The Sound of History: From Edison to Marconi to Bourne!

It’s easy to take the latest and greatest technologies for granted. Like electricity (which still amazes me), once we start using a specific technology on a daily basis, it’s as if it were there for hundreds of years. However, as recently as 15 years ago, delivering digital sound in a way similar to broadcast radio over the Web was just a dream. This news program video covers NetRadio and its founder, Scott Bourne, who started the world’s first internet radio station in the 1990’s.

In the interview which aired in 1995, Bourne talks about his company and the technology behind it, and I found it very interesting–it’s kind of like Star Trek meets 60 minutes. I’ve known Scott for a number of years and I highly recommend you check out his new hairstyle on one of his many podcasts and websites. One of my favorites is the iLifeZone podcast, which he hosts, along with two very knowledgeable and entertaining co-hosts: Derrick Story and Chris Breen. And if you’d like to listen to an interview I did with Scott, you can find it here.

Also, while prepping this post, I came across a great plug-in for embedding video from YouTube and other sources into WordPress blogs. It works like a charm, and you can find it here.
[youtube]XM6VnS2QHsw[/youtube]

Highlights from the Macworld Expo 2007

The 2007 Macworld Expo is still in high gear as of this posting (the show floor closes on Friday 1/12 at 4pm). My predictions for the 2007 Keynote were not exactly right (not even close, actually), but I was just having fun, and I still think that some of my product predictions may be announced over the next 12 months. However, with the new iPhone introduction, I think we will see an iPod/internet communicator combo that uses the iPhone technology, but leaves out the phone functionality.

I also think that future models will have more flash memory (or a hard drive) and will be released within the next 12 months. For a great tour of the new iPhone, visit this link (screen shot below is from the linked web page). Be sure to click on all of the top-right icons (I’ve circled them in white) to see videos of all the features. The “accelerometer” sensor that instantly changes the screen image from horizontal to vertical is very cool.

Here are a few interesting products and related items that were announced at the show. One was on my prediction list, but it was announced by a third party:

1. The Axiotron ModBookâ„¢

Other World Computing and Axiotron, Inc. debuted the first ever Mac Tablet solution, named The Axiotron ModBook. This product uses an Apple MacBook notebook computer as its core engine, and adds touch-screen pen input, a new 13.3″ wide screen LCD and an optional Global Positioning System in a satin-finish, and a chrome-plated magnesium top shell.

There are three configurations available, and all include an integrated iSight camera and CD/DVD combo drive. I think this is an engineering breakthrough and I’m very curious how well the handwriting recognition works. I’m guessing that a wireless keyboard and mouse can be used with the device, which would give the device very good functionality at home and on the road.

The Axiotron ModBook (shown above) features Wacom Penabled hardware (which many photographers will recognize), and the pen requires no batteries or magnets. This technology allows the cursor to be controlled while the pen is hovering over the screen, providing for an intuitive, mouse-like interface with zero learning curve. My guess is that this product will work in a way similar to Wacom’s Cintiq line of touch-sensitive monitors.

During Macworld and until January 31st, Other World Computing is offering the ModBook base configuration plus the built-in Axiotron GPS Module at an introductory price of $2,199. For more information, visit www.macsales.com/modbook. This product also received an IDG Macworld Best of Show award. Related link: Mac OSX’s inkwell technology.

2. Joel Meyerowitz Presentation and Gallery

There will be a special presentation by world-renowned photographer Joel Meyerowitz on Thurs., Jan. 11 at 2:45 pm. During his presentation, “Into the Light,” Joel will share his images and experiences from his 40-year career. His gallery will showcase Meyerowitz’ images from Tuscany, Cape Cod and Ground Zero in New York.

All prints were made on HP’s new Designjet Z Photo Printer Series. For more info, visit this page.

3. Mophie Illuminator Product Creation & Launch Event

Mophie, a Vermont-based company who specializes in designing and producing iPod accessories. At Macworld, the company will tap the minds of 30,000+ Macworld attendees to create a new product. This is a completely novel idea, and as someone who loves gadgets and design, I’ll be watching the Mophie blog closely. For more info about the Illuminator event, visit this page.

4. IDG Macworld Best of Show awards

Each year, the editors of Macworld magazine and Web sites announce their picks for Best of Show. To find out about all of of IDG’s Macworld Best of Show awards, visit this page. And if you’re there, enjoy the show!

Additional Macworld Expo links worth a look:

iLounge’s coverage of Macworld Expo 2007

The Mac Observer’s coverage of Macworld Expo 2007

MacMinute.com’s coverage of Macworld Expo

The Typical Mac User Macworld Expo coverage

The MacCast Macworld Expo coverage

TWiT’s Macworld Expo coverage (Check out Leo Laporte’s video interviews on MacBreak and the iLife Zone coverage by subscribing to their feeds on iTunes).

Five Predictions for the Apple Macworld Keynote 1/9/2007

After having a fantastic experience at last year’s Macworld Expo (MWE) in San Francisco (my full 2006 Macworld review can be found in this newsletter), I thought I’d make five predictions for the upcoming Apple Keynote. The Keynote will be presented by Apple Computer’s CEO Steve Jobs on Tuesday 1/9/2007. These are based on some of the patent filings and rumors circulating over the last 6-12 months, combined with my experience using Apple’s products over the last 23 years. If I get even one right, that would be great (if I get two right, that would be even better, and if all five are correct…yeah, right).

Photograph ©Andrew Darlow, All Rights Reserved

In between my predictions are some of my photographs from the 2006 Keynote and from the show floor at Macworld Expo. All the photos are available for editorial licensing (more information is at the bottom of this article).

PREDICTION 1: Steve Jobs will wear blue jeans at the Keynote.

PREDICTION 2: A 120GB iPod with Video will be released in the same form factor as the previous 80GB 5th Gen iPods.

PREDICTION 3: A MacBook will be released with a 10- to 12-inch wide screen that is a convertible tablet/notebook with a full keyboard and new handwriting recognition software. Battery life will be approx. 8 hours and it will weigh less than 4 pounds. It will have integrated memory card slots, and a retractable cord that will allow it to be quickly hooked up to a monitor, TV or another notebook computer for extra screen real estate.

PREDICTION 4: A New iPod with Video, using 32GB flash memory will be announced. It will be larger than an iPod Nano, but much smaller than the existing 5th Gen iPods. It will have integrated Bluetooth for data syncing, wireless headphones and cell phone integration. It will have a 2.5″ screen similar to the one used on the existing 5th Gen. iPods.

PREDICTION 5: OS10.4.9 Tiger and OS10.5 Leopard will be officially released (Leopard on-sale “that day”), along with Apple iLife ’07 and iWork ’07.

MWE 2006: Apple’s booth on the show floor.

Photograph ©Andrew Darlow, All Rights Reserved

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Any blogger or other media representative who would like to write about these predictions and this article may request to use any one of the photos above after receiving permission via e-mail from Andrew Darlow. Please send your request to imaging(at)andrewdarlow.com and you will be contacted promptly with an answer.

For image licensing info, contact Andrew Darlow at imaging(at)andrewdarlow.com or +1-732-742-0123. Thanks, and for those attending, enjoy the big show! The 2007 show looks to be an amazing event. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make it this year, but I highly recommend visiting the show site. The Digital Lifestyle Experience looks like it will be be a great place for photographers of all levels to hang out.

At Macworld 2007 there will also be a special tribute to noted author Bruce Fraser. More information can be found here.