Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1993 11:01:58 -0800 (PST) From: John Thoo Subject: Apple Ships New Hypercard (long) I haven't seen this appear in imdigest, yet, and thought some folks might find it interesting. [Gordon---I have two more related press releases. Should I submit them, too, or not? Please let me know 'fore I delete them. Thanks. --T.] J. B. THOO, Math Dept, Univ of California, Davis ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sun, 19 Dec 93 02:07:32 EST From: To: jbthoo@ucdavis.ucdavis.edu Subject: Apple Ships New Hypercard MOVED OVER PR NEWSWIRE AT 8:18 AM, EDT MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1993. Contact: Emilio Robles Apple Computer, Inc. (408) 862-5671 or Toni Giusti Cunningham Communication, Inc. (408) 982-0400 Apple Launches New Version of HyperCard, Providing Significant Flexibility, Power and Customization Enhancements AppleScript Support, Color, Media Integration Extend HyperCard's Appeal to New Users CUPERTINO, California--December 13, 1993--Apple Computer today introduced HyperCard 2.2, a significant new version of its popular software tool that enables users to easily create customized software solutions. Version 2.2 represents dramatic increases in power, functionality and flexibility, extending HyperCard's value to new and existing multimedia title producers, educators, commercial solution providers and in-house developers. HyperCard 2.2 integrates a key Apple technology, AppleScript, which enables users to automate repetitive tasks by launching, controlling and exchanging data with existing applications. HyperCard 2.2 also includes the ColorTools for seamlessly adding color to stacks; WorldScript support for creating multilingual solutions and a new "save as" option that creates double-clickable applications which can be distributed without royalty fees. In addition, HyperCard 2.2 bundles ADDmotion II from Motion Works International for easy creation and editing of animation. According to AppleSoft senior vice president and general manager, David Nagel, "When HyperCard was launched in 1988 it delivered power and flexibility that set a new standard for application development. Today, we are extending that power and flexibility with a host of new features, making HyperCard an even more strategic product for the multimedia, education and in-house development markets." HyperCard is on over eight million Macintoshes worldwide and has been lauded as a key Apple technology by educators and business users worldwide. The latest release of HyperCard extends customers' investments in their data and provides valuable new features that significantly improve end-users' experiences with stacks. "We are a two-person consulting firm specializing in on-line documentation and multimedia development. HyperCard's amazing power and flexibility have enabled us to create our own custom applications which we can fully integrate and modify as needed. Furthermore, it is the glue that allows us to integrate other applications such as Word, Persuasion and Excel," said Katherine Horton, a HyperCard user at William Horton Consulting in Huntsville, Ala. AppleScript Functionality Now Built Into HyperCard With AppleScript now built in, HyperCard 2.2 provides a dramatic increase in functionality to new and existing users. It enables them to integrate applications with HyperCard, providing much easier ways to manipulate and present information from a wide range of applications. Users can launch, control and exchange data with a host of scriptable applications such as 4th Dimension, MacWrite, FileMaker, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, PhotoFlash, QuarkXpress, and WordPerfect, along with over 75 others. HyperCard supports any Open Scripting Architecture (OSA)-compliant scripting language including AppleScript, UserTalk from UserLand and CEScript from CE Software. "HyperCard 2.2 is an optimal choice for commercial solution providers. With AppleScript support, users can create even more powerful solutions by extending the core functionality of HyperCard with off-the-shelf applications," said Param Singh, HyperCard product marketing manager. "With the wide variety of scriptable applications available today, HyperCard users can immediately create innovative applications to meet their individual needs, while preserving the simplicity and ease-of-use of the HyperCard environment." Color/Media Integration HyperCard's new ColorTools enhance the useability and visual appeal of existing and new solutions. In addition to importing and resizing color PICT graphics, users can select from a palette of 256 shades to color HyperCard elements such as buttons, fields, cards and backgrounds. HyperCard's QuickTime tools allow users to incorporate movies into cards and stacks with point and click simplicity. "The new release of HyperCard, especially with its open scripting and color support, gives a wide range of Macintosh users access to incredible programming power. I am delighted with Apple's commitment to the product, and expect to see new and existing users develop exciting new solutions for themselves and the Macintosh community," said Danny Goodman, HyperCard user and author of The Complete HyperCard 2.2 Handbook, coming in January 1994 from Random House Electronic Publishing. HyperCard continues to help multimedia authors differentiate their product by providing comprehensive multimedia capabilities in one environment. With ADDmotion II, HyperCard 2.2 facilitates easy media, color and sound editing to help users enhance the value of new and existing stacks. ADDmotion II is a 24-bit color paint, animation and sound extension that integrates seamlessly into HyperCard and provides tools for controlling and editing animations and sounds. HyperCard 2.2 is the premier solution for education. With color and QuickTime capabilities, HyperCard enables educators to create innovative, compelling courseware while preserving ease-of-use for students. In addition, HyperCard 2.2 supports WorldScript, which makes it possible to include different languages in a field or card to create powerful multilingual solutions. HyperCard users can script in several languages including French and Japanese, using AppleScript dialects extensions. Pricing and Availability The U.S. suggested retail price (SRP) for HyperCard 2.2 is $249. As part of a special limited time introductory promotion, Apple is offering HyperCard 2.2 for an U.S. SRP of $139. Additionally, Apple will contact registered users of HyperCard 2.0 or 2.1 to offer a full upgrade for $89. Apple is also offering a $39 upgrade to customers who have purchased Claris HyperCard 2.1 between November 1, 1993 and December 31, 1993. For details, users should contact the Apple Software Programs Customer Service at (800)-769-2775, ext. 7810. Volume purchases of site licenses are available for HyperCard 2.2 through the Apple volume licensing program. HyperCard 2.2 is planned to be available at the end of the month and will be able to be ordered through software resellers, Apple authorized resellers and APDA -- Apple's source for developer tools. APDA can be reached in the United States at (800) 282-2732; in Canada at (800) 637-0039; or internationally at (716) 871-6555. Apple resellers can be located by calling (800) 538-9696. All customers have access to toll-free telephone support by calling Apple Assurance at (800) SOS-APPL. Advanced scripting support is available for a fee by calling (800) 950-2442. -30- Apple, the Apple logo, and Macintosh are registered trademarks and System 7 and HyperCard are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. EDITOR'S NOTE: Electronic screen shots are available via AppleLink by contacting Cindy Cooper of Cunningham Communication, Inc. at AppleLink address: CCI.Calif or Lisa Wilson of Apple PR at AppleLink address: Wilson.Lisa. If you are interested in receiving Apple releases via fax, call 800-AAPL-FAX and enter I.D. number 6172. END Transmitted: 93-12-13 12:29:02 EST