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I admit it, I’m not a huge IM fan. I like chatting from time to time, but I usually am too bored / introvert / hesitant to talk with any people other than my real life friends.

I recently made excessive use of Google Talk, though, a) because it’s so lightweight it hurts b) because my friends list in Gmail is not littered with irrelevant people and clients (why, god, why) as my MSN buddy list.

Google Talk is not a perfect IM app, but it’s fast, relatively stable and offers what needs to be offered: easy talking and chatting. Recently, it was updated to reflect our needs, adding cool features as:

• File Transfers: At last, now you can share files without e-mailing them, directly from GTalk, no size limits, (promised) stable p2p connection. Bliss!
• Voicemail: How cool is that. GTalk gives you the opportunity to record a voice mail and send it to one of your contacts, which receives it through e-mail and can save it to her PC. Really cool.
• Music Status, aka “I’m listening to…”: Not as important an update as the previous, but still a nice addition, much sought after by many users. If you want, you can also contribute your music trends to Google Music Trends, and share them with other people. I can’t think of a valid reason to do that, but anyway.

It’s not a huge update, but these additions surely add to GTalk prestige as an IM app. I can’t wait to put them to use.

gmail, google, gtalk, google talk

At today’s WWDC, at last, we managed to get a good grip on all the new and exciting features that the new version of MacOSX, Leopard, will provide.

Without further ado, these include (but are not limited to):

• Time Machine: a new addition to MacOSX, this nifty program can help you never lose a file again. Automagically runs in the background and takes care of your backup needs. Gives you the option to go back to a previous “screenshot” of your system at any time, with a single click. Reduced disk space required due to incremental backups.
• Mail: comes with professionally designed templates and stationery. Drag’n'drop insertion of photos in e-mails. Notes and To-Do complete systems embedded. RSS support, now you can read your blogroll in the safety of your mailer.
• iChat: new tabbed interface for your chats. Shared desktops and screens. Virtual presentation rooms.
• Spaces: virtual desktops, at your service! I’d say, virtual desktop, on steroids. Arrange your workspace as you see fit, adjust the options and have a plethora of concurrent spaces all at once.
• Dashboard: new functionality, create your own web clip within minutes right from Safari. Get a .Mac account and have your widgets panel follow you from Mac to Mac. Dashcode will help you develop your own widget with some clicks.
• Spotlight: find files by searching at multiple computers too. Instant preview of documents, pics or slideshows with Quick Look. Introduces boolean logic at search fields.
• iCal: share calendars with friends & colleagues, security mechanisms involved. Check people’s availability before arranging a meeting. Share documents, contacts, video by drag’n'drop. Added functionality for room & equipment reservation.
• 64-bit: Enhanced 64-bit support for apps. Run 64- and 32-bit apps without emulation. For both Intel and PowerPC based Macs.
• Accessibility: many, MANY accessibility improvements, including new VoiceOver voice (hey Alex!), Braille support, and many more.

Obviously, I didn’t attend the WWDC, but kept being updated thanks to Mark. Mac OS X now looks fairer than ever, with these new additions. More things happened at the conference, go on and check Engadget and other places for photos and comments. I’ll keep just one:

Hasta la vista, Vista.

mac, apple, macos, leopard

P.S. Mac people, your Leopard sneak preview mini-site crashes my Firefox & my Flock (I guess because I don’t have the ActiveX thingy installed, but still). Check, plz.

iPods are indeed an object of passion. No matter what, they’re the sexiest kids on the block and they’re less pricey than the other “big brands” media players.

Ever since my friends bought me a 2GB iPod Nano in sexy Apple white for my uni graduation, I’ve started to fall steadily for Apple. Now there is no way coming back, I’m already on my way for a sexy 13.3” black Macbook and I count the hours till I get my hands on MacOS X and rejoice.

As it’s normal, I searched a lot about iPod apps and trinkets over these months. I’ve tried numerous utilities and accessories, but I ended up using only these: (Note: there is nothing advertising about this post, I’m just stating my experience)

• Life2Go, formerly knows as Pod2Go. For just $12.99, you can have one of the most affordable ways to fill your iPod with useful content and turn it into something more usable than a MP3 player. Life2Go has it all: news, weather forecasts, stock quotes, lyrics, even the lowest gas prices in US and directions to your destination of choice. It’s really a powerhouse of content, if you’re into this kind of thing, you won’t be disappointed. Download it and try it, maybe you’ll like it enough to buy.
• Not only iPod related, but iTunes related and free: iTunes Art Importer. It’s the only album art app I’ve discovered that didn’t drive me nuts, plus it’s free. Fetches from Amazon.com your favourite album covers and installs them directly to iTunes. A nice, simple, free app.

And the +1 one:

• My white leather Belkin iPod case. (well, the one selected by default in the link is pink, but you get the drill) Hands on, it’s a perfect case for my iPod, according to my needs. It’s a flip, meaning you can attach it to your belt, yet be able to operate your iPod without turning your entire head upside down; it’s leather, thus very strong and steady; it protects iPod screen from scratches; it has a headphones wire holster; it’s white, hence sexy and not tacky like those damn silicon gloves. Ew (sorry guys). Got it for about 30 euros at Athens Fnac, but of course, you can get it for much less at the Belkin website. Check all the other cool iPod accessories they do too, nice stuff.

If you want to do more with your iPod than measly me, you can find a nice checklist at kottke.org. Give it a try, iPod is not just a MP3 player.

ipod, mac, apple, ipod accessories, ipod cases, ipod apps