Deciphering Apple’s intentions is even more challenging than figuring out the Kremlin’s, though there’s definitely some similarity. Elsewhere, the Thunderbolt Display is ripped to shreds, iTunes movies surface around the world, and is it finally time to bid adieu to some venerable Apple products? The remainders for Wednesday, September 28, 2011 promised themselves they wouldn’t cry.
The secret numerology behind the iPhone event invitation (TUAW)
TUAW’s Steven Sande has cracked this whole Apple invitation wide open. I’m just surprised that nobody’s noted that the four apps in a 2-by-2 grid clearly summon to mind the latest iPod nano. COINCIDENCE? I think almost surely.
Apple Thunderbolt Display Teardown (iFixit)
Sometimes I wonder if the folks at iFixit have trouble making toast in the morning because they’ve disassembled their toaster—they just can’t help it; it’s their nature. Well, now they’ve turned those talents toward good(?) by taking apart Apple’s new Thunderbolt Display. Turns out it’s heavy on chips and light on thunder—oh no, somebody stole the thunder.
Apple Rolling Out iTunes Movie Content in New European Countries (MacRumors)
iTunes movies are apparently arriving in a number of European countries, including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. But how can we be sure this is true? There’s only one solution: Book me a multi-city ticket and bill it all to research!
Apple’s new headquarters (The New Yorker)
Does Apple’s new spaceship-esque campus design frighten you? Apparently it bothers The New Yorker’s Paul Goldberg, who writes that “there seems to be very little sense of any connection to human size.” One can almost hear him insisting, “What is this, a headquarters for ants? How can we expect the employees to work if they can’t even fit inside the building?”
iPhone knocked off Cool Brands index by Aston Martin (The Telegraph)
Well, it’s not really “knocked off.” It’s just that the iPhone is now in second place, behind Aston Martin. Which will all change in next year’s as-yet-untitled James Bond movie when the superspy smiles, pulls out his phone, and, with a rakish grin, tells his lovely lady companion that he’s got an app for that.
Apple may discontinue the iPod shuffle and classic (TUAW)
TUAW reports that Apple may kill off both the iPod shuffle and the classic this year. My theory: The company is combining the two into one brilliant product with 250GB of storage and no pesky screen. Call it “the iPod cluffle.”
Product News:
Skype 3.5.84 – The VoIP company has updated its iPhone and iPad apps to bring Bluetooth support for the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, fourth-generation iPod touch, and iPad 2. The iPhone version also has enhanced video, thanks to image stabilization; a new interface; and emoticons in incoming messages (in outgoing messages they’re displayed after they’re entered as text). In addition, users without Skype Credit, a calling subscription, or premium plan will now see ads in the apps. Free.