MacShrine

Remember a few weeks ago when Apple previewed an updated “web 2.0″ version of .Mac webmail, well it’s finally up! If you’re a .Mac user just login as usual and you’ll be treated to the new glossy, Ajaxy and uberlicious interface. We still want more than 1GB storage though Apple!

Apple today announced that its entire MacBook Pro line now includes the new Intel Core 2 Duo processor and delivers performance that is up to 39% faster than the previous generation. All MacBook Pro models now offer double the memory and greater storage capacity than the previous generation, as well as a FireWire 800 port for connecting to high-speed peripherals. They will be available for purchase for next week and can be pre-ordered at the online Apple Store. The new models come in:

15″ MacBook Pro, 2.16GHz, 1GB, 120GB HD, $1999.
15″ MacBook Pro, 2.33GHz, 2GB, 120GB HD, $2499.
17″ MacBook Pro, 2.33GHz, 2GB, 160GB HD, $2799.

Akon jumps straight to the top spot this week. The only other new entry is Wierd Al, all the other acts have jumbled around.

United States Top 10 Songs:

1. Smack That - Akon
2. How to Save a Life - The Fray
3. White & Nerdy - ”Weird Al Yankovic
4. Lips of an Angel - Hinder
5. Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
6. Maneater - Nelly Furtado
7. Chain Hang Low - Jibbs
8. Money Maker - Ludacris
9. SexyBack - Justin Timberlake
10. Too Little, Too Late - JoJo

NoHeat.com is reporting more info on the iPhone…

The iPhone is a black device that is nearly featureless on the front except the dock and a couple of other buttons. On the bottom is what appears to be a standard dock. The most remarkable feature of the iPhone is the display which is I hear breathtaking as it emerges from behind what appears to be black plastic. The whole front with exception to a couple of millimeters along the edges of the iPhone are touch sensitive and that allows the customer to select from objects on the screen, such as the phone’s keyboard. This feature was widely described for the nebulous full screen iPod and will instead be found in the iPhone. It was the patents that were acquired for the iPhone that started that speculation.

The iPhones PDA like capabilities have been leaked already, such as email (via WiFi), calc, ical support, and others so I won’t go into those. Obviously the games featured for the existing iPods will be playable on the new iPod.

Some of the coolest features that was mentioned was the ability to have a hands free conversation over auto adapters with the new iPhone. Bundled with the new phone is software called iTalk that keeps your voice from being carried over and includes privacy, IM, and sync features. Other cool features are the ability to control other Apple devices not yet released with your iPhone like a super remote control. Somehow I pictured the remote from the movie “Click”.

We did report on the iPod game playing capablility on the iPhone back in September. The description reminds us of the LG Chocolate.

As expected, Apple has launched an iPod nano to help Bono’s (RED) campaign. The iPod is simply the same 4GB nano, but in bright red - iPod nano (RED). $10 of every sale goes to The Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa. Apple will be releasing (RED) iTunes Cards as well in the near future. I personally find the red a bit garish. They’re available right now, Oprah bought 10 apparently. They come with the new headphones.

Apple UK is currently running a promotion on all Macbooks with £56 (~$105) discount. The promotion ends 31st October. It has been suspected that Apple was due to hold a special promo event in November, all we need now is proper confirmation. We’ll probably see the MacBook Pro updated at the same event as well as the iPod video - all in time for Christmas, yay!

Google announced today that it has agreed to acquire YouTube, the consumer media company for people to watch and share original videos online, for $1.65 billion in a stock-for-stock transaction.

When the acquisition is complete, YouTube will retain its distinct brand identity, strengthening and complementing Google’s own fast-growing video business. YouTube will continue to be based in San Bruno, CA, and all YouTube employees will remain with the company. With Google’s technology, advertiser relationships and global reach, YouTube will continue to build on its success as the world’s most popular source for videos.