Category Archives: Technology
October 5th, 2012 Marks The First Anniversary Of Steve Jobs’ Passing
Today marks the First Anniversary of the death of Steven Paul Jobs, internationally known as technology wizard and visionary, Steve Jobs.
The Radio, TV and Internet news media have inundated the tech community with stories galore about Steve Jobs and many new articles and anecdotes have surfaced as a result of this.
One of my favorite articles is from Forbes.Com. This news release captures interesting, new insight into the quirky, genius mind of Steve Jobs.. It is a great read and I strongly urge you to indulge yourself by reading it.
It is difficult for me to put into words just how much Steve Jobs and Apple have impacted my life.
Before Apple, I was, of course, a Microsoft customer and, as much as I enjoyed the whole browsing/email experience, I basically deduced that all computers were purely functional, incredibly uninteresting and beyond intimidating. And, therefore, that was that! What’s a girl to do?
Well, like any gal, I like to shop, so one day – June 2009 – I decided to visit my local Future Shop ( we do not have an Apple Store where I live) and check out the new 24″ iMac. There was a lot of buzz about this new computer and I was curious to see why.
Long story short – ninety minutes later I was the new owner of the last iMac on the shelf. In fact, it was the store demo and I honestly didn’t care. It had been on the shelf for a day so, truly, it was barely used. All I knew was that I wanted this computer in my house pronto.
What instantly fascinated me was the artistic sensibility of this beautiful machine. My Windows PC and laptop looked boring and tired compared to this meticulously designed computer and, since it had my name on it, I had to have it.
I am a musician, who always loved to incorporate visual aspects into my performances and, now, with my new iMac, I was introduced to a whole new stage.
This was important since, at this stage in my life, I was looking to semi-retire and move on to…what?
Well, the “what” quickly became a distant memory, as I filled my days blogging, learning and consuming everything that technology had to offer. This blog is a result of my Apple discovery.
I like to think that, somewhere, as I type this article on my iPad, that Steve Jobs is smiling down at all the Apple geeks in the world. He created a Disney World – like experience for all of us with his passion for innovative, colourful and seamless technology.
Rest In Peace, Steve. And thanks for the memories past and yet to come.
IPhone 5 And Earpods Commercials – A Breath Of Simplicity
After losing its footing with the notorious debut of the Genius commercials during the 2012 Summer Olympics, Apple has finally stepped back – or forward, depending on your point of view – to familiar territory.
On the heels of the launch of the hugely anticipated iPhone 5, Apple has released four clean and precise commercials hailing the beauty of both the iPhone 5 and their newly designed listening device, the EarPods.
Suffice it to say that these commercials are perfectly Apple, first-class all the way and “to the point”.
However, I loved the Genius commercials. I think the detractors were reading far too much into the nutty humorous aspect behind them and raising controversies and theories that just weren’t there.
They were fully aimed at another market – the baby boomers and older who have fully embraced Apple and its products. Walk into any Apple Store and you will be astounded with the higher end age range of the consumers looking for advice.
Apple’s customer service is exceptional and ground-breaking. It goes above and beyond the call of duty.
When I visited an Apple Store this past March, one employee told me that he helped a customer write an e-book from start to finish. I was astounded. Where else are you going to receive help like this for a mere $99.00 ( the yearly cost of a One-To-One Membership)?
At any rate, these commercials, below, are very well constructed and on point. Let me know what you think.
Cheese
Physics
Thumbs
Ears
IPhone 5 Launch Starts Today.
Picture And News Source: CultOfMac.Com
Okay, for those of you who live in a cave or whatever, I thought I should inform you that the iPhone 5 has enjoyed a mega release today – September 21, 2012.
The photo above this article, courtesy of iPhoneInCanada.Ca via CultOfMac.Com is a keeper.
Although this is a picture from the FEDEX facility, it gives you an idea of what both FEDEX and UPS have had to contend with in order to meet the delivery requirements sent forth from Apple Inc.
If you look closely enough, the vast majority of these packages are iPhone 5s. Wait, I think I see a couple of iPad Minis there. Ha – just messing with you!
The parcel carriers were explicitly informed not to deliver any iPhones until September 21st, causing a bit of a backlog – albeit a well-organized one – for the delivery personnel.
What looks like chaos in this picture is a well – coordinated system in progress. Many of the people on my Twitter feed have received their iPhone 5 in timely fashion, posting pictures of their personal unboxing experience and overall impressions.
Due to a technical glitch over at Telus, I will not receive mine for another week – even though I placed my order well before the 4:00 P.M. deadline on September 14th.
If someone over at Telus Mobility reads this, perhaps they can intervene on my behalf? I blogged about the glories of Telus – throw me a crumb!
So, did you receive your iPhone 5? If so, post pictures, videos and/or first impressions in the comments section below. And, yes, I know the mapping is a mess, but it will get better. But, that’s another article.
It’s A HAppy Kind Of Day for iOS 6 Customers
Oh my goodness. Stop the updates. Seriously. Who can keep up? I barely had time to blow dry my hair.
And yet, all of these new iOS 6 features are making me do the HAppy Dance here. Groan – I know, pretty lame joke but aren’t you sad you didn’t think of it first?
What a day! After successfully downloading iOS 6 to my iPad and iPhone, I was also greeted with the task of updating a ton of my favourite Apps – like iMovie, iPhoto, iPages, iPages, iBank, Keynote and many, many more.
Now, to be honest, I haven’t had time to try all of them but suffice it to say that, at first glance, all appear to be super efficient and silky smooth.
Many of the Apps come with tons of new features to complement the sophistication of iOS 6. And, for Facebook lovers – all bzillion of you – there is Facebook integration everywhere you look. Just hold your finger on a photo or tap a share button in an App and watch the magic begin.
And let’s not forget Siri status updates for Facebook. Very, very nice.
And, when you visit the iOS App Store, check out the beauty of the new layout. It makes you want to shell out more money – everything old looks new again.
And the icing on the cake? Mountain Lion issued a huge update as well. Check it out! Is it long enough for you?
The only downside is that Maps is a bit of a mess. The navigation system works well enough, I suppose, but no 3D is happening at my end. I suspect that the rendering of 3D images is dependant on your location but still, all in all, I was disappointed.
Everything in time and circumstance. Geeks must be patient but sometimes it’s hard.
So, have you downloaded iOS 6 and updated your Apps? Is it all you were expecting? More? Less? Please share.
The Big Reveal: iOS 6 Availability In Your Time Zone
Here’s something!
IPhoneInCanada.Ca has come across a chart via Fortune.Com that indicates when iOS 6 will be available for download in your time zone.
If all goes according to plan, this chart is “on the money” but who knows what Apple
will do at this point?
When I woke up this morning, the Software Update tab was missing in my Settings App. Then, it magically reappeared about 5 minutes later. I am sure it was just a case of the pre-update jitters, but let’s hope it’s still there come update time!
Once again, iOS 6 update will work with iPhone 3G/4/4S, iPod 4th generation and iPad 2/new iPad.
Naturally, if you are purchasing the iPhone 5 or new iPod Touch, these devices will already have iOS 6 in their system.
Do you have download fever? I sure do! Ninety minutes to go as of this writing!
GrannieTheGeek.Com 