Podcasting basics part III: software

This is the third entry into my podcasting basics series. In part I, I discussed some of the preliminary steps needed before starting a podcast. In part II, I talked about the hardware that I personally use to record shows like Let's Talk iOS and Let's Talk Jailbreak.

After going through the preliminary conceptualizing and picking out the hardware that works for your particular scenario, it's time to mate the hardware with the right software. Software choices for producing podcasts can vary significantly, but I've come up with a formula that works for me.

Of course, your decision to use a piece of software may boil down to your particular needs. For example, if you're not a Mac user, then many, if not all of your software will differ. That being said, the basic recording techniques that I employ will more or less be the same, and can be used regardless of the software you decide on using. In this post, I break down the software that I use for recording and producing our podcasts.

Here is what an Apple Car could be like

The chatter about Apple Car went from 0 to 60 faster than Tesla's Model S P85D, and it is now pretty clear that there is more to it than just rumors. If the sightings of mysterious vans, and the outing of Project Titan, and its team of 1,000 employees didn't convince you, maybe the high-profile hires will give you something to think about.

Among the hires Apple recently made, one name keeps coming back: Johann Jungwirth, former President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Research & Development. Jungwirth worked on some incredible projects, among them is the Mercedes-Benz F 015, a concept car that might just give us a hint of what Apple could be looking into.

Reuters: Apple’s Project Titan involves a self-driving electric car

A rumor involving an Apple-branded electric vehicle that The Financial Times and The Wall Street Journal threw their weight behind just took an interesting turn with a Reuters report Saturday offering additional tidbits.

The news gathering organization learned from sources that Apple's electric vehicle is actually an autonomous self-driving car. Apple is reportedly actually “exploring how to make an entire vehicle” rather than just designing automotive software as previously suspected.

Cava Racing, SNL, Phone Doctor Plus, and more apps to check out this weekend

I don’t know what you guys have been up to, but I’ve spent all of my free time playing Radiation Island for the past week. I can’t get enough of that game. If you aren’t into the whole lovey-dovey holiday, or maybe don’t have anyone to spend Valentine’s Day with, you may need something else to occupy your time. We’ve got a list of apps and games we think will help get you through the weekend.

PhotoRes: adjust the aspect ratio of photos taken with the Camera app

Notice the interesting aspect ratio of this photo? This was done on the fly using PhotoRes, a free new jailbreak tweak available on Cydia's BigBoss repo.

PhotoRes allows users to select from over a dozen pre-defined aspect ratios along with adjusting the resolution of photos taken with the stock Camera app. Once the settings are established, you can begin taking photos using the changes immediately, as no pesky resprings are required.

Nintendo working on social ‘Mii’ smartphone app

Nintendo is working on a new smartphone app, the company's President Satoru Iwata told business magazine Nikkei on Thursday. It's in development now, and should be finished around the time Nintendo reports its annual earnings in May.

According to Iwata, the app will feature Miis—the lovable, customizable avatars that represent players used in Nintendo Wii and Nintendo Wii U. Players will be able to customize their Mii characters, and share them on their social networks.

Project Titan: Apple’s secret electric car

Apple has several hundred employees secretly working on creating an electric vehicle, reported the Wall Street Journal on Friday, citing people familiar with the company's plans. Code-named Titan, the project currently sports the design of a minivan.

According to the Journal, Apple CEO Tim Cook approved the project about a year ago, putting product design Vice President Steve Zadesky in charge. A former Ford engineer, Zadesky has been a long time Apple employee who helped create the iPod and later the iPhone.

Zadesky is said to have created a team strong of 1,000 people, which tends to prove that Apple is serious about the project, rather than considering this electric car a hobby.

Apple hiring automotive experts for secret project

Apple is recruiting experts in automotive technology and vehicle design to work at a new top-secret research lab, Financial Times reported on Friday. Among the new-hires is former president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Research & Development Johann Jungwirth.

Citing several insider sources, the outlet says Apple set up the new research lab late last year at a confidential Silicon Valley location. And it's believed that the facility is being used by a team, led by experienced iPhone managers, to research new automotive products.

New report sheds light on Apple’s ambitious music plans

Apple doesn't just want to compete in the music business, it wants to be the music business, according to a new report from Billboard. Citing sources with knowledge of the matter, the outlet has shed some light on the company's ambitious plans for the record industry.

Beats co-founder and Apple executive Jimmy Iovine has apparently been holding secret meetings with senior executives from many record labels in recent weeks. The discussions are of course protected by non-disclosure agreements, but details are beginning to trickle out.

Apple Pay gets major backing from US Government

As Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke at the President Obama's Summit on Cybersecurity on Friday, the White House announced that Apple Pay will be enabled for federal payment cards, including Social Security and veterans benefits that are issued via debit cards.

The news represents a major vote of confidence for Apple Pay and Apple in general. While it shouldn't be considered a proper endorsement from the White House, it is still a major win for Apple.

Foursquare gains iOS 8 widget, can now serve recommendations without logging in

After adding a widget to its check-in app called Swarm back in December, Foursquare's main iPhone application today finally received a brand new Today widget for iOS 8's Notification Center of its own.

Moreover, the latest 8.7 update added personalized recommendations while logged out, so you don't need to even have an account with Foursquare to receive tips and recommendations about nearby places.

Just open the app to get started.