Jon Samsel, co-author of the Interactive Writers Handbook, is creating a new book of inspirational stories that explore the humanity behind the digital revolution. He's looking for new technology professionals who would like to share a personal experience, fable, metaphor, or quote that will inspire others to use technology to change their lives in a positive way. If you have a story for Samsel to review, contact him at samsel@gte.net. All sources will be properly credited if chosen.
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Apple just released Mac OS 7.6.1 Update, a set of system software enhancements
that improves the overall reliability of the Mac OS, and brings the benefits of
Mac OS 7.6 to the most recently introduced Mac OS-based systems. This release
is not intended to deliver any new features, nor does it deliver updates to
technologies already available through download sites on the Internet and
online services.
Mac OS 7.6.1 Update is Apple's rapid response to feedback from customers and
developers on Mac OS 7.6. Here are some of its enhancements:
http://support.info.apple.com/ftp/7.6.1.html
In the United States, customers may order Mac OS 7.6.1 Update on four floppy
disks for U.S.$ 10 (plus tax and shipping/handling) by calling 1-800-293-6617.
Customers running a localized version of Mac OS 7.6 should not install the U.S.
version of Mac OS 7.6.1 Update. Localized versions of the update will be
released within approximately 90 days of the U.S. version. The European mirror
site is
ftp://ftp.info.euro.apple.com/Apple.Support.Area/Apple.Software.Update
The Mac OS 7.6.1 Technote, which presents a detailed list of changes, is posted
at this site:
http://www.devworld.apple.com/dev/technotes/tn/tn1096.html
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According to Jim Gable, vice president of Platform and Technology Marketing,
Personal Web Sharing is a natural evolution of something Apple has always done.
"Apple has offered networking capabilities with its Personal File Sharing
technology for years. Personal Web Sharing is the same concept with Apple now
supporting Internet standards," said Gable. "We feel this product is an
excellent multiplatform web-publishing solution for groups that need to share
information such as sales reports, curriculum information, draft proposals,
meeting minutes, and so on--without having to work around the schedule of a
dedicated server administrator."
Based on technology licensed from Maxum Development, Personal Web Sharing 1.0
is a complete publishing solution for an intranet. Personal Web Sharing
includes Claris Home Page Lite, which allows customers to easily create their
own web pages. This version of Home Page masks the ability to view HTML and is
designed for customers who are unfamiliar with HTML creation.
For Personal Web Sharing pricing and configuration details, visit either of
these web sites:
http://product.info.apple.com/pr/press.releases/1997/q3/970409.pr.rel.web.html
Personal Web Sharing will also be integrated with the Mac OS 8 operating
system, scheduled for completion in July of 1997. Personal Web Sharing can be
purchased now at this web site:
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Apple just announced major advances in QuickTime, the industry-standard digital
media system software for Windows and Mac OS. This is the first time the full
power of QuickTime--including the ability to capture, edit, compress, and play
back digital media--is available for all major personal computer platforms,
including Windows 95, Windows NT 4.0, Mac OS System 7, and Mac OS System 8.
One of the most significant new features of the QuickTime 3.0 software
architecture is the Media Abstraction Layer. This feature ensures that
QuickTime's underlying media technologies can be enhanced or accelerated
without affecting compatibility with existing applications.
For example, QuickTime 3.0 introduces support for the DVCAM file format.
Through the Media Abstraction Layer, applications can immediately use this
important new media format without requiring software modifications. This
greatly reduces the cost of supporting emerging technologies. The Media
Abstraction Layer means that QuickTime-enabled applications are ready to take
advantage of the latest technology advances--including MMX microprocessor
technology and multiprocessing--regardless of the platform.
Here are some of QuickTime 3.0's other key features:
http://www.quicktime.apple.com/
Apple plans to make QuickTime 3.0 available toward the end of the second
quarter (Q2) of 1997. Developers can license QuickTime 3.0 for redistribution
with applications, titles, and media clip libraries that support QuickTime. For
additional licensing information, contact Apple Software Licensing by phone at
512-919-2645 or by e-mail at
sw.license@apple.com.
The full press release is posted at this web site:
http://product.info.apple.com/pr/press.releases/1997/q3/970408.pr.rel.quicktime.html
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QuickTime's OMF (Open Media Framework) Importer, a new extension to QuickTime,
has just been introduced by Apple. This extension streamlines the media
creation process for producers of digital media content by allowing them to use
QuickTime-enabled tools to manipulate the audio and video stored in
OMF-formatted files.
OMF was developed by Avid Technology in cooperation with other industry
partners in the post-production and broadcast industries. Because OMF is a
high-end post-production format, it has not been widely supported by desktop
video-editing applications. QuickTime's OMF Importer now makes it easy for
QuickTime-enabled tools to work with this important professional media format.
Users of OMF media now have instant access to the broad range of
QuickTime-enabled multimedia and video production tools. Award-winning video
software products--including Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere, Avid Cinema,
and Radius Edit, as well as Macromedia's much-anticipated Final Cut--were all
written to support QuickTime. With QuickTime's OMF Importer, users can directly
access OMF files from their existing video tools. This direct access makes it
easy to repurpose professional content for Internet or CD-ROM delivery using
tools such as Terran Interactive's MovieCleaner Pro. Furthermore, users don't
have to go through a time-consuming conversion process, because QuickTime's OMF
Importer allows them to use OMF files directly without first having to convert
them to the QuickTime Movie format. And because the OMF files are accessed
directly, no recompression is required, so full image fidelity is maintained.
With QuickTime's OMF Importer, QuickTime users will be able to see and hear the
contents of OMF files without requiring any hardware or application software
updates. QuickTime 3.0 contains all the software decoders necessary for viewing
and manipulating the supported OMF media types. Users can thus access OMF files
on any QuickTime-enabled system, including Windows NT, Windows 95, and the Mac
OS. QuickTime's OMF Importer provides access to audio and video media assets in
OMF files; future releases are expected to support additional features found in
OMF media files.
For more information about OMF, contact the OMF Developers' Desk at Avid
Technology at 1-800-949-6634, 508-640-3400, or this web site:
To review the full press release on this extension, see this web site:
http://product.info.apple.com/pr/press.releases/1997/q3/970408.pr.rel.qt.omf.html
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Apple became the first computer vendor to provide operating system support for
FireWire. FireWire technology--developed by Apple and approved as the IEEE 1394
high-performance serial bus standard--enables fast, easy, and economical
transfers of digital information between a personal computer and peripheral
devices such as digital video camcorders. It will foster the development of new
digital video editing capabilities for the Mac OS. Apple will deliver this
support through a software extension to the Mac OS that developers can use to
create solutions for connecting FireWire-enabled peripherals to Mac OS-based
computers.
Developers can use the FireWire 1.0 API (application programming interface),
along with their own software and a FireWire PCI card and cable, to offer
customers a complete solution for connecting high-speed peripherals to the
computer. Companies such as Miro, Digital Processing Systems, and Radius have
announced solutions that allow a Power Macintosh computer to work directly with
a Sony or a Panasonic DV camcorder using the FireWire interface. Customers can
use these solutions for nonlinear video editing or still-image capture of
digital video data. Other companies, such as Adaptec and Texas Instruments,
have announced products for development of FireWire solutions.
FireWire provides many advantages over other peripheral interconnection
technologies. The cables are as simple to connect as telephone cords--they
don't need screws or latches. And, unlike SCSI technology, FireWire is
autoconfiguring, so it eliminates SCSI device ID conflicts and the need for
terminators. FireWire is also a hot plug-and-play technology, which means that
a user can disconnect and then reconnect a device without needing to restart
the computer. FireWire is fast: It can transfer digital data at 200 megabits
per second, and an increase to 400 megabits per second is planned for later in
1997. In addition, the FireWire technology supports expansion--up to 63 devices
can be attached on the same FireWire bus. Finally, FireWire includes support
for isochronous data transfer, which provides guaranteed bandwidth for
real-time video and audio streams.
FireWire 1.0 is available to developers immediately. Developers interested in
obtaining the API can make the request by sending e-mail to
http://www.firewire.org
The full press release is also available on the web:
http://product.info.apple.com/pr/press.releases/1997/q3/970407.pr.rel.firewire.html
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In conjunction with the Power Macintosh 6500 and 4400 models announced this
week, Apple unveiled the Apple Small Business Macintosh series of computers.
These configurations of the new 6500 and 4400 systems provide users with a
comprehensive small business solution right out of the box. Initially, Apple
will ship the Small Business Macintosh 6500/250 and the Small Business
Macintosh 4400/200. The computers are bundled with industry-standard software
and feature a built-in fax modem, 12x-speed CD-ROM drive, digital answering
system, and speakerphone. Small Business Macintosh computers are preinstalled
with leading business software, including Microsoft Office, Norton Utilities,
Now Up-To-Date and Contact, Jian BizPlan Builder, MacPublisher, and others.
For the full press release, see this web site:
http://product.info.apple.com/pr/press.releases/1997/q3/970408.pr.rel.sbm.html
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Apple just introduced two PC-compatible computers: the Power Macintosh
7300/180, which has a 180-MHz PowerPC 604e RISC processor and a 166-MHz Intel
Pentium processor, and the Power Macintosh 4400/200, which has a 200-MHz
PowerPC 603e RISC processor and a Cyrix PR166 6x86 processor. These solutions
are primarily targeted to business and education customers who want the power
and ease of use of a Macintosh computer, but who also need Windows
compatibility. The 166-MHz Intel Pentium processor PCI card is also available
as an upgrade card, allowing PCI-based Power Macintosh computers to run DOS and
Windows applications.
Apple will also offer the PC Serial and Parallel Card, a new PCI card that
features both an RS-232 and a bidirectional ECP parallel port. This card allows
customers to connect legacy IBM-compatible or PC peripherals to a PC
Compatibility Card. Apple plans to make the new PCI card available in June
1997.
The PC Compatibility Upgrade card is scheduled to be available sometime in
April, and the Power Macintosh 7300/180 and 4400/200 systems bundled with PC
Compatibility Cards are scheduled to be available in volume by the end of May
1997. The PC Compatibility Upgrade cards are scheduled to be available outside
the United States beginning in May 1997.
For pricing and other details, visit this web site:
http://product.info.apple.com/pr/press.releases/1997/q3/970404.pr.rel.pc-pmsys.html
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Apple is bringing unprecedented speed to the home desktop with the introduction
of the Apple Power Macintosh 6500/300 computer--the first 300-MHz system
available today. Following less than two months after Apple's introduction of
the fastest laptop computer currently available, the new Power Macintosh 6500
series gives customers a choice of systems ranging in speeds from 225 to 300
MHz, all with accelerated multimedia features; built-in Internet access
capabilities; and advanced video capture, editing, and publishing options. The
announcement reflects Apple's drive toward a simplified desktop series under
the strength of the Power Macintosh brand.
For pricing and configuration information, see the full press release:
http://product.info.apple.com/pr/press.releases/1997/q3/970404.pr.rel.300mhz.html
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Families that purchase an Apple Macintosh Performa 6360 computer, 15-inch
MultiScan Display, and Color StyleWriter 1500 printer from any U.S. Sears Brand
Central retail store will help their schools earn points toward computer
hardware and Internet products from Apple. This program, which runs from April
1 to May 15, is designed to help parents and educators provide students with
greater access to computer and Internet technology at school. Apple hopes that
this will also help educational software developers sell more products.
You can obtain program details at local Sears stores or by calling
1-800-937-2775. To read the full press release on this program, see this web
site:
http://product.info.apple.com/pr/press.releases/1997/q3/970408.pr.rel.sears.html
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The March 1997 issue of Scientific Computing and Automation lists results of
the magazine's Sixth Annual Reader's Choice Awards. In the Desktop PC category
(page 28), Apple Power Macintosh computers were chosen by readers over
runners-up at Compaq and Dell. The ballot was run in two issues last fall, and
criteria for selection included "value for price, technical support, ease of
use, quality, and reliability." When this issue is posted, you'll be able to
read about it at this web site:
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During the last few weeks, Saudi Arabia's billionaire Prince Al-Waleed Bin
Talal became an honorary Apple Evangelist by buying 5 percent of Apple's stock
for about U.S. $115 million. According to a statement he issued, Prince
Al-Waleed said, "I have been following the technology industry closely for
quite some time, and Apple in particular for a number of months, and I believe
there is serious potential for Apple to provide large returns to its
stockholders once again, as it did in the past."
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http://www.devworld.apple.com/dev/technotes/tn/tn1096.html
You can download this update from several on-line services and web sites. To
get started, visit this web site:
http://support.info.apple.com/ftp/7.6.1.html
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http://devworld.apple.com/techinfo/techdocs/rhapsody/apple1.html (link updated Nov. 18, 1997)
The Discovering OPENSTEP book is considered to be a good place to start
learning about OPENSTEP.
If you're a member of an Apple Developer Program, you can find this
documentation on the May 1997 Edition of the Developer CD, which
will be shipped the end of April.
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http://support.info.apple.com/ftp/swhome.html
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http://devworld.apple.com/rhaptechfaq.html
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If you have any suggestions or comments regarding Apple Developer News, we'd
like to hear from you. You can send an e-mail to
FireWire:
firewire@apple.com
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Main |
Section |
What's New |
Apple Computer, Inc. |
Find It |
Contact Us |
Help
Mac OS 7.6.1 Update Delivers Better Reliability
Mac OS 7.6.1 Update is available electronically, free of charge, at this web
site:
Personal Web Sharing 1.0 Ships
Apple just announced the shipment of its Personal Web Sharing 1.0 server
software. Designed for individuals and small workgroups, this new product
enables web publishing without dedicating a separate computer as a server.
Based on Internet standard protocols, Personal Web Sharing extends Apple's
traditional file-sharing capabilities to intranet-based webs.
QuickTime 3.0 for Windows and Mac OS Unveiled
You can find more information about QuickTime 3.0 in an in-depth white paper,
"QuickTime Technology Briefs: QuickTime 3.0," available at this web site:
Apple Announces QuickTime's OMF Importer
Apple Brings the FireWire Digital Video Standard to Market
Small Business Power Macintosh Computers Announced
PC-Compatibility Power Macintosh Systems Unveiled
Apple Announces First 300-MHz Desktop Computer
OTHER DEVELOPER NEWS
Sears and Apple Sponsor a School Rewards Program
Power Mac Takes Top Honors in Scientific Magazine
The Ultimate Apple Evangelist--Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal
EVENTS
Mac OS Expo, June 17 to 19
Mac OS Expo will be an integral part of the Fifteenth Annual PC EXPO, held in
New York. It will feature 800 exhibitors at the Javits Convention Center. For
more information about exhibiting at the Mac OS Expo, contact Geoff Poli,
director of sales at Miller Freeman, at
gpoli@mfi.com or 212-615-2930. For
registration or general show information, visit the PC EXPO web site:
Claris Solutions Developer Event, May 12 to 15
Claris Corporation is hosting "Simply Better Solutions," a developer's
conference for anyone involved in creating software solutions using Claris
software. At this conference, solution developers will receive training on
building better business solutions using Claris products; information on how to
use Claris products on the Internet; and one-on-one access to Claris technical
support and product managers.
BMUG MacFest, April 26
This year the Berkeley Macintosh User Group (BMUG) MacFest will be held in the
Pauley Ballroom on the UC Berkeley campus, in Berkeley, California. The show
will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This year big-name vendors such as
Adobe, Connectix, Aladdin, Dantz, Iomega, Corel, Wacom, Techworks, and Motorola
will attend the show. For the first time, vendors will be selling products and
giving some great deals to MacFest attendees. Speakers include Ellen Hancock,
Apple vice president; Jean-Louis Gassee, founder of Be; industry analyst Dave
Winer; TidBits editor Adam Engst; MacWEEK columnist Don Crabb; Bob Levitus,
Motorola evangelist; and Adobe Photoshop guru Bert Monroy. MacFest is free to
the public, though BMUG requests a donation at the door.
NEW SOFTWARE RELEASES
Mac OS Version 7.6.1 Update
For an overview of what's new in this system software release, see the story
"Mac OS 7.6.1 Update Delivers Better Reliability" in this edition of Apple
Developer News. The Mac OS 7.6.1 Technote, which presents a detailed list of
changes, is posted at this site:
The May 1997 Tool Chest Edition of the Developer CD Series
This invaluable developer resource will be sent to Apple Developer Program
members at the end of April. (By the way, many program members say that the
Developer CD Series alone justifies the cost of Apple Developer Program
membership.) Highlights of this month's CD include
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OPENSTEP Documentation on the Apple Developer CD
For those of you who want to get ahead on the Mac OS and OPENSTEP operating
system transition, you can now download Adobe Acrobat versions of Discovering
OPENSTEP: A Developer Tutorial, AppKit Reference, Foundation Reference, and
Topics in OPENSTEP Programming from the NeXT web site:
Apple Disk Copy Version 6.1.2
Disk Copy 6.1.2 is a utility that will mount disk images on your desktop, make
exact copies of floppy disks from a disk image, convert disk images from one
format to another, and create a disk image from a mounted volume or individual
folder. This new version includes these enhancements:
To download this program, visit this web site:
WebBytes--POINTERS TO MORE NEWS AND SOFTWARE
New Rhapsody FAQ Posted
A new version of the Rhapsody frequently-asked-questions document has just been
posted to Apple's web site. The version dated April 10 replaces the version
posted on March 11. This document will be updated on a regular basis until
Rhapsody ships, so be sure to check it periodically to keep up to date on this
new operating system. The web address for this document is:
Apple Sponsors Web Site for Disabled Children
Apple recently announced Convomania, a web site designed for kids who are
seriously ill or disabled. Convomania empowers kids with the opportunity to use
the Internet to share their feelings and ideas in a cyber-community setting.
You can check out this web site:
Apple Developer News
adfeedback@apple.com
To provide feedback on the technologies discussed in this issue, send e-
mail to the appropriate contact:
Rhapsody rhapsody-dev-feedback@apple.com
Copyright (c) 1997 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved.