GuitarJack Model 2 audio interface now compatible with iOS...
Sonoma Wire Works says its GuitarJack Model 2 audio interface now connects a range of instruments, microphones, and other audio hardware to the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch via a quarter-inch instrument and eighth-inch stereo mic/line inputs.
GuitarJack Model 2 offers stereo recording and simultaneous voice and instrument recording, 60dB of continuous level control, configurable Pad, Lo-Z and Hi-Z modes, and increased drive for headphones. It's available at the introductory price of US$149 (it's normally $199) and will ship in 4-6 weeks from http://www.sonomawireworks.com/store .
Reason 6 tutorial, videos available at macProVideo.com
macProVideo.com (http://www.macprovideo.com) has released a new series of tutorial-videos for Propellerhead's new Reason 6 audio software.
There are six feature-length tutorials available now for direct download and streaming, directly from the company's website. The tutorials are priced at US$19.50 per title, or $25/month for unlimited access to these (and all) macProVideo.com tutorials through the company's Online Tutorial Library.
The new tutorials cover aspects of music production with Reason 6, from the fundamentals of using the software, to working with MIDI and Reason 6's new audio instruments. There are also advanced courses on Reason 6's new audio features, including mixing and mastering with the new SSL inspired software mixing console.
Also, macProVideo.com has released a free, one-hour introduction to Reason 6 that shows the new features of the software. The company is also launching a special event called "6 Days of Reason 6" which promises one free text tutorial a day...
Reggie Ashworth releases Vidconvert 1.1.2 for Mac OS X
Independent software developer Reggie Ashworth has updated VidConvert 1.1.2, an update of the video converter for Mac OS X. It's a maintenance update.
VidConvert will convert just about any type of video into one of the a varityof formats, allowing you to create videos for your iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV.
To use you add a file, select a format and a quality, and click convert. Optionally you can change your save folder from the main window. For advanced users you can select the Advanced quality if you choose to allow such options as custom Frame Rate, Bit Rate, etc. But for most users simply choosing Normal or High quality should be sufficient. After your conversion is finished simply add more files or quit VidConvert and the job is done.
Supported formats include iPhone, iPod, iPad, QuickTime, .mp4, MPEG-1 and 2, DivX, Xvid, and audio only formats such as .mp4 and .m4a. VidConvert can add iTunes compatible videos directly to your iTunes library for convenience and for syncing with...
Samsung to Apple: let's settle this
Samsung has made a proposal to Apple to resolve their patent dispute in Australia regarding touch-screen technology, a Sydney court was told Friday -- as reported by "Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/mCc23).
Samsung lawyer David Catterns didn’t give details about the proposal, and Apple will need time to consider it, Apple lawyer Steven Burley told the court. "Bloomberg" says Catterns’s proposal is a bid to end the last dispute over patent technology in Australia that’s seen Samsung hold off selling its Galaxy 10.1 tablet in the country. Apple’s claim that Samsung violated patents for its iPhone and iPad in Australia is part of a wide, ongoing patent battle between the two companies that has come up in courts on four continents.
Griffin releases MultiDock for iOS devices
Griffin Technology has released the MultiDock for iOS devices. Targeted to educators, healthcare professionals, sales executives and others, it lets you store and charge multiple iPads, iPhones and/or iPod touches.
MultiDock's power supply delivers full-rate charging to each of its 10 charge bays. The steel enclosure has a minimal footprint (less than that of a laptop).
To use slide the iPad, iPhone, or iPod into one of MultiDock’s bays, connect the included dock cable, and MultiDock charges all connected devices simultaneously. Using the included USB cable, syncing with a host computer is enabled, but isn't required after the initial set-up.
MultiDock's separation of the charge and sync functions allows it to deliver full-rate charging to all attached devices simultaneously as it affords IT managers increased control over content on the attached devices, according to Griffin President Mark Rowan. There's no need to remove the devices from their cases; MultiDock bays are sized to...
LaCie floats out the CloudBox
LaCie (http://www.lacie.com) has introduced the US$19999 CloudBox, a hard drive/back-up solution that lets you automatically back up your data to "the cloud."
To user you copy and paste your most important files to your CloudBox, and they'll automatically be backed up online daily. Your data is backed up on a local hard drive and again in the cloud for double protection. The CloudBox includes a one-year online backup contract for 100GB, which can be easily renewe
LaCie says the CloudBox lets you recover your files from the cloud even in case of theft, fire, or physical damage. AES encryption keeps your files secure.
Sonnet introduces Fusion storage solution
Sonnet Technologies has announced the Fusion F2QR portable two-drive hardware RAID storage system.
Mounted side by side in a tough aluminum enclosure about the size of two stacked CD cases, the diminutive system contains two, 2.5-inch, 1TB hard drives. It's based on the Fusion F2, a portable two-drive RAID SATA storage system. This compact device adds: a built-in hardware RAID controller for configuring the drives; a quad interface with eSATA, FireWire® 800, and USB 2.0 ports for flexible compatibility; and a greater storage capacity.
The Fusion F2QR delivers performance with up to 160 MB/second read and 100 MB/second write data transfer rates. It's bus-powered by a FireWire port on the computer regardless the interface used.
Mounted inside its rugged aluminum shell, the Fusion F2QR's drives are shock- and vibration- isolated to help protect against rough handling, says Robert Farnsworth, CEO of Sonnet Technologies. The engineered aluminum case efficiently transfers away heat,...
Samsung ahead of Apple in India's tablet market
Apple trails behind Samsung in India's fledgling tablet market, according to the CyberMedia research group (http://www.cybermedia.co.in/), as reported by "Computerworld" (http://macte.ch/5TK7E).
Samsung had a 45.8% share of the country's 158,000 media tablets in the nine months ended June 30, according to CyberMedia Research. The company was the first to launch its tablets in the market in October last year, starting with the Galaxy Tab 7.
Apple was a relatively later entrant in January this year, and has garnered 18.4% share, according to CyberMedia. Research In Motion's PlayBook had a 21% share. CyberMedia reports shipments by vendors to distributors.
Apple's prospects in India are likely to remain more or less the same through the year, according to market research firm Gartner (http://www.gartner.com). The iPad is expected to have about 25% to 30% share of the approximately 200,000 tablets shipped to users during this year, Vishal Tripathi, principal research analyst at Gartner,...
Jelly Defense comes to OS X, iOS devices
Infinite Dreams has unleashed Jelly Defense, a new gaming title for Mac OS X and iOS devices.
Here's how the game is described: "Join the resistance, fight against the enemy and become the ultimate Jelly hero. Jelly Defense offers an innovative classic turret defense gameplay combined with the intense action and beautiful graphics. It offers over 20 campaign missions, eight unique power-ups, 10 towers to strategize with, normal and hardcore speed mode and Game Center integration.
On the Mac, it requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or higher and is available in the Mac App Store. On the iOS, it requires iOS 4.2 or later and is available in the App App Store. Both versions are offered for US$0.99 for a limited time.
Pages Templates app presents 100 Pages themes on the Mac App...
Pages Templates App has launched 100 new themes for Pages, Apple's word processor/document creation app. They're available at the Mac App Store.
All the templates are grouped to nine categories of documents for Brochures, Business Cards, Cards & Invitations, Envelopes, Flyers, Forms, Letters, Newsletters and Reports. Template sizes are standard US Letters and A4. There are some templates with specific size like envelopes.
The themes require Mac OS X 10.6 or later and iWork '08 (Pages 3.0) or later.
The 100 Pages Templates is normally priced at US$9.99; however, for a limited time it's being offered for $2.99 exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Graphics & Design category.
Scosche announces Realm series headphones
Scosche Industries (http://www.scosche.com) has announced Realm, a series of high performance headphones and in-ear monitors.
The US$229.99 RH1056md (black) and RH1056m (white) Realm over-ear headphones feature 40mm drivers, precision wound copper voice coils and neodymium magnets. Viscoelastic memory foam softens in response to heat to form to the unique shape of the user’s ear. The collapsible headphones are available in both black and white with chrome accents and come with two gold plated audio cables, a thermoform case, soft travel pouch, 3.5mm to quarter-inch adapter, tapLine clothing clip, computer adapter for gaming and VoIP, and a cleaning cloth.
The $249.99 Realm IEM856md (black) and IEM856m (white) In Ear monitors utilize a bi-hybrid motor structure. The 10.7mm dynamic drivers provide powerful low frequencies, while the 6.3mm balanced armature drivers deliver incredibly accurate high and mid frequencies, according to the folks at Scosche. They're made form hypoallergenic...
NewerTech Introduces NuStand 360 for the iPad
NewerTech (http://www.newertech.com) has announced the US$47.99 NuStand 360 Aluminum Desk Stand for the iPad and iPad 2. It boasts a friction damping, swivel-pivot design.
The Newer Technology NuStand 360's swivel-pivot design delivers a full range display, says Grant Dahlke, brand manager, NewerTech. It can provide a portrait mode for business presentations and a landscape mode for movie watching. With a scalloped cutaway shape to provide handhold points, the NuStand 360 also serves as an accessory for driving games.
NuStand 360's aluminum body uses removable silicone "blocks" to securely hold either the iPad or iPad 2. A rear cutout on the body enables nearly hidden routing of a dock connector cable.
To remain stationary on the desktop, the NuStand 360 features a heavy weighted base with an anti-skid rubber foot. It's coated with a rubberized black finish that's soft to the touch, yet highly scratch resistant.
'Managing Apple Devices in Government' targeted to IT...
On Oct. 20, Absolute Software, Centrify, GroupLogic, and Web Help Desk will host "Managing Apple Devices in Government," an event for IT managers in Federal departments and agencies to advise them about the options available for managing Macs, iPhones and iPads in their organizations.
Sponsored in conjunction with the Government Technology Research Alliance (GTRA), the event presents economical, effective solutions and approaches to the issues of integrating, securing, and managing Apple systems, according to Parham Eftekhari, director of research for the Government Technology Research Alliance.
The free half day event is limited to government IT managers. It will be held from 8:30 am until 12, at the offices of GroupLogic, 1100 North Glebe Road Suite 800, Arlington, Virginia. For further information and to register for the event, visit http://gtra.org/centrify-managing-apple-devices .
Aquafadas Digital Publishing System compatible with iOS 5
Aquafadas (http://www.aquafadas.com) says that users of its Digital Publishing System can generate magazine and newspaper apps for Apple’s iTunes Newsstand section and the Newsstand folder on the iPad with AVE AppFactory 1.1, which will be released shortly after the release of iOS5.
By adding Newsstand support, Aquafadas Digital Publishing System enables publishers to create magazine and newspaper issues that are located by Newsstand and downloaded to iPad Newsstand shelves automatically. Aquafadas digital publishing tools can be requested at www.aquafadas.comen/publishing/tryitforyourself/ .
Quark App Studio will support iOS 5 Newsstand
Quark says that Quark App Studio, the new solution that together with QuarkXPress 9 allows designers to create branded apps for the iPad, will support iOS 5 Newsstand.
A part of iOS 5 -- the next release of the Apple operating system used on the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch -- Newsstand will offer iPad users a designated space for accessing their magazine and newspaper app subscriptions, complete with automatic downloads and notifications when new issues are available. With QuarkXPress 9 and App Studio, magazine and newspaper publishers will be able to distribute and sell apps and issues through a new section in the Apple App Store dedicated to digital publications.
"By making it simple for iPad users to purchase and interact with their magazine and newspaper subscriptions, Apple’s Newsstand will encourage the continued adoption of digital content," says Dan Logan, QuarkXPress senior product manager for Quark. "With Quark App Studio we are not only helping designers rethink how...
Mikro Maschine Mikro available in stores
Native Instruments says MikroMaschine (http://macte.ch/NVb0T), a new entry into the world of its popular groove production system, is now available in stores worldwide. With its compact controller, "Maschine Mikro makes the acclaimed tactile and intuitive music creation approach of Maschine available at a significantly reduced physical footprint and price" [US$399], the company adds.
Maschine Mikro includes the full-featured Maschine software with its e pattern-based live and step sequencing, VST and AU plug-in hosting, real-time audio recording, sample editing and advanced multi-effects. With the latest 1.7 software version, it also provides integration with the instruments and effects in the Komplete 8 and Komplete 8 Ultimate bundle.
iPresentee unveils five new iWeb themes
iPresentee (http://www.ipresentee.com/) has unveiled five new themes for iWeb, Apple's entry level website building application. The themes are for use with Mac OS X 10.4.3 or higher and iWeb 2.0 (iLife '08) or iWeb 3.0 (iLife '09 and iLife '11).
The new themes are Baby's, Extreme Sport, Design, Illustrator and Ideas for Business themes. They extend iPresentee's iWeb themes collection up to 135 themes. iWeb themes are pre-designed complete website templates, each with their own design, look and feel. Users can customize the themes any way they like.
Each iWeb theme is available for US$9.99. The set of 95 iWeb Themes may be purchased for $29.99. Samples and more information about iWeb Themes are available at the iPresentee website.
Espresso web development tool brews to version 2.0
MacRabbit has released Espresso 2 (http://macrabbit.com/espresso/), an upgrade of the web development tool. The new version merges the CSSEdit tools with the power and extensibility of Espresso into a single, cohesive Web development package.
In addition to CSSEdit's visual tools and X-ray, Espresso 2 also includes new or improved language support for HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Ruby, PHP, Python, Apache, and Markdown. To make publishing websites even quicker, Quick Publish and Server Sync have a brand new, improved interface that builds on a completely rewritten FTP/SFTP/S3 engine.
Espresso 2.0 is available as a 15-day trial and requires Mac OS X 10.6.8 or better. It can be unlocked at any time for US$79. Existing Espresso 1 users can upgrade to Espresso 2 for $29, while select CSSEdit users can crossgrade with a $15 discount.
iBank for Mac OS X rings up version 4.3
IGC Software (http://www.iggsoftware.com) has released released iBank 4.3, a new version of its financial management application for Mac OS X 10.5.8 or higher. The upgrade delivers enhanced Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion") compatibility and multiple fixes, as well as changes to accommodate sync with IGG's forthcoming portfolio-tracking app, iBank Investor.
iBank costs USS$59.99; licensed users of previous versions of iBank can upgrade for $29.99 (though version 4.3 is a free update for registered users of version 4.x). iBank for iPhone requires a MobileMe account. The Mac version requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher. A demo is available for download.
Apple wins court victory against Psystar
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has sided with Apple in the company's lawsuit against Psystar. Remember Psystar, the Mac cloning company?
"CNET" reports that Circuit Judge Mary Schroeder ruled Wednesday that Psystar's Mac clones violated copyrights Apple holds, and the ban on sales will be upheld. According to Schroeder, Psystar specifically violated copyrights Apple holds in Mac OS X, and said that the U.S. District Court's ruling in favor of Apple was just. Read more at http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20113365-17/apple-wins-key-battle-agai... .
In December 2009, Apple won a permanent injunction against Psystar. Granted by Judge William Alsup of the US District Court for the Northern District of California, it prevented the Mac cloner from selling clones, installing Mac OS X on any hardware, and selling or copying Mac OS X.
The ruling also meant that Psystar couldn't manufacture, import, offer to the public, provide or otherwise traffic in any technology, product,...
Apple phasing out most boxed software for education
Apple has told its educational resellers not to expect any more boxed copies of Mac OS X, iLife, iWork, Apple Remote Desktop, and Aperture, reports "ZDNet" (http://macte.ch/rNrb0). That's not a big surprise, considering the company's push for its Mac App Store and Apple App Store.
"ZDNet" says he following email was recently sent to customers at a major academic institution" (although said institution isn't named):
"We have a limited supply of copies of each in stock in the store, so consider this a 'last call' for anyone who would like a hard copy before they are gone. Particularly anyone who would like to get Snow Leopard, as we just received our final shipment of that version of the OS.
"The only products that will remain as boxed software offerings are Logic Express and Logic Studio.
"For information on Apple Volume Purchasing Program for software, we’ve posted a page on our website that describes how departmental users can take advantage of purchasing volume licensing."
More twists and turns in the Apple-Samsung battle...
The ongoing Apple-Samsung legal brouhaha over patent violations took some new twists. An Australian court heard that Apple's then-CEO Steve Jobs had personally sought to head off a confrontation last year, according to "MarketWatch" (http://macte.ch/Ec1A8). Meanwhile, T-Mobile is opposing Apple's move to block Samsung from selling some Galaxy products in the US, reports "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/rCkny).
Giving evidence in a federal court hearing to consider a possible injunction preventing Samsung from selling a rival tablet in Australia, senior Apple executive Richard Lutton said Jobs contacted Samsung personally because of the close supplier relationship between the companies, notes "MarketWatch."
"The discussions started with contact from (Jobs), and then he wasn't involved in meetings beyond that," Lutton told the Federal Court in Sydney when cross-examined by Samsung attorney David Catterns.
The case was adjourned to Friday and Justice Annabelle Bennett said she hoped to...
Apple posts 24-inch Cinema Display firmware update
Apple has posted a firmware update (http://macte.ch/4GiGh) for the 24-inch LED Cinema Display. It requires Mac OS X 10.6.8 or later.
The update addresses an issue that may cause intermittent display flickering. This firmware will only install on the Apple 24-inch LED Cinema Display when it's connected to a Thunderbolt-enabled Mac.
Apple says the firmware update may not resolve the flickering issue if a Mini DisplayPort extender cable is used. You can obtain the update via the Software Updates component of Mac OS X's Systems Preferences app.
Walkman tops iPod in greatest inventions (but iPhone is number...
In 2011, it’s a museum piece -- but the vintage Sony Walkman has beaten Apple’s iPod in a T3.com poll to find the greatest tech invention of the last 50 years.
Launched in 1979, the Walkman revolutionized music listening by taking it out of the home or car for the first time -- allowing music to be enjoyed "anywhere, any time." It went on to sell more than 186 million units worldwide before the arrival of the MP3 player and the iPod changed the way we listen to music once again.
The Walkman’s cassette tapes could hold around 25 songs -- compared to the 1000s available using a single iPod today. There was no "shuffle" or "repeat," and its batteries rarely made it through the day.
But the original Walkman had some features even today’s top-of-the-range iPod doesn’t: twin headphone sockets, allowing you to enjoy music with a friend, and batteries you can replace yourself.
"The fact that over 30 years on, the original Sony Walkman is still seen as a greater invention than the iPod...
Teens a perfect audience for Apple's attention
Thirty million U.S. teens aged 13-19 wield more than $200 billion in buying power and represent the "perfect storm" for marketers, according to Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com). Obviously, is an age group of great interest to Apple.
Teens are receptive to cutting edge, creative products and advertising, says Research and Markets. This, of course, makes them a natural for Apple products and services.
-- Dennis Sellers
Harman releases MS 150 stereo system
Harman International Industries (http://wwwHarmanAudio.com) has announced the US$689.99 Harman Kardon MS 150, a stereo system that includes an iPhone/iPod dock, slot-loaded CD player and FM radio tuner. It features two fully integrated 30-watt bass-reflex loudspeakers.
The sleek, black Harman Kardon MS 150 was designed for flexibility, according to said Sachin Lawande, EVP and co-president of Harman’s Lifestyle and Infotainment divisions. In addition to the CD player and iPhone/iPod dock, it includes three auxiliary audio inputs to plug in a portable music player or an Android smartphone as well as front-and-back 3.5-millimeter headphone jacks for private listening.
A front-panel audio input can be used with video-game consoles. The FM radio tuner includes RDS technology to display text from radio stations, including song and artist information.
The MS 150 sports a subwoofer output for direct connection to a powered subwoofer to deliver a more dynamic bass impact. Additional...
Analog is new photo polishing app for the Mac
Realmac Software has launched Analog (http://www.realmacsoftware.com/analog/), a photo polishing app with 20 filters and over a dozen borders. It requires Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher and is available at the Mac App Store.
With Analog you can crop and rotate photos, as well as apply effects and borders.
Once you've finished processing an image, Analog allows you to publish images to Facebook, Flickr, Picasa and CloudApp with just two clicks.
Analog is available for an introductory price of US$7.99. The regular price is $19.99.
Mac a Montreal migrates Summit MGT from PC to Mac in a single...
Mac a Montreal (http://macamontreal.com/en/), a member of the Apple Consultants Network, migrated Summit MGT (http://macamontreal.com/en/profiles/summit-mgt/), a full service construction company, from the PC to Mac in a single day in order to provide a more stable, more efficient work environment.
Fully powered by Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion"), Summit MGT now benefits from the very tools successful businesses have come to rely on in order to gain a considerable edge in productivity and competitiveness. Summit MGT is a full service construction company specializing in both the commercial and residential sectors of the market. It's managed by Les Samuels.
"We've traditionally been 100% PC and Windows based for everything and of course, we have not been that happy with the results, but that's just been the evolution of having grown up with it," he explains. "We had Macs early on but it was very hard to break away from Windows in the office environment and integrate Macs into our business....
FIFA Soccer 12 kicks onto the Mac
Electronic Arts says EA Sports FIFA Soccer 12 (http://www.ea.com/soccer/) is in retail stores now throughout North America, and will be available in the rest of the world beginning Sept. 30. Launching on 12 different platforms -- including Mac for the first time ever. The Mac version costs US$39.99.
Here's how the game is described: "FIFA Soccer 12 brings to the pitch the game-changing new Player Impact Engine, and revolutionary gameplay innovations inspired by the real-world game, including all-new Precision Dribbling, Tactical Defending, and Pro Player Intelligence. Plus, new live services and breakthrough social experiences like EA SPORTS Football Club, and FIFA Ultimate Team, will deepen fans’ connection to the real-world game, their favorite club, and their friends, rivals and millions of other players around the world in the massive FIFA online community.
"FIFA Soccer 12 on Mac has the same revolutionary core gameplay features as the HD consoles, and for the first time ever,...
Soundmatters announces Platinum Bluetooth portable speaker
Soundmatters (http://www.soundmatters.com) has announced the foxLv2 Platinum Bluetooth, a pocket-sized, hi-fi, portable speaker. It will be available in November for US$229.
The folks at Soundmatters say it's the only portable speaker capable of taking full advantage of CSR apt-X’s dramatic improvement in streamed Bluetooth signal from apt-X equipped devices (like Mac OS X 10.6 and 10.7 computers), delivering virtual CD quality wirelessly along with improved sound/picture sync for movies and gaming. Sporting a "platinum" finish, the new foxLv2 Platinum is good enough to actually hear the difference in connecting wires and therefore includes the Evergreen high quality audio cable from Audioquest, they add.
The portable speaker offers up to 20 hours (or more) of music with its rechargeable Litihum-ion battery. That's with Bluetooth off; with it on, it's more likely 20.
The Platinum measures 5.6 x 2.2 x 1.4 inches and weights 9.5 ounces. You can connect o most music sources via the 3....
Que Publishing offers enhanced ebooks through iBookstore
Que Publishing says it's now offering enhanced ebooks from its USING series through Apple’s iBookstore. Designed for beginner-level home and office computer users, USING eBooks include up to four hours of step-by-step free video tutorials and audio sidebars.
Intended for use on the iPad, USING eBooks can be downloaded from the iBookstore, accessible via the free iBooks app in the App Store. They're available for purchase and download for US$9.99 each. For more info go to http://bit.ly/r9wNXD .
Better Finder Rename for Mac OS X revved to version 8.89
PublicSpace.net (http://www.publicspace.net) has released A Better Finder Rename 8.89, the latest version of its contextual menu plug-in that allows users to rename multiple files. The new version adds the ability to expand camel case.
The renaming engine leverages all the latest Mac OS X technologies by using a 64-bit multi-threaded garbage collected architecture based around Leopard's Core Data database system. A Better Finder Rename sports an instant preview feature.
The tool features capture time and date extraction (EXIF JPEG and most RAW formats) for digital photographers, ID3 tag extraction for music lovers, regular expression support, plain-text file import for renaming from databases and many other features.
A Better Finder Rename is US$19.95 shareware for a single user license. Family, business and enterprise licensing is also available. Customers may chose to include a "forever upgrade" with their purchase. A Better Finder Rename requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher.
IMCapture for FaceTime ready for Lion
IMCapture has updated IMCapture for FaceTime (http://www.imcapture.com/IMCapture-for-FaceTime/), a product designed to record and save FaceTime conversations, to version 1.2.1. The upgrade fixes some incompatibilities with Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion"), offers a video capturing fix and sports an improved audio capturing engine.
This Mac call recorder creates a universal platform for your recorded files, enabling you to convert all FaceTime conversations into different video formats. What's more, IMCapture for FaceTime engages an automatic recording feature as an option that enables to launch recording process by default as soon as the conversation has been started.
IMCapture for FaceTime costs US$49.95 for a single user license. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher.
New Take Control book offers up-to-date Mac backup solutions
Expanding on and modernizing the advice in its titles about backups, Take Control Books has published "Take Control of Backing Up Your Mac," written by tech writer Joe Kissell.
Fully updated to cover Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion") and all the latest hardware, software, and online service changes in the backup world, "Take Control of Backing Up Your Mac" describes how to design a reliable backup system, understand backup lingo, shop for hardware, choose backup software, operate Time Machine (and determine whether Time Machine is a good option and what to do if it's not), make backups, deal with any special backup needs, and recover lost data after a crash or other calamity.
The 210-page "Take Control of Backing Up Your Mac" is available now for US$15 at http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/backing-up . A print version is available for $29.99.
Ulysses text editor roars onto Lion
The Blue Technologies has released Group Ulysses 2.1, an update of the text editor for writers. The upgrade adds support for Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion") and extends export options to ePub and HTML.
Additionally, Ulysses 2.1 boasts various fixes and optimizations. These include: better dual monitor support, enhanced stability and support for swipe gestures. Celebrating eight years of text editing, Ulysses has permanently dropped in price.
It's available for US$19.99 exclusively on the Mac App Store. It requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later. Non-App Store customers, whose machines meet the minimum system requirements, can update their existing installs at no cost via Ulysses' built-in update mechanism.
Dialetic tool revved for Lion
JNSoftware has updated Dialectic (http://www.jonn8.com/dialectic/), a telephony tool for the Mac, to version 1.8.2. The upgrade is compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion"), offers an improved Safari 5 extension and more.
Dialetic provides system-wide dialing of phone numbers using Bluetooth mobile phones, landlines, many VoIP services and more. It integrates with contact management applications such as Marketcircle Daylite, Microsoft Entourage, Now Contact, Palm Desktop, FileMaker Pro and other databases, as well as Apple's iCal and Address Book.
In addition to dialing, the software provides a global Address Book menu for accessing your contact data including email, instant messaging, postal addresses, URLs, notes, and phone numbers. You can create new email messages, look up addresses on a map, copy data to the clipboard or insert it into your current document.
Dialetic works with Mac OS X 10.6 and higher. It costs US$25.
24U Software releases 24U Toolbox Plug-In 1.1.1
24U Software (http://www.24usoftware.com/) has announced 24U Toolbox Plug-In 1.1.1, an update to their data processing extension for FileMaker Pro 11. The new version runs in FileMaker Pro 11 on the most recent versions of Mac OS X and Windows.
It also sports new functions and the capability to be used as a server plug-in for server-side scripts and web publishing on FileMaker Server and FileMaker Server Advanced.
24U Toolbox Plug-In 1.1.1 requires Mac OS X 10.4 or newer and FileMaker Pro 8.5 or newer. Some features of the plug-in are specifically designed for FileMaker Pro 8.5 and 9 and don't work with newer versions of FileMaker Pro.
24U Toolbox Plug-In is immediately available for download as a free fully, functional 14-days trial version, which can be activated after purchasing a license code. A single user license is US$48; additional users pay $24 or less.
Developer licenses start at $349. This price is limited to 20 concurrent users per site, but unlimited to a number of...
InPreflight Pro wings to version 2.9.5
Zevrix Solutions (http://www.zevrix.com) has updated InPreflight Pro -- its quality control, packaging automation and preflight reporting solution for Adobe InDesign -- to version 2.9.5. It's a maintenance update.
InPreflight provides a preflight solution for service providers, printers, ad agencies, designers and publishing houses. It gathers information about document fonts, colors and links and lets users locate potential problems according to preflight presets. The software is also a packaging automation solution that allows users to preflight and package multiple documents.
Among other abilities, it can collect all files into one folder, eliminating the need to collect the same links multiple times for each design. In addition, InPreflight lets users print graphic preflight reports and save them as fully searchable interactive PDF files, providing a way to analyze, archive and send reports to service providers.
InPreflight Pro/Studio can be purchased from the Zevrix Solutions web...
Analyst predicts record Mac, iPad sales
In a note to investors -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) Needham Research analyst Charlie Wolf predicts that Apple will report sales of 4.63 million Macs and 12 million iPads in its September quarter.
Both of those would be records for the company. Last Christmas the company sold 4.1 million Macs and 9.25 million iPads. Wolf's Mac projections are up from his previous forecast of 4.4 million.
As for iPhone sales, the analyst thinks that Apple will report sales of about 17 million units. That would be a sequential decline from last quarter's record 20.34 million iPhones sold, as the analyst anticipates that subscribers will postpone purchases ahead of the anticipated iPhone 5 launch.
Lion in third place among Mac operating systems
Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion"), has settled into third position behind Mac’s Snow Leopard and Leopard operating systems in its share among all Macs, according to Chitika Insight (http:///www.chitika.com), the research arm of online advertising network Chitika. Insights uses Chitika’s data to monitor and report on Internet trends -- search engines, clickthrough rates, the mobile war, and more.
Still, compared to the Chitika Insights report exactly two months month ago, Lion has jumped two-fold in its Mac market share. Mac OS 10.7 has settled into third position behind Mac’s Snow Leopard (10.6) and Leopard (10.5) operating systems in its share among all Macs.
Apple is the second coolest brand in Britain
Apple trailed Aston Martin, developer of iconic sports cars, as the coolest brand as rated by CoolBrands (http://www.coolbrands.uk.com/), a company that "canvasses the opinions of experts and consumers to produce a barometer of Britain’s coolest brands, people and places." Apple topped the "General Technology" division.
About Apple, CoolBrands says: "Sleek, stylish design combined with powerful, groundbreaking technology make Apple’s unique products iconic must-haves around the world." Also in the top 10 cool brands were Harley Davidson, Rolex, Bang & Olufsen, Blackberry, Google, Ferrari, Nike and YouTube.
iPad captured 80% of North America tablet in second quarter
According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics, the Apple iPad captured 80% share of tablet shipments in North America during the second quarter of 2011.
"Apple completely dominates the North American tablet market, capturing 80% share of 7.5 million shipments during Q2 2011," says Alex Spektor, senior analyst at Strategy Analytics. "Apple remains a long way ahead of its main rivals such as Motorola, Samsung, RIM, Asus and HTC. A combination of cool branding, user-friendly hardware, entertaining services and savvy retail distribution has made Apple a formidable market leader."
Neil Mawston, director at Strategy Analytics, adds: "Provided the pricing, screen size and hardware design are right, Amazon can be one of the main challengers to Apple’s dominance. Like Apple, Amazon has a strong brand, compelling content, sophisticated billing systems and widespread distribution. In effect, Amazon’s new tablet product represents a good opportunity to place an Amazon shopping cart in...
Cable operators considering 'a la carte' offerings?
Let's hope this is true: U.S. cable operators are privately working on a plan to force programmers to unbundle their networks and allow customers to subscribe to channels on an individual basis, reports "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/hSEcO).
If it happens, this will be a major -- let me repeat, MAJOR -- change in how business is conducted. Cable (and satellite) companies have always opposed "a la carte" programming (paying for just the channels you want), arguing that bundled programming -- packages in other words -- were the best value for consumers.
However, executives now say the change is a necessary response to shifting dynamics such as higher carriage costs and using the Web to watch programs, as well as a weak economic recovery that has forced many consumers to cancel cable television subscriptions, says "Reuters." Comcast Corp and Time Warner Cable, the two largest operators have lost 1.2 million video customers in the 12 months to June 30.
Study: 41% of mobile buyers to buy an iPhone 5
InMobi (http://www.inmobi.com), an independent mobile ad network, has announced the combined results of its monthly InMobi Mobile Insights network ad data research and a custom iPhone-focused study, "iPhone 5 and the Mobile Market."
The InMobi announcement acts as a forecast to the scope and effect of the confirmed Oct. 4 iPhone announcement in North America. InMobi anticipates the North American mobile ad market to experience a significant increase in mobile media consumption based on the iPhone 5 consumer data findings. The iPhone 5 is potentially the most successful smartphone launch to date, according to the ad network.
The recent InMobi consumer smartphone survey uncovers that 41% of current mobile users in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada plan to buy an iPhone 5. The study further finds that over 50% of those users will make the purchase within the first six months of the iPhone 5 launch, which could take Apple significantly ahead of its June 2011 market position, and increase its...
'iFixIt' looks at the Apple Thunderbolt Cinema Display
"iFixIt," a site that tears down new tech products so you don't have to, has torn into Apple's new Thunderbolt Cinema Display. Here's what the iFixIt'ers had to say:
"We got the warm fuzzies when we found out that no proprietary tools were required to dissect Apple's colossal display. In fact, all you really need to pull the guts out of this machine are some heavy duty suction cups, Torx T6 and T10 screwdrivers, and maybe a spudger here and there.
"All in all, we were struck by the Thunderbolt Display's ease of disassembly, and its 8 out of 10 repairability score reflects our admiration. But what did we find inside? Lots and lots of goodies that usually don't come standard with an LCD monitor. Although monitors usually don't cost as much as a laptop, either."
The teardown can be found at http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Apple-Thunderbolt-Display-Teardown/6525/1 .
Per "iFixIt," the teardown highlights include:
° Much like the iMac we tore apart earlier this year (and the iMacs before it...
Apple wants court to throw out Verizon brief supporting Samsung
Verizon, the largest U.S. wireless carrier, Verizon, asked a federal court on Sept. 23 for permission to file an amicus curiae ("friend of the court") brief in support of Samsung against Apple, and provided its proposed brief at the same time. Now Apple has asked the court to throw out the proposed brief or alternatively let Apple respond by a deadline that minimizes disruption of the process, reports "FOSS Patents."
Verizon said that Apple's request for a US-wide preliminary injunction against four Samsung products (the Infuse 4G, Galaxy S 4G and Droid Charge smartphones, and the Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet computer), arguing that such a decision would run counter to the public interest. It "would hinder Verizon Wireless in developing and deploying its next generation high-speed LTE [fourth-generation] network, the job growth dependant on that network, and will undercut key public policy goals, including expansion of American's [sic] access to broadband networks and faster communication...
Disney debuts Appmates mobile app toys
Disney has introduced today Disney AppMATes Mobile Application Toys, a new toy line that comes to life digitally when used with an Apple iPad by allowing kids to use the tablet’s screen as a virtual play mat.
Developed in collaboration between Disney Consumer Products (DCP) and Disney Mobile and featuring patent-pending technology, the Appmates toy line features miniature Disney•Pixar Cars 2 vehicles with sensors on the base of each toy that are recognized as a unique footprint by an app with no cable or Bluetooth connection required.
Download the free Cars 2 Appmates app from the iTunes app store, place your favorite Appmates toy character on the screen and play. You can drive around the world of Radiator Springs to discover landscapes and hidden secrets by simply placing the Cars toy character on the screen and turning it in any direction. Drive through mud and up ramps, visit friends at Flo’s V8 Café or check out your Car’s reflection, showing off your latest gear and gadgets....
Belkin unveils two cover cases for the iPad 2
Belkin (http://www.belkin.com) has unveiled two new cases for the iPad 2, the Snap Shield Secure and the Emerge 024. Both cases are part of Belkin’s Snap Shield lineup and are designed specifically to work with the Apple Smart Cover.
The Snap Shield Secure (US$39.99) is a thin, translucent case that snaps to the back of the iPad 2 for streamlined protection that shows off the Apple tablet's design elements. The integrated steel strip holds the Smart Cover flat against the case when it's open. The soft-touch material is designed to shield against wear and tear without adding bulk.
The $39.99 Emerge has a perforated pattern and comes with colored inserts. The case snaps onto the back of the iPad 2 and works with the Apple Smart Cover.
iHog escapes from Speakal
Speakal (http://www.speakal.com) has unleashed the iHog, a hog-shaped, iPhone/iPod docking station and speaker system. It's available for US$119.99 through Sept. 30 and $139.99 afterward.
It purportedly provides up to 10 hours of lithium rechargeable battery life that also charges your iPod. Its universal cradle lets you play all your iPhones and iPods (including iOS4, iPhone 3 and iPhone 4) outdoors or indoors with four speakers delivering 360 degrees of sound with two tweeters, two sound diffusers and a downring 20 watt subwoofer, a super amplification stereo system and optimized airflow, with frequencies from 50Hz-20KHz for a total output of 28+ watts.
You can adjust the iOS device's navigation with a touch of the hand. Just push the hog’s ears to turn the volume up or down, or its head to skip tracks, pause -- or use the included remote to adjust the controls from a distance. You can also connect the iHog to a TV, gaming console, or other music source with the included 3.5mm...
OWC announces Mercury Extreme Pro 3G solid state drive
Other World Computing (http://www.macsales.com) has added its lowest-cost- of-entry solid state drive (SSD) to its line-up. It comes in a 30GB model.
The US$67.99 OWC Mercury Extreme Pro 3G SSD combines SandForce technologies and Tier 1/Grade A NAND to deliver data rates over 275MB/second in a noiseless, more reliable form factor over conventional magnetic hard disk drive, according to the folks at OWC.
While the OWC Mercury Extreme 3G 30GB SSD comes with the latest SandForce firmware revision, it also includes the industry's first and only Apple/Mac-compatible firmware updater should the firmware need to be updated in the future, according to the folks at OWC. The firmware updater eliminates the need for a PC, ownership of Windows or other operating system, or the creation of a specially designated drive partition that other brand SSD updaters have required, they add.
