seyDesign Releases DEViANT Pro For RapidWeaver

I love creating websites in RapidWeaver (one of my all time favorite apps) so anytime a new theme is released I have to check it out. Top notch theme developer seyDesign released DEViANT Pro theme today and it's a beauty! Among the RapidWeaver crowd (there are more of us than you think) seyDesign is known for creating beautiful, light-weight and fast loading themes and DEViANT Pro is no different. Check out the screen shots below. I really like the optional "Wood Fence" background. There are also dark and light gradient background options as well as the standard RapidWeaver 4 theme variations. Check out the DEViANT Pro preview over at seyDesigns.

Review: Art Text 2

If you find yourself needing to create beautiful, professional looking graphics check out our comprehensive, brand-spanking new review of Art Text 2 in AYAAW's review section. We highlight Art Text 2's new features as well as it's strengths and weaknesses. Read more about this powerful and fantastic app after the jump.

MyWeather Mobile Update Provides Enhancements

In case you missed it, AYAAW reviewed two of the top paid iPhone weather apps last week. Check out our full iPhone weather app Smack Down in the reviews section. We came to the conclusion

that both apps, MyWeather Mobile and Fizz Weather were worthy apps and that each had its own strengths and weaknesses. After publishing the article we were contacted by the fine folks responsible for bringing us these wonderful apps and were told of some upcoming enhancements for each.

The developers of Fizz Weather, Fizz Software, informed us that they are working with their weather provider to bring higher quality radar to Fizz Weather. If you recall, that was my biggest and pretty much only gripe with Fizz Weather. I'm looking forward to this.

The developers of MyWeather Mobile, MyWeather, LLC also informed us that enhancements were in the works that addressed some of its shortcomings. After approval, on Tuesday MyWeather Mobile moved to version 1.1 which includes a more detailed current weather screen. To access the screen you click on a little right-pointing arrow located next to each of the cities you have MyWeather Mobile set to gather weather info. The top portion of the screen flips to reveal the following:

Wind Chill/Heat Index
Dew Point
Humidity
Precip. Today
Wind
Pressure

Another new feature is the ability of the Trend screens to be viewed in landscape mode. This makes for much nicer viewing as you can tap on the timeline located at the bottom of the screen and see what the wind speed and direction, precipitation amount and temperature and sky conditions will be at any given time over the next 36 hours.

The new additions are certainly welcomed and bring MyWeather Mobile closer to Fizz Weather in terms of actual, readable weather data. Fizz Weather still gets our vote in this regard, however and we're eagerly awaiting its upcoming radar.

BeLight Software Releases Art Text 2

Yesterday, BeLight Software announced the immediate availability of version 2 of it's Art Text graphics application. Art Text 2 can be used for creating headings, web graphics, buttons and logos with an ease not found in other software. According to BeLight, the new version features a new Template Gallery with over 200 ready made buttons, headings, icons. Multiple layers support and redesigned interface turn Art Text 2 into flexible tool to create complex graphics. 120 new vector icons and over 190 supplied textures were added. Pricing starts at $39.95, upgrade is free for people who purchased version 1 starting July 1st, 2008 and costs only $19.95 for those who purchased earlier:

"We are thankful to all Art Text users who found version 1 useful and wrote us feedbacks and suggestions about improving the program. When working on version 2 we tried to account on most of those wishes and nevertheless keep the software easy to use, so that two clicks are enough to bring joy to any user!"- says Pavel Skurtul, Art Text Product Manager.

Other Art Text version 2 changes:
- 120 new vector icons added;
- Redesigned program interface;
- Merge layers using one of the 11 blend modes;
- Texture library with over 190 supplied textures added;
- Multi layers support added, each layer has its own properties;
- Library of Shading materials grew to 245 surface materials in total;
- Template Gallery with 200+ editable button, heading, icon and logo templates becomes available.

Art Text 1 is a fantastic app that put the power of higher end graphics programs into a smaller, lighter-weight package that's easy to use and create fantastic looking graphics. We here at AYAAW can't wait to put version 2 though it's paces. Check back for a complete review in the next couple of weeks.

Realmac Software Announces LittleSnapper

Realmac Software, makers of the amazing RapidWeaver, announced their latest creation LittleSnapper at last weeks Paris Apple Expo. LittleSnapper appears to be a screenshot application that can also take snapshots of entire web pages, even those that extend past the bottom of your screen. Beyond that LittleSnapper will also store your screenshots with a workflow that seems to be similar to the now familiar iTunes or iPhoto system of cataloging. According to Realmac, LittleSnapper's cataloging ability features tools to add comments to screenshots, annotate with shapes and text, add ratings and tags, group into collections via drag and drop and build Smart Collections based on information from your library.

LittleSnapper also features the ability to share screenshots via a one-click publishing tool, take shots of individual webpage elements and according to the Realmac blog it will integrate with your favorite image editing application. The one-click publishing thing really appeals to me. I love and use Skitch daily so I'm hoping it works similarly.

RealMac hasn't posted a downloadable demo yet nor have they announced a release date or pricing, although they do state it will be available late this year. This is very intriguing to me on a number of levels. Firstly, I seem to really like and collect screenshot taking apps. I do use them when building websites but have absolutely no need for as many as I have. Secondly, it's being developed by Realmac so you know it's going to be good. Lastly, I really like and collect screenshot taking apps. Whoops! I listed that that twice. I must only have two levels. ;-)

I can't wait and am giddy with anticipation at being able to take screenshots. Er, wait a second. I can already do that with any number of apps. I'm still giddy anyway because one can never have too many screen shooting apps, can they?

Joe Henry

Mudbug Software Releases Webify Beta

Mudbug Software announced on Wednesday the immediate availability of Webify beta. Webify is a basic image editor aimed at simplifying the process of producing quality, web-ready images for use on the web.

Webify's Effects panel includes options to:

• Flip images horizontally or vertically
• Rotate an image on its X or Y axis (this is very cool)
• Apply a Sepia Effect
• Adjust Exposure, Gamma, Saturation, Sharpness, Contrast and Brightness

Webify also includes a crop tool and you can save your image as a GIF, JPEG, JPEG 2000, PNG, PhotoShop, PDF or Tiff formated image.

I've been playing with Webify for a couple of days and find it to be a very capable little image editor that's lightweight and easy to use. It launches immediately and I find myself launching PhotoShop Elements 6 less and less for images I'm using on the web. It really is a great little app and the developer has stated that the final 1.0 full version will also include a reflection option as well as additional batch processing features. Developers will also appreciate a public SDK included in with the final version that will allow the creation of plug-ins that add functionality to Webify.

To experience all this image editing goodness you'll need to fork over $10. Mudbug is only offering the beta as a paid beta but in return you get the app for $10 rather than $20 when the final version is released. Webify is a nice app and does exactly what it's intended to do. Gary Byrd, Webify's developer and RapidWeaver theme developer extraordinaire, is good people so don't hesitate to jump on this deal. If launching PhotoShop just to do a couple minor edits on a web-bound image has got you down give Webify a try. You'll be glad you did.

Joe Henry

Apple Issues iPhone 3G Power Adapter

Apple today issued a recall for certain iPhone 3g Power Adapters. The adapters came with new iPhones and could be purchased separately as an accessory. The recall includes iPhone 3G's that were purchased in the US, Mexico, Canada, Japan and several Latin American countries. Here is the text of the recall notice:

CUPERTINO, California—September 19, 2008—Apple® today announced that under certain conditions the new ultracompact Apple USB power adapter’s metal prongs can break off and remain in a power outlet, creating the risk of electric shock.

Apple has received reports of detached prongs involving a very small percentage of the adapters sold, but no injuries have been reported.

Customer safety is always Apple’s top priority so it has voluntarily decided to exchange every ultracompact power adapter for a new redesigned adapter, free of charge. For more details on the exchange program please visit www.apple.com/support/usbadapter/exchangeprogram.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

iPhone 3G users can get replacements by filling out this web-based Exchange Program form or by requesting one at an Apple store starting October 10th.. You'll need your iPhone serial number which can be found on your iPhone under Settings>General or by plugging the phone into your Mac and opening iTunes to your iPhone screen. Apple states:

Users with ultracompact power adapters should immediately stop using them until they exchange them for a new, redesigned ultracompact adapter.

In the meantime, they should charge their iPhone 3G by connecting it to their computer with the USB cable that came with their iPhone or by using a standard-sized Apple USB Power Adapter (with fold up prongs) or with a third party adapter designed to work with the iPhone, such as a car charger.

For more information see this Apple support article.

One Week With iPhone 2.1

Its been a week since Apple released iPhone firmware update 2.1 and I have to tell you, it's been a wonderful week. Remember the problems I was having with 2.0.2? They're gone! Absolutely every last one of them. My I no longer dread plugging my iPhone into my Mac for a sync as backups usually only take around a minute. That's amazing to me as they used to take 4 and 5 hours. The phone is also more stable and I rarely have experience app crashes anymore. Apple seems to have fixed the volume level bug as well.

When Apple claimed that the update would "significantly improve battery life" I was skeptically hopeful. After a weeks worth of testing I think Apple should retract that claim. Instead of "significantly" they should say "dramatically". It's amazing that a simple (it was simple for me anyway) firmware update could have that much of an effect on battery life. If I had to guess I'd say it that since the update my useful battery life has almost double. No kidding!

I also haven't suffered anymore GAD's. I still have every appropriate appendage crossed but so far so good. I'm even thinking I might try updating an app or two from my iPhone and then try a sync. Prior to 2.1 that was pretty much guaranteed to produce a GAD.

I can't say one way or the other if GPS performance has been improved nor can I comment on improvements with dropped calls. I never experienced any of the dropped calls and since I hadn't had any GPS for over a week prior to the update any GPS is good GPS.

So, yes I'm a happy man! The only thing that really bugs me is that if they could fix all these problems with a simple firmware update, why did it take so long? Hopefully some of the hair I pulled out of my head will grow back. On second thought, maybe there's a class action suit here? ;-)

iPhone Weather App Smack Down

Vs.

Don't miss our iPhone weather app smack down over in the reviews section. We take two of the most popular and well regarded general weather apps, MyWeather Mobile and Fizz Weather, and put them through their paces. To see which on comes out on top keep reading after the jump.

Review: DLO Auto Charger for iPhone

Hey you intrepid AYAAW readers (actually there may only be one but we can hope, right?)! Check out our new, hot off the presses, DLO Auto Charger for iPhone review. It's a decent charger and the review isn't so long that you'll be bored. Yes, it's just a charger but the review is still worth a read. So head on over there ASAP!

MacUpdate Back to School Bundle Extended Until Friday

Good news everyone: the fine folks over at MacUpdate have extended the Back To School Bundle promotion until Friday at midnight (EDT). I'm not sure if I'm going to buy the bundle as there is really one one I app that I need/want: Lightzone. I downloaded and played with the demo and it's a pretty amazing app. Bookends and Contactizer Pro could also probably be put to use here at AYAAW but I wouldn't buy the bundle for those two. Considering that those three apps alone would normally sell for over $250, the bundle is a very good deal.

All application licenses are full and offer the normal upgrade path so you're not getting some stripped down, crippled trial app.

MacUpdate also runs daily promotions where you can usually get up to 40% off on quality Mac software. Check them out at Today's MacUpdate Promo, 40% off

RapidWeaver Plug-ins Getting Sparkled

Something great is happening in and around the RapidWeaver community: plug-ins are getting updated with Sparkle auto-update functionality. If you use RapidWeaver, which we do everyday for this and other sites, and have bought plug-ins to add features to it, you'll appreciate this. The process of keeping your plug-ins up to date is and arduous one and is generally the first step you take in troubleshooting RapidWeaver ungoodliness (hey if Steve can make up words, so can I). We have 15 plug-ins installed here at AYAAW. That's 15 different change logs we have to check every time RapidWeaver gets updated or when RW starts acting up (ungoodliness). The good news is that RW's awesome third party developers are always improving their plug-ins. That bad news is that its a royal pain in the keister to have to individually check each plug-in to see if its up to date. Anywho, the premier third party developers are now integrating Sparkle auto updating into their plug-ins so hopefully this will be a distant bad memory in the not so distant future.

So far, these are the plug-ins that we know include Sparkle auto-updating:

Yourhead's Collage, Carousel and Blocks
Loghound's PlusKit

If you know of more let us know. In the meantime for help keeping your plug-ins up to date and for other general RapidWeaver goodness, check out Ed Brenner's myRapidWeaver site.

iPhone Firmware 2.1

On Tuesday Uncle Steve introduced us to the goodness that is the new iPod Nano and Touch (watch the QuickTime stream here). iTunes got a little smarter and Apple announced a new premium set of ear buds. The big news for me, however, was Steve's announcement that on Friday, Apple will release iPhone Firmware 2.1 which he says will squash most of the bug us lucky "few percentage of customers" are experiencing. The dropped calls thing hasn't been an issue for me and I don't get and never will get 3G service where I live so that's no big deal for me. I have been afflicted with most of the other bugs you've been hearing about here and there on the internet so I've compiled a list of what I'm hoping to see get fixed with Firmware 2.1. Once again, I'm keeping any and all appropriate appendages crossed. Without further adieu heres my list:

1. God-awful long backups and syncs. Almost since day one this one has been bad. Instead of syncing and backing up daily like I should be, I've avoided this and will only sync overnight once or twice a week. The reason? 4 and 5 hour long backup/syncs. I kid you not. The iPhone can only hold 16 GBs why in the hell does it take 4+ hours to back up? The other day I kind of forgot that backup/syncs take this long and at about 3 p.m. I plugged my 3G into my iMac to do a "quick" app update. Big mistake! I had to be to work (my real, bill paying job) at 6 p.m. and by 5:15 it was readily apparent that there was no way I was going to make it. In frustration I ripped the cord out of the back of my iMac with the backup/sync having completed about half of what it probably should have. Boy was I surprised to see that my iPhone booted up and worked normally for the rest of the day. I figured I'd bricked it for sure at least until I could do a restore.
2. Dodgy GPS. This one hasn't been a big issue for me and the GPS works pretty well most of the time. The last couple of days, however, non of the GPS using apps on my phone can get a signal. Perhaps I shouldn't have jerked the USB cord out of my iMac during a backup/sync? Nah that can't be it. Anyway, I'm afraid to reboot the phone because I'm fairly certain it won't reboot and get stuck at the Gray Apple logo screen requiring a restore. That's never a good thing so I've just avoided powering down and rebooting. Hopefully, after tomorrow I'll have my GPS back.
3. Lose of volume. This one hasn't been a huge deal for me either as generally a reboot will fix it. See number 2 for why I can't/won't reboot.
4. General app crashiness. This one hasn't been a huge deal either except when it happens (duh, makes sense you nimrod). Sometimes when it does, though, I have to reboot which has led to some hair
   
   pulling when it reboots into the GAD (gray Apple of Death) or SAD (silver Apple of Death) as some call it. SAD makes me sad as well as frustrated as you then have to do a restore. In my experiences Restores can go one of three ways: 1. Restored back to new and then iTunes only gives you the option of setting up the phone as a new phone. 2. Restored back to new and when you try to restore from your last backup iTunes tells you it is corrupt and, well, you're screwed. 3. Restored back to new and the restore from your last backup went without a hitch, although it took a week to finish. The last one is a most elusive creature but when it happens revel in the goodness of what Apple, iTunes and the 3G can bring to your life. You'll have plenty of time to "revel" as the whole process will take at least 4 hours.
5. Restores that are required for one reason or another (generally App crashiness) and that result in one of the first two scenarios listed in number 4 above.
6. Abysmal battery life. Seriously abysmal. Yesterday my fully charged 3G lasted all of 8 hour before I got the 20% battery life warning, and its not as if I had lots of background stuff going on. I turn off Wi Fi as I live in the sticks and we ain't not got no fancy shmancy Wi Fi round these here parts. I really hadn't used my phone all that much either. I made a few calls, played some music and a podcast (Car Talk) and played a game of Wurdle or three.

Well that's just about it. I'm sure I could think of a few more but if firmware 2.1 fixed those 6 favorites, I'd be a happy man.

Oh and here's a fun little interview with Steve Jobs conducted by CNBC's Jim Goldman. It strikes me that Goldman seems to really be sucking up to Uncle Steve and going out of his way to not piss him off. What do you think? It was nice of Jobs not to bust out laughing when Goldman asked him about the new Jerry Seinfeld/Bill Gates commercial. The look on his face, though, was pretty telling.

Joe Henry

Apple Announces New Nanos, iTunes 8, Earbuds and More

Kevin Rose was spot on with his predictions as Apple announced immediate availability of new Nanos and iTunes 8.

The new Nano is as Rose described and actually looks like a pretty decent upgrade. The screen is larger and they come in a lot more colors. The new iPod is also sporting an enhanced user interface and includes an accelerometer (like the iPhone and iPod Touch) that detects tilt. Shake the new Nano and your music gets shuffled. The 8GB model will set you back $149 and is available today at the Apple store. The 16GB model will list at $199 and should be available next week.

The iPod Touch also saw a refresh today and according to Jobs and Apple is "the funnest iPod ever". It sports external volume controls, Nike support, a built in speaker and the same curved back as the

iPhone 3G. Battery life for the new touch is said to be 36 hours for music, 6 hours for video. The new Touch will set you back $229 for the 8GB model, $299 for the 16GB and $399 for the 32GB model.

iTunes (press release, download) is also pretty much as Rose described and includes the new grid view for browsing your music collection. You can view the grid by album, artist, genres or composer. iTunes 8 also includes the rumored "Genius" playlist. If you want to watch your TV shows in HD iTunes 8 has you covered there as well. HD TV shows will cost $2.99. The download weighs in at 55.9 MB's and requires Quicktime 7.5.5 which is available via Software Update.

Jobs also announced iPhone Firmware 2.1 but alas it won't be available until Friday sometime. Apple says the new firmware will significantly increase battery life, address dropped calls, make backups faster (Yeah!) and supposedly fix app crashes. Other bug fixes are included as well.

Lastly, Apple announced new in-ear headphones that sport a remote in the cord as well as a mic. The new earbuds list for $79 and are supposed to offer superior sound.

So there you have it kiddies. iTunes has uploaded my music info to Apple and I now have a Genius pane opened on the right side of iTunes. I'll post back with thoughts on this latter.

Joe Henry

Ars Technica Is Recanting "No iTunes" Post

So there! I stuck to my guns and perhaps I'll be vindicated. To get the full details of what they are now predicting, check out the full article here.

The best news for me, however, is they are now predicting iPhone Firmware 2.1. I just spent another grueling day restoring my iPhone from the dreaded Gray Apple Screen Freeze (see our 3G Survival Guide for more info). Although my phone is now functional iTunes doesn't recognize it other than to offer restore it to factory settings or to restore from a backup. I ALREADY DID THAT! Man oh man I'm hoping version 2.1 brings an end to this very unstable and bug infested iPhone OS.

Those are strong words, I know, but I've never had to deal with anything like this from an Apple product. Sure most OS updates bring a random bug or instability but none that I can remember have ever been as bad as iPhone Firmware 2.0. The Gray Apple Screen Freezes, random reboots, corrupt backups, and the list goes on. Yes I still love my iPhone but I could certainly do without the crapware that is iPhone Firmware 2.0.

I'm keeping all of my appropriate appendages crossed for Tuesday.

Joe Henry

Ars Technica Isn't Betting On iTunes 8

Ars Technica isn't betting on iTunes 8 being introduced at Tuesday's "Let's Rock" event. David Chartier, writing for Ars Technica doesn't give any reasons for the lack of faith of version 8's intro.

The one thing we aren't betting on is seeing iTunes 8 introduced on September 9. Call it a hunch, or call it something else, but we don't plan on waking up Software Update just yet.

We're still predicting an iTunes 8 intro here at And Yet Another Apple Weblog. Not that that means anything as we have no insider info, no insiders, no anything. Call it a hunch or something else. Personally, I do plan on waking up Software Update Tuesday afternoon.

The thing is, Ars Technica has a pretty good track record for predicting what's going on and what will go on with Apple.

Here's our final prediction for Tuesday: Apple will or won't announce new products and or services and they will or will not get a bunch of free publicity and media coverage. Actually no matter what happens on Tuesday they'll get a bunch of free media coverage. That's just how it works.

Joe Henry

64-bits: Why You Should Care

AppleInsider is running a very interesting series of articles on Snow Leopard (Apple's next version of OS X) and 64-bit computing. The series is a good read and although a bit technical, it's written in a fashion that even us non-technical types can sort of understand what's going on. The gist of the article posted today is that with 64-bit Snow Leopard apps should run significantly faster. I'm all for faster. You can never be too fast can you? ;)

I wasn't all that excited about the upcoming Snow Leopard because Apple has stated that there will be no new and interesting features and that they're just focusing on improving Leopard. I'm now a little more excited and I bet Apple will include some new features and technologies despite what they've already stated.

So, bring on the SnoCat!

Joe Henry

Apple Not Likely to Roll Out Subsciption Service

The blogosphere is abuzz trying to predict what exactly Apple is going to unveil at next Tuesdays "Let's Rock" event. One thing most places aren't predicting is a subscription service. In fact, according to CNET's Greg Sandoval

"My sources say that they don't expect Apple to announce anything to do with music content, and they are sure Apple won't be rolling out an iTunes music subscription service."

Read the full article here.

This doesn't surprise us here at AYAAW and it shouldn't surprise you either. Although Steve Jobs has gone back on things he said Apple wouldn't do in the past we just can't believe a subscription music service would be

one of them. Apple and iTunes are doing very well all by themselves selling music outright and becoming the number one retail music seller in the U.S. so there doesn't seem to be any compelling reason to roll out a subscription service. Other subscription services don't seem to be doing all that great and are dwarfed by Apple's share of the retail music business, so it just doesn't make sense.

This last spring, however, there were rumors flying around that Apple would offer iTunes Unlimited: a subscription service whereby the entire iTunes library would be available as an add-on to the purchase of an iPod or iPhone and subscribers could download and keep the music as long as they owned the device. Read more about this rumor at Ars Technica. It's an interesting idea.

Most rumor sites are predicting new iPods and iTunes 8 and we think those are the most likely to be true. New Macbooks are also rumored to be part of the event but we don't buy that. This is a music event and as such won't include any hardware refreshes other than iPods. Still, it is Apple and Steve Jobs does so like to surprise.

Joe Henry
AYAAW

Apple "Let's Rock" Special Event

Apple sent out invitations to media outlets for a special event to be held on September 9th. at 10:00 a.m. Pacific. The event, titled “Let’s Rock” is being held at San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

I’m willing to bet that a new iPod and iTunes 8 will be revealed. Yeah I know, neither one are a big stretch but I’m not much of a gambler.

Alas, AYAAW wasn’t invited so we’ll just have to watch the other Apple media outlets on the day of the event. Stay tuned for more info as it becomes available.

Joe Henry
AYAAW

Robbie White Releases Spectrum for RapidWeaver

Robbie White announced the release of a new RapidWeaver theme yesterday: Spectrum. The new theme continues to push the envelope in terms of features and beautiful design that RapidWeaver users can incorporate into their own websites.

Spectrum’s fading/glowing navigation system is probably it’s most noticeable feature but not the only one. Spectrum features fading/glowing navigation in the sidebar as well, where your second and third tier page navigation controls reside. The theme comes with a variety of header artwork, Google and RapidSearch JavaScript search snippets and of course, validates XHTML and CSS valid.

If you own RapidWeaver you owe it to yourself to check out Robbie White’s Spectrum live demo.

Joe Henry
AYAAW

Griffin Announces Double Bonus Slots

Griffin Technology, creators of iPod and iPhone accessories like the iTrip AutoPilot and EarJams, today announced the availability of it’s newest iPod Touch/iPhone app Double Bonus Slots.

The slot machine simulation game features a large view in landscape mode, fast animation and graphics and will keep track of your winnings.

Check out Double Bonus Slots at the iTunes app store.

Joe Henry
AYAAW