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.”
If you use a MacBook and travel often, you may notice that your computer sticks to the time back at home. However, if you go into System Preferences, Date & Time, Time Zone there is an option to “Set time zone automatically using current location.” Turn this on and your MacBook’s time will adjust when you connect to a network in another time zone.
By default Mac OS X will hide filename extensions. But these can be useful. To reveal them, go to Finder Preferences, Advanced and look for “Show all filename extensions.” Now you should see the full filename for each file. This is also where you can turn off the warning you get when changing the file extension.
I’m surprised there aren’t more good trivia games for the iPhone. They are the perfect time-filler to have in your pocket. One of my favorite party games has made the transformation to the iPhone. Scene It? Movies Is better than a typical question-and-answer trivia game, with creative ways to present questions.
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.”
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.
You can see more than just a file or folder name in the Finder’s icon view. With the desktop selected, or any Finder window showing icon view, choose View, Show View Options. Then check off Show Item Info. Folders now show the number of files in them. Some files show their size. Video and audio files show their duration. Images show their dimensions. This makes icon view much more useful.
Remember when MapQuest was synonymous with web-based maps. Heck, it almost became a dictionary word. Well MapQuest is relevant again, but this time as a free GPS turn-by-turn iPhone app. The MapQuest 4 Mobile app beats Google Maps easily because it will speak the directions to you just like one of the expensive GPS devices.
“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.”
