Latest Posts in Macworld Podcast

All about laptops

Posted by Christopher Breen on

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What with all the hubbub about the iPhone 3GS and just as much hub (though a little less bub) regarding Snow Leopard, it’s easy to forget that Apple opened the WWDC keynote with talk of an updated laptop line. If Apple’s willing to devote that kind of keynote real estate to the subject, the least we can do is spend a podcast talking about it.

And that’s exactly what we do. Macworld editorial director Jason Snell and senior editor Dan Frakes join me to talk laptops—Apple-branded MacBooks as well as anything-but-Apple HackBooks.

Download Episode #164

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MP3 version (18.4 MB, 40 minutes)

To subscribe to the Macworld Podcast via iTunes 4.9 or later, simply click here. Or you can point your favorite podcast-savvy RSS reader at: http://rss.macworld.com/macworld/weblogs/mwpodcast/

You can find previous episodes of our audio podcasts at Macworld’s podcasting page.

Apple's iPhone updates

Posted by Christopher Breen on

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This week, Apple launched a two-front assault on the mobile phone market with its release of the iPhone 3.0 software and iPhone 3G S. Given the company’s focus on the iPhone it seems only fitting that we devote the entirety of this episode of the Macworld Podcast to it as well.

We do that with two interviews. The first is with Mac accessibility expert, Josh de Lioncourt, who discusses what the iPhone 3G S brings to the sight-impaired and blind. We also talk about the accessibility improvements that will appear in Snow Leopard and why some in the sight-impaired community may be too eager to dismiss Apple’s accessibility efforts.

Next, Macworld associate editor, Dan Moren, and I talk about Dan’s fresh-from-the-oven review of the iPhone 3.0 software.

Download Episode #163

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MP3 version (22.1 MB, 48 minutes)

To subscribe to the Macworld Podcast via iTunes 4.9 or later, simply click here. Or you can point your favorite podcast-savvy RSS reader at: http://rss.macworld.com/macworld/weblogs/mwpodcast/

You can find previous episodes of our audio podcasts at Macworld’s podcasting page.

Got any feedback on this podcast? Send me an e-mail or an audio comments in the form of an AAC or MP3 file. You can also leave us a message at 415/520-9761 if you’d like to have your comments included in a future podcast.

Show Notes

In the opening of the episode I present a Top 5 List regarding AT&T. Should you not understand the references, Jason Snell’s AT&T’s Many Missed iPhone Opportunities will help bring you up to speed.

If you’re interested in learning more about Mac and iPhone accessibility issues check out Josh’s Mac-cessibility News and Mac-cessibility Podcast. And for more details on the iPhone 3G S and accessibility, take a look at this page on Apple’s website.

And for far more information on everything iPhone, visit iPhone Central.

Sponsor

This podcast is sponsored by Audible.com.

WWDC Roundtable

Posted by Philip Michaels on

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New laptops, a final version of Safari 4, an OS X update, more on the iPhone 3.0 software, and a brand new iPhone—Monday’s Worldwide Developers Conference keynote had something for everybody. And we cover it all in this special edition of the Macworld Podcast.

I’m joined by three Macworld editors who spent the morning at Moscone West listening to Apple executives talk up their new products. Editorial director Jason Snell, senior editor Dan Frakes, and associate editor Dan Moren share their thoughts on all the news to come out of WWDC so far.

Download Episode #162

• MP3 version (19.7 MB, 43 minutes)

To subscribe to the Macworld Podcast via iTunes 4.9 or later, simply click here. Or you can point your favorite podcast-savvy RSS reader at: http://rss.macworld.com/macworld/weblogs/mwpodcast/

You can find previous episodes of our audio podcasts at Macworld’s podcasting page.

Got any feedback on this podcast? Send regular podcast host Christopher Breen an e-mail; audio comments in the form of an AAC or MP3 file are particularly welcome for inclusion in future Mac 911 Takes to the Air! segments. You can also leave us a message at 415/520-9761 if you’d like to have your comments included in a future podcast.

Show Notes

Messers Snell and Moren are the two gentlemen responsible for Monday morning’s live keynote coverage. Our discussion covers all the product news hit on in that keynote, including:

Apple’s notebook updates;
the Safari 4 release;
Apple’s preview of Snow Leopard;
the recap of all the changes in iPhone 3.0, which comes out next Wednesday; and
the new iPhone 3G S, which arrives next Friday.

It’s one thing to hear people talking about the keynote and another thing to read about product announcements, but you can also see pictures from Monday’s event, courtesy of Macworld’s WWDC slideshow.

WWDC Preview

Posted by Christopher Breen on

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Next week is one of the Big Ones for Apple enthusiasts as the Worldwide Developers Conference kicks off on Monday, June 8. In anticipation of all-things-WWDC, Macworld’s Rob Griffiths and Dan Moren join me for an episode-long discussion of WWDC 2009—what we know and what we might see.

Before the three of us move to matters of WWDC, I use the podcast’s News & Commentary segment to offer my thoughts on the recently released video streaming application, Hulu Desktop.

Download Episode #161

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MP3 version (20.5 MB, 45 minutes)

To subscribe to the Macworld Podcast via iTunes 4.9 or later, simply click here. Or you can point your favorite podcast-savvy RSS reader at: http://rss.macworld.com/macworld/weblogs/mwpodcast/

You can find previous episodes of our audio podcasts at Macworld’s podcasting page.

Show Notes

In the first half of our WWDC discussion, we talk a lot about Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard). If you’d like more information about this cat, visit Apple’s Snow Leopard web page as well as Macworld’s own Snow Leopard subject page.

Similarly, Apple provides a mean mess of information about iPhone OS 3.0 on this Developer Connection page and our very own iPhone subject page is a comprehensive gathering of iPhone information—new and old. Our App Guide, beta though it may be, also includes a fair dollop of awesomeness.

Sponsor

This podcast is sponsored by Macworld Superguides.

Great low-cost Mac software

Posted by Christopher Breen on

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The days of extravagance and waste are over. Cheap is chic. And because it is, we turn our attention to capable Macintosh applications that can be had for a song.

We do this in the form of my interview with Macworld senior editors Dan Frakes and Roman Loyola, the two gentlemen responsible for putting together Macworld’s GemFest 2009—our yearly reviews roundup of inexpensive applications. GemFest 2009 runs through the end of June and presents a review each and every day.

Before the three of us chat, I turn a harsh light on the myths of music ownership.

Download Episode #160

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Acquisitions, profits and recycling

Posted by Christopher Breen on

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In a Big Picture episode of the Macworld Podcast, we look at three broad issues—a flush Apple and rumors of it flushing some of its cash to purchase Twitter or Electronic Arts, a flush and profitable Apple in a down economy and what its financial numbers mean for the company now and into the future, and what you might do with an old Mac that you’d like to flush from your life.

Macworld associate editor Dan Moren tackles the first subject in a reading of his excellent MacUser blog post, Will Apple acquire a big name? Signs point to no. It’s worth a read as well as a listen.

Macworld.com executive editor Philip Michaels then leads a discussion with editorial director Jason Snell and senior news editor Jonathan Seff about the implications of Apple’s financial success in a bleak economy.

And, after a word from Macworld Superguides, I speak with frequent contributor Lisa Schmeiser about practical and conscionable methods for disposing of an old Mac.

Up close with the Mac media center

Posted by Christopher Breen on

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After devoting our last podcast episode to just about everything except the Macintosh, we make amends by discussing nothing but the Mac—specifically the Mac mini.

Macworld senior editor Dan Frakes is the guy we call on to crack open Apple’s most diminutive Macintosh. He’s just completed upgrading a new $599 mini with 4GB of RAM and a higher-capacity hard drive. I talk with him about his experience.

After a word from episode-sponsor Audible.com, I speak with an international panel of computers about my exploits turning a Mac mini into a media center.

Download Episode #158

AAC version (19.8 MB, 41 minutes)
MP3 version (18.8 MB, 41 minutes)

To subscribe to the Macworld Podcast via iTunes 4.9 or later, simply click here. Or you can point your favorite podcast-savvy RSS reader at: http://rss.macworld.com/macworld/weblogs/mwpodcast/

You can find previous episodes of our audio podcasts at Macworld’s podcasting page.

Got any feedback on this podcast? Send me an e-mail; audio comments in the form of an AAC or MP3 file are particularly welcome for inclusion in future Mac 911 Takes to the Air! segments. You can also leave us a message at 415/520-9761 if you’d like to have your comments included in a future podcast.

Show Notes

I open the show by discussing the end of support for Office 2004. For the newsy side of that story rather than what it means to me, read Jim Dalrymple’s article.

Dan’s documentation of the Mac mini upgrade will appear shortly. In the meantime, read his review.

Throughout this week I outline my adventures with a Mac mini as media center. Part 1 discusses upgrading the mini to make it a more capable entertainment device. Part 2 is about connecting the mini to your AV gear and configuring Front Row. Part 3 focuses on obtaining additional media content. Part 4 will address remotely controlling the mini. And Part 5 takes the long view—whether it’s worth the trouble and expense. You can find links to all the products and programs I mention within these stories.

Sponsor

This podcast is sponsored by Audible.com.

Cheap cameras & camcorders

Posted by Christopher Breen on

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Try as we might to escape its influence, the economy continues to drive the thinking of many—to distraction, away from Detroit, and toward inexpensive image capture devices. It’s this last subject that we focus on in this episode of the Macworld Podcast.

I’m joined by Macworld senior contributor, professional photographer, and multimedia maven Ben Long to look at today’s most inexpensive point-and-shoot cameras. According to Ben, these approximately $100 cameras pack far more punch than you might imagine (and “smile detection” to boot!).

After the break, the discussion turns to inexpensive pocket camcorders.

Before we launch into these discussions, I offer my 2 cents on 129 cent tracks from the iTunes Store.

All about iPhone 3.0

Posted by Christopher Breen on

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When Apple unveiled the original iPhone, we pronounced it Good—but wanting in some important ways. You know… cut and paste, MMS, push, more extensive Bluetooth support, and on and on. Recently Apple gave the world a glimpse of the iPhone 3.0 software (due this summer) and, in regard to those wanting features, we pronounce it About Time.

Macworld editorial director Jason Snell and associate editor Dan Moren traveled to Cupertino to witness the grand unveiling. And they came back with a boatload of knowledge and opinions. They share both with online executive editor Philip Michaels in this episode’s sole, extended interview.

Before we turn to that interview, I offer a dramatic reading of my recent Editor Notes blog, When Apple Marches On in the News & Commentary segment. If you’ve ever been frustrated by Apple walking away from one of your favorite technologies, you’ll want to give it a listen.

Download Episode #156

AAC version (24.6 MB, 50 minutes)
MP3 version (23.1 MB, 50 minutes)

To subscribe to the Macworld Podcast via iTunes 4.9 or later, simply click here. Or you can point your favorite podcast-savvy RSS reader at: http://rss.macworld.com/macworld/weblogs/mwpodcast/

You can find previous episodes of our audio podcasts at Macworld’s podcasting page.

Show Notes

We’ve covered iPhone 3.0 extensively. To relive Jason and Dan’s play-by-play coverage, check out their iPhone Software 3.0 Live Update. Senior editor Peter Cohen nicely distills the highlights of the release. If you’d care to get a taste of our thinking prior to the event, give a gander to 15 iPhone 3.0 Features We’d Like to See. And you can see just how well Apple addressed these desires in senior editor Dan Frakes’ Our iPhone 3.0 Scorecard.

Sponsor

This podcast is sponsored by Audible.com. Download a free audiobook today.

Inside the Mac mini

Posted by Christopher Breen on

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In this episode of the Macworld Podcast we devote a lot of time to a little thing—the updated Mac mini. Macworld editorial director, Jason Snell, senior news editor, Jonathan Seff, senior editor, Dan Frakes, and I go around the table examining the import of this diminutive Mac.

Before that extended interview, I address two subjects close to my heart—jailbroken iPhones and pocket-able iPods. Specifically I throw a couple of cents at the notion that neither the existence of a third-party iPhone application store or a button-less iPod are things to be feared.