Zevrix Solutions has announced BatchOutput Server 4.2.4, an update to its powerful output workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign. Originally developed for a major magazine publisher in the United States to free up their operator computers from outputting InDesign files, the software automates InDesign output by processing files from hotfolders. BatchOutput Server offloads printing and exporting to PDF and PostScript to a central system leaving operator workstations free from the output process. Under this workflow, production artists and prepress operators simply submit 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. Operator workstations will never again be tied up by the output process. BatchOutput allows users to output InDesign documents as single pages, update links automatically and compose complex variable file names. As...

St. Clair Software has updated Default Folder (http://www.stclairsoft.com/DefaultFolderX/index.html), its utility for enhancing Open and Save dialogs in Mac OS X, to version 4.3.3. This release addresses issues with Mac OS 10.4 and 10.5 that have come to light since the recent release of version 4.3.2. For users of both Snow Leopard and Leopard, compatibility has been improved in Final Cut Pro, QuickTime Player and other applications that export using QuickTime. We've also improved performance and addressed interface issues, and two new settings provide for additional customization. Default Folder X 4.3.3 is a free update for existing users who purchased a license or upgrade on or after June 1, 2007. The upgrade is US$14.95 for users who bought their copies before that date. Default Folder X costs $34.95 for a new license. Installers are available now in English and German and will be released shortly in Japanese, French, and Danish.

MacTech Acquires MacMod - MacMod community joins 25-year old MacTech family - Articles, podcasts, forums to merge into MacTech - MacMod personality, icons live on November 6, 2009 -- WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- MacTech Magazine and MacMod.com announced today that MacTech is acquiring MacMod, including the site, forums, and podcasts. MacMod's community and spirit will live on with MacTech as its new home, and a chance to spread the excitement to a much larger audience than ever before. "For 8 years, MacMod has been the home to many with all kinds of Mac and Apple creativity: a community full of people that make systems go beyond what they were originally intended," said Neil Ticktin, Editor-in-Chief/Publisher of MacTech Magazine. "We're excited about helping this community grow. We look forward to giving all this creativity an even broader base to draw on, and audience to see." "We're thrilled to be working with MacTech in this acquisition. MacTech has been a staple of the Apple...

Salling Software AB has updated its application for syncing media from iTunes and compatible photo applications to mobile devices. The new version is compatible with Motorola's Droid, and is released as Verizon Wireless starts selling the Google phone. Once the phone is connected to a USB port, you select the playlists, podcasts and photo albums you want on the device. Salling Media Sync not only uploads the music tracks and podcast episodes, but also replicates each actual playlist on the device and -- on devices that support it -- transfers play count metadata for each item to the device. Salling Media Sync 1.1.4 is available now through Salling Software's web site (http://www.salling.com) at no cost for basic use. At a price of US$22 per user license, the application updates your phone, resulting in faster syncs. Mac and Windows licenses are sold separately, and the bundle can be bought at a 25% discount. Salling Media Sync for Mac is compatible with Mac OS X 10.4.11 or better,...

Axiotron (http://www.axiotron.com) has reduced the manufacturer's for the company's Modbook tablet Mac to US$699 (for Modbooks built from a customer-supplied MacBook base system) and $1,599 (for Modbooks that include a dealer-supplied 2.13Ghz MacBook base system). The holiday discount program -- which enables customers to purchase the Modbook at the lowest prices ever -- runs through Dec. 31. Axiotron CEO Andreas E. Haas said the holiday promotion is "an especially compelling opportunity for students and other customers looking for more affordable Modbook options." Axiotron today also announced that the Modbook Pro tablet computer, unveiled during the Macworld Expo 2009, is planned for release at the end of the second quarter of 2010.

RadTech (http://www.radtech.us) has released the OtterBox Commuter case for the iPhone. It incorporates three layers of impact-absorbing materials. First, a self-adhering transparent film covers and protects the touch screen. Next, a firm silicone skin completely encases the iPhone's housing. And finally, a one-piece, molded polycarbonate shell snaps over the whole assembly. All of the iPhone's buttons and controls are protected, yet remain fully accessible, and captive silicone covers keep dust, dirt and debris out of the audio jack and 30-pin docking ports when not in use. The Commuter's hard-shell exterior allows it to slide into and out of a pocket or purse, while the silicone side panels keep it securely in your grip, according to the folks at RadTech. It's available in two models: the US$34.95 Commuter and the $29.95 Commuter TL.

O'Reilly Media has released "Head First iPhone Development" (http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/9780596803544), a US$44.99 book to help you learn to develop apps for the iPhone. The 550-page book is written by Dan and Tracey Pilone. According to the authors, "Head First iPhone Development" will allow you to do the following: ° Put Objective-C core concepts to work, including message passing, protocols, properties, and memory management; ° Take advantage of iPhone patterns such as datasources and delegates; ° Preview your applications in the iPhone Simulator; ° Build complicated interactions that utilize multiple views, data entry/editing, and iPhone rotation; ° Work with iPhone's camera, GPS, and accelerometer; ° Optimize, test, and distribute your application. Dan Pilone, a senior software architect with Blueprint Technologies, Inc., has designed and implemented systems for Hughes, ARINC, UPS, and the Naval Research Laboratory. He's written several books on software development,...

MetaCommunications (http://www.meta-comm.com) has launched the new MetaCommunications Implementation Services and Support (ISS) practice for its Workgroups 2010 customers. Workgroups 2010 is compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard"). The new ISS practice provides an affordable annual program for continuous consulting, analysis, implementation specification, and training to help customers improve their processes and practices, and maximize the benefits of their Workgroups 2010 implementation, according to Robert Long, executive vice president of MetaCommunications. The program provides ongoing support for customer operations and goes far beyond traditional product-oriented technical support or professional services. The ISS practice will be headed by Mark Guthart, a 15 year veteran of MetaCommunications, and will begin operations Nov. 9. Fees for the ISS practice will be assessed on an annual basis, based on a percentage of ongoing professional services implementation, plus time...

ActionSoft has released Insectoid (http://www.actionsoft.com/games/insectoid/), its new Galaga-inspired space shooter for Mac OS X. It costs US$19.95 and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or higher. Here's how the game is described: "Insectoid is for anyone who grew up playing classic arcade shooters such as Galaga in the 80's. Featuring fast-paced, adrenaline-inducing gameplay, over 50 unique levels, four custom ships, stunning high-res graphics that look great even on a 30" display, and a professional musical score, Insectoid is a retro shooter fan's dream come true. Three finely tuned difficulty levels ensure anyone, from novice gamer to expert, can enjoy the game. "Collect power-ups and use special weapons, including split ship, laser beam, fireball, and a shield, as you fight back swarms of angry insects. Advance behind enemy lines and try to catch the enemy off-guard as you aide human forces in galactic war."

Human Software (http://www.humansoftware.com) has updated HSC Edit for Aperture (Apple's software for pro photographers) to version 1.8. 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 1.8 lets you add text and text effects over a line or circular on all your images. PhotoFixlens for Aperture corrects barreling and pin-cushioning lens distortion produced by zoom and wide-angle lenses. HSC Edit for Aperture 1.8 offers an all-in-one Crop and Align too, which is designed to make it easy to align your image while keeping only what you wish out of it. The HyperFocal lets you add focal sharpness at any distance. HSC Edit 1.8 is available for download at US$79.95 per module, $39.95 for the Multi-Curves module and $59.95 for the image enhancer -- or $299.95 as a bundle.

iSkin (http://www.iskin.com) has released the solo FX Special Edition (SE) case for the iPhone 3G/3GS. It has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$34.99. The iSkin solo FX SE combines a matte finish with an embossed designer pattern. It's available in three flavors: Onyx (black), Cosmo (pink) and Ice (white). With the iSkin solo FX SE package, volume and power buttons are covered, docking port, headphone and camera access are unhindered, and the protector is infused with Microban antimicrobial product protection to help prevent the growth of odor and stain causing bacteria on the product. The iSkin solo FX SE also comes with two protective screen films: an ultra-clear film, and a special FX mirror film that "comes alive" with the iPhone goes to sleep. iSkin solo FX SE owners can match the case with the iSkin revoClip 3G/3GS belt holster (sold separately for $14.95).

Ideal for scrapbookers, serious and casual photographers, and budding graphic artists alike, Photoshop Elements 8 for Mac is more powerful and easier to use than previous versions. But figuring out how and when to use the program's tools is still tricky. With Photoshop Elements 8 for Mac: The Missing Manual (O'Reilly, US $44.99) by Barbara Brundage, you'll learn what each tool does, as well as when it makes the most sense to use it and why. You get easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for everything from importing photos to organizing, editing, sharing, and storing your images. You'll also find a tour of Bridge, the ultra-deluxe file browser that comes with Photoshop CS4-and Elements 8. "As someone who's primarily a Mac person, I'm really thrilled that Adobe is bringing out the Mac version of Elements 8 at the same time as the Windows version," notes Barbara Brundage. "It was really great not having to wait several months to write the Mac version of the book!" With a gentle...

MacSpeech (http://www.macspeech.com) has released MacSpeech Dictate 1.5.6, an upgrade to the speech recognition solution for the Mac. The upgrade introduces a new Dictation Preferences pane that lets users enable or disable the Auto Cache Document feature for TextEdit and Microsoft Word. It's also a maintenance release that fixes reported issues. MacSpeech Dictate requires Intel-based Mac hardware and Mac OS X 10.5.6 or higher. New MacSpeech Dictate solutions, with a choice of headsets, are available today starting at US$199. Registered customers of MacSpeech Dictate are eligible to purchase MacSpeech Dictate 1.5.6 at special upgrade price of $54.95. Anyone who registered MacSpeech Dictate on or after April 1 is eligible to receive a free upgrade directly from MacSpeech, Inc.

Ableton has launched Able10, a season of special offers and giveaways to celebrate the company's 10th anniversary. For Live 8 and Suite 8 users: Ableton is giving away 10 free Live Packs from Ableton artists such as M√∫m, Apparat, Thavius Beck, Swayzak and Junie Morrison (formerly of the Ohio Players). The company is also offering 20% off Live 8 and Suite 8, including upgrades. During Able10, Ableton Live 8 and Suite 8 are up to 20% cheaper. This discount offer applies to new licenses and upgrades. Ableton Live Intro is out now for US$99. The newest member of the Ableton family is designed as a "perfect starting place for new producers, DJs and songwriters and a smart way for experienced musicians to inject Ableton Live's innovative features into their current audio software setup." Ableton is offering Live LE users a special Able10 bonus: a free upgrade to Live Intro. What's more, Live Lite 8 is now out. Live Lite users can get a free upgrade to Live Lite 8, the latest version with...

Digieffects (http://www.digieffects.com), a developer of visual effects software plug-ins, has released Falloff Lighting (US$49), which provides enhanced lighting for After Effects' built-in lights. Falloff Lighting is much more like that of the real world where light naturally decays or "falls off" as surfaces increase distance from the After Effects light, according to Robert Sharp, president of Digieffects. With After Effects it doesn't matter how far away a layer is from a light, it is still illuminated the same amount by that light. However, if you use Falloff Lighting, objects will appear dimmer the further away they are from the lights illuminating them, Sharp says. The plug-in displays the distance from the camera to the corners of the layers. With Falloff Lighting, you can adjust the distance scale to account for the scale of objects in your scene. You can control the intensity of light reflecting off an object and the gradual falloff as the distance from the light increases...

Sony Creative Software (http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com), a provider of professional video and audio production applications, has released 1,000 Ringtones, a DVD containing ringtones grouped into three categories: music, sound effects, and spoken words and phrases. Users can select tones for incoming calls, emails and text messages. Developed for iPhone users, the 1,000 ringtone files are included on the DVD in the .m4r and .mp3 formats, and are ready for immediate use without any additional fees, downloads or editing after the initial product purchase. To install, iPhone users can load the DVD, audition ringtones and then move selected ringtones into iTunes for synchronization with their iPhone. The DVD includes a tutorial video that demonstrates these steps. 1,000 Ringtones is now available for purchase at retailers nationwide and online at the Sony Creative Software site. The manufacturer's suggested retail price is US$19.95.

Ntractive has released Elements Mail 1.0, a companion to the company's primary product, Elements CRM. This Mac-based, cloud computing app is a Customer Relationship Management Solution (CRM) for business and enterprise. Elements Mail serves as the bridge between your email server and Elements CRM, automatically recording emails between you and your customers. Elements Mail supports both IMAP and POP connections. The automatic communication between your email account and Elements Mail creates a touch-free path into Elements CRM, securely storing your emails, according to the folks at Ntractive. Elements Mail 1.0 requires an Elements CRM subscription. If you aren't an Elements CRM subscriber, you can learn more about Elements CRM and sign up for the free 30-day trial at http://www.ntractive.com .

Class on Demand, a provider of professional educational products for creative markets, says "Basic Training for Mac OS X Snow Leopard" is now available for pre-order. The training release is lead by instructor and Apple guru, Tom Wolsky, who has authored five Apple Final Cut instructional books, developed a video journalism curriculum for Apple Computers and has a seat on the Board of Directors for the Digital Media Academy. The video-based "Basic Training for Mac OS X Snow Leopard" title delivers just under two hours of instruction by Wolsky. The 13-lesson training delivers an in-depth explanation of the new Mac OS X from desktop dock and application instruction to the new Boot Camp 3.0. The Class on Demand training methodology enables users to focus on specific new features and functions; stepping through the training in a non-linear approach best suited for their individual learning needs. To sample lessons from "Basic Training for Mac OS X Snow Leopard," including "Product...

Toon Boom Animation (http://www.toonboom.com) has released Flip Boom All-Star, an animation software for teens and up. It's compatible with Mac OS X 10.5 ("Leopard") and 10.6 ("Snow Leopard"). With Flip Boom All-Star, you can import digital pictures to combine them with your own creations. You can zoom in/out and rotate your drawing space to better control your art . You can drag and drop ready-to-animate drawings from the extended library. And you can type in your text or dialogue To add sound to Flip Boom All-Star, you can import your MP3 files to give more life to your animation. Once your'e done, you can updload your animated ideas directly on Facebook, YouTube or your iPod. Buy Flip Boom All-Star now for US$69.99. Current Flip Boom Classic customers can cross-grade to the All-Star version for $29.99.

Macware has updated DiskTools Pro (http://www.macxware.com/site/products/DiskToolsPro/overview.html) or Mac OS X to version 3.5.1. The upgrade is ready for Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard")> DiskTools is a collection of utilities featuring bad sector detection and repair, file defragmentation, S.M.A.R.T. monitoring and analysis, bootable disk backup with automated scheduling, and more. It was developed for Macware by Intech, a developer of disk utility software used for testing and repair by major hard drive manufacturers. DiskTools 35.1 is compatible with Mac OS X 10.3.9 or higher. It costs US$79.99, though version 3.5.1 is a free update to registered users of version 3.x.

VVI (http://www.vvidget.org) has released version 10.6.1 of Vvidget, a point and click graphing solution for Mac OS X. The upgrade adds the Quadratic Lab to help students explore the quadratic equation. It also adds Least Squares to provide straightforward regression analysis, Stereo Graph for inexpensive true 3D viewing of perspective graphs and Web Signals to monitor events on the web in real time. Each operates with an interface dedicated to its function while also providing access to Vvidget Builder's powerful layout features for publication-ready results. With Vvidget, documents can have built-in queries to relational databases such as Oracle, SQL Server and MySQL. This means the Vvidget can give immediate visualization of data stored in enterprise databases right through the Finder. Scientists, engineers and analysts can now store data files on the file system and browse them in graph format using custom Cover Flow plug-ins for a data visualization browser and explorer. The...

PCI Geomatics, a developer of geo-imaging software and systems, has announced the availability of an upgrade to its remote sensing and image processing software. Geomatica 10.3 is the latest version of the image-centric desktop software and now includes imaging tools for GIS. Geomatica is PCI Geomatics' set of software for remote sensing, digital photogrammetry, raster spatial analysis, mosaicking and automated production workflows. Version 10.3 includes support for ESRI ArcGIS Server Image Extension, as well as multi-sensor support through OrthoEngine for ArcGIS users. These users can now rely upon PCI's OrthoEngine technology to correct raw satellite imagery, opening new doors for the integration of remotely sensed imagery into GIS workflows. Other enhancements to Geomatica 10.3 include improved manual mosaicking, which has been completely redesigned, as well as the addition of algorithms to create full AirPhoto orthorectification workflows within the Visual Modeler environment....

Sorenson Media (http://www.sorensonmedia.com) has released Sorenson Squeeze 6, an update to the ideo encoding software application. It's Mac and Windows compatible. According to the folks at Sorenson, Squeeze 6 provides the first total workflow solution for video professionals, enabling customers to employ innovative tools -- such as email and text notifications and a secure review and approval process -- that simplify the overall workflow and allow them to more easily encode and publish their video files on the Internet. Optimized video codecs and new filters have also been added, improving video quality and encoding speed, they add. Working in tandem with the Sorenson 360 Video Delivery Network (Sorenson Media's re-imagined online video publishing platform), Sorenson Squeeze 6 includes a variety of new features designed to make encoding and publishing videos online easier: ° E-mail and text notifications. Sorenson Squeeze 6 can now send automatic notifications to clients, colleagues...

UPS has announced a new app for the iPhone and iPod touch that not only ships and tracks packages but also uses built-in GPS features to find the nearest UPS location. It's a free download at the Apple App Store. The UPS Mobile App for the iPhone enables users to track shipments, create shipments using the My UPS address book, calculate shipping rates and time-in-transit and then find the nearest UPS location. The app joins other UPS-enabled solutions for Apple users. NRG Software, an UPS Ready strategic provider, recently added NRGship Mac to its shipping software lineup as a native Mac application. iPhone and iPod touch users can use their devices to access their My UPS Address Book and Preferences and create shipping labels, which can be e-mailed in a PDF file for printout. Once the label is printed, customers can use the application's "find locations" feature, which leverages the built-in GPS to locate UPS. The new iPhone/iPod touch app doesn't require log-In for tracking. But...

NetLogic Microsystems (http://www.netlogicmicro.com), a worldwide leader in high-performance intelligent semiconductor solutions for next-generation Internet networks, today announced the production availability of the NLP1220 dual-port 8.5Gbps FibreChannel PHY repeater device with an integrated low-power equalization engine. The NLP1220 offers best-in-class power consumption and latency to customers developing next-generation data center switches and storage Host Bus Adapters (HBAs). The NLP1220 PHY device offers superior transmit and receive jitter performance as a result of the integrated high-performance LC phase locked loop circuit and an advanced second-order clock-and-data recovery (CDR) design. Moreover, NetLogic Microsystems' unique granular power-down modes for the transmit, receive and equalizer circuitry, combined with an innovative analog/digital hybrid architecture, provide customers with industry-leading low power and low latency profiles, making it ideal for high-...

Brigadoon Software has updated MacPhoneHome (https://www.pcphonehome.com/), which is designed to protect Macs from theft by tracking and locating lost or stolen systems, to version 3.3.2. The upgrade is compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard"). MacPhoneHome costs US$29.95. A family household license has a one-time fee of $79.95 and allows the user to install MacPhoneHome on as many computers in the household as is necessary, even the ones kids may have away at college. The road warrior license protects two computers for $49.95. A blanket enterprise license for large K-12 organizations, colleges, universities and corporations covers all of a school district's computers and all faculty computers. Also available is a license laptop take-home program for all student computers. The K-12 Enterprise license is capped at $9,995 per year regardless of number of computers to be protected. With the enterprise version, there is no need to individually configure each computer while...

Akvis has released version 7.0 of NoiseBuster (http://akvis.com/en/noise-buster/download-reduce-noise.php ) for Mac OS X and Windows. It's now compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard") and sports a new interface. It also has improvements to its noise suppression algorithm and more. Akvis Noise Buster is designed to reduce both luminance and color noise on digital images without spoiling other aspects of the photo. A histogram displaying noise level and noise components (color and luminance noise) of the loaded image helps you to decide what parameters should be tuned. Separate setting areas for luminance and color noise allow you to deal with each kind of noise in the most efficient way. Version 7.0 is available as a standalone application and as a plug-in. The plug-in version of Noise Buster offers batch mode that allows improving a series of photos automatically. The Akvis Noise Buster plug-in is compatible with Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Corel Photo-Paint, Painter...

Captain FTP (http://captainftp.xdsnet.de/), a FTP client for Mac OS X, has been updated to version 6.2. The new version is compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard") and includes various other improvements. Captain FTP allows local network FTP users to share files directly between each other. It's designed to provide users with a platform to share their work, and collaborate on projects before their work is published on a remote FTP Server. Captain FTP 6.2 is a free update to registered users of version 6.x. For new users the cost is US$29. Upgrades from previous versions are $19. It requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

TidBITS Publishing Inc. has released the free "Take Control of VMware Fusion 3," by Joe Kissell. The 142-page ebook, sponsored by VMware Inc., provides real-world advice on the best ways to install, configure, run, and maintain Windows on a Mac with the new virtualization software VMware Fusion 3. Customers may download the ebook for free or order a print copy for $12.99 at http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/vmware-fusion-3 The ebook begins with a look at basic concepts and then covers installing Windows for use in VMware Fusion in these scenarios: * When installing a new copy of Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 * From an already-installed copy of Windows under Boot Camp, VMware Fusion 1 or 2, Parallels Desktop, Virtual PC, or an actual PC * From a slipstream disc that contains Windows plus service packs, updates, drivers, and settings * On the MacBook Air, which lacks an internal optical drive * With Mac OS X Server (10.5 or later) as a guest operating system * For running a...

Nemetschek North America has announce that a number of its major European distributors have released their localized 2010 versions of Vectorworks software, including: Designer, Architect, Landmark, Spotlight, Machine Design, Fundamentals, and Renderworks. Versions are now available in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Localized versions are developed by Nemetschek North America, and then enhanced to meet the local requirements in different countries, says Carlos Lüthy, CEO of ComputerWorks GmbH, Germany. The English-language versions of the Vectorworks 2010 product line were released in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, New Zealand, and other international markets on Sept. 15. There are more than 80 new features in version 2010. For a look at all of the new features by product, as well as feature movies, go here: http://www.vectorworks.net

Redcort Software (http://www.redcort.com) has released Virtual TimeClock '09 Release 3, an upgrade to the Mac OS X compatible time and attendance software. The upgrade is compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard") and Windows 7. It also adds the ability to add notes to employee time cards and more than two dozen software enhancements. Virtual TimeClock is designed to help businesses of any size manage their employee hours and overtime costs. A demo can be downloaded from Redcort Software's web site. Basic, pro and network editions of Virtual TimeClock are available. Pricing starts at US$79.

Luxology LLC (http://www.luxology.com, an independent technology company developing 3D content creation software, has announced the immediate availability of modo 401 Spotlight Training, the latest tutorial video series created by Luxology's Training Division manager, Andy Brown. Focusing on the creation of a bee, the three-video series examines the mechanics and philosophies that support the software; from modeling, rigging and animation, to texturing and rendering and is accompanied by a 30-day trial version of modo. Designed for anyone from modo beginners to more experienced professionals looking for a deeper sense of modo 401's enhanced feature toolset, the modo 401 Spotlight Training video album offers an introduction to key modo concepts and opens the door to more possibilities for a variety of industries. The three new instructional videos are sold as a series priced at US25.

iPresentee (http://www.ipresentee.com) has released iWeb Themes 6.0 to be used with iWeb, Apple's web site building component of iLife. iWeb Themes 6.0 includes five new themes animated with flash: Personality, Simple, Town, Violet and WildLife. In addition, the new package of themes includes five ordinary themes with static backgrounds. iWeb Themes with flash is a new solution combining iWeb and Flash into one product. The new release extends iPresentee's iWeb themes collection up to 60 themes. iWeb Themes 6.0 includes the following templates: Welcome, About Me, Photos, My Albums, Movie, Blog, Podcast, Blank, My Hobbies and News. iWeb Themes 6.0 can be customized. Each iWeb theme incorporates a number of different graphic elements that can be removed, moved and changed in size, opacity or color. The themes contains different page layouts to accommodate various information. iWeb Themes 6.0 requires any Mac running Mac OS X with iWeb 2.0 (iLife 08) or iWeb 3.0 (iLife 09) installed....

Primera Technology, a manufacturer of CD/DVD and Blu-ray disc publishers, has announced its PTPublisher for Mac software. It's free burning and printing software program written specifically for use with Mac OS 10.5 ("Leopard") and 10.6 ("Snow Leopard"). It's powered by the Roxio burn engine and works with any of Primera's Bravo-Series Disc Publishers (DP-Series Disc Publishers in Europe, Scandinavia and Middle East). PTPublisher for Mac can handle multiple job types, including audio, video, data and copy jobs. Features include: wizard-style navigation; integrated DiscCover label design software for direct-to-disc printing; media levels and robot status monitored on-screen and in real time; and an automatic updater (this requires an active Internet connection required) PTPublisher for Mac is available now at http://primera.com/downloads/support/PTPMac/PTPublisherMac.html .

MetaCommunications has announced the Nov. 2 launch of Spark! (http://www.meta-comm.com/products/spark), a new browser-based tool designed to facilitate collaboration between content creators and their clients. It works with Safari, Firefox and Internet Explorer browsers. Spark! -- which will cost US$999 for unlimited users -- enables concept review workspaces where document content, including PDFs and graphic files, can be collaboratively discussed, revised, and routed for final approvals. It's specifically designed for advertising, marketing, creative design, packaging, prepress, and web design. Spark! is different from traditional print color proofing tools in that it specifically addresses issues surrounding collaboration between content creators, like graphic designers, who need to iteratively work through a design and then route that design through final approvals, according to Robert Long, executive vice president of MetaCommunications. The new Spark! requires no installation,...

Nova media (http://www.novamedia.de) has unveiled FoneSync, a new solution to synchronize Samsung phones with Mac OS X. FoneSync allows to synchronize contacts and calendars with new Samsung phones, which could not be synced with the Mac OS before. FoneSync can be set to synchronize single address book groups and single calendars. The synchronization of contacts can be restricted to those that include at least one phone number and the time frame in which calendar events are synchronized can be altered as well. FoneSync for Samsung phones supports the following models: M8800 Pixon, M8910, S5230, S5600, S7220, S7350, S8000 und S8300. Additional Samsung phones will be added as they become available. FoneSync for Samsung phones is available for US$19.95. It requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or higher and a Bluetooth-enabled Mac.

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, iMinds (http://www.iminds.com) creator of eight-minute MP3 knowledge grabs, has released a Berlin Wall Collection, featuring six tracks that teach listeners about the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall. The iMinds Specialist Berlin Wall Collection, available through Audible.com and the iTunes Store, provides a foundation of knowledge that contextualizes the upcoming anniversary and provides listeners with the knowledge to pepper their dinner party banter with interesting factoids. "The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 is one of the most significant events in recent world history that most of us were able to witness on television, but I'm sure many people would like to learn more about the rise of the wall, the wider context of global relations at the time and the wall's eventual demolition," said Olivia Wood, founder, iMinds. "That's where iMinds comes in. Our bite-size knowledge grabs are the perfect way...

NewPCGadgets (http://newpcgadgets.com/) has released Laptop Smart Feet, an accessory to improve the look and performance of your laptop. On the US$12.95 device, rubberized, non-skid feet raise the rear of your computer 1.5 inches to improve your viewing angle, increase ventilation and reduce heat. A built-in cable organizer allows you to secure up to four cables on each side of your laptop. Laptop Smart Feet attach with a small double sided bracket, enabling you to snap feet on and off. They're available in blue and pink.

O'Reilly Media has released "QuickBooks 2010: The Missing Manual" (http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/9780596804022), an US$29.99 manual for Intuit's QuickBooks 2010 software. It takes you beyond QuickBooks' help resources: you not only learn how this popular program works, but why and when to use specific features, says author Bonnie Biafore. "QuickBooks 2010: The Missing Manual" teaches readers how to: ° Set up your QuickBooks files and preferences to fit your company; ° Track inventory, control spending, run a payroll, and manage income; ° Follow the money all the way from customer invoices to year-end tasks; ° Export key snapshots in the convenient new Report Center; ° Streamline your workflow with the new Online Banking Center; ° Build and monitor budgets to keep your company financially fit; ° Share information with your accountant. Biafore writes about project management, personal finance, and investing. She's the author of "Project 2007: The Missing Manual," as well as "Online...

Matterform Media (http://www.matterform.com) has updated Time Tagger, a time-tracking program for the Mac that introduces a new tag-based interface, to version 1.3. The upgrade lets users add descriptive notes to any time slice, making it easier to include more details in time reports. Rather than setting up projects and clients and timers, users simply click tags on and off in the Time Tagger window to track their time. The main window features a large field of text snippets, or tags, which users can click on and off to describe the work they are doing at any moment. Custom tags can be created on the same window. A reporting tool lets you generate time sheets for any set of tags. Time Tagger requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later. A free demo can be downloaded at the Matterform web site. Time Tagger licenses are available for a special introductory price of US$28.95. However, version 1.3 is a free update for registered users.

SSH Communications Security (http://www.ssh.com), a provider of open-standards-based enterprise security and managed file transfer solutions, has announced SSH Tectia MFT Portal and SSH Tectia MFT z/Optimizer. SSH Tectia MFT Portal is an interactive file transfer portal with a web-based user interface to share files securely inside organizations as well as with external stakeholders. SSH Tectia MFT z/Optimizer enables the customers to migrate from the proprietary Sterling Connect:Direct file transfer solution to open-standards-based secure file transfers. These new solutions complement SSH Tectia MFT Events and SSH Tectia MFT Auditor that SSH introduced earlier this year, and they enable the customers to further automate and extend their secure data flows, according to Jari Mielonen,CEO of SSH Communications Security. SSH Tectia MFT Portal provides a fast-to-deploy data sharing service for remote and traveling employees, marketing partners, subcontractors, and other users in need of...

Final Draft Inc. has updated its self-titled scriptwriting software to version 8.0, adding more features and templates. The new and improved features are designed to further help scriptwriters outline, write and produce their scripts, says John Cornelius, chief technical officer at Final Draft. Customers who have already purchased version 8 can get the additional features by downloading the free update from the Final Draft web site (http://www.finaldraft.com). New features include text highlighting, Spotlight search (Mac only), newly added templates, and the Send to Script feature. The text highlighting feature allows users to use a variety of highlight colors to select and highlight text, a function that can be accessed by its toolbar icon. Also new is the Send to Script feature. This feature is extremely useful since it allows the writer to select one or more individual Index Card Summaries and copy the content directly into the script, says Cornelius. Another addition is the...

Gig-fx (http://www.gig-fx.com) has released the US$225 SubWah, a bass version of the MegaWah. According to the folks at Gig-fx, it captures the signature wide sweep range and funky low end of the Megawah, but has tailored the frequency ranges to bass guitar.The SubWah was developed with cooperation from pro bass players in Boston, Nashville and LA, including Bootsy Collins. The all-analog pedal features four settings: a classic wah sound, a deep bass "Sub" wah, a funky envelope wah with adjustable trigger sensitivity, and an auto-wah with adjustable rate. Special care was taken to ensure preservation of bass frequencies, including five/six string low B response and to maximize "quack" and "ping," according to Gig-fx. The SubWah uses optical switching and is noiselessly by-passed when the pedal is all the way back and switches on noiselessly when the pedal is pressed forward. The SubWah features a user-adjustable off-delay.

Prentice Hall is releasing an iPhone programming book for professional programmers. The "iPhone for Programmers" book (http://www.informit.com/store/product.aspx?isbn=9780137058426) uses an app-driven approach where each new technology is discussed in the context of 14 tested iPhone apps (7,700 lines of code), complete with syntax shading, code walkthroughs and sample outputs. According to the folks at Prentice Hall, the book gives you everything you'll need to start developing great iPhone apps quickly and -- once you've joined Apple's fee-based iPhone Developer Program -- to get them up and running on the Apple Appe Store. By Chapter 3 you'll, at least in theory, be building apps using Xcode, Cocoa and Interface Builder. You'll learn object-oriented programming in Objective-C and build apps using the latest iPhone 3.x technologies including the Game Kit, iPod library access and more. Paul Deitel and Harvey Deitel -- the authors o-- are the founders of Deitel & Associates, a...

Native Instruments has introduced Scarbee MM-Bass (http://www.native-instruments.com/Scarbee-mmbass.info), a new software instrument designed to provide an authentic rendition of the distinctive Musicman Sterling electric bass. MM-Bass is based on the Scarbee Black Bass library, and is the latest release in the partnership between Native Instruments and sampling expert Thomas Hansen Skarbye. Powered by the industry-leading Kontakt engine and playable both via the free Kontakt Player or the full Kontakt sampler, Scarbee MM-Bass recreates the full sonic spectrum of the Sterling bass guitar. The instrument was created with assistance from producer Nile Rodgers, and is available in two separate versions that address different musical applications and production requirements. The standard version (US$89)was recorded through a DI box for a clean "funk" sound, and retains full flexibility for individual re-amping and further sound processing. The optional "Amped" version ($119) offers the...

Gigawiz has updated Citrin (http://www.gigawiz.com/citrin.html), a Mac OS X app for interactive scientific graphing and curve fitting, to version 2.0. The upgrade provides new graphs, charts, and more. Citrin provides: ° Commonly used charts, such as scatter & line series, bar, column, area, 3-D (column, pyramid, prism, area and band), ternary scatter, pie, polar, box & whisker, histograms, probability charts, etc.; ° Customizing tools, full Unicode support, diverse graphic export formats (PDF, PICT vector graphics, and bitmaps such as PNG, JPEG, TIFF, BMP, SGI, TGA, etc.), and support for drag & drop; ° Native worksheets that can import and store large data sets from diverse data formats; ° Curve fitting with built-in functions, as well as a module for user-defined, non-linear curve fitting with an interactive graphical interface; ° Flexible capabilities for applying error bars. Citrin is Universal Binary, so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. It requires Mac...

QuickerTek has announced a new USB device that adds high speed 802.11a wireless to any Mac with USB. The QuickerTek 802.11a USB Booster (ttp://www.quickertek.com/products/802_11a_usb_wireless) costs US$99.99. The 802.11a standard works with 5.8GHz speed wireless equipment. Any Mac that runs Mac OS 10.4 through 10.6 can use the new wireless speed booster from QuickerTek. The company says you simply plug it into an USSB part and provides up to 300 megabits per second wireless performance. It also provides immediate access to all Apple Base Stations, including the graphite and the latest dual-band Extreme. Any of the older PowerBooks, the Pismo, iBooks and desktops -- which had no previous wireless upgrade possibilities -- are all candidates for this new wireless network speed improvement, says QuickerTek. Users also gain all of the benefits of WEP 64/128 bit, WPA and WPA2 wireless security, they add.

Seven Lakes Software has released Distribute 1.1 (http://www.sevenlakessoftware.com/), an update to its professional level inventory and purchase/sale manager for Mac OS X. Formerly known as Grosshandel, version 1.1 introduces a new licensing scheme with Document Licenses, and is a recommended download for all customers. Developed from the ground up utilizing the latest Cocoa technologies, Distribute is a merchandise manager with price and inventory features. It features direct integration with OS X Address Book and Mail, supports any currency, tax system, price/rebate scheme as well as unlimited stocks. Users can also customize Distribute's document layouts with their own PDF backgrounds. Distribute requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or higher. It's Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. It costs US$89 for document licenses, and $549 for an unlimited standard license. Version 1.1 is a free update for registered users.

QNAP Systems (http://www.qnap.com) has expanded their Turbo NAS lineup with the addition of the TS-410U rack-mounted NAS server targeted specifically at the SMB and workgroup market segments. The TS-410U features four hot-swappable SATA hard drives with up to 8TB of total capacity (with 2TB drives) packaged in an 1U rack-mounted chassis. The TS-410U supports 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch hard drives. The TS-410U features a Marvell 800MHz CPU and 512MB DDRII memory which provides sustained high performance with low power consumption. The TS-410U can be configured for RAID 0/1/5/6/5+ spare, and JBOD with online RAID capacity expansion and online RAID level migration for high data redundancy. The TS-410U also supports iSCSI Target service with Thin Provisioning and dual Gigabit LAN ports with failover and load-balancing. The TS-410U also features four USB ports (one on the front, three on the back panel) and two e-SATA ports for expanding the storage capacity or backing up the TS-410U. The front...