Wahoo Fitness has rolled out the PROTKT, a weatherproof and shockproof Phone bike case. It's designed to provide users with a simple and secure solution to accessing their Apple smartphone through rain, dirt, snow and sweat. The "Our new iPhone mounting system allows you to bring your iPhone 5 with you on any ride, in any conditions," says Chip Hawkins, CEO of Wahoo Fitness. "The PROTKT caters to all riders -- the cyclist dedicated to progress monitoring, the safety conscious adventurist who’s not afraid to stray from the beaten path, to the rider that doesn’t want to miss a beat by disconnecting from the world."   The PROTKT also comes bundled with the Wahoo Fitness app for cycling. which you can combine with fitness sensors to wirelessly monitor all your vitals. Pair your PROTKT’ed iPhone with the Wahoo Blue HR Heart Rate Strap to connect to your iPhone 5 and receive real-time heart rate data through the Wahoo Fitness app. In addition, you can use the Wahoo Blue SC Speed and...

Judge Denise Cote plans to bring Apple back into court in May, 2014, to determine what damages should be imposed on the iPad and iPhone maker in its ebook price fixing case. She found Apple guilty of conspiring with book publishers to artificially raise book prices and is considering imposing harsh restrictions on Apple's contracts with publishers as well as limiting how the company can negotiate for new deals, reports "The MacObserver" (http://tinyurl.com/m3x4ggb). Naturally, Apple plans to fight the ruling. Earlier this month the Department of Justice and 33 state attorneys general submitted to the court a proposed remedy to address Apple's illegal conduct, following the July 10, 2013, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York decision finding that Apple conspired to fix the prices of e-books in the United States. The proposed relief "is intended to halt Apple’s anticompetitive conduct, restore lost competition and prevent a recurrence of the illegal activities."


Bare Bones Software (http://www.barebones.com) has released Yojimbo 4.0, an upgrade to the information organizer for Mac OS X. It introduces support for a new sync service that provides silent, transparent data synchronization across multiple Macs for service subscribers. This feature grants data portability, making irrelevant which computer was used to access, add or modify any item stored in Yojimbo. Any Yojimbo customer who wishes to use this sync service may subscribe directly within the application. In addition, Yojimbo 4.0 adds full screen support for the main Yojimbo window and for information item windows, along with updates for improved appearance on Retina displays. Yojimbo 4.0 is available at a suggested retail price of US$30 for an individual license; $60 for a family-pack license for up to five people in a single household. All licenses provide for synchronization of multiple computers. Subscription-based synchronization accounts are available for $2.99/month, with the...

MaBaSoft (http://www.mabasoft.net/) has released version 3.1.9 of Currency Assistant for Mac OS X. In the new version of the conversion calculator, a new currency, the South Sudanese pound (SSP), has been added and he Croatian kuna has been moved to the European Union group after Croatia became the 28th European Union member on July 1. Currency Assistant lets you convert between 175 world currencies (all major circulating currencies plus the 17 Eurozone legacy currencies) and automatically updates exchange rates over the Internet using the rates published by the European Central Bank, the Bank of Canada, the International Monetary Fund, and the Bank of Italy. With Currency Assistant you can create multiple converters and manage currencies, import and convert series of amounts, calculate and convert the result of expressions, and quickly log, save, export, and print your conversions. Currency Assistant requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later. It's now 50% off and available for US$8.95 for new...

QuickerTek has created an upgrade for older MacBooks -- the US$149 Quicky -- to take advantage of the latest wireless technology: 802.11ac. An USB device allows older PowerBooks to have the quicker 802.11ac networking built into the latest MacBooks, the company says. The reason for the effectiveness of the 802.11 AC Wi-Fi technology in the latest MacBook Air is that it uses wider RF bandwidth - 5GHz spectrum, higher modulation and a number of other technologies to boost wireless speeds. The 802.11a/b/g/n ac specification has an expected multi-station WLAN throughput of at least 1 gigabit per second and a single link throughput of at least 500 megabits per second (500 Mbps). Consequently, 802.11n is now half as fast as the new AC networking standard. The AC Quicky uses the same chipset as Apple so users may know that their upgraded MacBooks, Pros and Airs maintain all of the compatibility that a new MacBook Air offers, according to QuickerTek CEO Rick Estes.. Networking drivers are...

TuneUp 3.0 (www.tuneupmedia.com) for Mac and PC is now available for download. This updated version of the software that corrects track information and more is a stability release that tackles issues with crashing, hanging and freezing. It also introduces Automagic, a new concept of how to organize digital music. Instead of dragging and dropping tracks you think are dirty or have the wrong metadata, it offers a fully automated process that will find and fix all the problems (mislabeled songs, missing album art, duplicates, etc.) in any music library --  at the same time.  TuneUp 3.0 also sports a revamped user interface. A free demo is available for download. It costs US$49.95 or $39.95 for an annual subscription and requires Mac OS X10.6 or later. The annual subscription license is valid for one year, but can be renewed. The one-time purchase license doesn't have an expiration date. Both licenses are issued per-computer and can be transferred up to five times.

Paragon Software Group, a software developer for mobile devices and desktop computers, in partnership with Merriam-Webster, Inc., which specializes in language reference publishing in the U.S., has released 11monolingual and bilingual reference classics from Merriam-Webster for Mac OS X. The apps are combined in a single Merriam-Webster’s Dictionaries in-app catalog app, allowing the user to immediately find the right dictionary, download it, and test it for free, before making the purchasing decision. The new app comes with a full version of Merriam-Webster’s Pocket Dictionary at a special price of US$0.99 for a limited time (the regular price $19.99 USD). The apps require Mac OS X 10.7 or higher. For more info go to www.Merriam-Webster.com .

Apple has purchased Matcha.tv, which makes a second-screen TV/video app, reports "VentureBeat" (http://tinyurl.com/mkxyo4y), quoting unnamed sources. Allegedly, Apple paid US$1 to $1.5 billion for the company. Matcha.tv was an iOS app that provided a comprehensive overview of everything that’s available to watch via cable TV providers (Comcast), streaming video services (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime), and digital video stores (iTunes, Amazon). Additionally, you could manage what you watched from a universal queue, get video recommendations, and connect with social networks to see what your friends were watching/liking. However, the service shut down back in May with little explanation, notes "VentureBeat."

Perceptive Automation has introduced Indigo 6, an update to the company's intelligent home control server for Mac OS X. New with this release is support for many Z-Wave devices. Indigo now has built-in support for three of the most popular home automation protocols: Z-Wave, INSTEON, and X10. Also new to this version are several usability, UI and server security improvements, as well as new plug-in APIs (application programming interfaces). Indigo 6 Pro is available now for $199.95 and Indigo 6 Lite for $99.95 (USD), both through the Perceptive Automation website (www.perceptiveautomation.com). Owners of some previous versions of Indigo can get an upgrade discount to Indigo 6. Also available online is a 30-day trial copy of Indigo 6 Pro. Indigo runs on Mac OS X 10.5 or greater.

Marketcircle has announced Daylite 4.3, an update to the suite for managing and growing business. Now, for the first time, Forms and Attachments are available on iOS devices using Daylite, expanding workflow possibilities beyond the desktop. In addition, Daylite 4.3 on Mac OS X introduces a new Duplicate command for record duplication, saving time entering similar forms, projects, opportunities, tasks, appointments, notes and groups. The upgrade introduces smartlists for birthdays, anniversaries and age, which are of particular interest to financial planners. Not enough? The update provides more reporting options, more layout options, more calendar view options, more options for multi-column sorting, plus an enhanced mail assistant for Mail.app. Additional, detailed information on all of the changes in Daylite 4.3, Daylite for iOS 4.3, Daylite Mail Assistant 4.3 and Daylite Server 4.3 can be found at http://www.marketcircle.com/daylite/fullreleasenotes/ .

FileThis, a Marin, California-based startup, has announced the availability of an iOS app for its FileThis Fetch service that lets consumers go paperless. The free FileThis Fetch app for iPhone and iPad fetches and delivers financial statements, bills and documents from banks, retirement funds, credit card and utility companies. With the FileThis Fetch app, consumers can go paperless within minutes, according to Brian Berson, founder and CEO of FileThis. After signing up, users simply link their financial and household accounts with FileThis Fetch. All connections are setup with bank-level security. FileThis Fetch automatically delivers documents as searchable PDF files to the user’s destination of choice including Evernote, Personal, Dropbox, Google Drive and Box. It also organizes them. Users are notified via email whenever new documents are available. FileThis Fetch is available as a free App Store download on iTunes (http://bit.ly/19ZISRI). The free version lets users connect up...

Soundcast Systems is shipping its Melody wireless speaker system. It's a Bluetooth gadget in a 360-degree enclosure. The Melody boasts a battery life of up to 20 hours and built-in Apt-X codec technology. It weighs in at nine pounds so, along with its built-in handle, is portable. In addition to its wireless Bluetooth capabilities, Melody also includes a 3.5 mm input port for added convenience. It includes an A/C adapter, 12-Vvolt automotive adapter and USB charging cable, providing an array of charging options while at home or on the road. Melody, which retails for $449, is available now at select U.S.- based retailers. For more info go to www.FollowMelody.com .

The CPUG Network has announced the Sixth Annual Amsterdam SuperMeet, to take place Sunday, Sept. 15, at the Hotel Krasnapolsky in the heart of Amsterdam. The Amsterdam SuperMeet promises to be the single largest gathering of Final Cut Pro, Adobe, Avid and Autodesk editors, gurus and digital filmmakers during the 2013 IBC Show. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the SuperMeet web site (http://supermeet.com). The full agenda will not be announced until shortly before the event date; however there will be user driven presentations by Blackmagic Design, Adobe, Autodesk and iZotope and much more. Rounding out the evening will be the "World Famous Raffle," featuring a Blackmagic Design Cinema Camera and over Euro20,000 worth of valuable filmmaker-related prizes, which will be handed out to dozens of lucky winners.

Todd's Apps has introduced JunkIt 1.0, their new Mail add-on for Mac OS X. It provides a method for preventing unwanted emails from piling up in your inboxes. One of its JunkIt's features is "reverse highlighting," which is designed to help users focus on their most important emails. The app also comes with some other options, such as junking one-liner emails, specifying a mailbox for clean emails, as well as options for tracking those people who are spamming the most. A demo version -- with all of the functionality of the full version but with reminders that pop up every once in awhile to remind users to purchase the full version -- is available at the Todd's App web site (http://tinyurl.com/kfft9zu). Registration is US$18.95.

Maintain has released Cocktail 6.6.1 (Mountain Lion Edition), the latest maintenance update for users running OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion. This version contains improvements on the "Clear user caches" procedure, adds OS X 10.8.5 compatibility, adds new settings to modify look of Launchpad and ability to refresh Launchpad contents or remove all apps from Launchpad. Cocktail is a general purpose utility for OS X that lets users clean, repair and optimize their Mac. Cocktail 6.6.1 (Mountain Lion Edition) requires OS X Mountain Lion or OS X Mountain Lion Server (10.8). Cocktail (Lion Edition) for OS X 10.7, Cocktail (Snow Leopard Edition) for OS X 10.6 and Cocktail (Leopard Edition) for OS X 10.5 are available for download from the Maintain website. Cocktail costs US$14 for a single user license and is available for purchase from the Maintain website (http://maintain.se/cocktail). The license is valid for Mountain Lion, Lion and Snow Leopard and editions of Cocktail. Cocktail (Leopard...

Awem has released Golden Trails 3: The Guardian’s Creed for Mac. It's a hidden object game with the Templar setting that continues the Golden Trails series Here's how the game is described: "What can the walls tell you? 18th century France still keeps the secrets of the Order of Knights Templar. Search for the truth together with brave Jacque in this hidden object game full of unexpected twists. "Jacque regains consciousness in a tavern to find a strange seal on his shoulder. Who marked him and why? Join Jacque in his daring and full of dangers adventure as he tries to solve this riddle. Scour numerous locations, travel Europe from Paris to Vatican, explore ancient writings of the monks in search of the truth. Intriguing storyline, awe-inspiring mysteries of the Knights Templar, and tons of engaging puzzles await. Risk to start your adventure in this hidden object puzzle game Golden Trails 3: The Guardian's Creed!" Golden Trails 3: The Guardian's Creed is available on the developer...

Jumsoft (www.jumsoft.com) has rolled out the first batch of fresh designs for its new Toolbox for iWork collection. The update consists of eight new themes of data visualization elements and 10 sets of badges, as well as extra slide sizes in the Layouts for Keynote designs. The editable designs are designed for illustrating presentations, websites, text documents, and various other types of content. Toolbox for iWork incorporates 13 sets of templates and illustrations for Pages, Keynote, and Numbers It requires Mac OS X 10.7 or later, Keynote 5.0 or later, Pages 4.0 or later, and Numbers 2.0 or later. Toolbox for iWork costs US$49.99 and can be downloaded at http://tinyurl.com/l4yxxew .

A New York district court judge has denied Apple's request to suspend a ruling that found the company guilty of e-book price fixing while it seeks an appeal, reports "AppleInsider" (http://tinyurl.com/ltbwg7k). Presiding Judge Denise Cote refused Apple's request to temporarily stay her decision, which would have given the company time to seek an appeal of the penalties laid out by the U.S. Department of Justice. In July, she found Apple guilty of colluding with HarperCollins, Hachette, Simon & Schuster, Penguin Group and Macmillan to fix the price of e-books sold through the iBookstore. The antitrust suit was leveled by the Justice Department, which focused on the company's "agency model" agreements that allow publishers to set their own e-book prices under most favored nations clauses.

Jumsoft (www.jumsoft.com) has rolled out the first batch of fresh designs for its new Toolbox for iWork collection. The update consists of eight new themes of data visualization elements and 10 sets of badges, as well as extra slide sizes in the Layouts for Keynote designs. The editable designs are designed for illustrating presentations, websites, text documents, and various other types of content. Toolbox for iWork incorporates 13 sets of templates and illustrations for Pages, Keynote, and Numbers It requires Mac OS X 10.7 or later, Keynote 5.0 or later, Pages 4.0 or later, and Numbers 2.0 or later. Toolbox for iWork costs US$49.99 and can be downloaded at http://tinyurl.com/l4yxxew .

Apple's Board of Directors has expressed concern about the company's "pace of innovation" according to a report (http://tinyurl.com/mtwjwjf) from Fox Business Network's Charlie Gasparino, as noted by "MacRumors" (www.macrumors.com). This is what Gasparino says in the video interview: "From what we understand, there is concern at the board level, sources are telling the Fox Business Network, about the pace of innovation over at Apple. What have they had lately? They had the iPad and a few other things, but they don't have anything innovating from what came from Steve Jobs and that concern is basically manifesting into pressure on Tim Cook to innovate, and to do something fast. We should point out, this is an interesting boardroom drama. It does not mean that Tim Cook is out of a job or that there is a job search out there, we don't know that and I don't believe that is happening. In fact, sources inside Apple are saying that's not the case. What we are able to confirm is that the...

Recently, TUAW and MacTech Magazine teamed up to speak to developers about how Apple's newly announced technologies (specifically Mavericks and iOS 7) will help them and their customers. In the weeks following the event, we'll bring you those videos on TUAW, MacTech and MacNews. If you aren't currently a reader of MacTech Magazine, check out the special free MacTech on iPad issues for MacTech Magazine here. This video features Neil Ticktin and Aaron Freimark of Tekserve. Aaron was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on Apple's announcements, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.

FileMaker developer tool specialist, Goya, has announced that they've extended their RESTfm product with a web based syncing framework. RESTfm is a RESTful Web Service application for FileMaker Servers, allowing full access to FileMaker tables and scripts from other apps. The new RESTfmTools showcases all of this functionality by providing working code to build syncing from FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Go into your own solutions. RESTfm supports XML, JSON, FMPXML, html, text and a simple FileMaker format out of the box, and is extensible via XSLT to any other format. Plus, it does full CRUD (Create, Read, Update and Delete) as well as a FileMaker Perform Script option. RESTfmSync is part of the RESTfmTools package, included with every licence of RESTfm since 2.1.0. All of the code is included and unlocked for developers to extend on their own. As well as RESTfmSync, there is also web form POST functionality, PayPal IPN payment processing and FastSpring product validation. RESTfm is...

Recently, TUAW and MacTech Magazine teamed up to speak to developers about how Apple's newly announced technologies (specifically Mavericks and iOS 7) will help them and their customers. In the weeks following the event, we'll bring you those videos on TUAW, MacTech and MacNews. If you aren't currently a reader of MacTech Magazine, check out the special free MacTech on iPad issues for MacTech Magazine here. This video features Neil Ticktin and Rick Spillers of Hewlett Packard. Rick was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on Apple's announcements, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.

The Android may be outpacing the iPhone in new sales, but the Apple smartphone has better resale value, according to new data from Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster, as reported by "CNET" (http://tinyurl.com/ktvgfj6). Surveying the recent resale market, Munster found that Apple hung onto its value in the U.S. better than did certain Samsung devices. Over the four months from April through July, the iPhone 5 dropped 3.75% in value, while the iPhone 4S dropped 11.85% The iPhone 4 jumped in value by 10.3%. In contrast, Samsung's Galaxy S3 lost 27.3% of its value, while the Galaxy Note 2 fell by 35.5%.