Dock Expose was a brand new feature that has only recently been added to the Snow Leopard beta. Clicking and holding on an icon in the dock will display all open windows from that application, making it easy to drag files or images between open windows with ease.

QuickTime X was probably the most interesting Snow Leopard announcement at WWDC and although it had been in the Snow Leopard beta for quite a while now below are some new screenshots of it in action. The new application uses what many believe to be precursors to the “Marble user interface” that everyone has been talking about. The title bar and video controls only appear when your mouse hovers over the video window, otherwise it is just a borderless video playing above your desktop (or whatever windows are behind it).

Apple is really building a very solid operating system with Snow Leopard and even if it is a little light on the (non-developer) features it is surely going to make users very happy with its increased stability and speed.

I just downloaded Firefox 3.5 on both of my computers and am very happy with it. It does feel significantly faster than the previous version but didn’t blow me away quite like Safari 4 did.

When I upgraded only two of my six current extensions were compatible. So, even if you are anxious to get your hands on the latest version make sure your essential extensions are compatible with 3.5 before upgrading.

Firefox web browser | Faster, more secure, & customizable.

Update 6/30/09: Mozilla has already over one million downloads of Firefox. Mozilla has also launched a real time Firefox download tracker so users can watch as downloads occur.

If true, this would come just a few months after Apple dropped the prices on their MacBook line as well. It is clear to me that Apple wants to sell more Macs and dropping prices on their mainstream desktop computer would be a logical next step.

The sourcing in this article is a little strange though. “People familiar with the company’s thinking,” what does that even mean? Any guy with a rudimentary understanding of economics would understand that dropping the price of your product will inevitably sell more units.

AppleInsider | Briefly: more affordable iMacs from Apple expected by fall.

Sony Corp is considering developing a cellphone-game gear hybrid in a bid to better compete with Apple Inc’s highly popular iPod and iPhone, the Nikkei business daily said on Saturday.

It’s pretty amazing that it has taken them nearly two years before they finally got around to doing this. It’s almost as if they completely forgot what the iPod line did to Sony’s Walkman business.

Then again, I have a strange feeling that if Sony attempted a cell phone that was also a handheld game console it would turn out a little bit too much like the orignal Nokia N-Gage, I’m sure most of you remember that piece of crap.

Sony eyes cellphone/game gear hybrid – Nikkei | Technology | Reuters.

I downloaded the app immediately once I heard that it had been released and am glad I did. Although Birdfeed uses chat bubbles, which is one of my least favorite Twitter user interfaces, everything else about it more than makes up for it.

The new client has everything I need in a Twitter client. At first I was worried that it didn’t have trends built in, but I then found it in a slightly hidden yet very intuitive place, the saved searches section.

Other notable features include posting shortened URLs with tr.im integration, loading older tweets using infinite scrolling, navigating reply chains, Favrd and FollowCost integration, and local tweet caching for catching up on tweets while offline.

I haven’t found any bugs in the application, remember it is a 1.0 release. I suggest everyone at least check out the screen captures I’ve posted below, it is well worth a look.

Twitterrific stole my heart from Tweetie but I can definitively (at least for the next month or two) say that this has become my new Twitter client of choice. But, it does amaze me to see consistent improvement among all Twitter clients, it just proves that competition creates better products for the users.

Birdfeed – $4.99

Update 6/30/09: I underestimated just how wonderful the local caching and infinate scrolling is. As soon as you reach the bottom of your list of tweets Birdfeed automatically starts loading more. This automatic loading is a beautiful thing but what is really amazing is that the local caching doesn’t just keep the most recently loaded tweets (options for 20, 50, or 100) it also keeps even older ones. I’m not sure how many Birdfeed is actually capable of caching (I’m sure there is a limit) but I was able to reload over 200 tweets while my device was in airplane mode (it cached user avatars too).

I spent the week or so leading up to the launch of the iPhone 3GS trying to convince my girlfriend to get a white model. I was going to get the black one (the black model suites me much better) and I wanted an easy way for us to tell each others apart. I failed, and we ended up both getting black models. But, luckily hitting the home or lock button to check the wallpaper isn’t to difficult, and in a few days she’ll be getting a Gelaskin in the mail.

But, now that the dust has settled I am quite happy that she didn’t get the white version, not because I prefer the look of the black model but because of this report on Nowhere Else (Google translated) of the white version overheating and discoloration occurring on the back.

Apple has had similar problems in the past, everyone who follows this sort of thing remembers all of the discoloration issues with the white MacBook, I experienced it, and practically every other white MacBook owner did as well.

It’s difficult to say how widespread this discoloration issue is with the iPhone, I haven’t seen any other reports about it. But, at this point I don’t know why anyone would take the chance and buy the white model.

SURCHAUFFE IPHONE 3GS | GEEK WEBZINE HIGH-TECH Nowhere Else.

Yesterday Apple updated both the Apple TV and the iPhone’s Remote application. The new Remote app now supports multitouch gestures for controlling the Apple TV.

Navigating menus is much more comfortable, flicking or dragging the finger across the screen will scroll through menus and tapping will select an item.

The controls when playing back content is a little bit more complicated but very intuitive, it didn’t take long for me to be fast forwarding, skipping back, and pausing like a pro. The full list of controls can be seen in the gallery below.

Apple has also posted a list of the new features in the Apple TV update which, other than adding support for the new Remote app, include:

• Flickr Search: Search Flickr photo tags to find recently updated photos of interest. Save searches to quickly find new photos or use as a screen saver for Apple TV.
• New view options: View movies By Genre, By Movie, or Unwatched. View TV Shows and Podcasts By Date, By Show, or Unwatched.
• Updated transport and chapter modes: During video playback, click right or left to fast forward or rewind. Additional clicks increase the speed. Click down to show chapter markers.

AppleInsider | Apple updates Apple TV, Remote app to allow multi-touch control [u].

The process is very simple, go to http://help.benm.at/help.php, scroll down to Tethering & Internet Settings, tap on the Mobileconfigs download link, choose your country and then your provider. The network profile installer will launch and allow you to update your iPhone settings which will enable tethering.

To enable tethering just go to Settings, General, Network, tethering should now be an option.

I currently have a first generation iPhone, and since it doesn’t support tethering or MMS I wasn’t able to try this myself. But, Jason Chen of Gizmodo says that they have been testing it for about a day and it has worked fine for them.

I haven’t dug very deep into the MMS enabling features, since they are currently beta and the method to install it is a little complicated. I really wouldn’t advise anyone to enable MMS until they make things a little bit easier.

Gizmodo – Enable Tethering On Your iPhone 3G and 3GS With Only Safari MMS, VV Fix – Iphone tethering.

Update 6/25/09: I dropped by an AT&T store yesterday and installed tethering on one of their demo devices. I wasn’t able to test tethering but I can say that everything else on the phone worked just fine after installing the network profile.

Currently the iPhone 3G S’s product page still uses the space but recently the PR section on Apple’s website has been displaying the name as iPhone 3GS (no spaces).

I have to admit that although it may be easier to search for and not dealing with ugly line wrap issues would seem to make “3GS” more favorable, I personally like the “3G S” spelling better. I think the space keeps it from looking too clunky, it keeps it a little more elegant.

For many I’m sure it doesn’t make much of a difference but for journalists and bloggers who like to pay attention to how products are specifically spelled in regular text (not logos) this is a big deal. And seriously, who really wants to have to go through and change ever instance of “3G S” to “3GS” on their website?

Twitter / Rob Pegoraro: @saschasegan No space, as ….

Update 6/24/09: Although I still would rather see the “3G S” spelling, Apple has officially changed the spelling to “3GS” on the product page, and as a result I have changed every instance of “3G S” on this website to “3GS,” except for this article, of course.

According to AppleInsider, Apple is saying that it could take some customers up to 2 days before their brand new iPhones are activated.

John Gruber has posted a video on his Flickr page comparing PCalc launch times between the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. To go along with that AppleInsider has posted a handy table showing various tests made comparing app launch times and web page load times.

The launch of the iPhone 3GS seemed to go significantly smoother than last years launch of the iPhone 3G. I would attribute that to the ability to preorder the device online combined with the fact that they have two of these huge launches under their belt already.

Overall it was very successful, I just wish I would have considered iPhone 3G returns when deciding what time I was going to stop by my AT&T store.

Previously:
6/19/09: Consider This The Post Where I Eat My Words
6/19/09: My iPhone 3GS Plans

Update 6/22/09: Apple Issues iTunes Store Credit for iPhone Activation Issues

Update 6/30/09: If you still haven’t purchased your iPhone 3GS you might want to check out Apple’s online availability page. With it you can make sure that your local Apple store has one in stock before you head out to pick one up.

But, I have a pretty good explanation for it. I didn’t factor in all of the recent iPhone 3G customers who would want to exchange their device for the new iPhone 3GS.

When I talked to the AT&T representative that I preordered my device from she told me that most of their stock was depleted by people exchanging their 3Gs for the 3GS. It’s possible that this wasn’t the case in other areas but it sure was where I live.

But, as I said in my previous post, no harm done. I’ll be getting a call and an email when a device is available in my local store, which shouldn’t take too long (hopefully).

Previously:
6/19/09: My iPhone 3GS Plans

Update 6/20/09: iPhone 3GS Launch Day Roundup

Update 6/27/09: I did finally receive my iPhone 3GS on June 25, it is fantastic. Although most people have been focusing on the camera as the main feature to upgrade for I personally think that the faster processor and larger amount of memory are the most drastic changes. I don’t really take very many pictures but the ability to load web pages significantly faster is changing my life.

I think most people are expecting it to be a mad house at AT&T and Apple stores but I don’t see it that way. Not only is the iPhone 3GS not that big of a jump from the 3G but the people who would be waiting in line early in the morning to get their hands on one probably preordered theirs. And, if that’s the case I expect the store to be a little crowded early in the morning but later on in the day I think they will still have devices in stock and crowds will have subsided.

But, honestly, if I’m wrong it isn’t that big a deal. Although I’m excited about the 3GS I’m not launch day excited, if I pick it up a day or two later there’s no harm done, I’ll still get the device and will be just as happy with it then as I would be to get it on launch day.

Here’s a quick recap, I’m going to stroll into my local AT&T store at around 3pm and see if they have any left in stock, if not I’ll probably just reserve one to be picked up at a later date.

Update 6/19/09: YouTube – AT&T iPhone 3GS: June 19th Store Procedure

Update 6/19/09: Erica Ogg, writing for CNET, seems to agree with me about the crowds for the iPhone 3GS.

Update 6/19/09: Consider This The Post Where I Eat My Words

Update 6/20/09: iPhone 3GS Launch Day Roundup

MMS is said to be coming in July and tethering is said to be $55 per month. The question still remains however, whether this pricing is on top of the $30 a month we are already paying for unlimited data or if this $55 plan includes unlimited data and tethering.

$55 seems absolutely perfect, not only is it slightly cheaper than most carriers charge per month for a notebook data plan but it is also only a slight bump up from the already a little expensive $30 for unlimited data. But, if the pricing is going to be $85 a month total for data and tethering it is outrageously expensive. So long as tethering is so easy to enable I don’t see how they can justify an $85 per month price point.

Apple iPhone MMS Coming In July, Tethering $55 | Appmodo.

Update 6/19/09: The Loop is pointing to AT&Ts Facebook page where they have said that the rumored $55 extra per month for tethering is false. They didn’t make any indications about how much it will cost but it is likely to be around $60 for both tethering and data. $30 extra per month for tethering is the same pricing they offer for BlackBerry tethering.

Although UPS had previously been displaying June 17 or June 18 as delivery dates for those who preordered the iPhone 3GS early on, MacRumors is saying that Apple has requested that UPS hold the device until Friday.

AT&T has also caved to the many complaints and is now offering early iPhone 3G adopters the fully subsidized iPhone 3GS pricing. If your upgrade eligibility would come in July, August, or September AT&T will allow you to upgrade to an iPhone 3GS now for the fully subsidized price. There was some question as to how AT&T would deal with customers who had already preordered the iPhone 3GS, Gear Live says that they have already began sending out refund notifications to affected customers.

Not only did iPhone firmware 3.0 get released today but the major journalists have also posted their iPhone 3GS reviews today. Pogue, Mossberg, Engadget, Gizmodo, Sun Times, TimesOnline.uk, CNET, and USAToday all have reviews up. Andy Ihnatko has posted a gallery on his Flickr account showing some images taken with the iPhone 3GS. I have to say the images look really good.

I have all day Friday off and although I won’t be waiting in line at 8am I do plan on stopping by some of my local stores to see if it is even possible to purchase an iPhone 3GS later in the day. That is, as long as internet reports indicate that it is still possible, otherwise I’ll just wait a couple of days, I’m in no hurry.

Previously:
6/13/09: AT&T Has Sold Out of iPhone 3GS Preorders
6/10/09: iPhone OS 3.0
6/9/09: WWDC Keynote 2009

Update 6/20/09: Touch Arcade found a very interesting bit of information on Apple’s iPod touch product page, it now lists third-party game accessories as one of new features with firmware 3.0.

Apple is aware that some third-parties claim that their digital media players are able to sync with Apple software. However, Apple does not provide support for, or test for compatibility with, non-Apple digital media players and, because software changes over time, newer versions of Apple’s iTunes software may no longer provide syncing functionality with non-Apple digital media players.

I might be reading between the lines a little bit differently than others are. I don’t see this as Apple admitting that they are going to break compatibility, just that they will not make any effort to ensure compatibility. But, then again, I wouldn’t be surprised if iTunes 8.2.1 is being developed right now to kill the Pre’s iTunes syncing.

iTunes: About unsupported third-party digital media players.

Update: 6/17/09: All Things Digital reached out to Palm on Apple’s article. Lynn Fox, a Palm spokesperson had this to say:

Palm’s media sync works with the current version of iTunes. If Apple chooses to disable media sync in a future version of iTunes, it will be a direct blow to their users who will be deprived of a seamless synchronization experience. However, people will have options. They can stay with the iTunes version that works to sync their music on their Pre, they can transfer the music via USB, and there are other third-party applications we could consider.

I don’t think it is very smart for Palm to begin advising their customers to stay with older versions of iTunes. Not only is this a clunky way of dealing with things it is also potentially a security issue, iTunes could in the future have a security vulnerablity. If Palm suggests you stay with that version it could mean trouble for those Pre users.