Thursday, September 13, 2012

And The Apple Hits Just Keep on Coming

There is a lot of Apple news in this edition…sorry about that. Being they are the #1 personal computing company in the world right now (net worth-wise, anyway), when they introduce new products, one has to pay attention. After all, they did create the personal music market, smartphone market and the tablet market…and they set the standard for all the wanna-be’s that followed.

Yesterday, they spent 1 hour and 45 minutes introducing a bevy of new and upgraded products…everything from the iPhone 5 to new earphones. I have included individual stories on many of their new products.

Of course, the most anticipated product was the iPhone 5… and it is a real winner. Did it overwhelm me? No, but they already did that with the first iPhone. Apple is now evolving each iteration of the iPhone into a better one than the last. As one writer put it in our second story, “It is Boring and Amazing.” Could not said it better myself.

Now, a little birdie has told me I am getting a new iPhone for my birthday in a couple of months…and as I have never owned one, I doubt I will find it boring. In fact, I am very excited over all the new features.  Most everyone who has seen and touched it expounds that it is lighter and thinner than any phone before it. It has a large 4” screen, which is slightly smaller than my current phone...also a faster chip, a longer battery life, and a retina screen (like my iPad 3 has). 

I am also excited about the new iOS6 operating system, not only because it is in the new iPhone, but because my iPad will have it next week. So will some of the earlier iPhones. And, it is free. It will be fun to integrate my new iPhone with my iPad (and my Windows PC…yes it can be done).

There are also some non-Apple stories below including a list of the very best free Windows software. So, skip the Apple stuff if you must, but I bet there is something of interest in here for you. -JRC

Apple announces iPhone 5

As expected, Apple has announced the much-anticipated next-generation iPhone at a media event in San Francisco. Here's the run down of what you need to know.

The iPhone 5 is Boring and Amazing

The iPhone 5 is the greatest phone in the world. It has top-notch hardware with a zippy new A6 processor and amazing four-inch display. Its new operating system, iOS 6, is slicker than slugs on ice. And its ultra-slim body, an all-glass and aluminum enclosure, is a triumph of industrial design. There is nothing not to like about the phone.

Everything You Need to Know About iOS 6 in Under Three Minutes

iOS 6 is packed with a lot of great new features and it can be a lot to take in. It is a free upgrade for iPad's 2 and 3...and the last 3 versions of the iPhone. It is included in the new iPhone 5. Available to download on 9/19. (video included here)

Apple iPod Touch returns thinner, lighter

At first glance, the 5th generation iPod Touch looks very much like its predecessor from the front, but it's definitely an all-new device.

Apple Releases A Totally Redesigned iTunes With iCloud Built-In

The interface is now totally new with an edge-to-edge design. Browsing your music feels completely different with a great emphasis on album art. The left-side column is gone in the default configuration. But the most important improvement is that iCloud is now built-in.

Ears-On With Apple’s New EarPods: Better Bass, Better Looks, Just Better

Apple’s new EarPods are available to order today in the Apple Store, but we were lucky enough to get a pair here at TechCrunch for some early testing. The new design is definitely eye-catching, but does performance live up to the looks? Read on to find out.

Amazon Kindle Fire HD In Depth Review

The Kindle Fire HD has a most impressive-looking 7-inch tablet screen, its speakers deliver killer sound, and its refined interface is the best gateway to Amazon content for Prime members. New enhancements fill its $200 price to the brim with value. (with video)

Kindle Keyboard Software Update

Even though it is now 2 generations behind, Amazon has upgraded the software for the Kindle Keyboard (aka Kindle 3). This will give you improved fonts and Whispersync for Voice.

Microsoft finally comes clean(er) on post-Metro naming plans

'Metro-style' apps are now to be known as 'Windows Store' apps, according to Microsoft officials.

The Editors' Choice List: Our Selection of Best Free Windows Apps

This really is a "best of the best" list for free Windows applications. Most of the products in this list have been awarded the coveted "Gizmo's Freeware Top Pick" award signifying they are the best free product in their class. We've also included some other outstanding products that have impressed our editors with their usefulness and professionalism.

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