http://www.beamecho.com/bytes/index/ en steve@beamecho.com Copyright 2008 2008-11-15T22:18:12-05:00 http://www.beamecho.com/default_site/entry/debating_a_genius/ http://www.beamecho.com/default_site/entry/debating_a_genius/#When:22:18:12Z Do you wish a hive-minded collective could mold your cultural interests and guide you through the maelstrom that is the artistic soundscape? Doesn’t sound appealing, does it? Well it wouldn't be if it wasn’t designed by Apple—introducing Genius!! So what is the mysterious new feature of iTunes known as Genius? Beneath the slick and promising name, Genius consists of two easily identifiable parts: The first, adds a window to the side of your iTunes library which is populated by music suggestions. These recommendations are based on music bought by listeners who have similar tastes to your own. This recommendation engine is akin to the suggestions you get when shopping Amazon and its purpose is to intelligently guide you through iTunes’ vast catalogue. The second, less intrusive part of Genius, is its function of compiling a new playlist based on simple criteria. Simply choosing a song will generate an entire playlist of your locally stored music, the mantra being; “songs that go great together.” . . . Do you wish a hive-minded collective could mold your cultural interests and guide you through the maelstrom that is the artistic soundscape? Doesn’t sound appealing, does it? Well it wouldn't be if it wasn’t designed by Apple—introducing Genius!! So what is the mysterious new feature of iTunes known as Genius? Beneath the slick and promising name, Genius consists of two easily identifiable parts: The first, adds a window to the side of your iTunes library which is populated by music suggestions. These recommendations are based on music bought by listeners who have similar tastes to your own. This recommendation engine is akin to the suggestions you get when shopping Amazon and its purpose is to intelligently guide you through iTunes’ vast catalogue. The second, less intrusive part of Genius, is its function of compiling a new playlist based on simple criteria. Simply choosing a song will generate an entire playlist of your locally stored music, the mantra being; “songs that go great together.” I toyed around with the new Genius feature moments after its release. I was impressed. What caught my attention and still keeps me interested in the technology is the unique claim: Genius will get better over time, as more people use it. I love this as a concept. I tried giving Genius a second, third, fifth chance to see if it really is better after multiple uses. My first experience with the suggestion bar prompted me with the message, "we don’t know this music, so here are the top selling songs at the store." An American Idol album was recommended. In successive attempts I found suggestions seemed more intuitive. Its recommendations had a logic to them yet I still noticed several flaws. For one, a song which was already in my library would be suggested to me. Another improvement that I would love to see is the ability to turn off certain bands from your results. Give me the ability to block them from my results much like I would an ex-girlfriend from Facebook. Let us give feedback. The toolbar is an improved version of the iTunes store browser. I did have more success with the playlist feature. I selected a song and Genius actually spat back a decent list. I would, however, like to know what voodoo Apple conjured for this task. Is it based on other peoples playlists? Is it based on the volume and tempo of the songs? Did Steve Jobs personally make playlists for every combination imaginable? Again, I enjoy the feature but would like to hear what the science or logic is behind it. So if you have an iTunes account and an internet connection you can have a Genius make you playlists. default_site 2008-11-15T22:18:12-05:00 http://www.beamecho.com/default_site/entry/warning_mac_virus_discovered/ http://www.beamecho.com/default_site/entry/warning_mac_virus_discovered/#When:01:41:03Z default_site 2008-10-27T01:41:03-05:00 http://www.beamecho.com/default_site/entry/free_brother_printer_with_applecare/ http://www.beamecho.com/default_site/entry/free_brother_printer_with_applecare/#When:20:51:57Z Currently at Beamecho buy any new apple computer with Applecare and receive a free Brother multi function printer! No Mail in Rebates or other nonsence, and we even throw in the USB cable for FREE! Currently at Beamecho buy any new apple computer with Applecare and receive a free Brother multi function printer! No Mail in Rebates or other nonsence, and we even throw in the USB cable FREE! default_site 2008-10-02T20:51:57-05:00 http://www.beamecho.com/default_site/entry/drobo/ http://www.beamecho.com/default_site/entry/drobo/#When:17:21:09Z Drobo: the world's first data storage robot. This revolutionary device is so affordable and easy to use that it is makes previous RAID systems outdated and obsolete. Drobo: the world's first data storage robot. This revolutionary device is so affordable and easy to use that it is makes previous RAID systems outdated and obsolete. default_site 2008-09-07T17:21:09-05:00 http://www.beamecho.com/default_site/entry/audioengine/ http://www.beamecho.com/default_site/entry/audioengine/#When:15:14:00Z A review of my favorite speakers we have: the Audioengine 5's. Come in and let us give you a demo of their incredible sound. A review of my favorite speakers we have: the Audioengine 5's. Come in and let us give you a demo of their incredible sound. default_site 2008-05-17T15:14:00-05:00 http://www.beamecho.com/default_site/entry/rogers_to_bring_iphone_to_canada_pigs_fly/ http://www.beamecho.com/default_site/entry/rogers_to_bring_iphone_to_canada_pigs_fly/#When:14:52:01Z The Financial Post reported last week that a Canadian release of the Apple iPhone is in fact in the pipeline, according to a statement from Canadian carrier Rogers. "We're thrilled to announce that we have a deal with Apple to bring the iPhone to Canada later this year," the company announced last Tuesday. However, a specific release date, details regarding Rogers subsidizing the phone, and most importantly, information on whether this would bring about a reduction in Rogers expensive data plans, we're not discussed. "We can't tell you any more about it right now, but stay tuned.", the company went on to say. BeamEcho has not heard from carrier regarding the means of distribution for the device, nor has Apple made any official statement regarding the distribution of the iPhone BeamEcho has had a longtime expertise with the iPod line of Apple products, and that expertise continues with the iPhone. Our new Cumberland location features a wide selection of iPhone-compatible cases, headphones and dockable speakers. We also strongly believe that the best computer to use with an iPhone is a Mac, for email, contact, and calender syncing, and our wide selection of new and used Macs guarantee that we can find the best digital fit for you. We have a wide selection of cases in-shop to add style and security to your iPhone default_site 2008-05-05T14:52:01-05:00 http://www.beamecho.com/default_site/entry/ex_windows_user/ http://www.beamecho.com/default_site/entry/ex_windows_user/#When:15:48:01Z I have been spoiled. I was brought into the world of Mac computers a little over 5 years ago and life has been great. My laptop has been doing what I want when I want, without fighting virus after virus or having my computer slow to a crawl from spyware and adware. Not to mention an intuitive operation system that runs stable and is easy to use. I sometimes forget this is not the case for most computer owners. Recently two of my friends were having trouble with their Dell computers and, as the resident geek of the group, the responsibility fell upon me to see if I could fix them. Fast forward a day and a half later and I am pulling my hair out and cursing my friendly offer to help. Both machines had so many issues and would crash half way through installing a virus scanner. Plus, if anyone has had the pleasure of calling up Microsoft for tech support you can probably sing their ‘on hold’ music from memory. I have been spoiled. I was brought into the world of Mac computers a little over 5 years ago and life has been great. My laptop has been doing what I want when I want, without fighting virus after virus or having my computer slow to a crawl from spyware and adware. Not to mention an intuitive operation system that runs stable and is easy to use. I sometimes forget this is not the case for most computer owners. Recently two of my friends were having trouble with their Dell computers and, as the resident geek of the group, the responsibility fell upon me to see if I could fix them. Fast forward a day and a half later and I am pulling my hair out and cursing my friendly offer to help. Both machines had so many issues and would crash half way through installing a virus scanner. Plus, if anyone has had the pleasure of calling up Microsoft for tech support you can probably sing their ‘on hold’ music from memory. But people do not know any better. They are not aware of how seamless the jump from Windows to Mac can be. There is a reason why you see more creative people using Macs to make their music, movies or photography and I believe it is because the Apple platform shortens the distance between an idea and its realization, as opposed to fighting you every step of the way. Since when is ease of use a bad thing and why shouldn’t this philosophy be adopted in corporate environments as well? Here at Beamecho we know Windows. This is what sets us apart from other Apple retail stores. We sold both Mac and PC for a number of years and know what it takes to make the change. Certainly we as a store see many individuals and creative professionals switching from Windows to Mac but the timing seems to be ripe for more business users to make the big jump as well. A recent article I read about IBM testing out Apple computers gives me hope that its not just me who can see the light and be happy with the alternative. If you find yourself being frustrated with the windows environment and are thinking about Mac as an alternative I invite you to come in to talk with any of our staff. We can answer your questions and help ease the transition to a new platform, showing you just how much better life with Apple can be. default_site 2008-04-18T15:48:01-05:00 http://www.beamecho.com/default_site/entry/the_touch_platform/ http://www.beamecho.com/default_site/entry/the_touch_platform/#When:15:33:00Z The iPod Touch, released September of 2007, was an impressive product at release. It was, essentially, an iPhone sans phone, that any Canadian could easily buy and get support for. For Americans, it offered many of them an opportunity to get many of the same features of the iPhone without having to change wireless service providers. However, at that time, Apple was not making the best use of the device's potential, through excluding the Weather, Stocks, Notes, Maps, and most importantly Mail applications from the initial product. These applications were later offered as a $20 download from the iTunes store. The iPod Touch, released September of 2007, was an impressive product at release. It was, essentially, an iPhone sans phone, that any Canadian could easily buy and get support for. For Americans, it offered many of them an opportunity to get many of the same features of the iPhone without having to change wireless service providers. However, at that time, Apple was not making the best use of the device's potential, through excluding the Weather, Stocks, Notes, Maps, and most importantly Mail applications from the initial product. These applications were later offered as a $20 download from the iTunes store. What has recently gotten many of those in the know excited about the iPod Touch is something called the iPhone/iPod Touch SDK. At the Apple iPhone roadmap event last month, Steve Jobs introduced the tools available to developers looking to create rich programs for the iPod Touch. Demoed were Games and other applications that took full advantage of the iPod Touch's built-in accelerometer, multi-touch, and using the unit's WiFi capability. As we speak, software developers are working away to create useful and rich iPod Touch applications that will significantly proliferate the the uses for the iPod. These new applications are set to be released to the public this coming June, some of them being free, and some of them having a price. Unlike previous installable applications for the iPod Touch, downloading and installing these coming applications will not involve any hacking of your iPod. For more information, MacRumors has a great Frequently Asked Questions article about the Software Development kit. iPod Touch prices: 8 GB: $299; 16 GB: $379 Maps, Mail, Weather, Notes, and Stocks applications are downloadable from iTunes for $20 CDN. 32 GB: $519, includes the Maps, Mail, Weather, Notes & Stocks applications default_site 2008-04-14T15:33:00-05:00 http://www.beamecho.com/default_site/entry/itunes_settings/ http://www.beamecho.com/default_site/entry/itunes_settings/#When:19:45:00Z Watch where to change the iTunes settings for importing your music at a higher quality bit rate. You need this information if you care about the quality of you digital music library! Also I look at some alternative earphones for your iPod including the Etymotic 6i's which are no longer on sale and back at regular price of $129. Watch where to change the iTunes settings for importing your music at a higher quality bit rate. You need this information if you care about the quality of you digital music library! Also I look at some alternative earphones for your iPod including the Etymotic 6i's which are no longer on sale and back at regular price of $129. default_site 2008-04-11T19:45:00-05:00 http://www.beamecho.com/default_site/entry/guitar_hero_3_for_mac/ http://www.beamecho.com/default_site/entry/guitar_hero_3_for_mac/#When:15:59:01Z Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is now in stock. Watch us rock out! Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is now in stock. Watch us rock out! default_site 2008-03-15T15:59:01-05:00