Boxee Box at your home

The color it self could the greatness of the stuff. Boxee, the white-hot startup that has risen from nothing to everywherethanks to its internet TV software portal, has just announced that a deal has been inked between it and an undisclosed "hardware partner."

If you'll recall, we actually heard that the outfit was mulling the production of its own set-top-box back in January, and now it looks like Roku, Apple TV and a host of other mini PCs will have yet another formidable rival vying for space underneath the tele. The firm isn't spilling any details whatsoever on the so-called "Boxee Box,".

Boxee is the best way to enjoy entertainment from the Internet or a computer on a TV. Their free, open source, downloadable software for Mac, Linux and Windows brings all your entertainment into one place - whether it's from the Internet or from your hard drive or home network. Plus, they overlay everything with a heaping helping of social by letting you share what you're playing with friends on Boxee, Twitter, and Facebook.

The Boxee Box by D-Link takes the same popular software and offers it up as a great device -- the perfect companion to a high definition TV. The Boxee Box by D-Link provides access to more than just traditional TV content. It includes a huge library that spans the Internet, such as university courses, panel discussions, academic lectures, presentations, web-only videos and more from TED, Stanford, FORA.tv, Kid Mango, Next New Networks and more. Boxee also makes it easy for users to add their own favorite entertainment sources with simple RSS or XML feeds available for most online video.

In addition to video content, Boxee users can access great music from sites like Pandora, last.fm, shoutcast, and We are Hunted as well as fun photos from sites like flickr, Picasa and the Facebook.

Boxee Box at your home

The color it self could the greatness of the stuff. Boxee, the white-hot startup that has risen from nothing to everywherethanks to its internet TV software portal, has just announced that a deal has been inked between it and an undisclosed "hardware partner."

If you'll recall, we actually heard that the outfit was mulling the production of its own set-top-box back in January, and now it looks like Roku, Apple TV and a host of other mini PCs will have yet another formidable rival vying for space underneath the tele. The firm isn't spilling any details whatsoever on the so-called "Boxee Box,".

Boxee is the best way to enjoy entertainment from the Internet or a computer on a TV. Their free, open source, downloadable software for Mac, Linux and Windows brings all your entertainment into one place - whether it's from the Internet or from your hard drive or home network. Plus, they overlay everything with a heaping helping of social by letting you share what you're playing with friends on Boxee, Twitter, and Facebook.

The Boxee Box by D-Link takes the same popular software and offers it up as a great device -- the perfect companion to a high definition TV. The Boxee Box by D-Link provides access to more than just traditional TV content. It includes a huge library that spans the Internet, such as university courses, panel discussions, academic lectures, presentations, web-only videos and more from TED, Stanford, FORA.tv, Kid Mango, Next New Networks and more. Boxee also makes it easy for users to add their own favorite entertainment sources with simple RSS or XML feeds available for most online video.

In addition to video content, Boxee users can access great music from sites like Pandora, last.fm, shoutcast, and We are Hunted as well as fun photos from sites like flickr, Picasa and the Facebook.

Boxee Box at your home

The color it self could the greatness of the stuff. Boxee, the white-hot startup that has risen from nothing to everywherethanks to its internet TV software portal, has just announced that a deal has been inked between it and an undisclosed "hardware partner."

If you'll recall, we actually heard that the outfit was mulling the production of its own set-top-box back in January, and now it looks like Roku, Apple TV and a host of other mini PCs will have yet another formidable rival vying for space underneath the tele. The firm isn't spilling any details whatsoever on the so-called "Boxee Box,".

Boxee is the best way to enjoy entertainment from the Internet or a computer on a TV. Their free, open source, downloadable software for Mac, Linux and Windows brings all your entertainment into one place - whether it's from the Internet or from your hard drive or home network. Plus, they overlay everything with a heaping helping of social by letting you share what you're playing with friends on Boxee, Twitter, and Facebook.

The Boxee Box by D-Link takes the same popular software and offers it up as a great device -- the perfect companion to a high definition TV. The Boxee Box by D-Link provides access to more than just traditional TV content. It includes a huge library that spans the Internet, such as university courses, panel discussions, academic lectures, presentations, web-only videos and more from TED, Stanford, FORA.tv, Kid Mango, Next New Networks and more. Boxee also makes it easy for users to add their own favorite entertainment sources with simple RSS or XML feeds available for most online video.

In addition to video content, Boxee users can access great music from sites like Pandora, last.fm, shoutcast, and We are Hunted as well as fun photos from sites like flickr, Picasa and the Facebook.

Wireless Alarm Systems

When you need an alarm system for your home or office the best one you can get is the wireless alarm system. These systems are becoming very popular all over the world because of the many advantages they offer. One advantage is that these wireless security systems are more advanced and reliable than the older systems were.

Having a wireless alarm system in your home is definitely the best way to protect your family and your home from possible break-ins. It doesn’t take a lot of time to install and they work on batteries.

So when you want the best protection, you definitely want to go with a wireless alarm system. Just remember to do some research and learn all you can about these systems before you decide which one to use. That way you will know that you are getting the best protection right from the start. If you are unsure about what wireless security system to get? Ask one of our knowledgeable employees for help.

Is a wireless home security system better than hard-wired systems? They both have their advantages and disadvantages. What it truly boils down to is your personal preference. But there are some distinguishing features between the two that can help you decipher.

If you are just building a house and want to have a legitimate security system, installing a hard-wired security system is perfect. The reason for this is because the structural frame is still exposed giving you an easy accessibility. It makes it much more difficult to install a hard-wired security system when you have to drill holes and knock out certain areas of the home.

There are benefits and downsides to having each of the two systems. But you have to realize that either system is better than nothing. It is up to you to decide whether you want a hard-wired security system or a wireless home security system.

AAA+ is a complete wireless system which is not only functions as a security system, but also monitors your premises by giving you alert notifications when the system is not armed. Voice/digital dialer calls 5 phone numbers or monitoring station for help. It can be controlled by dialing from any touch-tone phone, which makes it even more convenient and powerful.

*Requires Phone connection to operate properly. The AM-100A replaces the AM-100 & eliminates the audible (beep or voice announcement) alert when the sensor is activated in disarmed mode.

This AM-100A Model replaces our popular AM-100 Model, eliminating the audible alert when the sensor is activated in disarmed mode. The previous version provided a beep or voice announcement once the motion sensor was activated. The AAA+ wireless alarm system provides travelling homeowners with the ability to monitor their home via telephone or cell phone by simply calling the automated control panel and entering a password. Once dialed into the control panel, the homeowner is able to monitor the sensors placed on doors and windows and turn on/off a wireless device simply by the push of a button. When sensors detect an intrusion, the voice dialer connected to the control panel can be set to either call the homeowner immediately and/or dial a monitoring station.

Overview
Compact wireless alarm system features four functions: ALARM, ALERT, AUTOMATION AND +COMMUNICATOR.

Alarm
The control panel will call the preprogrammed emergency phone numbers and the siren will sound when break-in occurs.

Alert
Gives you notification of the triggered sensor(s) by voice announcement, unique beeping and LED flashing.

Automation
Turns on/off household appliances and lights even when you are away from home.

Communicator
Built-in emergency dialer for voice announcement and digital dialer.

Features

• Skylink Rolling Code Technology.
• 5 programmable and supervised zones.
• Works with up to 10 sensors, 5 control modules and 5 keychain remotes.
• Master, Second and Duress PIN available.
• 5 programmable telephone numbers.
• Build-in auto dialer with digital dialer function and Ademco contact ID.
• Fault line monitoring.
• User can call in to check system status.
• System announcement by human voice in English, French, Spanish and German (vary by models).
• Powered by AC adapter and back up by 4 AAA alkaline batteries.
• Desktop mounting.
• FCC/IC approved. CE mark. ETL listed.
• One year warranty.

Wireless Alarm Systems

When you need an alarm system for your home or office the best one you can get is the wireless alarm system. These systems are becoming very popular all over the world because of the many advantages they offer. One advantage is that these wireless security systems are more advanced and reliable than the older systems were.

Having a wireless alarm system in your home is definitely the best way to protect your family and your home from possible break-ins. It doesn’t take a lot of time to install and they work on batteries.

So when you want the best protection, you definitely want to go with a wireless alarm system. Just remember to do some research and learn all you can about these systems before you decide which one to use. That way you will know that you are getting the best protection right from the start. If you are unsure about what wireless security system to get? Ask one of our knowledgeable employees for help.

Is a wireless home security system better than hard-wired systems? They both have their advantages and disadvantages. What it truly boils down to is your personal preference. But there are some distinguishing features between the two that can help you decipher.

If you are just building a house and want to have a legitimate security system, installing a hard-wired security system is perfect. The reason for this is because the structural frame is still exposed giving you an easy accessibility. It makes it much more difficult to install a hard-wired security system when you have to drill holes and knock out certain areas of the home.

There are benefits and downsides to having each of the two systems. But you have to realize that either system is better than nothing. It is up to you to decide whether you want a hard-wired security system or a wireless home security system.

AAA+ is a complete wireless system which is not only functions as a security system, but also monitors your premises by giving you alert notifications when the system is not armed. Voice/digital dialer calls 5 phone numbers or monitoring station for help. It can be controlled by dialing from any touch-tone phone, which makes it even more convenient and powerful.

*Requires Phone connection to operate properly. The AM-100A replaces the AM-100 & eliminates the audible (beep or voice announcement) alert when the sensor is activated in disarmed mode.

This AM-100A Model replaces our popular AM-100 Model, eliminating the audible alert when the sensor is activated in disarmed mode. The previous version provided a beep or voice announcement once the motion sensor was activated. The AAA+ wireless alarm system provides travelling homeowners with the ability to monitor their home via telephone or cell phone by simply calling the automated control panel and entering a password. Once dialed into the control panel, the homeowner is able to monitor the sensors placed on doors and windows and turn on/off a wireless device simply by the push of a button. When sensors detect an intrusion, the voice dialer connected to the control panel can be set to either call the homeowner immediately and/or dial a monitoring station.

Overview
Compact wireless alarm system features four functions: ALARM, ALERT, AUTOMATION AND +COMMUNICATOR.

Alarm
The control panel will call the preprogrammed emergency phone numbers and the siren will sound when break-in occurs.

Alert
Gives you notification of the triggered sensor(s) by voice announcement, unique beeping and LED flashing.

Automation
Turns on/off household appliances and lights even when you are away from home.

Communicator
Built-in emergency dialer for voice announcement and digital dialer.

Features

• Skylink Rolling Code Technology.
• 5 programmable and supervised zones.
• Works with up to 10 sensors, 5 control modules and 5 keychain remotes.
• Master, Second and Duress PIN available.
• 5 programmable telephone numbers.
• Build-in auto dialer with digital dialer function and Ademco contact ID.
• Fault line monitoring.
• User can call in to check system status.
• System announcement by human voice in English, French, Spanish and German (vary by models).
• Powered by AC adapter and back up by 4 AAA alkaline batteries.
• Desktop mounting.
• FCC/IC approved. CE mark. ETL listed.
• One year warranty.

Wireless Alarm Systems

When you need an alarm system for your home or office the best one you can get is the wireless alarm system. These systems are becoming very popular all over the world because of the many advantages they offer. One advantage is that these wireless security systems are more advanced and reliable than the older systems were.

Having a wireless alarm system in your home is definitely the best way to protect your family and your home from possible break-ins. It doesn’t take a lot of time to install and they work on batteries.

So when you want the best protection, you definitely want to go with a wireless alarm system. Just remember to do some research and learn all you can about these systems before you decide which one to use. That way you will know that you are getting the best protection right from the start. If you are unsure about what wireless security system to get? Ask one of our knowledgeable employees for help.

Is a wireless home security system better than hard-wired systems? They both have their advantages and disadvantages. What it truly boils down to is your personal preference. But there are some distinguishing features between the two that can help you decipher.

If you are just building a house and want to have a legitimate security system, installing a hard-wired security system is perfect. The reason for this is because the structural frame is still exposed giving you an easy accessibility. It makes it much more difficult to install a hard-wired security system when you have to drill holes and knock out certain areas of the home.

There are benefits and downsides to having each of the two systems. But you have to realize that either system is better than nothing. It is up to you to decide whether you want a hard-wired security system or a wireless home security system.

AAA+ is a complete wireless system which is not only functions as a security system, but also monitors your premises by giving you alert notifications when the system is not armed. Voice/digital dialer calls 5 phone numbers or monitoring station for help. It can be controlled by dialing from any touch-tone phone, which makes it even more convenient and powerful.

*Requires Phone connection to operate properly. The AM-100A replaces the AM-100 & eliminates the audible (beep or voice announcement) alert when the sensor is activated in disarmed mode.

This AM-100A Model replaces our popular AM-100 Model, eliminating the audible alert when the sensor is activated in disarmed mode. The previous version provided a beep or voice announcement once the motion sensor was activated. The AAA+ wireless alarm system provides travelling homeowners with the ability to monitor their home via telephone or cell phone by simply calling the automated control panel and entering a password. Once dialed into the control panel, the homeowner is able to monitor the sensors placed on doors and windows and turn on/off a wireless device simply by the push of a button. When sensors detect an intrusion, the voice dialer connected to the control panel can be set to either call the homeowner immediately and/or dial a monitoring station.

Overview
Compact wireless alarm system features four functions: ALARM, ALERT, AUTOMATION AND +COMMUNICATOR.

Alarm
The control panel will call the preprogrammed emergency phone numbers and the siren will sound when break-in occurs.

Alert
Gives you notification of the triggered sensor(s) by voice announcement, unique beeping and LED flashing.

Automation
Turns on/off household appliances and lights even when you are away from home.

Communicator
Built-in emergency dialer for voice announcement and digital dialer.

Features

• Skylink Rolling Code Technology.
• 5 programmable and supervised zones.
• Works with up to 10 sensors, 5 control modules and 5 keychain remotes.
• Master, Second and Duress PIN available.
• 5 programmable telephone numbers.
• Build-in auto dialer with digital dialer function and Ademco contact ID.
• Fault line monitoring.
• User can call in to check system status.
• System announcement by human voice in English, French, Spanish and German (vary by models).
• Powered by AC adapter and back up by 4 AAA alkaline batteries.
• Desktop mounting.
• FCC/IC approved. CE mark. ETL listed.
• One year warranty.

Quick review of Samsung N150

The Samsung N150 is the latest miniature notebook that promises an improved battery life and basic computing on the cheap.


The Samsung N150, rather excitingly, ditches the stalwart Intel Atom N270 CPU for a newer, faster, more efficient processor known as the Atom N450. The N150 is available from PC World for £280. 






The Samsung N150 netbook gives you value without compromise. The non-glare 10.1″ screen gives you plenty of room, while a 3-in-1 memory card slot and 3 USB 2.0 ports make it easy to connect a digital camera, printer and more. At a scant 2.7 lbs, you can pick up and go at a moment’s notice, and the battery (up to 7 hours) is good for all day

Quick review of Samsung N150

The Samsung N150 is the latest miniature notebook that promises an improved battery life and basic computing on the cheap.


The Samsung N150, rather excitingly, ditches the stalwart Intel Atom N270 CPU for a newer, faster, more efficient processor known as the Atom N450. The N150 is available from PC World for £280. 






The Samsung N150 netbook gives you value without compromise. The non-glare 10.1″ screen gives you plenty of room, while a 3-in-1 memory card slot and 3 USB 2.0 ports make it easy to connect a digital camera, printer and more. At a scant 2.7 lbs, you can pick up and go at a moment’s notice, and the battery (up to 7 hours) is good for all day

Quick review of Samsung N150

The Samsung N150 is the latest miniature notebook that promises an improved battery life and basic computing on the cheap.


The Samsung N150, rather excitingly, ditches the stalwart Intel Atom N270 CPU for a newer, faster, more efficient processor known as the Atom N450. The N150 is available from PC World for £280. 






The Samsung N150 netbook gives you value without compromise. The non-glare 10.1″ screen gives you plenty of room, while a 3-in-1 memory card slot and 3 USB 2.0 ports make it easy to connect a digital camera, printer and more. At a scant 2.7 lbs, you can pick up and go at a moment’s notice, and the battery (up to 7 hours) is good for all day

10 wishlist features for Mac OS X 10.7 - Lion

As published by many blogger… Apple’s currently working on Mac OS X 10.7 - codenamed Cheetah, Lion, Ocelot, Lynx, or, er, Lolcat, depending on which rumour you subscribe to - isn’t interesting in itself. What I believe, it should be Cheetah. What we’d love to know is what new features it’ll bring to the party.

We’ve listed what we’d like to see below; post a comment if we’ve missed something from your wish list.

1. A unified interface

Since Apple started mucking about with brushed metal in 1999, the Mac interface has lost the elegance and consistency it had in its early years. Apple should unify the interface, perhaps drawing on recent iterations of iLife, along with Quick Look and Dock stacks. And if the revised interface is sluggish, this merely leaves the door open for Mac OS X 10.8 - “Cape Lion” - to increase snappiness, the cape referring to the operating system’s superhero-like qualities.

2. System-wide tagging and smart collections

From online services to mobile devices, it’s clear the hierarchical file/folder system is on borrowed time. Apple realised this when it introduced Spotlight, and yet system-wide tagging doesn’t seem to be on the company’s radar. Along with adding such a feature to Mac OS X 10.7, we’d like to see smart collections extended to other apps, such as smart bookmarks for Safari.

3. Superior Spotlight

Spotlight is a great technology with a poor interface. We hope Mac OS X 10.7 improves Spotlight’s usability significantly, perhaps taking a few tips fromLaunchBar. At the very least, Spotlight’s menu should support Quick Look, and although Apple rarely looks back, it’d do well to revisit the excellent Spotlight sorting window from Tiger.

TAKE A TIP: LaunchBar is what Spotlight could be, if it wasn’t a little bit rubbish

4. Better Stacks

Stacks evolved in Snow Leopard but still fall short of the original rumoured concept: an arbitrary but easy to access ‘pile’ of user-defined documents. A workaround would be to make smart folders accessible in a stack - currently, clicking one in the dock opens it in Finder. Stacks should also support Quick Look.

5. More multitouch

Although an industry-wide transition to multitouch is underway, it’s going to be a while before it’s the default system for interaction; no-one wants to spend their time with an arm outstretched, swiping at a vertical iMac screen. However, Mac OS X 10.7 will likely integrate more concepts from iPhone, enabling laptop and tablet users to benefit from system-wide gestures and actions that developers can utilise with ease.

6. Configurable Spaces

Spaces are quite powerful but configuration options are basic and limited. Advanced options should ape Hyperspaces, enabling you to name and define an individual background for each space. And while we can’t see Apple doing this, space-specific Docks would be great.

7. Cloud services

Apple’s web services are stale, but perhaps Mac OS X 10.7 will improve things. We hope a user-friendly and robust built-in cloud back-up and sync system will be integrated and that more Apple apps will integrate with cloud services. We don’t, however, want to see the operating system called Cloud Leopard, because that’s a rubbish name.

8. Finder tabs and enhancements

Finder is now a Cocoa app, but it still needs a kick up the bottom. We’d like to see broken FTP support fixed, optional window tabs (see TotalFinder for an indie’s crack at this), per-folder show/hide settings for hidden files, cut/move, window snapping, and better labels that offer user-definable colours.

FIX THE FINDER: We’d like to see Finder tabs in Mac OS X 10.7, as per TotalFinder

9. Embrace third-party services

Some Apple apps now deign to notice non-Apple services - iPhoto can upload to Flickr, and iChat grudgingly works with Jabber. Apple should take this further - iChat should become a truly multi-service IM client, Address Book should integrate with Skype, and Mail should integrate with social networks like Facebook and Twitter.

10. A Mac app store

This might be a controversial choice, but it could be a smart one. The iPhone/App Store ecosystem has shown that making apps affordable and accessible, easy to install and simple to update, benefits developers and Apple alike. A Mac app store shouldn’t be the only way to get apps into Mac OS X 10.7, but we’ll be astonished if it isn’t announced as an option within the next year.

10 wishlist features for Mac OS X 10.7 - Lion

As published by many blogger… Apple’s currently working on Mac OS X 10.7 - codenamed Cheetah, Lion, Ocelot, Lynx, or, er, Lolcat, depending on which rumour you subscribe to - isn’t interesting in itself. What I believe, it should be Cheetah. What we’d love to know is what new features it’ll bring to the party.

We’ve listed what we’d like to see below; post a comment if we’ve missed something from your wish list.

1. A unified interface

Since Apple started mucking about with brushed metal in 1999, the Mac interface has lost the elegance and consistency it had in its early years. Apple should unify the interface, perhaps drawing on recent iterations of iLife, along with Quick Look and Dock stacks. And if the revised interface is sluggish, this merely leaves the door open for Mac OS X 10.8 - “Cape Lion” - to increase snappiness, the cape referring to the operating system’s superhero-like qualities.

2. System-wide tagging and smart collections

From online services to mobile devices, it’s clear the hierarchical file/folder system is on borrowed time. Apple realised this when it introduced Spotlight, and yet system-wide tagging doesn’t seem to be on the company’s radar. Along with adding such a feature to Mac OS X 10.7, we’d like to see smart collections extended to other apps, such as smart bookmarks for Safari.

3. Superior Spotlight

Spotlight is a great technology with a poor interface. We hope Mac OS X 10.7 improves Spotlight’s usability significantly, perhaps taking a few tips fromLaunchBar. At the very least, Spotlight’s menu should support Quick Look, and although Apple rarely looks back, it’d do well to revisit the excellent Spotlight sorting window from Tiger.

TAKE A TIP: LaunchBar is what Spotlight could be, if it wasn’t a little bit rubbish

4. Better Stacks

Stacks evolved in Snow Leopard but still fall short of the original rumoured concept: an arbitrary but easy to access ‘pile’ of user-defined documents. A workaround would be to make smart folders accessible in a stack - currently, clicking one in the dock opens it in Finder. Stacks should also support Quick Look.

5. More multitouch

Although an industry-wide transition to multitouch is underway, it’s going to be a while before it’s the default system for interaction; no-one wants to spend their time with an arm outstretched, swiping at a vertical iMac screen. However, Mac OS X 10.7 will likely integrate more concepts from iPhone, enabling laptop and tablet users to benefit from system-wide gestures and actions that developers can utilise with ease.

6. Configurable Spaces

Spaces are quite powerful but configuration options are basic and limited. Advanced options should ape Hyperspaces, enabling you to name and define an individual background for each space. And while we can’t see Apple doing this, space-specific Docks would be great.

7. Cloud services

Apple’s web services are stale, but perhaps Mac OS X 10.7 will improve things. We hope a user-friendly and robust built-in cloud back-up and sync system will be integrated and that more Apple apps will integrate with cloud services. We don’t, however, want to see the operating system called Cloud Leopard, because that’s a rubbish name.

8. Finder tabs and enhancements

Finder is now a Cocoa app, but it still needs a kick up the bottom. We’d like to see broken FTP support fixed, optional window tabs (see TotalFinder for an indie’s crack at this), per-folder show/hide settings for hidden files, cut/move, window snapping, and better labels that offer user-definable colours.

FIX THE FINDER: We’d like to see Finder tabs in Mac OS X 10.7, as per TotalFinder

9. Embrace third-party services

Some Apple apps now deign to notice non-Apple services - iPhoto can upload to Flickr, and iChat grudgingly works with Jabber. Apple should take this further - iChat should become a truly multi-service IM client, Address Book should integrate with Skype, and Mail should integrate with social networks like Facebook and Twitter.

10. A Mac app store

This might be a controversial choice, but it could be a smart one. The iPhone/App Store ecosystem has shown that making apps affordable and accessible, easy to install and simple to update, benefits developers and Apple alike. A Mac app store shouldn’t be the only way to get apps into Mac OS X 10.7, but we’ll be astonished if it isn’t announced as an option within the next year.

10 wishlist features for Mac OS X 10.7 - Lion

As published by many blogger… Apple’s currently working on Mac OS X 10.7 - codenamed Cheetah, Lion, Ocelot, Lynx, or, er, Lolcat, depending on which rumour you subscribe to - isn’t interesting in itself. What I believe, it should be Cheetah. What we’d love to know is what new features it’ll bring to the party.

We’ve listed what we’d like to see below; post a comment if we’ve missed something from your wish list.

1. A unified interface

Since Apple started mucking about with brushed metal in 1999, the Mac interface has lost the elegance and consistency it had in its early years. Apple should unify the interface, perhaps drawing on recent iterations of iLife, along with Quick Look and Dock stacks. And if the revised interface is sluggish, this merely leaves the door open for Mac OS X 10.8 - “Cape Lion” - to increase snappiness, the cape referring to the operating system’s superhero-like qualities.

2. System-wide tagging and smart collections

From online services to mobile devices, it’s clear the hierarchical file/folder system is on borrowed time. Apple realised this when it introduced Spotlight, and yet system-wide tagging doesn’t seem to be on the company’s radar. Along with adding such a feature to Mac OS X 10.7, we’d like to see smart collections extended to other apps, such as smart bookmarks for Safari.

3. Superior Spotlight

Spotlight is a great technology with a poor interface. We hope Mac OS X 10.7 improves Spotlight’s usability significantly, perhaps taking a few tips fromLaunchBar. At the very least, Spotlight’s menu should support Quick Look, and although Apple rarely looks back, it’d do well to revisit the excellent Spotlight sorting window from Tiger.

TAKE A TIP: LaunchBar is what Spotlight could be, if it wasn’t a little bit rubbish

4. Better Stacks

Stacks evolved in Snow Leopard but still fall short of the original rumoured concept: an arbitrary but easy to access ‘pile’ of user-defined documents. A workaround would be to make smart folders accessible in a stack - currently, clicking one in the dock opens it in Finder. Stacks should also support Quick Look.

5. More multitouch

Although an industry-wide transition to multitouch is underway, it’s going to be a while before it’s the default system for interaction; no-one wants to spend their time with an arm outstretched, swiping at a vertical iMac screen. However, Mac OS X 10.7 will likely integrate more concepts from iPhone, enabling laptop and tablet users to benefit from system-wide gestures and actions that developers can utilise with ease.

6. Configurable Spaces

Spaces are quite powerful but configuration options are basic and limited. Advanced options should ape Hyperspaces, enabling you to name and define an individual background for each space. And while we can’t see Apple doing this, space-specific Docks would be great.

7. Cloud services

Apple’s web services are stale, but perhaps Mac OS X 10.7 will improve things. We hope a user-friendly and robust built-in cloud back-up and sync system will be integrated and that more Apple apps will integrate with cloud services. We don’t, however, want to see the operating system called Cloud Leopard, because that’s a rubbish name.

8. Finder tabs and enhancements

Finder is now a Cocoa app, but it still needs a kick up the bottom. We’d like to see broken FTP support fixed, optional window tabs (see TotalFinder for an indie’s crack at this), per-folder show/hide settings for hidden files, cut/move, window snapping, and better labels that offer user-definable colours.

FIX THE FINDER: We’d like to see Finder tabs in Mac OS X 10.7, as per TotalFinder

9. Embrace third-party services

Some Apple apps now deign to notice non-Apple services - iPhoto can upload to Flickr, and iChat grudgingly works with Jabber. Apple should take this further - iChat should become a truly multi-service IM client, Address Book should integrate with Skype, and Mail should integrate with social networks like Facebook and Twitter.

10. A Mac app store

This might be a controversial choice, but it could be a smart one. The iPhone/App Store ecosystem has shown that making apps affordable and accessible, easy to install and simple to update, benefits developers and Apple alike. A Mac app store shouldn’t be the only way to get apps into Mac OS X 10.7, but we’ll be astonished if it isn’t announced as an option within the next year.