STM Bags (http://www.stmbags.com) has released ochre flavored versions of its laptop shoulder bag. The new color compliments the olive colorway and adds a lighter spring flavor to the STM line of 14 ounce poly cotton canvas bags. The Scouts are available in three sizes: extra small (iPad and 11-inch screens), small (13-inch screens), and medium (15-inch screens). Pricing depends on the size. The bags sport an interior laptop section with soft brush lining and high density foam. Front utility pockets hold keys, cords and mobile devices without unclipping the front panel. The Scots are made of water resistant poly cotton canvas fabric.

OneSpring has released an updated version of the visualization templates for Apple-branded mobile devices, including the iPhone, iPod touch and, now, the iPad. It offers a way to define software projects from mainframes to web sites to mobile applications. The iPhone and iPad simDK gives business analysts and user experience professionals a way to quickly prototype the look, feel and behavior of iPad applications, including screen transitions, typing, sliding, etc., before any code is written, according ot Robert Grashius, chief visualization officer for OneSpring. This approach clarifies requirements, saves time during product ideation, and speeds up delivery of applications, he adds. The iPhone & iPad SimDK is offered by OneSpring at no cost and is available for immediate download by visiting onespring.net. It requires iRise 7.3 or above. iRise is an enterprise visualization solution.

Consumers and companies that have pre-ordered US iPads from outside the US are receiving e-mails from Apple canceling their orders in order to facilitate demand of real US consumers, according to MobileGamesBlog.com ("http://blog.mobilegamesblog.com/2010/03/apple-cancels-foreign-ipad-pre-orders.html). Those orders (coming mainly from web sites like MyUS, Borderlinx and Shipito) that have been canceled will receive a full refund on their credit cards, the article adds.

Ross Video (http://www.rossvideo.com will be releasing a range of CWDM optical transmitters, optical muxes and optical demuxes to allow customers to fully utilize available bandwidth on their existing fiber connections. Releasing at NAB 2010 are eight dual CWDM transmitters for a total of 16 optical wavelengths, a four channel MUX/DMX with expansion port, an eight channel MUX/DMX and an eight channel MUX/DMX with expansion. The flexibility of these solutions allows end users to combine up to 16 channels in groups of four onto a single fiber link, says Eric Goodmurphy, gear marketing product manager, Ross Video. openGear is an open-architecture, modular frame system designed by Ross Video and supported by a diverse range of terminal equipment manufacturers. The platform offers clients the freedom to choose technology from a wide range of products to meet the needs of a broadcast, production, or distribution facility while maintaining a compatible openGear frame infrastructure, he adds...

Newer Technology (NewerTech) NewerTech has introduced iFolio, a custom handcrafted carrying/protection case for the new iPad being introduced April 3. Made in the US from premium imported black or red Brazilian leather, it's available in black or red leather colors. The iFolio for the iPad is available for pre-order at a special introductory price of US$99.99 (it's normally $129.99) from NewerTech's exclusive distributor, Other World Computing at http://www.macsales.com/ifolio . All pre-orders and regular orders of the NewerTech iFolio will begin shipping April 5.

AT&T executives have reportedly been working with Apple to resolve the issues regarding its highly criticized network issues. iPhone users have long complained about dropped calls and slow data connections. Now, as rumors circulate (again) that Verizon iPhone is in the works, AT&T is reportedly working with Apple on improving network communication. AT&T executives flew to Apple's campus last year to assure Apple CEO Steve Jobs that they were working to resolve the issues and instruct Apple handset designers on wireless networking, AT&T Chief Technology Officer John Donovan told "The New York Times" (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405270230473910457515407278419861...). In mid-December, AT&T executives set up a 100-day plan to dramatically improve the company's network in densely-populated cities, he said. It's long been understood that AT&T's exclusivity deal with Apple would eventually end. If that end coincides with the release of a Verizon iPhone...

Encoding.com, a global provider of studio-class online video encoding services, has announced support for HTTP Live Streaming for Apple’s iPhone, iPod touch, and the iPad mobile devices. HTTP streaming enables publishers to provide users with a better video experience by continuously adapting the video stream in real-time to match the user’s available bandwidth, says Encoding.com CEO Jeremy Farber. Encoding.com is excited to bring Apple’s new capability to the five hundred customers currently in its roster, he adds. Starting with iPhone OS 3.0 and QuickTime X, video producers can deliver streaming audio and video over HTTP from an ordinary web server for playback on iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad mobile devices. This is called HTTP Live Streaming and supports both live broadcasts and video on demand. Because it uses HTTP, most edge servers, media distributors, caching systems, routers and firewalls support this type of streaming.

Apptix (http://www.apptix.com) -- a provider of hosted Microsoft Exchange email, Microsoft SharePoint and VoIP services for businesses worldwide -- has launched Apptix Hosted Exchange for Apple, a new hosted offering that provides native integration of Apple-based communications applications with Microsoft Exchange Server 2007.   The service provides full business-class Exchange support for all Mac computers running Mac OS X 10.6.x ("Snow Leopard").  ActiveSync mobile service is also included with each Exchange mailbox for use with the soon-to-be launched iPad, as well as any iPhone or iPod touch (with Wi-Fi access) mobile digital devices. "Apptix Hosted Exchange for Apple gives our customers all the features and functionality of hosted Microsoft Exchange, but without the need for software outside of native Mac applications," says James Bond, vice president of Software & Product Development for Apptix. "Our customers can now use Apple Mail, Apple iCal, Apple Address Book...

CinemaView (http://www.cinemaview.com) has announces its new Duo dual display extender for Apple computers using the Mini DisplayPort video port. The Duo works with either two 24-inch Apple LED Cinema Displays, creating a total 3840x1200 pixel display space, or with two CinemaView 24 LCD displays, creating a total 3840x1080 pixel display space. The CinemaView Duo has one male Mini DisplayPort plug that connects to a Mac, and provides two female Mini DisplayPort ports into which two identical Mini DisplayPort equipped monitors can be connected. The Duo analyzes the individual screen resolution of each connected display, adds the two together, and sends a composite "extended" resolution signal to the Mac -- up to 3840x1200 pixels. The CinemaView Duo is available for prepaid pre-order for US$149, including ground shipping to USA and Canada destinations. These pre-orders will ship to customers on or before April 28.

Dot Hill (http://www.dothill.com), a provider of storage solutions and software for OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), open storage partners and system integrators, has expanded its channel program with the introduction of its next-generation AssuredSAN disk-to-disk data protection appliances targeted at small-to-medium businesses (SMBs).   The Dot Hill AssuredSAN 3000 Series, based on the company’s new 3000 Series storage platform announced in February, features a suite of disaster recovery applications, including Dot Hill’s new AssuredRemote remote replication software. The Dot Hill AssuredSAN 3000 Series is available through Dot Hill channel partners now. List prices are expected to start at US$20,200 for a dual controller Fibre Channel system fully populated with 500GB SATA drives.

Beginning in the fall of 2010, all first year undergraduate students at Seton Hill University (http://www.setonhill.edu) will receive a 13-inch MacBook and an iPad. They'll have complete access to these mobile technologies for classes as well as at all times for personal use. After two years, Seton Hill will replace the laptop with a new one -- one that students can take with them when they graduate. The university says the technology is designed to allow students to stay in touch with professors, advisors, and classmates, research any topic at any time, engage in hybrid and fully on-line courses, and access a whole host of Seton Hill technology services. Seton Hill is a Catholic university rooted in Judeo-Christian values. It's located in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.

Apple is now the third largest company in America by market cap, having overtaken Wal-Mart for the number three position.  At $236.86 the market cap of Apple is roughly US$214.75 billion, compared to Wal-Mart at $55.95 with a $212.9 billion market cap, according to "24/7 Wall Street" (http://247wallst.com/2010/03/30/value-shock-apple-larger-than-wal-mart-m...). On an enterprise value including debt, Wal-Mart still maintains the lead over Apple as it has over $36 billion in long-term debt versus only about $5 billion for Apple, and Apple’s longer-term liabilities are not even real debt issuance, the article adds. Our favorite tech company will probably never reach the top spot when it comes to US market cap status in the U.S. as ExxonMobil's market cap is $317 billion -- and that's with shares closer to a 52-week low rather than an all-time high.  Still, "24/7 Wall Street" says "there is one challenge and one that the Apple lovers would absolutely love." Microsoft sits with a market...

Fuel Collective has released Permute (http://fuelcollective.com/permute), an US$14.95 media conversion tool for Mac OS X 10.6.x ("Snow Leopard"). It offers drag and drop video conversion with presets for devices such as the iPhone, Apple TV and XBox. You can also modify the existing presets. Permute is 64-bit and can convert .dvdmedia and VIDEO_TS folders to ISO files for better media center support.

Elan Microelectronics Corp., a Taiwanese maker of chips and touch-screens, has asked a U.S. trade agency to ban the import and sale of some Apple products, including the iPad, because of alleged patent infringement. "BusinessWeek" (http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-03-30/elan-files-itc-complaint-aga...) reports that Elan’s complaint was filed yesterday with the U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington claims Apple “knowingly and deliberately” used Elan’s technology, while continuing to introduce infringing products The petition also seeks to ban imports of the iPhone and iPod touch products, Elan said in the complaint. Elan sued Apple in April 2009 , alleging infringement of two of its touch screen patents, The lawsuit alleges that Apple products -- including its MacBook, iPhone and iPod touch -- use technology that infringes on two of Elan’s patents.

Trailrunner (http://www.trailrunnerx.com), a Mac OS X solution for folks doing long distance sports, has been updated to version 3.0. The user interface has been redesigned from the ground up. This includes the management of routes, the local track network and the new diary. TrailRunner can now display maps specially created and geared towards to runners, bikers and any other outdoor enthusiasts. With TrailRunner you can plan workout routes on a geographical map, export the route directions as small NanoMaps onto an iPod and import workout data from the Nike + iPod sports kit back into the workout diary. Other features are an exercise plan, .Mac weblog publishing, a GPS, GPX and KML import/export, an integrated map and elevation data download from global mapping services like USGS topo maps. TrailRunner is donationware. You can download the software, and, if you like it, make a donation to the developer.

Economy-x-Talks has released Clipboard Link (http://clipboardlink.economy-x-talk.com) for Mac OS X (10.3 and higher) The app enables you to share the contents of the clipboard of your computer with other computers on the same local network. You can copy a text or picture on one computer and paste it on any computer connected to your network and running Clipboard Link. To use the software, copy a text or picture from any window first and start Clipboard Link. Now start Clipboard Link on another computer on your local network. The name of your first computer will appear in the Clipboard Link window on the second computer. Click the Copy button next to the name of the first computer. The clipboard of the first computer has now been transferred to the second computer. Clipboard Link costs approximately US$11. A demo is available for download.

Boris FX (http://www.borisfx.com), a developer of integrated effects technology for video and film, has announced that a new Boris Continuum Unit, Shaders, is now available. The Boris Continuum Shaders Unit includes 13 Boris Continuum Complete filters and transitions that take advantage of Apple’s real-time FxPlug architecture. Among the included filters are a full suite of keying and compositing tools, film effects, glow effects, 3D perspective filters and transitions, and an all-new Flicker and Shake filter. The Boris Continuum Shaders Unit allows editors to view animated previews of presets and saved effects in an effects browser window. Presets can be viewed in real-time using actual clips from the timeline. 
The Boris Continuum Shaders Unit supports Apple Final Cut Pro, Final Cut Express, and Motion. The Shaders Unit is the latest addition to previously-released Boris Continuum Units: Chroma Key, Pan and Zoom, UpRez, Motion Key, Lens Flare, Film Look, Glitters, Optical...

MacSpeech (http://www.macspeech.com) has updated MacSpeech Scribe, the a personal transcription solution for the Mac, to version 1.0.1. It's a maintenance update with some bug fixes. With MacSpeech Scribe, those running Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard") can transcribe their recorded voice into written text with up to 99% accuracy, in a single button click, according to Andrew Taylor, founder and CEO of MacSpeech. The app automatically creates an individual speech profile, in one of 13 different English dialects, from an initial recorded sample of the person's voice. A single MacSpeech Scribe license can create and use up to six individual voice profiles, each compatible with all accepted audio file formats. MacSpeech Scribe accepts audio files in .wav, .aif, .aiff, .m4v, mp4, or .m4a formats. When composing a letter or other document by voice, users can include spoken punctuation, and MacSpeech Scribe will automatically include the punctuation marks in the output text. Audio file...

System Support Products (http://www.sspi-software.com) has updated Mail Forward for Mac OS X -- e-mail forwarding application for AOL, Gmail, Hotmail, MSN, and Yahoo web mail accounts -- to version 5.0. Standard POP and IMAP e-mail accounts can also now be forwarded. A maximum of 20 different e-mail accounts can be entered into the app, each with its own forwarding address. A built-in scheduling feature permits mail to be forwarded automatically at a specified time interval.  A default forwarding address can be specified, simplifying initial set-up. Release 5.0 of Mail Forward is a complete re-write of the application, greatly enhancing its speed and reliability, according to the folks at System Support Products. Mail Forward for Mac OS X costs US$19.95. A 30-day free trial is available for download. Registered users of Mail Forward who have purchased within one year prior to this announcement will be provided with the new release free of charge. Other registered users will be...

According to research firm Canalys, Apple's iPhone OS accounted for about 15% of smartphones sold last year, running third behind phones using Nokia's Symbian OS and Research in Motion's OS. Those own 47% and 21% of the market, respectively, according to "TheStreet" (http://www.thestreet.com/_yahoo/story/10713461/1/google-not-apple-to-rul...). While Apple has grown much faster than those two brands, it still lags by almost 10 million units, the article adds. Nokia's Symbian is selling more than twice the units of its closest competitor. But given that sales growth is in the low single digits, the big movers could overtake it sooner rather than later, says "TheStreet." Research in Motion and Apple could overtake Nokia in about three years based on current growth rates.

TechSmith Corp. (http://www.techsmith.com) has released Camtasia for Mac 1.1, an update of its screen recording products. The new version includes region capture so users can record only the area of the screen they choose, or select from a preset region. The new release also supports multiple monitor environments, the ability to pause and resume recording sessions, and the option to do voice-only recordings. Camtasia for Mac 1.1 is integrated with TechSmith’s Screencast.com hosting service for free video sharing and tracking. It requires Mac OS X 10.5.6 or later. Camtasia for Mac 1.1 costs US$99 for new users, but is a free upgrade for current customers.

PriceGrabber.com explores eReader and eBook shopping trends in its latest "eReader and eBook Trends Consumer Behavior Report." The report reveals that while the Amazon Kindle is the brand leader in eReaders, more consumers plan to purchase the Apple iPad. The report includes survey responses from 1,631 online consumers from Feb. 8–25. While eReaders are still becoming mainstream, the Amazon Kindle leads its competitors in brand recognition, with 61% of consumers having heard of the Kindle. Fifty-five percent of consumers indicated that they have heard of the iPad. Thirty-four percent revealed that they have heard of the Sony Reader, and 28% of consumers have heard of the Barnes & Noble nook. The iPad will become the most sought-after device that can be used as an eReader in the coming year, according to the PriceGrabber.com study. While more consumers are familiar with the Kindle, the iPad is the most popular eReader among consumers planning to purchase in the next year. Twenty...

Morgan Stanley analyst Ehud Gelblum thinks Verizon is passing on the chance to be an iPhone carrier in the US -- see http://www.macnews.com/content/verizon-pass-iphone -- but "The Wall Street Journal" (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304370304575152242601774892.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLETopStories( has a different take on the situation. The "WSJ," quoting "people briefed on the matter," says Apple is developing a new iPhone to debut this summer and also appears to be working on a model for Verizon Wireless. The people briefed on the matter told the "WSJ" that one of the new iPhones is being manufactured by Taiwanese contract manufacturer Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., which produced Apple's previous iPhones. The model that has CDMA capability, used by Verizon Wireless, is purportedly being manufactured by Pegatron Technology Corp., the contract manufacturing subsidiary of Taiwan's ASUSTeK Computer.

The Best Buy (http://www.bestbuy.com) stores that will be carrying the iPad when it goes on sale this Saturday will be limited to 15 per store, according to a TUAW report (http://www.tuaw.com/2010/03/27/exclusive-best-buy-playbook-for-ipad-leak...). The story quotes a "tipster" as saying that each store will be limited to 15 iPads in stock, and those WiFi-only iPads will be evenly distributed among the three price points. Apple says "most" of the 670-plus Best Buy retail stores in the US will carry the iPad.

Self-publishing service Smashwords, Smashwords, a site where writers can publish their own e-books, as signed a distribution deal with Apple to put its books into the iPad iBookstore. This means that "unpublished authors can sell their work on the Apple iPad at virtually no cost," according to "DigitalBeat" (http://digital.venturebeat.com/2010/03/28/self-published-electronic-book...). To get books on the Apple store by launch day, Smashwords authors have to have their works submitted to Smashwords’ premium catalog by March 31. The book has to be in the EPUB format and have a big cover image. The iPad will come with an iBookstore app. will feature books from major and independent publishers. The free iBooks app lets you buy books from the iBookstore. Once you’ve bought a book, it’s displayed on your Bookshelf. Just tap it to start reading.

iPad suppliers are already raising their build rates in expectation of strong sales, thanks to encouraging pre-order rates, according to Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty. As reported by "All Things D" (http://digitaldaily.allthingsd.com/20100329/morgan-stanley-apple-will-sh...), she told clients that Apple’s manufacturing partners now expect to ship 2.5 million iPads between March and May, considerably ahead of her previous estimate of 750,000 for the June quarter. What’s more, they are now forecasting shipments of eight to 10 million iPads in calendar 2010, considerably more than prior expectations of five million-plus. Current Street consensus is for Apple to sell three to four million iPads, but Huberty figures the company will sell over six million iPads, notes "All Things D."

Apple has updated Snow Leopard to version 10.6.3. You can obtain it via the Software Updates component of the Mac OS X Systems Preferences app. According to Apple, general operating system fixes and improvements provided for: ° Performance of Logic Pro 9 and Main Stage 2 when running in 64-bit mode; ° Printing reliability; ° Sleep and wake reliability when using Bonjour wake on demand; ° A color issue in iMovie with HD content; ° Glowing, stuck, or dark pixels when viewing video from the iMac (Late 2009) built-in iSight camera; ° An issue in which the Finder reports a -36 error when copying directories to a drive formatted as FAT32; ° Reliability of photo screen savers; ° Compatibility issues with OpenGL-based applications; ° An issue in which shadows in PDF of Aperture book are black instead of gray; ° An issue in which the microphone level in iChat may not increase the volume after reducing it to prevent a feedback event; ° The reliability of certain third-party USB devices; ° The...

Brightcove, an online video platform, has announced the Brightcove Experience for HTML5, a framework for publishing and delivering interactive and advertising-supported web video experiences for HTML5-compatible devices. The new platform solution, available free of charge to more than 1,000 Brightcove customers in 42 countries, will enable media companies and marketers around the world to expand the reach of their online video initiatives to consumer devices such as the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, says Jeremy Allaire, Brightcove chairman and CEO. The Brightcove Experience for HTML5 fills the gap between the current playback capabilities of the emerging standard and what their customers need to operate successful online video businesses, he adds.

 The Brightcove Experience for HTML5 provides support for intelligent device detection, playlist rendering, and playback of H.264 encoded video content. Customers are using the Brightcove Experience for HTML5 today to build iPad-ready web...

Toshiba (http://www.toshibadirect.com) has introduced the Canvio portable hard drive, a backup solution with up to 1TB of storage. It comes in five colors and four storage capacities, starting at 500GB. At the top capacity (1TB), the Canvio holds up to 285,000 digital photos, 263,000 digital music files, or 820 digital movies. It's smaller than a postcard and weighs six ounces. The Canvio product line is available in these flavors:Raven Black, Satin Silver, Liquid Blue, Rocket Red and Komodo Green. Suggested retail prices by capacity are: US$119.99 for the 500GB Canvio; $139.99 for the 640GB Canvio; $159.99 for the 750GB Canvio Plus; and $199.99 for the 1TB Canvio Plus.

QuickerTek has announced the Air Carry Handle (http://www.quickertek.com/products/macbook_air_carry_handle.php) for the MacBook Air. It's an US$79.95 handle is made from non-flex aircraft quality aluminum. The Carry Handle is designed to ensure that the trim laptop doesn't slip and hit the floor, according to the folks at QuickerTek. The lightweight  handle is super strong and it's attached to the laptop by a stiff aluminum mount that uses the existing screw holes in the MacBook Air. New countersunk longer screws secure the Air Carry Handle to the Air. The finish of the aluminum complements the MacBook Air. The Carry Handle also elevates the MacBook Air to allow air underneath the laptop for better cooling when you go mobile for hours and hours. This slight angle adjustment also keeps the keyboard at a non-tiring position for many hours of use. Rubber feet on the Carry Handle prevent you from chasing your laptop around on a hard surface like a desk.

Zevrix (http://www.zevrix.com) has updated ArtOptimizer, its workflow automation solution for Adobe Illustrator, to version 2.3.4. The new version allows you to process rotated images and improves the user interface. ArtOptimizer eliminates the excess image data of document links and performs image adjustments, reducing the size of an Illustrator job. In order to eliminate excess image data, the app automatically scales the images in Photoshop to match their dimensions in Illustrator, changes resolution according to the target resolution specified, and reimports images to Illustrator at 100%. In addition, ArtOptimizer can automatically convert image colors, apply sharpening filters, merge and delete layers, and run Photoshop Actions during processing. ArtOptimizer 2.3.1 can be purchased from the Zevrix Solutions web site for US$129.95, as well as from authorized resellers. A demo is also available for download. ArtOptimizer is available for Mac OS X 10.4.2 and higher and Adobe...

The Korean government has asked Apple to allow Koreans to use their own choice of basic search platform on the iPhone, an official told "The Korea Herald" (http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2010/03/29/20100329...?). Currently, the default search engine is Google. The Korea Communications Commission, the country's telecom regulator, is looking into whether the practice restricts consumer choice, according to the "Herald." "We are considering whether Google as the default search engines restricts user choice ... If necessary, we will seek policy measures," the official told the publication. "Key is to give consumers the option to choose their mobile search engines."

Cocoamug Software, developers and publishers of great Mac software, has released CosmoPod 4.3.1 (http://www.cocoamug.com/cosmopod/index.html), an update of the Safari extension that lets you download Flash videos from web sites such as YouTube, Vimeo, DailyMotion, etc. The upgrade mainly improves the application capability to import QuickTime movies. CosmoPod can automatically convert downloaded files to an Apple device friendly format, tag them and add them to iTunes. Additionally, you can convert most video already on your hard drive via drag and drop so can be used as a tool to import your DVD collection to your Mac, iTunes, AppleTV, and iPhone. CosmoPod costs US$12. Version 4.3.1 is a free update for registered users of version 4.x. CosmoPod 3 and earlier users can upgrade for $3.90.

The ship date for iPad pre-orders, originally set to guarantee delivery by April 3, had been pushed back to Tuesday, April 12, and the the option to reserve an iPad for pick-up at an Apple Store has disappeared from Apple.com entirely, reports "Fortune" (http://macosg.me/2/1k). However, those who had pre-ordered before March 27 are still scheduled to get their iPads next Saturday. At least those who ordered the Wi-Fi only versions will; the Wi-Fi + 3G model will hit US store sleeves in late April. In addition, all models of iPad will be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April. The Wi-Fi iPad sells for a suggested retail price of US$499 for 16GB, $599 for 32GB, $699 for 64GB models. The Wi-Fi + 3G models will be available in late April for a suggested retail price of $629 for 16GB, $729 for 32GB and $829 for 64GB. iPad will be sold in the US through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized...

Apple now owns the iPad trademark.  The trademark was filed by Fujitsu in March of 2003 for their iPad wireless handheld computing device used by retailers.  Records at the U.S. Patent and Trademark office show that the trademark was assigned to Apple on March 17, reports the Patent Authority (http://patentauthority.com/2010/03/apple-buys-ipad-trademark-from-fujitsu/). As of January, it was reported Apple had reportedly taken advantage of the fact that Fujitsu stopped responding to requests by the US Patent and Trademark Office, who declared the "iPad" name "abandoned," then began pursing it again last year. Apple had filed three petitions to extend the deadline to take the name away from Fujitsu.

A new job posting (http://jobs.apple.com/index.ajs?BID=1&method=mExternal.showJob&RID=35157...) shows that Apple is looking for a cellular technology software manager to manage the cellular protocol software team, responsible for the design, implementation and integration of layer 1-3 protocols for iPhone. According to Apple, the position will be responsible for ensuring appropriate cellular technology development and execution, KPI performances and interoperability of cellular technology on various platforms, R&D of new protocol and standards, as well as working with cross-functional teams to deliver the best customer experience on cellular. The person hired must have knowledge of: one or more multiple cellular technologies (WCDMA/UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+, LTE etc.) Apple is apparently ramping plans for advanced 3G and 4G coverage. The job listing may also hint at another US carrier in addition to AT&T either later this year or, more likely, in 2011.

Vodafone Essar, India's third-largest mobile operator says it will begin selling the iPhone 3GS in the country, effective immediately, reports "Reuters" (http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSSGE62P09C20100326?feedType=RSS&feedNa...). India's top mobile firm Bharti Airtel also said earlier this week it would start selling iPhone 3GS in the country as of today. The company has previously sold the iPhone 3G, but not the faster version of the Apple smartphone.

Taiwan-based TPK Touch Solutions has seen Apple shift orders for iPad-use projected capacitive touch panels to fellow maker Wintek because of TPK's delayed shipments, according to "DigiTimes" (http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20100326PD213.html), which quotes industry sources" on the news. Wintek has recently announced a plan to set up a touch panel module production line in Dongguan, southern China. The company is evaluating another plan to expand the capacity for front-end touch panel production, adds "DigiTimes." The iPad -- now available for pre-order -- is due to hit the stores April 3. At least the Wi-Fi only versions will; the Wi-Fi + 3G model will hit US store sleeves in late April. In addition, all models of iPad will be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April. The Wi-Fi iPad sells for a suggested retail price of US$499 for 16GB, $599 for 32GB, $699 for 64GB models. The Wi-Fi + 3G models will be available in...

Radio Shack will soon become the second-largest third-party retailer of Apple's iPhone by storefronts when it launches a front-page promotion to celebrate the rollout of the touchscreen handset to thousands of its shops nationwide, according to an "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) report. Starting March 28, the specialty electronics retailer will offer the iPhone in 3,000 of its 4,500 stores in the US, "completing a first-phase expansion that will see it leapfrog both AT&T and Best Buy in terms of the number of brick-and-mortar retail locations that will stock the device for walk-in activations, but not necessarily in terms of volume sales," the article says. Only big-box retailer Walmart will offer the device in more stores. "AppleInsider" says Radio Shack plans to promote the iPhone on the cover of its March 28 circular, at what it claims are the lowest prices ever offered for the touchscreen handset nationwide -- essentially US$5 off the manufacturer's suggested...

Atlona Technologies (http://www.atlona.com), a solutions manufacturer of audio video accessories, has released the newest addition to their HDMI switcher line with the 2x4 HDMI1.3 distribution amplifier, the AT-HD-V214. It has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$499.   Users looking to switch two sources to multiple HDTVs are often forced to purchase both switchers and splitters in order to accommodate both their two sources, and video amplification. The AT-HD-V214 is designed to address the matter. 
The AT-HD-V214 is a 2x4 HDMI 1.3 Distribution Amplifier designed to work as a splitter for all HD video applications. With two HDMI 1.3 Inputs this unit also boasts four HDMI 1.3 mirrored Outputs, allowing all outputs to switch to a specifically desired source.  
Atlona’s AT-HD-V214 allows any digital video source with HDMI outputs (such as: DVD, Satellite, Cable Box, PC, Xbox360, PS3 and more) to connect to upwards of four simultaneous HD displays. With the added HDMI1.3...

Zevrix Solutions (http://www.zevrix.com) has updated Graphic Inspector, which checks entire folders of graphic files for potential problems, to version 1.7.3. The new version addresses stability issues related to metadata extraction routines. Graphic Inspector lets graphic professionals et crucial info on multiple graphic files instead of checking them manually. Users automatically get information on multiple raster and vector files. Graphic Inspector will display the file kind, color mode, resolution, compression, color profile, spot colors, fonts, metadata and other attributes. With its checkup presets, Graphic Inspector lets users create custom control settings and locate files with unwanted attributes. For example, users can make Graphic Inspector warn them about all files whose color mode is RGB, format -- JPEG, resolution is below 200 dpi, ICC profile doesn't contain "USWebCoated" etc. Graphic Inspector costs US$39.95. A demo is available for download. The 1.7.3 update is free...

he Alliance for Digital Equality (http://www.alliancefordigitalequality.org) leadership -- including Chairman Julius H. Hollis, Vice Chairman Manuel (Manny) A. Diaz and Senior Advisor Shirley Franklin -- traveled to Washington, D.C., this week to advocate for increased minority access to broadband technology.  Their trip follows the recent release of the Federal Communications Commission's National Broadband Plan, and served as an opportunity for the ADE leadership team to begin dialogue with key policymakers, thought leaders and the media regarding the plan's implementation. "Following the release of the FCC's National Broadband Plan, we hope to draw attention to the millions of un-served and underserved Americans who do not yet have Broadband Internet access," says Hollis. "There is still a digital divide that exists today. In fact, statistics suggest that African-Americans and Latinos are not making use of home broadband and Internet technology as extensively as the rest of the...

Apple has released version 3.0.2 of Aperture, its software for professional photographers. The update improves overall stability and fixes issues in a number of areas. You can find a list of all the changes at http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2518 . Aperture 3.0.2 requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later and Aperture 3.x.

Comm-Unity Networking Systems has released POP3it Pro 4.1.8 (http://www.pop3itpro.com/), an update of the email downloading and importing plug-in for FileMaker Pro. The upgrade fixes some bugs and brings full compatibility with FileMaker Pro 11. POP3it Pro allows you to connect to a POP3 Email Server and download email directly into your FileMaker Pro database. The plug-in also allows you to import email directly from the mailbox storage files of email clients like Thunderbird, Eudora, and Apple Mail. This version is a free upgrade for anyone with a 4.x license. All you need to do is download the latest version and install it. Your existing registration and settings will be imported into the new version. For new users a single user license for the client version of POP3it Pro is US$65. To use the server edition of POP3it Pro, you'll need to purchase at least a 10-user license for $319.

MyService (http://www.myservice.com) has announced a new 1TB hard drive upgrade for the MacBook Pro. These new Scorpio Blue drives by Western Digital are the largest mobile drives available. MyService has these drives in stock and the complete upgrade service is US$345. The price includes the new 1TB drive, round trip shipping, professional installation and data transfer. Your old hard drive is returned to you and can be used for backups. Since MyService is an Apple Authorized Service Provider, the 1TB upgrade won't void your Apple warranty. These drives are slightly higher than standard 2.5-inch drives but fit perfectly in all Unibody MacBook Pros, the 13-inch MacBook Unibody and the 17-inch (Silver Keyboard) MacBook Pro, according to the folks at MyService.

The iBookstore for the iPad will feature the Gutenberg Project catalog for free, according to the AppAdvice web site ("http://appadvice.com/appnn/2010/03/exclusive-ipad-ibooks-features-gutenberg-project-library/). The Gutenberg Project (http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page) is a free online digital library supported by volunteers. It already includes over 30,000 free eBooks from the public domain. The iPad will come with an iBookstore app. will feature books from major and independent publishers. The free iBooks app lets you buy books from the iBookstore. Once you’ve bought a book, it’s displayed on your Bookshelf. Just tap it to start reading.

Ooyla (http://www.ooyala.com), a provider of end-to-end video platform applications and services, says it will support full video delivery to iPad when the Apple product launches on April 3. Ooyala's integration with iPad will help newspapers, magazines and other publishers create rich and engaging iPad experiences for their readers, all managed with the same Ooyala video platform they use for their web site, says Bismarck Lepe, president of Product at Ooyala. The company already helps publishers deliver video directly to the iPod touch, iPhones and other connected devices. An intelligent video embed lets the Ooyala player automatically recognize each device and adjust video quality and format for the best possible viewing experience, Lepe adds. This intelligent video embed has been a part of Backlot, Ooyala's video publishing platform, for over a year. Publishers who already deliver video to iPhone will be able to deliver video immediately to iPad. Other publishers should contact...

AdMob (http://www.admob.com) -- which stores and analyzes handset and operator data from every ad request in its network of more than 15,000 mobile web sites and applications -- says that, in February, smartphones accounted for 48% of its worldwide traffic/ That's up from 35% in February 2009. The strong growth of iPhone and Android traffic, fueled by heavy application usage, was primarily responsible for the increase, AdMob says. Although the share of feature phone traffic in AdMob’s network declined from 58% o 35% year-over-year, absolute traffic from feature phones still grew 31%. Mobile Internet devices experienced the strongest growth of the three categories, increasing to account for 17% of traffic in AdMob’s network in February. The iPod touch is the top mobile Internet device and is responsible for a vast majority of this traffic; other devices include the Sony PSP and Nintendo DSi. Highlights from the February 2010 AdMob Mobile Metrics Report include: ° The iPhone OS...

Second Gear (http://secondgearllc.com) has released Today 2.2, an update of the US$15 Mac OS X application for managing iCal events and tasks. The new version adds support for viewing and creating data using Microsoft Exchange, the collaborative email and calendaring solution used in many businesses. Exchange supports requires taking advantage of Mac OS X 10.6's native Exchange support in iCal and Mail. Today 2.2 also has several small user interface enhancements. For example, hovering over an event's title will now display its location and calendar colors are now apparent when creating new events or tasks. Today distinguishes between different events based on the calendar color you define in iCal. Assign a keyboard shortcut, and you can toggle Today's visibility in a split second. Adding new events and tasks can be accomplished in the same way. You can also schedule next week's meeting or a quick task in Today. No iCal required. It synchronizes calendar information from an iPhone...