automating the world, one script at a time
Apple
Create a UK iTunes account without a credit card
Oct 15th
With the proliferation of iPhones, iPod Touches and more and more people using iTunes, I am regularly asked how I manage to get all the album artwork for all my music as well as being able purchase music and other content not available in the South African iTunes store. The simple answer is that you need an account in one of the iTunes stores outside of South Africa.
Apple closed quite a few loopholes that one used to be able exploit to achieve this, but fortunately there is still a way. I’ve taken bits and pieces from other websites and blogs and a little of my own experience with doing this and put together a step by step guide to get you to iTunes goodness.
- Fire up iTunes and click on the “iTunes Store” icon in the sidebar.
- Scroll right to the bottom of the page and click “Change Country”.
- On the next page, scroll to the bottom and select “United Kingdon”.
- Now go into the App Store and find a free app and “buy” it. Any app will do, as long as it is free. There are loads.
- The following screen will pop up. Click on the “Create New Account” button.
- On the next few pages you will need to agree to some terms and conditions and then fill in all your details. When it comes to the address, the only important thing is a valid postal code. Fill in a valid UK postal code that you know or get one from here: http://www.fakenamegenerator.com/.
- The last page you will be presented with will be the payment page. On this page select the “None” option.
Change Country
United Kingdom
Create Account
Payment method = None
You’re done creating your account. You may now go forth and make use of Genius, download artwork and purchase anything that is free in the music or app store.
If you’d like to buy content that has a price attached to it, all you need to do is redeem an iTunes voucher. You can purchase UK iTunes store vouchers from gamepointsnow.com. I’ve used them a number of times for Xbox live vouchers and iTunes vouchers. Very reliable and I have never had an issue. They make use of either Paypal or Google Checkout which both work with a South African credit card. You pay a small premium for buying from them, but it’s the simplest solution I’ve found so far.
Your voucher arrives via email within seconds and then you just click on the “Redeem Voucher” link in the iTunes store.
Right. You’re set. Time to starting fully enjoying the iTunes experience.
Old recipients in Apple Mail annoying you ?
Oct 15th
I’ve had this issue myself before and was recently asked by someone else how you can remove old recipients from the auto-complete drop down list that shows up when you start typing an address in Apple Mail. I never really bothered to sort the problem out and rather just worked around it. Now that I’ve figured out how simple it is to clean up this list, it’s probably something I’ll do a little more often…
Two simple steps:
1 – Click on “Window” on the tool bar (while Mail is your active application of course.
2 – Click on “Previous Recipients”
Previous Recipients
Now just select the addresses you want to remove (or possibly even add to your address book) an then the “Remove From List” button.
Remove the offensive addresses
You’re done.
In-house Radio.app in the works for iPhone and iPod touch
Oct 13th
Someone at Apple and myself are clearly on the same wavelength.
This afternoon while I was driving home and listening to a podcast on my iPhone 3GS, I mused about how awesome it would be if the 3GS had a built in FM radio, just like the new iPod Nano’s. I conceded that it wouldn’t be possibly as the required hardware doesn’t exist in the device.
Tonight, I see this article not only claiming that Apple are already developing the app, but the device has had the hardware in it for some time to enable the Nike+ functionality.
When this app is released it will truly make the iPhone the most versatile mobile device I’ve ever owned.
- Mobile phone
- Mobile computer
- iPod
- GPS
- Compass
- FM Radio
- Camera
- Video Camera
- Voice recorder
I know there are other devices out there that have all these functions, but not of them do it as well as the iPhone and none of them are nearly as sexy.
Awesome x Rad !
In-house Radio.app in the works for iPhone and iPod touch: “
Weve just received a tip that an iPhone radio.app is being developed in-house by Apple for use on the iPhone and iPod touch. From what we know, the app will be allowed to operate in the background like iPod.app and will offer the same functionality as the FM radio in the new iPod Nanos. The source mentioned that this application could also be incorporated into the iPod.app before release.
The holdup on this app is that Apple is trying to integrate the Mobile iTunes Store purchases into the functionality of the program. For instance, if you like a song you are listening to on the radio (and that station supports tagging and you are in the US), you will be able to push a button and see the song (and all of the information around it) in the iTunes Mobile store. With another click, youll be able to make a purchase. This is an extension of the Song Tagging feature used in the iPod Nanos. Perhaps they could even add some Shazam technology to help with those stations that don’t support tagging.
Though it wasn’t specified, the app will likely have the same Live Pause functionality that the Nanos currently enjoy.
Apple’s iPods and iPhones have been able to receive FM radio signals for some time now. The latest generation of iPhone and iPod touch can even broadcast FM signal, for instance to a car stereo. The ability of the iPhone and iPod touch to receive FM signals has been used solely in the implementation of the Nike+ ecosystem to this point.
This wouldnt be the first time Apple awoke sleeping hardware functionality from its mobile products. Apple sometimes chooses to leave hardware features dormant in their products until they feel the time is right. For instance, Apple didnt enable Bluetooth in its 2nd generation iPod touch until 9 months after it was released. Apple also hasnt enabled the 802.11N +5GHZ wireless networking (which we also hope to see updated shortly) in its latest iPhone and iPods.
The addition of an FM radio would eliminate that advantage from the ZuneHD over Apple’s line of Touch OSX products.
Finally. My 3GS arrives.
Oct 13th
I thought I post a follow up on my article about the delay in getting my hands on the new iPhone 3GS.
After the most bizarre chain of events yesterday morning, the phone suddenly arrived on my desk.
After yet another call to my service provider to get an update on when the handset might become available I was again informed that there was still no stock and that Vodacom and The Core Group would not commit to any dates as to when they may become available. Luckily though, I was on the list of 78 people waiting for stock. Lucky lucky me.
About an hour later I was confronted by a delivery guy with a parcel addressed to me. A few squiggles on the delivery form, a few tears here and there and I found myself staring at white iPhone 3GS box.
The phone that isn't in stock. Apparently.
I thought maybe it was a joke. I bet the box is empty.
Well blow me down. I opened the box to find a shiny new iPhone 3GS. Joy.
I haven’t let my service provider know that it has arrived yet. Let’s see how long it takes them to get back to me about it. Who knows, maybe a second one will arrive when they finally get stock…
Eish.
EA launches EA Comics, plans comic books for iTunes…
Oct 7th
When it was released a few weeks ago I bought and downloaded the Mayhem (iTunes link) comic and I really enjoyed the way in which the content was delivered. The images are really high quality and you can choose to have it read to you or to read it yourself. The Mayhem comic came with an exclusive Tyrese track as well which was specifically written for the launch of the comic.
EA don’t really have a large library of comics that I am interested in, but I’m sure that if they make a success of it, or maybe even they don’t, that DC and Marvel will jump on the bandwagon as well.
I stopped reading comics when CNA started charging R50 for a new release and stopped have the bargain bins where you could pick up an older edition for under a Rand.
If I could start getting my content online at a decent price and possibly even have the option to take it with me on my iPhone or on my Apple netbook/tablet, I’ll definitely get back into it.
EA launches EA Comics, plans comic books for iTunes…: “
We know Apple enjoys a better relationship with games industry chiefs than it ever has before, on strength of its iPhone and iPod touch. Now it looks like a key gaming partner is laying the ground to make a little comic book push when Apple launches its first tablet device early next year.
Electronic Arts has announced a new brand, EA Comics. This company will license comic book brands and franchises for publication both in print and through iTunes.
EA, in collaboration with iDW Publishing, will pick and choose titles from among big names which include Transformers, Star Trek, Doctor Who and more.
The first two EA Comics comics will be Army Of Two and Dragon Age, and will be penned by established writers Peter Milligan and Orson Scott Card.
We’re pushing the boat out on speculation here, but somehow expect these releases will be similar to that of the Mayhem comic most recently released in the iTunes Extras format, aiming to produce deeper multimedia experiences than you presently find inside print titles, and using EA’s games and graphics development expertise. But that’s just a notion at the moment.
(Via 9 to 5 Mac – Apple Intelligence.)
Apple, AT&T, the FCC, Google and Skype remark on AT&T opening VoIP over 3G
Oct 7th
I wonder if this will spill over to our local networks.
Well done AT&T. Along with MMS and tethering, we can finally welcome you into the 21st century !
Apple, AT&T, the FCC, Google and Skype remark on AT&T opening VoIP over 3G: “
AT&T said late Tuesday that it has informed Apple and the FCC that ‘it has taken the steps necessary’ to enable Voice over Internet Protocol — or VOIP — services on the iPhone over its 3G wireless network. AT&T said it made the decision ‘after evaluating our customers expectations and use of the device compared to dozens of others we offer.’ The company already allows subscribers to make Internet calls using its 3G network over other wireless devices.
Apple: Spokeswoman Natalie Kerris said Apple welcomed the the announcement. ‘We are very happy that AT&T is now supporting VOIP applications. We will be amending our developer agreements to get VOIP apps on the App Store and in customers hands as soon as possible.’
Skype President Josh Silverman said: ‘Since launching our iPhone application six months ago, people have downloaded and installed Skype on 10% of all iPhone and iPod touch devices sold – making it clear that people are extremely interested in taking Skype conversations with them on the go. All of us at Skype applaud todays announcement by AT&T (in an FCC filing here in PDF format) that itll open up its 3G network to Internet calling applications such as Skype. Its the right step for AT&T, Apple, millions of mobile Skype users and the Internet itself. Nonetheless, the positive actions of one company are no substitute for a government policy that protects openness and benefits consumers. Were all looking forward to further developments that will let people use Skype on any device, on any network.’
Update:
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said: ‘When AT&T indicated, in response to the FCC’s inquiry, that it would take another look at permitting VoIP on its 3G network I was encouraged,’ Genachowski said in a statement. ‘I commend AT&T’s decision to open its network to VoIP. Opening wireless services to greater consumer choice will drive investment and innovation in the mobile marketplace.’
A Google representative said Apple hadn’t informed it of any change in the status of its application.
There was no word yet from Vonage who just got their application into the App Store yesterday.
The FCC
was also silent this evening, but theyprobably played the biggest role in getting AT&T to allow VoIP traffic. Theyve been pushing their Net Neutrality stance on the wireless carriers since this administration took over a year ago. While it was a long time coming, the move was inevitable as both 4G standards, WiMAX and LTE both only support only VoIP, and not the traditional wireless voice product, for telephone calls.
(Via 9 to 5 Mac – Apple Intelligence.)
The Core Group continues to screw South Africa
Sep 25th
I wanted to post this a week ago, but as I had bought the new iPod nano as a gift for a loved one, I didn’t want to spoil the surprise.
About two weeks ago I started hunting for a way to get the new iPod nano delivered to my door before the 23rd of September. I tried to convince Amazon to deliver to SA, I tried BH photovideo as well as local some local stores like wantitall and have2have. Although wantitall and have2have could get them for me, they couldn’t guarantee that it would arrive in time. They also weren’t exactly cheap.
The bad boy in question
Then I saw an article on mybroadband that mentioned that the iStore in Sandton had them in stock. I thought I’d take a chance and give the iStore in the V&A Waterfront a call to see if they had any demo models. If they did have I’d see if I could convince them to sell me one. I gave them a call and they informed that they in fact had a few in stock and that I could come and pick one up immediately. No coercion required.
I asked them to keep me one and said I’d be there before closing to come and pick it up. As soon as I was off the phone with them I gave Digicape a call to see if they also had any in stock. Whenever possible I try not to support The Core Group directly, so if I was able to give the business to Digicape I would.
I chatted the sales guy at Digicape and he informed that they would only have stock in about 6 weeks and insisted that no-one in South Africa had any stock yet. I informed him that I was on my way to fetch one at the iStore. After we tussled on whether or not it was in fact the 5th generation iPod nano he conceded and informed me that he was about to go and kick up a real stink within Digicape and The Core Group.
In this case I was grateful that the iStore had them in stock, but I am total agreement that it is total bulls@$%t that the iStore has them and no-one else has them.
I’m still feeling a little nauseous about spending money at the iStore, but I’m sure the Apple gods will forgive me.
Click-to-dial from the Apple address book
Sep 9th
I’ve been using an IP softphone on my Mac for some time, but there has been no integration between the softphone and the Apple address book. It wasn’t the biggest issue for me, but I became really tired of copying the numbers I looked up and pasting them into the softphone to be able to dial.
After trolling the interweb yesterday and finding a few address book plug-in scripts (that no longer work with Snow Leopard), I came across Dialectic from JN Software.
It works with pretty much every softphone and web-based VoIP service I’ve come across. You can customize dialing rules based on the type of call (local, long distance, international etc etc) as well as your location.
There is actually a lot more power under the hood when you consider that it can hook into Apple Scripts as well.
While I was playing with the preferences, one setup that I thought would be particularly useful was to have all my in country calls route via my softphone and all my international calls route out via Skype, which is easily done with Dialectic. Nice work.
It looks slick and will only cost you $25 if you decide to keep using it after your trial period expires.
Get it.
Underground App Store Courts the Jailbroken
Aug 21st
Underground App Store Courts the Jailbroken: “PainMeds writes ‘Apple’s stepped-up and controversial rejections are helping to foster competition in the app store marketplace. According to an article by Wired, developers aren’t taking AppStore rejection lying down, but are turning to the hacking community’s repository system for the iPhone to launch an app store of their own. The 4-month-old Cydia store is yielding notably higher sales for a few application developers than Apple’s AppStore, and is reportedly running on over 4 million Apple iPhone devices, with perhaps 350,000 connected at any one time. In this store, developers are distributing applications they’ve written that push the limits of Apple’s normal AppStore policies, with software to add file downloads to Safari, trick applications into thinking they’re on Wi-Fi (for VoIP), and enhance other types functionality. You’ll also find the popular Google Voice application, which was recently rejected by Apple. Third party application development has been around since 2007, when the iPhone was originally introduced, and became so popular that O’Reilly Media published a book geared toward writing applications before an SDK was available. The Cydia store acts as both a free package repository and commercial storefront to third-party developers.’
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
