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Digital Strategist: Apple Gets C for Response

Patrick Kerley from Levick Strategic Communications has decided that Apple’s on stage performance was good, but their PR was lacking the entire time. I would agree.

Computerworld reports:

“Apple got caught flat-footed,” said Kerley. “By waiting as long as they did, they created a vacuum of news, and others stepped in, like Consumer Reports, to fill that vacuum.”

While Apple quickly acknowledged that holding the iPhone 4 could diminish the signal, its initial advice — “avoid gripping it in the lower left corner” or “use one of the many available cases” — struck some customers as insulting. A week later, Apple muddied the water by admitting that the iPhone 4’s signal strength formula was flawed, a clear misstep, according to Kerley.

“Their message was different from one week to the next,” Kerley said.

He did note that not many companies can wait so long to issue a response, and that Apple is special in that arena. While Apple hasn’t fully smoothed over all their customers, at least each and every iPhone 4 owner has the option to do what the want with the phone: get a refund, or a bumper. For the full analysis, be sure to check out the source below.

[Computeworld excerpted via Macworld]

TextExpander touch for iPad, Review and Giveaway

Mac users are always inherently curious about a few pieces of Mac software that always tend to make waves in functionality that they have absolutely no use for. If we look at products like Transmit 4, Launchbar 5, and especially something like TextExpander 3, the average consumer will have questions about its design and they’ll read really great things about the software. But, they’ll have absolutely no use for such software unless they’re power users or have a specific need.

TextExpander is probably the app that garners tons of attention. It’s really powerful, especially to customers who need to constantly implement snippets of text. But TextExpander touch becomes even more curious, as it’s implemented with similar functionality, sans the ability to directly apply snippets into any text based app. In effect, TextExpander touch for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad seems rather counterproductive in design. But I’ve found that while there’s an extra tap here and there, it’s incredibly useful for email, especially on the iPad. If you’ve been on the fence about TouchExpander touch, I suggest read on to find out how it may be useful in your workflow.

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Magic Trackpad Approved by FCC

Remember that Magic Trackpad we saw a little while ago? The device has shown up in the FCC’s online database, which could only mean one thing: launch imminent. Or so we hope. It hasn’t positively been identified Engadget admits, but the signs are pretty clear.

A device known only by its model number A1339 is the culprit here, described as a “Bluetooth Device” used in conjunction with a MacBook without any associated filings for WiFi or WWAN networks. The ultra-rough label location diagram is definitely the right shape for the accessory, and what’s interesting is that the test report was completed way back in October of 2009. Has Apple seriously been sitting on this thing for the better part of a year?

That model number by the way matches what was previously leaked. It’s unofficially confirmed that Apple has a new accessory for us all to play with, but when will they launch it? And if it is a trackpad, why does Apple feel the need to separate it from a MacBook? Only time will tell, but this is bound to be one of the most interesting devices Apple will ship this year.

[Engadget via MacRumors]

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Camera+ for iPhone, Reviewed.

If we follow the old saying that “the best camera is the one that’s with you”, then I guess the iPhone 4 is the best camera I’ve ever had. I’m not a photographer, and never will be one - I think. A serious one, at least. Sure I enjoy taking some pictures from time to time, and I don’t dislike shooting a few videos when I’m on vacation and such. Still, it’s a long way from saying “I take photographs”.

But no matter the intentions or end results, the iPhone 4 is always with me now. Even when I’m home, I find myself checking emails on it or refreshing feeds with Byline. That new display makes things a lot easier. And of course, I shoot some random pictures as well. The combination of location-awareness (via GPS), Events, Faces and Places with iPhoto makes this new iPhone the perfect combination for me.

Now, I have bought a bunch of apps in the App Store photography section, and I’m pretty happy with them. I have apps to apply some nice effects, apps to export to Flickr, apps to generate tilt-shift photographs. Until a few weeks ago I didn’t have a full replacement for the Camera app, even though I knew there were some good alternatives in the App Store. If you have to replace an Apple app, “good” is not enough.

I then bought Camera+, the latest creation by tap tap tap in collaboration with professional photographer Lisa Bettany. Things has surely changed since then.

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