This could be the next big thing for the iPod product family. I think that this could be a real photo, taking into account that Apple is moving into a more aerodynamic form factor. Just take the new iPhone or the Mac Book Air. Rumor also has it that the entire iPod line could be redesigned; in addition, they would drop the price of the whole product line to be more competitive with the reasonably priced iPhone at $199. Let’s look at the facts, Apple has confirmed that there will be a new product that will change everything. Apple has also stated to its investors that the next quarter could see a loss in profits. All of this points to the possibility of the price drop. Also in the rumor world is the release of a new major revamp of iTunes. I don’t know any details; however, it would be nice to see a subscription model introduced to the iTunes music store. All of this could prove to be true as soon as September 9th. One thing is for sure, regardless to if this picture is real or not, Apple is about to change the world again, and I can’t wait to see what is next!

Yet again, another ridicules app was been released on the iPhone. This time it was pulled as fast as it appeared. “Armin Heinrich – I Am Rich” which does nothing other then display a red gemstone on your screen. The only purpose is to remind you and others that you have enough money to waste on this senseless app. Apple has to approve the apps that show up in the store, and I figure they were thinking, ‘we will get a nice percent of profit of this app’. The best part about this app is that is costs ONLY $999.99! If it were still in the app store, I would buy it in a heartbeat…NOT!

Give me a brake, I said that I was not going to write about the iPhone, but this is ridicules. There are some great apps for the iPhone and iPod Touch, and then there are some down right awful ones. For example there is a flashlight app the simply turns the screen of the iPhone and iPod Touch completely white. This may be useful but I would not pay almost $1 for it! The one that really gets me hot around the collar is MyAccountsToGo… at $449.99 it costs more than the phone! MyAccountsToGo is an accounting and financing program for sales reps that allows them to view and sync their customers information, such as sales. This program has good potential for a sales rep; however, it does not allow you to modify any of the information. Give me a brake, at $449.99 and without the ability to modify information, this app is not happening!

I expressed my views about Microsoft Windows Vista. What dose Microsoft have to do in order to break the idea that they are out of touch; or are that truly out of touch with what the people want and need. I have said this in the past Microsoft needs to focus more on the consumer while keeping their business customers happy as well, but separate. I have been told repeatedly that Windows is good for business users while Mac OS X is perfect for the home user. As a designer, I know the benefits of using a Mac, but what about the uses of windows. I have proposed in the past, and recently heard it suggested again, Microsoft should split up. In doing so, they could focus more on a home user by “turning up” the GUI for a better user experience, while maintaining performance. On the other hand, they could release a second version of Windows made for the business user. I do not mean just giving it a new name like enterprise edition. Businesses do not want Fisher Price looking GUI, and they defiantly do not want aero glass, these are things that the home user wants. Give the business user a Windows 2000 experience and they are content! Therefore, for Microsoft to succeed in the future, I think that the need to brake apart to meet the needs and desires of the individual customers rather then jam it into a all-in-on package that people don’t like.

Edit: Microsoft has announced that Windows 7 will ship in January, 2010. They will probably change the date before then of course.

Has copyright laws gone too far? Try to rap your head around this one, Man and Machine (M&M – not the candy) is suing both Apple and CBS for copyright infringement. This is where it gets complicated, in 2004 M&M made a water and chemical proof mouse and gave it the name Mighty Mouse. In 2005, Apple released its own Mighty Mouse, paying CBS for the right to use the name. M&M clams that CBS, who owns the rights to the Mighty Mouse cartoon from the 1940′s, didn’t have the rights to the name for technology purposes. Are you confused, I am? Here is what I think; M&M used the name Mighty Mouse without the rights and now to avoid large law suites from Apple and CBS, they have turned the tables. The market is too saturated with copyrights and people are to greedy about them. This need to stop!