CS Odessa has released a beta version of its mind mapping tool (http://www.conceptdraw.com/en/mindwave) for Google Wave. This is a no-charge add-in to Google Wave that can be used as part of Google Wave to map out a strategy or brainstorm on a critical topic. The ConceptDraw MindWave for Google Wave tool allows teams to collaborate on a mind map in an interactive flowing manner building a map structure that represents the planned work. The map add-in supports Google Wave playback that allows one to step back through a map. Once a mind map is has the contents from the interactive session the mind map file can then be downloaded to one’s desktop to be further developed using ConceptDraw MindMap for Ma OS X or Windows. Just remember: beta software is unfinished software. So use with care.

Divine Fiat has released The Complete Set (http://www.divinefiat.com/index.php?id=2), their entire collection of themes for Apple's Keynote. Keynote is the presentation component of Apple's US$79 iWork Suite. All 14 themes are now available for US$130 -- 60% off the individual theme set price. Every theme comes in both standard and widescreen formats. Each theme also includes extras such as fully customizable icon objects, custom texture and color palates and video tutorials. The Complete Set requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later and Keynote 5.0 or higher.

Native Instruments has announced Alicia's Keys (www.native-instruments.com/aliciaskeys.info), software that recreates Alicia Keys' personal grand piano. Developed in close collaboration with the Grammy-winning artist, the software is used as the primary instrument on her new album and on the current world tour. Designed as a comprehensive digital recreation of Key's own custom Yamaha "C3 Neo" grand piano, and based on Native Instruments' Kontakt 4 sampler platform, Alicia's Keys provides a piano sound designed to accommodate R&B, soul and pop styles. The instrument was recorded in Alicia's personal studio by her engineer Ann Mincieli and sampling expert Thomas Scarbee over the course of two years. Alicia's Keys utilizes 17GB of high-resolution samples with 12 discrete velocity layers per note, and emulation of crucial sonic aspects like key release, sustain pedal functionality and sympathetic resonance. The user interface of the software gives e control over the sound to further...

NetGear (http://www.netgear.com) has announced two new networking accessories for home theaters, as well as new networking accessories and NAS products. The High-Performance Wireless-N HD Home Theater Kit (pictured) is a carrier-grade solution for wirelessly playing multiple jitter-free 1080p HD video and audio streams to every room in the house. The Universal WiFi Internet Adapter for Home Theater Devices and Gaming Consoles delivers Wireless-N performance of up to 300 Mbps through the Ethernet port of consumer electronic (CE) devices such as Internet TVs, game consoles, Blu-ray players and more. The Universal WiFi Internet Adapter for Home Theater Devices and Gaming Consoles (WNCE2001) will be available in May at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$79. The High-Performance Wireless-N HD Home Theater Kit will be available in third quarter of the year with pricing for the kit and for single adapters to be announced at the time of market availability. NetGear has also...

Plextor (http://www.plextor.com), a developer and manufacturer of high-performance digital media equipment,has released its first line of solid-state drives (SSDs) – the PX-64M1S (64GB) and the PX-128M1S (128GB). They use non-volatile NAND Flash memory as the storage medium. Utilizing Marvell controller chipsets, the new SSDs deliver faster speeds for system boot-up, application launch and file transfer, lower power consumption and longer battery life, among other benefits, according to Esteban Kim, director of New Business Development at PLDS. Both the PX-64M1S and the PX-128M1S feature 2.5-inch small form factors and an integrated SATA II interface.The PX-64M1S delivers up to 110MB/second sequential read, 65MB/second in sequential write, and up to 4,200 random read IOPS and 1,200 random write IOPS. The PX-128M1S delivers up to 130MB/second sequential read, 70MB/second sequential write, and up to 4,300 random read IOPS and 1,800 random write IOPS. Both drives offer low power...

WD (http://www.wdc.com) has introduced its new My Passport Studio portable drives featuring FireWire 800 interface and a customizable e-label that's always visible, even when the drive is unplugged. 
The drives are formatted for Macs, compatible with Apple's TimeMachine software, and feature automatic and continuous backup with WD SmartWare software, and 256-bit hardware-based encryption. Available now at select retailers and shopwd.com, the new My Passport Studio drives are offered in capacities of 320 GB, 500 GB and 640 GB with prices ranging from US$149.99 to $199.99. The e-label smart display on the front of the My Passport drives can be changed as often as desired using the included WD SmartWare software. Users can y create a label to personalize their drive or remind themselves of its contents. The e-label also shows available capacity and whether the drive is locked. Utilizing e-paper technology, the information on the display remains clearly visible, even when the drive is...

Say it ain't so, Steve. I need an iPad RIGHT NOW, but I can (maybe) wait until the end of March. However, an analyst is speculating that the release may be delayed a month. When it was unveiled by Apple, it was announced that the iPad will be available in late March worldwide for a suggested retail price of US$499 for the 16GB model, $599 for the 32GB model, $699 for the 64GB model. The Wi-Fi + 3G models of iPad will be available in April in the US and selected countries for a suggested retail price of $629 for the 16GB model, $729 for the 32GB model and $829 for the 64GB model. However, Canaccord Adams analyst Peter Misek told clients in a report -- as noted by "Fortune" (http://brainstormtech.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2010/03/01/ipad-might-be-del...) -- that a manufacturing bottleneck could limit supplies or push the launch to April. On the bright side, he doesn't expect the delay to materially affect iPad sales for fiscal 2010 or 2011, which he had pegged for 1.2 million and 3.5...

The "Gizmodo" site (http://www.gizmodo.com) says that Apple has released a statement to them, admitting the production issues with iMacs. According to the site, Apple says "We've addressed the issues that caused flickering and yellow tint. Customers concerned that their iMac is affected should contact AppleCare." In February, Apple released the 27-inch iMac Firmware Update to address to address screen flickering/yellow tint issues. It was the second firmware released to fix the glitches; the first came in December. According to Apple, the 27-inch iMac Display Firmware Update 1.0 updates the display firmware on 27-inch iMac computers to address issues that may cause intermittent display flickering. You can obtain it via the Software Updates component of the Mac OS X System Preferences app.

EFI (http://www.efi.com) and Xerox Corp. is shipping the Fiery Network Controller for the Xerox WorkCentre 7700 series of color multifunction printers (MFPs) for office environments. Fiery controllers are easily deployed in Mac and Windows environments and support all industry standard networking protocols. The WorkCentre 7700 Series MFPs are one of the first to support Fiery VUE, the desktop application that makes publishing of professional-looking finished documents fast and simple for all office workers, according to Leah Quesada, vice president of office marketing, Xerox. With speeds up to 50 pages per minute (ppm) in color and up to 75 ppm in black and white, the WorkCentre 7700 Series handle everything from general office documents to high-volume color print jobs. These MFPs also manage multiple printing, copying, scanning and faxing tasks simultaneously. Targeted at enterprise customers across all departments, the recently launched Fiery VUE desktop application allows users to...

Apple has admitted that child labour was used at the Chinese factories that build its Macs, iPods and iPhones, reports the "Telegraph" web site (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/7330986/Apple-admits-using-c...?). At least eleven 15-year-old children were discovered to be working last year in three factories that supply the company. Apple didn't name the offending factories, or say where they were based, but the majority of its goods are assembled in China. The "Telegraph" reports that that Apple said the child workers are now no longer being used, or are no longer underage. "In each of the three facilities, we required a review of all employment records for the year as well as a complete analysis of the hiring process to clarify how underage people had been able to gain employment," Apple said, in an annual report on its suppliers.

Sample Logic’s virtual instruments The Elements EXP (US$359) and Synergy ($299) are now compatible and installable on Receptor using Muse Research's Direct Install technology. Direct Install is part of Receptor Tools and can be accessed via the Receptor Remote Control. The Receptor is a standalone hardware plug-in solution for the professional composer and sound designer. It's Mac and PC compatible and is available in VST, DXi, RTAS, AU and standalone versions. For more info go to the Sample Logic web site (http://www.samplelogic.com).

Equinux (http://www.equinux.com) has released iSale 5.6, the latest version of the eBay auction tool. Users can now invite Facebook friends to check out ongoing auctions. Version 5.6 also takes into account recent changes to eBay. iSale 5.6 helps users take advantage of their social networks. With its one of a kind Facebook integration, iSale users can inform friends about running auctions by posting a note on their wall. Next to the image iSale also includes a direct link to the auction. In order to get a better picture of buyers, iSale also uses Google Maps to show where in the world they are located and eases up the whole after sales management when an auction is finished. Version 5.6 now supports online storage accounts of two or more gigabytes with Google's free Picasa Web Album photo service. All thumbnails images now appear in the correct size in auctions when using the eBay picture service. iSale 5.6 costs US$39.95, though it's a free update for registered users of version 5.x...

iTacet Software (http://www.itacet.com) has released Cookie Platter 1.0, an US$9 Mac OS X application that automatically deletes all unwanted cookies and saves specific cookies based upon a user's favorite web sites. 
The software can process cookies for multiple web browsers simultaneously and allows customization by browser, domain and type of cookie. Users can group all domains into their root domain, as well as the ability to preview the cookie's web site without opening a browser and more. Cookie Plater requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher, Safari 4 or better and/or Firefox 3.5 or greater. A 14-day demo is available for download.

Big Nerd Ranch Europe is offering a new Cocoa Bootcamp (http://bignerdranch.com/classes/cocoa_i) April 19-23. Taught by Cocoa instructor Scott Ritchie , it provides a look at Apple's object-oriented development environment. The class offers both an introduction to the fundamentals of coding in Cocoa and a walk-through of some of its most challenging advanced features. Students attending the class should have some experience in Java or C++ programming in order to maximize their experience. The primary text of the class, "Cocoa Programming for Mac OS X," was authored by course instructor, Aaron Hillegass, and provides the framework by which lessons are taught. Short lectures are immediately followed by programming sessions. Students signing up before March 15 can apply for the early bird fee and save €200 off the price of €2800. The Big Nerd Ranch Europe incorporates training classes for Mac OS X and Unix programmers in a retreat setting outside Frankfurt, Germany.

At Thursday's shareholder meeting, Apple senior vice president of retail Ron Johnson said Apple is planning to open 25 retail stores in China, although he didn't say when. Apple opened its first Chinese retail store in Beijing in July 2008. Plans for a second store in Beijing were announced in mid-2009, but it still hasn't materialized. Apple now has 283 stores in 10 countries. Approximately 100 stores were remodeled during the 2009 calendar year and 10 new stores opened, including one in Louvre in Paris and Upper West Side in New York.

At Thursday's Apple shareholder meeting, CEO Steve Jobs defended the company's large cash stockpile of about US$40 billion. And two environmental proposals were rejected. He said he prefers having cash for investments to paying dividends or doing stock buybacks, notes "Bloomberg" (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=conewsstory&tkr=AAPL%3AUS&sid=aJg...). Apple is holding onto cash to take “big, bold” risks, he said. "When you take risks, it's like jumping in the air," Jobs said. "When they don't work out, it's nice to know the ground is always there." Also, during the meeting, shareholders rejected two proposals that sought to force the company to do more to analyze its impact on the environment, notes the "Associated Press" (http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Apple-shareholders-reject-apf-120261537.ht...).. One proposal would have asked Apple to produce a detailed environmental sustainability report. The other called for a board committee focused on sustainability. Apple,...

Some Boxee users have teamed up to resurrect the ATV-Usb creator and craft an updated solution specifically for the Boxee Beta (http://blog.boxee.tv/2010/02/25/get-a-bite-of-this-%E2%80%93-boxee-beta-...) on the Apple TV. If you already have Boxee Alpha installed on your AppleTV, you should be able to just update Launcher and then update Boxee to install it, as no new patchstick is needed. Boxee provides cross-platform, freeware media center software with an user interface and social networking features designed for the living-room. It's still under development.

ProteMac has announced ProteMac LoginTrap 1.0 (http://protemac.com/LoginTrap/), a tool designed to prevent unauthorized usage of a Mac. It monitors all log-in events and detects whether a log-in attempt was successful or failed. After a log-in attempt is made the program captures an image from the iSight camera, so that you are able to see who is trying to break into your Mac. An alarm e-mail with iSight camera snapshot attached is sent immediately after a log-in attempt. ProteMac LoginTrap requires Mac OS X 10.4 or higher. It's Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. It costs US$29.95 for a single user license.

Apparent Corp. has updated Barcode Producer (http://www.itsapparent.com/barcodeproducer/), its barcode creation software suite for Mac OS X, to version 5.8. The app can now create wider ITF-14  barcodes for shipping containers and pallets of retail products. Width is customizable by available W/N ratios for the ITF-14 symbology. Barcode 5.8 also has interleaved 2 of 5 barcode enhancements. The app now offers Light Margin Indicators for I2of5 barcodes, used for numeric industrial  applications. Light Margin Indicators ensure designers don't infringe upon the barcode's required quiet space. Finally, the new version has updated icons for Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop integration, automatically matching the version installed. Barcode Producer is a tool for creating barcodes visually, with one-click export for Adobe Creative Suite products, including Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Acrobat Distiller. It's Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. Barcode...

V-Moda (http://www.v-moda.com) has announced the Remix Remote, their latest fashion-forward in-ear headphone with an integrated three-button remote. It's designed to work with the iPhone, iPod and Mac notebooks and ha a suggested retail price of US$99.99. A remote and high fidelity microphone allows hands-free access for users to answer calls and control their music library. The in-line three-button remote allows the user to control the music playback, volume, VoiceOver or Voice Control functions. The Remix Remote sports a newly tuned 9mm V-Masque neodymium dynamic driver and a Beat-Port air flow system. V-Moda's BLISS (Bass Level Isolating Soft Silicone) noise-isolating technology further reduces outside noise and enables deep punchy bass, according to Val Kolton, V-Moda CEO and founder.

The Escapers has released Flux 2.0 (http://theescapers.com/flux2/), an update of the Mac OS X app that allows drag 'n drop creation of web pages without the need of knowledge of XHTMLICSS (though you can twiddle with the code if you like). Now users can work directly off FTP and SFTP sites, so there's no need to repeatedly download and publish your site. But if publishing your site from your local computer suits your workflow, Flux can not only publish to FTP, SFTP, and MobileMe, but Flux can also compress all your images on the fly while publishing. This means that your large PNGs get compressed before they get uploaded. You can apply effects to images from within the app. You can also attach JavaScript actions to your page and embed QuickTime movies, Flash and other objects. Some templates are supplied to get you started. Flux is Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. It requires for Mac OS X 10.5 or higher. A 30-day demo is available at The Escapers web...

Pentax (http://www.Pentaximaging.com) has announced the eleventh generation Pentax Optio waterproof digital camera (US$329.95). It offers enhanced waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, and coldproof performance and features a Digital Microscope mode with LED lighting to capture small subjects. Designed with the look of mountaineering equipment, the Optio W90 kit includes a woven web fabric strap complete with a carabiner to attach the camera to a backpack and other outdoor gear. The 12.1-megapixel Optio W90 with a 5X optical zoom (28-140mm equivalent) is waterproof to 20 feet and shockproof to four feet. Other features include: Eye-Fi wireless SD memory card connectivity; a 2.- inch LCD with 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio; movie capture in widescreen 720p HD video at 30 frames per second; and an HDMI por. Pentax also announced the latest model in the manufacturer’s megazoom digital camera line: the Pentax X90, which has an extra-wide zoom, longer battery life than its predecessor and an...

Apple has released version 3.0.1 of Aperture, its software for professional photographers. It includes several overall stability and addresses a number of issues in Aperture 3. You can find a list of all the changes here at http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1006 . It's a 29.41MB download and requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later.

Mozilla says the next major version of Firefox will drop support for Mac OS X and require Mac OS X 10.5 or 10.6. "We believe a Mac OS X 10.5 minimum will allow us to provide the best experience possible to our users," Mozilla Mac programmer Josh Aas said in a mailing list announcement (http://groups.google.com/group/mozilla.dev.planning/browse_thread/thread...). "This does not affect current users of Firefox, or updates to Firefox 3.6: Mac OS X 10.4 will continue to be supported via Firefox 3.6 until its end-of-life (not yet scheduled)."

Algoriddim has released djay 3.1, an update of the music software application for Mac and iTunes. Users can now apply a new set of features, including Auto-Saving cue points and automatically aligning cue points and precise beats with Quantized Cue Points. In addition, djay 3.1 includes keyboard shortcuts based on key position instead of letters, making the software's shortcuts more accessible to international users. djay 3.1 also has the ability to integrate with some of the most popular available MIDI controllers. djay 3.1 is available for a free 15-day trial or for purchase from the Algoriddim web site (http://www.djay-software.com). It costs US$49.95. Version 3.1 is a free update for registered users.

After facing criticism "that its board is too close-knit," Apple will hold its first shareholder meeting tomorrow with a new co-lead director: Avon Products CEO Andrea Jung, notes "Bloomberg" (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=conewsstory&tkr=AAPL%3AUS&sid=azX...). Jung is the newest director and only woman serving on the seven-member board. She took over as co-lead in December and succeeds former Apple executive Bill Campbell, chairman of Intuit. The handoff to Jung follows complaints by corporate- governance experts that Jobs had too much sway over a group of hand-picked directors, says "Bloomberg." That may have affected the limited disclosures about Jobs’s health last year, when he had a liver transplant, said Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, a dean at Yale University’s School of Management. Jung’s elevation to co-lead director gives a more independent voice to the board, he said. “This is a really good move and I applaud them,” Sonnenfeld, who studies corporate-governance issues...

Kaufman Bros. analyst Shaw Wu told clients today that a check of the distribution channel suggests that MacBook Pro supplies are tight and that a refresh of the laptop line is due soon. He expects the next rev of MacBook Pros to use that Intel's next-generation mobile processor, Arrandale, which is shipping in large volumes. Wu sys the processor will deliver some new features that will help Apple engineers differentiate their laptops from other portables on the market. "Benefits of the new mobile architecture, helped in part by its new 32 nanometer process (vs. previous 45 nanometer), include much better performance through hyper-threading and turbo mode, battery life, and weight characteristics, which we believe give AAPL engineers more room to further differentiate the MacBook Pro," the analyst said."We believe new Mac models could ship in the March quarter, or at the latest the June quarter. It is not clear to us whether AAPL will introduce these new Macs through special event or...

Dot Hill Systems Corp. (http://www.dothill.com) -- a provider of storage solutions and software for OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), open storage partners and system integrators -- has announced it's now shipping its next-generation 3000 Series disk arrays with support for 8Gb Fibre Channel storage area networks (SANs), dual interface 8Gb Fibre Channel and 1Gb iSCSI, and optional AssuredRemote data management software. Dot Hill's 3000 Series enables storage network implementers to protect their investments and provides non-disruptive storage upgrades through the use of 8Gb Fibre Channel and/or dual interface 8Gb Fibre Channel/1Gb iSCSI solutions that are backward compatible with existing 4Gb Fibre Channel and 1Gb iSCSI installations. With the addition of drive spin-down, mixed drive type support and dual protocol interfaces, users can now combine both high performance primary volumes and secondary storage with different performance and energy usage profiles in the same...

iPresentee (http://www.ipresentee.com), a developer of add-ons for Apple’s iWork and iLife applications, has extended its iWeb Intros collection to be used with iWeb, Apple's web site building component of the iLife. iWeb Intros design uses short flash animations and sounds to give visitor a first impression of the web site. iWeb Intros 3.0 adds five new welcome intros: Cityscape, Sunset, Highway, Nature and Factory. Each intro can stand alone as intro page for any web site or can be incorporated into any iWeb template as a part of the page. Each iWeb Intro package includes video instructions and other documentation. In addition iPresentee offers an updated iWeb Suite for US$70, which includes 35 iWeb themes, 35 iWeb themes for business, 15 iWeb intros, 75 iWeb animations and 181 Keynote 3D Stuff objects. iWeb Intro 3.0 requires iLife '08 or iLife '09 installed. Each iWeb Intro is available for $10. The set of five iWeb Intros 3.0 may be purchased for $30. Samples and more information...

Apple has posted its "2010 Progress Report on Supplier Responsibility." Apple requires its suppliers to commit to their Supplier Code of Conduct as a condition of their contracts. Apple says it drives compliance with the Code "through a rigorous monitoring program, including factory audits, corrective action plans, and verification measures." It also "helps our suppliers meet Apple’s expectations by supporting their efforts to provide training in workers’ rights and occupational health and safety." "To further improve factory conditions, we proactively address industrywide issues through collaboration with our suppliers, government agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and other companies," Apple says. "And by making social responsibility a fundamental part of the way we do business, we insist that our suppliers take Apple’s Code as seriously as we do." You can find the "2010 Progress Report on Supplier Responsibility" at http://images.apple.com/supplierresponsibility/pdf/...

Axaio Software (http://www.axaio.com) -- a developer of PDF creation, printing and content correction workflow solutions for Adobe InDesign and QuarkXpress environments -- has added support for IDML, Flash CS4, SWF and INX formats, as well as easy integration with InDesign Live Preflight, to its MadeToPrint product line. As a result, the company says MadeToPrint users will enjoy even tighter quality control, more automation and streamlined collaboration and processing of multi-channel publishing jobs, which are increasingly using these formats and the Live Preflight solution. MadeToPrint products offer output enhancement and automation features. The updated MadeToPrint product line is immediately available. Pricing remains the same: MadeToPrint Standard sells at US$490, MadeToPrint Auto is available from $3,490 and MadeToPrint Server from $7,690.

Apple’s presentation at the Goldman Sachs Technology & Internet Conference will begin at approximately 1:10 pm (Pacific) on Tuesday, Feb. 23. Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook will speak. To listen to the webcast, go to http://www.apple.com/quicktime/qtv/goldmansachs10 . QuickTime is required.

Atlona Technologies (http://www.atlona.com) has released a new version of the DP200 with the ability to convert HDMI sources like the Xbox360, PS3, cable or satellite receiver, Blu-Ray player and Apple TV into a Mini DisplayPort signal. This US$149, USB powered HDMI to Mini DisplayPort converter, the AT-DP200HD, is an adapted version of Atlona’s DP200, designed to convert HDMI signals from to a Mini DisplayPort Connection featured on popular Mac displays such as the Apple LED 24-inch Cinema display or the 27-inch iMac. 
Like the original DP200, the HD version is complete with an attached DVI Cable sporting a DVI to HDMI adapter and USB power Ppigtail.  This unit has the ability to display signals at resolutions as high as 720p, allowing optimal viewing experiences for Mac users looking to play video games or watch Blu-Ray movies. Along with passing all EDID and HDCP information, this device converts while allowing your computer to scale to the optimal resolution offered by your...

Yummy Software (http://www.yummysoftware.com) has updated Yummy FTP -- an FTP, FTP SSL/TLS, and SFTP client -- to version 1.8.2. The upgrade gains a Transmit favorite import capability, amongst several other enhancements, as well as some bug fixes. Yummy FTP is normally US$28 for a single user license. Multi-user discounts are available beginning at 10 seats. Site licenses and other discounts are available upon request.

Arxan (http://www.arxan.com) is expanding GuardIT application hardening solution to protect Mac OS X applications against tampering, piracy, malware insertions and unauthorized use.   “The Mac platform has long been viewed as a safer and more secure than Windows,” says Paul Roberts, senior analyst at The 451 Group. “The truth is that Mac's small share of the total OS market explained the rarity of Mac-focused threats. That's changing. The growing popularity and widespread use of Mac in the digital media market makes the platform an attractive target for hackers. Mac developers no longer view themselves as immune to application attacks and are adopting appropriate security measures to protect their code and valuable IP from malicious attacks.”   He adds that key features and benefits of Arxan GuardIT for Mac OS X include: °  Diverse and customizable Guard types for code security,  including obfuscation, encryption , anti-debug, repair, and checksum; ° Instruction level granularity to...

Class on Demand, a provider of professional educational products for creative markets, has announced that "Complete Training for eyeon Fusion‚Ñ¢ 6" is now available for pre-order. "Complete Training for eyeon Fusion 6" helps both transitioning artists and existing users acclimate to the high-end compositing application, says Susan Samonig, client relations manager, eyeon Software. The three-hour training is broken down into nine logical segments, covering Fusion 6 capabilities ranging from interface and basics to keying, particle generation, and 3D composition. The Class on Demand training methodology provides a modular approach to learning the ins-and-outs of Fusion 6's new architecture, giving users of all levels the option to pick and choose the components they want to focus on. For a sampling of Class on Demand's "Complete Training for eyeon Fusion 6," including Fusion Basics, 3D Basics, and Product Overview, go to http://www.classondemand.net/media/eyeon-training/fusion6.aspx ....

The Araelium Group has released DMG Canvas 2.0 (http://www.araelium.com/dmgcanvas), a Mac OS X (10.5 and higher) tool for building disk images from template documents that you create. Version 2.0 offers advanced background layout with customizable text and image objects, and more. With DMG Canvas, you design your disk image's appearance using the graphical editor and click Build. Each time you release a new version of your disk image, click Build again and DMG Canvas will pull together all of the latest versions of your files. DMG Canvas also allows you to specify the license agreements displayed when the disk image is mounted. With DMG Canvas, you customize every aspect of your disk image, including: window background; icon size and positions; license agreements; the volume's name; the volume's icon; the disk format; encryption; compression; and Internet enabling. It's donationware. You can download and try it for free; however, if you like it and use it regularly you're asked to...

SanDisk Corp. (http://www.sandisk.com) has begun shipping its SanDisk G3 Solid State Drives (SSD) to retailers in North America and Europe. The flash memory-based SanDisk G3 SSD offers an alternative to a 7,200 RPM hard disk drive (HDD) for some customers. The 120GB SanDisk G3 SSD can endure up to 80TB of data written to it over its lifetime, says says Eric Bone, vice president, retail product marketing, SanDisk. The solid state drives open files up to twice as fast as a 7,200 RPM HDD, he adds. SanDisk G3 SSD has sequential performance of up to 220 megabytes per second (MB/sec) read speed and up to 120MB/sec write speed. SanDisk G3 SSD is compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard"). SanDisk G3 SSD is available now in 60GB and 120GB capacities with prices of US$229.99 and $399.99, respectively. The drive will be available at retailers in North America and Europe soon, with exact pricing to be set by retailers.

Incoming freshmen who enroll at George Fox University (http://www.georgefox.edu/offices/inst_technology/it_servicedesk/computer...) this fall will have a choice to make before they arrive on campus in August: iPad or MacBook? The Christian college in Oregon has opted to give new students the option of choosing the new iPad or selecting its current offering, the MacBook. For more than 20 years, George Fox has supplied a computer for each incoming undergraduate student to keep upon graduating. The cost is included in tuition. "With this, we’re basically asking students ‘What computing system will work best for you?’” Greg Smith, the university’s chief information officer, says. “By giving them this option, they can choose between the iPad, a mobile device known for its networking and E-textbook capabilities, or the laptop, which offers more computing horsepower.” The trend in higher education computing is this concept of mobility, and this fits right in with that trend, he adds. "At the...

A "trusted source at Comcast told "Broadband Reports" (http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Comcast-Exploring-250-Mbps-Service-10...) that before the end of the year, we'll begin hearing "rumblings" of a 250 Mbps service. Comcast has already pushed DOCSIS 3.0 past 90% of their footprint, delivering 50 Mbps speeds in the process. While the company only offers 100 Mbps service in one market, a source told "Broadband Reports" that Comcast will be pushing faster 100 Mbps service to around 20% of their market by year's end. 250 Mbps will take a bit longer. "We'll get there, but for many practical reasons the early DOCSIS 3.0 systems are designed for 160 meg shared down, 100 meg shared up, using four channels in each direction," industry analyst Dave Burstein told "Broadband Reports." The DOCSIS 3.0 specification was unveiled in August 2006 when CableLabs outlined the methodology for downstream and upstream channel bonding, along with other features such as IPv6, IP multicasting and AES...

Pentax (http://www.pentax.com) has launched the Pentax K-7 Limited Silver digital SLR camera. It will be marketed in a limited quantity of 1,000 sets. This special-edition model comes with several features that distinguish it from the original black-colored Pentax X K-7 (launched in summer 2009), including a silver-colored body and a “golden section ratio” focusing screen. Pricing hasn't been announced, but the original K-7 costs approximately US$1,300. The Silver K-7's camera body is finished in silver. and is identical with the color of the high-performance FA Limited interchangeable lens series. Set in lower area of the camera body, the SR (Shake Reduction) lettering is in a special gold color that stands out against the subdued black-colored, leather-like finish. The K-7 Limited Silver comes equipped with an exclusive “golden section ratio” focusing screen. Since the guiding lines and points are curved on the screen, the photographer can swiftly and effortlessly compose a...

ColcaSac (http://www.colcasac.com/) has announced a line of sleeves for the MacBook. They're made from natural fibers and come in a range of designs and colors. They're heavily padded to protect your laptop from drops, dents and scratches. Prices range from US$30 to $33.

Comm-Unity Networking Systems has released CNS Audit 1.0.2 (http://cnsaudit.cnsplug-ins.com/), an update of the audit trail plug-in for FileMaker Pro to add to your databases. The upgrade updates the Init function to also find records that were not previously audited correctly. It also fixes some bugs. CNS Audit includes full Roll Back support for undoing field changes and record deletions. CNS Audit is available for both Mac OS X and Windows systems. immediately at for both Mac OS X and Windows. Whether you just want peace of mind about being able to get a record back that you have accidentally deleted or if you have to comply to regulatory mandates like HIPAA, you can use CNS Audit to create an Audit Trail of your data within minutes, according to the folks at Comm-Unity. You can download a demo copy of the plug-in to test it out before purchasing. An one-user license for the client version of CNS Audit is US$95. There are several other price points on the purchase page for the plug...

On the new MacVoices (http://www.macvoices.com), Neil Ticktin, editor-in-chief and publisher of MacTech, and Macsimum News' Chief Macsimizer Dennis Sellers announce MacTech's acquisition of Macsimum News to create MacNews, the most comprehensive and up-to-date place to keep up with the rapidly changing Apple and Mac universe. The duo discuss the combination, the new site (in preview at the moment), and why it will launch with a huge archive of information. "MacVoices" is an Internet show and podcast that delivers in-depth discussions with the most influential people in the Mac industry, as well as "the individuals who are out there making it happen on the front lines of the global Apple community," according to host Chuck Joiner.

Developer Christian Kienle has released Ebbinghaus 3.2 (http://christian-kienle.de/Ebbinghaus/) for Mac OS X. It's an update of the US$20 flash card application with an iTunes-like user interface. Version 3.2 offers the ability to resize the study window. When resizing the study window the current card becomes larger. Scrolling is now enabled in the study view. With Ebbinghaus you can organize your cards in decks, folders and smart decks. When selecting a deck, its cards will be shown in a table. Each card has a progress indicator so that you see your overall performance at a glance. Ebbinghaus was a German psychologist, who invented the learning curve. Ebbinghaus comes with a formula editor. The formula editor lets you create graphical formulas by typing in a LaTeX style text. For example, you can then drop the formula on any card. That's the best way to learn formulas of nearly any complexity. If you own an iPod or iPhone, Ebbinghaus lets you export decks as a series of images...

General Imaging (http://www.general-imaging.com/us/) is unveiling four new cameras, including new additions to the GE brand's Power Series and Smart Series. The GE E1486TW and E1480W are the latest additions to the Power Series. Both the E1486TW and E1480W sport the ability to film high-definition movies, 14-megapixel resolution, an 8X optical zoom and a 3-inch LCD screen. At only .83 inches thick, the cameras offer one of the slimmest 8X optical zoom performance in the market, says Paul Meyhoefer, General Imaging's vice president of Marketing and Product Planning. Both the E1486TW and E1480W offer OIS image stabilization and a 28-mm angle glass lens. In addition, the E1486TW offers a touch screen control. A swipe of your finger lets you scroll through recent shots and swipe the screen to zoom photos. The E1486TW and E1480W are priced at US$179.99 and $149.99, respectively. They will ship this spring, and are available in black, red and silver among other colors. The GE line continues...

Stairways Software (http://www.stairways.com/main/) has released Keyboard Maestro 4.1, the new version of its productivity enhancer for Mac OS X. The upgrade adds an in-application tutorial, documentation, and welcome page, sorting by trigger, improved select menu action, and more. Using Keyboard Maestro's macros you can: control applications, windows, or menus; insert text; open documents, applications or URLs; execute scripts; control the system or iTunes; and more, all with the touch of a key, click of the mouse, periodically or at specific times, when an application is launched or running, or even over the Internet using Keyboard Maestro's built in web server. Using Keyboard Maestro's Program Switcher and Window Switcher you can cycle through applications or windows, closing, hiding, launching, and more. The software lets you close or hide multiple windows or applications. Using Keyboard Maestro's Clipboard Switcher, you can select from a number of named clipboards, storing...

Dover Studios released "Maya Shading Networks 2nd Edition," their latest visual effects training video. It's a guide to creating shading networks in Autodesk Maya. The second edition has been completely revised and updated and features crystal clear 1080p high definition video. It's taught by visual effects artists, Andrew Hazelden and Russell Hazelden. Topics include: aging a shiny metal surface by adding a layer of tarnish, using the Mental Ray IPR renderer to interactively preview shading networks, creating 2D and 3D procedural textures, adjusting specular highlights, exploring various ways to assign materials to objects, using environment maps to create reflective materials, and adjusting 2D texture placement attributes. Participant will learn how to use incandescence and glow to simulate materials that emit light. This effect is often used when creating materials for light fixtures, television sets, and glowing hot lava. Participants will also discover how PSD networks can be...

SanDisk (http://www.sandisk.com) has begun shipping the 64GB SanDisk Ultra SDXC memory card (US$349.99), the company’s highest capacity SD card ever. It touts up to 15MB/second read speed and a Class 4 speed rating. It's designed for capturing and storing 1080p High-Definition video files and then transferring them to a computer. SDXC cards are based on the new SD 3.0 specification, which makes it possible to manufacture SD cards with storage capacity up to 2TB. The SDXC card’s exFAT file structure helps consumers record long-duration HD videos. The 64GB SanDisk Ultra SDXC card can store more than eight hours of high-definition video with recording speed of 9 Mbps (HD standard), according to Susan Park, director, retail product marketing, SanDisk. Because the SD 3.0 specification was recently released, only a handful of devices may be immediately available that support SDXC cards. However, the pace of new camera model introduction supporting the SDXC format is accelerating. Canon...