Apple [AAPL] have taken their store down (globally) which indicates they are updating with new products, changes to products or perhaps something not worth worrying about. What we do know about is Aperture 3 which was just published as a press release this morning. Other updates “might” include pricing for the UK iPad.
Apple Aperture 3
Aperture 3 is Apple’s photo editing software that has just received an update to version 3. The new version includes over 200 new features that includes Faces, Places and Brushes.
The software makes it easier to organise photo libraries. Other features include the ability to quickly edit pictures and give 1 click photo effects. [click to continue…]
TomTom uses a system called IQ Routes that uses real time and historical data to calculate the optimal route to your destination. By recording speeds of traffic at all times of the day the system knows which roads are slow and which route will get you to your destination the quickest. Two years worth of data has been collected with average speeds being calculated on free flowing highways in the US and the data reveals that people in the US don’t speed in general.
Fujifilm and IBM have been working on increasing the capacity of magnetic tape and have managed to create a tape capable of storing up to 35TB of data on it. 35TB allows the tape to hold the contents of 35 million books which if printed/shelved they would require a shelf 248 miles long.
Apple introduced a couple of iMac’s last year that had screens measuring 21.5 inches and 27 inches. Digitimes are now reporting that Apple [AAPL] are to introduce a 22 inch model that will function as an “all-in-one” type device complete with a multi-touch screen.
Over the last few weeks rumours of an event by Apple [AAPL] have been floating around with some people believing that the Apple iSlate would be making an appearance at this event. Official confirmation has now come through saying that an event will be held on January 27.
An application called Navmii brings satellite navigation to the Apple [AAPL] iPod Touch and iPhone 2G. The navigation software is called Navmii and provides turn-by-turn navigation to each of the said devices. To get GPS co-ordinates a new system called G-Fi is used. G-Fi is a device that has a GPS receiver inside and also works as a mini router allowing the iPod Touch or iPhone 2G to connect to it wirelessly and receive the GPS co-ordinates to allow the mapping software to function. Although not a new product, I still thought it was worth a mention here.
Motorola are launching two new satnavs called the TN700 and the TN500. Each of the devices are described as being connected although connectivity needs to be done with a bluetooth connection to a mobile phone with a dataplan.
A new patent was published yesterday morning that shows an insight what Apple could be coming up with for the next few months. The title of the image above indicates that the next gen iPhone could have an advanced touchscreen. Also the patent indicates that iPod Touch and MacBooks as well as a MacBook tablet device are also to be included in this.
If you are baffled by the choice of GPS navigation systems available to you and you are looking for something that is easy to use, looks good and is not bulky, then the newly announced TomTom Ease may be for you. The TomTom Ease features a sleek light weight design and integrated EasyPort mount – making the device the most compact TomTom device available yet. The TomTom Ease, and the attached mount, can easily fit into a pocket, purse or small glove compartment. 
Skype have announced that they are soon to launch Skype functionality for HD TV’s. Some new TV’s in 2010 will come with Skype firmware installed allowing for calls to be made through the TV allowing users to step away from the computer.
A new system has been created by Microsoft that could see Guitar Hero being played with an air guitar. The system is called the muscle computer interface.
Blu-ray discs could soon see the storage capacities increased from 25GB to 33.4GB per layer thanks to a new methods of reading and writing data.
New guidelines have been revealed for Bluetooth 4.0. You might be wondering where Bluetooth 3.0 was as it’s not been seen on many or any devices I have come across. The reason for the lack of support for BT 3.0 was a problem with more speed requiring more power hence, phone manufacturers decided to stay with 2.1.
Apple [AAPL] have filed another patent that describes interaction with 3D displays. The system works by changing what you see on screen in relation to where your head is. A similar system was created by Jonny Lee where he used a Nintendo Wii remote along with infra red to make a head tracking system (seen in the video below).
Audi are about to introduce a Google Earth based sat nav system in to their A8 Saloon cars. This will be the first time Google Earth has been installed in to a production car officially.