Apple’s Magic Trackpad Hinting at Mac OS’ Multi-Touch Future?

I’ve been thinking a lot about the Apple Magic Trackpad lately. You might think it’s crazy (Ric Ocasek!) to spend time thinking about an input peripheral, but I think the Magic Trackpad is more than that. I’m positive that the device is a gateway to Mac OS’ multi-touch future.

Think about it for a few minutes (Ha! Now I have you thinking about input devices. Win.) Apple has done a ton with multi-touch on the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. I think the company is going to go even heavier on touch features with Mac OS. Sure, there are lots of multi-touch gestures that are currently supported, but I think that Apple will design future operating systems with multi-touch in mind from the start. Obviously a touchscreen 27″ iMac would be ridiculous, but controlling a huge screen with a Magic Trackpad totally works.

There are a few reasons Apple would do this. First of all, it realizes that mice are archaic and inefficient. More importantly, it keeps with its “walled garden” approach. By having a familiar touch experience on iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Mac products, Apple makes it harder for its customers to leave for competing products.

I’m pretty sure I’m right about Mac OS going way heavier with touch in the near future. I just need Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer to dismiss it, then I’d be 100-percent sure I’m right. What do you think of my postulations on Mac OS’ multi-touch future? Am I spot on? Am I crazy?

What Are You Playing This Weekend?

I have no idea what I want to play this weekend. I’ve been so busy waking up early to write on the site, working on super secret project(s) during business hours, and taking two business dinners that I can’t believe it’s Friday. Where the hell did the week go?!?

Perhaps I’ll dive into some MLB 10 The Show to start things off. If my brain can hack it, I’ll move onto an RPG. I still have Dragon Quest IX and Glory of Heracles to conquer.

How about you? What’s on your weekend playlist?

Coffee Talk #190: What’s Your Favorite Star Trek?

Last week a few of you started a fun Star Trek fight debate. It started with The Original Series vs. The Next Generation, moved onto Kirk vs. Picard, and even touched on Spock vs. Data. I was thoroughly entertained and hope you’re up for it again! This time around let’s include all of the Star Trek shows — even Voyager (Come on! A woman captain and a black vulcan?!?). Let’s start with the poll:

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Intelligentsia’s Edelweiss Finagro Estate Tanzania, if Roy Oswalt is a difference maker, or the rumor that Apple’s new trackpad uses sorcery instead of magic, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Last week a few of you started a fun Star Trek fight debate. It started with The Original Series vs. The Next Generation, moved onto Kirk vs. Picard, and even touched on Spock vs. Data. I was thoroughly entertained and hope you’re up for it again! This time around let’s include all of the Star Trek shows — even Voyager (Come on! A woman captain and a black vulcan?!?). Let’s start with the poll:

[poll id=”61″]

I’d love to learn more about your Star Trek preferences. In addition to your favorite show, I want to know your favorite characters, aliens, weapons, etc. As for me, I have four words for you: “There are four lights!!!”

Sprint Announces Android 2.2 (FroYo) for the HTC Evo 4G

Sprint has announced that its HTC Evo 4G will be getting upgraded to Google Android 2.2 (codename FroYo) starting August 3, 2010. Through its Twitter account, the company pointed out that it “is the first wireless carrier to bring Android 2.2 to customers”. FroYo adds some fantastic performance improvements and interesting features, which I covered in my Google I/O keynote live blog. Here are the features Sprint is highlighting:

  • Voice Dialing Over Bluetooth.
  • Application Storage on External Memory, giving users more storage room for all their apps.
  • Camera 4-way rotation allows the camera icons to rotate with the camera.
  • Improved Browser Performance including a faster JavaScript engine and Flash 10x Support improving the user’s ability to view videos and available content associated with web pages.

Sprint is having a very interesting year. It was the first American carrier to launch a 4G phone. During its quarterly earnings announcement, it gained subscribers for the first time in three years. Leading the way with FroYo is another sign that the company is, perhaps, transforming from the loser I left in 2009 to a progressive and aggressive carrier.

I’ll download FroYo on my Evo as soon as possible and give you guys the skinny. Stay tuned!

Source

Watch the Thor Comic-Con ’10 Trailer Before it’s Pulled!

Here’s the Comic-Con 2010 trailer for Thor. While some have slammed the movie’s costumes, I have faith that Kenneth Branagh will make a good movie. Anyway, check out the trailer if you have a chance. It will most likely be pulled before the end of the day. As always, I want your thoughts on the movie! In the immortal words of an Oakland MC it’s “Hammer time!”

Amazon Kindle Gets Better and Cheaper

Amazon has announced an updated version of its popular Kindle e-reader. While the performance gains are certainly noteworthy, what’s really interesting is the price of the WiFi-only version: $139. Before I get to the ramifications of that price point, let me hit you up with some bullet points on the new Kindle:

  • 21 percent smaller
  • 15 percent lighter design
  • 50 percent better contrast
  • 20 percent faster page turns
  • Up to one month of battery life
  • Double the storage

I’m a big fan of the Kindle and think it’s a fantastic line of products. That said, I readily admit that it’s facing stiff competition from other e-readers (like the Nook) and tablet computers (like the iPad). The e-reader market is crowded and the tablet market will be full by this time next year. One of the ways the Kindle can beat out the competition is by being the first to achieve the magical $99 price point. The $139 WiFi-only model is practically there.

Are any of you interested in the new Kindle? Are you tempted by the $139 price point?

Coffee Talk #189: How Often Do You Change PCs?

RPadholic smartguy brought up an interesting conversation starter yesterday: how often do you change PCs? Some of my friends get new machines every year. Others have had the same system for more than five years. It’s really all over the place with the people I know and I’m sure it’s the same for you guys.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Eric Roberts entering rehab for marijuana dependency, American Idol possibly going with all-new judges, or Kaval rocking it on NXT, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

RPadholic smartguy brought up an interesting conversation starter yesterday: how often do you change PCs? Some of my friends get new machines every year. Others have had the same system for more than five years. It’s really all over the place with the people I know and I’m sure it’s the same for you guys.

As for me, I usually stick with a two-year plan. For the first six months I’m very happy with my PCs performance. That changes into bland satisfaction for the next year. The final six months are when I get jealous of all the new features and performance gains found in new products. Due to my work situation, I’m actually several months overdue in my two-year plan, but hopefully I’ll be able to save up for one of those new iMacs soon!

Now it’s your turn! How often do you change PCs?

HTC Evo 4G Spotted Running Android 2.2 with Sense

One of my sources got to see an HTC Evo 4G running Android 2.2 (FroYo) with Sense. This particular Evo was a pre-production model being used by a Clearwire (you know, those WiMax people) employee. My source said that the phone was running wicked fast and responsive (yes, I’m imposing the New England slang to protect my informant).

Now that FroYo with Sense is in the wild, hopefully it won’t be too long before Android 2.2 is available for everyone. My Evo 4G has been neglected in favor of the Motorola Droid X. I’m pretty sure it’s just a temporary dalliance, but getting FroYo would help me dive back into the arms of my Evo 4G.

Update: A friend pointed out that Evo 4G users that have rooted their phones and loaded stock Android 2.2 are unable to get 4G (WiMax) to work. With that in mind, a Clearwire employee field testing 2.2 on the phone makes sense.

Coffee Talk #188: Has Technology Ever Gotten You Out of a Jam?

Last night I was at Ralph’s buying some groceries and the Motorola Droid X helped me save $5. You see, I love taking advantage of promotions. Ralph’s currently has this deal that lets you save $5 for buying 10 participating items. I diligently found sale items that were eligible for the promotion. Getting an additional $5 off items that are already on sale is awesome. As I was walking out the grocery, I noticed that two of the items didn’t register for the promotion and I didn’t get my $5 savings.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, if the media is out to get Dez Bryant, spicy BBQ sauce recommendations, or the desktop vs. laptop argument, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Last night I was at Ralph’s buying some groceries and the Motorola Droid X helped me save $5. You see, I love taking advantage of promotions. Ralph’s currently has this deal that lets you save $5 for buying 10 participating items. I diligently found sale items that were eligible for the promotion. Getting an additional $5 off items that are already on sale is awesome. As I was walking out the grocery, I noticed that two of the items didn’t register for the promotion and I didn’t get my $5 savings.

Naturally I turned around and went to the service desk. Next I was directed to a manager. As she was checking out customers, I explained my situation and showed her my receipt. She insisted that the two tubes of toothpaste I selected were not part of the promotion and that I needed to buy two more items. Annoyed, I went back to the toothpaste aisle, snapped a picture of the toothpaste that showed it was part of the promotion and returned to the manager. For some reason, this wasn’t enough proof for her and she went to check it out for herself (as if I could doctor photos on a phone in two minutes). After seeing she was wrong (and stupid), she gave my my $5.

So yay for the Droid X for saving me $5!!! Too bad it couldn’t get back the 15 minutes I wasted on the situation. I missed a train home and my ice cream got a little melty. Ha! Today I’d like to know if you have any stories of technology getting you out of a jam. It doesn’t matter if it’s big or small. I’m just curious to see if gadgets or tech have helped you catch a break or get out of a silly situation.