TDL Live This Week (2/16/09)

Well, if you missed last night's TDL Live, here's your chance to take some of the workday and enjoy it. You've been way too productive today anyhow. Plus you'll get to see some juggling, and more movie references than any other episode. Oh, and you'll get our look at the Apple news of the week as well.

Microsoft, You Can't Be Serious About Retail, Right?

David Porter, VP of Retail Stores for MicrosoftA few weeks ago there were some concept photos of Microsoft stores floating around. We were quick to dismiss any chance of a Microsoft store making its way to a mall near you. However, yesterday may have changed everything. Yesterday Microsoft announced David Porter would be holding the position of corporate vice president of Retail Stores. 

Among other jobs Porter worked at Wal Mart for 25 years. This story practically writes itself from the press release: 

“I am excited about helping consumers make more informed decisions about their PC and software purchases, and we’ll share learnings from our stores with our existing retail and OEM partners that are critical to our success.”

Defining the time frame, locations and specifics for planned Microsoft-branded retail stores will be Porter’s first order of business.

I'm sure if Microsoft actually gets to the point that they have stores opened, and those stores are even modestly successful, I don't think they'll be sharing that information with other partners. Call me cynical, but I just don't think it's in their DNA (or Apple's for that matter).

The big question though, is what exactly would these stores sell? Microsoft doesn't make computers. Will they risk alienating certain partners by choosing some brands over others in the store, or will the store simply offer accessories, like Microsoft mice, and everyone's favorite, the Zune? 

What benefit does a Microsoft store bring the consumer? Unlike Apple, who could show potential buyers what makes the Mac/iPod/iPhone so special, what will Microsoft showcase when they don't make the hardware? "Here, let me show you how easy it is to use this Microsoft laser mouse!"

I'm pretty sure everybody who wants an xBox can find one, and I'm also pretty sure just about everyone who wants a Zune already got one.

It looks like the only thing they have to gain is the burden and expense of retail stores, and opening them in less than ideal conditions, no less. When Apple opened their first stores, people had little familiarity with the products, and it gave them a chance to try them in a welcoming environment. I think everyone who wants to try Microsoft has had a chance. Maybe that's the real problem

Could Psystar Pull This Out?

We've kept a close eye on the Psystar vs. Apple proceedings over the last six months. However, a fairly large development slipped under the radar: The judge has ruled that Psystar can argue Apple abused copyright laws. Sure, there's a big gap between ruling they can bring up copyright abuse, and having them actually prove it, but it's quite a win nonetheless. 

It's hard to imagine that this little company that seems to have curiously deep pockets for this case, could fundamentally change how people use/buy OS X if they are successful. For better or worse, OS X could be found on every flavor of PC under the sun, if Psystar wins.

What do you think? Do they have a chance? Does the argument even make sense?

The Weather Channel iPhone and iPod App Review

There's no shortage of applications to give you weather info on the iPhone and iPod Touch. But look out lightweights, here comes one of the most well-known names in the weather biz. Enter There's no shortage of applications to give you weather info on the iPhone and iPod Touch. But look out lightweights, here comes one of the most well-known names in the weather biz. Enter The Weather Channel App for the iPhone.

This app, and the Weatherbug app are the top of the heap for weather apps, although both serve slightly different purposes. The Weather Channel app is focused on weather forecasting, while Weatherbug is far superior at telling you weather conditions (wind speed, rain, temp, live webcams, etc.) 

My favorite Weather Channel feature is the most recent video forecast for your city. If you get a local video forecast on the Weather Channel, now you can see it on your iPhone as well.

So if you're looking for more weather info than the included Apple weather app supplies, The Weather Channel offers a solid option:

Apple transforming into a major airline

So back during Macworld Apple announced that it would offer another app on the store to control Keynote presentations from your iPhone or your iPod Touch.  They also mentioned that it would cost $0.99 as a purchase.  Ever since that announcement (and even during if you were watching our live coverage of the event . . . if you weren't I highly recommend you tune in for WWDC later this year) I've been confused.  Why does Apple insist on nickle and diming us for enhancements like this.  At first I thought it might be one of those crazy accounting rules that mandates Apple charge for enhancements (like the iPod touch software upgrades), but that theory is out the door with the Remote app (it basically does the same thing as the Keynote remote but just for iTunes).

It just seems a bit airline-ish to charge me $0.99 after purchasing iWork for 79 bucks.  Next thing you know the fancy backpack bags at the apple store are going to cost $0.50 or it'll be $1 just to get into the Apple Store.  Just make the software $80 and throw in the remote app for free (you can even associate each piece of software a redeem code to make sure legit copies get the download and pirate versions are S.O.L.).  At least this way I won't feel like I'm buying from a major airline.  I would also think that Apple would want to further break away from the industry standard Powerpoint by offering an integrated remote solution leaps and bounds better than any offering (that I'm aware of) for Powerpoint.  This remote app gives presenter notes and next slide view . . . very handy.  Keynote is far superior to Powerpoint and the remote would easily help in its case . . . JUST MAKE THE APP FREE.