SDS

I’m very excited about this show. missed it last year, not again. thanks nicole!

It finally arrived today and i quickly set it up. i left it scanning my massive media library, however i did note one glaring omission. presently netflix is excluded from boxee’s list of apps. will this be corrected or has M$’s DRM killed netflix for the Linux based Boxee? only time will tell. apart from that, it is totally awesome from remote control to interface and even startup effects. i cannot wait to see what 3rd party developers do with it.

Those of you who don’t know, apple announced a few new toys a couple of days ago.  my lackluster post is due mostly to the underwhelming release.  Mostly announcing features that have been obviously lacking since the iPhone first hit the scene over 3 years ago.

Among their offerings is Apple TV: a cheaper apple tv with a smaller footprint and no storage.  Designed to promote more rentals from the apple store, most of the exciting features are “Coming Soon” undoubtedly to coincide with iOS 4.1 or 4.2.  New iPod Touch with everything you’ll find on iPhone 4 except for GPS, (because that might actually be useful).  Cool to see FaceTime on the iPods though.  New Shuffle combines the inovations of the last model with the usability of earlier ones.  The Nano was a mixed bag.  joining the iOS family with this version they remove it’s camera and video playback capability.  It is unclear if it will ever get the benefits of iOS such as apps.  Touch screens are cool, but if there aren’t apps, i’d rather have buttons and play videos.   Lastly, iTunes 10.  As if iTunes wasn’t a bloated POS already, now it is it’s own social network: Ping.  Caught between wanting to be blip.fm and last.fm, Ping offers me nothing but more iTunes Store Spam.  At least i hear they’ve finally added some threading.  My biggest complaint about previous iTunes is that it does so much and often gets a little shall we say “Pinwheely.”  It’s usually when i’m importing new tracks or syncing/restoring an iDevice.  Of all it’s many features, the ONE thing i EXPECT itunes to do is control my music!  at that, it often fails.  Let’s see if this new version will improve their already abysmal record.

Jailbreakers or Unlockers Note:  iTunes is safe, but you will want to hold off on the inevitable iOS updates.  if you saved your blob you can always go back, but not with your baseband, so unlockers should especially be careful.

Starting at 11:30 and at a cost above the usual price ($20). looks to be an amazing show. awesome cast, free food, and a puppet show from Jessie & gang. I’ll be there.

http://thetomorrowshow.com/

After my great ol’ Carver died yesterday, my system was mute for more then a day.  Until i brought home a sweet new harman/kardon system.  Now i’m finally using the optical out i’ve had for years!  There is an adjustment to running optical vs analog.  First off, there is no pre-amp coming out of your computer.  This means no system volume.  all those media keys stop working.  Stopped until i repurposed them to control iTunes.  Best side effect is that all the media key conflicts (i.e. VLC) are gone forever now!

Media Key Hack
just check “Use all F1, F2, etc, keys as standard function keys” from the Keyboard System Preference pane and then setup  Sizzling Keys to control itunes:  http://www.yellowmug.com/sk4it/

i just got back from seeing Fishtank Ensemble.  A band who’s influences seem as diverse as their lead singer’s range. (Africa to Romania)  Their violinest could also give the devil a run for his money.  check em out!  The’ve got a new cd coming.  i can’t wait!

http://fishtankensemble.com/

also event info here:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=317371504044&index=1