events

Mac OS X 10.4.3 coming up

Mac OS X 10.4.3 is set for release, featuring over 550 fixes and improvements. Key updates include enhancements to CoreGraphics, CoreImage, and OpenGL, along with updates to iChat and WebKit. This version might also activate Quartz2DExtreme, increasing performance capabilities.

Amazon introduces 'Tagging'

Amazon is testing item tagging, reflecting its growing presence in mainstream applications. With this shift, there is hope for increased tagging options across various software. The potential to filter links, images, and files quickly could transform how we organize and access information in the future.

First Intel Mac to be the iBook, in January?

Rumors suggest that Intel-based Apple products may launch earlier than the anticipated July date, possibly in January at MacWorld. Initially thought to be the Mac Mini, reports now indicate the first Intel Mac could be the iBook, with expected new models and price drops. Additionally, Apple has begun rolling out Universal Binaries, hinting at imminent releases.

High Speed Wikipedia search

Wikipedia can be slow at peak times, leading to frustrating wait times for information. Lumrix offers a high-speed alternative for searching Wikipedia, providing faster results than Google by frequently indexing its database. This service can enhance productivity for research or learning about topics like the 'Frutiger' font.

Tokyo Designer's Week

Tokyo Designer's Week, an annual event, showcases Japanese design culture, offering insights beyond what is typically available in Western markets. It highlights the depth and influence of design within Japan, which surpasses external perceptions. Additional resources capture the brilliance of the exhibitions and provide further impressions of this notable event.

Jakob Nielsen thinks that Ajax sucks

Jakob Nielsen critiques Ajax, highlighting issues like non-functional back buttons, bookmarks, and search engine indexing. While his points are valid regarding Web 1.0, they become less relevant with the rise of Web 2.0 applications, which function more like desktop apps. Modern web applications can enhance user interaction without needing traditional web navigation features.

Safarilicious - Export your Safari Bookmarks To del.icio.us

I developed a Mac OS X application called 'Safarilicious', which allows users to export their Safari bookmarks to their del.icio.us accounts. Although released several weeks ago, I hadn't yet mentioned it on the blog.

Google Talk for Mac OS X soon. (Almost)

Google Talk, primarily available on Windows, lacks native support for Mac users. However, GAIM 2.0 is in development, promising significant updates, including voice and video integration for Google Talk and other platforms. This enhancement will enable Mac users to access Google Talk’s voice features, making cross-platform communication more seamless.

Update: Safarilicious 0.7.7

I updated Safarilicious to version 0.7.7, which includes several bug fixes: resolving crashes from 'Index Errors' and error responses from del.icio.us, along with improved Unicode support for titles and tags. The app’s GUI displays Unicode correctly, enhancing user experience.

Safarilicious Progress

I am busy but anticipate releasing version 0.79 of Safarilicous soon. Panther compatibility remains untested, pending access to an appropriate machine. The upcoming version will not be a Universal Binary, but I expect to gain access to Mac OS X86 for testing purposes.

iWeb HTML Generation

Since the release of iWeb, I've been assessing the quality of its HTML output. Unlike the aesthetically pleasing designs typically associated with Apple, iWeb's generated pages contain excessive inline styles that compromise their cleanliness. Examining these pages reveals potential areas for improvement in code structure, a critical aspect for web development.

Back online

stylemac.com has returned online after a long hiatus. Due to personal challenges, I couldn't manage the site earlier, but Safarilicious and Tagbag are now accessible. While my availability for stylemac.com will be limited in the upcoming months, I intend to continue providing updates.

First examination of the iPhone SDK

I explored the iPhone SDK and found it to be an impressive API for mobile app development. I successfully created an application and noted some challenges, particularly with the documentation. I addressed specific issues like playing sound files and retrieving UI element values, highlighting important nuances that could confuse new users. More insights will follow.

Preparing for WWDC

Tomorrow, my journey to WWDC begins with flights from Amsterdam to London, then L.A., followed by a drive to San Francisco. I'll be equipped with a new battery and a faster hard drive for my MacBook Pro to work on projects during the trip. I'm looking forward to the keynote and informative sessions ahead.

WWDC 08 LiveBlog

We arrived and are waiting in a long line, uncertain if we secured a good spot for the Keynote without needing to move to overflow rooms. The crowd is large, and one lab area still has its label covered, suggesting something new might be introduced. More updates will follow as we approach the main floor.

iPhone Experiment One: Happiness

After joining the iPhone Developer Program, I developed my first app, 'Happiness,' now available on the App Store. This app aims to uplift moods using comforting images and the sound of laughter, drawing on scientific research about mood enhancement. It was a valuable learning experience that integrated my academic knowledge with practical application development.

OweMe - Money Lending Manager for iPhone

OweMe, the Money Lending Manager app, addresses the common issue of forgetting small loans. Its user-friendly interface allows quick tracking of borrowed or lent amounts, complete with separate lists for credit and debit, notes, due dates, and location-based entries. After extensive testing, it proves effective for managing finances effortlessly.

StyleMac 2.0

In 2005, I launched StyleMac to focus on Apple, design, and software development. However, managing it alongside a full-time job proved challenging, leading to limited content. Now, after nearly four years, StyleMac will evolve into a hub for my developed Mac and iPhone applications, with insights on related topics. I also launched the revamped Safarilicious 1.0.