News & Opinion
Rumor Roundup
Tech Trends
Products & Services
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News & Opinion
Warning: Apple Pulls MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
Update 2.0
The Apple Core's David Morgenstern reports that depending upon the
age of your MacBook and the version of Mac OS X installed, either
Software Update or the Mac App Store may tell you to run the MacBook
Air and MacBook Pro Update 2.0 (see
The 'Book Review of Nov. 16 for more info). He suggests that you
don't, noting that there continue to be reports of issues with the
update - and worse, late last week Apple pulled the support page about
the update as well as the download link.
"Recall time," Morgenstern says, noting that some users report
issues with video memory as well as with Keychain operation.
Link: Beware of
Installing MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Update 2.0
Quick Workaround for 2010 MacBook Pro Black Screen
Problem
MacFixIt's Topher Kessler notes that some older MacBook Pro models
may still suffer from periodic black-screen problems, and suggests a
workaround that may help.
Kessler says this bug appeared to be rooted in the handling of the
dual graphics cards in MacBook Pro models from
2010, but while Apple issued a software update to address the
problem, this update did not help all who were experiencing it.
Kessler suggests trying an external monitor as an alternative to a
hard restart, which may restore access to video to keep working and/or
restart in a proper manner with no loss of unsaved work.
Editor's note: my Late
2008 2.0 GHz unibody MacBook has only an integrated graphics
processor, but is also afflicted by this or a similar bug. However, the
frequency of black screens has been much lower since installing
OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion.
cm
Link: Quick Workaround
for MacBook Black Screen
Rumor Roundup
ARM-based MacBooks in 2 Years?
A Seeking Alpha blog comments on recent rumors that Apple is
planning to switch it's Macs from the Intel processors it's used since
2006 to the family of CPUs by ARM Holdings that it uses in its mobile
devices. The author asks rhetorically whether this rumor is simply an
Apple tactic to exert leverage in pricing negotiations with Intel, or a
real possibility, and concludes that it's both.
The article notes that there would be substantial efficiencies and
synergies realized by using just one family of processors across
Apple's entire hardware lineup, including a rationalization of software
development productivity around a single platform (hello, iOS/OS X
convergence). However, the author deduces that what Apple really wants
is lower processor prices, and a switch to ARM would open the door to
multiple CPU suppliers, and argues that for technical reasons switching
from Intel to ARM should be much simpler than the transition from
PowerPC to Intel.
Of course that would have to be weighed against kissing good-bye the
Mac's current status as the only PC that can natively run OS X,
Windows, and Linux.
The author summarizes with a guess that Apple will offer a MacBook
with an ARM processor by the end of 2014 or early 2015, but thinks that
Apple's best strategy is to continue playing Intel against ARM and
keeping them both guessing, and that can't be done on rumor alone.
Link: An ARM-Based Mac?
You Bet
Retina Display-Ready Photoshop CS6 Coming Dec.
11?
Japanese Apple watcher site Macotakara says it appears that Adobe
may announce a Retina Display compatible version of Adobe Photoshop CS6
at its "Create Now Live Event" on December 11.
The report notes that a YouTube video on Adobe's website appears to
show a Retina MacBook Pro running Photoshop in native Retina
resolution.
Link: http://goo.gl/Cp6fo (Japanese
to English translation via Google Translate)
Link: Rumor: Adobe to announce Retina
display-ready Photoshop CS6 on Dec. 11 (AppleInsider)
Tech Trends
Q&A with Steven Chang, Asus North America
President
DigiTimes' Monica Chen and Joseph Tsai note that Asustek (a.k.a.
Asus) Computer's Zenbooks, Transformer tablets, and the Nexus 7 tablet
it builds for Google have helped expand the company's brand
recognition, raising its share in the North America notebook market
from 7% in the second quarter of 2012 to 8% in the third, achieving
shipment growth in the quarter despite the global economic
downturn.
DigiTimes recently had a chance to talk to Asustek North America
president Steven Chang about the company's status in North America and
its strategy for the region.
Chang notes that Apple had the largest share in the consumer
notebook market in the third quarter in North America, but was third
(to HP and Dell) in total volume of laptop units shipped, with Asustek
sixth-largest in the third quarter only 1 percentage point behind that
of Lenovo at fifth. HP, Dell, and Apple cumulatively account for more
than 50% share in North America's notebook market.
In tablets, Mr. Chang notes that, except for Apple, all brand
vendors compete fiercely for market share, and Asustek has set a goal
of becoming the largest Android-based tablet brand vendor by the end of
2012.
Link: Q&A with
Asustek North America President Steven Chang (subscription
required)
Products & Services
Phorce, the World's First Smart Bag: Never Lose
Your Laptop Again
PR: Phorce is touted as
the world's first smart bag, able to power all of your devices,
transform into 3 separate types of bags, and connect you to your bag
through an app.
The result is a sleek and attractive triple threat of a bag that can
go with you wherever you might be - at the airport, at a meeting with a
V.C., or riding home on your bike. And most importantly, it's a bag
that will prevent you from losing your bag and all of your very
valuable gadgets.
A demo video can be viewed at http://www.vimeo.com/53441058
Here's how Phorce does it:
- Power: Phorce charges smartphones, tablets, iPods, cameras,
speakers, headphones, and anything that is powered using a USB
connection. The bag includes 3 USB connections, 2 high speed ports and
1 super high-speed port. Additionally, the Phorce for Mac can power a
MacBook for up to 7 extra hours.
- Connect: The bag comes with an Android and iOS based application
that can connect a smart phone to the Phorce bag via Bluetooth. This
app gauges the bag's remaining power through an intuitive onscreen
graphics display. Additionally, this feature sends a notification to
the phone if the bag is left behind.
- Transform: Phorce can transform from a messenger bag, to a
backpack, to a briefcase in a matter of seconds, with no additional
equipment needed. The Phorce bag has a special opening that allows it
to slide over the (telescopic) handles of a trolley bag. The bag is
compact and lightweight at just 3.7 lb., but can transform into a
bigger bag, with an expansion zipper that gives the user 240 cubic
inches of extra space.
Phorce is being launched through Kickstarter, with a $150,000 goal
to release the product internationally. Campaign details at http://goo.gl/lIOJ8
Phorce is designed to be the ultimate bag for the mobile age, able
to hold lots of stuff in its minimalist design. It can also power all
your devices - even MacBooks, communicate with your smartphone, and
transform from a messenger bag into a backpack, or briefcase.
Phorce can
charge up to 3 USB-devices simultaneously - smartphones, tablets,
iPods, GoPro and other cameras, smart watches, portable speakers,
noise-canceling headphones, and thousands of other devices. And on top
of charging all your other gear, Phorce for Mac can also power a
MacBook for up to a claimed seven extra hours.
Serious Mobile Power
Thanks to its integrated lightweight battery pack, Phorce is claimed
to be powerful enough to charge an iPhone 5 over eight times, a Galaxy
S3 about six times, or an iPad Mini 2.5 times, and the developers say
that if they reach $750K they'll increase battery capacity by 10% -
without adding weight - by using battery cells with a very high energy
density. You'll have enough power to keep your phone charged for almost
2 weeks without having to plug it into the wall.
Bluetooth & App
Phorce connects and communicates with your smartphone via Bluetooth.
The Phorce app (iOS & Android) shows you exactly how much power
your bag has left and what you can do with it. Intuitive graphics
display the exact number of times Phorce can still charge your devices,
like your phone. You can also ask Phorce to send you notifications, for
example a reminder to charge Phorce when its battery's running low.
Loss Prevention
Losing your bag means losing a lot of valuable possessions: your
laptop, tablet, keys, money, your personal files & documents, and
-of course- your bag. Whether you forget your bag when rushing out the
door in the morning, leaving a restaurant or coffee shop, getting off a
plane, metro, or train, or out of a taxi - you'll receive a
notification on your phone as soon as Phorce is outside of your range,
so you can quickly run back and rescue it from the evil clutches of
your arch nemesis.
Transform - 3 Bags: Messenger. Backpack. Briefcase. As Easy As
1-2-3
Phorce can
adjust itself to your needs, thanks to its unique construction and
strap system. Phorce can transform from a messenger bag, to a backpack,
or briefcase in a matter of seconds. Transforming Phorce requires no
additional components, and can be done on the go, in a matter of
seconds.
Full 360° Expansion
Need to bring a lot of stuff? Phorce has a 360° expansion zipper
you can quickly create over 240 cubic inches (4000 cm3) of
extra space. Why choose between a compact bag and one that holds a lot
of stuff, when you can have both?
A Frequent Flyer's Best Friend
An especially designed opening on its back allows you to slide
Phorce over the telescopic handles of your trolley, so you can enjoy
hands-and-shoulders-free travel. Phorce also has a direct-access laptop
pocket to quickly remove and insert your MacBook or laptop, making
security checks less of a hassle. Keep your phone charged for over a
week without bringing a wall charger or travel adapter. With mobile
power for all your devices, multiple carrying modes, and
expandability.
Advanced Materials
With its cable management system and dedicated pockets for all your
devices, Phorce keeps your gear organized. Its A4-sized front pocket
and spacious main compartment are perfect for bringing along paper,
pens, magazines, books, water bottles, and lots of other stuff.
Comfortable
Magnetic black suede handles, rich padding for your shoulders &
back, and anti-slip shoulder straps make Phorce very comfortable to
carry - even for long periods of time.
Phorce is constructed out of a durable, water-resistant,
custom-coated fabric, and features waterproof zippers to keep your gear
dry. Impact-resistant padding protects your devices against shocks and
bumps.
No More Fingerprints
Phorce's laptop compartment, tablet, and smartphone pockets are
lined with a special fabric that automatically cleans your devices. Its
also very smooth, making it easy to insert or remove your devices. That
means hassle-free device access, and fingerprint-free displays.
Despite all its features and technology, Phorce's weight is
comparable to other premium bags at just 3.7 lb. (1.7 kg).
Phorce for USB or Phorce for Mac?
Phorce comes in 2 versions: Phorce for USB and Phorce for Mac. Both
bags have the complete Phorce feature set, wireless technology, and the
same powerful lightweight battery. However, while Phorce for USB can
charge phones, tablets, cameras, and thousands of other USB-devices on
the go, Phorce for Mac can also power MacBooks.
Phorce for USB is great for tablet users and Windows laptop users,
or for MacBook users who don't need extra power for their MacBooks. It
keeps all your other devices charged and fits most Windows laptops up
to 14-inches, such as the 14" HP Envy, and all MacBooks up to the 15"
MacBook Pro. Phorce for Mac is great for MacBook users who -besides
keeping all their other gear charged- would like to be able to use
their MacBooks for hours longer without plugging into the wall.
Phorce comes in four colors: black, red, dark green, and "voter's
choice" which you'll get to vote on as a backer. You'll have four great
colors to choose from.
Link: Phorce
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