The Best of Macworld/iWorld 2013

Sharon Steuer

A Brief History of Macworld

Even for those of us old enough to have lived through it, it’s very hard to imagine life before the modern internet. In those times (from the 1984 launch of the Macintosh to just a few years ago), the way most of us put our hands on new products and communicated with each other was to attend trade shows. And for much of this era, the most important show for those of us in the graphic arts was Macworld Expo.

It grew over the decades from little more than a group of vendors in a big room, into the essential pilgrimage for everyone who was (or wanted to be) anyone in the graphics industry. Then, in 2005 Steve Jobs announced that Macworld would thenceforth, only be in San Francisco, with no east coast venue at all. The Mac world was in an uproar. But this was nothing compared to 2008 when Steve decided that the era of the trade show was over, and announced that Apple was not going to participate in Macworld at all. Over the next two years, other major corporations pulled out, and at the 2011 conference many of us felt certain that the end of Macworld was near.

But then something surprising happened. Almost akin to the Whos in Whoville deciding to have Christmas without presents, a re-invented, smaller Macworld/iWorld appeared where the original Macworld had been. The iPhone and iPad have successfully inspired a new generation of small-scale developers. This new show moved to the much smaller Moscone Center West venue, and became an app and gadget show. And it’s kind of fun—like the original days of the Macworld.

Macworld/iWorld 2013

Registering as press for CreativePro, I had the “privilege” of being the recipient of a zillion email pitches by small companies. From these emails, I made a list of the obvious things to check out. Then two long-time Mac colleagues and I walked the entire show looking for new products that might change the way we work. In the end, nothing bowled me over, but I did find a few things might turn out to be quite fabulous. Over the years, some of my favorite products were a “slow build” for me, so one or more of this crop of potential candidates might be a true winner. I’ll report back here when I’ve been able to more fully dig down and explore them in depth.

Moku woodward Desktop Chair

One of the memorable pieces from the show was just a simple piece of industrial design. For those of you looking for an iPad stand that looks like it came from the Museum of Modern Art gift shop, check out the Moku woodward “Desktop Chair.”
<https://www.moku-woodware.com/dc_en.html>
This lovely and simple piece of bentwood craftsmanship comes in a light or dark wood, and would certainly add a touch of elegance and warmth to your high-tech life.

BeLight’s Live Interior 3D

Here’s a new product for anyone looking for an inexpensive CAD-like solution to interior designing and remodeling: BeLight’s Live Interior 3D. You can download a free trial of either the Standard or Pro version. The Pro version offers modules for custom lighting and surfaces.

Cloud storage

Cookie Segelstein (aka the macmama) and I will be comparing and testing the various cloud storage options we saw at Macworld. I’ll report back the results here at CreativePro on the following:

IDRIVE.com
<https://www.idrive.com/welcome.htm>

Universal online storage, cloud sync, and visual file sharing

DollyDrive.com
<https://www.dollydrive.com/>

Cloud Backup, sync & storage

MacMate

Cloud storage, iCal/email/Gallery photo sharing

Video & Media:

SHEDWORX
<https://shedworx.com/sc>

Universal video converter (Free!)

givit
<https://www.givit.com>

iOS video editing, cloud storage for video, sharing (Free app and 5gig cloud)

Business Apps & Utilities:

EuroSmartz
<https://mobile.eurosmartz.com>

iOS solutions for Printing, PDF markup and creation, mail alternative

Readdle
<https://readdle.com>

iOS Scanner, Printing, PDF utilities, note taking, calendar sync

Gadgets & Cases

NiteIze.com
<https://www.niteize.com/product/BioCase.asp>

Compostable and biodegradable cases for iPhone 4, 4S, and 5.

Newer Technology NuGuard KX

Even if you don’t think you’re in the market for a new iPhone case, you should watch the videos at the bottom of that link. One shows a phone in one of their cases as it’s dropped 20 foot onto a concrete floor and more…

I’m pretty sure I’ll not be replicating that test, however.

Newer Technology Power2U
<https://www.newertech.com/products/power2u_20amp.php>

AC/USB Wall Outlet (in 15amp or 20amp) replaces your wall outlet so you can plug your iOS devices directly to the wall using only a USB cord.