The long anticipated YouTube Video downloader and player application, Tublar, has enter its public beta phase. You can grab the beta from http://tubularapp.com.

Here are some screenshots just to show off this new app.

I recently had the opportunity to test out some GelaSkins from GelaSkins.com. GelaSkins are removable artwork for Mac Laptops, iPods, iPhones, the RARZ and even PC Laptops. The GelaSkins website has a ton of designs for all of these products, and its a very cost effective way of putting some style on your device. For our review we got 3 different styles of GelaSkins and 3 different sizes.

Application

To apply the GelaSkins it is relatively easy once you have it in place, and if you do not like the placement, just peel it up. They are printed on a 3M adhesive that does not bubble, but unfortunately, it can get creased. The iPod Touch GelaSkin took me a matter of seconds to apply, next I got to work applying the MacBook GelaSkin, it took me a little longer to get the placement right, but it was very easy to do, and looks great.

Quality

The quality of these GelaSkins is superb. They come in a clear sleeve with application directions, and they are pretty tough, and we realized in our testing. Printed on 3M Adhesive makes them removable with no residue left behind. The GelaSkins are also fit and cut to the exact size, be it MacBook or iPod, they fit perfectly.

Conculsion

I would highly recommend GelaSkins to anyone who wants to add some personality to they laptop, iPod or cell phone.

Product: GelaSkins
Price: $29.95/Laptop, $12.95-14.95/iPod, $14.95/iPhone, $12.95/RARZ
Availability: From the GelaSkins Website
Website: http://gelaskins.com
Raiting: 4.5/5

I had the opportunity to chat with Steven Frank, the co-founder of Panic, the makers of Coda, Transmit, CandyBar, Unison, Desktastic and Stattoo. Panic was founded by Cabel Sasser and Steven Frank in 1996, and they operate out of Portland, Oregon. Since when they where founded they have been changing the way software was made and have done a very good job at it.

Before we start, I just want to thank Steven for taking the time to answer my questions.

Since 1996, when you and Cabel founded Panic, what has changed?

Assuming you mean in the Mac universe, pretty much everything. Apple’s CEO, the Mac’s processor architecture (twice), the operating system (we started around Mac OS 7.5), the developer tools, Apple’s stock value, the iPod and iPhone introductions… Google didn’t exist when we started. I was developing on a 133 MHz PowerMac 7500. We were sharing a dial-up connection for internet access, so figure about 2 KB/s bandwidth for each of us. Now I sound like an old man — but this was only about 10 years ago!

Which Panic Application do you use most?

I’d say it’s a close race between Transmit and Coda. I use them both constantly.

Which part of development are you most involved with?

When we started, it was pretty clear: Cabel did design, the web site, and business-y things, and I was a programmer. Now we have a team with several engineers and my function has split in several ways. I still do a little programming but not as much as I used to. I do a bit more of what could loosely be described as management now, and I help maintain some internal tools like our bug tracker and ordering system. I drop in and do web stuff when needed, help resolve support escalations, help plan projects, and I’m currently working on some tutorial videos for Coda. So, I’m all over the place. I guess I’m roughly a CTO/CIO, but it’s hard to pin it down.

Do you consider Panic part of the Delicious Generation?

I’m not really even sure what that phrase means. I know that, when we started, we were one of very few companies to be really concentrating on providing a user experience on par with Apple’s, to the extent that we could, following their guidelines to the letter, and so on. The Apple guidelines have pretty much gone out the window now, so we try to concentrate on providing a clear interface that also looks nice for what are some fairly complex tasks. That’s priority one. We don’t go crazy with eye candy unless it helps visually communicate a tricky concept in some way. The flip animations in Coda’s Sites view are a good example.

What is your all time favorite mac?

I have a soft spot for the original blueberry clamshell iBook, because it was my first ever laptop, and such a unique design at the time. But the MacBook Pro I use today is fantastic — a nearly perfect balance of desktop power and portability. But I’m going to be trying out a MacBook Air soon, so maybe that will change my mind.

Does the iPhone count as a Mac? Because that’s probably the best overall “thing” I’ve ever owned.

What is your favorite feature of Leopard?

Time Machine. I was already pretty disciplined about backing up, but it was not an elegant process. Now I just plug in an external drive and forget about it. It’s something you don’t really appreciate until you’ve lost everything a couple of times.

And the transparent menu bar. Just kidding.

So there you have it, Steven Frank of Panic Inc. Make sure you check out their site, and all of their Shockingly Good Mac Software.

The Griffin Elevator is a Laptop stand designed for the Apple Laptops. Its purpose is to lift the laptop up to a more comfortable height then being on your desk. I have been using the Griffin Elevator since mid December, and I have really enjoyed using it.

The design is quite simple, 2 metal arches and a clear base. Along the top is rubber to help keep the computer in place, and there is also rubber pads on the bottom to keep it from sliding around.

Overall, I really like this product, and I would recommend it to anyone that wants to get their laptop up off their desks.

Product: Griffin Elevator
Website: http://www.griffintechnology.com/
Price: $39.99

Amoung the MacWorld 2008 Updates, Apple released version 1.1.3 of its firmware for iPod Touch and iPhone. The update is free for all, but wait, for $20, you can get Mail, Maps, Weather, Notes and Stocks, and this is included on all new iPod Touches. Though the update is free, the apps themselves and the ability to reorder icons is paid. Do you think this is fair? iAppblog doesn’t. If you agree with us, fill out the online petition, with over 12,000 signatures at the time of writing this, hopefully Apple will change their minds.

As we mentioned earlier, the MacHeist Bundle is a great way to get some of the best mac applications. Over the last couple of days, the 10 apps in the bundle have jumped to 14 apps, making this an even sweeter deal. Make sure to check it out, and if you are planning to buy, please use our link to help support the site.

The MacHeist team has done it again! 10 Wonderful Apps for $49 (or as low as $39 if you have done all the heists). This years bundle includes:

1password $29.95
CoverSutra $22.00
Cha-Ching $40.00
iStopMotion $49.00
Awaken $12.95
Speed Download $25.00
AppZapper $12.95
TaskPaper $18.95
CSSEdit $29.95
Snapz Pro X $69.00
Pixelmator $59.00

For a Total Value of $368.75!

Make sure you check it out, and to help support our site, use the link http://iappblog.com/go/macheist.

MacWorld, Apple’s big show of the year starts Monday.

Macworld isn’t just a hall full of exhibitors or rooms of conference session; it’s a series of calibrations of the world as you know it. Your perspective will be jolted. Your creativity will be ramped up. You will walk away realizing it’s not just the world that’s changed. It’s you, too.

Whether you attend the Conference or just come for the Exhibit Halls you’ll come face-to-face with something unexpected.

Its hosted at West & South Hall Moscone Center, San Francisco, and it runs from January 14 - 18, 2008. Here at iAppblog we will keep you uptodate with the news and coming products.

I wanted to take the opportunity to wish all of our readers a very happy and safe holiday season. I will be out of town for a few days, with limited internet access, but I hope to have some new content and reviews ready for when I return. If there is any thing that you think we should review, let me know, I will do my best over the holiday season to review it and let you know what I think about it.

I also wanted to give some suggestions for last minute gifts for mac users, all apps of ,

For the blogger:
MarsEdit ($29.95)
http://www.red-sweater.com/marsedit/

For the artist:
Acorn ($39.95)
http://flyingmeat.com/acorn/

For the editor:
Stomp ($29.95)
http://www.shinywhitebox.com/stomp/stomp.html

For the writer:
TextExpander ($29.95)
http://www.smileonmymac.com/textexpander/

For the music-lover:
SRS iWOW ($19.99)
http://www.srs-store.com/store-plugins/mall/iwow-plugin.asp

For the über-orgainzed:
Hazel ($21.95)
http://www.noodlesoft.com/hazel.php

For the encryption junkie:
BitClamp ($20)
http://www.crimsonskysoftware.com

For the GUI-Modder:
CandyBar ($29)
http://www.panic.com/candybar/

For the downloader:
Acquisition 2 (Pro License is $26)
http://www.acquisitionx.com/

For the space saver:
Xslimmer ($11.95)
http://www.xslimmer.com/

For the new webmaster:
RapidWeaver ($49)
http://www.realmacsoftware.com/rapidweaver/

That concludes our 2007 Holiday Season Buyers Guide, and once again, have a great holiday!

The MacUpdate Promo bundle has continued for another 9 days, and iWOW 2 was added to bundle, and it will be sent to all past purcahsers of the bundle.

The bundle now includes:

ForkLift

RapidWeaver

Swift Publisher

Marine Aquarium

Xslimmer

MemoryMiner

Yep

SRS iWOW

XMIND 2008 Pro

iStabilize

PulpMotion

Check out the bundle at http://mupromo.com