Keefer Madness

Proximity Detection on OS X

// June 9th, 2011 // No Comments » // Apple, Software, Tech

At work, I often get up from my computer and forget to pause iTunes. Annoying and a problem I wanted to solve. Initially, I thought I would basically write an AppleScript that would see if Adium (my instant messaging program of choice) was set to away. If it was, check to see if iTunes was playing, and pause. In my research for that though I stumbled upon an even cooler way to solve my issue utilizing bluetooth, a little software and some AppleScript.

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Video: WWDC Keynote / Apple Special Event, June 6, 2011

// June 7th, 2011 // No Comments » // Apple, iPad, iPhone

In case you missed a lot of the news from Apple WWDC Keynote yesterday (like I did), check out the video of the event.

Video: WWDC Keynote / Apple Special Event, June 6, 2011

If you don’t have the time, or feel the need to watch the entire video, the rundown of most everything yesterday is in the links below. I’m most excited about the iOS5 release coming this fall.

What Mac owners need to know after today’s WWDC announcements
Apple Previews iOS 5 with Notification Center, OTA Updates, Wi-Fi iTunes Syncing and More

Some iCloud Music Service Details, Others Companies Likely to Follow

// May 27th, 2011 // No Comments » // Apple, Internet / Web, Music

It all sounds good and vaguely reminiscent of LaLa.com. I miss you LaLa! The only difference is Apple is likely to charge for the ability to store in the cloud and the greedy music industry is trying to double dip. So lame.

Some iCloud Music Service Details, Others Companies Likely to Follow

Quick Game Review: Mondo Solitaire — More Solitaire Than You'll Ever Need

// May 9th, 2011 // No Comments » // Apple, Game Reviews, Reviews, Software

Solitaire is probably the most popular application on all Windows machines — it helps that it’s on every version of the OS since Windows 3.x. On the Mac, it’s not the same. No solitaire is included, but it doesn’t mean there aren’t options out there.

Look no further than Mondo Solitaire by Ambrosia Software. A native Mac application, Mondo Solitaire has more iterations of solitaire than anyone will ever need — most I wasn’t even aware of their existence.

In terms of reviewing the ins and outs, there’s not a whole lot you can say. The graphics and sound are what you would expect from a digitized card game. They look and sound good, and aren’t annoying, nor do they get in the way of the digital card solitaire gameplay.

This is a short review — basically if you own a Macintosh and enjoy Solitaire, Mondo Solitaire by Ambrosia Software is a wonderful diversion. At $9.99 through the Mac App Store, the game is a lot of fun, and will give you more variety in your solitaire playing than you’ll ever need.

Is the Touch Screen Mac Coming Any Time Soon?

// April 9th, 2011 // No Comments » // Apple

Touch as navigation is here to stay — just look at any cellular, tablet, along with a host of other devices. Based on experience with those devices, our 18-month-old expects things like our HDTV to be a touch screen. But will our desktop computers ever shed their mice and keyboards for touch interfaces? Never say never, but some things would have to change in terms of ergonomics, resolution, etc. The article below from mac.appstorm.net does a great job of exploring the concept of desktop touch.

Is the Touch Screen Mac Coming Any Time Soon?

Atari Releases 100+ Games to iOS App Store

// April 6th, 2011 // No Comments » // Apple, Gaming, iPad, iPhone

Looking to play a little uber-retro Atari on the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch? Atari just released a huge number of games to the store. They’ve done a couple of little upgrades though. Some of the games allow for bluetooth-enabled multiplayer, while all the released games are compatible with ThinkGeek’s soon-to-be released iCade mini-cabinet for the iPad.

Atari Brings 100 Retro Titles to iOS in “Atari’s Greatest Hits”!

40+ Beautiful Wallpapers to Brighten Your Mac Desktop

// April 1st, 2011 // No Comments » // Apple, Computers, Design

Love this list of gorgeous and large resolution desktop images. While the title says Mac Desktop, most of these backgrounds would be perfectly at home in Windows… or Ubuntu for that matter. A few are sized to fit the iMac’s resolution perfectly, and a few are Apple-themed. But overall, these are just some nice wallpapers.

40+ Beautiful Wallpapers to Brighten Your Mac Desktop

Time Warner and Networks Face Off Over Tablet App

// March 28th, 2011 // No Comments » // Apple, iPad, Tech, TV Talk

While I’ve yet to get the iPad app to work here in the Keefer household, I applaud those that have. We’re stuck in authentication hell. Time Warner requires a signup, and supposedly they’re upgrading their online systems and we’ve yet to be able to create an account to try out the app. Plus, with us only having basic cable, we’re probably not eligible to utilize it.

Regardless, props to Time Warner for making this app, and going toe to toe with content providers.

TWC & Networks Face Off Over Table App

Lots of iPad Games Go on Sale This Weekend, Likely More to Come

// March 11th, 2011 // No Comments » // Apple, iPad

So any of you current iPad owners out there. Just a quick note I saw from Tuaw.com. With the iPad 2 going on sale today (an hour ago here in my time zone), a lot of apps are going to be on sale in the app store this weekend. If you’ve had your eye on an app or two, this weekend might be the perfect time to pull the trigger!

Lots of iPad Games Go on Sale This Weekend, Likely More to Come

iOS 4.3 Spotlight: AirPlay Improvements and 720p Playback

// March 9th, 2011 // No Comments » // Apple, iPhone

It’s always nice getting new software updates — fixing some bugs, but mainly it’s fun when there are new features. The iOS 4.3 launched today, and there’s not a whole lot of new features. The only thing I’m looking forward to getting up and running are the AirPlay improvements it’s offering:

iOS 4.3 Spotlight: AirPlay Improvements and 720p Playback