Insights For Success

Strategy, Innovation, Leadership and Security

MacBook

How to watch Apple's iPhone event tomorrow

GeneralEdward Kiledjian

It's that time of the year again when we all gather around our web browser and watch Apple's masterfully choreographed launch of the next iPhone (we believe the iPhone 7). It is safe to assume that with the Phone, they will also launch some ancillary products like the Watch or maybe even a new Macbook Pro. 

Regardless of what they launch, you should be planning to watch the livestream starting on September 7  at 10 am PT (1pm ET). 

Browser

You can go to the Apple Events page and watch the livestream there. As long as you do it from an IOS device running IOS 7 or better, a Mac using the Safari browser of a Windows PC using the Edge browser (this last one still perplexes me). 

After the fact

If you miss the event (and you really have no excuse to miss it), then Apple will make the livestream available later on the same link of via the Apple Events podcast channel (which should work in most podcatchers).

 

Security Researcher claims to have downloaded 13M accounts from MAC Scamware apps

GeneralEdward Kiledjian

If you visit shady internet sites from an Apple Macintosh computer, you may have already seen an add from a product called MacKeeper. The researcher in question said:

"I have recently downloaded over 13 million sensitive account details related to MacKeeper, Zeobit, and/or Cromlech." Reddit

He said the information collected includes "names, email addresses, usernames, password hashes, computer name, ip address, software license and activation codes, type of hardware (ex: "macbook pro"), and type of subscriptions."

And he provides this screenshot as proof of his claim :

The sites used encryption but used it badly... The researcher says:

"MD5 with no salt… so very weak hashing"

The moral of the story is be careful what you believe on the internet and where you buy your software from.

Give your Macbook Air an extra 12 hours of battery life

technologyEdward Kiledjian
view-top.jpg

Every traveller knows that dreaded feeling of running out of power for your Macbook or iPhone. Imagine running our of juice while in transit, on a long plane ride or at a customer site. You could always hunt for a power outlet but sometimes, there just isn't one in around. 

This is where a cool new product called BatteryBox (link) comes in. It isn't available yet, so I haven't tested it myself but it promises to juice up an Apple Macbook Air for an additional 12 hours or a Macbook pro for 6 more hours. 

view-side.jpg

The BatteryBox has a Magsafe2 adaptor so you can plug it directly to your device and immediately enjoy power independence. It will power your Macbook device directly and not charges its battery (which means you don't lose power from a  battery to battery charge ergo its more efficient).

It also offers a USB adaptor to charge any USB compatible device. The real kicker is what the manufacturer calls BatteryOS. They claim this special controller will upgrade the battery life of the device to 3000 full charge cycles while still maintaining a 96% charge capacity after 5 years. All of this adds up to a great value even at the pre-sale price of $139.

Apple to hold October 23 2012 event

technologyEdward Kiledjian

The Internet is buzzing about rumors of an iPad Mini, new Retina display equipped Macbooks and even a refreshed iMac line. Glossing over the dozens of photos and  leaked specs, the only remaining question is WHEN?

The most believable date is currently October 23 2012 and it is expected to be held for a small group of hand selected reporters in Apple's auditorium.

No one knows for sure but innovation is a good thing for consumers. 

Apple may launch new Retina iMac in October

technologyEdward Kiledjian

Digitimes is reporting that Apple will launch a new Retina display equipped iMac in October. Their source said Apple is bringing the Retina display to all of its products so this is a natural extension. Apple may use the fall launch of the Iphone 5 as the platform to announce the new iMacs.

Some have even speculated that the rest of the Macbook line (air and pro) may also get a Retina display makeover before holiday shopping starts. This is Apple so we’ll have to wait and see if this turns out to be true.