Archive for November 16th, 2009
Apple mouse

Is it us, or does everything and anything Apple touches become gold? Take their mouse for instance – the Mighty Mouse doesn’t really have anything worth writing home about and it sucks as a gaming peripheral, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t functional. This time round, the Mighty Mouse has been usurped by the new Apple Magic Mouse which is powered by pixie dust. I jest – the Magic Mouse will be the first mouse in the world that boasts Apple’s revolutionary Multi-Touch technology which has already seen action on the iPhone, iPod touch and Mac notebook trackpads to date. With a mouse that boasts Multi-Touch capability, customers are able to navigate using intuitive finger gestures in place of mechanical buttons and scroll wheels while eliminating the need for scroll balls as well. Just for your information, the entire top surface of the Magic Mouse is a seamless Multi-Touch area.
If you are lusting after the Apple Magic Mouse, you will be pleased to know that it comes standard with the new iMac, although you can also purchase it as a standalone Mac accessory for $69. You will be able to use it as a single or multi-button mouse with advanced gesture support thanks to intuitive gestures that would come by as natural for right handed users as well as southpaws. The Apple Magic Mouse will also rely on its laser tracking engine that results in a clean, cable-free desktop. It works great as long as it doesn’t go beyond the 10 meter range that all Bluetooth devices must adhere to, of course. As with any wireless device, battery life could be a potential issue but it is nice to know that Apple has included an advanced power management system which works great with Mac OS X that will switch to low power modes automatically whenever it detects periods of inactivity.
Apple TV
The Apple, has moved on to software updates by introducing the new Apple TV 3.0 software that aims to up the ante in the battle for your attention in living rooms throughout America (and the world, although Apple might not claim that officially). The Apple TV 3.0 software will come with a redesigned main menu that enables easier navigation of your favorite content in a faster and more simple manner, enabling you to enjoy the largest selection of on-demand HD movie rentals and purchases, HD TV shows, music and podcasts straight from the iTunes Store in an even better manner on your TV. Apart from that, users will realize that they can now enjoy iTunes Extras and iTunes LP in stunning fullscreen display with your Apple TV, alongside tuning in to Genius Mixes and Internet radio via their carefully assembled home theater system. Good things in life don’t often come free, but you’ll be pleased as punch to note that the new Apple TV software is available immediately as a free download for existing Apple TV owners. Those who want to experience it for the first time without forking out a single penny, it will be bundled with the 160GB capacity Apple TV for just $229.
Bear in mind that Apple TV will require an 802.11b/g/n wireless network or 10/100 Base-T Ethernet networking in order for you to get going decently, accompanied by a broadband Internet connection and a high definition widescreen TV for best results. Depending on the country you reside in, certain videos might not be made available. Connectivity-wise, Apple TV is pretty fuss-free as it comes standard with HDMI, component video, analog and optical audio ports. The use of high-speed Wi-Fi enables the Apple TV to automatically play your iTunes content without any prior setup or management.
Sound Racer V-8
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I wish I had a V-8?” Well, what if I told you that you could give your crappy car a V-8 rumble or even a V-10 scream for $40? Now, what if I told you that you wouldn’t actually be getting any extra performance to go along with that sound? If you’re still interested in this shady deal, then you’re probably a poseur. In any case, you’ll want to check out the SoundRacer.
The device plugs into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter, where it uses fluctuations in the power flow to calculate your engine’s RPM. It then broadcasts a fake engine note to your car’s stereo via an FM transmission. The general idea is for your vehicle to sound like it’s powered by a V-8 or V-10 engine, but I predict that the outcome will probably sound like a crappy, fake revving played through crappy speakers on top of your car’s already crappy existing engine note. Of course, your mileage may vary. The best part is that if you keep your windows rolled up, no one will know that you’re riding around pretending to be driving a V-10 Aveo. Once you get bored with “the thrilling sound of a powerful Super Sports Car engine,” you can plug your MP3 player into an auxiliary input and use the SoundRacer as a standard FM transmitter. The SoundRacer has an MSRP of $40.
