AppZapper 2.0
I don't know why Apple doesn't bake an uninstaller into OS X. Many applications leave all sorts of cruft about. In the meantime, the latest AppZapper looks pretty good. Also, it accepted my AppZapper 1.0 license code that I bought years ago.
Apple and the Controlled Leak
The Mac Observer posted an intriguing piece by former Apple Marketing executive John Martellero about the art of the controlled leak.
"The net result is that Apple gets the desired information published by a major Wall Street news outlet, but can always claim, if required, it was all an editorial misunderstanding. The WSJ is protected as well."
On the Future of Macworld
There is quite a stir in the Mac blogosphere the last few days over the future of Macworld Conference and Expo. Some knowledgeable commentators, such as Jim Dalrymple and Steve Sande have written it is likely Macworld 2010 will be the last. I disagree. Here is why.
No Apple ≠ No Macworld
I have never spoken to a single attendee who said the highlight of their Macworld visit was the Apple booth. While it is very nice to get your hands on Apple devices on the Macworld show floor, it is hardly the draw. I will drive by three Apple stores full of shiny new macs on my way to the Airport when I go to Macworld next month.
Likewise goes for the Apple Keynote. Steve Jobs has given some truly remarkable Keynotes at Macworlds past. He is an extraordinary showman and Apple has made some fantastic products. However, a lot of times Steve did not climb on stage with much ammunition and the Keynotes were really not that interesting despite his super-human presentation skills. Think about it. How much were you “blown away” by the Apple TV refresh of 2008 or the iLife introduction in 2005? Even last year Phil Schiller had to work really hard to make iWork.com more than a snoozefest. More to the point, of the thousands and thousands of people who attend Macworld, how many actually got in to see the Apple Keynote? A small percentage.
I still find Apple’s withdrawal baffling. The people who attend Macworld are the passionate bloggers, power users, and programmers that make the Mac special. They are the sharp end of the stick. While I appreciate that a business argument can be made to cut costs, Apple’s quarterly profits are measured in the billions and supporting its developers and most avid users seems a very worthwhile investment.
Regardless, Macworld can get by just fine without Apple. In lieu of a large Keynote for a select audience, IDG has put together a series of featured speakers that are all both knowledgeable and entertaining. Watching people like David Pogue, Andy Ihnatko and John Gruber will be far more entertaining and educational than hearing someone from Apple prattle on about the latest menu item in iPhoto.
IDG Is Listening
I was in attendance at the Macworld town hall meeting last year. There wasn’t a seat in the place and people were lining the walls, two or three deep in some places. Many ideas were proposed and several of them (like moving the date to February) were implemented this year. Some critics have argued IDG dropped the ball by not moving the expo to a different town. I would speculate that a place like the Moscone Center is booked years in advance and IDG already had contractual obligations for 2010. Perhaps in future years the Expo will move. Either way, I’ve had some inside exposure to the Macworld planning and can report that the people behind it are extremely passionate about making it the best show possible and are looking very closely at every suggestion, the wacky and brilliant alike.
Don’t Forget the Conference
Macworld is a lot more than a group of vendors and software developers. It also includes a world class conference where users and professionals can learn a lot about their Macs and how to use them. At the conference you can become a networking and security expert, an Applescript guru, or just maybe a more savvy Mac user. Every year, IDG assembles an all-star cast of instructors and attendees can learn a great deal on any of the conference tracks.
There is No Substitute
There is an argument that if Macworld were to disappear, there would be no real loss to the Mac community. I couldn’t disagree more. Macworld is a special place. While local user groups are nice and the internet community is a great resource, neither can hold a candle to the flesh and bones gathering of the true believers.
Macworld is about users and everyone there is a zealot. Nowhere else in the entire world can you look at the guy in front of you in the sandwich line, ask him how to zip a file in Applescript, and receive a prompt, if not concise, answer that is spot on. The concentration of Mac geekiness in the room is palpable and, if you have experienced it, unforgettable. It is a communal experience that, if lost, will not be replaced. This point also goes toward the issue of the decline of trade shows. Macworld is more than a trade show.
“Everything changes, nothing remains without change.”
-The Buddha
An Opportunity Exists
Without being tied to Apple’s presence, Macworld could very likely evolve into something even more useful to Mac users, developers, and professionals. Regardless, declaring it dead a month before it even begins defies logic. There will be a different vibe at Macworld this year. As Buddha says, things change. There are a lot of very smart people working hard to make this change for the better. Who is to say they won’t succeed?
Mac Power Users - Information Managers
Last week I was doing a bit too much holiday celebrating and forgot to post about publication of the most recent Mac Power Users episode. In it, we dig deep on information managers.
Macworld Questions
Katie and I are going to be interviewing Macworld President, Paul Kent (twitter @paulkent), in a few days for an upcoming episode of the Mac Power Users. If you have Macworld questions, comments, or suggestions, drop me a note, soon. Also, if you are planning on attending make sure to reserve Saturday, February 13 at 2:45pm on your calendar where the the Mac Power Users will record live from the show floor. Finally, if you are attending the conference, sign up for one of my sessions. I've been putting long hours in preparing and the sessions are looking good. You can get a 15% discount on a conference pass by using the coupon code "DSPARKS." I'll be posting more on Macworld as it approaches.
Home Screens - Steve Stanger
Before you comment on how empty or boring my iPod touch home screen may be let me quote Leonardo da Vinci, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” I hope that doesn't set the bar too high for this post.
Probably like you my home page is made up of apps I use most often. It's also the landing place for new apps I'm playing with or reviewing. I hardly ever take advantage of all of the available space. You happen to see my home page in transition. Some apps have graduated to other pages, some didn't make the cut.
Write briefly about any apps you particularly like on your home screen.
My two favorite apps on my home page are Tweetie and Pandora. After using pretty much all of the Twitter clients available I found Tweetie to be my favorite. I'd like to see the features of the iPhone/touch app make it to the desktop client. If you love music you should really checkout Pandora.
Which app is your guilty pleasure?
Bejeweled 2 - It's my go to game when there's some idle time.
How many screens full of apps do you have?
I have five screens. I categorize them as: home page, fun & games, utilities, audio & video and a holding area for apps rarely used and the Apple apps you can't delete.
How many times a day do you use your iPhone/iPod touch?
My touch is always within reach. I pretty much use it on and off all day.
What is your favorite feature of the iPhone/iPod touch?
To paraphrase the quote I used at the beginning of this post - the iPod touch is sophistication in simplicity.
If you were Steve Jobs, what would you add to the iPod Touch?
A CAMERA!
Anything else you'd like to share?
I would like to highlight a few apps hidden on the other pages of my iPod touch:
WhiteNoise - Provides ambient sounds to help with relaxation or sleep.
Convert - Unit of measure converter.
Evernote - Allows you to access the Evernote service from you iPhone/touch
1Password - Securely stores your passwords. Syncs with desktop 1Password client.
OrbMedia - Allows you to stream media from a home computer to your iPhone/touch.
nin: access - Nine Inch Nails official app. Interact with other fans, listen to streaming NIN music, news, etc.
Nikon: Lean & Explore - Quick and easy access to Nikon supplied photography information. A great "how-to" app.
Thanks Steve!
iPhone Gem - AutoStitch 2.0
Dragon Voice and OmniFocus iPhone Workflow
I've been using Nuance's Dragon Dictation on my iPhone now a few weeks. One of my favorite uses for it is dictating task item into OmniFocus. Dropping new items in the inbox is simple.
Dictate the task into Dragon
Copy the task to clipboard
Open and paste the task into OmniFocus.
The Task Is In
Note that OmniFocus allows you paste items in the inbox even while the database is still updating. This has largely replaced my prior use of the Note2Self app where I would dictate new tasks and then process them after receiving the audio files. I know there are also other options, like ReQall but I prefer the above method.
Also note Nuance has updated the Dictate app allowing you to opt in (or opt out) of sharing your contact names. I know a lot of people felt this was a security risk. I don't think it is that big a deal and uploaded mine.
