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On2 Technologies has announced that its Flix Engine, a server-side video encoding platform, now has support for Apple’s portable formats. Where previously the Flix SDK could only be used to create output in Flash 8/9, 3GPP and general H.264, it can now be used to generate QuickTime files specifically sized and encoded for iPods, as well as the iPhone. Flix is purportedly used by “the majority” of web video sites, and supports scripting languages such as ASP, PHP, Python and Perl; it is however only available for Windows and Linux. Buyers must contact On2 regarding licensing.

source: ipodnn.com

Apple’s latest attempt at negotiating international distribution of the iPhone is in Thailand, according to reports. Reuters cites Prattana Leelapanang, the assistant VP of wireless business marketing for Thailand’s Advanced Info Service (AIS); according to Leelapanang, his company is already discussing the details of an arrangement with Apple, including revenue sharing. The last point is particularly notable, as neither Apple nor its telecom partners have in the past admitted to revenue sharing, although it is a widely accepted fact amongst analysts.AIS owns approximately 50 percent of the Thai cellular market, at 24.5 million subscribers. It is not known when the iPhone might premiere with AIS, but there is unlikely to be a rush, as the company is still planning a test of 3G broadband services. Consequentially, the current 2.5G iPhone is likely to be sufficient. Apple and AT&T have promised a 3G iPhone by the end of 2008. Thailand represents a third front in Apple’s Asian deployment plans. The company is said to be in talks with Japanese carriers NTT DoCoMo and Softbank, and it recently broke off negotiations with leading Chinese provider China Mobile, allegedly over revenue-sharing issues. If it does not reconcile with China Mobile, Apple will have to turn to the country’s only other wireless carrier, China Unicom.

source: macnn.com

The next update for Mac OS X may be one of the largest Apple has ever released, accounts say. During last week’s Macworld event, it is said that a new build of Mac OS X 10.5.2 was circulated amongst developers, under the version name 9C16. Aside from adding support for Remote Disks (for the MacBook Air) and using networked volumes as Time Machine devices (required for the Time Capsule), it reportedly addresses issues with almost 40 OS components, including AirPort, firewalls, Dashboard widgets, Finder, the Dock, iCal, iChat, Mail and Safari.Some 100 issues are said to have been addressed in total; the latest build alone includes 20 fixes, to problems such as DVD playback and secondary displays, Time Machine and resumed backups, and multiple PDF-related complications. The size of the complete v10.5.2 update could be in excess of 400MB, although users who already have v10.5.1 may have less to download. Two bugs are claimed to be outstanding in the new release, connected to hangs when scrolling through PDF files, and updating default locations under Applications. These may be resolved by the time v10.5.2 is distributed to the public.

source: macnn.com

Two new cases have already been announced for Apple’s yet-to-be-released MacBook Air. The first of these is the AirMail, which takes a cue from Apple’s marketing and is designed to resemble a manila envelope, complete with brown-hued “paper” and a red seal. The case is actually handmade out of vinyl, with a thick fleece liner. It is said to protect against smudges, scratches and light bumps, but not any harsh impacts. It should ship for $30 within two weeks, the same timeframe as the Air itself.

The second case is WaterField’s new version of the SleeveCase, a more general design usually meant for many different notebooks. The case is made of a nylon exterior and a neoprene interior, and can be customized with a vertical or horizontal orientation, a strap, a front flap, and/or a detachable accessory holder. The new MacBook Air size (13-2) can be pre-ordered for prices starting at $40, but will only ship sometime before January 25th.

source: macnn.com

iSkin’s presence at Macworld is being used to demonstrate four new pieces of protective gear. The first of these is the ProTouch, a skin for Apple’s thin aluminum keyboard. The ProTouch is primarily made out of silicone, but uses Microban antimicrobial material to prevent the spread of disease. When the skin does need to be cleaned, it can be quickly removed and manually washed and dried. The skin is already available for $25, in blue, black, pink and frosted colors. Currently without a price or release date are iSkin’s Redline notebook bags, each made of a single piece of cow leather with a minimal number of seams. Handles and straps are stitched into the base of the bags, and the findings are built of solid metal alloys. Microfiber used as liner is said to prevent any scratching.

For iPods the company has released the eVo3 classic, an iPod classic version of its long-standing case series. The new case comes in black and translucent frost colors, and in each instance features anti-dust protection, a textured grip, and an extra resin shield to guard the screen and front panel. A rotating belt clip allows vertical and horizontal orientations. Pricing is $35. The company’s next iPhone case will be the Fuze, a model with a polycarbonate exterior and a softer shock-absorbing interior. All ports and antennas are by default exposed, but for extra protection, the docking connector can be sealed with a flexible cover. The case can additionally be used with the revoClip, although this is a separate purchase. The Fuze should ship in the second quarter of the year.

source: ipodnn.com

Apple’s not only pushed the envelope with the industrial design of the MacBook Air, but also pushed Intel to deliver some advanced CPU technology, according to a new report. Rather than use Intel’s newly introduced 45-nm Penryn mobile chips, the company used a modified version of current 65nm mobile chips with smaller packaging. According to Anandtech, the new MacBook Air uses a specialized version of Intel’s Merom-based Core 2 Duo chip, the same chip used in Apple’s other laptops (and from other PC vendors); however, it appears that the chip is actually uses technology originally slated to ship with its next-generation Montevina platform later this year. According to the report, the CPU comes in a package that was originally reserved for mobile Penryn due out in the second half of 2008 — using the Montevina SFF Centrino platform. Intel apparently accelerated the introduction of the packaging technology specifically for Apple, the report says.

While Intel was initially coy about the technology, a follow-up email from the company notes that the MacBook Air chip is not a low-voltage chip, but a specially made version of its standard Core 2 Duo. “The MacBook Air uses the Intel Core 2 Duo Processor and Intel 965GMS chipset with integrated Gfx using a new miniaturized package technology,” Intel explained. “This new CPU and chipset allows for approximately 60 percent reduction in total footprint. The Core 2 Duo Processor TDP is 20 watts. The Macbook Air is using existing Core 2 Duo technology with a lower voltage spec in a new miniaturized packaging design. It is not a ULV processor.” Thus the CPU and chipset are both using advanced packaging technology for a smaller footprint, while still using the current generation mobile Core 2 Duo chips (perhaps to save costs associated with the newer Penryn chips). Anandtech notes that the 1.6GHz chip in the MacBook Air runs at 1.0V – 1.25V, while the 1.8GHz version runs at 1.1125V – 1.25V — both less than the standard mobile Core 2 Duo, but more voltage than the Low Voltage chips. “The TDP of these not-quite-low-voltage Core 2s reflects the increased voltage,” Anandtech writes. “While the L7700 and L7500 have a 17W TDP, the chips used in the MacBook Air are rated at 20W.” Standard mobile Core 2 Duo chips are 35W parts.

While it’s unclear why Apple’s chose a modified version of the Merom Core 2 Duo chip rather than standard low-voltage parts, the report says the that an avoidable side-effect may be a hotter notebook. “The bigger concern however has nothing to do with packaging technology or operating voltages, but overall thermals. The MacBook Pro runs very hot and while the 20W TDP of the MacBook Air is significantly lower than the 35W TDP of the Pro, it’s high for such a small chassis,” the site notes. “We won’t know for sure how hot the Air will get until it’s in our hands but the SSD route seems like an even better bet now that we know a little more about what we’re dealing with. Cutting down heat in that thin chassis will be very important, and moving to solid state storage is the only real option you have there.”

source: macnn.com

The BBC is strongly considering offering its iPlayer web video service through the revamped Apple TV, says the company’s technology director Ashley Highfield in his Internet blog. Apple’s shift from purchase-only videos to a rental model would allow the British network to mimic the functions of the website while providing a more comfortable TV environment, he says. While the shows could still be free to watch, the Apple TV’s system would avoid copyright issues by automatically clearing episodes after their viewing period is up, a feature that show producers currently “insist” upon for the website.Highfield does not say whether the BBC has been in talks with Apple but notes that iPlayer is already enroute to digital set-top boxes such as Virgin’s cable service in the spring. The chief obstacle to the BBC accepting a solution is whether it can be simple enough that “my mum can install,” the director says. An alternative but longer-term step may be Internet-ready TVs themselves, such as the Panasonic Viera PZ850 series. An Apple TV solution would require a special exception from Apple, whose rental model for iTunes movies currently demands a small fee and gives viewers up to 30 days to begin watching content and 24 hours to finish any title once it has been started, though the title can be re-rented at any point in the future. iPlayer typically offers shows for less than 30 days before they are removed permanently from the viewing list but allows unlimited viewings of those shows as long as they remain accessible from the website.

source: electronista.com

Tom Bihn on Wednesday introduced the first laptop case for Apple’s MacBook Air. The popular laptop case manufacturer introduced the Brain Cell Size 6X, a new version of its Brain Cell laptop case designed specifically for Apple’s newest notebook. The Tom Bihn Brain Cell laptop case offers advanced protection and is designed to clip securely inside a wide variety of Tom Bihn messenger bags, briefcases, and backpacks — bags including the Empire Builder, Super Ego, ID, Ego, and Zephyr. Among the protective materials that make the Brain Cell are 8mm thick soft foam padding, 4mm hard corrugated plastic, cross-linked closed-cell polyethylene foam, and 12mm thick premium memory foam. The Brain Cell Size 6X will be available for $60 and is expected to ship in late February.

source: macnn.com

On the heels of its complete iPhone/iPod line-up, Griffin Technology on Tuesday announced WindowSeat, Griffin’s windshield mount for iPhone. WindowSeat puts the device at eye level on a car’s windshield with street maps, directions and more, safely in view and within reach. WindowSeat’s mounting bracket holds the iPhone securely, while its corner-release tab lets you easily remove your device when you arrive at your destination. The high-grip silicone suction pad attaches to the windshield easily; it is made from high-grade, attractive and durable materials to compliment the vehicle’s interior and withstand the temperature shifts and features quick, easy, and secure adjustments to viewing angle with swiveling ball-and-socket joints. It also be used in conjunction with Griffin’s PowerJolt car charger for iPhone. WindowSeat for iPhone will be available in March for $20.

source: macnn.com

Apple CEO Steve Jobs debuted Time Capsule, a new backup device that uses wireless networking to store files without the need to connect an external hard drive. Time Capsule features 802.11n wireless functionality, and will be sold in a 500GB version as well as a 1TB version for $300 and $500, respectively. The device looks similar to an AirPort Extreme base station, but features different ports on the rear.

source: ipodnn.com