Information Overload

BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac

RIM announced today that BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac is now scheduled to be available this Friday, October 2nd—just a couple of days outside of their original September delivery date. It looks like RIM did a decent job of eliminating the need for PocketMac for BlackBerry, which RIM had been providing for free to Mac CrackBerry addicts. RIM's Mac software syncs contacts, calendar appointments, tasks and notes between their devices, and iCal and Address Book. It even works with Microsoft Entourage. Like its Windows counterpart, BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac lets users add and remove BlackBerry apps, schedule and encrypt backups, and install software updates.

BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac also integrates with BlackBerry Media Sync for Mac, RIM's solution for syncing with one's iTunes music collection. RIM is smart enough to use proven methods for accessing the iTunes Library, which doesn't require them to violate USB Implementers Forum guidelines by masquerading as an iPod.

Microsoft Security Essentials

Microsoft released Security Essentials 1.0 today, a free anti-virus software download for PC users. Yours truly had been beta testing it in various Windows VM's, and it's pretty great. Unfortunately for security vendors, antitrust laws probably won't prevent Redmond from poaching all of their consumer and small business customers since it's good for the public when an operating system can protect itself from malware.

Apple and the Environment

Apple is making good on their 2007 initiatives to become an environmental leader in the computer and consumer electronics industry. They posted their 2009 update last week. Their 2009 report on how their overseas suppliers treat their employees is also online. Kudos to Apple for disclosing so much information!

Party In The U.S.A.

Yeah... Mildly disturbed that this song is the top single on iTunes. It definitely shatters a relatively uninformed impression of the singer with a cool nickname, Miley Cyrus. What producer in their right mind would use Auto-Tune so liberally when they have talent who can sing for real! Suppose the line about the "Britney song" says it all.

AT&T Activates MMS For iPhone 3G

MMS, SMS' multimedia friendly cousin, is finally available to AT&T customers who use an iPhone 3G or iPhone 3G S. MMS lets people send photos, video, audio, map locations, and contact information the same way they would send a text message. The standard is supported by the majority of smartphones and 9-key mobile phones around the world making MMS a popular way to exchange low fidelity images.

Penryn 2009 Food Bazaar

The 45th Annual Placer Buddhist Church food bazaar is tomorrow, Saturday, September 26th in Penryn, California. Chicken Teriyaki goes on sale at 10 AM. The bazaar itself runs until 5 PM, but get there before 4 PM as sushi and chow mein usually sell out early. New this year are a silent auction, and a performance (at 11:30) by a live band from Japan!

Last Chance For Free Macworld 2010 Pass

Today is the last day to register for a free Macworld Expo Hall pass that grants access to the exhibit hall show floor. The show's organizers announced yesterday that David Pogue and Leo Laporte will be among the many longtime Mac celebrities who will try to fill the void of Apple's absence next February.

DIRECTV Apps

Totally overlooked last month's release of DIRECTV's aptly named TV Apps, onscreen widgets that take forever to load despite using Comcast's Internet connection. The only thing slower is the DIRECTV Game Lounge—at least TV Apps are free. The idea is good, but the execution currently makes it easier to reach for the iPhone for weather, scores, and more.

FCC Chairman Genachowski on Net Neutrality

Net neutrality FTW! The Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Julius Genachowski, gave a landmark speech yesterday outlining the FCC's vision for maintaining neutral access to the Internet in the United States. (His speech is in the first 24 minutes of the video below.) IMHO, companies like Comcast may hate net neutrality, but they should remember that it's the public who grants them access, subsidies, and (in some cases) municipal monopolies. It's reassuring that Mr. Genachowski appears to have a firm grasp of this incredibly important yet often overlooked issue.

Snow Leopard

Finally got some time this weekend to upgrade to Snow Leopard (a.k.a. Mac OS X 10.6). Probably could have upgraded earlier since the install went without a hitch. Had to re-register Snapz Pro X and Movie Screen Saver stopped working—no big. The Dock menu style is inexplicably different now. Otherwise, OS X seems to benefit from all of the behind-the-scenes refinements. It's definitely worth it for all Mac users.