IntelliScanner Corp. has introduced the US$129 Comic Edition (http://www.intelliscanner.com/products/comics), a solution for organizing comic and media collections automatically. Comic Edition's IntelliScanner barcode reader and included comic management software provide details on each comic using an Internet-enabled database and AutoFill technology. Available for both the Mac and PC, it also includes several bonus features for managing media, searching collections on an iPhone and sharing collections online. It sports a database of over 250,000 comics. The database automatically downloads detailed information on each comic, including the title, date, writer, penciller, inker, editor and a picture of the comic book cover. Database access is free to all Comic Edition users with no subscriptions or renewals required. Comic Edition bundles IntelliScanner's USB barcode reader and comic database software. Users can scan the barcode from a printable comic tag to pull up comic records, add...

MacCase (http://www.mac-case.com/) has launched the Premium Leather Flight Jacket, an US$169.95 portable protection solution for the MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. The Flight Jacket is a vertically-oriented, streamlined design with minimal bulk. The compact case has several storage pockets for accessories and a removable, customized pouch for the MacBook Air Super Drive or AC adapter for the larger MacBook Pro models. The Flight Jacket can be transported in three different modes -- by handle, by shoulder strap or as an optional backpack. The Flight Jacket expands MacCase's Premium Leather Collection. The Premium Leather Collection utilizes the warmth and softness of the material that's purposefully juxtaposed against the coolness of the machines they carry, according to Michael Santoro, chief creative officer at MacCase. The entire Premium Leather Collection boasts contrasting white stitching, stainless steel finished hardware and embossed logos. The Flight Jacket is...

MACSPEECH, INC. SHIPS FIRST MAJOR UPDATE TO MACSPEECH DICTATE -- New Spelling Mode Facilitates Dictation of Unusual Words; New Phrase Training Provides Increased Recognition Accuracy Based On Usage -- SALEM, N.H., October 20, 2008 - MacSpeech, Inc. today released MacSpeech Dictate v1.2, the first major update to the premier speech recognition solution for the Macintosh. Now for the first time, MacSpeech Dictate customers can dictate any specific word, no matter how obscure, by spelling it letter-by-letter with the new Spelling mode. The new version 1.2 update also introduces Phrase Training, which helps increase accuracy even more as one uses MacSpeech Dictate. The MacSpeech Dictate 1.2 update is also a maintenance release that fixes reported issues and introduces a new "Move" command for easier verbal editing of a document. The MacSpeech Dictate 1.2 update is free of charge and now available for registered customers, using the "Check for Updates" feature. "MacSpeech Dictate 1.2 makes...

Escape Studios (http://www.escapestudios.com) has announced that its new New York facility is offering a five-day Pixar's RenderMan Fundamentals course. Taught by Escape tutor, Bhamik Patel, Pixar's RenderMan Fundamentals course will provide students with a foundation in the primary rendering technology used in film, visual effects and animation production. Pixar's RenderMan Fundamentals course runs Monday through Friday, Nov. 17-21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Due to limited availability it's recommended that interested students register quickly. Pixar's RenderMan Fundamentals course begins with an introduction to the software, including the development of RenderMan, its primary capabilities, its impact on feature film development and how it differs from other renderers on the market. The course continues with an overview of the tools included in RenderMan Studio, ending with an exercise where the students apply all of the techniques that they've learned to solve problems typically...

Zevrix Solutions has released BatchOutput Server (http://zevrix.com/BatchOutputServer.php), an output workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign. The software automates printing and exporting to PDF and PostScript by processing InDesign files from network-based hotfolders. BatchOutput Server is designed to automate, simplify and streamline output workflows of publishing houses, printers, prepress service providers, ad agencies, magazines and newspapers. With the software, production and layout artists, prepress operators, proofreaders, retouchers and designers copy files to hotfolders that reside on the network. BatchOutput Server automatically outputs the files from its dedicated station using hotfolder settings, and will auto-activate document fonts as well. BatchOutput Server also allows for a single set of output settings for an entire workgroup. Production managers and operators can monitor all BatchOutput Server activities from their own workstations using the BatchOutput...

Hey Mac Software (http://www.heymacsoftware.com) says its Briefcase file transfer software for the iPhone is now available at both the US and Canadian iPhone App Store. It's expected to be available in Apple's European app stores later this week and in their Asian app stores by the end of November. The product offers iPhone to iPhone file transfer and requires no cables, no client software, no switching back and forth between the iPhone and Mac, no network set up, and no typing of an IP address. Briefcase is priced at US$4.99 and is available in 10 languages. Concurrent with the launch of Briefcase is the release of Briefcase Lite, a free version of the software that gives users access to all of the most common features and functionality of Briefcase. Using Bonjour technology, Briefcase enables users to quickly locate, connect to and browse local machines that have Remote Login enabled. Remote machines with their own internet address can also be accessed; both WiFi and 3G networks are...

Apatar, a provider of open source software tools for the data integration market, has announced connectivity to the SugarCRM open source suite. It's platform independent, so runs on Mac OS X, Windows and Linux systems. The new SugarCRM connector is designed to integrate data between the customer relation management system and a variety of third-party data sources, allowing for this data to be filtered, validated, and cleansed. Provided with Apatar's drag and drop interface, the SugarCRM connector doesn't require coding skills and can be deployed by almost any business user. With the new SugarCRM connector, Apatar enables its users to link customer information between databases (such as MySQL, Microsoft SQL, Oracle), files (Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, CSV/TXT files), applications (Salesforce.com), and the top Web 2.0 destinations (Flickr, Amazon S3, RSS feeds). According to Gartner, corporate developers spend approximately 65 percent of their effort building bridges between...

Other World Computing (OWC) has announced a selection of new 7200RPM and 5400RPM 2.5-inch SATA internal hard drives in capacities up to 500GB for Apple's MacBook, MacBook Pro 15-inch, and MacBook Pro 17-inch models. OWC 2.5" SATA internal hard drive upgrades are available immediately, with the most popular options including: ° Hitachi Travelstar 5K320, 320GB 2.5-inch 5400RPM with 8MB cache, three-year warranty, US$74.99 (price after $20 Hitachi sponsored rebate); ° Hitachi Travelstar 7K320, 320GB 2.5-inch 7200RPM with 16MB cache, three-year warranty, $109.99 (price after $20 Hitachi sponsored rebate); ° Seagate Momentus 7200.3, 320GB 2.5-inch 7200RPM with 16MB cache, five-year warranty, $119.99; ° Samsung Spinpoint M6, 500GB 2.5-inch 5400RPM with 8MB cache, three-year warranty, $179.99. To order or for more information on OWC Hard Drive and Memory Upgrades for MacBook and MacBook Pro, visit http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Apple_MacBook_MacBook_Pro/Upgrade

Scosche Industries (http://www.scosche.com) has released its new passPORT iPod/iPhone car integration system. The passPORT utilizes a female pass-through connector to attach to any in-car iPod integration system to charge all iPhone and iPod models, including the iPhone 3G and the recently introduced nano 4G and touch 2G. "The passPORT provides a seamless solution for anyone that wants to listen to their new iPhone or iPod in their car through their integrated audio system," says Kas Alves, vice president, sales and marketing, Scosche Industries. "Scosche engineers developed a highly sophisticated product that maintains all functionality including audio, video and data of the iPhone 3G and new iPod models." The passPORT is priced at $29.99 MSRP and is now on sale at Apple stores. For additional information please visit http://www.scosche.com/passport.

SemantiNet, which develops Semantic web technology, has announced its first web-based product during the company's presentation at the Jupiter Web 3.0 conference. headup is a new plug-in for Mozilla Firefox on Mac OS X and Windows. It enables true semantic web capabilities for the first time within any web page, fully in context and unobtrusively via a displayed "+" symbol next to the relevant content, the company says. headup's engine retrieves "personalized, meaningful" information in real-time about the data that specifically interest the individual user. With this information, headup can contextually "understand" how dispersed data across the web is related, and connect it in real time. headup alerts the user via the "+" symbol that there is additional information of interest that can be expanded for greater detail and discovery. As an example, browsing a music CD on Amazon can now show not just Amazon's information, but also all of this -- all in the same expanded window....

Marware (http://www.marware.com) is shipping the US$34.99 Eco-Runner for the iPod nano 4G. It's an environmentally friendly iPod carrying solution that replaces neoprene with a special eco-friendly material. Also, the wrist/armband case is designed to accommodate the new 4G nano and the Nike+ Sport Kit receiver. The armband extension strap allows this case to be worn either on your wrist or your upper arm. It's available in gray with green contrast.

IK Multimedia has announced T-RackS 3 (http://www.t-racks.com), a new mastering and mixing suite. It sports a suite of nine analog-modeled and digital Dynamics/EQ processors comprised of three new analog and vintage emulations (including models based on the Fairchild 670 and the Pultec EQP-1A), two new digital processors as well as the four T-RackS processors. With the T-RackS 3's new configurable mastering/mixing chain you can run up to 12 parallel/series processors. It sports a new, complete built-in metering section with Peak, Perceived Loudness, Phase, and RMS meters, plus a Spectrum analyzer with Peak, RMS and Averaging indicators. New standalone and plug-in versions available in the same package for use in the most popular native DAWs. The The T-RackS 3 has a new high-fidelity oversampling with transparency for high quality audio processing throughout the entire signal path. It also touts new SCC technology coupled with IK's DSM technology. The T-RackS 3 has style-based presets...

Yenco has just has released Agenda 4.0.4 (http://www.yenco.com/agenda/), an update of the Mac OS X (10.4 and higher) app that keeps track of your events and tasks, lets you enter your thoughts, and create calendar or journal web sites. This update fixes a bug with task import from iCal files. Agenda 4 is a shareware application. You can evaluate it free for 15 times to try out its features and decide if you like it before you buy it. Registration is US$40. Version 4.0.5 is a free update for registered user of version 4.x.

Opera Software has led a project to create a search engine that tracks how web pages are structured on the World Wide Web. When released publicly in the coming months, this engine will help browser makers and standards bodies work towards a more standards-driven and compatible web, the company says. Opera has announced results from its MAMA (Metadata Analysis and Mining Application) search engine, a brainchild of Opera engineers that indexes the markup, style, scripting and technology used while creating web pages. The MAMA search engine scours 3.5 million Web pages, and the resulting data can answer questions such as "Can I get a sampling of Web pages that have more than 100 hyperlinks?" or "What does an average Web page look like?"--a dream come true for Web developers. MAMA will help web developers find examples of usage of features and functions, look at trends and gather data to justify technology to their clients or managers, says Snorre M. Grimsby, vice president of Quality...

Unmarked Software has updated TextSoap (http://www.unmarked.com/textsoap/) -- a Mac OS X utility for cleaning out the extraneous forwarding marks, invisible characters, and formatting that you often find in e-mails and long documents-- to version 6.0. The upgrade sports a new user interface and a new custom cleaner editor. The cleaner palette is now integrated into each window as a drawer. The word count palette similarly integrated into each editor window, providing dynamic word count for the entire document or just the selected text. The editor also adds support for text zooming to improve handling of smaller sized text. TextSoap 6 includes a new custom cleaner editor to allow users to define their own text processing solutions. The new editor provides a single window interface, with easy access to all the tools needed to build a custom cleaner. The new editor features a number of new improvements. TextSoap 6 is Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. It...

Griffin Technology has announced that Wave, its best selling case for iPhone, has been updated and redesigned to fit the new iPod nano 4G, iPod touch 2G and iPod classic 80/120GB. The new Wave features the same wave-shaped contours that overlap and interlock on the original iPhone version, modified with the double-helix design now on the front and back of the case. Wave for iPod features Griffin's trademark EasyDock design; you simply slip off the case bottom to charge and sync, with no need to remove your iPod from its case. Wave with EasyDock allows access to the dock connector, headphone port and hold switch. The form-fitting case protects with durable polycarbonate at all corners and includes a full-coverage static-peel screen protector and premium cleaning cloth. Wave is available individually and in Mix & Match 2-packs for those who wish to customize the case. Griffin's new Wave for iPod is now available at major retailers and will soon be available on Griffin's website, www...

Booq (http://www.booqbags.com) has announced the addition of Taipan skin, a line of compact and durable neoprene sleeves to fit Apple's new MacBooks. With the cases, 3mm neoprene is hand-sewn to fit your laptop like snake skin. The Taipan sports contrasting colors, accent stitching, non-scratch jersey trim, top-of-the-line YKK zippers, and a five-year warranty. The sleeves are US$29.95.

New MacBook Family Redefines Notebook Design Industry's Greenest Notebooks CUPERTINO, California--October 14, 2008--Apple today unveiled an all new MacBook family that redefines notebook design, and at the same time dramatically lowers the entry price for advanced notebook features including all-metal enclosures and pro-performance notebook graphics by $700 to make them far more affordable. The new MacBook and 15-inch MacBook Pro both have a precision unibody enclosure crafted from a single block of aluminum, resulting in thinner, more durable and incredibly beautiful designs. In addition, every member of the new MacBook family includes state of the art NVIDIA graphics, brilliant instant-on LED-backlit displays and new large glass Multi-Touch trackpads that offer almost 40 percent more tracking area and support more Multi-Touch gestures. The entire new MacBook family meets stringent Energy Star 4.0, EPEAT Gold and RoHS environmental standards, and leads the industry in the elimination...

Grantwood Technology (http://www.grantwoodtechnology.com/macvelope) has released the MacVelope, a laptop sleeve designed specifically for the MacBook Air, and also the MacVelope Companion Bag. Designed to mimic a standard interoffice mail envelope, the MacVelope has durable, manila-colored vinyl on the outside and black ballstic nylon on the inside, along with a Velcro closure and red string for added effect. Customers can place the MacVelope into the lightweight Companion Bag, along with such accessories as the External MacBook Air SuperDrive, MagSafe Power Adapter, Ethernet cables, etc. When traveling, they can slide the Companion Bag over the handle of wheeled suitcases, or simply over their shoulder using the included shoulder strap. Three zippered compartments provide organization room. The MacVelope retails for US$24.99. The MacVelope Companion Bag retails for $29.99. The MacVelope and MacVelope Companion Bag can be purchased together for $49.99 .

Faber Acoustical (http://www.faberacoustical.com/) has introduced version 2 of its flagship product, Electroacoustics Toolbox. Electroacoustics Toolbox brings tools to the Mac for multi-channel, audio-band data acquisition and real-time analysis of electrical and acoustical signals and systems. The Toolbox's interface now provides more efficient on and offscreen drawing, improved signal selection, and new mouse cursors for more intuitive interaction with 2D and 3D data plots, according to the folks at Faber Acoustical. Several of the analysis tools have been enhanced, as well. The new Sound Level Meter makes it easier to calibrate a measurement microphone and the Meter Bridge behaves much more like a multi-channel version of the Sound Level Meter. Also new is support for Audio Unit generator and effects processor plug-ins within the Signal Generator tool. Electroacoustics Toolbox 2 costs US$499. Licensed users of previous versions of Electroacoustics Toolbox can upgrade to version 2...

The OpenOffice.org Community has released OpenOffice.org 3.0. The third major update of the productivity suite now runs natively on the Mac OS X platform. With this release the basic components -- which include word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, graphics, formula and database capabilities -- can be supplemented by extensions downloaded from the OpenOffice.org extensions repository. According to Louis Suárez-Potts, community manager of OpenOffice.org, OpenOffice.org 3.0 naturally has a fresh look, with a new start center, new splash screen, new icons, and a host of usability improvements. New core features include: ° Writer (word processing): a new slider control for zooming that allows multi-page display while editing; new multilingual support; improved notes capabilities; and the ability to edit wiki documents for the web, in addition to conventional office documents. ° Calc (spreadsheet): an increase in capacity of up to 1,024 columns per sheet; a new equation solver; and...

ATTO Technology (http://www.attotech.com) has announced that they'll ship the industry's only 6-Gb SAS/SATA host interface connectivity to storage to select OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and partners within the next 30 days for certification and qualification. Visitors to Storage Networking World, this week, will be able to see ATTO ExpressSAS 6-Gb SAS/SATA Host Adapters perform in initiator and target modes running the Iometer benchmarking tool at near line rates of 600 MB/second per lane. An expansion of ATTO's ExpressSAS 3-Gb product line, the ExpressSAS 6-Gb adapters provide the fastest available connection to SAS/SATA storage in Mac, Windows and Linux environments, the company says. They combine proprietary Advanced Data Streaming (ADS) technology, management software and technical support. Applications that benefit from the high throughput, bandwidth and reliability of ATTO ExpressSAS 6-Gb host adapters include high-performance digital and transactional databases,...

CalDigit (http://www.caldigit.com) has made some changes to the product line up and price list. A new product has been added, prices have dropped, and capacities have increased. The CalDigit VR is a product that's been added to the CalDigit product line up. The VR is a combination of the FirewireVR and the S2VR Duo, but in a new and improved chassis. The CalDigit VR is a twodrive RAID system, supporting a quadruple interface (Firewire 400/800, USB 2.0, and eSATA). The VR's modular design provides two hot swappable drive modules and an easy to read front LCD. With support for RAID 0, 1, and JBOD the VR can reach speeds of up to 200MB/second. The CalDigit RAID Card is a hardware RAID solution that supports online migration and expansion. It features an Intel XScale processor, 256MB of fixed cache and battery backup. It supports 100 percent hardware RAID performance and protection for up to four internal drives and 12 externally via the HDElement (an enclosure which contains four...

Fremont, CA - 10-10-2008 - .com Solutions Inc. Introduces SQLite Diff 1.18 As New Product To Compare SQLite Database Schema & Data Displaying Colorized SQL and Data Highlighting. SQLite Diff is implemented as a graphical application enabling developers to easily Drag & Drop two SQLite databases onto the application to start the comparison process. SQLite Diff uses a high performance in-memory store of both SQLite schemas to perform most comparisons within in a few seconds. The data comparison feature optionally compares each record within the dropped files using the ROWID as the primary key. SQLite Diff displays schema changes with colorized SQL code and modified records as highlighted text. SQLite Diff is optimized for analyzing undocumented or poorly documented SQLite schemas generated by any application. SQLite Diff is the first (and currently only) application for comparing SQLite databases on Mac OS X. SQLite may quite possibly be the most widely deployed database engine...

Attendees at the 2008 AppleScript Pro voted it the "best event ever," which was valuable feedback since 15 alumni were in attendance. But now concerns have arisen that there was something fishy with the vote beyond all the seafood consumed that week. " We are not positive the vote was accurate," says (with tongue in cheek) Ray Robertson, session co-leader. "We are going to go back and make sure we get it right this time. It is going to be grueling to have so much fun again." "We were covering Leopard for the first time," said Shane Stanley, session co-leader. "I suspect an AppleScript rounding error, but we've been unable to replicate the problem. This time, we are going to use both vanilla AppleScript and scripting Excel to make sure the vote is accurate. Even though I'm from Australia, it is my understanding it won't be the first time this has happened in Florida." In addition to correcting voting errors, the conference will cover automation of InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and...

FileWave Inc. (http://www.filewave.com) has updated FileWave, the software management suite for Mac OS X, to version 3.6. The upgrade offers performance enhancements and greater administrative flexibility. In addition to distributing, installing and configuring operating system upgrades, FileWave permits users to mass deploy and manage all other types of software, from applications such as Adobe Creative Suite 3 and Microsoft Office to vital security patches, both in a single- and a multi-platform environment. FileWave 3.6 includes such new features as an "All Users" folder that enables a system administrator to deliver files to every user account on each computer. Additionally, system administrators can chose to re-install Filesets, Patch Installers or Executables with the new Reactivate Filesets feature. Contact FileWave Inc. for pricing.

As the U.S. Federal Government is busy managing a $700 billion bailout for Wall Street, Marketcircle Inc. has decided to give Main Street America's Mac freelancers and small businesses a break - 20 bucks at a time - by lowering the price on Billings 3 time tracking and invoicing software from US$59.95 to US$39.95 for a seven week period. A Billings 3 upgrade for Billings 2.x users is also on sale now for US$25 instead of US$35. Marketcircle's Billings 3 "Give Main Street A Break Sale" extends until Nov. 30th, 2008. "While Wall Street's needs are being attended to, we believe Main Street's Mac freelancer and small business community deserves a break as well," says Marketcircle's CEO Alykhan Jetha. "Billings 3 sales so far have been fantastic, and to say thank-you the Billings 3 "Give Main Street A Break Sale" puts 20 bucks back into the pockets of Main Street entrepreneurs at a time we think it really matters. We recognize the fact that existing small business owners in the United...

Fractured Software (http://www.fracturedsoftware.com) has updated Rondo, its MIDI player for Mac OS X, to version 2.8. The upgrade has a number of interface improvements, an integrated help file and the ability to specify the absolute rate at which a MIDI file plays. Rondo features a vertical piano roll with live scrolling and a horizontal playing piano so that you can follow the music even if you can't read music scores. Looping controls enable you to continuously repeat the same section of music. Rate controls allow you to adjust the music to the tempo you need. Rondo is priced at US$25, though version 2.8 is a free update for registered users. It requires Mac OS X 10.3 or higher. It's Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs.

HourDoc (http://www.hourdoc.com), a time management technology company, has re-launched its HourDoc.com Time and Labor Management platform. HourDoc.com is a web-based time and labor tracking system that provides companies online tools to monitor and manage their employees. A software-as-a-service solution, HourDoc.com is designed to replace manual time entry and reporting processes by allowing employers to tap into real-time labor data on-demand so they can readily assess and manage work schedules, time and payroll reports, and staffing needs anytime or anywhere. The latest version sports a revamped user interface. Businesses can sign up and start using HourDoc.com for a rate of US$8 per active employee per month.

KB Covers (http://www.kbcovers.com/servlet/Categories?category=Black+%26+White) has released a silicone keyboard cover to protect and enhance your Apple desktop or laptop computer. Every key is individually molded (including the return key and function keys) and the heat-fused printing won't crack or peel, the company says. The KB Covers Checkerboard Keyboard Cover comes with the standard QWERTY keyboard symbols printed on clear silicone with black buttons. Also, there's a see-through area for the CAPS LOCK light, so you can see if it is on. KB Covers keyboard covers also protect your keyboard from crumbs, liquids, dust, hair, and the oil from your fingers, which can leave marks on your screen when you close your laptop. They're available for the MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, PowerBook and Ultra-Thin Apple Aluminum Keyboard. Pricing depends on the model.

MacForensics Lab (http://www.MacForensicsLab.com) has announced a free MacLockPick training CD. Learn to do a live forensic triage using MacLockPick, the only cross-platform live forensic triage tool on the market. Locate critical suspect data fast with just a couple clicks of the mouse. Web browsing history, passwords, iPhone contents, and more can all be found quickly on Windows and Mac operating systems. The tutorial offers insight into forensic investigation and walks the user through an on-site investigation using MacLockPick. View search and web history, Keychain passwords, wireless and Bluetooth connections, email contents, iPhone content and much more. Create customizable reports with just a few clicks. MacLockPick works with Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows. The tutorial CD runs on both Mac OS X and Windows so users of both OS' can see the power of MacLockPick. Contact MacForensicsLab Inc. now to get your free copy today. Send your training CD request to sales@...

Opera Software has launched Opera 9.6, the newest version of its web browser. The company says the upgrade enhances the performance and flexibility of Opera's built-in e-mail client, while adding new features to Opera's free browser-synchronization service, Opera Link. Opera 9.6 is available as a free download from http://www.opera.com/. In version 9.5, Opera lets you take your favorite search engines and the browser history you enter wherever you go. Opera Link also synchronizes notes taken in your Opera browser, your bookmarks, Speed Dial and personal bar. The built-in e-mail client, Opera Mail, now includes "low-bandwidth mode" to retrieve mails even faster when bandwidth is limited. Opera Mail now has two new ways to manage e-mail conversations. Keep an eye on important threads and contacts by following them, or ignore less important threads and contacts with a single click. Opera 9.6 purportedly improves the quick responsiveness and page loading of Opera 9.5. It offers previewed...

The Dream Apps has released TaskMagic 1.0 (http://www.the-dream.co.uk/apps.html), a task management utility for Mac OS X. It's built to let you manage things that need to get done, save time and be more effective and organized when attempting projects. TaskMagic has a "Grouping" technology that allows you to group and sort your tasks into either topic related groups, difficulty related groups or timeframe related groups. It also has a system-wide task addition panel and "Quick-Add" technology TaskMagic is available for US$19.95 per single computer license. Additional licenses may be purchased at a discounted rate.

Pragmatic Studio has announced their latest training course -- iPhone Development Studio -- to be held in Denver, Colorado, Nov. 10-13. In this 4-day, hands-on workshop, developers will learn how to build full-featured iPhone applications from two experienced iPhone developers and authors: Daniel Steinberg and Bill Dudney. All event details, including an outline of the course, details of the training venue, and registration are available at http://pragmaticstudio.com/iphone/

Freeverse (http://freeverse.com/apps/app/?id=8008) has released Tranquility for the iPhone and iPod touch. It offerse relaxing, professionally-recorded environmental sounds designed to ease stress and help the user sleep. It also sports audio landscapes such as "Gentle Rain", "Ocean Waves", and "Desert Wind." Tranquility is the first iPhone application of its kind to include a full 60-minute relaxation and meditation track, entitled "A Journey Within," says Ian Lynch Smith, president of Freeverse. Tranquility is available for purchase on the Apple App Store for US$0.99.

Rage Software has released iWeb SEO Tool 1.0 (http://www.ragesw.com/products/iweb-seo-tool.html), a new utility for iWeb users to optimize their web sites for search engines. It's free for all iWeb users. (iWeb is the web creation component of Apple's iLife suite.) With iWeb SEO Tool users can add page title tags, meta tags and alternative image text without having to mess with the underlying HTML code. Combined with Rage Software's suite of search engine optimization (SEO) software, iWeb users can now compete fairly with all other web sites for top search engine rankings, the company says. iWeb SEO Tool runs on Mac OS X 10.4 or later. iWeb users can learn more about creating a search engine friendly website from the SEO for iWeb article at http://www.ragesw.com/blog/2008/04/12/seo-for-iweb-how-to-get-your-iweb-...

CSOdessa has released a training pack designed for ConceptDraw Office. The ConceptDraw Office Training Pack consists of a number of short instructional videos, which demonstrate user scenarios and some important functionality in ConceptDraw Office. Also included in the training pack are Tips and Tricks documentation, Samples Gallery and many other start-up tools to help users discover the capability behind ConceptDraw Office. "Since the release of ConceptDraw Office we have had a large number of customers ask us for training materials so they could get up to speed faster. Many times adoption of a more effective way to manage a business process is slowed because of employee product training issues, the ConceptDraw Office Training Pack helps minimizes any training issues associated with the first steps involved in using a new tool," says Oleg Bocharnikov, Head of Product Management Department for CS Odessa. Julia Fedorenko, Head of Marketing, further states, "We looked at what was being...

Rainmaker Research (http://www.rainmakerinc.com) has announced Spell Catcher X 10.3, a new release of thecollection of writing productivity tools. Among other things, it provides spell checking services for more than a dozen languages, and combines its multilingual spell checking with a suite of writing productivity tools. Among its features are: ° DirectCorrect, a new way to check and correct spelling. You can check and fix interactively as errors appear or continue working and fix all errors when it's most convenient. DirectCorrect leverages advanced Mac OS X text and accessibility technology to provide virtually instantaneous display of errors. ° Spell Catcher auto-corrects common typing errors. Users often mistype a word, possibly inverting two letters. Spell Catcher is intelligent enough to be taught that mistake so that it will automatically correct the error. ° Audible error alerts that warn when mistakes are made, permitting the user to view the suggested correction and act...

Southpaw Technology has released version 2.0 of Tactic (http://www.southpawtech.com/en/product/index.html), its digital asset management system for Mac OS X, Windows and Linux systems. New project tools allow artists to explicitly define and visually streamline software pipelines, improving efficiency and workflow within multiple departments, says Southpaw Chief Technical Officer Remko Noteboom. New and improved features in Tactic 2.0 include: ° New project customization tools to individualize projects or fine-tune current productions; ° A new visual, node-based pipeline editor intended to visually create pipeline processes; ° A new tactic browser and custom view builder, designed for creation of custom views within the Tactic web interface; ° A client application programming interface (AIP) enhanced to control every aspect of Tactic directly from custom scripts and in-house studio tools. Tactic 2.0 sells for a suggested retail price of US$895 per user. This includes all software...

QuickerTek has announced the US$449.95 MacBook External Battery/Charger (http://www.quickertek.com/products/macbook_air_charger.php) for the 15-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook laptops. It either charges or powers MacBooks with up to 10 additional hours of computing power. QuickerTek built MagSafe compatibility into the product, says President Rick Estes. "We use the regular MagSafe connectors coming out from the Battery/Charger, so you don't have to do anything different," he adds. While the stock MacBook Pro recharges in five hours using the AC wall adapter, the MacBook Pro External Battery/Charger purportedly recharges in only three hours. It uses a Li-ion Polymer battery, measures 9 x 6 x 1 inches and weighs five pounds.

Opcoders has updated Toobox (http://toolboxapp.com/) -- a visual programming tool that enables the combination of bitmaps, vector graphics and effects into digital art -- to version 0.8.2. A new Light block has been added that has 12 parameters. The ight block accepts up to four inputs for fine grained control of ambient, diffuse and specular. Toolbox's modeless vector editor allows for a realtime feedback experience while drawing and manipulating shapes, according to the folks at Opcoders. You can start by drawing any vector shape, then try out different shape filters, merge with other shapes, and finally do post-processing with bitmap filters. Vector tagging is Toolbox'automated selection mechanism. Each shape or point can be tagged for further processing, mounting of other shapes and controlling the softening of edges. Toolbox 0.8.2 requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher. The software costs approximately US$30 for a single user license. (I)"Macsimum News" is a proud supporter of (a href...

Optek Music Systems (http://www.fretlight.com), a company dedicated to the development of interactive musical instruments and software, has announced a solution for Mac users that are also struggling guitar players. The company has released a version of the Fretlight Lesson Player software for the Mac. It comes with 30 interactive beginner lessons, MIDI play-along tracks and MP3 files for learning how to play the guitar. The Fretlight Lesson Player for Mac works in conjunction with Fretlight, a series of guitars that feature LED lights that are embedded in the guitar's fretboard. These lights signify finger placement, illuminating notes, chords and scales. Purchasers of a Fretlight guitar will now have the option of choosing Lesson Player for the Mac or for the PC. Fretlight Lesson Player is a universal platform that consists of individual lessons. Once individuals move beyond the complimentary initial 30 beginner lessons, which covers everything from how to hold the guitar to tuning...

Viqua Games has released First Class Flurry for Mac OS X. It's a new time-management casual game that lets players experience the job of a flight attendant as they help bring a bankrupt airline back to the top of the airline industry. In First Class Flurry, players control the airline's top flight attendant Claire as she attends to the needs of passengers. The in-game tasks are what you'd expect for a flight attendant including activities such as serving drinks, preparing meals, handing out pillows, and helping passengers find their seats. The game begins with Claire working in Economy Class and then advancing to Business Class, First Class and beyond. As players play through all five classes in the game, they will meet more than 20 different types of passengers, many of which provide new twists to the game. 'We tried to make each passenger type add something new to the gameplay. ' said Chanon Sajjamanochai, the game's producer. A free trial of First Class Flurry for Mac and...

InstantAction, the web site for gamers that combines the intensity of videogames with the accessibility of the web, announced the introduction of the InstantAction open beta for Mac OS X users. Mac gamers can register and play Rokkitball, Marble Blast Online, Think Tanks and the new FPS, Fallen Empire: Legions at http://www.instantaction.com/mac. "Mac gamers have always been underserved by the games industry," says Andy Yang, general manager of InstantAction.com. "We plan to infuse the large Apple community with console quality games playable at work and at home through their laptops or desktops." InstantAction will also allow cross platform compatibility between Mac and PC users. Players from either operating system can join the same game and battle each other. InstantAction makes challenging friends as simple as instant messaging a link, taking all the complicated matchmaking out of the process. The site offers an entirely new way to "hang out" with friends by allowing you to...

Human Software (http://www.humansoftware.com) has updated HSC Edit for Aperture (Apple's software for pro photographers) to version 1.5. HSC Edit is an edit plug-in to Apple Aperture that offers more than 4,000 effects to apply on one or a set of images. Version 1.5 is now made of 15 modules that can be purchased separately or as a whole. HSC Edit also now features high quality image resizing without leaving Aperture. HSC Edit 1.5 is available for download at US$69.95 per module, 29.95 for the Multi-Curves module and 49.95 for the image enhancer or $299.95 as a bundle.

GiantCrayon Games releases GiantCrayon SudokuArcade, a game that combines falling blocks, a ticking clock and the brain puzzles of Sudoku. "We're incredibly excited," says Tim Goggin, vice president, Sales & Marketing for GiantCrayon Games. "You can play this falling block game using your arrow keys of course. But newer MacBook and MacBook Pro notebook computers have special chips designed to protect the hard drive in the event of a sudden drop. We use this sudden motion sensor to read the computer's physical movements through the air." Users can move the falling Sudoku blocks by lifting their Mac notebooks to the left, the right, forwards and backwards. GiantCrayon SudokuArcade works on Mac OS X 10.5.x ("Leopard") and retails for $9.95. More information and a downloadable demo about the GiantCrayon SudokuArcade can be found at http://www.giantcrayon.com/product_detail.php?prodid=48

PDO (http://www.pdostore.com ) is releasing the US$24.99 Sleek Crystal Case for the iPhone 3G. It's a hard protective case made of clear polycarbonate material that features press-thru rubber covers for the power button and volume switch. The earphone jack and dock connector are also protected with rubber inserts that can be opened for access to the ports. The two-piece Sleek snaps together to form a tight fit. The entire front, except for the screen and home button is covered by the Sleek. The iPhone screen can be protected using the included film screen protector. PDO announced similar Sleek Crystal Cases for the 2G iPod touch and 4G iPod nano. The iPod touch model will sell for $24.99, while the iPod nano model will sell for $19.99. Both will be available in mid-October. PDO has also announced the TopSkin line of silicone cases for the new iPod touch and iPod nano. The TopSkin for iPod Touch covers the entire device except for the screen and sensor. The dock connector and...

65bit Software (http://www.65bit.com) has announced that their products will be available for InDesign CS4 when it begins shipping later this year. The latest EasyCatalog module, the Relational Module, will also be available for InDesign CS4. The Relational Module allows users to work with data sources of almost unlimited complexity within EasyCatalog and can be used to connect to relational databases such as MySQL or Microsoft SQL Server, says Mark Haden, Director of 65bit Software. EasyCatalog provides two-way, linking of data from a CSV file, XML structure or ODBC database to text or images in InDesign documents. If the source data changes -- such as last-minute price updates -- all fields in the document can be updated automatically. EasyCatalog also offers semi-automatic and automatic creation (using the optional Pagination Module) of structured documents. EasyCatalog is available for InDesign CS, CS2, CS3 and CS4. The CS2, CS3 and CS4 versions are localized in English, French...

Benoit Kaisin, a Mac software specialist in databases, has launched GeoEdu (http://www.geoedu.info), software that generates more than 90.000 questions on the basis of an Atlas he developed by gathering thousands of data including the populations from 2000 to 2008 and the member states of international organizations. He drew all the interactive maps of the continents and territories which can be countries, dependencies, divisions and even sub-levels territories such as atolls, islands, communes, etc. Kaisin says his objective is to propose an educational game to: ° Families, parents who would like their children to play a game while learning more about this global world they live in; ° Adults who would like to search for information on the worldwide geography in the atlas and test or improve their knowledge by playing the game; ° Schools who would like to use a software to teach geography. To play the game, the user chooses the continent(s) and the topics for the questions among...