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Farhad Manjoo reports from San Francisco:
Steve Jobs walked slowly on to the stage this morning at Apple's iPod press event, his first public appearance since undergoing a liver transplant earlier this year. Jobs looked thin, but was otherwise full of energy, and seemed—from afar, at least—in much better health than he did last year at this time. "I'm very happy to be here with you all," he said. "I now have the liver of a mid-20s person who died in a car crash. I wouldn't be here without such generosity."
There'd been much speculation about whether he'd show up today. Even before Jobs' medical leave, Apple had been moving away from having Jobs headline all its events. This seemed wise—Steve Jobs isn't going to be Apple's CEO forever, and it only made sense to groom other executives to take on Jobs' main public role: launching new products. On the other hand, Jobs still commands a room like no other corporate titan, and Apple sees enormous rewards—in press coverage and in fan obsession—from his public appearances. Today's press event suggests that Jobs isn't going anywhere soon; he'll continue to share the stage with other Apple executives, but there's no doubt about who is still in charge at Apple. "I'm vertical, back at Apple, and loving it," he said.
As for today's product reveal, there were no major surprises. Apple added a video camera and FM radio to the iPod Nano, updated iTunes, and added a few new features to the iPhone and iPod Touch—pretty much everything that Apple-watchers had expected. Also, Norah Jones appeared to perform a couple songs. Apple's most anticipated product—the rumored tablet computer—didn't show. Maybe the next time we see Steve.
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If we are what we Google, then Google Hot Trends—an hourly rundown of search terms "that experience sudden surges in popularity"—is the Web's best cultural barometer. Here's a sampling of today's top searches. (Rankings on Hot Trends list current as of 9 a.m.)
No 1: "alexis cohen death." Alexis Cohen, the 25-year-old American Idol contestant famous for flipping off Simon in Seasons 7 and 8, was killed in a hit-and-run this morning in Seaside Heights, N.J. "She had a very, very high regard for Simon Cowell ... that [ranting] was done purposely to get ratings," her mother told themorningcall.com. Idol judge Paula Abdul tweeted today: "My heart goes out to the family of Alexis Cohen."
No 19: "apple tablet." The Financial Times today confirmed the widespread rumors that Apple is launching a tablet computer in September, leading to much speculation about the device. The FT report suggests that Apple is trying to revitalize the multi-song album by letting consumers see liner notes and album art; Forbes thinks iPhone App developers will be hurt by the tablet because of the added hassle of programming for a second platform; Wired sees the tablet as a potential "Kindle killer" if it's got sufficient battery life.
"No. 35: stephon marbury." What do NBA free agents do while waiting to be signed? On Friday, troubled former Knicks guard Stephon Marbury streamed his life to the Internet for 24 hours straight on Ustream.tv. A sample of the poetry that came out of his face during that time, courtesy of Deadspin: "UStream TV, you see me. Holla back if the window is crack. Whatup, Star. Born. you know who you are. Holla. I love Canada. 'Ohhh, Canada. We'—I love that song. I love y'all's anthem. That anthem is dope. And I love when I come there and they sing it. I love hearing it. It's fresh. Now, I never suck no wee-wee before."
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If we are what we Google, then Google Hot Trends—an hourly rundown of search terms "that experience sudden surges in popularity"—is the Web's best cultural barometer. Here's a sampling of today's top searches. (Rankings on Hot Trends list current as of 9 a.m.)
No. 1 "laura ling": On Monday, the highest court in North Korea sentenced two Current TV journalists to 12 years hard labor. Laura Ling and Euna Lee were filming a segment about the trafficking of women along the Chinese-North Korean border when they allegedly crossed into the DPRK illegally. Lisa Ling, formerly a host on The View, is pleading for her sister's release. The AP quotes a South Korean professor who says Monday's sentencing has actually "paved the way for ... a diplomatic solution"—by North Korean law "a pardon can only be issued after a conviction and ... the regime's courts were not about to find the reporters innocent."
No. 7 "greg grossman": If you love TV chefs but don't trust anyone over 15, rejoice: The Hollywood Reporter says "professional teen chef" Greg Grossman has a realty-TV deal. Last month, the Chicago Tribune did a Q & A with the 14-year-old molecular gastronomist, detailing his jones for dehydrated anchovy salt and sake foam. "[P]lease don't think it's all flashy and stuff," he said. "I see it as a way of enhancing the flavors of a dish. It's more about decorating the room than building it."
No. 10 "wwdc": Googlers are eager for scoops on the Worldwide Developers Conference—aka the event at which Apple might reveal some amazing new iPhone. While most analysts and rumormongers believe that new software will be today's focus, one of Google Trends' top related searches is "iphone 4g." Examiner.com runs through some of the features that might be included on such a next-gen device: 3.2 megapixel camera! More storage! FM radio!
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