MacMost: Archives

A long-anticipated update to Apple’s video editing application is close to release. The new Final Cut Pro X will come out in June. It is a complete rewrite of the software to take advantage of multiple processor cores for better performance.
In addition, some new features including editing while importing, resolution independent playback and scalable rendering. It will support resolutions up to the very high quality 4K format. It will also recognize faces in shots allowing for a variety of localized effects.

“My new stock prediction algorithm takes into account futures markets, analyst reports, word currencies and Steve Jobs’ complexion.”

Learn how to find information on the web by bypassing search engines and going right to information-rich sites like WIkipedia, IMDB, AllMusic and Twitter. You can also use map searches and site-specific searches to find information.

You can record multiple microphones each into its own track in GarageBand. First you must set up an aggregate device using the Audio MIDI Setup utility. Then you need to enable multitrack recording in GarageBand and give each track a channel from the aggregate device. To get all microphones working well it takes some trial and error.

If you must browse the web using your MacBook, iPad or iPhone on a public wifi network, you will want to use https whenever possible. Many major sites allow you to force https using an account setting.

What’s next for Apple? With the iPad 2 selling furiously worldwide, the rumor mill tries to forecast what is in store for the rest of the year.
Many observers note that it is time for an iMac update. Some rumors point to early May with new processors and the Thunderbolt port to match the MacBook Pro.
Rumors of a new iPhone vary between a normal late June release or a delayed release in the fall that may include 4G capability. Apple will most likely update iOS to version 5 at the same time. Some say this will include deeper voice command integration.
We’ve been expecting a major update to the Final Cut Pro video editing suite, and some are now saying it will be announced later this month. In addition, the next iPod Nano may get a camera like the previous version.
There are also continued rumors that Apple will be adding a cloud service to their product line. It may simply be a way to store your iTunes music online rather than on your hard drive.

“Wow. Digital cameras in the 90s were so bad compared to what we have today.”
“Actually, those photos were taken yesterday with my iPad 2.”

Many U.S. libraries will let you borrow electronic versions of books using your Mac, iPhone or iPad. But using an app on the iPad you can check out e-books and audio books.

While you can't add text or shapes to a photo in iPhoto, you can do it using either Pages or Preview. Pages allows you to add a variety of shapes and even other photos. Preview allows text and simple shapes.

Learn about a few simple April Fools jokes you can play on your friends with Macs.

Apple announced that it will hold its Worldwide Developers Conference on June 6 to June 10 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. This annual event usually sells out in hours and this was no different.
Apple typically makes some new announcements at the conference or just before, allowing developers to learn about new tools or operating systems at the conference. With the 2011 release of the Mac OS X Lion operating system, it seems likely that Lion will be one focus. A new version of the iOS operating system for the iPhone and iPad is also thought to be likely.

“They gave you high fives and cheered? Did you hit a home run?”
“That wasn’t a game, that was when I waiting in line at the Apple Store for an iPad.”

There are three simple steps you can take to protect your iPad against being lost or stolen. Use the passcode feature to stop someone else from accessing your data. Set up Find My iPad with your MobileMe or free Apple ID. Put a message on your lock screen to help someone return your lost iPad to you.

A common problem for new Mac users is to find an application missing from the Dock. Or, to find that it only appears when the application is running. Items can also go missing from the Finder sidebar or the desktop. This video explains why these can disappear and how to get them back.

Learn how to do basic page layout in iWork Pages. By starting with a page layout template instead of a word processing template you can easily add text blocks, titles and images. You can flow text from one box to another.

Apple began defending its trademark over the term “App Store” this week by suing Amazon and others over use of the term. Apple filed for the trademark in 2008. Apple also sent a cease-and-desist letter to a company that was promoting a porn “app store.”
The U.S. wireless landscape is about to undergo a dramatic change as AT&T intends to buy T-Mobile for $39 billion. AT&T would then become the largest wireless network in the U.S., over Verizon. It would also leave Sprint as the only major carrier not offering the iPhone.

“I’ve got two iPhones. One for the office where I get AT&T but not Verizon. And the other for home where I get Verizon but not AT&T.”

Take a look at iMovie for the iPad 2. This simplified version of the desktop software allows you to put together clips you take with your iPad's cameras into short movies. You can choose a theme that determines the look of the transitions and titles. You can insert audio and photos.

Some Universal Access features in Snow Leopard can be used by everyone. You can enlarge the cursor, get feedback when you type, zoom in to see pixels and more.

Take a look at the iPad 2's cameras. While they are fine for video chatting and posting online, they are not good enough quality for even casual photography. See a side-by-side comparison with the iPhone 4's camera.