EarthCam Control Center 7 app customized for iDevice users
EarthCam (http://www.EarthCam.net) has released the Control Center 7 app for their clients who use the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. It's free at the Apple App Store and allows the user to immediately view and control their public and private video cameras from around the world in real-time over WiFi, 3G and Edge.
For non-EarthCam clients, the app provides an interactive demo of one of their cameras at Ground Zero in New York City. Features include the ability to remotely operate the pan, tilt, zoom controls, access presets and view any archived images from a graphical calendar interface.
Additionally, users are able to utilize the built-in camera on the iPhone to take pictures and videos from project sites and automatically upload them into EarthCam's easy-to-use online system and share share progress and comments with team members. EarthCam clients can also monitor connection speed, solar power status, battery charge, weather data and view the camera's position on Google maps. With...
New Syncplicity Business Edition sports Mac support
Syncplicity, which specializes in cloud based file management solutions, has launched a new version of its Syncplicity Business Edition, which combines Mac support and newsfeeds with the company’s IT console for centralized administration.
The latest Syncplicity Business Edition release provides full synchronization, backup, and file sharing for Macs, including large files and transfer resumption, with all existing Syncplicity supported endpoints such as PCs, file servers, and cloud applications like Google Docs. The Syncplicity Newsfeed feature allows users to see the latest real-time activity around files and folders they're working with or collaborating on.
The IT management layer offers reporting and administration, giving companies the ability to protect users from data loss, to ensure users have anywhere access to their files, set file management policies to secure corporate data, and easily configure and support multiple users, says Leonard Chung, CEO of Syncplicity.
A...
PanzerCAD releases CameraMatch 2011 for the Vectorworks 2011...
Nemetschek Vectorworks says that PanzerCAD (http://www.panzercad.com) has released the 2011 version of its CameraMatch plug-in to be compatible with the Vectorworks 2011 line of software products.
The CameraMatch 2011 plug-in allows a user to align a 3D model view to a photograph. With this plug-in, a user can also superimpose the rendered model into the photograph, saving time by eliminating the need to spend hours creating models of a project's surroundings, says Matt Panzer, owner of PanzerCAD. Some of the new features in CameraMatch 2011 include:
° A rewritten view calculation procedure that makes calculated views more accurate and allows for more difficult situations;
° Mask Object's new Clone Mode -- the feature allows a Mask object to shift the photo image it displays, which lets a Mask object behave similar to the Clone tool in many image-editing applications
° New Shadow object, which allows shadows and shading to be placed over the rendered image, eliminating the need to...
Razer releases special editions of MMO gaming mouse
Razer (http://www.razerzone.com) has launched a new suite of Razer Naga Special Edition gaming mice -- the Razer Naga Maelstrom Special Edition and the Razer Naga Molten Special Edition.
The Maelstrom Special Edition features the same 17 MMO-optimized buttons with macro functionality as its predecessor. However, this mouse has a whirlpool of entrancing blue light emanating from its swirling core.
In addition to the Maelstrom version, Razer also introduces the Molten Special Edition, which glows a fiery red hue. Along with the lava-red fissures cutting a jagged path across the mouse, the MMO-optimized buttons glow a blazing crimson color.
They're US$79.99 each. The special edition mice will be available in November.
PHYX offers new 'freebie' plug-ins
Noise Industries, developer of visual effects tools for the post-production and broadcast markets, says development partner, PHYX has released freebie plug-ins for the FxFactory platform.
The PHYX Freebies utilities plug-ins provide users with a way to export and convert color channels and sharpen image edges with the Color Channel and Edge Sharpen tools. The PHYX Freebies are completely free for everyone and support the latest versions of Apple Final Cut Pro, Final Cut Express Motion and After Effects.
The PHYX Freebies utilities plug-ins are offered as free downloads via the Noise Industries website. To download the freebies, go to http://www.phyxware.com/NI_Freebies_01.html .
FxFactory Pro is available for US$399. Additional plug-ins are available for free or commercially starting at a price point of $29.
Report: tablets becoming 'next big thing' in the...
After a lackluster initial reception in the 2000s, tablet computers are finally becoming the next big thing in personal computing. Apple’s iPad has led the charge so far, but according to the latest Sector Focus commentary by Turner Investments (http://www.turnerinvestments.com), tablet computers generally may capture 20% of the U.S. computer market by 2013, up from less than 1% in 2009.
Turner, an investment firm based in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, publishes Sector Focus commentaries monthly as part of the continuing efforts of its five analyst teams to monitor the market sectors for its growth-stock portfolios.
Entitled "Tablet Computers: an Idea Whose Time has Come at Last," the piece was written by Turner’s technology-sector analysts: Tara Hedlund, portfolio manager/security analyst; Dan Hirsch, security analyst; Mike Lozano, security analyst; Chris McHugh, vice chairman and senior portfolio manager; and Bob Turner, chairman and chief investment officer. Initial iPad sales have been...
Sintek: touchscreen iMac? what touchscreen iMac?
Sintek has denied previous reports the company is trialling touchscreen displays for a future iMac, reports "9to5 Mac" (http://www.9to5mac.com/29313/sintek-denies-touchscreen-imac-claims?utm_s...). Sintek Photronics spokesperson Barry Wu denied Digitimes’ claims contained in a report last week.
"DigiTimes" had said that Sintek Photronics has reportedly sent samples of projected capacitive touch panels to Apple to be incorporated in upcoming iMacs. Since current capacity for 20-inch and above projected capacitive touch panels is limited and the technology involved quite complex, Sintek, which is equipped with 5.3G generation production lines, has a good chance of becoming a supplier of the new models, the article said.
The next iMac is rumored to have a "good vertical and horizontal viewing angle, and its projected capacitive touch panel will adopt a one-glass solution, which integrates the touch sensor and cover glass, to reduce thickness and weight," "DigiTimes" claimed.
Apple TV parts may cost under $64
The components in the latest Apple TV, which sells for US$99, may cost less than $64, according to market research firm, iSuppli (http://www.isuppli.com), as reported by "Bloomberg BusinessWeek" (http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/oct2010/tc2010104_872952.htm).
The most expensive part, at $16.55, is the A4 processor, designed by Apple and manufactured by Samsung Electronics. The same chip is used in the iPad and iPhone 4.
Andrew Rassweiler, an iSuppli analyst who conducted a so-called teardown analysis of the device, says the materials cost of the new model leaves room for Apple to earn a profit. With the original device, the cost of materials was closer to the retail price, he says.
Mercedes-Benz Financial goes nationwide with iPad program
Mercedes-Benz Financial (http://www.mercedesbenzfinancial.com/mbfsr/en/misc/index.do) says its going nationwide with its program to put iPad into the hands of its dealers, becoming the first automotive finance company to give dealers mobile access to its proprietary point-of-sale dealer system called MB Advantage. Mercedes-Benz Financial is one of the first companies to adapt the consumer-oriented iPad as a mobile business tool.
MB Advantage on the iPad will give dealership sales personnel instant access to marketing programs for specific models, quicker turn time on the credit application process, and increase speed and efficiency on the return of lease vehicles, according to Andreas Hinrichs, vice president of marketing for Mercedes-Benz Financial.
“We see the iPad providing wireless mobility, information and flexibility on the showroom floor,” Hinrichs says. “The iPad will provide a competitive advantage to our dealers by increasing their service levels through a more flexible...
Apple forks out $1.7 million for data center land
Apple needed land owned by Donnie and Kathy Fulbright for a US$1 billion data center in rural North Carolina and were willing to pay big bucks for the Maiden property.
The Fulbrights say they spurned one offer, then a second, "Bloomberg" (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-10-05/apple-s-data-needs-mean-1-7-mil...) reports. Finally, they agreed to sell for $1.7 million, county records show, opting to leave the single-story house on the less than one acre of land they purchased for $6,000, the article adds.
Last year it was announced that Apple would build a data center in Catawba County on the outskirts of Maiden. Maiden and Catawba County agreed to US$7.3 million in incentives for Apple in order for them to build the center there. The company will build a 500,000-square-foot facility along U.S. Highway 321. However, no one knows exactly what the data center will be used for.
Bento Template Exchange surpasses half-million downloads
FileMaker, Inc. (http://www.filemaker.com) says that over 500,000 free templates have been downloaded from the Bento Template Exchange since its launch in June 2009.
Bento by FileMaker is the personal database software for Mac, iPhone and iPad. The Exchange makes it easy for visitors to try Bento for free, and to browse, install and use a huge variety of real-world templates contributed by Bento users.
The Bento templates show how Bento can organize virtually any information in business, education and home settings. The more than 700 templates illustrate the uses for Bento, ranging from Sales Funnel Management and Simple Home Inventory to Teacher Lesson Plans and Psychotherapy Session Notes. Among the most popular templates are Contact & Customer Manager and Project Manager.
The Exchange provides easy instructions on how to download and import templates along with steps for sharing your Bento templates. Bento templates may also be used with Bento for iPhone and Bento for...
ShareTool update delivers screen sharing, file sharing, more
Yazsoft has updated ShareTool (http://www.yazsoft.com/st/) for Mac OS X, which lets you access all of your Bonjour services from anywhere in the world, to version 2.1.2. The upgrade includes screen sharing, file sharing, remote printing, secure browsing and more. It also delivers iTunes Home Sharing across the Internet, the ability to run ShareTool as a background service, and more.
Formerly known as Rendezvous, Bonjour lets you create an instant network of computers and smart devices by getting them connected to each other. ShareTool automatically configures routers supporting NAT-PMP or UPnP. Remote services automatically appear in the Finder, iTunes, and other applications.
ShareTool 2.1.2 costs US$25 for a two-user license and $45 for a family pack (five licenses). Registered ShareTool 1.x users can upgrade to ShareTool 2.x for the reduced price of $15 (for two licenses).
Hitachi launches new family of 750GB mobile hard drives
Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (http://www.hitachigst.com) has announced its new 375GB/platter, 5,400 RPM and 7,200 RPM, 2.5-inch hard drives -- the Travelstar 5K750 and the Travelstar 7K750 hard drive families.
Featuring what the company says is the industry’s highest capacities in a standard 9.5mm two-disk design, the new drives come in capacities of 750GB, 640GB and 500GB. The drives feature technology that delivers high shock protection.
The Travelstar 5K750 and 7K750 drive families are the first Hitachi GST hard drives that feature Advanced Format. Advanced Format increases the physical sector size on hard drives from 512 bytes to 4096 (4K) bytes. This helps utilize the storage surface area more efficiently, allowing for increased drive capacities and improved data integrity at higher storage densities.
The Travelstar 5K750 is currently shipping in volume. Hitachi Travelstar 5K750 Retail Hard Drive Kits will be available in November with a suggested retail price of US$129....
UA introduces new UAD-2 QUAD Omni package
Universal Audio has released the UAD-2 QUAD Omni (v5.7) DSP Accelerator Package (http://www.uaudio.com/products/uad/uad2quadomni/index.html ). It gives producers and engineers 50 UAD powered plug-ins for Mac and Windows systems.
The PCIe card features four analog devices SHARC chips to “power” analog emulation plug-ins, including classics from Manley, Neve, Roland, BOSS, dbx, Empirical Labs, EMT, Fairchild, Harrison, Helios, Little Labs, Pultec, SPL, Teletronix and more. The UAD-2 QUAD Omni (v5.7) DSP Accelerator Package features:
With the UAD-2 QUAD Omni package, you can run large, professional mixes in Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Nuendo, Performer and more. It's available for purchase from authorized UA dealers worldwide.
MicroNet unveils storage system with 10TB capacity, RAID 5
MicroNet Technology (http://www.micronet.com), a provider of storage solutions that small and medium businesses (SMBs) can rely on, has unveiled the RAIDBank5, a storage solution that combines a 10TB capacity with the performance and data reliability of RAID 5 and the speed of USB 3.0 connectivity.
The RAIDBank5 is a RAID solution for storage-intensive digital media applications. The folks at MicroNet say they designed the RAIDBank5 for maximum performance with a hardware RAID architecture that delivers more than 200 MB/second and quad interface connectivity with the industry’s fastest external storage interfaces including, FireWire 400 and 800, 300 MB/sec eSATA and the new USB 3.0 at 500 MB/sec.
When configured for RAID 5 operations, the RAIDBank5 delivers read and write speeds of 218 MB/sec and 220 MB/sec, respectively. It's designed for storage-centric needs of professional digital audio applications and digital video production environments with support for multi-stream High...
Disk Drill is free data recovery software for Mac OS X
CleverFiles Software (http://www.cleverfiles.com/) has released the first public version of Disk Drill Beta, their new professional level data recovery solution for Mac OS X (10.5 and higher). The free app helps recover lost data, deleted files, and also strives to prevent unexpected data loss with the help of its own Recovery Vault technology.
Disk Drill knows the most popular formats and their binary signatures so it can find deleted data and recover it even when there's only raw access to your drive, according to the folks at CleverFiles. It offers several data recovery methods: deep scan, quick scan and recovery from its own Vault. It supports all file systems and will attempt to recover data even from not partitioned media including hard disks or memory cards with corrupted file system, etc.
Disk Drill also protects data from unexpected damage by implementing its own Recovery Vault technology that monitors file activity in the background and is designed to solve the problem of...
WebDesign 3.0 for Mac OS X adds support for HTML 5
Rage Software has released WebDesign 3.2 (http://www.ragesw.com/products/webdesign.html), an update to the web development software for Mac OS X. The new version provides support for HTML 5 with the addition of new auto-complete features and a syntax checker that supports all the new HTML 5 tags and attributes. It also adds faster website publishing.
WebDesign sports over 40 HTML wizards. Features include live side-by-side web page previews, auto code completion as you type, integrated HTML help, and much more.
WebDesign is compatible with Mac OS X 10.5 and higher. It costs US$59.95.
Freeverse releases Hordes of Orcs 2 for Mac OS X, Windows
Freeverse (http://www.freeverse.com) has released Hordes of Orcs 2 for Mac OS X and Windows. Developed by MrJoy, it's an US$19.95 sequel to -- as you could probably guess -- Hordes of Orcs .
Here's how the game id described: "Defend your castle from destruction by strategically building walls to redirect the flow of the onslaught, and then spend your money on the right combination of defense towers to defeat the attacking forces. Choose carefully from Arrow Towers, Radiation Towers, Fire Towers and the all-new Railgun Tower, as each enemy has different tolerances. And don‚t forget to use your handy spells: casting Fog will slow them down, Weaken inflicts damage to all enemies, Bait will distract the Orcs with an irresistible basket of shitake mushrooms and dung, and Teleport will transport enemies back to the Portal from whence they came. But if 20 Orcs make it into your castle, it's game over -- you are toast!
"It's an action game of strategy, cunning, and resource management,...
MEI adds development, design for tablet publishers
MEI (http://www.maned.com) is offering specialized training, consulting and design services for publishers working to move their products to tablet editions.
The new MEI program provides a range of assistance, from strategic planning to hands-on technical work at all stages of digital production, including workflow development, issue design and app deployment. Services include training staff on the latest digital publishing innovations, creating templates and other layout elements, and more.
Depending on a publisher's specific tablet needs, MEI also offers its expertise as the exclusive distributor of the vjoon K4 Cross-Media Publishing Platform in the Americas, says Dennis McGuire, CEO and president of MEI. K4 allows publishers to integrate Adobe InDesign and Adobe InCopy to create and manage content for print, online, mobile and, now, iPad and other emerging media.
iPad's sales rate better than the iPhone, DVDs when they...
Apple’s iPad sold three million units in the first 80 days after its April release and its current sales rate is about 4.5 million units per quarter, according to Bernstein Research -- as noted by "CNBC" (http://www.cnbc.com/id/39501308?__source=yahoo%7Cheadline%7Cquote%7Ctext...). This sales rate is blowing past the one million units the iPhone sold in its first quarter and the 350,000 units sold in the first year by the DVD player, the most quickly adopted non-phone electronic product.
“The iPad did not seem destined to be a runaway product success straight out of the box,” said Colin McGranahan, retail analyst at Bernstein Research, in a note. “By any account, the iPad is a runaway success of unprecedented proportion.”
At this current rate, the iPad will pass gaming hardware and the cellular phone to become the fourth biggest consumer electronics category with estimated sales of more than $9 billion in the U.S. next year, according to Bernstein. TVs, smart phones and notebook PCs...
Apple challenges Mirror Worlds verdict
Apple is challenging a jury verdict in which the computer maker was ordered to pay as much as US$625.5 million to Mirror Worlds for infringing patents related to how documents are displayed digitally, reports "Bloomberg" (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-10-04/apple-challenges-625-5-million-...).
Apple asked U.S. District Judge Leonard Davis for an emergency stay of the Oct. 1 verdict, saying there are outstanding issues on two of the three patents. Apple said patent owner Mirror Worlds would also be “triple dipping” if it were able to collect $208.5 million on each of the patents.
Apple has been ordered by a jury to pay damages to Mirror Worlds for infringing patents related to how documents are displayed on a computer screen. The federal jury in Tyler, Texas, awarded $208.5 million in damages for each of the patents infringed.
In 2008 Mirror Worlds Technologies, a Texas based company, accused Apple of violating four distinct but related patents that touch on creating "streams" of...
Craft Animations provides sample CDS tools
Craft Animations has announced the integration of select Craft Director Studio (CDS) tools within the Subscription Advantage Pack for Autodesk Maya; 2011, currently available to customers on Autodesk Subscription at http://www.autodesk.com/advantagepack-maya .
CDS is based on research in autonomous control systems and provides interactive control and simulation of cameras and vehicles, which helps to significantly reduce animation production times. The free CDS sample bundle for Maya 2011 includes: Craft SoftMotionCam, Craft ObserverCam, Craft MultiStateCam, Craft HumanizerCam and four Craft pre-rigged models (from PerspectX).
Craft Animations offers over 20 additional animation tools and six Specialty Edition bundles designed for 3D animators, visual effects artists, game developers, forensic specialists, CAD professionals and architectural designers. All tools are compatible with the Maya OS X 64-bit operating system.
DATRON iPad-operated D5 Dental Mill
Datron Dynamics (http://www.datron.com) has released the DATRON D5 Dental Mill. This 5-axis, high-speed machining center was designed specifically and exclusively for dental milling applications including crowns, bridges, abutments, inlays, onlays, telescopes, implants, bar work and even models. It's the only machining center in the world to feature a touch-screen iPad to control all machine functions.
A rigid cast iron construction houses a fully-integrated 5-axis automation system built to hold up to eight material blanks or “pucks” frequently used by dental labs. This integrated 8-piece handling system loads and unloads blanks for un-attended operation. Finished blanks can be unloaded from the machine while the machine is running.
The DATRON D5 is optimized for the efficient machining of common dental materials such as NEM, titanium, chrome-cobalt, zirconium, PMMA, wax, ceramics and dental gypsum. This machine has seven dynamic servo drives, cast construction, horizontally-...
Analyst: Apple capitalizing on trend toward digital lifestyle
Brian White of Ticonderoga Securities issued an in-depth 85-page note on Apple to analysts Monday -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) and initiated coverage of Apple stock with a $430 12-month price target.
"We believe Apple is still in the early stages of capitalizing on the trend toward a digital lifestyle, while transforming itself to seize large opportunities in the enterprise market, advertising (i.e. mobile, TV, etc.), "cloud computing and social networking," White wrote.
White predicts Apple will sell 7.1 million iPads in its 2010 fiscal year, with sales growing 181% in 2011 to 19.9 million. In the 2012 fiscal year, he sees Apple selling 25.8 million iPads.
The analyst thinks Apple will sell 36.9 million units in 2010, up 78% year-over-year. For the 2011 fiscal year, White eyeballs Apple selling 49.1 million handsets, eventually reaching 71.1 million in the 2013 fiscal year.
The success of the iPhone, iPod and iPad will also drive sales of MacBooks...
Quark brings dynamic publishing to 100 million SharePoint users
Quark (http://www.quark.com) announced today that Quark Publishing System can be integrated with Microsoft SharePoint 2010 to offer the 100 million SharePoint users worldwide a single, affordable system for workflow, collaboration, and dynamic publishing that spans across all departments.
By uniting SharePoint and Quark Publishing System, knowledge workers and creative departments can collaborate within one system to create, edit, revise, and publish brand-compliant, cross-media marketing communications. This enables organizations across industries to boost the return on their SharePoint investment by reducing the cost of publishing marketing material while reaching target audiences more frequently with accurate and timely information, according to PG Bartlett, senior vice president of Product Management at Quark.
Through the integration of Quark Publishing System -- the engine that enables dynamic, collaborative publishing -- with SharePoint – Microsoft’s enterprise-class system...
Analyst: iPad waaaaay ahead of competitors
Deutsche Bank's Chris Whitmore told clients -- as reported by "Fortune" (http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2010/10/04/ipad-lead-seen-as-overwhelming/?s...) -- that he's surveyed the tablet computer scene and concluded that things don't look good for the iPad's competitors.
"We believe Apple's lead in the tablet market will prove difficult to close by the onslaught of competing products coming over the next several quarters," he says. "Ultimately, we expect the slew of upcoming competition to fall flat from a user experience standpoint while struggl[ing] to materially undercut the iPad on price."
According to Whitmore, the iPad is ahead of competitors by: 12-18 months in terms of content; two or more years in terms of other media acquisition and integration via iTunes; and "untold dollars" in terms of component pricing.
Apple on its way to overtaking Exxon in terms of market...
Apple is on its way to overtake Exxon Mobil Corp. as the largest company by market capitalization, though it still has a ways to go, reports the "San Francisco Chronicle" (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/10/04/BUO41FNORG.D...).
As soon as the total value of the company's shares edges above Exxon's, Apple will take over the top spot in the Standard and Poor's 500, the market index used by most professional money managers.
"Apple still has some catching up to do before it takes the lead, of course," notes the "Chronicle." "As of now, there is a $60 billion difference in the two companies' market capitalization. If the price of Exxon stays flat, Apple's stock will need to rise 12 percent to move ahead of the oil giant, according to Brian Marshall, an analyst at Gleacher & Co."
Adidas drops iAd?
"Business Insider" (http://www.businessinsider.com/adidas-gives-up-on-apples-iads-because-st...) says Adidas has apparently backed out of Apple's iAd mobile advertising program because Apple CEO Steve Jobs was "being too much of a control freak.
According to one industry exec, Adidas decided to cancel its iAds after Apple rejected its creative concept for the third time. In an effort to dial up ad quality, Apple has taken more control over iAds than any other program in the industry, including making the actual ads themselves, notes the "Business Insider." And, as the "Wall Street Journal" noted in August (http://www.businessinsider.com/apples-iads-already-pissing-some-people-o...), this has caused some stress between Apple and ad agencies.
Ads combine the emotion of TV advertising with the interactivity of Internet advertising, according to Apple CEO Steve Jobs. Apple has iAd commitments for 2010 totaling over US$60 million, which represents almost 50 percent of the total forecasted...
Apple, Nissan tie for top spot in Ace Metrix top 10
Ace Metrix (http://www.acemetrix.com), which specializes in television advertising analytics, has announced the Ace Metrix Quarterly Top 10 for the third quarter ending September 30, 2010. For the first time, two national breaking ads tied for best creative effectiveness: Apple iPad “Demonstration of Features” which first aired on Au.17 and Nissan “Wouldn’t It," airing Oct. 28, both scored Ace Score 671, out of a possible 950, and compared to an Ace Score average of 532 for all ads.
“These top ten ads represent a huge achievement in a highly competitive industry. Resonating with today’s fickle consumer is a constant challenge for brands, and these ads represent the best of the best when it comes to effective creative with their consumers,” says Peter Daboll, chief executive of Ace Metrix. “The Ace Score is unique in its ability to track the breadth of all advertising creative that lands on today’s consumers, and these top ten ads of the quarter represent less than 1 percent of all new...
Pageflex Studio ID 2.0 brings FLEX-ibility to Adobe InDesign VDP...
Pageflex, a division of Bitstream (http:/www.bitstream.com) and a developer of enterprise variable data publishing and web-to-print solutions, has announced Studio ID 2.0, a desktop variable data publishing (VDP) plug-in for Adobe InDesign.
This new release includes support for Adobe Creative Suite 5 (CS5) on both the Mac and Windows platforms, and the patented flex technology of Pageflex. Anna Magliocco-Chagnon, president and CEO, Bitstream, says the patented flex technology allows design layout containers (text boxes, shapes, groups, etc.) to dynamically stretch, shrink, and reposition themselves in reaction to the quantity and size of the variable text or images poured into them. The template designer defines layout rules that govern how the containers can flex individually and in relationship to each other so that a pleasing page design is maintained even as the layout changes, she adds.
Users of both Adobe InDesign CS4 and CS5 can take advantage of the new features available with...
World of Warcraft: Cataclysm in stores Dec. 7
Blizzard Entertainment says World of Warcraft: Cataclysm (http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/cataclysm), the third expansion for the subscription-based massively multiplayer online role-playing game, will be released starting on December 7.
The expansion will be available on DVD-ROM for Mac OS X and Window at a suggested retail price of US$39.99 and will also be offered as a digital download from the Blizzard Store. A special Collector’s Edition packed with bonus items will be available exclusively in retail stores for a suggested retail price of $79.99.
Here's how the expansion pack is described: "In Cataclysm, the face of Azeroth will be forever altered by the return of the corrupted Dragon Aspect Deathwing. Players will explore once-familiar areas of the world that have now been reshaped by the devastation and filled with new adventures. In an effort to survive the planet-shattering cataclysm, two new playable races -- worgen and goblins -- will join the struggle between the Alliance...
'MUG Event Calendar': Office 2011, Panorama, more
October is shaping up to be a very active month on "The MUG Event Calendar."
Two MacNotables will be visiting groups in their home stats this week. Adam Engst of "TidBITS "and Take Control will visit a New York group, and "Macworld" Senior Editor Christopher Breen will present to a California group. Apple Senior Systems Engineer Dave Marra will be the guest at a New Jersey group, and Jennifer Bell of Prosoft Engineering will visit two different groups Illinois groups.
Kurt Schmucker of Microsoft will show off the new Office 2011 in Alaska, Omni Software will visit a Chicago group, and Jim Rea of ProVue Software will present Panorama to a California group. Other topics in the mix this week include the just-released Apple TV, iPhoto, Snow Leopard Server, backing up, the iPad, Blurb BookSmart and more.
"The MUG Event Calendar" can be found at The MUG Center (http://www.mugcenter.com), an online resource for Mac User Groups. MUGs are good places for making new friends in the Mac...
Epson introduces new printers
Epson America (http://www.epson.com) has announced the Epson Stylus Pro 7890 (24-inch) and 9890 (44-inch) for photographers and proofing professionals. The company has also announced the Stylus Pro 4900 17-inch printer.
THe Stylus Pro 7890 and 9890 printers combine eight-color Epson UltraChrome K3 Vivid Magenta ink technology with auto-sharing Matte and Photo Black inks, and Epson's MicroPiezo TFP print head to produce high quality prints at speeds about twice as fast as their predecessors (the Epson Stylus Pro 7880 and 9880), says Reed Hecht, product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America.
The Epson Stylus Pro 7890 and 9890 offer the same leading technology found in the Epson Stylus Pro 900-series, including ePlaten automatic media loading, spindle-free roll media loading, a roll media tracking system, front control panel with 2.5-inch color LCD, rotary cutter, fabric catch bin, and robust printer stand, he adds. The printers also feature Epson's latest ink-repelling coating...
Barcode Producer update adds Send to InDesign button
Apparent Corp. has updated Barcode Producer (http://www.itsapparent.com/barcodeproducer/), its barcode creation software suite for Mac OS X, to version 6.1. It adds a Send to InDesign button and now works correctly with Adobe InDesign CS5.
There's also a new Copy Picture menu option designed to make it easy to simply "copy and paste" barcodes from Barcode Producer to the document you're working on. Code 39 barcodes is a new feature for adding asterisks to the human readable text below the barcode.
Barcode Producer is a tool for creating barcodes visually, with one-click export for Adobe Creative Suite products, including Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Acrobat Distiller.
Version 6.1 costs US$199. Barcode Producer is a Universal Binary app so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. It requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later.
Verbatim introduces new USB 3.0 portable hard drive
Verbatim (http://www.verbatim.com) has released the Store ‘n’ Go SuperSpeed USB 3.0 compact portable hard drive. It will be available in 500GB and 750GB versions this month, and in a 1TB in November.
The Store 'n' Go SuperSpeed USB 3.0 will, alas, only run at USB 2.0 speeds on Macs. Apple computers don't yet offer support for USB 3.0.
Available in a piano-black finish, the Verbatim unit includes Nero BackItUp & Burn software for Windows, a free trial of Norton Online Backup (5GB) and a seven-year limited warranty. Pricing hasn't been announced.
AquaFold 9 sees open APIs
AquaFold has released Aqua Data Studio 9.0 (http://www.aquafold.com), an upgrade to its universal database query and administration software designed to make it simple to visualize and manipulate multiple relational databases from within a single interface.
The app is designed for business analysts, software developers and database administrators (DBAs) worldwide and lets them consolidate the design, development and maintenance of enterprise relational databases into one versatile application. Among the new features in version 9.0 are AquaScript and open application programming interfaces (APIs), a set of application APIs that open up the rich core functionality of Aqua Data Studio for automating tasks, scripting and customizing the application to specific user or enterprise needs. Processes that took multiple steps within Aqua Data Studio's graphical interface can now be automated with just a single AquaScript, explains AquaFold's Chief Software Architect Niels Gron.
Additionally,...
PCI Geomatics to release GXL Aerial
PCI Geomatics will announce the launch of its GeoImaging Accelerator Aerial (GXL-A) software at the Intergeo 2010 Conference this Oct. 5-7 in Cologne, Germany. This follows an earlier announcement in March when Microsoft’s Photogrammetry division, Vexcel Imaging GmbH, agreed to partner with PCI to produce an image processing system specifically for Vexcel Imaging’s UltraCam aerial cameras and UltraMap photogrammetric software.
GXL-A (http://www.pcigeomatics.com/gxl) completes PCI’s UltraMap workflow product line with the addition of high-speed orthorectification and mosaicking capabilities. Using PCI’s multi CPU/GPU distributed processing architecture, aerial image producers will realize significant improvement in production throughput and reduced costs.
The product will be offered as a standalone deskside or single-node rack system. It's fully upgradable to multiple node architectures and can be integrated into existing IT configurations for existing airphoto producers.
Digital comic book, eBook manager for Mac OS X available
Kaiju Software has announced the public beta launch of Ehon 1.0 (http://www.ehonapp.com) for Mac OS X (10.6.4 or higher). It's a Mac-only digital comic book, manga and ebook management program.
Ehon is designed to simplify digital library management. Users can import all of their digital comics and ebooks and let Ehon do all the work. The app will import all of the major ebook and comic file formats, as long as they're not DRM protected, including epub, PDF, CBR/RAR, CBZ/ZIP and even image folders.
The configurable application offers shelves, CoverFlow or simple list modes. Users can choose which elements to display in the library.
Ehon is available immediately for download as pre-release software. Early adopters get a discounted price of US$18 until the final version 1.0 is released. Early purchasers get a fully functional license that will work with 1.0 version and all 1.x updates. Just remember: beta software is unfinished software so use with care.
NetMarketShare: Mac, Safari, iOS gain market share
Safari and iOS market share for Internet usage rose from August to September, while the Mac OS X percentage dipped slightly, according to the latest market share survey from NetMarketShare (http://www.netmarketshare.com).
According to the report, among operating systems, Mac OS X had 5.03% of the global market share in September, compared to 5% in June (that's global market share; in the US it's almost 10%). Windows remains dominant with 91.08% as of September. That's up from from 91.34% in August. Apple's highest percentage previously was 5.27% in October 2009.
When it comes to browsers, Safari had 5.27% in September compared to 5.16% in August, while Internet Explorer had 59.65% Firefox had 22.96% and Chrome had 7.98%. That compares to, respectively, August percentages of 60.40%, 22.93% and 7.52%, for the browsers.
The iOS's market share also rose, according to NetMarketShare. It had 1.18% of the global market share in September compared to 1.13% in August. That's an all time high...
Apple ordered to pay damages to Mirror World
Apple has been ordered by a jury to pay damages to Mirror Worlds for infringing patents related to how documents are displayed on a computer screen, reports "Bloomberg" (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-10-01/apple-loses-mirror-worlds-trial...). The federal jury in Tyler, Texas, awarded $208.5 million in damages for each of the patents infringed.
"Bloomberg" says the verdict form was unclear as to whether the amount applies to the three patents collectively or would be charged individually. Lawyers for closely held Mirror Worlds declined to discuss the verdict.
In 2008 Mirror Worlds Technologies, a Texas based company, accused Apple of violating four distinct but related patents that touch on creating "streams" of documents that are automatically sorted according to time stamps, including future dates assigned to calendars and other reminders. The company said that just about all of Apple's product line infringes on a system for organizing data by time, "but draws its closest...
Gridstore to demo next-gen NAS solution
Gridstore (http://www.gridstore.com), which specializes in enterprise-class Network Attached Storage grid (NASg) solutions, will demonstrate its next-generation scale-out NAS solution in booth #758 at the MSPWorld conference, being held in Los Angeles Oct. 4-6.
Demonstrations will focus on the solution's grid architecture and how it changes the dynamics and economics of NAS for the MSP and SMB markets, enabling them to create storage pools that centralize sharing and management of massive amounts of NAS-stored files. By combining the simplicity, convenience and affordability of NAS with the scalability, performance and reliability of enterprise-class storage, the NASg solution eliminates the risk, cost and complexity of traditional siloed storage solutions. Gridstore puts scale-out NAS in reach of MSPs and small-medium sized businesses who until now suffered with the limitations of stand alone NAS, says Kelly Murphy, CEO of Gridstore.
The foundation of the Gridstore solution is the...
iTunes virus making the email rounds
A message from do_not_reply@itunes.com has been plaguing iTune users' inboxes, reports "WKBN" (http://www.wkbn.com/content/news/local/story/iTunes-Virus-Hits-Emails/rq...). It claims you owe money -- and even some without iTunes accounts have received the email, the article says.
Representatives from Apple said this is a very new virus and they are working to get the issue under control.They said to delete the email from your inbox and do not click on any of the links provided.
Apple settles music distribution lawsuit
Apple has become the latest defendant to settle infringement allegations from Sharing Sound LLC over a patent for online music distribution, joining Microsoft, Napster LLC and others, reports "Law360" (http://macosg.me/2/x6).
Judge David Folsom of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas signed off on the settlement Wednesday, clearing Apple of allegations that it on a Sharing Sound patent for "distribution of musical products by a website vendor over the Internet." Apparently, Sharing Sound is using the broad patent to rake in money from as many companies as it can because apparently the company "has never managed to use its patented technology to produce anything, or at least not anything interesting," says "TechCrunch" (http://techcrunch.com/2010/10/01/apple-itunes-sharing-sound-settlement/?...).
NPD Group: iPad not cannibalizing the PC market
Contrary to popular belief, the iPad isn't causing cannibalization in the PC market because iPad owners don't exhibit the same buying and ownership patterns as the typical consumer electronics customer, according to the new "iPad Owner Survey" from market research company The NPD Group (http://www.npdgroup.com).
According to the report, only 13% of iPad owners surveyed bought an iPad instead of a PC, while 24 % replaced a planned e-reader purchase with an iPad. iPad owners, especially the consumers who purchased an iPad within two months of launch, are significantly more likely to own Apple products and newer technologies, such as e-readers and smartphones.
iPad owners are much more likely than the overall population to own Apple computers, with 48 % owning a Mac desktop or Mac notebook, while NPD's "Online Household Penetration Study" fielded earlier this year found Macs in only about 11% of households. In fact, of consumers who bought iPads in the two month initial launch phase 50%...
TaskSurfer is new task management app for Snow Leopard
Two Dogs Software has released TaskSurfer 1.0 (http://www.frostydogs.com/tasksurfer), a cloud-syncing task management application for Mac OS 10.6.x ("Snow Leopard"). It's an US$39, flexible task manager that fits GTD or tag-based systems, but doesn't force the casual user into a complicated workflow, says Two Dogs developer and founder Mike Stewart.
Because a project-based GTD style doesn’t suit everyone, TaskSurfer features a tag browser that lets the user focus on tasks that have been tagged with the user’s custom tags. Tags can be used for categories, time, locations, people, and anything that can be typed. The Tag Browser keeps it all sorted out.
Using Snow Leopard’s Core Location technology, tasks can be assigned to a location-based context, and tasks will be filtered as an Apple laptop moves from one location to the next. At home, office, or the coffee shop, TaskSurfer will show only the tasks appropriate for the current location.
TaskSurfer also provides the option to...
Olympic Developments sues Apple, others for patent infringement
Another day, another lawsuit. A private Delaware company by the name of Olympic Developments AG, LLC, has filed a patent infringement lawsuit in the California Central District Court Los Angeles Division against several major technology companies, including Apple, reports "Patently Apple" (http://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2010/10/olympic-developments...).
The lawsuit appears to involve the sale of goods through Apple's iTunes and App Stores via an iPad or iPhone, the article adds. According to court documents, "this is a patent infringement action to stop Defendants' infringement of Plaintiff's United States Patent No. 5,475,585 entitled "Transactional Processing System" (the "''585 patent"; a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A) and United States Patent No. 6,246,400 entitled "Device for Controlling Remote Interactive Receiver" (the"'400 patent"; a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit B) (collectively, "the patents-in-suit"). Plaintiff is the exclusive...
iWeb Themes Park unveils another five iWeb themes
iWeb Themes Park (http://www.iwebthemespark.com) has unveiled five new iWeb themes for iWeb, the web design component of Apple's iLife suite. They require a Mac with iLife '08 (iWeb 2.0) or later.
These themes -- Feelings, Safari, Sunset Dance, Western Farm and Wet Glass -- are "for people who want to build a highest quality web site in a blink of an eye." It is very easy to move, rotate, change in size and opacity or remove each element in each theme. You can also mix the elements among different themes. New navigation menu bars, logos and elements are some of the features in this new iWeb Themes release.
The Feelings them is romantic, while Sunset Dance is perfect for dance enthusiasts. The Safari theme is for wild animal lovers, while Western Farm can help to represent a local farm. The Wet Glass” theme has a magic water-on-the-glass effect.
The iWeb Themes Box of 65 themes is priced at US$44.99. Ten iWeb Themes in a Combo Package can be purchased only for $29.99. Each template is...
Testing for the panels for the 'iMac touch' underway?
Sintek Photronics has reportedly sent samples of projected capacitive touch panels to Apple to be incorporated in upcoming iMac, reports "DigiTimes" (http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20100930PD213.html), quoting "industry sources."
Since current capacity for 20-inch and above projected capacitive touch panels is limited and the technology involved quite complex, Sintek, which is equipped with 5.3G generation production lines, has a good chance of becoming a supplier of the new models, the article says. The next iMac is rumored to have a "good vertical and horizontal viewing angle, and its projected capacitive touch panel will adopt a one-glass solution, which integrates the touch sensor and cover glass, to reduce thickness and weight," says "DigiTimes."
In August it was revealed that Apple had filed a patent for "transitioning between modes of input" that hints at an "iMac touch."
Transitioning between a high-resolution input mode, such as a mouse-based interface, and a low-resolution...
Xerox announces new digital color printer
Xerox (http://www.xerox.com) has announced a entry-level light production printer, the Color 550/560, which sports a color touch screen. It's designed for quick print shops, small commercial printers, in-plant operations, advertising agencies, creative shops and office settings.
Applications ranging from marketing materials and photo specialty items to office documents and PowerPoint presentations can be produced on the Xerox Color 550 at 50 color pages per minute (ppm) or 55 ppm in black and white; and on the Xerox Color 560 at 60 color ppm or 65 ppm in black and white. The Xerox Color 550/560 Printer is immediately for order taking worldwide with a U.S. list price under $40,000.
Metakine announces Hands Off! 1.0 for Mac OS X
Metakine says Hands Off! 1.0 for Mac OS X (http://www.metakine.com/products/handsoff/) will be released on Monday, Oct. 4. It's an US$24.95 is an application to monitor and control the access of applications to your network and disks.
Being able to monitor the normally unnoticeable activities enables you to make informed decisions regarding the transfer of your private information, hence avoiding confidential information leakage, according to the folks at Metakine. When connected to the Internet, applications can send any information stored on your computer to whoever they want without you ever knowing. Using Hands Off!, you can monitor and control Internet connections from all applications as to expose hidden connections and prevent them from sending data or phoning home without your consent.
Applications present on your computer can freely read, store or erase information on your computer without your knowledge. Using Hands Off!, you can monitor and control disk access from all...
Conquest: Divide and Conquer game to launch Oct. 2
Proxy Studios, a small independent games developer, says their debut title, Conquest: Divide and Conquer (http://www.conquest-game.com), will be released on Saturday, Oct. 2, for Mac OS X, Windows and Linux systems. It costs US$15, though you can pre-order it today for an additional 33% discount.
Here's how the game is described: "Conquest: Divide and Conquer is a unique spin on the turn-based strategy genre, offering fast, simultaneous turn-based online multiplayer gameplay instead of multiple-hour long games of research and building.
"Proxy Studios has built the game from ground up to be intuitive, balanced and deep, with a strong random map generator that offers unlimited experiences. A new trailer showcasing recent gameplay is now available. Players are invited to try the free multiplayer demo to launch along with the game's release. Both paying and demo customers will be able to play against each other with certain restrictions. For more information visit Proxy Studios online."
Logos Bible Software launches Logos 4 for Mac OS X
Logos Bible Software has released Logos Bible Software for Mac 4.0, an update to their Logos Bible software.
According to Bob Pritchett, president of Logos Bible Software, some of the features in Logos 4 include:
° An advanced search system that can return library-wide searches in less than one second;
° Smart searching that suggests synonyms and alternate terms;
° Synchronization "to the cloud" for backup and to keep preferences, notes, reading plans, and your library in sync across all your computers, including Macs, PCs and iPhones;
° A smart tab and window management system for workspace customization and multi-monitor support;
° The Cited By tool, which returns the books from your library that cite the material in your active window;
° 60 new high-resolution maps of the biblical world;
° A custom-built index of all the places mentioned in the Bible;
° A one-of-a-kind family tree diagram for every person mentioned in the Bible;
° A database of every thing in the Bible (like...
Info needed on copywriting software for the Mac
Our next Migration Kit will look at copywriting software for the Mac. If you use or know of such goodies, drop me a line (dsellers@applecentral.com) no later than Wednesday, Oct. 6.
Migration Kits appear on Friday and round-up Mac solutions for specific industries and areas as dentistry, engineering, sales, etc. Also, if you have a particular migration topic you'd like us to cover, drop me a line, as well.
Password Repository update for Mac OS X improves internal engine
Tension Software has updated Password Repository (http://www.pomola.com/products_passwordrepository/passwordrepository.html), a Mac OS X password storage utility, to version 2.12.1 The upgrade improves the internal engine and improves preferences handling.
Password Repository lets you save all your passwords in documents protecting them on disk using a single password. Data is encrypted using strong and bullet proof algorithms, and the password protecting a document is not saved in any place. Password Repository costs US$30, though version 2.12.1 is a free update for registered users of version 2.0.
The software is Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. It requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher.
New Sampling in Reason 5 tutorials released by macProVideo.com
macProVideo.com has released a new feature-length tutorial on the new sampling features of Propellerhead Reason 5.
In this new title, called "Reason 5 202: Live Sampling in Reason," Reason trainer and technical author Mo Volans takes you deep into Reason's rack to show you how to create samples "that are guaranteed to enhance your sonic universe and give new life to your tracks." macProVideo.com tutorials are available for HD download (US$29.50 to $29.50 per title) or for online streaming to your computer, iPhone, and iPad using the company's N.E.D. (Nonlinear Educating Device) tutorial players.
Mac OS X version of DualEyes in the works
Singular Software (http://www.singularsoftware.com), developer of automation applications for digital media markets, says a Mac OS X version of DualEyes, currently a Windows-only audio synchronization application for video production, is in the works.
Designed to work alongside almost all video editing applications, including Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, and Sony Vegas Pro, DualEyes employs the same automatic synchronization technology as PluralEyes -- which is currently offered in a Mac version -- to streamline the otherwise tedious and time-consuming process of syncing dual-system recordings with the corresponding video, says Bruce Sharpe, CEO, Singular Software.
Unlike PluralEyes, DualEyes works as a standalone application, with an emphasis on the dual-audio workflow. It can be used with software ranging from entry-level consumer editors to comprehensive professional production suites, Sharpe says. Users need simply capture audio on a separate high-quality recorder and...
Facebook CTO says his company, Apple will work together on Ping
Facebook Chief Technical Officer Bret Taylor says he is "very confident" Facebook and Apple will figure out a way to work together on Ping, Apple's music social network, reports "Silicon Alley Insider" (http://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-cto-very-confident-facebook-and-...).
Ping was supposed to launch with Facebook integration, but Facebook pulled its support at the last minute -- "probably because secretive Apple sprung Ping on Facebook at the last minute," the article adds.
“One-third of the people who have downloaded iTunes 10 have joined Ping,” says Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of Internet Services. “As many more people download iTunes 10 in the coming weeks, we expect the Ping community to continue growing.”
Ping lets you follow your favorite artists such as Lady Gaga, Coldplay, U2, Jack Johnson, Yo-Yo Ma and more, to see what they’re up to, check out photos and videos they’ve posted, see their tour dates and read comments about other artists and albums they’re...
Apple’s AirPlay could revolutionize consumer audio
Nearly lost amid Apple Inc.’s recent product and software rollouts was one of the most significant announcements of all: the arrival of the company’s Airplay audio streaming system, a technology with the potential to become a Top 10 consumer electronics product, according to the market research firm iSuppli Corp. (http://www.isuppli.com).
At its Special Event on Sept. 1, Apple CEO Steve Jobs showed AirPlay, a system that streams audio, either wirelessly or over Ethernet, to third-party speaker docks, A/V receivers, speakers and more. Far from just being a way to transmit video from the iPad to the AppleTV, as Jobs demonstrated, AirPlay spans the entire audio industry, says iSuppli.
To implement AirPlay, Apple has entered into a partnership with BridgeCo Inc., a U.S. provider of connectivity technologies and solutions. The BridgeCo platform is supported by a growing ecosystem of design partners and Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs), allowing for a rapid incorporation of AirPlay into...
ChangeWave: Android OS makes another leap
For more than a year, ChangeWave (http://www.changewave.com) consumer smart phone surveys have been chronicling the upward movement of the Google Android operating system and its impact on the smart phone market. Going forward, the research group's latest consumer survey shows another surge in Android momentum among planned buyers.
ChangeWave's survey of 4,000 respondents, completed Sept. 23, takes a close-up look at the transformation occurring in mobile OS and smart phone preferences. Back in June, the launch of the iPhone 4 temporarily slowed the rise of the Google Android operating system. But the research group's latest survey shows the Android OS is once again making major advances in the smart phone market.
Among consumers planning to buy a smart phone in the next 90 days, 37% say they prefer to have the Android OS on their new phone. That's a seven-point jump since ChangeWave's previous survey and a new all-time high for the Google operating system.
iPad leads the tablet charge as mini-notebook shipments plummet
In the second quarter of 2010, shipments of mini-note/tablet computers were down 4% quarter-to-quarter (Q/Q), but up 29% year-over-year (Y/Y). However, without the 3.3 million iPads shipped in the quarter, shipments of mini-note/tablet PCs would have been down 14% Q/Q and 13% Y/Y.
Clearly, there was an “iPad Effect” in the portable computer market, according to a new DisplaySearch report (http://www.displaysearch.com), which also tracks tablet computers five inches and larger. The effect might have been even more pronounced, but Apple struggled to fill demand, with shipment times listed as 7-10 business days for all of the second quarter of 2010 (Q2’10), and shipments into Japan and China were just beginning at the end of the period, says the research group.
Overall, the portable market posted strong Y/Y unit growth in Q2’10, surging 32% to 50.4M units. However, not all market segments were equal, and it's apparent that the combination of iPads and falling ASPs took share from other...
Dot Hill rolls out 10Gb iSCSI storage systems for SMB Market
Dot Hill Systems Corp. has introduced the Dot Hill AssuredSAN 3400 Series (http://www.dothill.com/products/san-array/), delivering 10Gb/second iSCSI storage capabilities to address expanding bandwidth demands of small to medium sized businesses.
In addition to the AssuredSAN line for channel partners, OEM versions of the 3400 Series are also available. Dot Hill 3420 arrays with 2.5-inch drives and 3430 storage systems with 3.5-inch drives feature four 10Gb iSCSI ports.
Dot Hill’s 3000 Series, introduced throughout 2010, now provides a complete line of high-speed host connection interfaces including 8Gb Fibre Channel, Hybrid Fibre Channel with iSCSI, 6Gb SAS and now 10Gb iSCSI. All members of the extended Dot Hill 3000 line support AssuredSnap and AssuredCopy data protection software, and mixed-drive configurations including SAS, SATA and SSD. The 3000 Series features a number of eco-friendly enhancements such as drive-spin-down capability and Dot Hill's patented EcoStor battery-...
Panorama database program for Mac, Windows revved to version 6.0
ProVUE Development has released Panorama 6.0 (http://www.provue.com/panorama), an upgrade to the RAM-based database program for Mac and Windows platforms. New features include:
° A 5x speed boost on Intel-based Macs;
° Live Preview -- complex search and data manipulation operations are instantly previewed as the user types and clicks;
° A new Total Recall feature protects data from power failures and crashes;
° A new Time Lapse feature allowsa database to be “rolled back” to its previous state (to recover accidentally deleted record, for example);
° The ability to drag to re-arrange the order of database fields;
° The ability to temporarily hide database fields;
° The ability to right click on any data cell or column header for context sensitive pop-up menu for selecting, sorting, and other common operations, including a “show me more like this” search option;
° A new search dialog with dozens of new options, live preview, and the ability to save favorite searches;
° Simplified data...
MetaView for Mac OS X adds 3D metaplots feature
Lyle Andrews has released MetaView2.0 (http://www.metaview.tv/), an update of the Mac OS X application that lets you view stock market data in 3D. New features include 3D metaplots of volume data, a news "Dragnet" feature that searches the Internet for stories related to a particular stock, and 3D plotting of headlines and historic events.
MetaView 2.0 also boasts faster openGL graphics and a new streamlined client/server architecture. MetaView costs US$49.95, but also requires a subscription to a special MetaView data feed for $15 per month.
Analyst keen on iPhone, iPad, iPod shipment levels
In a note to clients -- as reported by "Barron's (http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2010/09/30/apple-stifel-repeats...), Stifel Nicolas analyst Doug Reid today repeats his Buy rating on Apple, boosting his price target on the stock to $360, from $350. He gave three reasons for the higher estimates and target:
° Checks find iPad and iPod shipments are tracking ahead of prior estimates.
° "Increased confidence” in the longer term growth outlook for the iPad following recent competitive product announcements that “appear less menacing for Apple’s competitive position than we previously feared.”
° Higher shipment assumptions for iPhone based on strong data from China and favorable channel checks in the U.S. and Europe.
MacFlux web site creation tool revved to version 3
Macware has released MacFlux 3 (http://www.macwareinc.com/products/MacFlux/overview.html), an update of the web site creation tool for Mac OS X. It's an Universal Binary product so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs.
MacFlux provides the tools to create and publish your own web site the same day you start using it: pre-designed website templates, a drag-and-drop WYSIWYG interface, simple palettes for style changes, and an editing interface that shows the website the way it would be displayed on the Internet. Professional web designers can even drill down to the source code.
MacFlux is available in Apple retail stores, or online for an manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$99.99. It requires Mac OS X 10.5 or 10.6.
Rep blasts Apple for 'discriminatory practice' against...
A former National Assembly representative has launched a one-man campaign protesting Apple's "discriminatory practice" of denying Taiwanese buyers of iPhone 4 protective sleeves, reports "Asia NewsNet" (http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=14666&sec=2).
Kao Chia-yu launched the campaign because buyers of the iPhone 4 haven't received protective sleeves for the latest model of the smartphone as promised by CEO Steve Jobs. Jobs said earlier that those who purchased iPhone 4 by the end of September would get a free protective sleeve from the company to help with the antenna reception problem experienced when you hold the phone a certain way.
Taiwan's top three telecom carriers, namely Chunghua Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and FarEastone Telecom started to sell the iPhone 4 on Sept. 17. However, none have protective sleeves for the iPhone 4.
Ascender offers fonts from the Hallmark Design Collection
Ascender Corp., a provider of font products, has entered into an agreement with Hallmark Cards to distribute fonts from the Hallmark Design Collection, a set of script and lettering-style typefaces.
The Ascender type development team collaborated with Hallmark to produce the fonts in TrueType and OpenType formats, and is making the fonts available for licensing and instant download from Ascender’s font web sites. For more information or to view the fonts visit: http://www.ascenderfonts.com/foundry/hallmark/ .
WebsitePainter gets improved HTML code editor, more
Ambiera has announced WebsitePainter 1.2 (http://www.ambiera.com/websitepainter/index.html) for Mac OS X and Windows systems. It's an update of the web editor for creating web site without HTML knowledge and programming.
WebsitePainter includes a variety of templates and supports web standards such as HTML, CSS, PHP and ASP. Version 1.2 sports: an improved HTML code editor; a new browser window for selecting specific elements in a page; the ability to select files as hyperlink targets; improved scrolling and faster image rendering; and enhanced Unicode file support
On the Mac WebsitePainter requires Mac OS X 10.4.1 or later. It costs approximately US$54 for a single-user license and $135 for a company-wide license.
Dutch Skies 360 Volume 3 DVD released
Bob Groothuis (http://www.bobgroothuis.com/) has released a DVD called Dutch Skies 360 Volume 3, with royalty free HDRI images of Dutch Skies 360. The images, with the famous Dutch Light, can be used for visual effects, 3D, architecture, game development, etc.
The Dutch Light is famous all over the world. The great painters captured the Dutch light in their paintings. Today there is a online shop that will bring the future version of the Dutch Light in the form of Dutch Skies 360 to the customers.
Also with the launch of the Dutch Skies 360 Volume 3 DVD there is a free Dutch Skies 360: The annual Free Dutch Skies 360 2010 Edition. That free version is available for everyone and may be used for commercial work without charge.
The DVD contains 36 plus three bonus sIBL 2.0 sets. The DVD costs US$124.99. The licenses are royalty free. After online payment the DVD will be sent by postal service. After online payment the HDRI/sIBL about 18 images are immediately available for download....
Troi File Plug-in gets maintenance update
Troi Automatisering has released Troi File Plug-in 5.0.1 for FileMaker Pro an update of the tool for getting access to information outside the FileMaker Pro database. It's a maintenance update with some bug fixes and performance tweaks.
A fully functional demo version of Troi File Plug-in 5.0.1 is available for downloading at Troi's web site (http://www.troi.com/software/fileplugin.html). Troi File Plug-in 5.0works with FileMaker Pro 9.x, 10.x and 11.The plug-in can also be used with runtimes from FileMaker Pro Advanced 9 x and 10.sx. The plug-in is available for Mac OS X 10.5.7 or higher, Windows XP (Service Pack 2) and Windows Vista. QuickTime 7 or later is needed for some image related functions.
Licenses cost US$89 per user. Details on developer licenses and multi-user discounts can be found on the Troi web site.
Apple making inroads into enterprise area
Small businesses and large corporations alike are beginning to embrace Apple by supporting and purchasing iPhones, iPads and Macs for their employees and by creating applications for their customers' Apple devices, according to "CNN Money" (http://money.cnn.com/2010/09/29/technology/apple_enterprise/index.htm?so...).
In July Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook said that 50% of Fortune 100 companies are already deploying or thinking about using the iPad for corporate use and 80% were supporting the iPhone.
Adoption from the so-called enterprise market is far lower for Macs, but also growing, notes "CNN Money." Although 75% of businesses have a Mac on the premises, only 25% of companies have a "significant" number of Macs (30 or more), according to a survey conducted by tech sector analysis firm ITIC. Just 7% of companies have at least 250 Macs, though that's up significantly from only 2% in 2008. By 2013, ITIC forecasts that number will jump to 16%.
Google, Cisco, Oracle, Facebook,...
Two MacBook Pro models included in class-action lawsuit against...
A newly announced settlement in a class-action lawsuit against graphics maker Nvidia has entitled owners of a number of notebook computers, including two of Apple's MacBook Pro models, to repairs or monetary compensation, reports "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com)
Case No. 08-cv-04312-JW relates to Nvidia chips found in some Dell, HP and Apple notebooks sold between 2005 and 2010. For Mac owners, the suit relates to 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pro models sold between May 2007 and September 2008.
Owners of an affected Mac system could experience distorted or scrambled video on the screen, or the display may not work when the notebook is turned on, notes "AppleInsider." Some Dell and HP systems also reportedly have additional issues, such as random characters, lines or garbled images appearing on the screen.
Apple looking to spur HTLM5 web site development
An Apple job posting (http://jobs.apple.com/index.ajs?BID=1&method=mExternal.showJob&RID=63051...) shows that the company is looking to spur the development of HTLM5 web sites. Apple -- or at least CEO Steve Jobs -- prefers HTML5 over Flash.
Here's part of the job listing: "Apple’s Worldwide Marketing Communications group is seeking a manager to lead digital innovation with a newly-formed creative technology team. This individual will be responsible for driving web-standard (HTML5) innovation that enhances and redefines the marketing of Apple’s products and services to millions of consumers. Work will also include exploring opportunities with apple.com, email, and mobile/multi-touch experiences on iPhone and iPad. This role requires working closely with the design, IA, and development groups on the interactive team and will be an integral part of Marketing Communications’ creative efforts. The manager will also play a key role in connecting the interactive team with other...
My AppleTV arrived today
"Fortune" (http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2010/09/29/apple-tv-has-2-3-week-shipping-de...) is reporting that the Apple TV has a 2-3 week shipping. It's "not clear whether it's high demand or a production hiccup that's causing it," the article adds.
However, I beg to differ. My AppleTV arrived today. Look for a review in the very near future.
-- Dennis Sellers
Wireless USB 1.1 spec released
The Wireless USB Promoter Group today announced the completion of the Wireless USB 1.1 specification, the technical map for product developers to bring the next generation of Wireless USB products to the market.
Wireless USB 1.1 delivers performance enhancements to Wireless USB technology, as well as added UWB upper band support for frequencies of 6GHz and above, and offers backward compatibility with Wireless USB products currently in use by consumers. Wireless USB is evolving with optimized power efficiency and ease of use, says Jeff Ravencraft, USB-IF president and chairman.
Lower idle power requirements and improved battery life enhance Wireless USB power efficiency, and the new association model offers support for Near Field Communication (NFC) and proximity-based association, making Wireless USB even easier to install and use, he adds. To download the Wireless USB Revision 1.1 specification and adopter agreement, visit http://www.usb.org/developers/wusb/docs/ .
Pearson and Virginia launch iPad social studies curriculum
Pearson and the Commonwealth of Virginia has launched what they describe as the nation's first-ever complete social studies curriculum (http://www.pearsonschool.com/index.cfm?locator=PSZy64) for the iPad. Pearson has developed four new iPad Apps plus digital curriculum aligned to the Virginia editions of Pearson's U.S. History and World History programs for seventh and ninth graders. The new iPad program will be piloted in several schools for 12 weeks beginning November 1 as part of Virginia's Beyond Textbooks initiative.
"In exploring the instructional potential of digital content, it makes sense to partner with Pearson, whose technologies and traditional textbooks are widely used in Virginia schools," Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia I. Wright says. "The experiences of students and teachers with the applications and digital history content created by Pearson will help shape decisions and practices as schools move thoughtfully and carefully beyond textbooks and deeper...
Time Warner boss warns against deals with Apple, Amazon
Time Warner boss Jeff Bewkes told British media execs at the Royal Television Conference in London that television is entering a second golden age of creativity and reward but warned against the danger of low-cost digital giveaways. Specifically, he cautioned against deals with the likes of Apple and Amazon "that undersold the value of blue-chip TV fare," reports "The Hollywood Reporter" (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i677c428c4dc1...).
"How can you justify renting your first-run TV shows individually for 99 cents an episode and thereby jeopardize the sale of the same shows as a series to branded networks that pay hundreds of millions of dollars and make those shows available to loyal viewers for free?" he said. "These new entrants must meet a few criteria: They must provide consumers with a superior TV experience, and they must either support or improve the overall economics that funds and creates the programming in the first place."
Ninety-nine cents is...
Today’s medical students are the most tech savvy yet
Technology is a way of life for today’s medical students with the majority choosing clinical references on their iPhone device over teachers and peers to answer questions. The fifth annual Future Physicians of America survey conducted by Epocrates (http://www.epocrates.com/company/?CID=PRFPA10) revealed that medical students not only believe in the value of electronic health records (EHRs), but expect availability when they practice medicine.
More than 700 medical students, a third of whom dreamed of becoming a doctor since childhood, shared their opinions about a range of topics impacting the medical profession. Among the survey findings: medical students prefer the latest smartphone devices. Apple mobile devices such as the iPhone and iPod touch have soared in popularity.
Seventy percent of students currently use one of the Apple devices. That's a 37% increase of 2009 respondents. Blackberry and Android devices have the second and third highest adoption, respectively.
The Future...
Study: 5.8 billion Internet users expected by 2016
A new study by Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/1e1e00/future_of_the_inte) says there will be 5.8 billion Internet users, amounting to four-fifth of the global population, by 2016.
The report finds that currently only one fifth of the global population uses the Internet. With a six-fold increase, the growth of
GoPro releases HD Hero 960 wearable camera
GoPro (http://www.GoPro.com), a wearable HD camera company, has released the HD HERO 960, an entry level, US $179 version of the HD Hero camera. It shares the same video and audio capture technology but with resolutions on the HD Hero 960 limited to 960p (1280 x 960) and 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per second, and WVGA (848 x 480) at 60 frames per second.
Also removed from the HD Hero 960 is the Hero Bus expansion port present on the 1080p HD Hero. The Bus allows for LCD, secondary battery and additional expansion BacPacs to be attached to the original 1080p HD HERO camera, but not the HD HERO 960.
Also featured in the HD Hero 960 is GoPro’s 5-megapixel timelapse photo mode. A new feature on the Hero 960 is “One Button Mode,” which locks the camera into video or photo mode and automatically starts recording once the camera is turned on.
China Unicom sells 100,000 iPhone 4s in four days
China Unicom sold 100,000 iPhone 4s in the first four days the Apple smartphone was on sale in China, reports the IDG News Service (http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9188599/China_Unicom_sells_100_00...).
Earlier in the week, the mobile carrier reported that 200,000 users had pre-ordered the product. China Unicom has already stopped online reservations for iPhone 4, and is instead asking users to come directly to retail stores to sign up for the device, says IDG.
The iPhone 4 was officially launched in China last Saturday. Apple has said more iPhone 4s will be made available in China soon and that customers should check back with their local store for updates. China Unicom expects the second shipment of the iPhone 4 to arrive in China Oct. 1, during the country's National Day Holiday, says IDG.
Apple planning second Barcelona store
A long-time rumor about a potential Apple store location in Barcelona, Spain, seems to have been confirmed by a newspaper story that points to 1 Passeig de Gràcia in city center.
"LaVanguardia.es" -- as noted by "ifoAppleStore" (http://www.ifoapplestore.com/db/2010/09/29/second-barcelona-store-locati...) reports that Apple will open a store along the street, famous for its unusual architecture by Antoni Gaudi and many international retailers. The seven-level building at #1 dates to the late 1800s and features retail-appropriate space on the ground floor, and apartments on the upper levels, the article adds.
Battlestations: Pacific steams towards the Mac
You can battle your way to victory on land, sea and air as Feral Interactive announces the release of Battlestations: Pacific for the Mac on Friday, Oct. 8. Developed by Square Enix London Studios, the game takes the action/strategy game play of Battlestations: Midway to the next level with two campaigns.
One campaign is based on the actual events of the War in the Pacific, and the other a ‘what-if?’ scenario based on the premise of Japanese victory. The historically accurate U.S. campaign invites players to relive some of the key naval battles of World War II, by leading the U.S. forces from the battle of Midway all the way to Okinawa. The Japanese campaign lets players take command of the Imperial forces and change the outcome of the war by defeating the US forces in the Pacific and expanding the Empire of the Sun all the way to Hawaii.
Both campaigns comprise 14 separate missions, with players in command and control of over 100 different types of planes, warships and submarines. ...
IMVU launches first-ever Mac version
IMVU (http://www.imvu.com/signup/index.php) -- an online community and social entertainment network where members use 3D avatars to meet new people, chat, create and play games -- has released their first Mac client. In addition, the company is also introducing its first iPhone App, IMVU 2Go, for iPhone and iPod touch devices. Both are free.
IMVU’s new Mac client delivers social entertainment experiences that have been available on the PC since the company first launched IMVU in 2004. Users new to the IMVU platform can create a free account and select an avatar of their choice. Members can then immediately begin exploring IMVU to meet new people, chat, create and play games with their friends. They can also check out IMVU’s virtual goods catalog of more than four million items in order to begin creating online personas as unique as they are, says IMVU CEO Cary Rosenzweig.
The company’s new IMVU 2Go App for the iPhone and iPod touch -- available at the Apple App Store -- gives IMVU...
iPhone to be offered in Finland without separate phone plan
You can now buy the iPhone in Finland can now do so without committing to a separate phone plan, reports "YLE" (http://www.yle.fi/uutiset/news/2010/09/iphone_now_available_without_phon...). Teleoperator Elisa will begin selling the Apple phones without a tie-in sale on Thursday.
Up until now, consumers have had to purchase a fixed airtime contract together with the handset from telecommunications operator TeliaSonera. Elisa is making the phone available to all customers regardless of their operator, says "YLE."
Tidy Up for Mac OS X tidied up to version 2.2.6
Hyberbolic Software (http://www.hyperbolicsoftware.com/) has released Tidy Up! 2.2.6, the latest version of their disk, file and folder processing utility for Mac OS X.
Tidy Up! can find duplicate files and packages using any criteria. Version 2.2.6 adds automatic installation of the new version when available and fixes some bugs.
Tidy Up 2.2.6 requires Mac OS X 10.5 ("Leopard") or higher. Upgrades from version 1.x are $20, and upgrades from version 2.x are free. For new users the cost is US$30 for a limited time.
Invoices 2.7 for Mac OS X adds two new custom fields
Tension Software has updated Invoices (http://www.pomola.com/products_invoices/invoices.html), a native Cocoa application to create and manage invoices in Mac OS X, to version 2.7. The upgrade adds two new custom fields usable for Order Number and Shipment Track or other references uses. there's also an internal change on how the invoice form view is managed.
Invoices (US$40) allows you to create a new invoices with all data without using the keyboard, only with the mouse and all from a single panel view. You can make two different type of invoices, Plain and Table, where description of sold goods and services can be managed in a different way.
Invoices automatically calculates totals and taxes, in accordance with the set-up the user specified using his own country's rules. Invoices requires Mac OS X 10.4. It's Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs.
MacX iPod DVD Video Converter Pack sports iPod touch 4 support
MacXDVD Software has announced the MacX iPod Video Converter Pack (http://www.macxdvd.com/mac-ipod-dvd-video-converter-pack/), which offers support for the fourth gen iPod touch 4 and iOS 4.0/4.1. Iy'd designed with the purpose of ripping DVD movies to iPod touch 640x480 MP4 videos, and converting among all popular SD and HD video formats on Mac OS.
MacX iPod DVD Video Converter Pack comes with several presets. It enables you to convert almost any video and audio formas of your choice from Blu-ray videos, HD camcorder videos and all mainstream videos, including MKV, M2TS, AVCHD, MOD, TOD, AVI, MPEG, WMV, WebM, Google TV, VOB, ASF, etc to MP4, H.264, MPEG-4, MOV and more.
MacX iPod DVD Video Converter Pack is priced at US$29.95. A demo is available for download.
EarthDesk for Mac OS X rotates to version 5.5
Xeric Design has released version 5.4 of EarthDesk (http://www.xericdesign.com/earthdesk.php), the real-time dynamic desktop map for Mac OS X. The new version adds a new "Fit To Screen" projection and now fully supports dual GPUs on newer i5 and i7 Macs.
EarthDesk replaces your static desktop with a photo-realistic image of the Earth showing current sun, moon and city illumination as well as real-time global cloud coverage (hurricanes, storms, and worldwide weather systems) on your desktop. It operates silently in the background, keeping your desktop updated while you work. Unlike a screen saver, which only appears when your system is idle, EarthDesk's dynamic desktop is continuously displayed as your desktop background (and optionally as a screen saver).
EarthDesk requires Mac OS X 10.5 or newer. Single user copies may be purchased online for US$24.95. Upgrades are available for $12.95 for licensed users of version 4 and $17.95 for licensed users of versions 1, 2 and 3. Version 5.5...
PDF Studio beefs up handling of multiple documents
Qoppa Software, which specializes in PDF tools, has updated PDF Studio (http://www.qoppa.com/psindex.html), a PDF editor, to version 6.5.The update improves the way users work with multiple documents.
Qoppa adds to PDF Studio's batch document handling capabilities with a new function to Set Initial View. Users may also now transfer data across documents with drag and drop of entire pages or Copy and Paste of images and text.
PDF Studio is entirely based on Qoppa Software's proprietary PDF technology. The software has features such as the ability to edit PDF files, fill forms, review and comment, create digital signatures, assemble documents.
PDF Studio is cross platform software that runs on Windows, Mac OSX and Linux. It's available in two editions: PDF Studio Standard at US$60 and PDF Studio Pro at $95.
DMG Master for Mac OS X updated to version 2.3.2
Tension Software (http://www.pomola.com) has updated DMG Master software to version 2.3.2. It's an app for creating standard Disk Image Archive "Add files" dialog panel and sports an improved "Remove file" handling and interface.
Version 2.3.3 sports a new layout for the Image menu. Also, new commands are available.
DMG Master costs US$20, though version 2.3.2 is a free update for registered users of version 2.0. It's Universal Binary, so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. DMG Master requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later.
LinkOptimizer update addresses Photoshop CS5 issues
Zevrix Solutions (http://www.zevrix.com) has released LinkOptimizer 4.4.7, an update of its workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign. The new version addresses some Photoshop CS5 operations and introduces interface improvements.
LinkOptimizer lets you reduce InDesign job size and speed up processing by eliminating excess image data and performing essential image adjustments.
LinkOptimizer Light 4.4.7 can be purchased from the Zevrix Solutions web site for US$259.95 , as well as from authorized resellers. LinkOptimizer works with Mac OS X 10.4.2-10.5 and InDesign CS-CS4.
Version 4.4.7 is free for LinkOptimizer 4.x users and a $98.98 to upgrade from previous versions. A demo is available for download. For new users the costs is $259.95.
CodeRage Software releases Zooom/2 V2.4.4 for Mac OS X
CodeRage Software has released Zooom/2 version 2.4.4 for Mac OS X (http://coderage-software.com). It's an US$19.95 Mac desktop application that "redefines how you can resize, move and align your application windows."
You can snap windows up against each other using Zooom/2's built-in "magnetics" function. Zoom/2 also sports an "autoraise" ability, which makes the window under the mouse automatically visible without you having to click on it. Version 2.4.4 provides much integration with the Office 2008 suite, as well as iTunes 10.
For $19.95 you can use Zooom/2 on up to three computers. A demo is available for download.
Survey: Americans oppose mandatory FM tuners in cell phones
Seventy percent of cell phone and smartphone owners aren't interested in receiving FM radio broadcasts on their phone, according to a new survey from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).
The study, "FM Tuners for Cell Phones -- Measuring Consumer Interest," found most consumers aren't interested in having FM tuners in their mobile devices, and an even broader majority (80 %) doesn'tt support a government mandate that would force manufacturers to include an FM tuner in mobile phones.
Published accounts indicate that broadcasters, in conjunction with record labels, have proposed to Congress a compromise performance royalty plan that would include a mandate that all mobile phones sold in the United States include a radio tuner.
“With broadcasters asking Congress to force consumers to buy mobile phones with FM radios built in, we thought it was time to ask consumers what they want. This study proves there is little consumer demand for radio-capable cell phones and consumers don’t...
SmartSound releases two new video tutorials
SmartSound has released two new video tutorials that show a music soundtrack workflow for Adobe Premiere Pro CS5 using SmartSound Sonicfire Pro 5.
The tutorials were created by Adobe Certified Expert, Jeff Foster. Foster has been a long-time SmartSound customer and uses the music in his professional work.
"Watch How to Make Perfect Soundtracks in Adobe Premiere Pro CS5" lets you watch over his shoulder as he creates a highly customized music soundtrack for his Premiere Pro CS5 project using SmartSound Sonicfire Pro 5 with the Smartsound fully-customizable royalty free music library. You can find the tutorial at http://www.youtube.com/smartSoundMusic#p/a/u/0/hfK3VWdRT_M .
"SmartSound and Premiere Pro CS5 Perfect Roundtrip Workflow" shows Foster demoing the best music soundtrack workflow for Premiere Pro CS5. You can view it at http://www.youtube.com/smartSoundMusic#p/a/u/1/0PJlvqaTpxU .
Hulu Plus headed to Roku, TiVO
Hulu Plus, the premium subscription service from Hulu, is coming to several devices this fall, including Roku and TiVo Premiere set-top boxes. Alas, the revamped Apple TV doesn't seem to be among them.
In addition to Roku and TiVo, Hulu Plus will also be appearing on the Xbox 360 early next year and support is expected to be added to the next Xbox Live beta, reports "Mashable" (http://mashable.com/2010/09/28/hulu-plus-roku-tivo/?utm_source=feedburne...). Additionally, TVs and Blu-ray players from Sony and Vizio are also getting in on act the article adds.
Hulu Plus (http://www.hulu.com/plus) is an US$9.99 monthly subscription service that will offer current and past seasons from many ABC, Fox and NBC shows -- and in HD at that. It's currently in an invitation-only testing period. No date hasn't been given as to when the "final" version will be ready to go.
PluralEyes 1.2 for Final Cut Pro available
Singular Software, developer of automation applications for post-production, has released version 1.2 (http://www.singularsoftware.com/downloads.html) of its flagship product PluralEyes for Final Cut Pro.
The new version will include improved workflow for dual-system audio, clock drift correction, increased synchronization control, broader coverage of media types and customer-requested enhancements. It does not overwrite the previously installed PluralEyes 1.1, and can run alongside that version. Just remember that beta software is unfinished software, so use with care.
Designed for time-conscious video professionals, PluralEyes offers workflow automation tools for analyzing media content and synchronizing audio and video clips, including DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera images. The new PluralEyes plug-in for Vegas Pro provides an array of features for managing multi-camera, multi-take, and dual-system audio productions; including a level audio option, preserving the order...
Apple sues Nokia in Britain
Another day, another lawsuit. Apple has sued Nokia in Britain, reiterating the claims it has already made in a lawsuit in the US, reports "Reuters" (http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE68R45G20100928).
The whole legal brouhaha has a convoluted background. In May Nokia announced the filing of another lawsuit against Apple, in Federal District Court in Wisconsin, regarding five of Nokia’s patents. Nokia says those patents are infringed by the iPhone and iPad 3G and involve technology that improves speech and data transmission with new antenna configurations and positioning of data in applications.
“Nokia has been the leading developer of many key technologies in mobile devices” Nokia’s Patent Licensing General Manager Paul Melin said in a statement at the time. "We have taken this step to protect the results of our pioneering development and to put an end to continued unlawful use of Nokia’s innovation.”
But May's shot was just another volley in the legal battle between Apple and...
Brother introduces new laser printers
Brother (http://www.brother.com) has introduced several new laser printers. Among them is the newest family of color laser all-in-ones.
The new series also offer productivity enhancing features to help reduce operating costs. Two key functions: duplex printing in all models and the availability of high-volume replacement toner cartridges. The flagship of the product line, the US$699 MFC-9970CDW (available in January 2011) offers a number of step features over the other models in the series and (in a first for a Brother laser) will include a five-inch color touch screen display that permits easy navigation and menu selection for accessing its advanced capabilities. In addition, it features a monthly duty cycle of 60,000 pages. The MFC-9560CDW is $649, and the MFC-9460CDN is $599.
Brother's latest family of monochrome laser printers is the HL-2200 Series with prices from $119-$149. Focusing on Small Office and Home Office users, these new models will be available beginning in early...
Kingston announces CompactFlash Ultimate 600x card
Kingston Digital (http://www.kingston.com) has released its CompactFlash (CF) Ultimate 600x memory card. The CompactFlash Ultimate 600x supports UDMA mode 6 and offers read and write speeds of up to 90MB/second, making it Kingston's fastest card to support high-end digital cameras and other devices.
The CF Ultimate 600x is available in 16GB and 32GB capacities to support the large file sizes created when shooting in RAW mode or HD video. If paired with UDMA mode 6 enabled cameras and readers, the 600x speed allows for data to write to and read from the card at a faster rate than previous generations of cards. For added peace of mind, the CF Ultimate 600x includes free downloadable data recovery software from MediaRECOVER.
Kingston's CompactFlash Ultimate 600x cards are backed by a lifetime warranty and 24/7 live technical support. The cost for the 16GB and 32GB versions are US$154 and $270, respectively.
