iPhone App - Shazam names that tune

Like many others, I have been waiting for the Apple iPhone 2.0 software upgrade. No, it didn't bring copy and paste functionality to my phone, but it turned it into a computer. Sure, technically it has always been a computer, but now with the introduction of the Apple App Store, mere mortal iPhone users can actually browse, search and download apps straight to their iPhone. Like all good cheapskates I tried a few of the free apps first, and many are just a complete waste of time, but some, drum roll, Shazam, just completely blew me away.

Meet Shazam

The idea is that you play music at your iPhone from any source: computer, radio or anything else that produce an audible sound. Shazam will listen for 30 seconds, then send it to the Shazam HQ, where it will return with a neat listing of the song.

From there you can tag the song, with images, or even take a picture of the location of where you first heard the song. You can even email it to a friend, to share the experience.

Shazam is not an app, it's magic for your iPhone.

What is really great is that this app even works when you try and show it to someone. Unless the song is from an underground radio station, and playing at a different tempo than originally - Shazam will find it.

Conclusion: Shazam, a free but essential music app for your iPhone.

Apple TV - iTunes on your TV

Apple, Inc, as they are now known, introduced another new product besides the Apple iPhone at MacWorld on the 9th of January 2007. The Apple TV will display your iTunes content from your Mac or PC on your Widescreen TV.

Which of course now means movies, as well as your music, photos and podcasts. This cute little box, will sit alongside or instead of your DVD player, and instantly brings your iLife into your living room, wirelessly.

How the Apple TV works

According to Apple:

1. Download music videos, video podcasts and more from iTunes.
2. Sync wirelessly from your Mac or PC.
3. Watch everything on your widescreen TV.

Seems pretty easy.

Apple TV Specifications

Apple TV Processor and storage

• Intel processor
• 40GB hard drive for storing content locally
• Up to 50 hours of movies and TV shows
• Up to 9,000 songs
• Up to 25,000 pictures

Apple TV System requirements

• Mac or PC
• iTunes 7
• Mac: Mac OS X v10.3.9 or later
• PC: Windows XP Home/Professional (SP2)
• AirPort Extreme, Wi-Fi 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n wireless network6 (wireless video streaming requires 802.11g or 802.11n), or 10/100BASE-T Ethernet network

Apple TV Ports and interfaces

• HDMI (video and audio)
• Component video
• Optical audio
• Analog RCA stereo audio
• 10/100BASE-T Ethernet
• USB 2.0 (for service and diagnostics)
• 802.11n wireless networking
• Built-in IR receiver (works with included Apple Remote)

What's in the box?

• Apple TV
• Apple Remote
• 10 iPod Universal Dock Adapters
• Power cord
• Quick Start guide

Looks very promising, and unlike the iPhone, is available to buy now for 299 USD or £199.

Apple TV Press Release

"Apple TV is like a DVD player for the 21st century - you connect it to your entertainment system just like a DVD player, but it plays digital content you get from the Internet rather than DVDs you get from a physical store. Apple TV plays the same iTunes content that users enjoy on their computers and iPods, so now they can even watch part of a movie in their living room, and watch the rest later on their iPod."
Apple CEO - Steve Jobs

Apple TV has a 40GB hard drive to store up to 50 hours of video, 9,000 songs, 25,000 photos or a combination of each and is capable of delivering high-definition 720p output. Apple TV is easy to connect to a broad range of widescreen TVs and home theater systems and comes standard with HDMI, component video, analog and optical audio ports. Using high-speed AirPort 802.11 wireless networking, Apple TV can auto-sync content from one computer or stream content from up to five additional computers right to your TV without any wires.

Apple TV Links

• Apple TV Home
• Apple TV Press Release
• Apple iPhone