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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]

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Tips and images by Chris Ranier at Kingston’s “Icons of Photography” Website

A few months ago, I posted a story about the Kingston Icon’s of Photography program and Website. I think the site is an excellent resource, filled with captivating images, as well as tips and techniques from some of the world’s most well-known photographers. To read my overview of the site, with a description for how I like to navigate through it, visit this page.

This month’s featured Kingston Icon is National Geographic photographer Chris Ranier. Rainier’s life mission has been to document the world’s disappearing tribes and cultures. Under the Techniques section, Ranier shares his thoughts about a number of topics, including B&W vs. color, tips for working in remote areas, the importance of backgrounds and other advice. He also tells a story about how his Hasselblad ended up floating down a river during a portrait shoot in New Guinea (that must have hurt).

Other Kingston “Icons of Photography” include: Harry Benson, Barbara Bordnick, Colin Finlay, Douglas Kirkland, Gerd Ludwig and Peter Read Miller.

Direct link to Chris Ranier’s gallery on the Kingston Icons Website.

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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).