| Apple sets Leopard operating software loose on Friday
Apple's upgraded Leopard operating system will be set loose on Friday as trend-setting iPods and iPhones cause the ranks of Macintosh computer lovers to swell.Eagerly-awaited by Apple's notoriously cultish followers, Leopard's release was delayed so the company's engineers could devote their time to getting iPhones to market in the United States in June.Leopard features include playful "iChat" video-conferencing and a "Time Machine" that resurrects lost data.Time Machine was inspired by a survey that indicated only 26% of Macintosh users regularly backed up information on their machines to avoid losing it forever in system crashes.The feature automatically copies music, pictures, applications, files and "absolutely everything" a person puts on their Macintosh, according to Apple vice-president of platform experience Scott Forstall.The operating system enables people to remotely search for files on all computers connected to their network.Leopard also has simple tools for people to create "widget" applications that stream feeds such as news or syndicated cartoons from websites onto small windows on computer screens.It includes improved text-reading, Braille support, and closed-captioning for people with disabilities.Modifications to iChat allow people linked via web cameras to share slide show presentations, playfully distort their pictures or insert fake backdrops.Rival Microsoft, whose software powers 90% of the world's computers, released its own new operating system, Vista, in January.Apple has been leveraging the popularity of its market-dominating iPod MP3 players and innovative iPhones to build on its following of Macintosh users, according to industry analysts.
Stores ready for iPhone stampede
STORES in Chippenham and Trowbridge are preparing for a stampede of customers as the Apple iPhone launches tomorrow. The O2 store in Chippenham's Emery Gate and the Carphone Warehouse in The Shires, Trowbridge will both be staying open late to cope with the anticipated demand after the phone's launch at 6.02pm. When the phone launched in America, many customers queued for five days outside the flagship Apple store in New York. Apple has added to the hype by limiting purchases to two iPhones per customer. The handset combines a touch-screen phone with a web-browser, a camera and all the functions of Apple's popular iPod mp3 player. In the UK, customers can only buy the phone for use with the 02 network. The handset will cost £269 and buyers must commit to an 18-month contract on a minimum tariff of £35 per month.
Signpost
As students walk between classes, many students have earphones in their ears and are listening to their MP3 players. Ben Goldberg, a Weber State University Business Senior, said that he listens to it so that he doesn't have to talk to vendors on the campus sidewalks.
More and more people are using their MP3 players between classes as well as in Lampros Hall, Stewart Library, and Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts and all over campus.
With the growing number of MP3 players on the market, this very hot technology is getting even hotter. Below are specifics on three top MP3 players on the market: the Apple iPod, the Microsoft Zune, and the ReignCom USA's iriver.
Styles and Purposes
Each MP3 player has several options of products to choose from.
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