talkingDigital

Only a few days ago I as whining on Faceboook about how GrandCentral’s future was uncertain.

I am in the process of making some changes to some of the aspects of my business that would be a lot easier if GrandCentral was in operation. A move that I am terrified to make if GrandCentral were to go under in a few months.

It appears that I have nothing to worry about as this article points out on Webware. GrandCentral is being reborn with the Google name attached. Google Voice may not be exactly the same as GrandCentral, but that may be a good thing. GrandCentral was not the easiest service to figure out, but it was robust in features.

Let’s hope the new Google Voice keeps the ability to forward calls to any phone, offers live voice mail, and provides cool options like the ability to record calls.

Best of all, they plan to keep it free for a while.

Google Voice: A push to rewire your phone service | Webware – CNET.

The new iPod Shuffle is tiny, but it also requires special headphones and features Steven Hawking voice overs.

Engadget has posted these images and video of the new iPod Shuffle. It is 4GB and very tiny, it also requires special headphones.

Rather than providing a very tiny LED readout of songs and playlists, they have hired Steven Hawking to talk over your music while it is playing – like a bad DJ who talks over the vocals.

Apples redesigned iPod shuffle hits 4GB, talks to you updated with video.

It is funny how fast people forget how Apple does things. Apple pretends to surprise everyone with new products suddenly and without warning. In reality, however, they tease for a long time. Very few Apple products came out of nowhere.

Before the iPhone was announced, rumors of the iPhone spread before every Jobsnote. When the Motorola phone came out that would sync with iTunes everyone thought that it was the iPhone and the rumors almost ended. Then POOF! Out came the iPhone.

Similary rumors spread prior to the Nano and Macbook Pro releases.

Netbook rumors spread prior to the launch of the Macbook Air. Everyone got excited, then they found out that the Air was as light as a netbook but larger and less practical in function and price.

A Mac netbook is most likely around the corner, but rumors will continue until Apple realizes that there is a demand. When they do release it, everyone will pretend to be surprised and excited about how wonderful it is. And Apple will pretend like it was their idea.

Lies, Damned Lies, and Apple Netbook Rumors – PC World.