Briefly: Apple emails vloggers; Apple TV
updated 11:00 am EDT, Thu April 12, 2007
Apple emails vloggers
In brief: Apple is encouraging video bloggers to optimize their videos for iTunes, WeaKnees.com is offering upgrade kits for the new Apple TV, Dell's attempt to replicate Apple's success by opening its own chain of retail stores is already experiencing difficulty, and FileMaker Pro is highlighting its "No Child Left Behind" compliance at the 2007 National School Boards Association Conference (NSBA). Apple is offering video bloggers several hints on how to optimize videos for iTunes, and to ensure that videos will play on its iPod as well as its new Apple TV set top box. The Cupertino-based company sent an email to content creators who work with iTunes with several recommendations for producing video content. Apple suggests encoding at 640x480 or 640x360, rather than 320x240, and cautions against adding letterboxing to make videos a 4:3 aspect ratio.
Apple TV upgrade kits
WeaKnees.com has begun selling Apple TV upgrade kits that contain a pre-formatted 160GB hard drive, installation instructions with pictures, and a tool for opening the unit. The kit also comes with a 6-month warranty alongside phone, email, and forum support for $200.
Dell abandons New York retail store plans
Dell has halted plans to open a second retail store outside New York City several months after announcing plans to open the outlet. Dell said it is seeing positive results from its original store in Dallas that opened last year, but shied away from moving forward with the 3,000-square-foot store at the Palisades Center in West Nyack, New York.
"I can confirm for you that Dell is not moving ahead with plans to open a retail store in West Nyack," Dell spokesman Dwayne Cox said. "Our global consumer business is focused on meeting the evolving needs of customers around the world with new products and services, and doing so with overall shorter development cycles and flexible manufacturing and distribution methods."
FileMaker Pro at NSBA
FileMaker Pro is highlighting its compliance with the No Child Left Behind act at the 2007 National School Boards Association Conference (NSBA). The company plans to showcase the role of a FileMaker Pro database to help schools gather and analyze student as well as grade-level data for complying with the act's regulations.
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2001
Watch out for the lawyers
How long do you think it's going to take Apple to send a cease-and-desist letter to WeaKnees? I would think that providing a fully prepped hard drive would violate the licensing terms.