BatchOutput gets maintenance update
Zevrix Solutions (http://www.zevrix.com) has released BatchOutput 3.8.1, an update to its professional solution to automate printing and exporting from Adobe InDesign. The new update addresses an issue related to EPS export presets management.
BatchOutput is designed to automate and simplify InDesign production workflows of service providers, printers, ad agencies and publishers. With BatchOutput, users only need to select the files to output and adjust the settings, and the rest will be done automatically.
BatchOutput 3.8.1 can be purchased for US$129.95. A demo is available for download. Upgrades to BatchOutput 3.8.1 free for licensed users of version 3.x, and $47.98 for the users of earlier versions. Every order includes a free license of File Courier (a $19.95 value). BatchOutput is available for Mac OS X 10.4.2 and higher, a Universal Binary, and works with Adobe InDesign CS-CS5.
Apple posts WWDC session videos
Apple has posted the session videos for its 2010 Worldwide Developer Conference online: http://developer.apple.com/videos/wwdc/2010/ . They're available in either HD or standard definition.
You can watch over 100 in-depth technical sessions from WWDC 2010. All presentation slides are in PDF; also offered is session related sample code. And it's all free to registered Apple developers.
BAM Investor predicts major plunge in Apple stock
Take this info with a very big grain of salt. Following the successful launch of the iPad, with sales that continue to beat many analyst predictions, Apple's stock prices soared to record highs this month and its market cap surpassed Microsoft's for the first time.
However, BAM Investor (http://www.baminvestor.com), a hedge fund financial model based on behavioral analysis, has announced publicly on Twitter that it predicts the share price of Apple to fall to US$42 as soon as fall 2010 or as late as fall 2011
"As far as timing, our behavioral analysis model indicates AAPL could reach the 45 dollar level as early as the summer/fall of 2010 or as late as the fall of 2011," says says BAM Investor founder and CEO, J.G. Savoldi. "I understand that this forecast will shock most investors -- and for good reason. The cardinal rule of forecasting is to only predict price or time, but never both. In our business this is considered 'forecasting suicide' but we have nothing to hide so we never...
Maintain releases Cocktail 4.7.5 (Snow Leopard Edition)
Maintain has released Cocktail 4.7.5 (Snow Leopard Edition), the latest maintenance update of Cocktail (http://www.maintain.se/c) for users running Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard"). This version adds Mac OS X 10.6.4 compatibility, support for latest versions of Safari, Chrome, Opera and OmniWeb web browsers as well as clearing of the latest variants of the HellRTS and OpinionSpy trojan horses.
This version also contains improvements on the clear Internet caches procedure and updated Automator actions.
Cocktail 4.7.5 (Snow Leopard Edition) requires Mac OS X/Mac OS X Server 10.6 or later and is tested for compatibility with Mac OS X/Mac OS X Server 10.6.3. Cocktail (Leopard Edition) for Mac OS X 10.5 and Cocktail (Tiger Edition) for Mac OS X 10.4 are available for download from the Maintain web site.
Cocktail is a general purpose utility for Mac OS X that offers a variety of practical features designed to simplify the use of advanced UNIX function. A single user license costs US$14.95.
NewerTech announces NuRAM memory upgrades for new Mac mini
Newer Technology (NewerTech) has announced NuRAM Memory Upgrades up to 8GB for the new Mac mini "Unibody" models introduced Tuesday by Appl.
The NewerTech NuRAM Memory Upgrades Kits for the new Mid 2010 mini, as well as kits for iMac, MacBook, MacBook Pro, Mac mini (2009), and PC compatible computers that utilize PC8500 DDR3 1066MHz CL7 204 pin SO-DIMM memory modules, are available immediately from NewerTech's exclusive distributor, Other World Computing (OWC), as well as through the retail channel. For more info go to http://www.newertech.com/products/nuram.php .
The NuRAM 4GB DDR3 Memory Module (1 x 4GB memory module) costs US$134.99 and replaces one factory installed memory module for 5GB or 6GB total RAM. This upgrade isn't available as a factory option. The NuRAM 8GB DDR3 Memory Kit (2 x 4GB matched memory modules) is $249.99.
Apple places orders for CDMA iPhones?
Let the Verizon iPhone rumors start anew. A "DigiTimes" report (http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20100617PD215.html) quotes "sources from component makers" as saying that Pegatron Technology has received CDMA iPhone orders.
If it actually happened, this would be the first time Apple has produced a version of the iPhone for a CDMA wireless network, which is different from AT&T’s GSM technology.
Vodafone, co-owner of Verizon Wireless, already sells the iPhone in Europe. Verizon is on CDMA.
"DigiTimes" says that Pegatron will also start shipping a CDMA version of the iPhone 4 to Apple in the fourth quarter and is currently using its plants in Shanghai, China to produce the products, The company is also purportedly working on gaining orders for MacBooks and iPads from Apple.
-- Dennis Sellers
Apple shares hit all-time high
Apple shares hit an all-time high on Thursday, a day after the retail and technology bellwether said it sold more than 600,000 iPhone 4s.
Shares hit US$272.90 before slipping to $270.96, up 1.4 percent for the day. And as noted by "Fortune" (http://macosg.me/2/ea), the analysts have been bumping up their share price targets. Here are the ones we've heard about; we'll add more as they come in:
Kaufman Bros.' Shaw Wu raised his estimate from $320 to $340. Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster: raised his to $348 from $340. And Caris and Co.'s Robert Cihra upped his from $310 to $325.
Analyst: upgrade rate to iPhone 4 just over 50%
Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty says in a note to clients that a survey by her firm suggests the upgrade rate from older iPhones to the newer iPhone will be more than 50%, but not much more. Even 50% is considerably higher than the 18% upgrade rate found in a November 2008 survey and 25% since the launch of the original iPhone in 2007, notes "Fortune" (http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2010/06/17/whats-driving-iphone-4-sales/).
A loyal and growing installed base is a good thing for Apple, Huberty says. She estimates that if 30% of current iPhone owners upgrade this year, Apple will sell 42 million units in 2010. If 50% upgrade, it will sell 48 million. In her model, the iPhone installed base rises from about 30 million at the end of 2009 to 100 million by the end of 2011.
Forrester: tablets to outsell netbooks by 2012
The executive team at Apple said it would happen, and it seems they're right: tablet devices like the iPad will outsell netbooks by 2012, according to the Forrester Research Group (http://www.forrester.com).
Fueled by a growing interest in tablet computers, nearly half a billion computers will be sold to consumers in the US between now and 2015, according to a new report by the research group. Over the next five years, computer unit sales across all form factors -- desktops, notebooks and laptops, tablets, and netbooks -- will increase by 52%.
Despite an ongoing industry debate about how to define tablets, Forrester believes they should be classified as a form of personal computer. Tablet sales in the US will go from a modest 3.5 million units in 2010 to 20.4 million units in 2015, a 42% compound annual growth rate. Starting in 2012, tablets will outsell netbooks, and by 2014, more consumers will use tablets than use netbooks. In 2015, tablets will constitute 23 percent of computer...
Clearwire adds 4G/3G modem for Macs
Clearwire Corp., a provider of wireless broadband services, has announced the upcoming availability of three new Mac compatible products that will extend the potential for super-fast speeds and unlimited 4G usage plans to the millions of mobile devices available today, according to Dow Draper, vice president of product development for Clearwire.
The latest suite of devices -- the CLEAR SpotTM 4G, CLEAR Spot 4G+, and the CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB, bring new 4G connectivity possibilities to a wide range of Wi-Fi-enabled laptops, netbooks, smartphones, and other connected devices -- without the worries or hassles of tiered or capped usage plans, he says.
The CLEAR Spot 4G offers the speed and flexibility of a personal Wi-Fi hotspot, simultaneously connecting multiple Wi-Fi devices at 4G speeds, while the CLEAR Spot 4G+ adds the option of allowing users to use nationwide 3G coverage when outside the 4G coverage area. In addition, the CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB modem is the first dual-mode mobile USB...
Mac DVD Ripper ready for the iPhone 4
Digiarty Software has updated its DVD Ripper for Mac (http://www.winxdvd.com/dvd-ripper-for-mac/) with support for the iPhone 4. It's a free update for registered users.
DVD Ripper for Mac works on both encrypted and non-commercial homemade DVDs and can convert to MP4, MOV, iTunes, iLife, AVI, FLV, MP3, etc. that playable on Mac, but also converting DVD content to the format playback on portable devices like the iPod, iPad, iPhone and the PSP.
This DVD Ripper also works as a solution for those who want to make backup DVD copies of their protected DVDs since it has the ability of making 1:1 DVD copy to hard drive by removing the copy-protection from encrypted discs. Also, its editing function lets you to trim any video segment you favor and adjust the video effects, like video resolution, frame rate, bitrate and audio channel depending on what you like.
DVD Ripper for Mac is on sale now for US$35.95. The regular price is $39.95.
SUGARfx releases MagiMoto animation plug-in
Noise Industries (http://www.noiseindustries.com) has announced that development partner SUGARfx has released a new FxFactory powered plug-in, MagiMoto. The US$49 plug-in boasts a variety of animation capabilities, which allow users to spin, scale, dissolve, throw and wiggle objects.
FxFactory powered plug-ins are designed by Noise Industries and their development partners to extend the visual effects capabilities of Adobe After Effects, Apple Final Cut Pro, Apple Motion and Apple Final Cut Express applications. No keyframes are necessary
MagiMoto offers customizable transitions for animation projects or slideshows. It has an option to save presets or share with other users and on-screen element synchronization feedback.
DEVONthink products beef up email features, more
DEVONtechnologies (http://www.devon-technologies.com) has updated its DEVONthink info manager line to version 2.0.3 in both the Professional and Professional Office editions. Users can finally drag multiple email messages from Apple Mail directly to their database.
This integrates DEVONthink with Apple's Mail application in Mac-like fashion. Users can now also "print" any document to PDF even from within DEVONthink Pro, e.g. to save web pages in a future-proof format. The previously, less prominently placed, folder action scripts can be installed with a single click through the Install Add-Ons dialog and be used instantly. Folder actions turn any folder in the file system into a "hot folder." Files dropped into a hot folder, or placed into them from another application, e.g. a networked scanner or FTP workflow, are automatically picked up by DEVONthink Pro and added to a database.
With folder actions our user can now even easier integrate DEVONthink into their workflows. A new...
MathMagic Personal Edition adds background color support, more
InfoLogic has updated MathMagic Personal Edition (ttp://www.mathmagic.com), the Mac OS X professional level editing suite for Mac OS X, to version 7.0. The upgrade adds background color support and more controls over equation shapes.
MathMagic Personal Edition was specifically developed as a standalone utility for use with any word processing, presentation, or graphic application, including iWork, AppleWorks, Microsoft Word, Keynote or PowerPoint. Equations created with Personal Edition can be used with various applications and documents by drag and drop, copy and paste, or export/import.
MathMagic reads various math expression formats, including MathML and LaTeX. Among many of MathMagic's features are its ability to read MS Equation editor and MathType equations directly, helping switchers to reuse most, if not all, of their legacy content. On top of all the features MathMagic Personal Edition offers, InfoLogic's MathMagic Pro Editions come with additional plug-ins for Adobe InDesign...
Cerebro integrated with Mikogo for Mac, Windows users
Cinesoft and BeamYourScreen have announced the integration of the Cerebro project management complex with Mikogo, across-platform remote desktop tool ideal for web conferencing and remote support.
The Mikogo software has been implemented within both the Cerebro Mac OS X and Windows distribution kits. Cinesoft and BeamYourScreen have created a new "Web conference" menu within the Cerebro interface that allows users to launch Mikogo.
All you need to do is register your Mikogo account and click on "Start Mikogo web conference."Registration is necessary only when you wish start a screen sharing session. Participants, on the other hand, are not required to register a Mikogo account and can rather sit back, relax, and enjoy the easy-to-use Cerebro Mikogo web conference. You can check out a free trial of Cerebro at http://cerebrohq.com/en/pricing/#openform .
DMG Master for Mac OS X updated to version 2.2.2
Tension Software (http://pomola.com) has updated DMG Master software to create standard Disk Image Archive recognized by any Mac, to version 2.2.2. The upgrade fixes a bug related to adding files to the archive.
DMG Master costs US$20, though version 2.2.2 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.
Apple releases iTunes 9.2
Apple has released iTunes 9.2, which includes support for iPhone 4, iOS 4, iBooks 1.1, and more. According to Apple's release notes, it allows you to:
° Sync with iPhone 4 -- if you can get one, right? -- to enjoy your music, movies, TV shows, books and more on-the-go;
° Sync and read books with an iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 4 and iBooks 1.1;
° Organize and sync PDF documents as books. Read PDFs with iBooks 1.1 on iPad and any iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 4;
° Organize your apps on your iOS 4 home screens into folders using iTunes;
° Perform faster back-ups while syncing an iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 4;
There are also album artwork improvements make artwork appear more quickly when exploring your library. iTunes 9.2 also includes some security fixes for the Windows version.
You can obtain it -- on the Mac -- via the Software Update component of the Systems Preferences app.
Mac-friendly Projecturf 2.0 debuts
Projecturf (http://www.projecturf.com/), a provider of on-demand project and collaboration management software designed for small to medium-sized businesses, has released Projecturf 2.0, an update of its project collaboration tool that's Mac compatible. Pricing starts at US$34.95 per month for managing up to 10 projects.
Projecturf 2.0 maintains the web-based project management software’s signature navigational scheme and features, including unlimited file storage with no cap on users or project managers, sections specifically created for developers and designers, and almost no learning curve, according to the folks at Projecturf. Version 2.0 purportedly takes advantage of the recent advances in browser-side programming languages to deliver a fast product that eliminates clicks and provides immediate feedback.
A new ticketing/bug tracking system that contains ticketing numbers, open/closed ticket logs, timecard integration, and the ability to upload screenshots. There will also be a...
New iPhone 4 orders now pushed back to July 14
Apparently, Apple can't make those iPhone 4s fast enough. Earlier today it was announced that the next gen phones won't ship until July 2 for those who didn't order quickly enough (that would be by yesterday afternoon, apparently). Now those who were "late" ordering will have to wait until July 14.
Orders completed Tuesday -- when the iPhone 4 was first available for pre-order -- still have a shipping date of June 24. That’s 20 days after the launch. Apple sold 600,000 iPhones yesterday alone.
OWC announces memory upgrades for new Mac mini
Other World Computing has announced the OWC PC-8500 DDR3 1066MHz Memory Upgrade Kits up to 8GB for the new Mac mini ‘Unibody’ models introduced by Apple yesterday.
The US$149.99 OWC 4GB DDR3 Memory Module (1 x 4GB memory module) eplaces one factory installed memory module for 5GB or 6GB total RAM. This upgrade isn't available as a factory option.
The $295.99 OWC 8GB DDR3 Memory Kit (2 x 4GB matched memory modules). This offers up to 41% lower cost than factory installed 8GB upgrade, according to the folks at OWC.
For more info on OWC Memory Upgrades for all Mac mini models, visit: http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/mac-mini/ . Additional money savings are available with OWC’s memory trade-in rebate program, which offers cash back for Apple factory standard memory modules after a qualifying purchase.
Entertainment apps top downloads, but money's in...
News and entertainment smartphone apps are downloaded the most, but productivity smartphone applications generate the most revenues, reports In-Stat (http://www.in-stat.com). Productivity applications such as mapping, business and enterprise applications and phone tools and utilities generate 59% of all smartphone application revenue, according to the research group.
“The competitiveness of the smartphone app market will intensify over the next few years as developer ecosystems become more competitive with Apple’s app store,” says Frank Dickson, In-Stat analyst. “There are no less than eight notable smartphone OSs, and the number is more likely to grow rather than shrink. Google will exploit its Internet dominance, and Apple will leverage its development community and stable platform. Microsoft is placing its bet on Windows Mobile 7.”
Recent research by In-Stat found the following:
° Games and Music/Radio are the top two news and entertainment smartphone apps downloaded.
° Although...
iPhone not likely to be used by the military
As the US military continues its search for the best battlefield smart phone, it’s looking more unlikely that the iPhone will be a contender, reports "Defense Systems" (http://macosg.me/2/e6). Apple’s proprietary technology and the price tag attached to implementing it across the Defense Department are the two biggest hurdles.
Comparatively, a mobile device driven by an open operating system -- one that is malleable to DOD needs, perhaps the Android -- could be a better fit for rapid design and deployment, says "Defense Systems." Testing is already under way on a variety of devices. However a Boeing official pegged the cost of a single, proprietary iPhone app at US$200.
Plug-in Suite 5 adds support for Lightroom 3, Aperture 3
OnOne Software says that all of their commercially available Photoshop software plug-ins are compatible with the new Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 and Apple Aperture 3 software.
Designed to help photographers save time so that they can get back to shooting, onOne Software’s Photoshop plug-ins listed here are now accessible from directly within Lightroom 3 and Aperture 3, according to Craig Keudell, president of onOne Software: Plug-In Suite 5.1, Genuine Fractals 6 Professional Edition 6.0.6, Genuine Fractals 6.0.6, PhotoTools 2.5.3 Professional Edition, PhotoTools 2.5.3 Standard Edition, PhotoFrame 4.5.1 Professional Edition, PhotoFrame 4.5.1 Standard Edition, Mask Pro 4.1.8, PhotoTune 3.0.2 and FocalPoint 2.0.1
onOne Software’s compatibility updates for Photoshop CS5, Lightroom 3 and Aperture 3 are available now and are free of charge to registered owners of the current product titles listed above. These free software updates are available from within each application and as a...
Study: mobile downloads on the rise
According to new research by Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com), mobile applications (apps), both free and paid, have experienced exponential growth in recent years.
Pyramid Research is forecasting that this growth curve will continue through 2014, though the mobile apps market will evolve differently in different regions. A key driver of mobile app growth is the app store concept popularized by Apple and subsequently adopted by all the major mobile players, says Research and Markets. Key findings of their study include:
° The impact of application (app) stores on the mobile market should not be understated. We estimate that the total download volume (free and paid) will increase by a factor of seven between 2009 and 2014.
° Although paid apps have increased substantially in volume with the emergence of app stores, free apps have really boomed. In 2010 we project that 36% of paid apps will be downloaded through app stores and 86% of free downloads will take...
Apple, AT&T issue statements on iPhone 4 pre-orders
Apple and AT&T have issued statements on the constrained availability of iPhone 4s and on shipping delays.
Here's Apple's statement: "Yesterday Apple and its carrier partners took pre-orders for more than 600,000 of Apple's new iPhone 4. It was the largest number of pre-orders Apple has ever taken in a single day and was far higher than we anticipated, resulting in many order and approval system malfunctions. Many customers were turned away or abandoned the process in frustration. We apologize to everyone who encountered difficulties, and hope that they will try again or visit an Apple or carrier store once the iPhone 4 is in stock."
Here's AT&T's statement: "iPhone 4 pre-order sales yesterday were 10-times higher than the first day of pre-ordering for the iPhone 3G S last year. Consumers are clearly excited about iPhone 4, AT&T's more affordable data plans and our early upgrade pricing.
"Given this unprecedented demand and our current expectations for our iPhone 4...
Opera Software introduces beta of Opera 10.60 browser
Opera Software (http://www.opera.com/browser/next/) has released a new beta version of Opera 10.60, which is purportedly more than 50% faster than its predecessor on selected JavaScript tests.
In addition, it incorporates new web-standard features, such as Geolocation and WebM support for HTML5 video, as well as a polished and easy-to-use user interface. Opera 10.60 beta also sports HTML5 Appcache and Web Worker. Appcache lets you use different applications, such as word processor, image editor, spreadsheets and much more, in your web browser even when offline. Web developers can now also use HTML5 Web Workers for doing heavy calculations without making the browsing slower for the user.
Opera 10.60 beta makes search more efficient, introducing search suggestions for selected partners in the Speed Dial and search box, according to says Chief Development Officer Christen Krogh. You can test this in the beta with Wikipedia search.
Krogh says that the interface in now more intuitive, as...
rubitrack update for Mac OS X adds athlete log
Toolsfactory software has released rubiTrack 2.3 (http://www.rubitrack.com/), an update of the GPS enabled activity tracking software for the Mac OS X. The upgrade adds an athlete log.
It also adds: support for speed and distance charts without GPS data; import of point-to-point distance data; import of speed and temperature sensor data; a temperature chart for activities with temperature track data; import of original device data readings; a date activity group for "Last Week"; and weight as property for equipment items.
Utilizing the latest Mac user interface technologies, rubiTrack lets you display, analyze and organize your outdoor activities. rubiTrack is for runners, bikers, walkers, hikers, skiers and everyone else who logs GPS data. rubiTrack reads tracks from GPS enabled fitness devices like the Garmin Forerunner, Garmin Edge and compatible devices.
rubiTrack is compatible with Mac OS X 10.5 ("Leopard") or later. It costs US$39, though version 2.3 is a free update for...
NoteList for Mac OS X gets maintenance update
Tension Software has updated NoteList (http://pomola.com/products_notelist/notelist.html), a Mac OS X app that allows to store notes in a free form using text and images with full word processing capabilities, to version 2.8.1. The upgrade fixes some bugs and offers some stability improvements.
NoteList has a set of tools for formatting and working with text as in a word processor. You can drag and drop images directly inside the document and label categories to help organize all your notes, now with colors.
NoteList costs US$25. It requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later. It's Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. Version 2.8.1 is a free update for registered users of version 2.x.
Cheetah 3D 5.5 for Mac OS X adds particle system
Cheetah 3D (http://www.cheetah3d.com) -- software for modeling, animating and rendering 3D objects -- has been updated to version 5.5. The upgrade adds a particle system.
Now you can create not only fountains and waterfalls but also complex motion graphics and scene from nature, like swaying forests. Since the particle system supports instancing, it is now possible to render extremely complex scenes like jungles or hordes of aliens. Since the new particle system is also scriptable, you can even create your own custom particle systems via an easy-to-learn Javascript API.
Cheetah3D costs US$149 for a single user version; however, version 5.5 is a free update for all registered users of version 5.x and is a $69 for an upgrade from versions 1.x, 2.x, 3.x and 4.x.. It requires requires at least Mac OS X 10.4 and 16MB of VRAM. It's a Universal Binary product, which means it will run natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs.
TransGaming announces new Mac titles
TransGaming, has announced the redesign of its Mac digital distribution portal, GameTreeOnline.com, and the release of new Mac games. 
Announced at this week’s Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, also known as E3, GameTreeOnline.com features two new Disney Interactive titles, Toy Story 3 and Disney Princess: Enchanted Journey, both available immediately and only from GameTreeOnline.com as digital downloads. In addition, GameTreeOnline.com will release Her Interactive’s first award-winning Nancy Drew franchise title for Mac on June 29.
These new releases complement two new Massive Multiplayer Online (MMO) games from Riot Games and LEGO, League of Legends and LEGO Universe, respectively. The Mac enablement and deployment of high quality franchises, such as LEGO’s first ever MMO title, clearly define TransGaming’s leadership position and adds to the company’s growing collection of award-winning titles that have been enabled for the Mac community using TransGaming’s Cider...
Analyst ups Apple stock target price due to higher iPhone...
Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster has raised his target price on Apple stock from US$330 to $348 due to higher expectations for iPhone unit sales in the June quarter, as reported by "Barron's" (http://macosg.me/2/e1).
Munster has increased his forecast for iPhone sales in the quarter to 9.5 million, from 8.5 million, adding $610 million in revenue and 12 cents a share to his financial estimates. The analyst is forecasting $15.01 billion and $2.88 a share. He also lifted his unit forecast for the September quarter to 9.5 million units from 9 million.
iPhone 4 orders through the roof, supplies constrained
Despite all the technical and server snafus, AT&T has sold out of the company’s allotment of iPhone 4 pre-order units and isn't taking any more orders. And Apple has bumped its shipping date for the iPhone 4 from June 24 to July 2.
AT&T said in a statement that June 15 “was the busiest online sales day in AT&T history.” That's when pre-orders for the iPhone 4 began. It also says that "pre-orders for iPhone are temporarily suspended."
As for Apple's online store, those buying the new phone is now told Apple will start shipping their examples by July 2. Only the 8GB iPhone 3GS is still due to ship on June 24.
The iPhone 4 is priced at US$199 for the 16GB model, and $299 for the 32GB model, based on a two-year contract. It's initially available in the U.S., France, Germany, Japan, and the U.K.
Flock rolls out social web browser based on Chromium platform
Flock has announced a complete redesign of their pioneering product, making it the first and only social web browser built on the Chromium open source platform. Flock is intended for active social media users, and anyone who seeks to better manage the large volume of information and relationships they interact with online each day, according to Shawn Hardin, CEO of Flock.
The dramatically new Flock lets Internet users get more from their browser by allowing them to consume their social media and web content as it occurs, discover the best of the web through their friends, and better manage and nurture their valued relationships by staying connected with anyone at any time while they browse for work or fun, Hardin says. The company also announced that Google’s industry-leading web search is the new default in the Flock browser.
The new Flock browser for Microsoft Windows is accessible now and free to download and use at http://www.flock.com . A Mac version will be available later this...
New app, interface turns iOS devices into amp, pedal studio
Peavey Electronics and Agile Partners are joining forces to launch AmpKit, a guitar amp and effects iPhone application, and AmpKit LiNK, a high fidelity audio interface for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.
The AmpKit LiNK is a high fidelity iPhone, iPod touch and iPad interface for electric guitar, bass, or any line level source, with an output that can be connected to headphones, powered speakers or a PA. AmpKit LiNK's CrossTalk Eliminator is designed to solve the feedback problem inherent in existing unpowered iPhone interfaces. The interface can be used with any recording, processing, or tuning application, including Agile Partners' GuitarToolkit.
The AmpKit application is a real-time amp and pedal studio for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. It's available for free from the Apple App Store.
The AmpKit LiNK guitar interface will be available for pre-order from the Peavey online store as well as from dealers, distributors and retail stores for US$39.99. Details can be found at http...
SRS sues Apple others for patent infringement
Another day, another lawsuit. Software Restore Solutions (SRS) have filed a lawsuit (https://www.rfcexpress.com/lawsuit.asp?id=59668) in the Illinois Northern District Court claiming that Apple and 26 other companies have infringed on one of its patents. The lawsuit was filed on Friday, June 11.
Besides Apple, the other companies being sued are: Activision Blizzard, Adobe Systems, Autodesk, Capcom, Citrix, Corel Corp. and Corel, Inc., Dassault, Delcam, Square Enix, Electronic Arts, Frontrange Solutions, International Business Machines, Intuit, Konami, Maximizer Software, Nuance Communications, Parametric Technology, Sage Software, SEGA of America, Skype, SPSS, Teradata, THQ, and Legacy Interactive.
The patent in question (number 5,832,511) is for a "workgroup network manager for controlling the operation of workstations within the computer network." Per the patent -- filed in 1996 -- the workgroup organized network manager organizes workstations into workgroups and controls the...
Analyst: Apple needs an attitude adjustment
In a note to clients, Barclays Capital analyst Ben Reitzes says that Apple -- or at least its executive team -- needs an attitude adjustment, according to "Fortune" (http://macosg.me/2/dy)
"We are watching these developments carefully, and believe that Apple has to be more careful about how its comments and actions are portrayed --rightly or wrongly by regulators -- now that it is the largest tech company by market cap in the world," he writes. "Apple still seems to have an 'underdog' attitude and it was only a few years ago that investors were calling for it to adopt the strategies of tech laggards like Microsoft and Dell. While the underdog attitude keeps the company driving for growth and over-achieving -- we believe the world no longer thinks of the company as an underdog at all."
iPhone pre-ordering problems related to botched 'major...
Apple's iPhone 4 pre-ordering has been plagued by all kinds of snafus, but now an AT&T insider claims the problems may be related to "a major fraud update that went wrong" that's exposing AT&T users' private information.
So far there have been at least three accounted cases of mistaken identities sent by readers of "Gizmodo.com" (http://gizmodo.com/5564262/apple-iphone-4-order-security-breach-exposes-...). The site says it happens this way:
"A customer tries to log into their AT&T account to order a new iPhone 4 upgrade. Despite entering their username and password, the AT&T system would take them to another user account. This gives access to all kinds of private information about the mistaken customer: Addresses, phone calls, and bills, along with the rest of private information, becomes exposed to random strangers."
Apple releases Mac OS X 10.6.4
Apple has released Mac OS X 10.6.4. It's a 315.5MB download. You can obtain it via the Software Updates component of the Mac OS X System Preferences app.
According to Apple's release notes, Mac OS X 10.6.4 includes Safari 5 and general operating system fixes that enhance the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac, including fixes that:
° Resolve an issue that causes the keyboard or trackpad to become unresponsive;
° Resolve an issue that may prevent some Adobe Creative Suite 3 applications from opening;
° Address issues copying, renaming, or deleting files on SMB file servers;
° Improve reliability of VPN connections;
° Resolve a playback issue in DVD Player when using Good Quality deinterlacing;
° Resolve an issue editing photos with iPhoto or Aperture in full screen view;
° Improve compatibility with some braille displays.
Several airlines offers in-flight Wi-Fi, iPads
CheapOair (http://www.CheapOair.com/), an online travel agency, says several of their airline partners now offer in-flight Wi-Fi and the iPad.
CheapOair is partnered with the airlines listed in the in-flight Wi-Fi category: Gogo In-flight Internet from Aircell LLC, an airline wireless internet provider. Some airplanes within the following fleets offer wireless: US Airways, AirTran Airways, Virgin America, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines and United Airlines. Other airlines expected to provide Wi-Fi include Continental and Frontier.
Another one of CheapOair's partners, Qantas Airways, is offering passengers the iPad to use during their flights.
PopChar 5.0 for Mac OS X adds 'Favorites' group, more
Ergonis Software has released PopChar X 5.0 (http://www.ergonis.com), an update of the tool for finding and typing special characters. The upgrade lets users collect frequently used characters in a custom "Favorites" group and a new hotkey feature.
PopChar X 5.0 also contains lots of improvements "under the hood" that lead to much faster display and scrolling of the character table, faster and more reliable reaction after changes to the installed fonts, and improved dynamic updates of special cases for specific applications, according to the folks at Ergonis. There's also a simpler technique and an improved visual representation for the menu attached to the status item.
PopChar X costs US$46 for a single-user license; however, version 5.0 is a free update for for anyone who purchased PopChar in the last two years. For info about purchases, including enterprise licenses, volume discounts, and upgrade pricing offers, visit the Ergonis web site.
Instead of purchasing PopChar by itself (...
Art Files now supports Adobe CS5
Code Line (http://www.code-line.com) has updated Art Files, the file collection utility for Adobe Illustrator documents, to version 2.0. It adds Adobe Creative Suite CS5 compatibility.
It also sports new features such as Cover Flow, Quick Look and a new "Locate" interface to help users find missing linked images. Art Files is a stand-alone application that automates the task of collecting Illustrator documents, linked images and fonts for graphics files. It can collect several documents at once.
Art Files costs US$49.95, and requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher. Upgrades to version 2.0 form previous versions are $24.95.
A 15-day demo is available at the Code Line web site. Art Files is Universal Binary, so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs.
Invoices 2.6.3 for Mac OS X is a maintenance release
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 2.6.3. It's a maintenance release with some bug fixes and performance tweaks.
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.
ArtOptimizer for Illustrator adds CS5 support
Zevrix (http://www.zevrix.com) has updated ArtOptimizer, its workflow automation solution for Adobe Illustrator, to version 2.5. The new version adds support for Creative Suite 5.
ArtOptimizer eliminates the excess image data of document links and performs image adjustments, reducing the size of an Illustrator job. In order to eliminate excess image data, the app automatically scales the images in Photoshop to match their dimensions in Illustrator, changes resolution according to the target resolution specified, and reimports images to Illustrator at 100%.
In addition, ArtOptimizer can automatically convert image colors, apply sharpening filters, merge and delete layers, and run Photoshop Actions during processing. ArtOptimizer 2.5 can be purchased from the Zevrix Solutions web site for US$129.95, as well as from authorized resellers. A demo is also available for download.
ArtOptimizer is available for Mac OS X 10.4.2 and higher and Adobe Illustrator CS-CS4. It's Universal Binary so...
Playback Media Server gets redesigned media management system
Yazsoft has introduced Playback Media Server 1.6 (http://www.yazsoft.com/products/playback/information), an update of their zero configuration media server for Mac OS X 10.5 and higher. The upgrade sports a redesigned media management system.
Version 1.6 also improves Spotlight query performance. iTunes, iPhoto, and Aperture integration has been completely overhauled. The "playback_discovery" process has been eliminated. And version 1.6 adds support for Adobe Lightroom 3.
Playback can share media stored in folders or even make entire disks available to a Playstation 3 or Xbox 360. No configuration is required. By default, it will share almost any content on the users system. And Playback automatically integrates with iTunes, iPhoto, and Aperture. Users can share all content from these applications transparently or choose specific playlists and albums.
Those who like to tinker will appreciate Playback's built-in Access Control List (ACL) and bandwidth throttling. The ACL allows users...
Playrix launches Royal Envoy for Mac OS  
Playrix (http://www.playrix.com) has brought its Royal Envoy strategy game to the Mac. This Universal Binary game runs on Mac OS X 10.4 and later. A demo is available for download.
Royal Envoy has been released as an US$19.95 Collector's Edition featuring exclusive bonus content. Her's how the game is described: "Royal Envoy invites players to set off on an adventurous voyage across Islandshire as they take the King's challenge to save the land of countless islands from the merciless forces of nature. The player’s mission is to construct and upgrade homes and buildings for the island citizens and ultimately become the chief city planner of Islandshire."
The game has nine islands to rebuild, a variety of homes and buildings to construct, and over 90 levels with eight bonus quests. It's a 154MB download.
PHYX releases cure for blemished footage
Noise Industries has announced the release of development partner PHYX's latest plug-in, PHYX Cleaner, for the FxFactory platform. Designed to work inside After Effects, Final Cut Pro, Apple Motion and Apple Final Cut Express applications, the new PHYX Cleaner plug-in provides digital artists and editors with an advanced palette of tools for repairing and enhancing the visual quality of raw digital footage.
PHYX Cleaner's video enhancement regimen includes the ability to effectively rebuild pixelated chroma (color) channels, restore lost information in gradients while increasing e color depth, convert fields into progressive comb-free frames, buff-out skin blemishes, and remove high and low frequency jagged noise. 3D artists and filmmakers can also convert harsh 8-bit images to high-bit depth smoothness.
PHYX Cleaner is available for US$199 via the Noise Industries web site (http://www.noiseindustries.com). A trial version is also included with the standard FxFactory installer.
VPN Tracker now offers connection profiles for VPN gateways from...
Equinux (http://www.equinux.com) has released VPN Tracker 6.2.2, the newest version of its IPSec-based VPN client for Mac OS X. The upgrade offers new connection profiles for VPN gateways from ZyXel.
VPN Tracker simplifies the roll-out of VPN software through a licensing and deployment system, according to equinux CEO Till Schadde. The Mail based software distribution automatically creates a special disk images that includes the correct edition of VPN Tracker, a pre-configured Secure Desktop and VPN Connection as well as the software-license. The software distribution is based on a voucher-system that makes licensing VPN Tracker child's play.
VPN Tracker 6.x is available in three editions and runs on Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5 and 10.6. VPN Tracker Personal Edition is designed for single-users that would like to use the Internet to connect to a remote network. VPN Tracker Professional Edition is geared for administrators and consultants and offers the ability to access to multiple remote...
iScrapbook 3 for Mac OS X adds smart templates, Cover Flow...
Chronos has released iScrapbook 3.0, an update of its digital scrapbooking application for Mac OS X.
New features include: Smart Templates; Cover Flow previews; a font preview; a comments section; advanced image placeholders, text placeholders, support for 10,000-plus photos in iPhoto; faster page and album loading; and 16 free iScrapkits (an US$96 value).
iScrapbook is a scrapbooking kit and includes everything users needs to design and print scrapbooks. It comes with specialty photo corners, background papers, photo frames, pre-designed templates and 100+ Super-Masks for designer effects.
 
A fully functional 30 day trial version can be downloaded from Chronos' web site (http://www.chronosnet.com). iScrapbook costs US$49.99 for a single-user license. A family pack is also available for $89.99.
Registered iScrapbook 1.x and 2.x customers can upgrade to version 3 for $29.99. iScrapbook requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later.
Kanex iAdapt HDMI V2 supports audio through Mini DisplayPort
Kanex (http://www.kanexlive.com) has released the US$34.95 iAdapt HDMI V2, a a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter with audio, for new and revised Mini DisplayPort connectors on MacBook and MacBook Pro mid 2010 models as well as all 21.5-inch and 27-inch iMacs.
MacBooks and MacBook Pros released in mid 2010 as well as 21.5-inch and 27-inch iMac models are now equipped with a new and improved Mini DisplayPort that can support both audio and video output. The iAdapt HDMI V2 is a single cable solution designed to pass both audio and video through the Mini DisplayPort connector. You can connect the iAdapt HDMI V2 and view high definition playback in 1080p and uncompressed digital audio with HDTVs, projectors, or monitors.
The iAdapt HDMI V2 supports video passthrough for all Mac models with a Mini DisplayPort connector. Its design allows for a single cable solution for HDMI connectivity.
Quantcast: Google's Android gaining on the iPhone
When it comes to web consumption attributable to the manufacturers of mobile devices, Apple's iPhone OS (from now on to be known as iOS), but the biggest winner is clearly Google's Android, according to Quantcast (http://www.quantcast.com).
Android continues to capture more share, and if the recent launch of the HTC Incredible on Verizon and Sprint's HTC Evo 4G is anything to go by, Android will continue to rapidly gain share, according to the company, which "measures and organizes the world's audiences in real-time." In the past year Android has taken market share from all parts of the market, and noticeably so from Apple's mobile operating system, says Quantcast.
iPhone 4 available for pre-order
The black iPhone 4 is available to pre-order today with free shipping or in-store pickup on Thursday, June 24. However, the white iPhone 4, however, is “currently unavailable for pre-order or in-store pickup."
The 8GB iPhone 3GS, which will replace the iPhone 3G at the lower $99 price point, is also available to pre-order today with free shipping or in-store pickup. Some new iPhone 4 gear apparently won't be ship by June 24. For example, the new $29 dock for the iPhone 4 won't ship until July 2.
At last week's Worldwide Developer Conference, Apple unveiled the new iPhone 4 featuring a new feature called "FaceTime" and a "Retina display," the highest resolution display ever built into a phone. In addition, iPhone 4 features a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, HD video recording, Apple’s A4 processor, a three-axis gyro and up to 40%.
All this comes in a new design of glass and stainless steel that's purportedly the thinnest smartphone in the world. iPhone 4 comes with iOS 4, the newest...
Daniusoft releases Video Converter Pro for the Mac
Daniusoft (http://www.daniusoft.com) has released a professional version of Video Converter, available for Mac and Windows. It lets convert between popular video and audio formats (HD video also included) and rip DVD to video and audio in any popular formats.
A variety of multimedia devices are supported, including the iPad, iPhone, iPod, Apple TV, PSP, Android phone, BlackBerry etc. What's more, it lets you trim clips, crop frame size, add effects and watermark and adjust the output parameters.
Daniusoft Video Converter Pro for Mac is priced at $49,while Daniusoft Media Converter for Win is $39.95 for a single user license.
AnyBizSoft releases three new Mac PDF solutions
AnyBizSoft (http://www.anypdftools.com) has completed its PDF solution line for Mac by simultaneously releasing three flagship products, including PDF Converter for Mac, PDF to Excel for Mac and PDF to PowerPoint for Mac.
AnyBizSoft PDF Converter for Mac (US$69.95) is an integrated 6-in-1 solution that provides Mac users with a f way to transfer PDF to a range of document formats, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, EPUB, HTML and Text. With it, Mac users can edit PDF contents in Word, rearrange information or calculate data of PDF table in Excel, create interactive PowerPoint presentations from PDF materials, read PDF eBooks on the iPad or other portable devices by converting PDF into EPUB format, publish PDF content on the web and extract text from PDF files.
AnyBizSoft also released single functional products -- PDF to PowerPoint for Mac and PDF to Excel for Mac. They cost $49.95 and $49.95, respectively.
Buffalo announces new external Blu-ray writer
Buffalo Technology (http://www.buffalotech.com) has announced what it says is the world's fastest external Blu-ray writer: the MediaStation 12x External USB 3.0 Blu-ray Writer.
It offers 12x Blu-ray write speeds and is designed for users who want optimal playback and writing performance of Blu-ray discs, DVDs, or CDs on their PCs or notebooks or for those who want to archive content to optical discs. The MediaStation 12x External USB 3.0 Blu-ray Writer connects via USB 3.0 or USB 2.0.
Cyberlink enables full HD and Blu-ray 3D playback and upgrades consumers' in-home movie experience with 3D movie playback or HD upscaling for standard DVD discs and video files. Unfortunately, this doesn't work with Mac OS X as it doesn't support Blu-ray playback.
The MediaStation 12x External USB 3.0 Blu-ray Writer supports the following media formats: BD-R SL 8x Read / 12x Write, DVD –R SL 16x Read / 16x Write and CD-R 40x Read / 40x Write. It will be available later this month at estimated street...
New Mac mini comes with HDMI port, SD card slot
Apple has unveiled a completely redesigned Mac mini, featuring up to twice the graphics performance, a new HDMI port and a new SD card slot, all in an aluminum enclosure. Pricing starts at US$699.
"The sleek, aluminum Mac mini packs great features, versatility and value into an elegant, amazingly compact design," says Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, in a press release. "With twice the graphics performance, HDMI support and industry-leading energy efficiency, customers are going to love the new Mac mini."
Created with the unibody construction process pioneered by Apple, the new Mac mini features a compact aluminum enclosure just 7.7 inches square and 1.4 inches thin. A new integrated power supply eliminates the need for an external power adapter, reducing overall system volume by 20% and keeping cable clutter to a minimum.
A removable panel underneath provides access for memory expansion. The new HDMI output connects the Mac mini to an...
Apple releases Apple Store app
Apple has introduced a new Apple Store app which lets US customers purchase Apple products, including the new iPhone 4, from their iPhone or iPod touch. The Apple Store app is available as a free download on the App Store beginning today.
The new Apple Store app lets US customers with an iPhone or iPod touch find an Apple retail store near them and make reservations for retail services including free tech support and advice at the Genius Bar, hands-on workshops, Personal Shopping appointments and personal training sessions through Apple’s One to One program. Customers can also shop the full selection of more than 1,000 products and accessories available from the Apple Online Store, get the latest Apple product news, read customer reviews and get answers to their product questions.
TinyBooks Pro now a native Mac OS X app
Ken Winograd and Space-Time Associates (http://www.winograd.com) has updated TinyBooks Pro, its Mac accounting and bookkeeping program, to version 7.0.5. It's now a native Mac application and requires an Intel-based Mac running OSX. (Rosetta is no longer required.)
The new TinyBooks Pro also includes Quarterly Bottom Line Reports, TypeAhead Comments, support for keyboard navigation, mouse scroll wheels, easier backups, resizable windows, and more.
TinyBooks Pro is a single-entry bookkeeping and accounting system designed for sole proprietors, home and other small businesses, and family finances. To use you enter your expenses and income, and TinyBooks Pro does the rest. Current and year-to-date on-the-fly totals are continually displayed. Fully automatic bar-charting of all expense and income accounts make the determination of monthly trends intuitively obvious, according to the folks at Space-Time Associates.
TinyBooks Pro 7.0.5 is exclusively for Intel-based Macs and is available...
SerialMailer update for Mac OS X adds database manager, more
Falkon Ware (http://www.falkonware.com) has updated its SerialMailer bulk email app for Mac OS X (10.4 and higher) to version 7.0. The upgrade adds a database manager, personalized attachments, test runs with separate databases and TLS support.
The date of the last successful mail delivery is saved for each recipient and tools for e-mail address verification were added. Data imported from the AddressBook now includes all available data fields and the support for CSV files has been improved.
The software helps with sending mass communications to large groups like customers, students, employees, family or friends. The full version of SerialMailer costs US$34.95. The update to version 7.0 is free for everyone who registered an older version of SerialMailer after April 1, 2010. Otherwise it costs $14.95.
ExactScan Pro update for Mac OS X improves USB interface
ExactCode has updated its ExactScan Pro (http://www.exactcode.de/site/products/exactscan/) scanning software for Mac OS X (10.4 and higher) to version 2.11. The upgrade improves the USB interface.
ExactScan includes built-in drivers for over 180 document scanners, including devices from Avision, Kodak, Oki, Visioneer and Xerox. Together with the Spotlight indexing services built into Mac OS X since 10.5 ("Leopard") this features form a document management solution suitable for small-office and home-office (SOHO) environments. What's more it has image enhancement algorithms that can recognize automatically how the images and documents have to be cropped and de-skewed.
ExactScan comes with support for many languages (English, Dutch, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, Simplified-Chinese, Traditional-Chinese) and works with Mac OS X 10.4 and higher. The pro version of the software costs approximately US$160. The standard version is $131.
VueScan 8.6.37 for Mac OS X changes maximum spot dust size
Hamrick Software has released Vuescan 8.6.37, a new version of the VueScan software for Mac OS X that's designed to let users produce better digital images from color snapshots, negatives, slides and documents. The new version changes maximum dust spot size from 64 to 32 pixels for performance improvements.
The Standard Edition of VueScan costs US$39.95 and the Professional Edition is $79.95 for a single user license. Multi-user licenses are available. A fully functional, trial copy of VueScan is available for download from the Hamrick web site (http://www.hamrick.com).
AddMovie for Mac OS X revved to version 1.8.2
Limit Point Software has updated AddMovie (http://www.limit-point.com/Utilities/AddMovie.html), a tool for combining multiple movies or images into a single movie and batch exporting movies to any format supported by QuickTime, to version 1.8.2.
Export settings can be saved and reloaded from settings files. This is done from the Preferences window using the new "Save" and "Load" buttons under the export component menu. Settings files have extension "amse." Also, as of version 1.8.2, the menu items in the export component menu now have "tool tips" that contain the export components description, as provided by the component itself.
AddMovie is a utility for concatenating several files into one single movie, or batch converting movies to other formats. It upports all formats provided by Quicktime. Since the output format is configurable, you can also use AddMovie to convert movie file formats, say from MPEG-4 to 3GP for display on your Bluetooth phone, etc,
It requires Mac OS X 10.4 or...
Mapdiva updates Ortelius map illustration software for Mac OS X
Mapdiva has updated Ortelius (http://www.mapdiva.com/), its map illustration software for Mac OS X, to version 1.0.9. Mac users can now make custom tourism and recreation maps with the full set of U.S. National Park Service (NPS) recreation map symbols included with Ortelius cartography software.
Ortelius is a vector-based drawing program made especially for (though not limited to) map design and presentation. Through its drag-and-drop interface, Ortelius offers a solution for floor plans, landscape plans, scaled drawings, and a variety of custom maps.
Ortelius allows you to draw directly with features such as roads, rivers, coastlines, buildings, symbols, and contours. It's designed for reports, presentations, books, research papers, invitations, magazines, web sites, brochures, public displays, and new media applications with professional-level results.
Every drawing feature supports map attribute information, such as those imported from geographic information system (GIS) map data...
Witch for Mac OS X conjures up version 3.5
Many Tricks has released version 3.2 of Witch (http://manytricks.com/witch), its window switching utility for Mac OS X. The new version adds support for Spaces in Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard"). You can now show a live preview of every open window; just leave a window selected for two seconds (changeable) in the switcher to see its preview.
With 3.5 the app adds a pref to control the interval before the live preview window appears (including Never and No Delay). You can now optionally use a small version of the live preview in place of the usual icons in the switcher. And the new version adds a pref to let the selector wrap around (as it does when using the keyboard) when scrolling via a scrollwheel or trackpad.
Spaces users can now work with windows in all Spaces using Witch 3.2. Users can optionally choose to see Space number badges on the window icons in Witch's switching panel.
Witch 3.5 is a free update for all Witch 3 users. Witch 3 is US$19 for new users and $8 for users of...
Apple sued over iAd name
Another day, another lawsuit. Online ad firm Innovate Media Group of Costa Mesa, California, has filed suit in the US District Court of the Central District of California, charging that Apple has knowingly usurped their rights to the term iAds, reports "The Register" (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/06/14/innovate_media_sues_apple/)
"It appears that Apple's strategy with respect to Innovate Media and the 'iAds' mark is just another sequence in a pattern of conduct by Apple, of ignoring and trampling the intellectual property rights of others," the suit reads.
"As a result of Apple's refusal to acknowledge Innovate Media's 'iAds' marks, and blatant and willful infringement of those marks," the suit reads, "Innovate Media has been left with little choice but to file this lawsuit seeking injuntive relief, damages and other relief."
Apple will debut its iAd mobile advertising network on July 1 on iPhone and iPod touch devices running its iOS 4 software platform. iAds combine the emotion...
Samsung introduces new drives, BD Combo, DVD writer
Samsung Electronics (http://www.samsung.com) has rolled out a new drive series, a BD Combo and an external DVD writer.
Samsung is now shipping the Spinpoint F4, the newest model of its Spinpoint F series drives. It's engineered for high-end computing in Macs, PCs high-end workstations and server applications. The one-head platform of the new 7200rpm Spinpoint F4 packs up to 320GB of storage capacity per one head in half platter.
With a one-head platform design and fewer mechanical parts, the reliability and acoustic features of the Spinpoint F4 have been improved, says In-Chul Park, vice president of sales, storage systems division, Samsung Electronics. The drive delivers 10% increased read/write performance and 7% lower power consumption than the Spinpoint F1, he adds.
The Spinpoint F4 features 7200rpm speed rotation, advanced areal density technology and a SATA 3.0 Gbps interface. The drive has an 8MB/16MB buffer memory and is available in 320GB capacities worldwide.
Samsung has...
Starbucks to offer free Wi-Fi starting July 1
Starbucks (http://www.starbucks.com) says that, on July 1, there will be a better Wi-Fi offering at all U.S. company owned stores. Better, as in free.
That’s right, free Wi-Fi with just one click. No Starbucks Card will be required. No username or password will be required. And there will be no time restrictions.
Also announced today, to launch later this fall, is a new digital content offering called the Starbucks Digital Network. Customers will have access to an array of premium and exclusive content -- available, naturally, only when connected to Wi-Fi at Starbucks.
Media 100 Suite ready for After Effects CS5
Media 100 (http://www.media100.com)-- a provider of editing systems for the corporate, broadcast, postproduction, and new media industries -- has released Media 100 Suite 1.6 is now available. The new version offers enhanced support for tapeless digital formats and new support for Adobe After Effects CS5.
Version 1.6 supports Calibrated Software’s Calibrated{Q} MXF Import, AVC-Intra Decode, and DVCProHD Decode products, allowing Media 100 Suite editors to directly open MXF files, import and playback AVC-Intra media, and playback media created in the DVCProHD codec. In addition, it includes Boris XML Transfer Version 2 for Media 100 Suite, giving users the ability to export Media 100 Suite timelines to Adobe After Effects CS5.

Media 100 Suite supports AJA’s KONA 3X/3, KONA LH/LHe, KONA LHi, and KONA LS/LSe video I/O hardware; the Matrox MXO2 family of I/O devices; Blackmagic Design’s Intensity Pro, DeckLink SDI, DeckLink Studio, and DeckLink HD Extreme video I/O hardware; and the...
T.C. Gou may open 100 stores in China to sell Apple products
T.C. Gou, whose brother is is chief at Apple supplier, Foxconn Technology Group, plans to open 100 stores to sell Mac computers and iPod music players in China, reports "Bloomberg" (http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-14/foxconn-chief-s-brother-plan...).
Gou’s Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co. jumped its 6.9% limit in Taipei trading after the company confirmed plans to open its first Apple retail outlet in Shanghai by the end of 2010. Taipei-based Cheng Uei aims for 100 stores in China within three years, investor relations spokesman T.P. Liu told "Bloomberg."
The component-maker’s plan may help Apple add market share in China, where retail sales jumped 18.7% in May and which is forecast to be the biggest computer market by 2013, the article. Foxconn is an assembler of iPhones and was founded by Terry Gou.
Khronos releases OpenCL 1.1. spec
The Khronos Group (http://www.khronos.org) -- an industry consortium (of which Apple is a member) creating open standards to enable the authoring and acceleration of graphics and dynamic media on a variety of platforms and devices -- has announced the ratification and public release of the OpenCL 1.1 specification.
It's the latest version of the open, royalty-free standard for cross-platform, parallel programming of modern processors. According to Neil Trevett, chair of the OpenCL working group, president of the Khronos Group and vice president at Nvidia, OpenCL 1.1 adds significant functionality for enhanced parallel programming flexibility, functionality and performance including:
° New data types including 3-component vectors and additional image formats;
° Handling commands from multiple hosts and processing buffers across multiple devices;
°  Operations on regions of a buffer including read, write and copy of 1D, 2D or 3D rectangular regions;
° Enhanced use of events to drive and...
MMQuery plug-in gets maintenance update
Comm-Unity Networking Systems has released MMQuery 1.1.1 (http://mmquery.cnsplug-ins.com/), an update of the plug-in for FileMaker Pro that lets you work with your data through the calculation engine. This is a maintenance update which imports core plug-in updates from other CNS Plug-ins. Version 1.1.1 also adds a preference to always use the new FileMaker Pro 11 SQL interface.  
MMQuery allows you to perform SQL queries on your own database or use the helper functions in the plug-in to do the same types of queries without actually having to know SQL. MMQuery requires FileMaker Pro 7.0v3 and above to function properly. The plug-in won't under previous versions of FileMaker Pro. If you have FileMaker Pro 7.0 but have not updated to 7.0v3, you can obtain a free update from FileMaker, Inc's web site.
A single-user license for the client version of MMQuery is US$35. To use the Server Edition of MMQuery, you'll need to purchase at least a 10-User license. A 10-User License is $172. If you...
iHub for Mac OS X 'coming soon'
Nova media has announced iHub for Mac OS X (http://www.novamedia.de/en/mac-ihub.html). Coming soon, it will synchronize address books and calendars between Macs, iPads, iPhones and iPod touches wirelessly via WiFi without relying on cloud-based services.
The software runs as a background application on a Mac and synchronizes data automatically between different devices in the network. iHub features an user interface to set up permission controls. It's possible to completely deny access to iHub as well as to restrict access to certain address book groups and/or calendars. Read and write permission can be set on each calendar and address book group for each user separately.
iHub uses open standards like CalDAV and CardDAV, so it's not necessary to install any additional software on any client Mac, iPad, iPhone or iPod touches as they will use the built-in software.
If no WiFi network is available, iHub can setup its own wireless network. The integrated Mobile Hub technology turns the...
Scottish church converts to HTL5
A Scottish church has converted to HTML5, and is now streaming its services in a form that iPads and iPhones can understand, as well as to Flash-capable devices.
St Andrew’s Parish Church in Bo’ness, West Lothian, believes it is the first to stream its services in real time to iPhones and iPads, and more than doubled its normal Sunday attendance with online participants, reports "eWeek Europe" (http://www.eweekeurope.co.uk/news/scottish-church-streams-services-to-ip... ). The church has had a Flash stream for a while, but added an iPhone-compatible stream for mobile devices for its service on June 13.
HTML5 is being developed as the next major revision of HTML (HyperText Markup Language), the core markup language of the web. It's touted as the next standard for HTML 4.01, XHTML 1.0 and DOM Level 2 HTML and is designed to to reduce the need for proprietary plug-in-based rich internet application (RIA) technologies such as Adobe Flash, Microsoft Silverlight, and Sun JavaFX.
Virgin may offer the iPhone 4
Virgin could be the next UK mobile phone provider to offer the iPhone 4 reports "Mobile News" (http://www.mobilenewscwp.co.uk/News/506025/virgin_expected_to_sell_iphon...). It would be the sixth UK carrier to offer the latest iPhone.
"We are in ongoing talks with Apple," a Virgin Mobile spokesperson told "Mobile News." "There are no further developments at this point."
T-Mobile and Three are already confirmed as mobile network partners for the new iPhone. The iPhone 4 launches in the UK, US, France, Germany and Japan on Thursday, June 24.
AT&T to work with law enforcement on iPad security breach
AT&T said on Sunday it would cooperate with law enforcement in any investigation of a security breach of Apple Inc's iPad that exposed personal information of the telephone company's customers, reports "Reuters" (http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65D0GI20100614?feedType=RSS&feedNa...).
In a letter to customers, the company said it would "prosecute violators to the fullest extent of the law." Last week, the Federal Bureau of Investigation opened a probe into the security breach.
The breach took place when a group calling itself Goatse Security hacked into AT&T's iPad subscriber data, obtaining a list of email addresses that also included celebrities, chief executives and politicians. AT&T, which has exclusive U.S. rights to carry the iPad and the popular iPhone, has acknowledged the security breach but said it had corrected the flaw and that only email addresses were exposed to hackers who identified a security weakness, notes "Reuters."
FTC to look into Apple's take on mobile advertising
Federal Trade Commission officials are preparing to review allegations that Apple "is trying to trammel rivalry in mobile advertising," people familiar tell "Bloomberg" (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?sid=aqUPm1Bx7jJI&pid=20601087). Regulators were already weighing a probe of Apple’s treatment of Adobe Systems over Flash and the U.S. Justice Department has made preliminary inquiries into Apple’s behavior in the music market.
The heightened scrutiny may prompt the company to give programmers more leeway in how they build applications for Apple products, Andrew Gavil, who teaches antitrust law at Howard University in Washington told "Bloomberg." The inquiries indicate government concern that CEO Steve Jobs may be trying to exert too much control over industries as varied as digital music, software development and mobile advertising.
“Apple needs to be prepared that all of their actions will be put under a microscope,” Michael Gartenberg, a partner at the Altimeter Group in San...
US trade commission to look into HTC's complaints against...
The US International Trade Commission will investigate HTC's allegations that Apple is infringing its patents. Its answer could see the iPhone banned from American stores, according to "The Register" (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/06/14/apple_itc/) -- although I personally can't see this happening.
The ITC's investigation is in response to HTC's complaint, filed on May 12, that Apple is in breach of various patents owned by HTC. The company TC Corp. filed a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) to halt the importation and sale of the iPhone, iPad and iPod in the U.S. HTC says Apple is infringing on five of its patents.
"As the innovator of the original Windows Mobile PocketPC Phone Edition in 2002 and the first Android smartphone in 2008, HTC believes the industry should be driven by healthy competition and innovation that offer consumers the best, most accessible mobile experiences possible,” said Jason Mackenzie, vice president of North America...
Native Instruments introduces Session Strings
Native Instruments has introduced Session Strings (http://www.native-instruments.com/#/de/products/producer/powered-by-kont...), a virtual string ensemble for Kontakt 4 and the free Kontakt Player. It provides acoustic string sounds for pop, soul, R&B, disco, house and other contemporary music styles.
Session Strings recreates a string ensemble comprising four violins, three violas, two celli and two double basses, captured and produced in one of Germany's most renowned recording studios by sampling expert Thomas Koritke's new sound design house e-instruments. All recordings were taken from exclusive instruments from the 18th and 19th century, played by top musicians from some of the finest European orchestra.
Session Strings' Animator function can be engaged during play to transform incoming notes into virtuous staccato, spiccato and pizzicato chords and arpeggios, with the timing and groove adjustable by the user, and while maintaining natural legato articulation at the same...
Best Buy launches pre-sale offer for iPhone 4
Beginning June 15, Best Buy Mobile, the mobile specialty retail unit of Best Buy, launches its pre-sale of iPhone 4 from Apple. Pre-sale orders can be placed at any Best Buy or Best Buy Mobile standalone store nationwide. The iPhone 4 will land in Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores June 24.
“Offering the iPhone 4 to consumers is just the latest example of how Best Buy Mobile has become the place to go for the best smartphones. It’s exciting to have an opportunity to launch this iconic device with this pre-sale,” says Shawn Score, president of Best Buy Mobile. “Adding the iPhone 4 to our stores alongside other great smartphones like the HTC EVO from Sprint and HTC Incredible on Verizon, gives customers a great opportunity to view each side-by-side and get the mobile phone that works best for them.”
Application Wizard for Mac OS X conjures up version 2.5.1
MaBaSoft has updated Application Wizard (http://www.mabasoft.net/products/applicationWizard/), a Mac OS X tool that provides access to your applications, document and pictures, to version 2.5.1. The Switch to Finder and Switch to Finder and hide other applications keyboard shortcuts have been added.
To define and enable the new shortcuts, open the Application Wizard pane in System Preferences and click the Keyboard Shortcuts tab. Check for updates has been fully revised and lets you now check for updates both manually and automatically.
Application Wizard lets you open, quit, show and hide applications, open them automatically at startup and force them to open using Rosetta, turn single application mode on and quit background-only applications and the Finder. With the software you can also navigate volumes and frequently used folders to quickly open enclosed items, access favorite files, recent folders, Address Book contacts and your iPhoto or Aperture library, preview images, music...
Warrantech to offer extended warranties on the iPad
Warrantech (http://www.warrantech.com) -- a provider of service contracts and after-market warranties for the appliance, consumer electronics, computer, furniture, home and automotive industries -- announced today that it's rolling out new extended multi-year service plans especially designed to protect iPads, 3D TVs, e-readers and tablet PCs.
In addition to the company’s service contract coverage, Warrantech is also offering Accidental Damage from Handling (ADH) protection on the iPad and other portable electronic products such as e-readers, tablet PCs, MP3 players, cameras, laptop computers, and other small electronic devices. For a fee, consumers are protected from damage caused by unexpected mishaps including unintentional spills, drops, falls and impacts. Screen damage such as a cracked lens resulting from accidental breakage is also covered.
iSkysoft releases DVD Creator for Mac, Windows systems
iSkysoft Studio (http://www.iskysoft.com_ has released DVD Creator for Mac OS X and Windows systems. iSkysoft DVD Creator helps users design their personal DVD menus and burn DVDs out of various video formats.
DVD Creator for Mac helps to burn downloaded movies, self-made videos, and slideshows into a DVD disc, DVD Folder, ISO or DVD media file that can be played with the Apple DVD Player directly. It offers editing functions, slideshow building techniques, and lots of animated DVD menu templates.
DVD Creator for Mac costs US$49 for a single user license. It's compatible with Mac OS X 10.5 or higher running on an Intel-based Mac.
PhoneAgent update for Mac OS X adds support for new Sony phones
MacMedia (http://www.macmedia.sk) has updated PhoneAgent for Mac OS X -- a tool for Phonebook, SMS, MMS, Themes and Wap management -- to version 1.6.2. The update adds support for Sony Ericsson Jalou, Naite, Elm, Hazel, Yari, Zylo phones.
PhoneAgent offers phonebook management, SMS management, the ability to compose MMS messages and uploading them to to the phone, and more. You can create and edit your own themes and upload them to your phone. You can downloading pictures, sounds and themes from a phone and send pictures, sounds, games, themes and other files directly to the phone. Plus, you can upload bookmarks from Safari to the phone.
PhoneAgent costs approximately US$37. Upgrades from versions prior to 1.5.2 are $12; upgrades from versions after 1.5.2 are free. PhoneAgent requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later.
QuickerTek offers improved Apple Juicz battery for MacBook Air
QuickerTek (http:www.quickertek.com) is offering the third generation of its Apple Juicz external battery (US$399.95) for the Apple MacBook Air. This product design now exclusively uses the standard MagSafe power adapter (that comes with the MacBook Air) to recharge the external battery.
This is the very first and only external battery for the MacBook Air with two female USB ports, according to the folks at QuickerTek. These ports can simultaneously charge any
USB device that can gets power via USB. The Apple Juicz External Battery also features proprietary circuitry for the iPhone, iPod touch or iPad or any 30-pin iPod, while chargiing and power all models of the MacBook Air laptop.
It also sports circuitry for fail-safe protection. Additional features include temperature control and charge/discharge rates monitoring, cell balancing and a fuel gauge indicator that when pushed tells how much "Juicz" is left in the battery.
Konnet unveils Apple-certified ReflexDock Pro
Konnet Technology (http://www.konnetonline.com) has announced the US$59.99 ReflexDock Pro, charging dock with audio and video connectivity for the iPod/iPhone and compatible with the new iPhone 4.
With it users can charge, sync, and transmit any audio/video content from their iPhone 3G, 3GS or 4 to their big screen TV -- all without needing to remove the protective case. Designed for those who want to watch downloaded movies, videos, and shows on a larger screen, the ReflexDock Pro allows you to view a mirrored image of your iPod app content on your TV via the AV Out connection cable (included in the package).
The ReflexDock Pro features Advanced Sound Reflection Design, which enhances speaker quality when the iPhone is docked, according to Christine Custodio of Konnet.  The curved panel design also improves mic reception, she adds.
TRENDnet 450MBps router available
TRENDnet (http://www.trendnet.com) has released a 450Mbps Wireless N Gigabit Router, the US$199 TEW-691GR. Three external antennas broadcast on the 2.4GHz spectrum.
Three spatial streams per antenna produce a record 450Mbps theoretical wireless throughput. Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna technology boosts wireless coverage, signal strength, and throughput speed. One Gigabit Wide Area Network port and four Gigabit Local Area Network ports offer wired throughput performance.
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) integrates other WPS supported wireless adapters at the touch of a button. The router is compatible with IEEE 802.11n and backward compatible with IEEE 802.11g/b/a compliant devices.
Mobile Edge unveils EVO Backpacks for computers
Mobile Edge (http://www.mobileedge.com) has unveiled the EVO Backpacks for computers. They're available for laptops up to 17-inches, such as the super-sized MacBook Pro.
 
The EVO features 16 interior and exterior pockets for travel accessories and personal items. An interior workstation holds memory cards, flash drives, business cards, pens and pencils, plus a there's a media pocket for your iPod or MP3 player.
 Another Mobile Edge exclusive feature is their Cool-Mesh padded back-panel and shoulder straps designed for user comfort over prolonged use, says “We are very excited to add the new EVO Backpack to our growing product assortment,” said G. David Cartwright, president & CEO, Mobile Edge. A ruggedized bottom panel was added to protect the backpack from moisture, dirt and grime and for overall durability. 
 
The EVO also features a zip-open water bottle carrier that will hold various size liquids. The backpack is available in four accent trim colors: black with a silver...
Live Interior 3D update adds new attic improvements
BeLight Software (http://www.belightsoft.com) has released Live Interior 3D 2.3, an update to its interior design software for Mac OS X that lets users create house, office and apartment interiors with 3D walk-throughs.
The new version lets you turn attic space into more than just storage space for dusty boxes of forgotten belongings. Now any attic can be transformed into a full-fledged, habitable loft thanks to the addition of loft walls.
Navigating around multi-level projects has become more realistic in the Consider Collisions mode. When turned on, you can climb staircases and cannot walk through objects or walls. Also, the import of Google SketchUp files has been improved.
Live Interior 3D is normally available in Standard (US$49.95) and Pro ($129.95) editions. Version 2.4 is a free update for registered users of version 2.x.
Live Interior 3D is Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. It works with Mac OS X 10.4 and 10.5.
Calories update for Mac OS X lets you create sync account
danholt4mac (http://www.danholt.de/danholt4mac/index.html?/businesscardcomposer/index...) has updated Calories, a nutrition tracking and analysis utility for Mac OS X 10.5 ("Leopard"), to version 2.5. Now Calories users have the option to create their own, cost-free Calories Sync Account.
The Calories Sync Service allows to synchronize multiple Calories v.2.5 installations with each other. All your foods and meals, weight data and activities will be synchronized within all connected Calories 2 installations. This feature is the basis for the upcoming Calories2Go iPhone client, Cal2Go, which is waiting for approval by Apple .
Calories 2.5 is fully compliant to support Cal2Go and the Sync Service. The new version also now offers the ability to share foods, especially custom foods. Simply drag out a food from the daily diet list view to the desktop or any other folder. Distribute the food file by mail or over the network. Import is done by drag and drop, too.
Calories is targeted at...
WebOS interface designer returns to Apple
WebOS interface designer Rich Dellinger has left the company (which has been acquired by HP) to rejoin his former employer: Apple.
Dellinger, who was instrumental in developing Palm’s core Mojo app framework as well as the webOS notification system, has returned to Apple, where he worked from 1999 to 2006. As the senior user interface designer for Apple in 2005-2005, Dellinger:
° Designed applications for Apple software products and was responsible for prototyping interfaces, creating animations, developing visual designs, designing icons, and devising new features for future products.
° Worked with other user interface designers on multiple iterations of each design, with guidance from the top levels of Apple's executive team.
° Delivered finished graphics and animation specifications to engineering for implementation.
° Developed numerous interaction and visual design explorations for Apple's iPhone product.
° Helped to design applications such as Photo Booth, Front Row, and iCal...
Foxconn wants Apple, Dell to pay for pay raises
Foxconn Technology Group says its customers -- which include Apple and Dell -- will have to pay more after it increased wages in China by nearly two-thirds following several worker sucides, reports the "Associated Press" (http://www.manufacturing.net/News-Foxconn-Wants-Apple-Dell-To-Pay-For-Wa...).
The comments from Taiwan-based Foxconn came at an annual general meeting Tuesday in Hong Kong, where protesters accused the company and Apple of poor corporate ethics. The 30 demonstrators held signs saying, "Workers are not machines. They have self-esteem," outside a hotel function room where shareholders of the group's Hong Kong-listed arm were meeting, notes the "AP."
The company last week announced the second in a series of raises that would increase pay by up to 65% at its factories in the southern city of Shenzhen. The company employs 300,000 people there making iPhones and other goods for Apple, Dell, Sony, HP and Nokia. 
AdMob comments on Apple's new terms of service for app...
AdMob -- one of the world's largest mobile advertising networks -- has posted a response from AdMob’s founder Omar Hamoui on its blog (blog.admob.com) in response to Apple’s updated Terms of Service for iPhone app developers. The blog post follows:
"Apple proposed new developer terms on Monday that, if enforced as written, would prohibit app developers from using AdMob and Google’s advertising solutions on the iPhone.  These advertising related terms both target companies with competitive mobile technologies (such as Google), as well as any company whose primary business is not serving mobile ads.
"This change threatens to decrease -- or even eliminate -- revenue that helps to support tens of thousands of developers. The terms hurt both large and small developers by severely limiting their choice of how best to make money.  And because advertising funds a huge number of free and low cost apps, these terms are bad for consumers as well.
"Let’s be clear. This change is not in the best...
Apple announces Design Awards for WWDC 2010
Apple has announced the Apple Design Awards for 2010, which honor the "best iPhone and iPod apps" (in the past, it honored Mac OS X apps as well). This year’s winners included:
° The Financial Times iPad Edition from "The Financial Times"
° Doodle Jump from Lima Sky;
° Brushes from Steve Sprang:
° TabToolkit from Agile Partners;
° Articles from Sopheistication Software;
° 20 Minute Meals from Zolmo;
° Star Walk for the iPad from Vito Technology;
° Real Racing from Firemint;
° Flight Control HD from Firemint;
° Pinball HD from OOO Gameprom.
The candidates nominated by developers (although Apple reserved the right to pick its own choices). Winners were chosen for design, innovation, performance and technology adoption.
Office 2008 12.2.5 for the Mac released
Microsoft has released Office 2008 12.2.5 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2028864), an update of the productivity suite for the Mac.
According to Microsoft, this update fixes vulnerabilities in Office 2008 that an attacker can use to overwrite the contents of your computer's memory with malicious code. This update also fixes issues that prevent the custom dictionary from including words from different languages.
Investment corporation donates MacBooks to Social Justice High...
Rothschild Investment Corp. will be donating a MacBook to each of the 22 graduates of Social Justice High School in Chicago who participated in Roosevelt University’s Upward Bound college preparatory program.
Upward Bound is a federal program managed by Roosevelt University that helps first-generation high school students understand the importance of post secondary education. In celebration of its 100th anniversary in 2008, Rothschild gave the program an Apple Mobile Learning Lab complete with laptop computers, printers, scanners and state-of-the-art educational software.
Established in 1964, Upward Bound provides high school students with a wide range of experiences, from weeklong mini-terms at Roosevelt University to immersion in the college atmosphere through tours of college campuses. Roosevelt University is a private university with 7,300 students studying at campuses in the Chicago Loop and northwest suburban Schaumburg and online.
Free Mac OS X app optimizes mobile art assets
Kode80 has released Image Crushr (http://kode80.com/osx-apps/image-crushr/), a free Mac OS X application for developers and designers of mobile software. It improves image quality, optimizes memory usage and enables previewing of images outside of the device, says creator Ben Hopkins.
"While working on HoloToy for the iPhone and iPad I realized that the common problem of color reproduction on low bit depth devices still didn't have a readily available solution so I built Image Crushr," he says. "It has been a great tool in my workflow and I hope it will be as useful for other developers and designers".
Image Crushr enables anyone working with mobile devices such as smart phones or portable gaming systems to compare and optimize their art assets. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard").
1Password update for Mac OS X compatible with Safari 5
Agile Web Solutions has updated 1Password (http://1password.com), a password manager for Mac OS X, to version 3.2. The upgrade is compatible with Safari 5 and includes other usability improvements and bug fixes.
1Password 3.2 is compatible with Mac OS X 10.5 and 10.6. It's a free upgrade for users of version 3.x. For new users the cost is US$39.95 for a single-user license and $69.95 for a family license (five users).
Bodega for Mac OS X gets revamped app updater
IDFusion Software has announced Bodega 1.1 (http://appbodega.com), an update of its "corner store" for Mac apps. The new version boasts a completely revamped application updater.
Bodega 1.1 now keeps tabs of nearly all applications installed on the user's Mac. So long as an application is a part of the Bodega library or supports the open source Sparkle auto-updater framework, Bodega will keep continuous tabs on its version. When a new version for such an application becomes available, Bodega notifies the user and makes it extremely intuitive and easy to download the update. In the majority of cases, Version 1.1 even automatically installs the update for the user.
Also new with Bodega 1.1 is the Wishlist feature. With it, users can keep track of any application they want, for any reason whatsoever. Users can, for example, use the Wishlist to track applications they've downloaded via Bodega and are considering for purchase. Users can also use the Wishlist feature to bookmark product...
AppDelete for Mac OS X updated to version 2.2.4
Reggie Ashworth has updated AppDelete (http://reggie.ashworth.googlepages.com/appdelete), an application deleting app for Mac OS X, to version 2.2.4. The new version fixes an issue where AppDelete might not launch on older Macs. Other miscellaneous improvements are included as well.
Via drag 'n drop, AppDelete will delete any chosen app with all of its associated items that belong to that application. You'll no longer have to hunt through their system to find and delete these items manually.
You can drag any item that can be uninstalled onto AppDelete: applications, widgets, preference panes, plug-ins, screensavers, etc. You can also activate AppDelete in many ways: dragging items onto main window, onto dock icon, selecting in menu, right-clicking using AppDelete workflow, and throwing items in the trash. When the preview screen appears you can uncheck any items you would like to exclude. You also have several choices: delete the items, log only the items, or archive (copy) the...
Beta of doc, file management solution for the Mac available
CHL Software has announced a beta release of their new document and file management product: DocMoto. It's a document and file management system designed specifically for the Mac platform.
CHL Software believes that all enterprises need some form of document and file management, but for Mac users this has traditionally meant having to use a browser based system primarily designed for Windows, says company spokesperson Neil Cameron. DocMoto can store any kind of digital file not just documents. Images, video and even email are all supported.
In its standard form DocMoto delivers revision control, notifications, searching and Meta tagging , as well as other common document management features. CHL expects most corporate users to modify DocMoto to suit their working practices more precisely, says Cameron.
Registration to obtain a pre-release version of DocMoto is now available from CHL's web site (http://www.chlsoftware.com). Just remember: beta software is unfinished software, so use...
Flickery update for Mac OS X tweaks the Share Menu
Eternal Storms (http://www.eternalstorms.at) has updated their flickr client, flickery, for Mac OS X 10.5 or higher to version 1.9.1. The upgrade sports improved upload and download. Also the Share Menu now includes option to copy the URL of a selected item to the pasteboard.
With flickry, you can browse flickr's photos, view and comment on pictures of your friends, or upload and manage your own photos and favorites. flickery offers three ways of viewing photos: the miniature-overview of the photos where you can see multiple pictures at a time; the full-window-view, which lets you view one photo at a time in detail; and the full-screen view.
You can upload photos to your flickr.com account, as well. The app also gives you the possibility of editing your photos before you upload them. flickery costs US$17.95, though version 1.9.1 is a free update for registered users. A 15-day, fully functional demo is available for download.
