Charlie Rose on The iPad, With David Carr, Michael Arrington and Walter Mossberg

Despite the various "glaring omissions" that have been well debated in the past week, I agree that the iPad will be a success. It may not fully blossom, past the early adopters, until a v1.5 or v2, but it's going to be very popular. As a UI designer I want one to develop for, as a consumer I want one because it looks so fun to play with. Anyhow, this Charlie Rose segment (presented in iPad-reistant Flash) sums things up well:



Found via: TechCrunch

Top 10 Reasons Why The iPod Shuffle 3rd Gen Is A Design FAIL

1. Controls integrated into earbuds rules out 3rd party headphones (notwithstanding 3rd party headphones w/ new iPod shuffle compatible control$)
   
2. Lose the earbuds and you get to pay $29 to replace them - this kind of defeats the purpose of a 'cheap' iPod - like your kid isn't going to lose or break these headphones in like 4 days
   
3. No click wheel, no screen - it doesn't look like an iPod - this could just as well be mistaken for a bluetooth headset or a really thick tie clip
   
4. Yet another non-iPod-standard USB charging cord
   
5. It appears that it will not work with existing headphone-jack-related car audio solutions 
   
6. Ditto on above for portable or home speaker sets
   
7. Only two neutral colors, one reason you might want to get a bright green shuffle is so you can find the tiny thing when it's lying around the house
   
8. 10 hour battery life claim is 2hrs less than the 2nd generation shuffles
   
9. VoiceOver is a gimmick that can't outshine the flaws above - hooray you have a blind / screen-less iPod, and now it can aid you with voice assistance technology! But where's the brail on the earbud controls? Also, seeing as Amazon just got bullied about text to speech for eBooks, I wouldn't be surprised if the RIAA cries foul about Apple robo-speaking copyright protected band, album, and song names
10. The price jump is lame. It could make someone want to either buy a refurb 2g shuffle or nano.

The only two updates that DO make sense are the 4GB capacity and the ability to finally use multiple playlists. But the reasons above are cause for concern. Perhaps Apple wants to kill off the shuffle, it may have just done so regardless. 

Music Download Inconsistency Syndrome (MDIS), and "The Cure"

What's a consumer to do? Here's the scenario, I wanted to buy and download the new album by The Cure. So I started to dig around the top music download stores, and my impulse to buy was drowned out by my aggravation with the Music Industry.

In my quest to figure out which site had the album for the best price, I began to wonder - why should the price vary at all? Shouldn't I just be able to go to my preferred store, buy the album download, and know I didn't get ripped off? There aren't any costs associated with shipping and shelving physical products here.

No you can't, and this appears to have something to do with ill-conceived price manipulation on the part of the music industry to 'level the playing field' for other music download retailers. But it's really just leveling my willingness to commit to a purchase. Here's are the confusing price variations I found when looking for that new album:

Album in question: The Cure, 4:13 Dream
	iTunes	Amazon.com	Walmart.com
Cost for album	$9.99	$8.99	$9.22
Cost per track	$0.99	$0.99	$0.94
Format	AAC	MP3	MP3
DRM?	Yes	No**	No**
Quality***	Medium	High	High
Album savings	$2.88	$3.88	$3.00

For this particular album, it looks like Amazon is the way to go - but that isn't the case for every album. And what if I only want a few tracks? Anyway, it seems disingenuous that Apple supposedly had to threaten to close down the iTunes store to keep the per-track price of music downloads from going up - only to then see Walmart launch weeks later with tracks for as little as $0.74+. And now that other stores offer DRM-free MP3s, why isn't all new music on iTunes offered in a $0.99/track iTunes Plus format? Anyway, sorry for the particularly geeky rant - but come on, you aren't going to win the war on illegal downloads with these kinds of consumer unfriendly strategies.

*not an "iTunes Plus" offering
**Amazon tags it's MP3s with a unique ID code in the metadata, Walmart - unknown
***iTunes Protected AAC is 128kpbs, MP3s can be VBR but approx. twice the bit rate of protected AAC

I hope the Mac mini goes 'Green', instead of just going away

Rumors are flying that the Mac mini may be on its way out. Such rumors seem to indicate that the mini will either go away, or see a refresh. Let's hope it is the latter.

The Mac mini not only needs a specs refresh, it needs a refocusing of it's market position. Rather than being marketed as 'the underpowered Mac for people too cheap to buy a real Mac', it should be celebrated for its BYODKM (Bring your own display, keyboard, and mouse) heritage.

First off, Apple needs to build the next Mini in line with its improving stance on environmental considerations. Once the manufacturing story has a 'Greener' tinge, then the Mac mini can finally become the recycle-reuse-green-machine it almost is. They also needs to make it truly powerful enough to be worthy of the "Mac" prefix.

In addition, Apple could use its website to help build a community for DIYers looking for ways to locate peripherals from the vast array of hardware that's already out there. This could be as simple as creating an online catalog that help customers connect with local computer recycling centers and similar sources for cheap/free monitors, keyboards, and mice.

Continuously churning out improved machines every few quarters is what keeps Apple products ahead of the cool-curve. But there's definitely a niche to be served by bringing the latest Mac OS to people who would prefer the modestly smaller carbon footprint offered by using pre-owned peripherals.

One more thing, let's not rule out an unexpected scenario like the Mac mini being cross-bred with Apple TV or something.

Apple posts "MobileMe Setup" instructions page

Apple has posted a page with instructions for setting up (or transitioning) to their MobileMe service that officially launches today. Configurations outlined include:

• iPhone/iPod touch + Mac - Requires iPhone 2.0 Software Update (available July 11).
  
• iPhone/iPod touch + PC - Requires iPhone 2.0 Software Update (available July 11).
  
• Mac setup - Set up just your Mac.
  
• PC setup - Set up just your PC.
  

It's still early in the switch over, so not all aspects of me.com appear to be available yet. The other note on this page states "To access your email from the web, go to www.me.com."

Album Cover Designers: The New Iconographers

When I was younger, I distinctly recalled noticing the dilemma faced, by album cover designers, when cassette tapes were introduced. Going from the large format LP to the small awkwardly vertical cassette cover had a big impact on design solutions. The CD reintroduced a canvas more square in shape but still diminutive compared to a real "album cover". Fast forward to today and you can see the latest challenge for album cover designers, the digital version of album art. Digital music players like iPod and Zune, that can now display album art, have reintroduced the importance of design and branding in music. There was a stretch there, where artwork was not so easily attached to the digital music. Apple's Coverflow (purchased from original creator steelskies) reintroduced the metaphor of browsing through a pile of records, albeit very tiny records .

How will this change trends in album art design? Will there be bolder, larger, simpler designs? Or is this no different from the challenges faced by traditional LP cover designers who aimed to make a large format record stand out on a shelf in a record store? We shall see, but I expect to notice a greater influence as album art designers start thinking like icon designers. One recent example, Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails just released a free full length recording "The Slip". Like his last free album before it (Ghosts), each song has its own piece of artwork associated with it. 10 'covers', and a PDF booklet for one 'album'- now that's something new.

New Apple Products at Macworld 2008

Well there was certainly a lot of buzz around Apple's new product announcements at Macworld 2008. The stock took a hit and there have been some complaints about whether or not the Macbook Air compromises too much. Anyway, more to come on this stuff.

Apple Introduces the new Mac Pro

"he fastest Mac ever, the new Mac Pro has eight processor cores and a new system architecture that delivers up to twice the performance of its predecessor.* It combines two of Intel’s new 45 nanometer Quad-Core Xeon processors running up to 3.2 GHz, powerful new graphics and up to 4TB of internal storage, offering the ideal system for creative professionals, 3D digital content creators and scientists. The standard 8-core configuration starts at just $2,799."

With announcements like this a week BEFORE MacWorld, everyone is buzzing about what Steve will present...

Today Only! Get free shipping on everything in the Apple Store.

Apple is offering FREE SHIPPING on EVERYTHING in the Apple Store - Today Only, so check it out...

J.Y. Design Posts: Apple Mac & iPod Buyer's Guide

J.Y. Design has long been an 'Mac shop'. Many Apple products are used in day to day work. We also find that we recommend various products to clients, colleagues, family and friends.

This new page will be the place to see the latest hardware, and what the highlights and tradeoffs are when considering a purchase. Check it out...

Welcome to Applebucks Store, would you like a Venti iPod with your Grande Mac & Tall Latte?

OK, so Amazon is now selling high quality DRM-Free MP3s. This must mean that any moment now Steve is going to flip the switch and all songs sold by Apple will be "iTunes Plus" but will cost $.99 (or even less, to compete with Amazon's range of .99-.89/song). Right? So, come on Steve... Steve?

Well if Apple doesn't do something soon, before Amazon grows its selection, then the iTunes store could become the overpriced big box of the internet. Could it be that Apple loves Starbucks, because they sell coffee at higher prices, than say Dunkin' Donuts? (That's a Boston joke)

When Apple originally released iTunes Plus, I was not impressed. I was already getting a lot of music I wanted from eMusic, despite the limited selection. Between eMusic, and now Amazon, there's a strong possibility that you can now legitimately purchase most of the music you want in non-DRM form at great prices. Basically, these sites offer the real iTunes Plus, the version consumers actually want.

Apple needs to deliver iTunes Plus style product, at normal or cheaper prices or it will surely loose all but the most naive customers. Let's hope that having more expensive music downloads doesn't actually become an Apple strategy, inspired by its budding relationship with a certain Seattle Coffee retailer. You may be able argue that a mocha at Starbucks tastes better than the average Joe. But there's no arguing that a 128kbps Protected AAC file that costs $.99, sounds better than a non-DRM 256kpbs MP3 file for $.89 - even if it's served in an iTunes cup...

More Pods than 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers'!

Apple Refreshes iPod Line: Well there was quite a buzz today. New form factor for the iPod nano with upgraded UI and video support, New colored Shuffles, the recasting of the large capacity model as "iPod classic"; and of course the iPhone without a phone - "iPod touch". White is out as well, only silver, black, and a new palette of colors.

As others have pointed out, Apple has spread out the features, actually making it a tough decision. The nano and classic have an upgraded UI with coverflow and some neat new features. iPod touch has the high-end touch screen UI and wifi, but the limited storage capacity highlights that this is a both a v1 release and comes across as more of a crippled iPhone, than a unique device. Brave early adopters will be in for a treat, but I'd say it would be more conservative to see how these improve in the next release both in terms of capacity and refinements to the design and features. Hit up Apple.com for eye candy, specs, and tons of great videos showing off the new line...

'Tuna Pitch' - Free guitar tuner OS X App and Widget Released

Freeverse: "Freeverse and Felt Tip Software today announced 'Tuna Pitch' a free app and widget to help you tune your guitar or other instrument. With five built-in presets including the standard EADGBE tuning, reference tones, and the option to set all six strings to any note, Tuna Pitch has everything you need to stay in-tune! The Tuna Pitch app features a high-contrast, expandable window so it's easy to read, while the widget version is small and wont clutter your Dashboard. Both the app and widget are 100% free"

Very cool little app and widget combo. It also uses the built in mic or audio input so you can tune your instrument that way too. And hey the application name is even pronounced with a Boston accent.

Coworkers.com Summer 2007 iPod Giveaway

J.Y. Design client Coworkers.com is giving away an iPod Nano (8 GB). The promotion ends on September 30th, so go check it out now. The promotion requires that you register on the site for FREE. It's a startup site, with a growing community so odds are pretty high in your favor: Enter at Coworkers.com now

Cover Flow and the scrolling horizontal subnav at the new Apple.com

37signals has a thoughtful post on the proliferation of the Coverflow UI metaphor: "As the world gets iPhonified and Leopardized, get ready for more Cover Flow (video), the scrolling interface with forward/backward arrows that mimics a CD collection or jukebox selection..." As they point out how aspects of the horizontal scrolling UI have been incorporated into the new Apple.com, they summarize it all well: "At least there’s more conventional text links in the footer."



I think that is an important takeaway. Coverflow is one of many 'views' that you can choose to enable within iTunes. As variations on these newer navigation models start to hit the web, it will continue be important to offer multiple ways to get to the same content. And IMHO, the Coverflow interface as demonstrated in the iPhone port is the most usable version I've seen. It skips the file list below the images, and allows you to interact directly with the thumbnails, flipping albums over to see their contents. Until iTunes can do this too, I will fully understand why Coverflow gets slammed so much.

read more | digg story

Apple Safari 3 Public Beta Fixes Flash Drop-menu Issue

Apple has released a Beta version of its Safari browser for both Mac and Windows. While this is news itself, I'm more excited about the following revelation.

Anyone out there who has done website work where the design called for drop-down navigation menus which overlap Adobe flash content will be happy about this announcement. In previous versions of the Safari Mac browser, there was a 'bug' where drop down menus would flicker badly if they overlapped Flash content. This issue even plagues www.adobe.com in Safari 2.x!

After testing both the Mac & Windows versions of Safari 3, Apple appears to finally have fixed this problem!



Check out the Apple - Safari 3 Public Beta

Amazon officially announces long-rumored DRM-free music store

"Amazon announced this morning that it plans to launch a music store later this year that will sell unprotected MP3 files from thousands of record labels."

This is great for consumers - from the healthy competition point of view. iTunes has the integration advantage, so I think that the one company which could be sweating it the most from this announcement is eMusic.com - because they've been the leading non-DRM MP3 store. Depending on just how deep the Amazon catalog is, and what kind of pricing structure it adopts, eMusic could see its subscription service really suffer. Shows you how much pull Amazon has in the market, since eMusic has been doing MP3 downloads for years and the only thing it has been lacking are big labels and per-song pricing.



read more | digg story

The 50 Most Important People on the Web

pcworld.com: "Despite what Time magazine would have you believe, you are not the most powerful or influential person on the Web. At PC World we love online personals, social networks, and videos of people falling on their keisters as much as the next person, but without the folks who create the Craigslists, MySpaces, and YouTubes of the world, much of the Web's potential would be lost among spam sites and other online detritus."



read more | digg story

brandchannel Readers' Choice Awards 2006 Results Are In

Google and Apple stay on top while YouTube and Wikipedia show up for the first time. As usual brandcannel has regional results as well as the Global list previewed here. Read the full report.

iLounge Rings In The Holiday Season With Its The 2007 iPod Buyers' Guide

"The world's most popular iPod and accessory buyers’ guide is back for its third year, and better than ever!" - I dig the wide-screen edition.