Other World Computing (OWC) has announced two new OWC Mercury SuperDrive Internal Upgrade Kits for MacBook Pro 17-inch notebooks. The new OWC Mercury SuperDrive Internal Upgrade Kits provide low-cost options for adding faster read/write for DVD+/-R/RW, Dual-Layer DVD, DVD-RAM, and CD-R/RW, and burn speeds of up to 8X for DVDs and 24X for CDs. Available immediately priced starting at US$89.99, new OWC Mercury SuperDrive Internal Upgrade Kits for MacBook Pro 17" notebooks include two models: ° OWC Mercury MacBook Pro 17-inch SuperDrive Dual-Layer Internal Drive Kit. Features burn speeds of up to 8X for DVD-R, 6X for DVD-DL, 5X for DVD-RAM, and 24X for CD and a one-year OWC warranty. $89.99 . ° OWC Mercury MacBook Pro 17-inch SuperDrive Dual-Layer Internal Drive Kit (with media and software). Features burn speeds of up to 8X for DVD-R, 6X for DVD-DL, 5X for DVD-RAM, and 24X for CD. Includes 10 pieces of 8X DVD-R media in a jewel case, EMC Retrospect backup software, NTI...

Avenza Systems, makers of MAPublisher cartographic software for Adobe Illustrator and Geographic Imager spatial tools for Adobe Photoshop has released MAPublisher 8.0 for Adobe Illustrator. It's the latest version of mapmaking software used to produce maps from GIS data for both print and electronic distribution. MAPublisher 8.0 for Adobe Illustrator is a full product upgrade that is free of charge to all current MAPublisher Maintenance Program subscribers. It replaces the current shipping version of MAPublisher, version 7.6.3, for all new customers using Adobe Illustrator CS2, CS3 or CS4. According to Ted Florence, president of Avenza, MAPublisher 8.0 includes the following new features and enhancements: support for Adobe Illustrator CS4; a MAP Web Author tool for automatic creation of interactive Flash maps; a MAP Vector Crop tool; a dockable MAPublisher toolbar; an improved MAP Point Plotter with Plot Centroids function; enhanced KML export support; new format support for S-57 (...

Industry Entertainment has released Master Kick, a table soccer game for the iPhone and iPod touch. weather effects, including several playfields (grassy, indoor, cyber, snow), different teams dresses. With the game you can play (virtually, that is) indoors, outdoors, in a cyber world, on a grassy playfield, in mud, on the snow, etc. You control Master Kick with the iPhone or iPod touch's accelerometer and touchscreen. The game is available in English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, Dutch, Danish, Hungarian, Polish and Serbian languages. A Mac OS X version is also available. Master Kick for iPhone and the iPod touch is available for on device purchase at the Apple App Store. For more details go to http://masterkick.indus3.org.

New Leaf and iTMP Technology have launched iNewLeaf, a fitness application that transforms the iPhone and iPod touch into a fitness monitoring system based on personal metabolic test results. For a limited time, iNewLeaf will be available for free at the Apple App store. New Leaf's Active Metabolic Training program and test is offered in select health clubs, personal training studios, medical fitness facilities, and performance training centers throughout North America and the UK where a simple 10-15 minute assessment determines your unique response to exercise through measurement of the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide you breathe. For more information and to locate the nearest New Leaf Active Metabolic Training facility, visit http://www.newleaffitness.com This metabolic profile allows New Leaf to assign personalized heart rate training zones and programmed exercises to take the guesswork out of works. Consumers can access their information and track workouts at New Leaf's online...

Native Instruments has introduced Reaktor Spark (http://www.native-instruments.com/ReaktorSpark.info), an US$59 Kore SoundPack based on the new "Spark" performance synthesizer designed by NI founder and Reaktor mastermind Stephan Schmitt. It's both a library addition for Reaktor users as well as an instrument and sound library for Kore 2 and the free Kore Player. Spark was designed by Stephan Schmitt as a personal project over the course of three years, with the goal to create a synthesizer with a highly energetic sound character and maximum potential for real-time expression. Completely realized in Native Instruments' modular synthesis studio Reaktor, Spark combines subtractive synthesis with an array of internal feedback loops and various other special sound shaping features. This allows its sonic output to cut through any musical arrangement with vivid, animated and organic tones, Schmitt says. The Reaktor Spark sound pack built around Spark makes this synthesizer accessible for...

Noise Industries, developer of visual effects tools for the post-production and broadcast markets, announced that development partner Idustrial Revolution has released the Decimal Counter FxPack plug-in for Apple Final Cut Studio and Apple Final Cut Express applications. Developed to produce professionally automated count sequences quickly, the new Idustrial Revolution FxPack is powered by the free Noise Industries FxFactory engine and offers extensive controls for fine tuning text animation and positioning, according to Peter Wiggins, Founder, Idustrial Revolution. Features include: ° Proportional and non-proportional (mono-space) display of proportional fonts; ° The ability to use any installed font without positional jitter; * Respects country settings for separators (1,000.00 or 1.000,00); ° Toggle separators on and off; ° Toggle currency symbol on and off; ° Left, right, and center ranging; ° Global character spacing control (tracking); ° Fully key frame numbers ; ° Two ranges...

Quark Inc.is offering a free booklet, online content, and video to enable creative professionals to unlock the full potential of their design tools. The book, downloadable from http://8.quark.com/cs_integration, details how QuarkXPress 8 users can work with Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Flash and PDFs either separately or within Adobe Creative Suite. It also provides an introduction to QuarkXPress 8 for InDesign users, outlining both the similarities and differences that users should know. The booklet, which was previously available for QuarkXPress 7, has been updated to reflect the changes in both QuarkXPress 8 and Adobe Creative Suite 4. QuarkXPress 8 builds on the previous integration with design applications, with new support for native Illustrator (.ai) files and built-in Flash design capabilities. Through standards such as SWF, XHTML and CSS, QuarkXPress 8 users can design across media both within the integrated design environment of QuarkXPress 8 and alongside dedicated...

ngmoco (http://www.ngmoco.com), creator and publisher of games exclusively for the iPhone and iPod touch, has released Dr. Awesome, MicroSurgeon M.D. It's available at the Apple App Store for US$1.99. Here's how the game is described: "As the world's most skilled microsurgeon, Dr. Awesome has been called in to eradicate a deadly virus spreading throughout the entire population, including the players' friends and family saved in contact lists on the iPhone and iPod touch. "Dr. Awesome, MicroSurgeon M.D. challenges even the steadiest of hands with intense arcade gameplay. Players perform microsurgery to isolate and eradicate mutagens that have infected their friends, personalized from the user's iPhone and iPod touch contacts. With the accelerometer-guided micro scalpel, players must cut and trap the offending viruses, avoid disruptive virus counter attacks and collect various power-ups to succeed in saving their friends. An in-game autosave feature also saves patients when surgeons...

Mundue.net has released its fourth iPhone and iPod touch application: inFact USA (http://www.infactgame.com), an interactive educational fact game based on the US states. Here's how the game is descibed: "With inFact USA you can choose between a leisurely learning mode and a fast paced scoring mode. In the scoring mode you are rewarded with points for answering questions in a short period of time that decreases as you progress through the quizzes. Select the difficulty level (easier, harder, both) and choose from 1-12 categories to customize each game to your liking. Categories include state capitals, flags, shapes, famous persons, geographical features, national parks, and much more. Each question is generated dynamically from a database of over 1,000 facts. This is an ideal educational game that can be shared by the entire family." inFact USA is available at the Apple App Store. Normally, it costs US$2.99, but you can buy it at the introductory price of $0.99 until Dec. 7.

DTP departments use thousands of photos and images every day, adding captions and credits manually. Most of these pictures, though, already contain ready-to-use descriptions and copyrights. WoodWing (http://www.woodwing.com/) decided to put these to use in InDesign, saving time and improving efficiency. With Smart Image, WoodWing's new plug-in for Adobe InDesign, when placing an image in InDesign, the attached caption and/or credit text frames are created and filled with text automatically, all at once and with a single mouse-click. Most professional photographers and stock agencies add metadata to their photos in XMP or IPTC format. They add their own copyright information, and fill out fields to describe and catalog their images with locations, subjects and keywords. In most cases, credit information can be placed by Smart Image without the need for modification by the user, according to WoodWing President Erik Schut. Descriptions may need some fine-tuning, but generally provide a...

Pragmatic Studio has scheduled several Mac and iPhone training courses in early 2009. The iPhone Development Studio ( http://pragmaticstudio.com/iphone/) will be held Jan. 27-30 in Denver, Colorado, and March 17-20 in Reston, Virginia. Here's how the course is described: "Got an idea for a killer iPhone application? We've got the Studio for you. You'll learn all the major features of the iPhone SDK, and walk away with the skills to turn your idea into an app you can start selling. In this 4-day workshop, you'll learn from two experienced iPhone developers and authors: Bill Dudney and Daniel Steinberg." Objective-C and Cocoa Studio ( http://pragmaticstudio.com/cocoa/) will be held Feb. 9-12 in Reston, Virginia. Here's how the course is described: "Have you ever wanted to learn Objective-C and Cocoa? There's never been a better time. With these new skills, you'll be able to start crafting applications for the Mac and the iPhone. In this 4-day workshop, you'll learn from two experienced...

Scosche Industries (http:/www.scosche.com) has shipped the reviveLITE cordless charger for the iPod and iPhone. It charges all docking iPod and iPhone models, including the iPhone 3G and the recently introduced fourth generation iPod nano and second generation iPod touch. Users select the appropriate adapter (included) for their iPod or iPhone and plug the reviveLITE into a wall outlet to charge. The reviveLITE's frosted nightlight automatically illuminates in low light, and can be manually turned off if desired.The unit also meets Energy Star performance standards. The reviveLITE is available in both Java Black and Arctic White. It has a manufacturer'es suggested retail price of US$39.99.

TechPad Productions, a social media research and online publication company, will launch its first game, iNetMania (http://www.inetmaniagame.com, scheduled to be ready for download from the Apple App Store later this month. A release date and pricing information will be announced in the coming weeks. iNetMania is based upon TechPad's board game, ServerMania, which features players competing to build a successful web hosting company and finish with the most money at the end of the game. First introduced in 2007, ServerMania has been used by many web hosting companies as an interactive learning tool. iNetMania is based upon ServerMania's format and rules, with players competing to create the most successful web site with the highest amount of visitors. Web traffic translates into money, and as with ServerMania, the player with the largest pile of cash at the end of the game wins.

FXhome (http://fxhome.com/photokey) has released PhotoKey 2, the latest version of its greenscreen photography product that's Mac OS X compatible. The PhotoKey series enables photographers to integrate greenscreen photos into their portfolio. PhotoKey 2 removes green or blue backgrounds from photos, "allowing friends, family and clients to be transported to anywhere in the world without leaving the comfort of the studio," according to Simon Jones of FXhome. The upgrade also introduces amasking tool for dealing with troublesome composites as well as a greeting card designer, new special effects and numerous interface enhancements. PhotoKey 2 costs US$99. Also available from FXhome.com is the PhotoKey 2 Bundle, which contains a 10 x 20 foot greenscreen, a collection of greeting card designs and a greenscreen tutorial DVD in addition to the software for $199. PhotoKey 1 customers can upgrade to PhotoKey 2 for $49.

Fontlab has released Photofont Webready (http://www.fontlab.com/photofont/webready/), a Mac OS X compatible typography product for web designers. The folks at Fontlab say that web page designers have struggled with the tradeoff between searchability and good typography since the beginning of the Internet. "If you wanted good typography you had to use bitmaps," says Ted Harrison of Fontlab. "But if you wanted your headlines indexed by the search engines you had to use generic vector fonts. WebReady solves this problem by creating 'Flash text' for web pages. The headlines look like bitmaps, but they act like hypertext." WebReady works with any TrueType or Type 1 font. It also works with photofonts, bitmap fonts that can have colors, textures, grayscale and transparency. WebReady makes them work as hypertext. WebReady costs US$79.95 for a single-user license. A demo is available for download.

Craft Animations has announced free light versions of its Craft Director Tools. Created to introduce users of Autodesk's 3ds Max and Maya to the benefits of Craft Director Tools, Craft 4-Wheeler Free, Craft ObserverCam Free and Craft Airplane Free all utilize research in advanced control systems to reduce traditional animation processes without compromising quality, says Craft Animations' co-founder and head of research, Luigi Tramontana. Craft's newest FreeWare additions to Craft Director Tools include: ° Craft 4-Wheeler Free, which is capable of modifying up to six factors -- acceleration, top speed, steering angle, brake force, suspension and weight. Craft 4-Wheeler Free provides the ability to rig and animate any type of four-wheeled vehicle model. ° Craft ObserverCam Free, which offers the ability to move in all directions. Craft ObserverCam Free eases the animation process by setting up a standard configuration and allowing users to animate a camera with the help of input...

Melodis Corp. has unveiled MelodisVoice Dialer (http://www.melodis.com/dialer), a free, voice dialer for the iPhone (it's suppred by mobile advertising). It uses the Crystal Engine, the company's recent achievement in speech search technology. The Crystal Engine is a search engine with a unique design that accepts voice as input instead of text, according to Keyvan Mohajer, president and CEO of Melodis. By avoiding the traditional approach of voice-to-text conversion, the Crystal Engine can achieve higher accuracy compared to existing solutions, he adds. The MelodisVoice Dialer enables mobile users to dial by voice instead of scrolling through a list of contact names. It automatically indexes all contact information stored on the iPhone without the user having to re-enter it. To activate the dialer, the user simply presses and holds the application button on the iPhone screen and begins to speak.

Newer Technology (NewerTech) has announced NewerTech Voyager, a "quad interface" SATA I/II hard drive docking station with support for four interfaces: FireWire 800/400, USB 2.0, and eSATA. The Voyager turns any 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch Serial ATA (SATA) I/II hard drive up to 2.0TB into a fully bootable and hot-swappable external drive solution. Just insert any standard SATA I/II hard drive into Voyager's compact docking base and select the fastest of the four interfaces supported by your computer for read/write data speeds of up to 3.0Gb/second. There's nothing else to install or configure. Voyager is priced at US$99.95. Additionally, there are five Voyager/hard drive bundles priced starting at $157.99. For details, visit http://eshop.macsales.com/search/Voyager

Polo Planet Software has released iMagePhone 1.0 (http://www.poloplanetsoft.com/imagephone/index.html) , a wallpaper maker and image manager for the iPhone and iPod touch. It lets you enhance, crop and resize any image with the defined position and size according to exact parameters of the iPhone's display. iMagePhone also includes iPhoto and Address Book integration, and allows automatic creation of backgrounds from any iPhoto library. Wallpapers may be emailed to family and friends, saved and organized into Gallery Folders or transferred directly to iPhone. iMagePhone is available as both a Free, and Pro Edition. iMagePhone Pro Edition (US$14.95) offers more advanced editing tools, as well as supports uploading in Batch Mode. To help users get started, the application includes over 150 free backgrounds with the package.

Imagine Products has released a new version (6.0) of HD Log for Mac OS X, featuring support for the new Panasonic AVC-Intra Codec, and addition of deluxe media card offloading functions. The new automated secure offloading works any video media including Panasonic P2 and AVCHD cards, Sony SxS, RED ONE and other digital media cards in a single application. HDLog works with P2 formats ranging from DVCPRO HD to DV and now also supports the new 10-bit AVC-Intra codec. New P2 import option lets you automatically replace the low resolution bitmap thumbnail provided by the camera, with a larger, clean JPEG for better previewing, web posting and printing. AVC-Intra is Panasonic's new codec that uses an intra-frame compression system. It complies with the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 international standard based on advanced motion-image compression technology. Panasonic's AJ-HPX3700/HPX3000/HPX2700/HPX2000/HPX2100 camera-recorders let you record and play back in AVC-Intra 100 or AVC-Intra 50 mode. HD Log...

Open-Xchange, a provider of open source groupware, has announced a preview of its iSync connector called OXtender for Mac OS X. This makes Open-Xchange e-mails, appointments, contacts, tasks and documents available to end users through their native Mac applications -- Mail, iCal and Address Book. End users can access and edit all groupware data without changing their familiar desktop environment. Also, OXtender for Mac OS X enables synchronization on mobile devices. Even without a connection to the Internet, users can continue to work without interruption. When connected the next time, changes on the Mac system and Open-Xchange Server will be synchronized immediately. All mobile devices connected to the Mac, like iPhones, iPods and cell phones from other manufacturers, as well as software from third-party ISVs that support iSync can access Open-Xchange data. In addition, users of MobileMe get new e-mail, calendar and contact entries via its "over the air" push service on their...

Enfocus has released PitStop Extreme, a new addition to the PitStop product family and introduced for the first time at Graph Expo and Ifra Expo. As of Dec. 1, the fully functional version of a standalone, high-efficiency PDF editor, is available for users. PitStop Extreme is designed from the ground up to allow checking and correcting of even the most complex PDF files. PitStop Extreme also incorporates Enfocus' best-in-class preflighting engine and Certified PDF technology to prevent editing errors and safeguard the file. PitStop Extreme is sold through an extensive distribution network and directly from the Enfocus website. A fully functional trial version of PitStop Extreme can be downloaded from the Enfocus website (http://www.enfocus.com), as well as fully functional trial versions of all other Enfocus products. PitStop Extreme is priced at US$3,499. Included in the license for PitStop Extreme is a free license to use PitStop Professional on the same system. Alternatively...

Napkin Studio (http://www.napkinstudio.com) is giving away "What's On?" application for the iPhone and iPod touch is available free to consumers through the end of today, "Cyber Monday," at the Apple App Store. It's normally US$0.99. What's On TV? provides a way for people with active lives who cannot always keep track of what will be on TV when they get home. A portable TV channel guide for the iPhone or iPod touch, What's On? provides a complete programming guide at the touch of a button. What's On? is being offered at no charge to expose the largest possible audience to its power and functionality, says David Stanfill, president of Napkin Studio. The upcoming 2.0 release will give What's On? users exclusive features not available elsewhere, he adds. What's On? supports the major local, regional and national TV providers including: AT&T U-verse, Comcast Cable, DirecTV, Dish Network, Time Warner Cable, Verizon FIOS, as well as local providers.

Playrix Entertainment has released The Rise of Atlantis for Mac OS X. The game is compatible with Mac OS X 10.4 or higher and can be downloaded for free trial play or purchase from http://www.playrix.com Here's how the game is descibed: "The Rise of Atlantis takes players on an adventurous quest around the ancient lands of the Mediterranean to collect the seven powers of the patron god of the Atlanteans -- Poseidon. Ancient artifacts of power should be collected piece by piece in every country. Once put together and placed on the Altar of Poseidon, the legendary sunken continent of Atlantis will be raised from the depths of the sea."

FormSpring, an online form service, has released an online form-building iPhone app that's available at the Apple App Store. With the new FormSpring iPhone app, users can build online forms and deploy them on the iPhone to quickly collect information and view and edit data. Using iPhone features like geo-tagging and audio and photo upload capabilities, you can now use your FormSpring forms in mobile ways. Nearly 20,000 businesses, nonprofits, schools, sports teams and web site designers rely on FormSpring for a way to create online forms for a wide variety of uses, ranging from online order forms to customer satisfaction surveys, according to Augsut Trometer, lead developer for FormSpring. Now the FormSpring iPhone app provides an ideal solution for professionals accessing and submitting information on the go, such as sales representatives, home service professionals, door-to-door survey specialists, insurance adjusters and construction managers, he adds. The FormSpring iPhone app...

eMedia Music Corp., has released a new Mac/Windows hybrid version of the EarMaster Pro 5 and EarMaster School 5 ear training software CD-ROMs from EarMaster APS. Now Mac users can take advantage of this comprehensive software suite for ear training and practical music theory available in 18 languages. EarMaster Pro 5 is for musicians and music students at all levels. It features 651 progressive lessons including a set of jazz lessons, 12 exercise areas to train with intervals, chords, scales, rhythms and melodies, interactive answering methods (MIDI instrument or microphone), switchable on-screen interfaces (staff, multiple-choice, piano, guitar, bass, violin, cello, etc.), detailed statistics on your progress and even allows you to create your own customized exercises. EarMaster School 5 is the academic edition of the software for teaching ear training at all skill levels. Eighteen languages are included in both EarMaster Pro 5 and EarMaster School 5: English, French, German, Spanish...

DUY has released three new plug-ins for TDM and native Mac OS X-based systems: DUY31|graphic, DUY31|analyzer & DUY|noiser. DUY31|graphic is a 31-band linear-phase graphic EQ. DUY31|analyzer is a detailed 31-band spectrum analyzer, and DUY31|noiser is a white and pink noise generator. The 31-band linear-phase graphic EQ features vcontrol over frequency, even allowing for a feedback scan when using the software in live applications. The fader controls in DUY31|graphic can even handle a dynamic range of up to 48 dB (+/- 24dB above/below your 0 dB gain value). DUY31|graphic can be used together with DUY31|noiser (included with the product), which will let you callibrate your room or space, ensuring that the audible sound in your space is as close as possible to the audio being reproduced by your system from a frequency point of view. Also included in this suite of plug-ins is DUY31|analyzer, which delivers a visual representation of the audio signal, frequencially. This spectrum...

MacTech Ultimate Black Friday Offer: FREE! We've all come to expect great Black Friday offers. This year, as MacTech has its best year since the dot com days, we want to give back ... and give you the ultimate Black Friday offer. FREE. No strings attached ... free. For the first 100 people to respond, you will get a free six month subscription to MacTech Magazine. Not in the first 100? No worries, we'll get you a free copy of MacTech delivered to your door. Supplies are limited, and ends at midnight Friday, November 28th, 2009. So act now -- don't wait. Go to: http://www.mactech.com/offers/2008-UltimateBlackFriday.php ___________________________ Supplies are limited, and offer may terminate early if supplies are exhausted. Offer only valid for U.S. delivery addresses, and not valid for current subscribers. MacTech are not responsible for typographical errors. Portions Copyright 2008 MacTech Magazine. All rights reserved. MacTech is a registered trademark of Xplain Corporation.

wavearsLE is new software from Sonic Motion (http://www.sonicemotion.com/ch/index.php ) that "turns your iTunes library into a 3D sound player." With the software running in the background, iTunes can be operated as usual, but the sound is purportedly "true 3D." "The majority of the MP3 files in iTunes libraries were originally recorded in stereo," says Claudia Holenstein of Sonic Motion. "wavearsLE takes those stereo MP3 tracks and simulates a 5.1 surround speaker setup, virtually placed outside of your head. It sounds and feels as if you were in live concert. Not only can iTunes be improved with wavearsLE?, but all other players as well." A free beta is available for download. It requires Mac OS X 10.5 ("Leopard").

Acclivity (h ttp://www.acclivitysoftware.com/), current US distributor of MYOB software, has acquired MYOB US Inc. (http://www.myob-us.com/) and its Mac (and PC) development team from MYOB Limited of Australia. Acclivity will now drive global development of MYOB's Mac OS business management products -- FirstEdge, AccountEdge and AccountEdge Network Edition. Acclivity will continue to enhance and deliver these products to its US customers. Acclivity will also develop the Mac OS products for MYOB who will be its exclusive republisher in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Additionally, Acclivity's new development team will continue to develop the Windows product line for their US customer base, says Scott Davisson, Acclivity managing partner. Current MYOB US customers, as well as Australian and New Zealand Mac customers, will continue to use the same products and have access to the same support resources to which they've grown accustomed, he adds.

GPhotospace.com has launched Mac and Windows versions of the GPhotospace Add-on for Firefox and Flock. Leveraging the Gmail platform, the GPhotospace Add-on shares albums; proceeds from the software will be donated to help sustainability in rural Africa through the relief organization Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief. Using GPhotospace, private photo sharing becomes extremely straightforward, says GPhotospace founder Colin How. Within the Add-on, users simply select their photos, upload them to their GMail storage, select their recipients and send album viewing invitations through email. Addressing privacy concerns, GPhotospace has engineered a unique solution where users' Gmail credentials are used to log-in, but these credentials are never actually sent or stored on any servers other than Gmail's servers, using an encrypted HTTPS connection. Additionally, users who choose not to use their main Gmail account with GPhotospace can simply create a new Gmail account specifically...

Wi-Gear is helping iPhone users cut the cord with iMuffs, wireless headphones that are now optimized for iPhone use. They purportedly deliver crystal-clear sound up to 40 feet away. Ergonomically designed iMuffs let you pause, rewind, adjust volume and change tracks right from the headset without touching the iPhone. You can also answer incoming calls directly from the headphone using the integrated microphone, enjoying the same automatic music suspension that you get on your iPhone when a call comes in. Designed to be worn behind the neck, iMuffs weigh just 2.2 ounces and are powered by a rechargeable lithium battery providing up to 20 hours of continuous playback time on a single charge. iMuffs are charged using any computer's USB port or through an included travel charger. iMuffs work with the newest iPhone models as well as iPods, including the iPod classic, iPod nano and iPod touch. They're also compatible with many popular Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones. iMuffs MB220 wireless...

FoggyNoggin Software (http://FoggyNoggin.com) has released Lightastic! 1.0 for the iPhone and iPod touch. It lets you create little works of art called "lightworks" made up of brightly colored lights. Tap your iPhone or iPod Touch to position your lights, and create a single piece of art, or string together multiple frames to create complex animations! You can create lightworks in either portrait or landscape mode. Just turn your iPhone or iPod touch and Lightastic! adjusts automatically. You can also send your lightwork to your Photo Library where you can send it to others. Lighttastic! 1.0 works with any iPhone or iPod touch with OS 2.0 installed. It's available exclusively at the Apple App Store for US$2.99.

ShadesCases has released Shades Cases for the second generation Pod touch 2G the fourth generation iPod nano The new cases are now available to purchase online at http://www.shadescases.com, starting at US$14.95 for the nano 4G cases and $16.95 for the Touch 2G cases. The new cases keep the same thin, sleek look as the original Shades iPod cases, measuring 4mm thin and weighing 0.5 ounces with built-in ultra-clear screen protection. Now the Shades Cases are sprayed with a special coating causing the cases not to stick to the iPod's screen. The new cases comes in 11 different colors (10 for the iPod nano 4G). Shades for the new iPod nano 4G and iPod Touch 2G have a "sleek cool appearance that both compliments and enhances the the iPod's and matches all the cool new colors of the new iPod nano 4G," according to the folks at ShadesCases.

Adobe has released an update to its Photoshop Camera Raw plug-in, available immediately as a free download on Adobe.com. Adobe Camera Raw 5.2 extends raw file support to an additional seven camera models, including the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Panasonic DMC LX3. This update provides several new enhancements including the Targeted Adjustment Tool for on-image refinements and output sharpening for print or screen output. Also, users now have the ability to create a snapshot of all adjustments made to an image as a bookmark for future reference. In addition, Adobe has updated Camera Profiles, which are now available natively within Camera Raw 5.2 and DNG Converter 5.2. Camera profiles provide the visual starting-point for photographers using a raw processing workflow. Adobe supplies different styles of profiles while also providing the ability for customization. The new Camera Raw 5.2 plug-in supports the following additional seven camera models: Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon PowerShot G10...

TiVo and mobile application development agency, Mobui (http://www.mobui.com/), have launched TiVo Mobile. This is a free mobile web site that gives TiVo subscribers the power to schedule recordings directly to their TiVo box using their mobile phone. It also gives TiVo subscribers and non-subscribers alike the ability to browse, search, and discover television shows, regardless of the mobile phone type, carrier, or mobile browser they use. This is the first time that TiVo is offering a mobile DVR programming service subscription free and available for any phone with a mobile browser -- including the iPhone.

CEIVA Logic, an inventor and supplier of leading digital photo frames, has released of the CEIVA Snap iPhone application. Now available for download on the Apple Apple Store and on the CEIVE web site (http://www.ceiva.com), CEIVA Snap enables users to send photos from their iPhone directly to a CEIVA frame from anywhere in the world. CEIVA's PicturePlan membership makes it possible to send photos directly to a CEIVA frame that's connected by an existing phone line, Ethernet or Wi-Fi. CEIVA members have the option of inviting their friends and family to send photos for free by e-mail or camera phones to any frame in seconds. In addition, members can store an unlimited number of their personal photos at the CEIVA web site and select their favorites for an automatic slideshow display on their CEIVA frames. PicturePlan memberships start at US$6.95 per month for a multi-year membership.

EasyIShopUK, an Internet retailer of iPod speakers and iPod accessories, has introduced the Klipsch RoomGroove. The speaker is compatible with all iPods; when it's linked with other RoomGroove's it can wirelessly transmit music all across the house. The Klipsch RoomGroove iPod speaker utilizes premium woofers, crossovers, and horn-loaded tweeters. It features a retractable dock that includes an Apple universal well to ensure that all iPods are compatible while charging them at the same time. Other MP3 players and digital devices can also be connected easily via an auxiliary input. Without wires or complicated setup, the user can create a wireless speaker system around the house using two or more RoomGroove's. Each RoomGroove acts as a transmitter or receiver, so it can wirelessly send CD-quality music to other RoomGroove's or receive CD-quality music from transmitting RoomGroove's. The RoomGroove will also work with any computer. All the user has to do is connect the RoomGroove...

Zumobi (http://www.Zumobi.com) has released Ziibii, a free iPhone App now available on iTunes. Ziibii offers a new way to stay in-touch and in-the-loop with friends, photos and the world around them. Blending Facebook, Twitter, Flickr , YouTube, and web content into one experience, Ziibii also offers features for wireless consumers as well as brands. It enables real-time social interaction between users across a variety of popular social media applications, as well as on-going discovery of news, stories and blogs throughout the day, says John SanGiovanni of Zumobi. Displayed on the screen of the handset, Ziibii's visual expression metaphor is a river with content "rafts" floating with the user's pre-defined content, including direct-connect to social networking sites and RSS feeds.

MacPadd (http://www.macpadd.com) is a new, US$24.99 mouse pad for Mac users that's made from a solid piece of aluminum. According to David Free, president and CEO of MacPadd, it provides reduced friction and wrist action and has a non-slip base. "With MacPadd, there's no more scratching or wearing the desk surface," he says. "It offers a truly superior responsiveness, accuracy, feel and appearance."

ASK Video Interactive Media, a creator of software tutorials on DVD, is now shipping Level 3 of a four-part tutorial DVD series for Logic Pro 8 music production software. In this third level progression in the series, ASK Video veteran Mike Baggley brings his engineering and music chops to Logic Pro 8 and further uncovers its advanced features set. Contained in 30 videos of more than 3.5 hours, Baggley guides the user using through topics from the Hyper Editor to Time Stretching. Designed for advanced users of Logic Pro as well as Logic Express, the Logic Pro 8 Level 3 DVD begins with chapters on the Advanced Samples Editor, Digital Factory 1 & 2, Advanced Piano Roll and the Hyper Editor. From there the DVD progresses into the Transform Window, External MIDI Instruments, Automation, Bouncing, and Monitor Mixes before concluding with chapters on ReWire, Advanced Editing, Time Stretching, Beat Slicing, Creating Apple Loops, and the included Virtual Instruments. Logic Pro 8 Tutorial...

Mark/Space, the creators of the Missing Sync synchronization software, has released a Mac version of Fliq, a social networking application that lets Mac users "fliq," or "beam," contacts, photos and notes with other Fliq users on the same network. Following the success of Fliq for the iPhone, Mark/Space has created Fliq for the Mac, featuring added capabilities for sending and receiving notes and memos over a network. The Mac version of Fliq works with Address Book and iPhoto to allow users to send and receive photos, and share contacts with friends, co-workers and family members. It also offers the ability to drag text and image files from the desktop and drop them directly into the Fliq window. Additionally, Fliq for the Mac works seamlessly with the iPhone and iPod touch version of Fliq for sharing contacts and photos. A Windows version is in the works. The Mac version of Fliq is available now as an electronic download from the Mark/Space online store for US$19.95. Mac users who...

Ultrasone (http://www.ultrasone.com), distributor for German headphone manufacturer Ultrasone AG, has announced the HFI-15G, the smallest headphone in the Ultrasone HFI line. However, it still features Ultrasone's patented S-Logic Natural Surround Sound technology. The HFI-15G (US$109) are open-back, supra-aural headphones. Thanks to Ultrasone's S-Logic technology, the new HFI-15G allows the user to experience a natural surround sound sensation without the use of digital processing, says Ultrasonic President Paul Taylor. Additionally, S-Logic technology reduces sound pressure on the ear drum by up to 40 percent, resulting in a safer listening experience for the user, he adds. All of this is made possible by utilizing a decentralized driver position. S-Logic directs sound to the listener's outer ear as opposed to directing sound into the inner ear. The human ear relies on the outer ear for three-dimensional understanding or defining the direction and distance where a sound comes from.

SantaLive is releasing an application that can be used on any iPhone or iPod touch that will offer children (and adults) the ability to watch Santa as he gears up for the big night. Daily status reports are provided, right on the iPhone, of what Santa is doing. SantaLive 2008 developed an entire series of shorts that will debut on Thanksgiving and run right up through Christmas Eve as Santa gets ready to deliver his presents. Once the application has been installed on an iPhone, the present day shorts are immediately viewable as well as all the past episodes. SantaLive 2008 can be downloaded directly to any iPhone or iPod touch through the App Store, or it can purchased directly through the iTunes store and instantly accessed http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=296239... For a full demo of how the application works, previews of upcoming episodes or for more information, visit http://www.iphonesanta.com

The Omni Group has announced the availability of OmniFocus 1.5, an update to their advanced task management tool. OmniFocus is a personal productivity application that can be used to implement the Getting Things Done work-life management method developed by David Allen, although it is flexible enough to accommodate different styles of personal organization. OmniFocus 1.5 now offers synchronization between any number of OmniFocus for Mac and OmniFocus for iPhone databases via MobileMe or web server, or locally with Bonjour. A new Style preference pane offers many options for customizing the appearance of your OmniFocus data, and you can save and share style settings as theme files. Also new to OmniFocus 1.5 are several built-in view presets in the default OmniFocus toolbar, for easy access to due items, flagged items, the inbox, and more. Inspired by the well-received built-in views in OmniFocus for iPhone, this new feature provides a more approachable, pragmatic experience for new and...

SmileOnMyMac has released DiscLabel 5.4, an update to its CD/DVD label design software for Mac OS X. The update adds 15 new free templates with designs for the holidays, gifts and business. DiscLabel 5.4 also enhances user-friendliness with multiple selection in the design list and the ability to sort the design list folders alphabetically. Beta support has been added for zoom, swipe and rotate gestures on compatible hardware, including the new MacBook and MacBook Pro. A fully-functional demo version is available at http://www.smileonmymac.com/DiscLabel/download.html. DiscLabel costs $35.95. DiscLabel 5.4 is a free update for registered users of DiscLabel 5. Upgrades from earlier versions of DiscLabel are $15, and free to users who purchased after August 1, 2007. The DiscLabel Family Pack, for up to 5 computers in one household, is $54.95. DiscLabel 5.4 requires Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) or later, and is compatible with Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard).

Zenoss (http://www.zenoss.com/), a provider of commercial open source systems management and network monitoring software, has added a native Mac OS X installer for the latest version of Zenoss Core, an open source IT monitoring product. Forrester Research reports Mac OS X currently accounts for 4.5 percent of the business operating system market. This figure has nearly quadrupled since Forrester's previous research 19 months before. "Mac OS X is a growing platform that remains a favorite among developers and IT operations staff, which is why Zenoss already monitored the Mac OS X platform," says Erik Dahl, chief technical officer and co-founder, Zenoss. We wanted to make the entire Zenoss user experience seamless for Apple Macintosh users by also providing a downloadable Mac OS X installer." Zenoss Core 2.3 was developed in conjunction with more than 40,000 community members who provided product input, monitoring extensions and beta testing. This large open source systems...

Toolfarm (http://www.toolfarm.com), a source of content, community and commerce for professional visual effects and motion graphics plug-ins, has announced the availability of a repository of information related to Adobe Creative Suite 4 (CS4). The new Adobe CS4 upgrade has a variety of upgrade options that can be reviewed at http://toolfarm.com/adobecs4matrix.html; Toolfarm has also created a CS4 compatibility chart for all third party plug-ins available for viewing at http://www.toolfarm.com/CS4plugins