Scott Sheppard takes a lighthearted look at what's new and exciting in the world of the Macintosh computer in this one-hour weekly radio show. From the digital hub to the den of the Panther operating system, Scott is always on top of what is happening in the world of Macintosh and has his finger on the pulse of the industry. With a tasty serving of news, reviews, information, and interviews, Inside Mac is all Mac, all the time, and one of the unique tech shows on radio today.

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Inside Mac - July 26th 2003

Listen / Download the July 26th, 2003 Show

Eric Klein - Palm

Palm Zire 71 Handheld Features and Benefits

New Zire 71 Handheld Features Built-in Digital Camera, Audio/Video Playback Ability and High-resolution Color Screen

Bringing multimedia capabilities to its Zire product family, Palm, Inc. introduced the affordable Zire 71 handheld with a built-in digital camera and Palm's sharpest high-resolution color screen to date. At an estimated U.S. street price of $299, the Zire 71 handheld gives people the ability to capture life on-the-go. Media aficionados also will enjoy listening to MP3s, watching video clips and carrying their personal photo albums wherever they go. The all-new sliding design hides a concealed digital camera for spontaneous photo capture.

Designed for youthful professionals, the Zire 71 handheld helps users integrate their digital lifestyle with Palm's world-class business and personal productivity capabilities. Market research studies from Russell Research reveal that 29 percent of U.S. consumers likely to purchase a PDA in the next several months want a built-in camera, demonstrating a strong interest in the ability to capture snapshots on impulse. The Zire 71 handheld does this and more, while still fitting in the user's pocket and budget. The Palm(TM) Universal Connector enables customers to add peripherals such as the Palm Ultra-Thin Keyboard. The Palm Expansion Slot lets people use personal productivity, entertainment, education and backup cards.

"Multimedia became the focal point of our new Zire handheld because a gap exists between the people who want this functionality and the cost they have had to pay to get it," said Ken Wirt, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Palm Solutions Group. "For only $299 and the price of an expansion card, customers can enjoy their favorite music, share photographs, play a short video of friends having fun -- of a child's first steps and words -- and grab a snapshot on the run."

New Design Includes Integrated Digital Camera

The Palm Zire 71 handheld's innovative new design features a slider that reveals and activates the digital camera, providing the opportunity for fun, impromptu digital images. A bright 320 x 320 display that supports more than 65,000 colors acts as the viewfinder, and snapshots can be saved within the 16MB of memory (13MB usable) or onto expansion cards that range to 256MB and beyond. The camera automatically activates by sliding open the device. With the touch of a button, users can instantly capture the photo.

Other new Zire handheld features include a fast, ARM processor that boosts power and speed for video clips or games, and 5-way navigation with an all-new joystick-like button for one-handed operation.

Managing Digital Photos

One of the four application buttons on the front of the Zire 71 handheld accesses Palm's photo application for organizing and managing digital images on the handheld. Users can assemble photo albums, beam images to friends, and move pictures to and from an expansion card.

The Palm Photos application also has been integrated into the Palm Desktop Windows edition, providing photo viewing, organizing and basic editing functions. Performing a HotSync(R) operation will move photos to and from the Zire 71 handheld, so images can be transferred to the desktop for cropping or rotation, and then synced back for a portable photo album. Macintosh users can easily drag and drop photos onto the "Send to Handheld" icon.

Listening to Music and Watching Video

For listening to music files and playing movie trailers, the Zire 71 handheld ships with RealNetworks' RealOne Mobile Player and Kinoma Player and Producer.

MP3 or RealAudio files stored on an expansion card(2) can be heard through the handheld's new built-in speaker, or via the stereo headphone jack located at the top of the device. This jack accepts standard headphone plugs(2) and provides excellent stereo sound quality. With RealNetworks' RealOne Mobile Player software, users can create and manage play lists, as well as run music in the background while using most other built-in Palm applications.

With Kinoma Player and Producer, and a free downloadable QuickTime application, Zire 71 handheld users can display their own home movie clips on the device, as well as download movie trailers and other pre-formatted material from the Internet.

Personalized Zire 71 Handhelds

Customization of Palm handhelds has always been possible with accessories and downloadable applications. The Zire 71 handheld takes customization to a new level by providing more than 30 color-theme options through Palm OS(R) 5.2.1. The new themes and colors range from Rose to Desert to Chocolate, changing the visual appearance of information displayed on the screen.

Also new is an install application called Quick Install (Windows only) for moving files, media and applications onto the handheld. Users can simply drag and drop images, video files or zipped applications onto the Quick Install icon located on the desktop. The files are automatically converted or unzipped (if necessary) and added to the handheld during the next HotSync operation.

Accessories

Palm also introduced a range of accessories for the Zire 71 handheld, including the following:

MP3 Audio Kit -- an excellent accessory kit for listening to music and audio books on the Zire 71 handheld (includes a 64MB expansion card, an SD Card/MultiMediaCard reader/writer and stereo headphones), scheduled to be available in May for $99.95 (estimated U.S. street price)

Power To Go -- a battery-recharging sled scheduled to be available in May for $99.95 (estimated U.S. street price)

Zire Slim Leather Case -- stylishly crafted of high-quality, full-grain leather, with space for credit and business cards, available now for $24.95 (estimated U.S. street price).

The complete range of accessories for the Palm Zire 71 handheld, including expansion cards, cases and covers, can be found at the Palm website.

Availability

Consumer-electronics outlets, major retail chains and online e-stores will sell the Palm Zire 71 handheld, which is available now in most countries worldwide.

Broadcast Video and Other Palm Materials

Palm uses The NewsMarket, a web-based news and video archive, to distribute broadcast-standard video and other materials. Please register on http://www.thenewsmarket.com to browse and preview an extensive content library and order footage directly from your desktop. Registration and ordering on the site is free.

(1) Listening to MP3s requires the use of an expansion card, sold separately.

(2) Sold separately.

Kevin Ford CEO - Phone Valet

PhoneValet

Our number one goal when developing PhoneValet was to bring the telephone into the Macintosh digital hub paradigm.

Your telephone can be a lifeline to the outside world, and a source of irritation. Instead of hiring a personal assistant, let PhoneValet screen and dial calls, look up phone numbers and maintain phonebooks. With PhoneValet you can focus on the important tasks in life and work.

Built from the ground up to harness the power of Mac OS X, PhoneValet includes all the hardware and software you need to get more out of your existing telephones! The majority of people will be using PhoneValet within 10 minutes of taking it out of the box.

PhoneValet keeps a list of all your calls - both inbound and outbound. You'll know when you used the phone, with whom and for how long.

Unlike Caller ID boxes, PhoneValet can store a virtually unlimited history of your calls. You can call back any number in the log with the click of a mouse... just click the number, pick up the phone and PhoneValet dials for you.

PhoneValet logs all calls that you place, whether they are dialed using software, or even if they're dialed by using the buttons on your phone.

Report on the Call Log using advanced search criteria and export the results to text (CSV/TSV) files for easy import into spreadsheets and databases. A great feature for consultants and small businesses that bill for time or need call records.

PhoneValet sets up your calls for you, then dials when you're ready... just pick up the phone to call.

Designed for small business and busy homes, PhoneValet can be indispensable for those who want to make dialing and remembering numbers easier. When you're in PhoneValet's phonebook or call log you can simply click on any number, then pick up the phone to dial right away.

Powerful dialing rules let you automate the use of calling cards and long-distance access numbers. PhoneValet fully supports 10- and 11-digit dialing.

PhoneValet phone-enables your Macintosh system-wide. From any application that supports Apple's Services Menu, you can select a number and dial it through PhoneValet.

When your hands and screen are busy, interact with PhoneValet by voice.

PhoneValet uses Apple's advanced speech recognition for reliable "always on" voice commands. You can dial by voice at any time by simply saying the name of the person to call. What's better, this speaker-independent system requires no training and works for everyone who uses your Macintosh.

Voice commands work from any Macintosh application. You don't have to rearrange your desktop just to find the number of the person you want to call... you don't have to click around to launch PhoneValet... just say the name, pick up the phone and the number is dialed for you.

Keep track of incoming callers - on screen and by voice

When incoming calls arrive, Caller ID information is displayed in large type on the screen. PhoneValet uses Apple's natural-sounding Text To Speech system to speak the caller's name aloud (through speakers connected to your Macintosh).

Because Caller ID tends to truncate longer names, PhoneValet looks up incoming numbers in your phonebook to check for proper pronunciations or complete names for callers - have PhoneValet announce any name you wish.

Keep in touch when you're away... Even integrate through AppleScript

In addition to displaying calls and announcing them, PhoneValet can send you an email whenever a call comes in. You can keep in touch by having your home Macintosh email you at work with the names, numbers and times of incoming calls. Why not have calls emailed to your email-enabled pager or SMS cellphone?

AppleScripts can be run as calls are received, and they are provided with the caller's information (name, number, date and time) so AppleScript fans can have access to caller information too!

Upgradable for multi-line analog systems

PhoneValet is a solution that can grow with your home or business. As you add more lines there is no need to purchase more software. Instead, just use a PhoneValet Line Expansion Pack for each line. The expansion pack includes another USB Telephone Adapter to enable your Macintosh to interact with an additional analog telephone line. Expansion packs are available at a significant discount compared to a full PhoneValet package.

Additional lines integrate seamlessly with the PhoneValet system. Calls are announced along with a line name assigned by you, and line numbers are available in call logs and exports.

Import from Apple's Address Book, Entourage, Palm Desktop and others!

PhoneValet easily imports records from your existing contact manager, and has features to assist with synchonization of data, with more on the way!

Unlike many contact managers (including Apple's Address Book) PhoneValet is a multi-user product. It can log calls and send emails when no users are logged into your Macintosh, or even when your children are playing games. PhoneValet's centralized data store means phone numbers and call logs are always available - no matter who is logged in.

Incase's pack, sleeves, briefs, moya, sling, slim, and iPod cases
Great designs from a company that delivers superb cases for ALL PowerBooks. Check out these new cases from incase, one will definitely fit your lifestyle!.
http://www.goincase.com

Macally's BizScan card reader, RF keyboard, RF mouse, IceStand, USB MiniTablet and lots more
More new Mac input devices announced/released in a single month then any company we have seen. Macally have created a raft of new, useful devices such as a business card reader, portable hard drives, new line of PowerBook bags and much much more.
http://www.macally.com

Speck Product's iPod Skin, iSport & FlipStand for 3G iPods
Speck has created a line of cool new cases and a unique fanny pack for the active iPod users.
http://www.speckproducts.com/

Intrigue Technologies' Harmony Remote
Want the power of a TiVo programming guide in the palm of your hands? Harmony Remote is a gift for someone that has everything.
http://www.harmonyremote.com

360VR.com

Macworld Expo Creative Pro pix in QuickTime VR (panoramic viewing!!)

http://www.360vr.com/macworld/

Scott Sheppard - Executive Producer / Host

Scott Sheppard is the founder and editor of the popular Macintosh Web Site, http://www.OSXFAQ.com He is also a monthly Contributing Editor to Macworld UK magazine and produces a daily audio broadcast of Mac news and information Inside Mac Radio.

Scott Sheppard previously hosted the Inside Mac Show broadcast by CNET radio.

Scott has been using Apple computers for more than 25 years, as well as spending many years as a Wintel user, giving him the unique perspective of having spent a lot of time on both sides of the computer fence.

Sam Levin - Co Host & Senior Mac Technologist

Sam Co-Founded the Stanford Mac Users' Group in 1985, and has worked with leading Macintosh developers on business development, licensing, and strategic market development. Sam Directed licensing initiatives for leading entertainment companies such as Virgin Interactive, Broderbund, and Mattel.

Sam has worked with numerous Mac companies such as: Aladdin, Apple, Broderbund, Connectix, IBM Multimedia, IXLA, Jiiva, Keyspan, Microsoft, MYOB, Meilenstein, Fathom Pictures, LandWare, Mattel, Nova Development, Totally Hip Software, Y-E Data and more.

Jeff Baudin - Co Host & CEO Micromat, Inc.

http://www.micromat.com/

Christian Pickman - Producer

Christian Pickman is the producer of Inside Mac and he brings 5 years of radio experience to the show. He is the guy you talk to when you call in, so be nice to him !!!!

Greg Douglas - Director of Network Operations

Gregory Douglas has fifteen years of experience in the radio, television and computer- related areas. He was the Director of Network Operations for Personal Achievement Radio, which included responsibilities for the production, operation and distribution of the "PAR" format. As the primary individual in charge of the on-air sound for "PAR", Mr. Douglas interacted with the motivational authors, Nightingale-Conant, ABC Radio Networks, PAR O & O's and affiliates and the broadcast talent. He pioneered the transition to digital for the flagship PAR studios. In addition, Mr. Douglas was M.I.S. Manager for Douglas Broadcasting Inc. where he was responsible for the traffic and business computer functions as well as the computer networking of DBI/PAR radio outlets.

Previously, he was the General Manager of DBI's Seattle operation and Station Manager at WBPS-AM in Boston. Also, Mr. Douglas has been involved in almost all areas of broadcasting, including traffic, business, engineering, production and sales.