Apple Worldwide Developers Conference to Kick Off with Keynote Address on Monday, June 8.

    Apple(R) will kick off its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) with a keynote address on Monday, June 8 at 10:00 a.m. A team of Apple executives, led by Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, will deliver the keynote. WWDC will offer in-depth sessions on both iPhone(TM) OS 3.0, the world's most advanced mobile operating system, and Mac OS(R) X Snow Leopard(TM), an even more powerful and refined version of the world's best desktop operating system and the foundation for future Mac(R) innovation.
    "Last June, we gave developers an early look at the powerful new technologies that form the underpinnings of Mac OS X Snow Leopard," said Bertrand Serlet, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering. "At WWDC, we will be giving our developers a final Developer Preview release so they can see the incredible progress we've made on Snow Leopard and work with us as we move toward its final release."
Snow Leopard and Mac technical sessions will showcase hundreds of refinements to the operating system and dive deep into its new technologies including a 64-bit architecture, QuickTime(R) X, next-generation multicore and GPU processor support, and amazing new accessibility technologies. iPhone OS 3.0 technical sessions will cover introductory and advanced concepts to help developers get the most out of the iPhone OS 3.0 SDK and over 1,000 new APIs available for iPhone OS 3.0.
WWDC also offers attendees the unique opportunity to work side-by-side with Apple engineers to solve code-level issues, gain insight into development techniques and get expert advice on interface design.

  Other activities at Apple's WWDC 2009 include: 

  --  more than 100 technical sessions presented by Apple engineers on a 

      wide range of technology-specific topics for developing, deploying and 

      integrating iPhone OS 3.0 and Mac OS X technologies; 

  --  over 1,000 Apple engineers presenting the latest in Apple technologies 

      and providing one-to-one direction in hands-on labs; and 

  --  the opportunity to connect with thousands of fellow iPhone and Mac 

      developers from around the world. 

    Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone. 

Apple Acquires Zayante.

   Apple(R) announced it has acquired Zayante, a leader in IEEE 1394 (FireWire(R)) technology. Zayante's president and CEO Prashant Kanhere will join Apple to promote the adoption of FireWire technology.
   "By acquiring Zayante, Apple is extending its commitment to FireWire as the premiere, high-speed digital interface solution," said Jon Rubinstein, Apple's senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. "FireWire is the best technology to connect digital devices that need to transfer lots of data quickly -- such as transferring an entire CD from your Mac to your iPod in less than a second."
   Apple invented FireWire in the mid-90s and shepherded it to become the established cross-platform industry standard IEEE 1394. FireWire is a high-speed serial input/output technology for connecting digital devices such as digital camcorders and cameras to desktop and portable computers. Widely adopted by digital peripheral companies such as Sony, Canon, JVC and Kodak, FireWire has become the established industry standard for both consumers and professionals and is a key part of Apple's Digital Hub strategy.
   Zayante, Inc., was founded in 1996, and today Zayante's IEEE 1394 silicon and software is used by leading consumer and computing product and semiconductor manufacturers seeking to produce 1394-compliant products.

Apple Ships Motion.

New Application Redefines Motion Graphics


   Apple(R) announced it has begun shipping Motion, the revolutionary new application that delivers high-performance, real-time motion graphics design. Motion offers the creative freedom and power for artists to deliver stunning, professional quality results, quickly and intuitively, with real-time previews, procedural behavior animation and integration with both Final Cut Pro(R) HD and DVD Studio Pro(R) 3, all at a breakthrough price of $299.
   "Motion grabbed the spotlight, along with the best of show awards, at the National Association of Broadcasters convention," said Rob Schoeben, Apple's vice president of Applications Marketing. "With its revolutionary technology, breakthrough ease-of-use and low $299 price tag, Motion will do for motion graphics what Final Cut Pro did for non-linear editing -- bring the ability to create pro-quality results to the broader market."
   "With its real-time functionality and Behaviors, Motion allows designers to work at the speed they think," said Mike Goedecke, founder and creative director of Belief, a Santa Monica-based broadcast design and production studio. "Motion has changed the way we work, enabling us to try new ideas, be more creative and wow clients faster."
   Motion introduces Behaviors that use procedural animation techniques to create natural simulations, such as gravity and wind, or multi-faceted interaction between multiple objects, such as attraction and repulsion. Behaviors provide users with the ability to automatically generate simple or sophisticated fluid motion effects with minimal effort and make modifications spontaneously, all without the complexity or overhead of dealing with keyframes. Users familiar with keyframes can use Motion's Keyframe Editor to plot precise parameter values at specific frames.
   Motion also features an advanced particle engine that enables artists to quickly and easily apply realistic particle presets, such as smoke, sparkles and fire to any animation, with instant previewing of multiple filters and particle effects. Using Motion, virtually any graphic element on the screen can be turned into a particle and then modified to create unlimited, customized special effects.
   With its breakthrough user interface, Motion gives artists the freedom to spend less time managing windows and palettes and more time creating. Motion's "Dashboards" give users contextual, semi-transparent floating palettes that provide the tools and slider parameters for objects being animated on screen. Behaviors are applied quickly and easily with a graphical control that appears on the Dashboard, making it easy and interactive to experiment with different animations. Motion also includes 25 "Gestures" that enable users to focus on the creative process, rather than searching for keyboard commands or menu items. With Motion's Project Pane, users have an easy way to quickly view and manage all layers, filters, Behaviors, masks and objects within a project at once.
   Motion also offers unprecedented integration with Apple's professional applications, including Final Cut Pro HD, the latest version of Apple's Emmy award-winning editing software; DVD Studio Pro 3, a professional DVD authoring application; Shake(R) 3.5, the latest version of Apple's industry-leading compositing and visual effects software; Soundtrack, the innovative music composition tool; and Logic Pro 6, the standard in computer-based music production.

Apple's iOS 5 and iCloud Features and their Implications for the Future Trends of Mobile OS Platforms.

   Apple unveiled its new iOS 5 mobile platform at the Apple WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) 2011. Other than removing many inconvenience associated with upgrading, Apple also added new features to its iOS 5 and addressed many concerns of previous iPhone buyers regarding iOS mobile platform in a bid to compete head to head with the Google Android OS. 
    In addition, Apple's iCloud was launched to replace MobileMe, which was originally cost at US$99 per year. The releases of iOS 5 and iCloud are expected to begin to take their toll on the industry. This report analyses innovations and new business models of iOS5 and iCloud and the subsequent challenges for iOS competitors and software developers.


Table of Contents:


1.Background
2.New iOS 5 Features and Their Implications
2.1 Implications for iOS Competitors
2.1.1 Notification Center Helping iOS Keep Pace with Android OS
2.1.2 iMessage to Help Apple Make Inroads into Telecom Business
2.1.2.1 Bridging Apple's Gap in Telecom Software
2.1.2.2 Providing Seamless Communications across Devices
2.1.3 Newsstand Eroding Market Share of Amazon Kindle
2.1.4 Apple-Twitter Partnership to Prevent Facebook's dominance of Social Networks
2.2 Implications for Software Developers
2.2.1 Opportunities Generated by Aligning with Apple's Product Development Plan
3.Insight into iCloud New Business Model
3.1 iCloud Highlighting iOS Features to Other Apple Devices
4.Conclusion
4.1 iOS Devices Makes Mobile Office into Reality
4.2 Integration Key Focus for Apple, to Drive Demand for Other iOS Devices
4.3 Competition between Apple and Android Intensifying; Higher Entry Barriers for New Incomers
Appendix


List of Topics:


- Analysis of features of the Apple iOS 5 and iCloud and their implications on iOS competitors and software developers, and the insight into iCloud new business model
- Companies and organizations analyzed or mentioned in the report include: Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft


List of Figures:


Figure 1 Dominant and Subordinate Features of iOS5
Figure 2 iOS & Android Market Share by Version
Figure 3 Nine Key Features of iCloud
To order this report:
Mobile Telephony Industry: Apple%s iOS 5 and iCloud Features and their Implications for the Future Trends of Mobile OS Platforms
Mobile Telephony Business News
More Market Research Report
Check our Industry Analysis and Insights.

APPLE PARTNERS OFFER DEVELOPMENT TOOLS FOR CLIENT/SERVER APPLICATIONS

   Apple Computer Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) and nine independent software vendors (ISVs) joined together announce a broad spectrum of development tools that enable information systems (IS) professionals to rapidly and easily build client/server applications that operate on various computing platforms from personal computers to mainframes.  The tools include third and fourth generation languages as well as visual development and advanced development environment tools. 

    Today's announcement was made at MacIS, an organization of IS managers for many of the world's largest corporations whose enterprise networks include Macintosh personal computers.  By offering advanced software development tools on the Macintosh computer platform, Apple and the nine ISVs are meeting the client/server development needs of large organizations such as those represented by MacIS members. 

    A broad range of construction tools for object-oriented, cross-platform, client/server development are being offered from the nine vendors, including Brio Technology Inc., Component Software Corp., Digitalk, Inc., Forte Software, Inc., Micro Focus, Mitem Corp., Powersoft Corp., Software AG of North America, Inc. and TGS Systems Ltd.  These vendors join the growing list of Apple partners, including IBM Corp., Digital Equipment Corp., Oracle Corp. and Symantec Corp., that provide advanced software development tools for the Macintosh computer platform.  

    IS Tools Within VITAL Framework 

    The new tools will enable rapid prototyping and development of applications using object-oriented technologies and Apple's data access solutions:  Data Access Manager (DAM) and Data Access Language (DAL).  Data access is one of five information activities specified in Apple's VITAL framework, announced in spring 1992. 

    VITAL (Virtually Integrated Technical Architecture Lifecycle) is a detailed set of guidelines to help Apple's corporate customers design information systems that more easily integrate their desktop computers into enterprise systems.  In addition to data access the architecture covers data capture, repository, desktop integration and systems infrastructure.  Together, they describe the corporate information system in enterprise environments. 

    As part of its charter, VITAL offers a framework for developing vendor-independent systems that use the power of desktop computers in a heterogeneous client/server environment. 

    "VITAL's appeal stems from its ability to offer clear guidelines for resolving the central issues IS executives face.  The Macintosh computer platform -- with its ease of use, graphics, robust networking capabilities, and high performance -- is ideally suited for developing and deploying client/server applications," said Morris Taradalsky, vice president and general manager of Apple's Enterprise Systems Division. "We believe today's announcement further establishes Apple as having the best client/server development environment and solution set." 

    Apple's corporate customers can obtain more information about VITAL through a series of white papers from Apple.  The first two of these, Introduction to VITAL:  Designing Information Systems for the 1990's and Client/Server Development Guide, are available to U.S. customers by calling (800) 635-9550, ext. 502, or by contacting an Apple sales representative. 

    Overview of Development Tools 

    The following is an overview of the companies and products involved in the Apple IS tools initiative.  For detailed pricing and availability information on specific products, please contact the appropriate vendor directly. 

    -- Brio Technology's DataEdit will contribute to the data capture side of the VITAL framework.  DataEdit is a forms-based data entry system that provides Macintosh computer-based update capabilities for SQL databases in true client/server environments, making database front end forms easy to build.  Contact Gail Snyder McClain at (415) 961-4110. 

    -- Component Software's Component Workshop is the first dynamic object-oriented applications development system based on C++.  It supports cross-platform development to Windows and Apple Events and is used for developing, testing and debugging event-driven desktop applications running in a client/server architecture.  It will be available at the end of November with additional enhancements, such as DAL, DAM/ODBC, AppleScript and Open Collaboration Environment (OCE), available in 1993.  Contact Susan Rutgerson at (617) 862-9700. 

    -- Digitalk's Smalltalk/V Mac, the first object-oriented system to be fully integrated into the Macintosh user interface, will be enhanced in 1993 to provide high-level support for native Macintosh computer operating system features such as QuickTime, QuickDraw GX, AppleScript, OCE, DAM, DAL and Apple Events.  With Smalltalk, developers can create applications with a single code base to run on Macintosh computer, DOS, Windows 3.1 or OS/2 2.0 platforms.  Contact Barbara Noparstak at (310) 645-1082. 

    -- Forte Software's Forte, scheduled for availability in 1993, supports VITAL in the areas of desktop integration, data capture and data access, allowing developers to build mission critical applications.  Forte simplifies the development of distributed applications through partitioned applications, open integration, GUIs, reliability and performance.  Contact Ed Horst at (510) 869-3400. 

    -- Micro Focus is developing versions of Micro Focus COBOL compiler as well as tools for  Macintosh computers, including Micro Focus COBOL, Micro Focus Toolbox (both to be available in 1993) and Micro Focus Dialog System (to be available by early 1994).  Micro Focus COBOL applications are portable across UNIX, DOS, OS/2 and other proprietary operating systems and include tools for the creation, deployment and support of cross-platform, client/server applications. Micro Focus user interface tools also support the development and portability of graphical user interface applications across multiple window managers.  Contact Eveline Kowtko at (415) 856-4161. 

    -- Mitem's MitemView, available now, allows developers to create robust client/server applications for the Macintosh computer with mainframe-based 

legacy systems.   MitemView ensures an organization's highest levels of security are maintained and allows management of multiple, simultaneous host/server sessions, without any host code modification.  Mitem is currently developing a Windows version of its product.  Contact Barry Margerum at (408) 559-8801. 

    -- Powersoft's PowerBuilder 2.0, an object-oriented, graphic, client/server development environment, is designed to build large- scale commercial and government applications.  Currently available for Windows, Powersoft will offer a Macintosh computer version in 1993.  Contact Jennifer Malloy or Rachael Stockton at (617) 229-2200. 

    -- Software AG's products for Macintosh computer-based client application development, server connectivity and request distribution will be introduced in 1993.  Products include Natural and Net-Work for Macintosh and Entire Broker.  Combined with Apple's VITAL strategy, Entire Broker will ease the complexity of enterprise networking and rightsizing.  Contact Jen Norman at (703) 391-6727. 

    -- TGS Systems' Prograph 2.5 is an object-oriented visual programming environment for the Macintosh computer.  Prograph extension products allow support for DAM and DAL, Apple's Interapplication Communication as well as Apple's Enterprise Toolbox.  Contact Mark Szpakowski at (902) 455-4446. 

Apple Announces iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition; Portion of Proceeds Contributed to The Global Fund to Fight AIDS.

   Apple announced the iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition. (RED) was created by U2 lead singer, Bono and Bobby Shriver to engage business in the fight against AIDS in Africa by getting the world's most iconic companies to make uniquely branded products. A portion of the profits from these products goes directly to the Global Fund to fund programmes for women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa.
   The iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED comes in a beautiful red aluminium enclosure and features 24 hours of battery life, Apple's innovative Click Wheel and an incredibly thin and light design. Apple will contribute $10 from the sale of each iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED to the Global Fund to help fight HIV/AIDS in Africa. Apple will also offer a GBP15 and GBP25 iTunes (PRODUCT) RED gift card available for purchase at Apple's retail and online stores next month.
   "We're ecstatic that Apple is giving their customers the choice to buy a red iPod nano and help women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa," said Bono, co-founder of (RED). "It's wonderful to see this incredible level of commitment from companies that are willing to lend their creativity in the fight against AIDS in Africa, the greatest health crisis in 600 years."
   "Now customers can buy the best music player in the world and do something to help the world at the same time," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "We're honoured to work with Bono, (RED) and this team to contribute to an incredibly important initiative and help change the way people think about AIDS in Africa."
   The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was established in 2002, with the support of the world's leaders and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, to dramatically increase resources to fight three of the world's most devastating diseases, and to direct those resources to areas of greatest need by supporting locally-driven strategies. To date, the Global Fund has committed $5.2 billion (US) to more than 363 programmes in 131 countries. For more information about (RED) please visitwww.joinred.com.
   Pricing & Availability The iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition is available worldwide in a 4GB model for GBP129 (inc. VAT) through Apple's retail stores and the Apple Store (www.apple.com/ukstore). All iPod nano models include redesigned earbud headphones providing superior comfort, fit and sound quality, and a USB 2.0 cable. The second generation iPod nano features up to 24 hours of battery life and completely skip-free playback.* The iTunes (PRODUCT) RED gift card will be available through Apple's retail stores and the Apple Store (www.apple.com/ukstore) next month for GBP15 and GBP25.
   iPod nano requires a Mac with a USB 2.0 port and Mac OS X version 10.3.9 or later and iTunes 7.0 or later; or a Windows PC with a USB 2.0 port and Windows 2000 (Service Pack 4), Windows XP Home or Professional (Service Pack 2) and iTunes 7.0 or later. Internet access is required and a broadband connection is recommended.
   * Battery life and number of charge cycles vary by use and settings. Music capacity is based on four minutes per song and 128-Kbps AAC encoding; actual capacity varies by content. Photo capacity is based on iPod-viewable photos transferred from iTunes.
  

An apple a day ... keeps the cook happy.(TASTE)(Recipe)

   A dazzling array of locally grown apples halted my steps the other day at the farmers market, glistening like jewels. I immediately bought five pounds and headed on home, relishing the season's run. Not only can apples be turned into a smorgasbord of delightful dishes, but they also offer a mouthful of juicy nutrients with every bite. That's because apples are loaded with fiber, especially if you eat the peel. They also are a good source of vitamin C and a fair source of potassium.
   Apples are a chameleon in the kitchen, delicious in many guises. They are naturally sweet and need only a dusting of sugar when added to a fruit bowl or compote, or baked for a warming treat. For a quick snack or even for breakfast, consider baking a pan of muffins or a quick bread studded with chopped apples.
   Apple pie and tart are holiday favorites. Children love candied apples, and so do I, remembering the pleasure of this sparkling offering during my childhood, especially on Halloween. A sliced apple or two tossed in the salad bowl with red or green leaf lettuce, morsels of feta or goat's cheese or even brie or camembert, then dressed with a lemon-infused vinaigrette stirred with a little spicy brown mustard, is an elegant offering this time of year. And for a boss salsa, I combine chopped apples and pineapple with cilantro, a touch of vinegar or lemon juice and a little garlic, and serve it with roast chicken or pork.
   When the girls come over for Saturday afternoon tea that usually ends in cocktails, I often serve apples baked in caramel tea infused with a slug of brandy, a wonderful burnished delight. And before the season's end, I always stir up a few jars of apple preserves, using a recipe in my cookbook "Brown Sugar." In other words, the apple picking is bountiful now, offering many varieties, with some apples best for cooking into pies and applesauce, or folding into breads or muffins, while others are best for eating out of hand or tossing into a salsa. When picking apples, whether for eating out of hand or for a fruit dessert, look for small, firm, crisp apples that are free from bruises and blemishes. Large apples can be overripe and mealy.
   Handle the apples gently to prevent bruising, and refrigerate in the crisper section, away from strong flavored foods. Apples stored at room temperature deteriorate quickly.
Joyce White is a New York City author of "Brown Sugar" and "Soul Food."


CANDIED APPLES Serves 6 to 8.


Note: The syrup in this old childhood favorite is cooked until it reaches 300 degrees, the hard-crack stage. Children or seniors may prefer a softer coating, and the apples are fine when the syrup is cooked to 260 to 280 degrees. Candied apples require fast work, and two pair of hands are better than one for this recipe. Invite a friend to help, and keep the children out of the kitchen.
- 6 to 8 sweet apples, such as Haralson or McIntosh
- 1 1/2 c. walnuts or pecans, finely chopped
- 2 c. granulated sugar
-1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon or allspice or ginger, or more if desired
- 1/3 c. unsweetened cranberry juice
- 1/2 c. light corn syrup
   Directions Have ready a candy thermometer, heavy pot holder, wooden spoon, a pastry brush and a cup of hot water to brush sugar crystals from the sides of the pan. Clear the oven top of all pots and pans so that you have plenty of work space. Butter a baking sheet or jelly roll pan and set near the stove. Wash the apples and dry well. Insert a wooden skewer or wooden craft stick into stem ends of the apples, burying at least 1-inch deep. Place the apples on a plate or platter and set on an unused burner.
   Chop the nuts, scatter on a plate and set on another burner. In a heavy 4-quart saucepan, combine the sugar, cream of tartar, cinnamon or allspice or ginger, cranberry juice and corn syrup. Place the pan over medium-high heat and cook the sauce, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved.
   Then raise the heat and bring the syrup to a boil, cover the pan and boil the syrup for 3 minutes. Remove the lid. Dip the brush in water and brush down the sides of the pan, washing away any sugar crystals.
   Attach the candy thermometer inside the pan, touching the syrup. Cook the syrup, without stirring, swirling the pan by the handle every now and then, until the candy thermometer reaches 280 to 300 degrees, or the hard-crack stage. Immediately remove the syrup from the heat to an empty burner and remove the thermometer. Quickly dip the apples one at a time into the syrup and ladle over the syrup with the wooden spoon, covering the apples completely.
  Quickly roll the apples in the chopped nuts. (If the syrup begins to harden, turn on the heat and quickly stir in a couple tablespoons of hot water, raise the heat, and stir the syrup until it softens.)
   Place the candied apples on the baking sheets, stick sides up, and let set at room temperature until hard. Nutrition information per serving (of 8):
Calories-480-Fat-13 g-Sodium-16 mg-Sat. fat-1 g
Carbohydrates-96 g-Calcium-35 mg
Protein-3 g-Cholesterol-0 mg-Dietary fiber-6 g


APPLE RAISIN MUFFINS


Makes 11 to 12 muffins.
- 1/3 c. light brown sugar, or more if desired
- 1 egg
- 1/3 c. peanut or corn oil
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 c. finely diced peeled apple, such as Cortland or Paula Red
- 1/2 c. raisins, dark or golden, coarsely chopped
- 1 c. milk, or more
- 2 c. unbleached flour
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/3 c. chopped walnut or pecans, if desired


Directions


   Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly oil a 12-cup muffin pan and set aside. In a large mixing bowl combine the sugar, egg, oil and vanilla extract. Beat with a large spoon until well blended. Stir in the apple, raisins and milk, and mix well.
Sift together the flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Toss the nuts with a tablespoon of the flour and spice mixture, and set aside.
Using a large spoon, add the flour into the liquid mixture, mixing the batter only until the dry ingredients are blended in. Add the floured nuts and stir briefly until blended.
Spoon the batter into the oiled muffin tins, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Fill any remaining cups with water to prevent the pan from burning.
Set the pan in the hot oven on the lowest shelf and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Place the pan on a wire rack and cool the muffins in the pan for about 5 minutes before turning out onto the rack. Serve the muffins warm. Nutrition information per serving (of 12):
Calories-192-Fat-7 g-Sodium-200 mg-Saturated fat-1 g
Carbohydrates-29 g-Calcium-85 mg
Protein-4 g-Cholesterol-19 mg-Dietary fiber-1 g
Diabetic exchanges per serving: 1/2 fruit, 1 bread/starch, 1/2 other carb, 1 1/2 fat.


APPLE NUT SALAD WITH LEMON VINAIGRETTE Serves 4.


- 1 head red or green leaf lettuce
- 1/2 c. olive or grapeseed oil
- 2 or 3 tbsp. fresh lemon or lime juice
- 2 tbsp. cider vinegar
- 1 or 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or crushed
- 1 tsp. spicy brown mustard
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- Coarsely ground black pepper
- 2 eating apples, such as Fireside, HoneyCrisp, Regent
- 1/2 lb. feta or goat cheese, or brie or camembert cheese, or more if desired
- 1/2 c. pecans or shelled pistachio nuts


Directions


   Rinse the lettuce 2 or 3 times, making sure that it is free of grit. Drain and spin in a lettuce spinner, if available, then dry with paper towel, wrap in a clean towel and chill the lettuce for at least an hour. In a small bowl or jar, combine the oil, lemon or lime juice, vinegar, garlic, mustard, salt and black pepper. Beat the mixture with a fork or shake vigorously to combine.
   When ready to serve the salad, using a stainless steel knife, core the unpeeled apples, discard the seeds, and cut into very thin slices. Toss the apple slices in a small amount of the dressing.
   Dice the cheese. Then combine the lettuce leaves, apple, cheese, the pecans or pistachio nuts in a large bowl. Pour dressing over the salad and toss with a large spoon, mixing gently but well. Serve the salad immediately. Nutrition information per serving (using half the dressing total):
Calories-420-Fat-35 g-Sodium-735 mg
Carbohydrates-19 g-Saturated fat-11 g-Calcium-320 mg
Protein-11 g-Cholesterol-50 mg-Dietary fiber-4 g
Diabetic exchanges per serving: 1 vegetable, 1 fruit, 1 high-fat meat, 5 1/2 fat.


BAKED APPLES IN TEA CARAMEL


Serves 4 to 6.
- 1 c. boiling water
- 2 to 3 tbsp. black tea leaves, such as Darjeeling, Ceylon or Assam
- 1 tsp. ground ginger or finely chopped fresh ginger
- 2 lb. cooking apples, such as Haralson or Granny Smith
- 1/3 c. light brown sugar or Sugar in the Raw, or more if desired
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 2 or 3 tbsp. brandy
   Directions Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Combine the boiling water, tea leaves and ginger in a teapot and steep for at least 5 minutes. Meanwhile, rinse the apples, drain and remove stems. Don't peel the apples. Cut into quarters, core and discard the seeds.
   Generously butter a 1 1/2 -quart baking dish or a 10-inch skillet. Arrange the apples snugly in the pan, overlapping the fruit if necessary.
   Pour the brewed tea through a strainer over the fruit. Sprinkle the sugar over the apples. Cut the butter in small pieces and scatter over the apples.
   Set the pan on the lower oven rack and bake the apples, occasionally basting the fruit with the sauce for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the fruit is lightly browned and tender when pierced with a fork, carefully turning over the apples a couple times for even baking.
   Remove the pan of apples from the oven and set on a wire rack. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the apples to a serving dish, pressing the fruit to remove as much liquid as possible.
   Pour the sauce into a small saucepan and place on a medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and cook the sauce rapidly for about 5 minutes or until the sauce is as thick as honey, swirling the pan as the sauce cooks.
   Stir the brandy into the sauce, and then pour the sauce over the apples, mixing well but gently. Serve the apples warm, or cool and serve at room temperature, or chill and serve. If desired, top each serving with a dab of whipped cream.
Nutrition information per serving (of 6):
Calories-163-Fat-4 g-Sodium-7 mg
Carbohydrates-31 g-Saturated fat-2 g-Calcium-20 mg
Protein-0 g-Cholesterol-10 mg-Dietary fiber-3 g
Diabetic exchanges per serving: 1 fruit, 1 other carb, 1 fat.

APPLE COMPUTER: Apple WebObjects customers top 3,000

   Apple Computer, Inc. announced that over 3,000 customers have purchased the latest version of its application server software, WebObjects 3.5, for building and deploying Internet-based application solutions. Leading organisations including Adobe Systems, Inc,. Standard & Poor's and the U.S. Department of Defense are using WebObjects to create powerful Internet, e-commerce, human resources and asset management applications. Additionally, Apple announced that WebObjects 4.0, expected to be released later this year, will debut on Apple PowerPC-based computers, in addition to the currently supported Windows and UNIX platforms.
   "Apple's advanced WebObjects software has become the marketshare leader in the application server space," said Steve Jobs, Apple's interim CEO. "Based on this success, we are very excited to make WebObjects 4.0 available on Apple's Pentium-toasting G3 systems later this year."
Leading Organisations Deliver WebObjects 3.5 Applications
   Among the leading organisations deploying WebObjects 3.5 applications are: Adobe Systems, Inc.; Aetna U.S. Healthcare; Allied Signal, Inc.; America Online, Inc.; the American Stock Exchange; BankBoston; Bank of Montreal; Blue Cross of Atlantic Canada; British Broadcasting Corp. (BBC); First National Bank of Chicago; Hewlett-Packard Company; Imation Corp.; Mayo Clinic; MCI Telecommunications Corp.; Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.; Nortel; Standard & Poor's; The SABRE Group; The Sharper Image; The Smithsonian Institution; Toshiba; and the U.S. Department of Defense.
   Adobe Systems, for example, has now standardised its web applications on WebObjects 3.5. As part of this standardisation, Adobe has built several internal and external web applications using WebObjects including Corporate Dashboard, a tool for forecasting, sales tracking, etc.; a self-service online benefits application in conjunction with PeopleSoft; and Adobe's own e-commerce application.
   "Adobe standardised on Apple's WebObjects for building dynamic web applications because we needed a development platform that could connect to a variety of data sources fueling a host of internal and external applications across our organisation," said Vito Laudicina, vice president of Information Services, Adobe Systems, Inc. "WebObjects' rapid deployment time and flexible architecture has allowed us to leverage both our extensive existing IT infrastructure and the power and ubiquity of the web."
   WebObjects 4.0 to Debut on PowerPC-Based Computers Expected to be released this Fall, WebObjects 4.0, for the first time will support Apple PowerPC-based computers, as well as Windows and UNIX platforms. Additionally, WebObjects 4.0 will offer performance enhancements; the capability to create multithreaded applications and distributed Java applications; and better application monitoring and test playback tools. Also included with WebObjects 4.0 will be numerous re-usable components to ease development, including batch navigation bars, status screens for long-running requests, and code-free, database interaction views.
   Apple WebObjects WebObjects is the market-leading platform for developing and deploying Internet and intranet applications. It includes an application server, pre-built application components, and rapid application development tools. Its strengths include flexible integration to enterprise information systems, and it has been the basis of numerous deployed business-critical applications. WebObjects runs on Windows and UNIX platforms, and with the release of WebObjects 4.0, will support Apple PowerPC-based computers.
   The Apple logo is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Apple, Macintosh, Power Macintosh, PowerBook, WebObjects and Apple Store are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders and are hereby acknowledged.

APPLE BUTTER COUNTRY VIRGINIA ORCHARD OWNERS STILL FOLLOW THE AGE-OLD, TIME-CONSUMING PROCESS OF TURNING THE APPLE CROP INTO A DELICACY THAT MELTS IN YOUR MOUTH.(FLAVOR)

   APPLE BUTTER, well, at least the batches put up in jars for city folks to buy off the shelf, probably ought to carry a warning label. For their own sake. Something that would get their attention real quick. Something like . . .
It's so good that if you put some on your forehead, your tongue will slap your brains out trying to get at it.
   That's what country folks sometime say about apple butter. Sort of a joke. Folks here in apple country - I'm here in Nelson County southwest of Charlottesville, hard up against the eastern flanks of the Blue Ridge Mountains - mostly spread apple butter over fresh-baked biscuits or rolls where it belongs. Wouldn't waste it on their foreheads.
Funny thing, though. You might never imagine that apple butter could be anywhere as good as it is if you saw it being made. No more than you could imagine how good Smithfield hams taste looking at a pig pen.
But I've come up here because I have a particular bias. I think it just tastes better the closer you get to the source - like roadside peaches in Georgia, like oranges and fresh-squeezed juice in Florida.
   Apple-butter-making happens in October. The rows of apple trees that in the springtime had covered these rolling hills in splendor with their white blossoms tipped in pink now stagger and stoop under their loads. The ground beneath each tree is carpeted with the windfalls from when Tropical Storm Fran blew through. Still, there are almost more apples than anybody knows what to do with.
   You walk up on an apple-butter-making session, like here at the Drumheller Orchards, at, say, midmorning, and what you would see is a pair of smoke-blackened, 55-gallon copper kettles sitting over open hardwood fires with a couple of people at the end of long wooden paddles stirring, stirring, stirring as the rising steam mixes with swirling smoke. Everyone else is standing around, or sitting on apple crates, talking and waiting their turn at the end of the stirring sticks.
   What they're stirring, the apple-butter-to-be, is not a particularly pretty sight at this stage.  Depending on how long this operation has been going on, the thick liquid mass of apple pulp inside the kettles is somewhere between the yellow-green color of applesauce and a deeper brown, the color of caramel. Eventually it will run from brown to brick red, sort of like the Piedmont clay all around here.
It is bubbling and plopping and blopping and sometimes slopping over the rim of the kettle. It sort of reminds me of those nasty mud fumaroles you see at Yellowstone National Park, only it smells a whole lot better.
   The stuff is hot enough to peel your hide off if it hits you. That's why these stirring sticks have such long handles and why the fire stokers are VERY careful as they approach the pots in a crouch.
If you think about it, though, you'll figure out that what they're working on in these big kettles, this apple-butter-to-be, has to turn out mighty good if these people are willing to work as hard as they have to to make it.
   What they do, more often than not, is just make a big social event out of it. Apple-butter-making is a big event in the country, bigger even than hog killing in November, and a whole lot less noisy. That way, it's not work, it's fun.
People come from all over to help with the peeling and coring and mashing, which often begins before sun-up, and the stirring and the fire tending . . . and, after a long day, if they did help and if they're lucky, they might get to do some of the tasting.
It's tradition. It's part of their heritage, something these people and their families have been doing for generations. And they start early.
   This cool morning, when the sky is the color of newsprint and threatening rain and the mountains are shawled in mist, teacher Ed McCann has his Nelson County High School Future Farmers of America club out here at Drumhellers, working the kettles. They'll bottle their apple butter at the end of this long day and sell it, hoping to make enough money to make a trip to some sort of agricultural get-together down in Georgia.
The Drumhellers, Darrell and Doris and their family, make the place available for the kids to learn.
   And it's a social event, of course. In the packing shed, there are apples and apple products for sale, as well as pumpkins, hams, bacon and crafts. There's country music and cloggers, and there's a hayride up into the orchards, where the mountain views are impressive. And the kids, when they are not taking their turn, two by two, on the stirring sticks, are goofing around like kids will do.
   What I learned, from McCann and the kids, from Darrell and Doris, and from some other people I talked to, is that there are about as many ways to make apple butter as there are people with enough stamina to take on the project.
Basically, apple butter is made by cooking apple pulp with sugar and adding flavoring, usually cinnamon and cloves. Apple butter - any fruit butter, for that matter - is different from, say, jelly in this way: jellies are the juice of fruit or berries boiled with sugar, sometimes with a thickener.
It's called apple butter because that's its consistency if you get it right.
Lots of people use copper kettles, but some insist that brass is better; others use a cast iron kettle, and some even use galvanized metal and cook on a stove top indoors.
Outdoors is best. You can use any kind of dry wood for the fire except pine. You can't let the wood touch the bottom of the kettle, because it will burn the butter.
   The stirring stick should have a long, solid handle, and the part that dips into the kettle shouldn't be a wood with acid in it. Poplar is good for that.
Granulated sugar is the preferred sweetener because it's easiest to deal with. Some folks use sorghum; honey could be used, but it would take a heap of honey.
The only thing that everyone agrees on is that the butter must be stirred constantly. It'll stick if you don't. The preferred stirring method seems to be once on one side, once on the other, then once in the middle, but I suppose there are variations to that, too.
Darrell and Doris Drumheller sit on the front porch of their house on a knoll overlooking the packing shed and the orchards and the cooking activity. A flag with an apple on it flutters in a light breeze from a short staff attached to a porch column.
They're just watching today. They'll make their own commercial apple butter a little later - about 400 to 500 gallons, Darrell says.
``Only place I sell it is right here,'' he says, ``although I do ship some as far as Texas, to people who have come here and bought and wrote back asking for more.''
The Drumhellers have about 450 acres in orchards. He was born and raised right here. Their parents and their parents' parents raised apples and made apple butter. Their children and their children's children are now involved in the operation.
People don't always agree on what kind of apple to use in making apple butter. Tart is better than sweet because a tart apple ``cooks up'' better. Delicious, red or golden, don't cook up right, I'm told.
   Darrell prefers the Stayman because ``it's a good applesauce apple, with a darker tint to it. It's a decent-looking apple when you fry it.''
Here's the way he goes about it. ``It's the way my mother and father made it, the way their mothers and fathers made it,'' Darrell says.
In a 50-gallon kettle - you will sometimes hear this word pronounced ``kittle'' in these parts - he puts in a gallon of cider for a starter, although ``you don't want too much, because what you're doing is cooking the moisture out of the apples.
Then you add the apples, ``sliced or quartered, after you peel and core them and get the husks and seeds out.
``You keep adding apples and adding apples and cooking and cooking and cooking until it goes into apple butter. It usually takes about 12 hours.
``The stirring is what kills you. From the time you put the first apple in until the end, you've got to stir.
``Over the years, we've got it down to a time schedule. Four to four-and-a-half hours after the last apples are added, you let the fires die down and add sugar to taste.''
Doris is the official Drumheller taster, for both sugar and spices. She says the rule of thumb is 2 to 2 1/2 pounds of sugar for every gallon. ``My mother always said three pounds per gallon,'' she says.
``When you add sugar,'' Darrell continues, ``it makes it soupy. So you build your fires back up to get the thickening right.''
Which is . . . ?
``You stick a big spoon in it and hold it up, upside down. If the butter stays there, it's right. Then you're ready for the spices.''
Doris says they use oil of cinnamon and oil of clove, the concentrated - and expensive - stuff.
``It takes more cinnamon than cloves,'' she says. ``We add it a few drops at a time and stir it in real good.
``When we think we're close, we kind of pass it around and see if anybody else wants to taste. Some way or another we get it right.''

Apple's Chinese Dictation Kit Wins Coveted National Technology Award in Singapore

   Apple Computer Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL) today announced that the Apple Design Center Singapore and the Apple-ISS Research Center have jointly won the 1996 National Technology Award from the Singapore government in recognition of Apple's R&D efforts in the development of the Apple Chinese Dictation Kit (CDK). This is the first time Apple has won the Singapore National Technology Award, the only technology company to win in this category this year. The award is administered by the National Science and Technology Board (NSTB) of Singapore.


A Revolutionary Tool for Inputting Chinese Text Via Dictation


   Launched in Asia and the United States in fall 1995, the CDK has become a highly acclaimed and internationally recognized product. It is also the first mainstream Chinese language system that offers real-time, phrase-based input for Chinese text, instead of single-word or syllable-based input. Last year, at the 1995 Comdex Asia show held in Singapore, the CDK won the "Best Software Product" award and the "Best of the Best" award, the highest honor for any product judged at the show.
   The CDK, which comprises the Chinese Dictation Kit software and the Apple Dictation Microphone, is a user interface extension that is used in conjunction with the keyboard and mouse. Users "teach" the system to recognize their voices by reading 33 pages of text into the microphone. Most users can finish the training in about two to three hours. The system then processes the recording to produce voice "modules" that are used for recognition. The CDK runs on all desktop PowerPC-based Macintosh computers equipped with 16-bit sound input.
   Said Vijay Mehta, Executive Director of the NSTB, "The combined research and development by the team from Apple Computer and Apple-ISS Research Center paid off in the form of a mainstream product that epitomizes a shift in paradigm, away from the restrictions imposed by the Roman keyboard to a new and exciting avenue of Chinese character entry through speech.
  "It goes to show that Singapore can be an effective 'incubation' bed for developing successful products for the international markets," said Mehta. The NSTB is a statutory board established under the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry. Its mission is to develop Singapore into a center of excellence in selected fields of science and technology to enhance Singapore's competitiveness in the industrial and services sectors. Each year, through the NSTB, the Singapore government gives recognition to outstanding efforts in the scientific and technological fields by presenting a number of awards -- including one technology award -- to deserving organizations.


Strong Commitment to R&D


   "Undertaking the development of the CDK has been particularly rewarding for Apple since it represents a major breakthrough in Chinese computing on the Apple Macintosh platform," said Dr. Louis Woo, director of the Apple Design Center Singapore. "We could not have done it without very close collaboration between the Apple Design Center and the Apple-ISS Research Center."
   The Apple Design Center Singapore was set up in 1993 to support the development of new personal computing products for Apple's world market. Currently, the Apple Design Center Singapore has engineers specializing in CPU system design, firmware and software utility development, display R&D, enclosure and product design for the worldwide markets. In addition, the center has engineers focusing on developing Asian language-related solutions like the CDK, the first-released product.


Innovation


   "Apple has always been known as an innovative company," said Jean-Luc Lebrun, center manager of the Apple-ISS Research Center. "Winning the 1996 National Technology Award shows that world-class research and development work can be done in Singapore."
   The Apple-ISS Research Center in Singapore was formed as a joint venture between Apple Computer, Inc. and the Institute of Systems Science (ISS). The center undertakes the development of human interface systems in Asian languages and presently has three focused R&D areas: text-to-speech, automatic speech recognition, and handwriting recognition. The initial systems under development are for use in the Chinese language and eventually in other Asian languages.
   ISS is an R&D organization set up within the National University of Singapore to provide technical leadership in the development and exploitation of information technology.
   Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized innovator in the information industry and leader in multimedia technologies, creates powerful solutions based on easy-to-use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, personal digital assistants and Internet content. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple develops, manufactures, licenses and markets solutions, products, technologies and services for business, education, consumer, entertainment, scientific and engineering and government customers in more than 140 countries.

Apple introduces iPod mini; Smallest 1,000 song music player ever comes in five colours.

    Apple introduced iPod mini, the smallest portable music player ever to hold up to 1,000 CD-quality songs. iPod mini is encased in an ultra-portable, lightweight anodised aluminium body available in five stylish colours - silver, gold, pink, blue or green - and features a patent pending, touch-sensitive Click Wheel for easy, one-handed navigation. iPod mini features the same award-winning user interface as its "big brother" iPods and works effortlessly with Apple's iTunes digital music jukebox software for seamlessly managing and listening to digital music collections on both Mac and Windows.

    "iPod has revolutionised the way people listen to music," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "iPod mini joins the iPod family of best-selling digital music players, offering customers the same 1,000 songs in your pocket as the original iPod in an innovative design that's half the size. We think its going to be pretty popular, especially with younger music lovers."

    iPod mini is the perfect combination of ultra-portable design, storage capacity, ease-of-use and audio performance. iPod mini is smaller than most cell phones and weighs only 3.6 ounces (102 mg). Building on the success of the original touch wheel, iPod mini features an innovative, new Click Wheel that combines the ease and simplicity of a touch wheel with the precision of mechanical buttons for precise, one-handed navigation. iPod mini users can transfer a song per second from their Mac or Windows computer and conveniently charge iPod mini with either the included FireWire or USB 2.0 cable.

    iPod mini is the ultimate fashion statement with a choice of five stylish colours - silver, gold, pink, blue or green - the hallmark white headphones and a new belt clip. With a backlit, recessed screen and lightweight, yet durable anodised aluminium, iPod mini is the ultimate portable digital music player. Users can purchase an optional arm band, in-ear headphones or a dock to enhance their iPod mini experience.

    iPod mini features Apple's patent pending Auto-Sync technology that automatically downloads an entire digital music library onto iPod mini and keeps it up-to-date whenever iPod mini is plugged into a Mac or Windows computer using FireWire or USB 2.0.

    Users can personalise their new iPod mini with a custom laser engraving on the back. iPod mini can be custom engraved with a name or personal message to commemorate special events such as a graduation, birthday or a winning team's season, as well as for identification in case they lose their iPod.

Pricing & Availability

    iPod mini for Mac and Windows, in a choice of a silver, gold, pink, blue or green 4GB model with a belt clip, will be available in the US in February and worldwide in April. The suggested selling price in the UK will be GBP199 (inc VAT). All iPod minis will include earbud headphones, an Apple iPod mini power adapter, a 1.2m 30-pin to FireWire cable, a 1.2m 30-pin to USB 2.0 cable, and a CD with iTunes 4.2 for Mac and Windows computers.

    Optional accessories will include; the iPod Dock, in-ear headphones, and arm band. Laser engraving is available for iPod mini and can include two lines of text with up to 23 characters per line. UK pricing for accessories will be confirmed shortly.

    iPod mini can be charged with either the FireWire or USB 2.0 cable and gets up to eight hours of battery life. iPod mini requires a Mac with a FireWire port and Mac OS X version 10.1.5 or later (Mac OS X v10.2 or later recommended); or a Windows PC with a FireWire or USB 2.0 port, or a Windows-certified FireWire or USB 2.0 card and Windows 2000, XP Home or Professional.

APPLE UPDATES POAR LOW-COST MONOCHROME INKJET PRINTER

    Continuing its commitment to offer up-to-the-minute imaging technologies to a wide variety of users, Apple Computer, Inc. (Nasdaq-NNM: AAPL) announced the Apple StyleWriter 1200, a significant enhancement to its popular StyleWriter II inkjet printer for Macintosh computer systems. The StyleWriter 1200 offers the same award-winning design as the classic StyleWriter II, but offers several new features that enhance print quality, performance, and convenience for home, education and small business users at the affordable price of just $269 (U.S. Apple price).

    "The original StyleWriter II was an extremely successful product for Apple and the design was recently honored with a permanent display in New York's Museum of Modern Art. Now, as printing technology matures, there's no reason customers can't enjoy a broad range of previously high-end features in a small desktop printer at an unusually affordable price," said Terry Bailey, senior director, Apple printer products. "As a technology innovator, Apple's commitment is to continually smash price barriers to make state-of-the-art advances available to a wider audience. The StyleWriter 1200 does that and more."

    The StyleWriter 1200 is small and compact, uses little desk space, requires very low maintenance and makes available high-end features normally found in a much more expensive printer. In addition to faster printing and higher quality output, the StyleWriter 1200 offers three key advanced features that will open a new world of ease-of-use and creativity for users, including "Desktop Printing," "2-,4-Up" printing, and support for placing "Watermarks" in the background of documents directly from the printer driver.

"Apple continues to use its software expertise in hardware development," said Adina Levin, industry analyst with International Data Corporation. "This integration provides Apple customers with printers that offer superior ease of use and print quality."

Key New Features

Enhanced Speed and Print Quality

    The StyleWriter 1200 prints quality images and sharp text at three pages per minute in normal print mode. The printer provides 720 by 360 dots per inch (dpi) resolution for smooth edges on black and white pages, and 360 by 360 dpi on pages containing grayscale. The printer offers 64 TrueType fonts, providing a wide variety of type styles and sizes, and prints easily to a wide range of media, including plain paper, glossy and premium paper, envelopes, transparencies, and Apple's latest medium, back-print film. The StyleWriter 1200 connects directly to any 68020-based CPU or higher Macintosh and through Apple's GrayShare technology, users can share the printer over a variety of networks.

    The printer supports both Apple's standard QuickDraw and QuickDraw GX imaging architectures and features a Power PC-native driver. In addition, the unit offers a convenient, built-in power supply and uses a standard AC power cord. It also turns on and off automatically, saving energy and wear and tear on the unit, and complying with the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star guidelines.

    Desktop Printing: When users select the printer in the chooser window, a Desktop Printer Icon is automatically created. Users then simply drag their files to the icon, automatically launching the application and bringing up the print dialog box.

    2-,4-Up Printing: Long a staple technique of professional print shops, the "2-,4-Up" option lets the user print one, two or four documents on one page. This method uses less ink and paper, hereby decreasing costs for the user, and reducing environmental impact. Uses might include proofing, half sheet flyers, handbills and greeting cards.

Watermark: With the "Watermark" option, users can place such words as "confidential" or "draft" diagonally across the page, yet still allow the main text to be read. Eight commonly used watermarks ship with the StyleWriter 1200: Confidential, Contract, Do Not Copy, Draft, Final, FYI, Personal and Proposal. Information that can be stored as a PICT or PICT2 file can also be used as a watermark, such as a company logo.

In addition, the user controls the density and a choice of positions of the watermark on the page.