Welcome to World of Livestreaming, Apple

For almost three years, we've been bringing you video of everything Apple, including our own brand of live coverage of Apple events. Well Apple is finally doing what we've advocated to them publically and privately for quite some time: they will be livestreaming today's press event. 

Years ago, Apple was WAY ahead of the curve, making most of their keynotes available live, in an age before most people had access to a high-speed internet connection. Now they're back. Is it just a coincidence that they are choosing this event to stream? Does it perhaps tie into a video streaming-related announcement? The next Apple TV, perhaps?

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.

Jobs' Announcement May Explain Bland Keynote

We're all still digesting Steve Jobs' announcement that he will be taking a leave from Apple to care for his health issues that are, in his words, "more complex than I originally thought." First, it's worth noting that this was the suspicion of Jamie here at TDL from day one. I didn't believe it, and still don't want to. That said, this may explain why this year's keynote was so bland, and in a different way than you may have originally thought.

It is my belief that products like the iPhone nano, and the revamped Mac mini are ready, or nearly ready to debut. Apple may have taken a calculated risk: After all, if those new products were released, and Jobs left for an extended time, and Apple had nothing new to ship, what would people say? Apple can't make great products without Steve. Now, they can release these products over the next six months, and give the appearance (whether true or not) that the company can innovate perfectly fine with Jobs on the sidelines.

Phil "The Thrill" Schiller T-Shirts Available

Whether you loved or hated this year's Macworld Keynote, hey, let's not blame Phil. Let's show Phil we know he's just the messenger... And what better way to do that (and support TDL at the same time, than with your very own Phil "The Thrill" t-shirt!

The Day After The Meh

We finally got a chance to digest Tuesday's announcements, and here are a few quick thoughts/observations.

1) Overall the announcements were solid enough, but lacked anything to truly get the faithful excited. We think none of it deserved center stage. Perhaps it's best this is the (unofficial) last Macworld. Let's save future press events for the really big stuff.

2) Variable iTunes prices was inevitable. We don't have a problem with it, but wonder how the mainstream audience will view a price increase on some tracks. No DRM is great, but there are some reports that suggest the 69 cent tracks may still include it. Anyone know if this is true or not?

3) We expect all future portables to include the non-user-replaceable-super-battery of the new 17 inch Macbook Pro. This will continue to be a hot button topic with some users. We don't mind as long as the battery lives up to the hype. We're still skeptical on the 8 hour battery life. We bet it's something closer to 5 hours is the real world.

4)The annual updates to iLife and iWork are groovy. Facial recognition could be a god send if it truly works well. Facebook and Flicker integration is finally here. Another nail in the dot Mac....err Mobile Me coffin. We're still unsure why anyone will pay for iWork online when Google apps are free.

Overall we give this last and final Macworld a C- letter grade. Phil did a nice job. He just didn't have much to work with.