How to import CDs without adding track numbers in iTunes 8

The option for naming tracks on import without adding the track number to the front of the filename is missing in iTunes 8.

The good news is that the preference is only hidden and is easy to fix.

Simply quit iTunes, open Terminal, and enter this command:

defaults write com.apple.iTunes create-filenames-with-tracknumber -bool FALSE

On relaunching iTunes, you will find that track numbers are no longer added to filenames on import.

Nokia Brings Out iPhone 3G Competitor

Nokia is finally launching a touch-screen competitor to Apple's iPhone 3G. It looks a lot like the iPhone, but doesn't have multi-touch.

The 5800 has a 3.2-inch resistive touch screen and it's powered by Symbian S60, 5th edition. The user interface will be somewhat familiar to Symbian users, but the company has tweaked the UI for touch control.



"By adding the benefits of touch-screen technology to S60, the world's leading smartphone interface, Nokia is taking the familiar and giving it a human touch," said Nokia VP Jo Harlow, in a statement. "We have used touch technology where it really adds value such as the contacts bar, media bar, and clever shortcuts from the home screen to menu items such as calendar, profiles, and clock."

With a 640 by 360 display, the 5800 can play multiple types of video at a high resolution. Nokia is also emphasizing the handset's audio abilities, and there will be a built-in music player capable of multiple codecs. The handset will come with an 8-GB microSD card for storing this media, and the memory can be expanded up to 16 GB.

Nokia's first touch-screen handset also has a bevy of connectivity options with built-in Wi-Fi and 3G capabilities. These can be used to browse the Internet as well as check e-mail. The 5800 will also have Bluetooth version 2.0, GPS, and a proximity sensor to save battery life and avoid inadvertent touches.

The handset measures in at 4.3 by 2 by 0.6 inches, and it weighs about 3.8 ounces. Nokia said the handset will be available in Europe in the fourth quarter, and it will roll out to other markets in early 2009. The company said a version with its unlimited music download service, Comes With Music, will be available early next year.

Adobe exec confirms Flash for iPhone, says Apple will decide when

CNET is reporting confirmation that Flash will be coming to iPhone soon.

Brynildsen got the confirmation at an Adobe Town Hall meeting session. He reports:

"Upon a direct question from the audience, Paul Betlem for the first time publicly confirmed that Adobe is actively developing a Flash Player for Apple's popular phone. He said (not direct quote) 'My team is working on Flash on the iPhone, but it's a closed platform.' He noted that Apple makes all the decisions, so in other words, the ball is in Apple's yard at this time. If Apple says yes, Adobe will have the player available in a very short time."

In mid-June, Adobe's CEO said that company already has Flash running on an iPhone emulator (presumably the same emulator included with Apple's iPhone SDK).

I'm a bit skeptical though. Flash slows down my desktop, how can the iPhone possible have an SDK that doesn't crash the phone every minute? Safari doesn't go 10-minutes without crashing as it is. Here's to hoping.

The 5 most annoying Twitter usage trends

From Shine comes a great article on how NOT to use Twitter.  Here's a two I thought were pretty apt.

DM People Who Just Start Following You With an Advertisement for Your Company

I can't tell you how many messages I got from people after my following binge that said something like "Thanks for following me back! Want to make lots of money? Let me show you how http://spammy-scammy-stuff.com".

SERIOUSLY? Is that the very first thing that comes out of your mouth at conferences or networking events? No? Then why the HECK would you do that on Twitter?!

People Who Just Tweet Out but Don't Respond to Others

This annoyance is definitely a very fine line -- I really don't care if this is how you want to use Twitter - this is a free country (and a free Internet). And there are some people who I still follow who do this -- but that's because their tweets are either still valuable or interesting. I have to REALLY like you to follow you when you aren't willing to engage in the conversation - but for the most part, it comes off as elitist to me and I don't have time for that.

If you don't get Twitter I understand, but then don't use Twitter.  By the way, you can always find me on twitter at http://twitter.com/thebigklosowski - I won't spam you, much!  :-)

Read the whole article here.  It's well worth your time if you are a Twitterati.  

10 features the iPhone needs to beat Android

TechRadar.com has another great article detailing the 10 features the iPhone needs to beat Android.

While I think features like "Shake to Shuffle" would be a pain (think about jogging), there are a few I particularly agree with.

Cut and Paste
Why, oh why has it taken Apple so long to add this? It's frustrating that you can't do it, and it's so obvious how it would work on the multi-touch screen – just tap and hold, then drag your finger over a block of text to select it. That functionality is currently reserved for the magnifying glass, but that could easily be shifted to a double-tap.

A better camera with a flash
This is a no-brainer. The next iPhone will have to have a better camera, or we're going to bin it without even opening the box (possibly). The current 2-megapixel effort just isn't up to the job. Oh, and we also want a flash to brighten up those dull indoor shots, too.

Video recording
When your mate's phone (that he got free) can record video you know it's no longer a premium feature. Without the ability to record video iPhone owners are second-class citizens in the mobile phone world. Come on Apple, sort it out.

Picture messaging (MMS)
See above. Just because nobody in the US wants to send picture messages doesn't mean everybody in Europe has suddenly changed the way they've been using mobile phones for years.

They also list "Stationary in Email", but I'm most concerned with the ability to have HTML signatures that are per-account, like they are in Mail.app

Pandora internet radio gets a second chance - for now

Saturday, Pandora founder Tim Westergren issued a "call to arms" to its listeners. He pleaded with fans and supporters of the popular music-streaming service to urge their State Representative to vote for the Webcaster Settlement Act of 2008. This Act would give web radio broadcasters more time to negotiate outrageous royalty fees that have caused some to go out of business and put many more under the same pressure.

A sigh of relief has been heard across the web, as that bill has been passed in the House. This means that Pandora gets a brief reprieve.

The NAB dropped their efforts to eliminate the bill after a Saturday night meeting with Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.) that addressed some of the groups concerns. Additionally, the NAB has expressed that they will not oppose the bill when it moves to the Senate. When NAB's efforts stopped, the bill was able to pass unanimously through the House according to CNET.

Hopefully, the flood of Pandora listeners that stepped to the plate through sites like SaveNetRadio.org helped Congress understand what was really at stake.

But there are rumors that NPR played a major role in saving internet radio by cutting some last minute deals with legislators to appease traditional broadcasters.

The Act will allow web radio broadcasters to negotiate with the music industry only while Congress is out of session. They have until February 15th to settle upon a new royalty rate. It looks like they are now closer than ever to reaching a rate that everyone can agree with it.

My fingers are crossed that Pandora has a long and healthy life!