Magic Mouse induction charging, Artwizz-styleArtwizz and Mobee are both offering induction-based recharger kits for the Magic Mouse, which save users from relying on disposable batteries, and there’s no need to swap batteries out — unlike Apple’s own rechargeable battery kit. Both company’s products include a charging pad and a custom battery pack that replaces the…
Jeff Gamet
Jeff Gamet is the Mac Observer’s Managing Editor, and co-host of the Apple Context Machine podcast. He is the author of “The Designer’s Guide to Mac OS X” from Peachpit Press, and writes for several design-related publications. Jeff has presented at events such as Macworld Expo, the RSA Conference, and the Mac Computer Expo. In all his spare time, he also hosts TMO’s Daily Observations podcast, co-hosts The iOS Show podcast, and makes guest appearances on several other shows, too. Jeff dreams in HD.
Articles by Jeff Gamet
iRig Mic: Your On-the-go iPhone Recording Studio
iRig Mic can mount to stands, tooThe IK Multimedia team told The Mac Observer at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas they expect iRig Mic to be handy for podcasters on the go, as well as musicians looking for a light weight recording setup when they aren’t in the studio. The kit includes a…
QuickerTek Intros Solar Charger for MacBook Air
QuickerTek’s Apple JuiczThe Apple Juicz Solar Charger is available in 27 Watt and 55 Watt versions, and includes a MagSafe connector, adapters for other QuickerTek batteries, messenger bag-style carrying case, and a 12 volt car charger adapter. The 27 Watt model weighs 1.78 pounds, and the 55 Watt version weighs 3.9 pounds.The Apple Juicz Solar…
Analyst: Verizon iPhone, Cloud-based iTunes on the Way
The likelihood Apple will launch a version of the iPhone that’s compatible with Verizon’s cell service network in its March quarter is 95 percent, and seeing iTunes cloud-based services some time this year clocks in at 90 percent, according to Business Insider. The likelihood that wireless service providers will start subsidizing 3G iPad sales this…
Remote Conductor Controls Your Mac from Your iPad
The app supports trackpad and multi-touch gestures, can launch applications on your Mac, supports application and window switching, supports the Spaces feature in Mac OS X, and uses 256 bit AES encryption when communicating with your Mac.Remote Conductor requires an iPad running iOS 3.2 or newer, Mac OS X 10.6 or higher, and is available…
Quick Snap Yanked from App Store
Quick Snap vanishes from the App StoreWhen the app was available on the App Store, the developer’s description stated “Turn iPhone Volume Button into a Shutter Button? ‘Quick Snap’ is the app for THAT!”Quick Snap isn’t the first camera app to use the volume buttons to take a photo. Camera+ tried the same thing earlier…
Skype 3 Brings 3G Video Chat to iPhone
iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and fourth generation iPod touch owners can conduct two-way video chats, while iPad and iPod touch owners can receive video calls even though they can only participate via audio. The app also supports mobile to computer video calls with Skype 2.8 and higher on Mac OS X, or Skype 4.2 and…
Microsoft Co-founder Paul Allen Refiles Apple Patent Lawsuit
The amended complaint includes details that weren’t included in the original filing, and also sports 40 exhibits showing the alleged patent infringement in action, according to the Seattle Times. ALong with Apple, Google, Facebook, Office Depot, OfficeMax, staples, Yahoo, YouTube, Netflix and eBay are named in the filing.Paul Allen hopes his lawsuit sticks this timeMr.…
TMO Contest: Get Your Beatnik On, Win Macworld Expo Passes
Here are the rules: Your haiku must be original. You can submit as many haiku as you want, and it doesn’t cost anything to enter. Your haiku can be on any topic, but any that relate to TMO, the Mac, Macworld Expo, or anything else Apple-related are more likely to catch our eye. All entries…
Rumor Claims CDMA-based iPad on the Way
Word of the CDMA-based iPad comes from unnamed sources in the parts supply chain.Rumors say a CDMA iPad is on the wayCurrently, the 3G version of the iPad relies on the same UMTS technology as the iPhone for 3G wireless data access, which isn’t compatible with CDMA-based networks such as Verizon. iPad owners wanting to…
TimePreserver Backs Up Time Capsule, Time Machine Drives
TimePreserver is designed to complement Apple’s Time Machine data backup system, backs up data to external hard drives, maintains incremental backups, doesn’t require users to interrupt their regular backup schedule, and can be used to restore user data as if the backup were the original Time Capsule or Time Machine drive.TimePreserver is priced at US$35…
iPad Tops Mossberg’s Best of 2010 List
“For a 1.0 product, the iPad was amazing,” Mr. Mossberg said. “With the new iOS 4.2 operating system and its huge selection of apps, the iPad continues to stay ahead of the competition.”The iPad and iPhone 4 both made Mossberg’s best of listApple’s multimedia tablet has been popular ever since it was launched in April…
Apple Patents Antenna Behind Logo Idea
The patent describes a system where the logo antenna would be mounted in an conductive cavity with a dielectric window covering the actual antenna structure. In this case, the window would be shaped like the Apple logo.A logo antenna wouldn’t be as susceptible to signal interference from the MacBook’s all metal body, or the iPhone’s…
Financial Times: Steve Jobs is the Business Comeback Master
Mr. Jobs helped launch Apple in the 1970s, but was forced out of the company several years later. During his absence, Apple stumbled through product releases with luke warm receptions, and eventually reached a point where analysts and competitors were ready to write off the Mac maker as dead in the water.Apple CEO Steve Jobs…
iWeb Themes Park Shares Free Holiday Templates
iWeb holiday theme templatesThe themes are compatible with iWeb ‘08, ‘09 and ‘11, and include elements such as Christmas trees, snowmen, snow globes, gift boxes, Santa Claus, slide show pages, blog pages, and more.Christmas Night and Christmas Holidays are available as free downloads at the iWeb Themes Park Web site.
Solar Walk Adds Satellite Tracking, More
Solar Walk for the iPhone and iPadSolar Walk 1.6 also added points of interest on the Moon, Mars and Venus, a planetary size comparison video, the ability to see major Earth cities, and more.Solar Walk 1.6 is priced at US$2.99 and is a free update for current users. The app is available for download at…
Apple Dropped WikiLeaks Over Legal Concerns
In a statement to Business Insider, an Apple spokesperson commented “We removed WikiLeaks because it violated developer guidelines. An app must comply with all local laws. It may not put an individual or target group in harms way.”Apple representatives declined to elaborate on the statement.The WikiLeaks app for the iPhone and iPod touch gives users…
BusyToDo Syncs iCal Tasks with iPhone
BusyToDo can sync task do dates, priority, location, alarms, and associated URLs and notes. It can sort tasks by date, calendar, priority or title, and can filter tasks based on calendar. BusyCal users can also sync repeating tasks and BuysCal tags as well.BusyToDo for iPhone and iPod touchBusyToDo requires iOS 4.1 or higher, a MobileMe account,…
iOS 4.2 Unlock Could Land in January
The news first appeared on Twitter after a soldier asked one of the hacking team if they would be able to unlock their iPhone 4 before they ship out for active duty on January 16. The response: “sure.”iPhone 4 carrier unlock could hit in JanuaryUnlocking is the process of hacking an iPhone so it can…
Doctor Who Steps Out of the TARDIS into the App Store
Doctor Who: The Mazes of TimeThe game includes over 100 puzzles for the Doctor and Amy to solve, seven different locations, and the ability to play as the Doctor or Amy. It also includes music from the TV series, and Daleks, Cybermen and Silurians ready to fight the Doctor, along with Open Feint and Game…
Word Lens for iPhone Translates Text on the Fly
Word Lens uses the video camera feature in the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and the fourth generation iPod touch and supports translating printed text. Translated text appears in place of the original text in captured images.Translate text with Word LensSo far, English to Spanish and Spanish to English translation packs are available, but the company…
Supply Checks Say No 7-inch iPad
While supply chain sources claim there isn’t a 7-inch iPad in the works, they also said that Apple has signed deals with two more touch panel suppliers for the second generation iPad, according to DigiTimes. Apparently Chimei Innolux and Cando are both on board to start delivering 9.7-inch touch panels to Apple in January or…
Analyst Calls Verizon iPhone a Sure Thing
“Our Take On The Timing Of iPhone At Verizon. Our model assumes Verizon launches the iPhone in early- or mid-calendar year 2011,” Mr. Munster said. “While we do not know the timing of the launch we have modeled it to occur midway through the March ‘11 quarter.”Verizon iPhone? Munster’s Magic 8 Ball says “Yes.”Rumors have…
MIC Gadget Unveils 3-in-1 iPad Camera Card Reader
3-in-1 Camera Connection Kit for iPadIn addition to packing its ports into a single dongle, MIC Gadget’s kit sports a couple features Apple’s kit is lacking: a Micro SD card slot and black or white color choices.The 3-in-1 Camera Connection Kit is priced at US$29.90 and is available for pre-order now. MIC Gadget says it…