MacTexan Podcast #6 is Up!

Podcast #6 "iOS Rules the World" is up.  Joe & Ken talk about some juicy Apple rumors and discuss some geek tools.  You can get it here.  You can also download it, or better yet, subscribe to our feed in iTunes (link opens iTunes).  You can also search the iTunes store for "mactexan".

Adam Curry's Big App Show

The Big App ShowAdam Curry, former MTV VJ, who many consider the inventor of podcasting, has released an iPhone app for showcasing...iPhone apps. The Big App Show is an application that streams iPhone app demos hosted by Curry himself.  I've discovered some neat stuff by watching his well-produced demonstrations.  The iTunes App Store's biggest shortcoming is the absence of any means of "try before you buy".  The screenshots and user reviews provide little information about apps in the store, so I tend to rely on third party reviews, word of mouth and the good ol' "what the hell, it's only two bucks" methods of choosing iPhone apps.  In a world of hundreds of thousands of apps to choose from, I'm sure those methods leave a great deal to be desired.  I'm not recommending you hitch your only app wagon to the Big App Show, but it is a great way to discover some cool stuff.  If Adam showcases something you like, the Big App Show provides a button at the end of each demo that takes you right to the app in the iTunes store.  It couldn't be easier.

The story here is the creative aspect of this project.  Mr. Curry delivers valuable content in a succinct, friendly and entertaining manner.  I don't know of any better way to discover iPhone apps (certainly no easier way).  I regularly listen to Adam and Mr. John C. Dvorak on their No Agenda podcast and wish App Store were deserving of the same "Explicit" tag.  Now that would be funny.

Is the Big App Show a "one stop shop" for all your iPhone application needs?  Don't be silly.  It is a very relaxing way to "push PLAY" and discover some really good ones, though.  Many of the apps showcased so far have been free.  I didn't count, but I'm guessing around 20%.  Call me lazy, but endlessly perusing the iTunes app store isn't something I need to do more of.  Let Adam do the work.

MacTexan Podcast #5 is Up!

Podcast #5 "Woz is 60!" is up.  We wish Woz a happy birthday, review this weeks news and discuss extensions in Safari 5.  You can get it here.  You can also download it, or better yet, subscribe to our feed in iTunes (link opens iTunes).  You can also search the iTunes store for "mactexan".

1Password Now Available for Windows

Anybody who reads this site knows the MacTexan is a BIG 1Password fan.  I love the way it syncs across all my machines using Dropbox or MobilMe.  I especially love the multiple identity features and the way it integrates into all popular browsers.  The only downside to 1Password is its lack of Windows support.  Well, NO MORE!  Agile Web Solutions (one of my favorite developers) has just released a public beta of 1Password for Windows.  If you're a 1Password fan with a Windows machine like me, you're in the chips!

MacTexan Freebie of the Week: DEFCON Screensaver

DEFCON Screensaver FreebieEvery now and then I stumble onto something cool and feel compelled to share it with MacTexans (both actual and honorary) everywhere.  I'm a big fan of Ambrosia Software, more particularly Wiretap Anywhere.  It's an app that allows you to "wire up" a virtual sound device from the sound output of any program or combination of programs on your Mac.  This virtual sound device can then be used as an input to Logic, Final Cut, Garage Band or any other sound recording application.

While perusing Ambrosia's website the other day I ran across a whole page of freebie software they give away out of the goodness of their hearts.  I downloaded DEFCON, a screensaver that displays a slowly rotating wire-framed globe that looks like the one from the "War Games" movie.  It's now active on all my Macs.

If you want to get your "Joshua" on, give it a try here.

Check out some of the other Ambrosia titles while you're there.  Everything they build is top-shelf in both look and quality!