I’m sure you’re all aware of Apple’s decision to no longer participate in MacWorld. Some would suggest CES is a much better option for them since with their more varied palette of products, exhibiting at CES rather than MacWorld would give them greater scope and a much bigger audience. As Phil Schiller said it in the keynote, each week around 10 Macworld’s could be held within their Apple stores (in terms of the amount of visitors the store gets, with the attendees at Macworld).

Anyway, slightly off track there. Apple wouldn’t mind proving that they don’t need Macworld to showcase their products. Their own marketing is just as powerful to reach the same audience but without the need to prepare for 6th January and have products ready for MacWorld. It also wouldn’t be supprising to hear this years keynote being described as boring. Updated iLife and iWork were expected, with it being 2009, and the only hardware update was nothing special. 

If you weren’t aware, I’m a great fan of the Mac Mini. Brilliant little device perfect for someone switching from PC to Mac but wanting a similar set-up to previous. I was disappointed when a new version wasn’t released, but a new rumor could once again show hope for the little device. 

What if Apple’s way to prove they don’t need Macworld, was to hold their own event in just a few weeks time releasing a new Mac Mini, and possibly something else. Something amazing.

There’s nothing set in stone here, but just another rumor picked up from AppleTell. Maybe it will be held once Steve Jobs is back to full health, and he returns with a storm. It would certainly be great for the company, and to gain great interest in their own events and keynotes.

What do you think? Will we see news of an Apple event held in the near future?

So the very last Apple keynote from Macworld just finished with music from Tony Bennet. The biggest surprise would be the fact that there’s no new Mac Mini. The amount of rumors around for that, it almost seemed certain. I guess that shows how Apple keeps everything slips out, and how one persons idea’s can make many more follow suit. 

If you haven’t been following, below is what was released:

iLife 09
It was a pretty safe bet this would appear. Major updates in iPhoto, iMovie and GarageBand make this a brilliant set of applications, due at the end of January at £69. Features like face detection in iPhoto, brand new templates and 3D options in iMovie, and lessons from the pro’s in Garageband are just some of the things new in iLife 09.

iWork 09
There were the usual updates of new templates, designs, mostly for Keynote. There is also a new application for the iPhone and iPod Touch allowing you to control Keynote applications via your mobile device. Unlike iLife, iWork is ready for shipping today also at £69.

Box Set Applications
Since the new iLife and iWork will require Leopard, Apple are offering a software bundle of iWork, iLife and OS X Leopard together for £149.

17” MacBook Pro
It was expected that the 17” MacBook Pro would finally join the current MacBook, and MacBook Pro 15” in the new unibody aluminum casing. The usual suspects of Nvidia graphics chips featured, along with a matte display: something that Apple went away from a while back. The battery life of the new MacBook Pro is also significantly longer, offering up to 8 hours battery life on a single charge.

iTunes Updates
Finally the price of music in the iTunes store is dropping. Many people have always felt £0.79 for a single track was too high, and hopefully starting today, this will be lowered across the range. There was no direct mention for the UK Store (I don’t think), but hopefully it will be included. 

It is now also possible to access the iTunes store in full on the iPhone and iPod Touch through the 3G data connections. It was previously only accessible via WiFi.

Thats a very brief round up of this years Macworld keynote from Apple. Phil Schiller seemed quite confident, and the audience were very supportive of him. It’s also a relief to know of Steve Job’s recovery, and I look forward to seeing him back on the stage in the near future.

Tomorrow morning (or evening for UK), the Apple keynote will take place at this years Macworld Expo. I shall most probably be following along using various sources, and then watch the video keynote once it’s released by Apple. Below, is what I think they may release tomorrow.

iLife 09 & iWork 09
By the end of 2007, iLife and iWork had both been upgraded to their respective 2008 versions. This brought many changes, although some (iMovie, for instance) were not very much appreciated. Since 2009 is now in full swing, we’re due updates to Apple’s main software groups. What changes these will bring exactly, I’m not sure. Hopefully GarageBand will be much quicker to run, and things such as the connection between iMovie and iDVD re-established. As for iWork, general updates, speed and functionality will be nice.

MobileMe Updates
A big change for iLife and iWork may be linked with MobileMe. More options for storing files in the “cloud” and accessing applications via it also may make an appearance. It was noticed on the Apple website, the ability to upload, and therefore send (via email link) very large files will be coming to MobileMe in the near future.

Unibody 17” MacBook Pro
To add to the current Macbook and Macbook Pro, the previous Macbook Pro 17” may join its newer siblings with an all new unibody aluminum casing. 

One More Thing…Mac Mini
There have been so many stories about the Mac Mini, it almost feels certain a big update will be coming tomorrow. The Mac Mini is a great starting Mac, and with a new design and updated features will appeal to a greater audience, and hopefully bring many more people from the “dark side”.

So there you have it. That’s what I think would be great to see in tomorrows Keynote. It’s unfortunate that Steve Jobs won’t be conducting the presentation, but I’m sure Phil Schiller will do a great job.

Following suit from a few other bloggers, I decided to snapshot my iPhone screen’s, to show you the applications I have and use. I have 46 applications in my iTunes, most of which I sync across to my iPhone. The worst part, is the time is takes to backup all the information from the applications. It usually takes around 20 minutes which is often too long to sit and wait around for.

Some of the applications, I use all the time. Things like Facebook, Tweetie, AIM and Shovel to name but a few. Just as a side note, the Reader icon that you can see is just a web app to Google Reader; it isn’t an application as such.

Others like Air Sharing, Google Earth and Stanza I hardly ever use. They’re useful to have around though, so they stay synchronized. 

To view the photograph above in full, it’s available on my Flickr Photostream.

The App Store has really changed the iPhone in many ways. Its no longer just a fancy phone with an iPod. It’s a great tool, with thousands of applications available offering you a wide choice of possibilities, from silly fun games, to the entire Wikipedia project. 

I’ve had my iPhone for a few months now, and I love how it’s always in sync with my Mac. As soon as an email arrives, both my Mac and iPhone notify me at the exact same time; there’s no delay. I feel connected 24/7.

What applications do you use all the time? Feel free to share below in the comments.

Most people who are interested in technology and in particular Apple, will be aware that Macworld Expo starts tomorrow. There have been many rumors around the various tech news websites but no one knows for sure what we’ll see on Tuesday when Phil Schiller reveals the next steps, and puts many of the rumors to rest. 

One rumor that many think will become a reality on Tuesday however, is a new updated Mac Mini. The Mini has gone the longest without any updates of the Apple Mac lineup, and so one is most certainly due. There were fears of the Mac Mini being discontinued late last year, when it seemed Apple were slowing their production and stock levels down. Although now this could be related to an updated product taking its place. 

The Mac Mini has always been an entry level mac. Allowing users to keep their current screen, and other peripherals, adding only the small box to their setup. The current Mac Mini is not very powerful, and so heavy photo/movie editing was fairly difficult. 

Now it seems, with advanced technology becoming more available, there’s nothing stopping Apple from boosting the power and speed of this device, including the likes of solid Nvidia graphics chips, similar to the chips found in the MacBook ranges. There are also a lot of rumors about the new Mac Mini having support for dual-screens, meaning the Mac Mini could be used in work environments, instead of personal laptops or huge powerful Mac Pro’s. 

There’re all still rumors, but this seems almost too obvious not to appear on Tuesday. The top Apple-related blogs will be following the event, so be sure to follow along for the latest up-to-date information from Macworld 2009.

Places to follow:
TUAW & their live Twitter feed.
Apple Insider (Good live feeds from the keynote)
Engadget

The T-Shirts are quite cheap and can be posted around the UK [maybe overseas if you ask nicely]. A great idea if you’re struggling for gifts; if you’re still looking and know someone who may like CrazyFish Designs, head over to their eBay Store!

They only recently moved to eBay, which offers a simple solution as a market place that, despite thousands of other online buying opportunities, is still a very popular website for buying and selling goods across the world. 

More and more designs are being added over time, and they surely have potential and as their seller rating (100%) already suggests, are providing quality goods to happy customers.

Why wait? Visit the shop, and fill the empty space in your wardrobe!

Several patents have been filed by Apple suggesting a glass trackpad added to the Mighty Mouse. This would offer multi-touch to the mouse, and get rid of the small ball that gathered dust like steel to a magnet.  

MacBlogz have some great possible designs for the new mouse, giving a slimmer profile from the current and using Apple’s new found love: Aluminum!

I’ve been holding off purchasing a Mighty Mouse for two reasons. The first being the current trackball for scrolling. I’ve heard many stories of it ceasing up after only a few months, and with no access inside being very difficult to clean. The other was the price. Surely the technology within could not justify £48. Possibly the new mouse (maybe released in January) will be more expensive, but the new technology would balance this out. Or maybe the price will drop a little (wishful thinking with Apple).

I look forward to seeing what will happen in January, with the current hype of this being the last MacWorld for Apple, and Steve Jobs not fronting the keynote. Amidst this, I’m sure Apple have some  interesting products to show, hopefully a few answers to our questions. If this new Mighty Mouse does emerge, I’ll be sure to buy.
Although the aluminum might look too nice, next to my off-white MacBook.

If the name didn’t stare you in the face, the explanation should. I take a look back at what happened within the seven days that make up the current week [starting on Monday]. Simple. I aim to keep a technology (where possible) related theme, but other topics will be included in the hope the idea is interesting and continually readable. 

So without any more introduction, here is the week beginning [Monday] 15th December.

1974 – 15th Dec The british government introduced a new speed limit that became effective as of midnight. Motorway limits stayed constant, but dual carriage-ways dropped to 60MPH, and all other roads became 50MPH. Why did they do this? The government believed it would lower fuel use; to save fuel. 34 years later, I don’t think their plan was all that successful. 

1955 – 16th Dec The Queen Elizabeth II officially opened a new terminal [named The Queen's Building] at the London Airport, 9 years after the airport itself was opened. 

1968 – 17th Dec A life in prison, for Mary Bell – an eleven year old girl who was found guilty of killing two young boys of ages three and four.

1950 – 18th Dec Fear strikes the British population, as the Radio Times only just makes its Christmas deadlines, in time for people to plan their holiday season viewing.

1997 – 19th Dec The current Conservative party leader [at the time], William Hague married in Westminster to his fiancé, Ffion Jenkins.

Interesting? It can be interesting to learn what happens every day. What will be recorded for today? Will you remember it, will anyone?

1. Apple iPhone 3G
Almost a clichéd response, you’re probably thinking another uneducated teenager still drooling over the iPhone, amazed by its design, usability and general awesomeness. As close as I am to agreeing with you, its still unavoidable as a brilliant piece of engineering. Evidently based on the original iPhone, with cosmetic, network [3G] and software updates. The seemingly obvious faults [copy & paste, flash] with the device are still yet to be solved. But what the iPhone does, it does very well. The addition of the App Store opened a new realm of options for users and also software developers; both eager to dive in to the possibilities. 

The iPhone 3G proved popular with everyone. It was a massive hit in America, and the UK soon followed suit. For its first-class Apple design, usability and functionality there was no where but first for Apple’s breakthrough mobile device [take two]; the iPhone 3G.

2. Nintendo Wii Fit & Balance Board
The Nintendo Wii Fit & Balance Board package is looking to be this years Christmas ‘Toy of the year’, with many retail stores not having the stock required to keep up with the public demand. Its strength is in fitness, which added a whole new level of gaming, and opened the concept to a much wider audience. All ages can have a play with Wii Fit and most probably enjoy it. It’s quite doubtful that you’re uncle would enjoy a multiplayer thrashing on COD4, however. 

New games are being developed constantly adding more and more gameplay to the balance board, with snowboarding being perfectly suited to the board. The bundled software; Wii Fit has many enjoyable elements to it and can even prove useful if you’re trying to watch your figure; something that will be very popular in the few weeks after the Christmas holiday.

3. Apple MacBook Pro 
The best Apple laptop just got better with the latest MacBook Pro. Made from a single slab of aluminum, its shell is incredibly strong and avoids many moving parts that were present in previous shell designs. Although change is everywhere with the MacBook Pro, its not just the cosmetics. Nvidia have been called upon to provide new graphics chips [although having current hiccups] for the laptop ranges, offering more vibrant colour and faster graphic speed for the inner photographer within us all. To compliment the new chips, the screen is the expected 15″ in size, uses LED backlight and is protected and showcased in glass. Keeping uniformed, glass is also used on the new trackpad. Giving a tactile response where ever you click, and a smooth glide across for responsive on-screen control. 
The MacBook Pro has always been a top laptop. The option of choice for many designers, photographers, developers who need power and portability. Now though, the best just got better.  

4. Google Android (T-Mobile G1)
Google seem to be planning world domination at their head quarters. They’ve dominated the search with Google, severely weakened opponents with GMail and making RSS Readers unable to sleep with Reader. Now though, they have another target in sight. The mobile phone of course, and they’ve started with their first attempt of an operating system, Google Android. I have yet had a chance to explore the operating system, but people who have are very excited by its possibilities. 
Unlike the iPhone OS, Android is open to change. Developers have access to the SDK and are able to write applications and personalize the operating system; something end users enjoy the option of. 
Google Android is still in very early days. But more companies are beginning to see the potential, and are deciding to use Android in their next mobile handsets. 2008 saw the birth of Google Android, but 2009 will surely see it flourish.  

5. FlipMino HD
Fifth place was a close call between the FlipMino HD video camera, and the Amazon Kindle. But for myself, the FlipMino HD just took the lead. Photography has always been a keen interest of mine. I snap away at anything, but rarely catch images worth showcasing. A feature of my camera’s that I use quite often is the video capture. The only downside is the quality. FlipMino HD is the latest in a line of small, sleek camcorders, that is able to shoot in high definition. Small enough to fit in your pocket without notice (just over half an inch thick), the Flip Mino is always available to capture what ever you’re seeing. The camera is incredibly simple to use; there’s no hundreds of menu options to perfect the settings, you simple turn on and press record. A built in USB and software means connectivity is simple and uploading to YouTube or MySpace is easy. 
For its simplicity, high quality footage capture and sleek design, FlipMino HD deserves its place in the top 5 gadgets of 2008.

What would make your selection? Would the Kindle have taken fifth place for you?