Five Things You Really Might See At MacWorld 09

by Chris Howard Dec 17, 2008

So we've all being doing a bit of prognosticating lately. I said you won't see a netbook soon, Hadley thinks you will, Chris S says we won't. Recently Bakari gave his wishlist for MWSF09, which did include a netbook. And Chris S also gave us his expectations for MWSF09.

Since I started writing this, one rather interesting bit of news has come to light: Steve Jobs won't be delivering the keynote at MWSF09. You can speculate if this is health or political, but the big clue will be in what gets announced. Steve always announces the big ones; it's what he lives for; shaking up the world. The three I'm listing below are big but not huge. There's no iPhones, Apple TVs or Intel Macs here. So I think they are the sorts of things - as they are all essentially variations on existing products - that Steve would be happy to acquiesce the launch of to Phil.

Like the supermodel who several years ago said she won't get out bed for less than $10,000 a day, well I suspect Steve won't get on a MacWorld stage for anything less than revolutionary.
Now, that out of the way, here are the five things I think are 50/50 or better chance of showing up at MacWorld San Francisco in January 2009.

iPhone nano
Unlike Chris S, I do think the iPhone nano is a real possibility. The market is there. The smartphone market is just a small part of the overall phone market. There are people who, for whatever reason, just will never want a smartphone. But they've probably already got an iPod and would be quite happy to have a phone with an iPod built in. I think Apple has the confidence, and now the experience, to release a product into that non-smartphone market. I dont' see it creating confusion anymore than the shuffle, nano, classic and touch do in the iPod market.
Talk of this has gained momentum lately with some rumors.



It would make sense because if Apple is going to play in the phone market, it needs another option. Having a choice of two phones would allow Apple to update one every six months, thus each each once a year. This would keep Apple dynamic in the mobile phone market and give it both a smartphone and um... a less-smart phone. Could you really call it a "normal" phone? I think Apple would enjoy redefining the non-smartphone market, just as it did the smartphone market.

However, what features does Apple cut from the iPhone classic to make the nano? The most logical would be internet, i.e. email and web, as internet is the main attraction of the standard iPhone. (However, then Apple would have to include MMS.) GPS should go too. The only other possibility would be the camera, but cameras are pretty much de rigueur on phones now. Without internet, WiFi could go too.

The other challenge is whether to allow iPod apps on it, or iPhone apps. The latter would require developers to code for a smaller screen dimension, which could get messy. Maybe Apple could have no third party apps on it.

So, an iPhone without internet, Wifi and GPS. Essentially, an iPod nano with phone services. That seems nano enough.
Chances: 50%
Addition: Guide of how to Convert DVD to iPhone and convert video to iphone 3G

Mac mini
Another rumor gaining ground is an update of the Mac mini. MDN, I think it was, pointed out that the mini is consistently in the top 5 selling desktops on Amazon. Not bad for a machine that's way overdue for an overhaul.

This rumor has to come to fruition sooner or later. And if this is a quiet MacWorld product wiseas appears likely, a new mini should be a walk up start.
Chances: 90%

iWork online

As James rightly pointed out, Apple has been rather quiet on the desktop application software front for a while. iWork and iLife should both be due for upgrades, which we might see at MWSF09, but online is where the future is fast racing and Apple could very well give us a first taste of its own foray into online apps with all or part of iWork going online under the umbrella of MobileMe.

However, this might be too big for MacWorld and an announcement Apple would rather keep for its own specific launch, especially if these were iPhone compatible.

Chances: 50%

iWork and iLife updates
iWork and iLife haven't casued much excitement of recent years, so a refresh of these could be used as filler in an otherwise quiet MacWorld.
Chances: 70%

Snow Leopard

This one seems to be tracking well for a release early 2009. Provided there really are no exciting new features, it could also be filler at MacWorld.
Chances: 80%

Rumor: Zune Phone Is Coming to CES 2009

After years of rumors and brusque denials, it appears the Zune phone is the real deal.
According to Trip Chowdhry, an analyst at Global Equities Research, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer will announce a Zune-style mobile device during his keynote address at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, on January 7, 2009.

In an article in Barron's, Chowdhry claims that the company's new centerpiece will combine the best features of the Zune media player with the hardware design of Danger's mobile Sidekick, in addition to "motion enhancement features," like an accelerometer.

Basically, this means the device will come with a physical keyboard like HTC's G1 and will likely feature a larger screen to accommodate heavy multimedia elements. And since we're all here copying each other's mobile phone features, we'll be shocked if the Zune phone doesn't feature multitouch capabilities.

This report seems to confirm an earlier one revealing that Microsoft was working on a phone code-named "Pink."

It's a long way from Ballmer's original statement in April 2007 regarding the iPhone: "It's not a concept you'll ever get from us. We're in the Windows Mobile business."

In fact, this was always the excuse Microsoft gave as to why it couldn't build a phone -– its WinMo business was too successful and it couldn't afford to cannibalize the market. This year, Microsoft's WinMo profits are expected to be near $300 million in revenue.

Not bad if you can shake that amount of cash, but it seems positively paltry next to the $4.6 billion in revenue that Apple just made in the last quarter from its iPhone sales.

If Microsoft releases the Zunephone within six months of a January announcement, it might also mean that Windows Mobile 7 will be available to its hardware partners within that time. No one wants to be played for a fool, and the imminent Zune phone would cut into their profits.

The pre-Zunephone timeline reveals MS' unwillingness to reveal its plans. In September '07, a Microsoft rep warned that expecting a phone from the company was "not unreasonable."

In the intermittent 15 months, however, the company limited its enthusiasm and its leaks. Several top executives consistently batted down rumors of a full-on Microsoft phone. In January '08, Bill Gates simply said "No, we won't do that."

Then, this past summer, a leaked internal e-mail by CEO Steve Ballmer strongly suggested Microsoft was working on a phone: "We're changing the way we work with hardware vendors to ensure that we can provide complete experiences with absolutely no compromises. We'll do the same with phones."

And to convert DVD Video to zune, you can get Zune DVD Video Converter, as well as the iPhone DVD Video Converter.
By October 2008, Ballmer was revealing that the software used on the Zune was ready to be ported to PCs and to Windows Mobile devices. Some believed he was admitting that the WinMo system was flawed and that a phone version of the well-received Zune UI was the next logical step.

Add the chatter that revealed that NVidia is making a special chip purely for a mobile Microsoft product, and it's pretty clear the Zunephone is at hand. Or is it?

One way the rumors could turn out to be true while allowing for Microsoft's continual denials would be for the mythical phone to instead be a web-enabled portable XBox Zune, for gaming.
Either way, here's the one question we really care about: Will it squirt?

Zune Phone or Xbox Zune Announcement Coming At CES?

Global Equities Research analyst Trip Chowdhry may have spilled some beans about Microsoft's upcoming CES showing.

According to the analyst, and Wired's Gadget Lab seems to buy it, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer will be announcing a Zune-style mobile device during his keynote at the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas next month.

The device is said to include "motion enhancement features" like an accelerometer, a large, multimedia-friendly screen and a keyboard.

What's that mean for gaming? Well if nothing else, I'm sure we will see an explosion of portable gaming hit this new Zune device, perhaps even that long awaited Live Anywhere software. But Gadget Lab seems to think that perhaps this device may not be a phone at all, maybe it will be a web-enabled portable Xbox Zune.
Before using Xbox to download music music for Zune, you can put DVD Video to zune with zune dvd video converter.

On the surface that seems plausible, what with NVidia making a special chip for a mobile Microsoft product, and Microsoft being the only gaming hardware company out there without a portable device for gaming. But with the economy crashing down around our ears, is now really the time for that? It all depends on the price.

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BlackBerry Storm VS iPhone 3G: Will RIM's Blackberry be iPhone Killer?

Recently I had published a side-by-side comparison of the iPhone 3G and T-Mobile G1 which evoked an interesting debate.

Here comes another side-by-side comparison of Apple's iPhone 3G with RIM's BlackBerry Storm, which is considered as another iPhone Killer.

BlackBerry Storm is expected to be released some time in November exclusively by Verizon in the US and Vodafone in UK.



Hardware Spec
Dimension:
Storm = 4.4 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches
iPhone 3G = 5.5 x 2.4 x 0.48 inches
Weight:
Storm = 155g
iPhone = 133g
Screen Size:
Storm = 3.2 inches
iPhone = 3.5 inches
Camera:
Storm = 3.2M pixel
iPhone = 2M pixel
Memory:
Storm = 1GB on board + 16GB expandable with MicroSD
iPhone = 8GB / 16GB (No expansion)
Battery:
Storm = 5.5hrs talk time / 360 hrs standby
iPhone = 5hrs talk time / 300 hrs standby

Unlike T-Mobile G1 that we have reviewed earlier, BlackBerry Storm "steals" the design and looks much like the iPhone 3G. However, it does not look as sleek as iPhone 3G. It's a little bit thicker (0.14inches more) and heavier (22g more) than iPhone 3G. And, surprisingly, BlackBerry Storm does not come with Wi-Fi support or they probably consider Verizon's 3G network is good enough.

BlackBerry Storm's screen is also a little bit smaller (3.2 inch) as compared to iPhone 3G (3.5 inch), however it sports a slightly higher resolution (460x360 pixels) than iPhone 3G (460x360 pixels).

Winner: iPhone 3G

Tips: How to convert DVD to iPhone 3G

Input Method

With the success of iPhone's multi-touch interface, touch is now the standard for any new smartphone. Like iPhone, Storm does not have physical slide-out keyboard and uses the screen as input, in fact its RIM's first smartphone to feature a touch screen. However, RIM highlights that the touch technology developed on Storm is somewhat different to other touch screen smartphone available. RIM refers its touch technology as "Clickable Screen". That means, when users press key on screen, they can actually feel the key pressed and release, just like you press the mouse button. They call it a game changing touch technology that makes on-screen keyboard more appealing.

Also, like T-Mobile G1, it will have built-in cut and paste capability across applications a feature missing from iPhone 3G.

Winner:Its difficult to call a winner on this one, until we get feedback from users on RIM's touch technology. We love iPhone 3G's revolutionary multi-touch interface.

Multimedia
Multimedia support is not the strong area of RIM smartphones, as they predominantly targets business users. Storm is developed with multiple support in mind to lure more casual users. Standard feature like music and video playback is included. A wide range of audio format (including MP3, AAC, WMA, etc) and video format (including MPEG4, WMV, etc). Storm also allows you to sync iTunes music files via BlackBerry Media Sync and has its own media software to manage your music.

iPhone 3G is the best iPod Apple has ever created. The music and video playback experience is awesome. And, Apple continues to update features like Genius Playlist into iPhone makes iPhone's multimedia support nearly unbeatable. With its seamless integration with iTunes Store, you can download songs wirelessly or sync it between desktop using iTunes. iPhone 3G also supports a wide range of music formats but only plays Quick Time video.

Winner: iPhone 3G

Camera & Video Recording

Apple did not upgrade the camera in iPhone 3G, its still a basic 2 megapixel camera while Storm comes with 3.2 megapixel camera and includes video recording capability. Storm also includes a flash and auto focus for its camera.

Winner: BlackBerry Storm

Modem Capability
iPhone 3G does not support tethering and Apple tends to ban any applications in App Store that adds this capability. The only option you have is to jailbreak the iPhone and use jailbreak apps such as PDANet, iPhoneModem etc. BlackBerry Storm, on the other hands, comes with tethering built-in.

Winner: BlackBerry Storm
Tips: How to convert DVD to Blackberry?

Enterprise Feature

Apple has made quite a few strides to take market share from RIM in the enterprise area. iPhone 3G, with built-in support for Microsoft's ActiveSync protocol, lets enterprise users to access Microsoft Exchange's services. Also, it takes a great step forwards to support Cisco IPsec VPN, which is a standard in enterprise wireless security. Further, it incorporates a feature to let administrator to wipe data remotely, in case the iPhone is lost or stolen.

RIM is always the leader in enterprise wireless devices. Storm, by no means, continues to lead in this area. The enterprise support is outstanding that different security policies can be defined, such that administrator may enable or shutdown specific bluetooth profiles; and even, to disable its digital camera access.

Winner: BlackBerry Storm

To sum up, BlackBerry strikes a balance between business and causal use. It's, by far, the sleekest BlackBerry; which should help RIM lure causal customers.

Is it another iPhone killer? Its difficult to conclude. iPhone 3G and BlackBerry both come with some unique features that neither have and they are positioned differently in the market.
However, I still fail to understand the omission of Wi-Fi in BlackBerry Storm, its true that BlackBerry is targeted at the business users who use it primarily for email, but still it seems like a major disadvantage over iPhone 3G.

As a consumer device, iPhone will definitely win thanks to the iPod application, its Safari browser which is easily the most advanced web browser on a portable device which makes browsing the internet on the iPhone a treat and overall for its cool factor. But if you turn to some business-savvy users and enterprise, BlackBerry is still the de-facto choice.

RIM has also not disclosed the pricing or the official shipping date.

You can checkout the demo video of BlackBerry Storm to get an overview:

BlackBerry Storm, T-Mobile G1 and soon to be released Nokia's XpressMusic phone (Nokia's first touch screen phone) might or might not end up being iPhone killers but they are healthy competition to Apple's iPhone 3G that will ensure that Apple constantly innovates which in the end is beneficial for consumers like us.

Let us know which one is a winner from your point of view and why?

BlackBerry Storm review (BlackBerry 9530)

As BlackBerry fans, you can’t miss the BlackBerry Storm.
At Nov 6th, 2008, the word on the street is that Best Buys around the colonies was start taking pre-orders for the BlackBerry Storm for a stiff $50 deposit. It’s a great indication that they're expecting elevated demand when it finally launches this month.


From engadget.com by Darren Murph, posted Nov 5th 2008: “…you North Americans are going to have to suffer through the agony that it is knows Voda subscribers are delighting in this handset well before you.” “Vodafone's BlackBerry Storm is way ahead of Verizon's in terms of availability”.

Since the Storm supports a bunch of audio and video formats, will come with an 8GB microSD card and supports stereo Bluetooth. It'll also have Verizon's V CAST, naturally.


But fortunately, we can convert DVD Movie Video to Blackberry storm, you can go here to get BlackBerry Converter software.

BlackBerry Storm Good:
RIM's first all-touchscreen keyboard-free smartphone
HTC Touch HD Screen, 184-pixel-per-inch stunner could be the best screen on the market
3.25-inch
480x360pixs
3.2MP camera, with the LED flashIt comes with a free 8GB memory card, 600 minutes and 3000 textsIt’s toggles seamlessly between portrait and landscape mode.

BlackBerry Storm Bad:
NO Wi-Fi
small gap (dust or water could go in and attack the internal circuitry)lack of an equivalent to the App store Browsing and network, it had some trouble with a text entry field in the browser

There's much to love about the new device but the talking point will almost certainly be the clickable touchscreen with the so-called feedback or haptic technology. And T3 has managed to get a RIM-issued BlackBerry Storm underneath the lens for a quick unboxing. The screen is a giant button, one you have to punch for basically every action, even every letter you type, completely breaking the touchscreen paradigm.

Surprisingly, it's got an innovative multi-touch UI (thanks to ClickThrough), runs on Verizon's EV-DO 3G network in the US, as well as any GSM HSPA 3G networks when abroad, so it's a true global smartphone.

Free Thanksgiving gift Free Video to Audio Converter software review

Do you have iPod nano? or Creative zen? any mp3 players? Do you want to get a great free gift for your family at Thanksgiving?

There are so many software that can convert DVD video to mp4 video players, but how can we convert video to audio free? Where can we get free mp3 audio converter to convert audio mp3 music free, so we can enjoy any audio, any music free with our friend or our family at home, bus station, any where?

The answer is Video to Audio Converter software.

Fortunately, I'm came across a powerful free Video to Audio Converter software as my 2008 Thanksgiving free gift- Daniusoft Video to Audio Converter software, which valued $25 now completely free for windows users, it can convert RM/ MPEG to MP3 or extract the audio of video files like AVI, MP4, MPEG, WMV, XviD, DAT, MOV, ASF, FLV to the most popular audio formats. So it's actually a very useful program for any of you to convert video to audio free.
As usual we start off with the Specs and Features of the program, this is just the basics grabbed from their site, if you wish to read everything they've got about Daniusoft Video to Audio Converter, you can get this free Video to Audio Converter software here.

Daniusoft Video to Audio Converter

Price: Original $25.00 Now $0.00 (It's free during Oct 24 - Dec 31)

Follow is my personally review of the free Video to Audio Converter...When I first run Daniusoft Video to Audio Converter software on my XP, it starts as

Features:
1.Directly convert audio of video free for playback on all popular portable video/audio players as iPod, iPod nano, iPod shuffle, Zune, PSP, iPhone, iRiver, Archos, Creative Zen and some other MP4/MP3 players.

2.Supports all music format - Extract the audio from video files like AVI, RM, MP4, MPEG, WMV, XviD, DAT, MOV, ASF, FLV to MP3, M4A, AC3, AAC, WMA, WAV, OGG, APE.

3.Free Convert video to audio mp3 formats with powerful audio editing functions including trim any segment of your Video by set the Start time and End Time.

4.Customize video/audio quality with various video and audio settings.

5.Adjust the Volume, you can set volume of output files as you wish and convert Video to Audio free with flexible audio settings.

With this powerful free Video to Audio Converter, you can enjoy any music on all popular MP4/MP3 players like iPod, iPod nano, iPod shuffle, Zune, PSP, iPhone, iRiver, Archos, Creative Zen etc. This Convert Video to Audio free Software is so easy-to-use that whether you are an experienced user or a beginner, Convert RM to MP3, Convert MPEG to MP3, convert audio mp3 free or other supported video formats to Audio is just a breeze.

After we test with the free audio converter program, this is just the function simply converter software from their site, if you wish to convert DVD/Video movie, copy DVD in one step on computer and more popular players, stop and go to here.

Here's some stats for you:
Time to convert: 25:19
Output Size: 3.5MB
CPU Usage:Average: 25%
Peak: 31%

The software estimated the output size at 4.0MB, and the actual output size is 3.5Mb, so it's smaller which is nicer, you'll be able to fit more music on your player.

The time to convert is pretty good as well, coming in under 3 minutes to convert a video that's over 20 mins long, that's about the average time for most conversion software packages out there today. Yes some are quicker, and of course so do take longer, but 3 minutes isn't bad really.

And I threw the converted Stargate over to my phone, quality was very good.

If I had to rate this software I would give it a 4.8 out of 5 score, and I think I could recommend it as well to anyone looking for a free Thanksgiving gift for your girl friend/boy friend, etc. that's very useful, but does offer the ability to customize your output files and convert video to audio free.