MacRumors

Last week, Ars Technica had reported that the latest iPhone 2.2 SDK included an new undocumented framework that allows iPhone/iPod touch applications to output to a television rather than to the native screen.

The MPTVOutWindow class allows your iPhone to send its video to a connected TV rather than to the built-in screen. Intended to be used with movies, the unpublished class creates a live video feed that is sent out through the iPhone's connector port. End-users will need to buy a video adapter or cable to use this functionality.

While a couple of interesting demos had been thrown together, Ars then asked Freeverse about adding the functionality to a version of their Moto Chaser [App Store] game. The result is an impressive (though unsupported) demo:

Outputting to video-out resulted in a performance hit, so the TV version of the game can only reach approximately 20 frames per second. The game normally runs at 26 fps on the native screen. Freeverse notes that this was all thrown together in a few hours, so there is room for improvement. It's not clear if and when Apple might allow developers to officially release Apps using this new functionality.

Both Apple and O2 have started advertising the App Store in print media today. O2 posted a copy of this ad which appears in The Metro. Meanwhile, Macworld reports that Apple has placed ads in The Wall Street Journal and the New York Times.

In the U.S. print ads (not pictured), Apple reports that 300 million apps have been downloaded and confirms that the App Store now carries over 10,000 applications. The App Store crossed over the 10,000 app point on Wednesday and the current App count is 10,353 apps according to AppShopper.

Apple last reported that they had exceeded 200 million App Store downloads in late October.

Update: Macworld has published a photo of the U.S. ad.

After months of delay, Apple's In-Ear headphones have started arriving to customers. Here are some early first impressions of the $79 headphones:

Gizmodo - "After a history of offering lackluster earbuds, Apple has come through with a product that sounds really good and is reasonably priced, all things considered. The balanced sound and dual drivers makes all the difference in the quality factor."

Engadget - "Imagine our surprise, then, at the discovery that they not only sound really, really good (warm lows and crisp highs, a distinct lack of that modern, pushy mid-range), but they do work with the iPhone (the 3G we've got here, at least). "

CNet - "They don't quite have the crisp, high frequency detail of the Etymotic HF2 headphones I had at my desk, but they blow away Apple's stock earbuds (not too difficult a feat) with a buttery low end and pleasant mids and highs."

AppleInsider claims that following Adobe's withdrawl from exhibiting at Macworld San Francisco, both Belkin and Seagate will also not be exhibiting. Belkin historically has been one of Macworld's biggest exhibitors.

The move is deemed especially surprising for Belkin, which has not only been one of Macworld Expo's largest exhibitors in the past but is believed to have already paid for its booth space this year, people aware of the situation say.

Meanwhile, Google is said to be downsizing their booth size as well as a couple of other unnamed vendors.

While the worsening economy is cited as the likely reason, much of the cost for the spaces have reportedly already been collected. Regardless, as a result, they expect Macworld 2009 to be a smaller show than last year. MacRumors, of course, will be present to provide coverage of the show. Apple is expected to introduce new products at the event which kicks off on January 5th, 2009.

A few times a year, MacRumors partners with MacUpdate to promote their Mac application bundle deal. Their latest bundle delivers up to 10 Mac applications for $49.99 (a $447.96 value if all purchased separately) including:

- Drive Genius 2 ($99): diagnoses and repairs problems with your hard drive, optimizes your system, and more.
- RapidWeaver 4 ($79): Create professional-looking Web sites quickly and easily.
- DefaultFolder X 4 ($34.95): Fly through Open & Save dialog boxes at lightning speed.
- VirusBarrier X 10.5 ($69.95): Fast, simple, and non-intrusive anti-virus software.
- MacGourmet Deluxe ($44.95): Like iTunes for food, track recipes, plan meals, manage wines, and more.
- LittleSnitch 2 ($29.95): Monitors your network connection to make sure your Mac only sends out what you want it to.
- KeyCue 4 ($27): Displays full keyboard shortcuts for all your applications
- MacPilot 3 ($19.95): Access hundreds of hidden features to customize and improve your Mac OS X experience.
- WhatSize 4 ($12.99): Identify files that are hogging disk space.
- iVolume 3 ($29.95): Ensures all your iTunes tracks play back at the same volume level.

Unlike in past promotions, there appears to be no unlocking requirement and all apps are available from day one. The sale lasts for two weeks.

MacRumors is a promotional partner with MacUpdate. Bundle sales through these links benefit MacRumors financially, and provide a way for readers to directly support this site.

A newly published patent application discusses the possibility of incorporating additional proximity sensors (PS) around multi-touch panels to detect body parts.

This relates to the use of one or more proximity sensors in combination with one or more touch sensors in a multi-touch panel. The combination of these two different types of sensors can be used to detect the presence of one or more fingers, body parts or other objects hovering above a touch-sensitive surface or touching the touch-sensitive surface

Apple already incorporates a proximity sensor in the iPhone to turn the iPhone's display off, but the patent application explores the concept in desktop and laptop settings. One example given is the automatic display of on-screen buttons when a finger hovers above the screen. Apple might accomplish this by embedding IR sensors within the display itself:

For example, a grid of IR receivers can be placed on the panel, allowing each IR receiver to server as a "proximity pixel" indicating the presences or absence of an object in its vicinity.

The concept is similar to an old patent from 2004 which described the integration of grid of small cameras throughout the display. That configuration had the additional advantage of capturing video. Apple use of proximity detectors could also assist in more advanced concepts they've explored including the detection of specific fingers used in a gesture.

The patent application is an extension of one from 2007, so doesn't represent many new ideas, but continues to show Apple's interest in mixing modes of input to produce a richer experience.

Boy Genius Report first broke the story back in October that Apple would begin selling the iPhone at Wal-Marts. The actual date of release appears to be December 28th. Wal-Mart employees are already receiving training on iPhone activation (see photo above). Today, a new report from Boy Genius Report claims that Apple may be reintroducing the 4GB iPhone to be sold at Wal-Mart for only $99 with a two year contract. The site is not entirely confident about the report, so suggests this possibility should be taken with caution.

When Apple originally introduced the iPhone, it came in 4GB and 8GB models. Only a couple of months later, Apple discontinued the 4GB model altogether and dropped the price of the 8GB model. Apple currently sells an 8GB ($199) and 16GB ($299) iPhone with 2 year contract. Aggressive $99 pricing for an entry level iPhone would correlate with comments made by Steve Jobs in October. Jobs said that they needed to continue to be aware of a possible "price umbrella" below the iPhone that competitors may take advantage of. Analysts have suggested that Apple could feasibly sell the iPhone for $99.

Groklaw.net reports on the most recent legal filings from the Apple vs Psystar lawsuit which suggests that there may be unnamed individuals or corporations behind Psystar:

But here's the big news. Apple alleges that it believes there are corporations and/or individuals behind Psystar, who may be added as defendants once Apple in discovery finds out who they are. Woah.
....
So, Apple apparently believes that somebody else is behind Psystar, which might help to explain why a major law firm would take on what seems like a fly-by-night's case; also why Psystar has been so bold in continuing to sell its products. I knew this thing felt funny. As Alice in Wonderland might put it, "It gets interestinger and interestinger."

The author suggests that Psystar's bold defense and ongoing sale of their Mac clones seems out of line with the small company's stature. Apple is reserving the right to add additional defendants to the case should their identities be discovered.

Psystar made headlines earlier this year when they began selling Mac OS X-compatible PCs. Apple has since filed a lawsuit accusing them of copyright infringement and DMCA violations.

Macworld reports that Adobe will not be exhibiting at Macworld Expo this year. The company will still have a presence, however, and does plan on providing conference sessions during the event:

"Adobe has decided to shift its focus at the Macworld trade show this year," the company said in a statement given to Macworld. "Macworld is a valuable industry show and we will still be an active part of it with members of our product team involved in Macworld tracks, including a full day of CS4 demo sessions with Adobe evangelists on Wednesday, January 7."

TUAW reports the decision to drop out of Macworld is a reflection of wider layoffs and cutbacks at Adobe.

AppleInsider reports that new seeds of Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard were recently distributed to developers.

The newest seed of Mac OS X 10.6 is said to offer new additions to Grand Central, which provides developers an easier way to harness the power of multiple processor cores. Apple's efforts to convert many of its existing apps to Cocoa are still underway but with much still left to be done on Font Book. Other areas that are undergoing ongoing revisions include power management for notebooks and 64-bit support.

While there had been some hints that Mac OS X 10.6 might arrive in the first quarter of 2009, Apple's official timeframe was "about a year" from this past June.

Update: Seed notes posted.

Apple has finally started allowing developers to issue free promotional copies of their iPhone applications. Once an application has been accepted to the App Store by Apple, developers can issue up to 50 promotional codes. The codes allow the recipient to download a full copy of the application for free. Presently, these codes can only be used in the U.S. iTunes Stores by using the "Redeem" link in the App Store.

As an example, Smudge Apps sent us a promotional copy of Jam: Vol 1 [App Store]. Codes can be issued for existing applications and the 50 code limit is reset for each new version of an application.

In the past, it has been difficult for developers to provide review or promotional copies, instead having to reply on Ad-hoc distributions or the issuing of gift certificates.

MacNN reports on a newly published Apple patent application which details ongoing research into alternative cooling systems for notebook computers.

Specifically, Apple explores the possibility of a liquid cooling system for their notebook computers.

Current MacBooks use air cooling, driven by internal fans; while this is sufficient, it is thought that future components -- such as faster video cards and quad-core CPUs -- may force Apple to use more efficient (and possibly quieter) cooling. Active and passive methods are being suggested.

Apple suggests that the heat could be dissipated through an aluminum plate located behind the computer's display. This positioning would help reduce the amount of heat transmitted to the user's lap. This issue has received some press after Apple warned that "prolonged contact with your body could cause discomfort and potentially a burn."

ZDNet reveals that Apple has amended its lawsuit against Psystar with charges of violations of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). The DMCA is a controversial law that criminalizes the act of circumventing copy protection. Apple alleges that Psystar did just that in developing their Mac-compatible Open Computer:

Defendant has manufactured, imported, offered to the public, provided or otherwise trafficked a product, device, component, technology, software, or "code" ("the Circumvention Devices") that are primarily designed or produced for the purpose of either circumventing Apple's technological protection measures that effectively control access to Copyrighted Works, or allowing third parties to access Apple's Copyrighted Works without authorization.

The court documents also confirm that Psystar was actively working on a Mac OS X laptop clone this past October:

On information and belief, in fall 2008, Psystar worked to develop a laptop product that runs Mac OS X and in October, 2008, Psystar announced that it is planning to sell in commerce additional computers, servers, laptops, and/or hard drives that are preinstalled with or which will run a modified, unauthorized, version of Mac OS X operating system, including but not limited to a product referred to on Psystar's website as the "mobile Open Computer."

Whether Psystar will release such a product will obviously depend on their ability to successfully defend against this lawsuit from Apple. The lawsuit hasn't prevented Psystar from continuing to sell their desktop Mac clone and release new features such as Blu-ray and additional graphics card support.

After a long delay, Apple has started to list ship dates of "7-10 days" on their revised In-Ear headphone which were announced in September.

Apple describes the new In-Ear headphones as being "engineered for superior acoustic accuracy, balance, and clarity" and were originally promised in October. They retail for $79.00.

The new headphones are also mostly compatible with the iPhone and iPhone 3G although the volume controls will not work. Apple has also released a technote on getting optimal audio quality from your In-Ear headphones.

Nokia unveiled a new smartphone today called the Nokia N97. Nokia describes the phone as "the world's most advanced mobile computer" and is clearly positioned against Apple's iPhone. The list of features include:

- 3.5", 640x360 resistive touch screen
- QWERTY slide out keyboard
- 3G, WiFi, GPS
- 32GB
- 5 megapixel camera

The following interface video looks quite impressive, though an actual hands on video appears much slower and unpolished.

Nokia remains the worldwide leader in phone sales with 117.8 million phones sold in Q3 2008 as compared to Apple's 6.9 million iPhones. Still, in the smartphone market, Nokia has seemingly been threatened by the Blackberry, iPhone and Android platforms. In June, Nokia bought out Symbia Ltd, the developers of their mobile operating system.

Crave notes that the Nokia N97 will see first release in the first half of 2009, but no U.S. timetable has been announced.

Macworld announced on Monday that the "early bird" registration for Macworld San Francisco 2009 will be extended until December 8th. The early registration provides a discount on the price of admission. Basic expo floor passes can be had for $25, while the possibility of Keynote access is restricted to those with tickets of $250 or more. Macworld Expo takes place from January 5th to 9th, 2009 and represents the likely venue for Apple's next product announcements.

A number of products are expected to be unveiled at or around Macworld. Long running rumors have suggested that Apple's iMac and Mac mini are due for imminent updates. Mac Pro suitable Nehalem processors are due in the first quarter and we've long heard that the remainder of the Cinema Displays will be updated at MWSF.

Meanwhile, an unconfirmed tip at MacBlogz even claims that Apple might introduce a 32GB iPhone at Macworld 2009. While these "storage bump" predictions are easy to make, the technology may be poised to become available at the right timeframe.

The reason the largest iPhone (16GB) currently has 1/2 the memory of the largest iPod touch (32GB) is that the iPhone can only house a single NAND Flash chip while the iPod touch can accommodate two. The additional space in the iPhone is taken up by its communication hardware. In August, Toshiba announced that they would begin mass production of higher density 32GB chips in the 4th quarter of 2008. These chips could presumably be used in future iPhone and iPod touch models. Another intriguing announcement came from Intel who has developed Flash chips that could increase this maximum to 64GB by early 2009.

Arstechnica points to Apple's mini DisplayPort license which is available as a "no fee" license to interested parties. Apple introduced the Mini Display port with its new notebooks and 24" LED Cinema Display in October.

This licensing news adds some clarity to the debate about whether or not the Mini DisplayPort was a proprietary solution from Apple alone. The no fee license should allow 3rd party manufacturers to integrate the port into their own products and also to develop additional useful adapters. For example, Apple currently doesn't offer the appropriate adapter to allow customers to connect older Macs to their new 24" Apple LED Cinema Display.

Apple has said that they will be integrating the Mini Display port into all future products.