expo London - Coverage Starts Tomorrow
The Mac Expo London starts tomorrow, running from Thursday 26th to Saturday 28th October. Taking place at the National Hall, Olympia, London. It promises some great product announcements, workshops & giveaways, promising lots of fun for everyone.
Amongst the announcements is a surprise product launch from Quark Inc. They are not giving any details away, so I guess we will have to wait until tomorrow.
Check back throughout the next three days, for regular updates and photos of the event.
Latest Leopard Screenshots hit the Net
The nights are getting colder. Only 65 days left until Christmas. Then before we know it the new Leopard OS with all that new mac goodness will be upon us.
For me, this is the most exciting OS release to come from the Apple camp for many years, perhaps even more so than OS X itself. With lots of refinements and many new features, it should deliver something useful and productive for everyone.
The latest screenshots, reported to be legit, have popped up on TUAW and show the new look iCal, anti-phishing features in Safari 3 and a look a the new parental controls.
Personally, I am looking forward to playing with 'Spaces' and getting my hands on 'Time Machine'. It will be interesting, when using Apple's new realtime backup feature, to see just how effective it is. Will we all suddenly need to start buying terabytes of storage to give it enough room to work?
Seems like things are hotting up, let's hope the ride on Leopard is a smooth one.
Gadgets in time for Xmas from Gadgeter.com
We all love gadgets! Buy me a gadget for Christmas and I will be a happy boy (it is the gadget that keeps me young). Gadgeter who can be found over at www.Gadgeter.com has just launched a new improved site with 100's of essential electrics, including weird and wonderful USB gizmos and high-tec toys. It’s the place to go for anything gadget related, from remote controlled cars and digital watches to pocket camcorders and self stirring mugs. The products range in price from £1 to £160, and so on this new easy to navigate site, your online shopping basket will soon be stocked up with some fantastic gadgetry goodies.
I have picked my favourite already, if someone bought me a Honey Bee CP2 helicopter and popped it in my (large) stocking, it certainly would be a Christmas to remember. Imagine flying this around, landing it in the snow and causing winter havoc... much more fun than building a snowman.
Newsweek, Jobs & iPod Chit Chat
Fantastic article here as Newsweek interviewed Steve Jobs about the iPod, iTunes and his thoughts on the MS Zune. It is nice to hear Steve speaking so frankly about things like music download from iTunes only working on an iPod, with some very frank and honest answers.
USB On The Move with CyberPower
Whilst searching around the goodness of the internet, I stumbled across a product that offers something that will come in very handle for the laptop user. CyberPower Systems offer a small USB2 hub (Hub 420 MP) that on first glance is nothing new, but how many times have I wished for a USB hub whilst on the move, only to find out that the device I want to use needs a powered hub. Well this handy little unit uses four AAA rechargeable batteries (supplied) and delivers this power to any device you plug into it. Then when you plug the unit into a dekstop PC it recharges. UK pricing seems to be around £17. Check it out here.
New Red iPod Nano for Charity
In the latest line of items to be launched for 'Product Red', not even making its' way onto the Apple Store pages yet is the 'red' iPod Nano.
Apple is expected to join the group of companies involved in this charity on Friday. Check out the full story here.
Apple Support Getting Personal
I have been having a little problem with my dotmac access the past few days, probably (and I am only guessing) something to do with the new webmail that we are all expecting to see pretty soon. It was nice to receive an email from Apple Support though, with a personal touch in the signature (see picture top left). Is this a new thing, or some support technicians just allowed to add a little image to their signatures. Nice touch though Apple, something else for me to start collecting.