Analyst ups iPhone, iPad sales estimate
RBC Capital's Mike Abramsky has raised his fourth quarter iPhone and iPad estimates based on the results of a survey of 2,200 potential buyers. The survey, conducted in August by the ChangeWave (http://www.changewave.com) research group, showed what Abramsky called "unprecedented iPhone 5 demand and strong back-to-school iPad buying intentions."
In a note to clients -- as reported by "Fortune" -- he said:
° Thirty-one percent of those surveyed said they were very/somewhat likely to buy the iPhone 5, significantly exceeding pre-launch iPhone 4 demand (25%).
° With the iPhone 4 nearly 15 months old, 66% of existing iPhone users are very/somewhat likely to buy the iPhone 5, pointing to a large pending upgrade cycle.
° Fifty-four percent of surveyed Sprint subscribers and 53% of surveyed T-Mobile subscribers say they are significantly/somewhat more likely to buy the iPhone, if available.
° Survey data also shows strong iPad 2 back-to-school buying indications, with 26% very/somewhat...
Apple files motions regarding Motorola lawsuits
Apple has filed motions to stay in two of its various lawsuits with Motorola, arguing that the pending acquisition of Motorola Mobility (MMI) by Google has resulted in "a fundamental loss of Motorola's patent rights," reports "FOSS Patents."
One of the lawsuits was started by MMI in the Southern District of Florida (with both parties asserting six patents each), and the other one by Apple in the Western District of Wisconsin. Apple is asserting 15 patents and MMI is asserting six.
Under the merger agreement with Google, MMI is severely restricted in its ability to enforce its patents and negotiate settlements, says "FOSS Patents." Apple's lawyers argue that MMI currently lacks standing. Read more at http://macte.ch/DQJJc .
Apple alleges that Motorola infringes 24 of its patents (21 of them with Android-based phones, the remaining 3 with set-top boxes and DVRs), while Motorola previously asserted 18 patents against a variety of Apple products (mostly but not exclusively iPhone, iPad...
Apple-Samsung battle moves to France, China
Samsung has now filed a direct suit against Apple in France, the first time the fight has moved to that country, notes "mocoNews.net" (http://macte.ch/Bp7sp). This follows the news that Apple looks to be opening another front in its patent defense, with 40 new design patents now registered in China, the article adds.
All totaled, Samsung and Apple now have suits against each other in four countries in Europe: Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and now France Then there's Japan, Korea, the U.S. and Australia.
A little background: on June 17 in the US, Apple amended and expanded its complaint against Samsung, asserting more patents and other intellectual property rights than before against an extended list of allegedly infringing products.
In April Samsung filed patent lawsuits against Apple over the U.S. firm's iPhone and iPad after Apple claimed Samsung's smartphones and tablets "slavishly" copied its products. This followed an Apple lawsuit filed on April 15 in the U.S. that claimed...
Investment bank thinks Apple will return some cash to...
Investment bank Morgan Stanley told investors -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) that Apple may return some of its US$76 billion in cash to shareholders and recommended either share buybacks or dividends as the most favorable options.
Analyst Katy Huberty told investors that this cash pile represents 22% of its market capitalization. Of that amount, roughly $29 billion, as of the second quarter of calendar 2011, is held in the U.S., while $24 billion in foreign cash is believed to be eligible for repatriation without additional tax expenses, says "AppleInsider."
Apple has lately been accruing U.S. income tax on about half of its foreign income, a rare move for corporations, according to Huberty. "We believe Apple is the only company in our coverage to accrue such a significant portion," she told investors.
If the company chooses not to return cash to shareholders, Morgan Stanley predicts Apple's cash balance will grow 58% year-over-year to $94 billion by...
comScore: Apple is number three among EU5 smartphone vendors
comScore (http://www.comscore.com), a company that "measures the digital world," has released data from the comScore MobiLens service analyzing growth trends of the smartphone platforms across the five leading European markets (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom). In July 2011, nearly one in four smartphone users in EU5 reported using smartphones running on the Google Android platform.
HTC had the highest market share among mobile original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), accounting for 34.6 percent of Android devices used across the region in this period, followed closely by Samsung with 31.7 percent of Android devices.
“Smartphone adoption has seen significant growth from the previous year, driven in large part by the increasing popularity of the Google Android platform,” says Jeremy Copp, comScore Europe vice president for Mobile. “Although Symbian continues to lead the EU5 smartphone market, Android is gaining fast and recently passed Apple to become the second...
Apple readies MacBook Airs for Thunderbolt displays
Apple has released MacBook Air EFI Firmware Update 2.1 for the Thunderbolt-enabled MacBook Air. The update addresses Thunderbolt Display compatibility issues and performance issues for Thunderbolt Target Disk Mode.
You can obtain the upgrade via the Software Updates component of the Mac OS X Systems Preferences app. The firmware update requires Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion").
Wacom launches Cintiq 24HD interactive pen display
Wacom has released the Cintiq 24HD interactive pen display, which is designed especially for designers, illustrators, animators, video editors and other creative pros.
It joins the Cintiq 21UX and Cintiq 12WX as part of Wacom's complete lineup of interactive pen displays. The new 24-inch HD (1920 x 1200) widescreen display provides realistic color for color-critical work.
The ergonomically designed counter-weighted stand allows users to adjust the incline and height of the Cintiq for multiple working postures, even allowing the What's more, the frame around the screen is designed to be a resting place for the hands and arms, providing access to the Touch Ring and shortcut and modifier Express Keys located on both sides of the Cintiq. The Cintiq 24HD incorporates Wacom's most realistic pen experience, featuring 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity and 40 degrees of tilt control, says Don Varga, Director of Professional Products for Wacom Technology Services Corp.
The Cintiq 24HD pen...
TV studios adding closed captioning to some shows on iTunes
Television studios have "quietly" begun adding closed captioning to a small selection of the TV shows on offer in the iTunes Store, says "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com).
Fox, FX, CW and ABC are among the studios that have added closed captions to TV shows on iTunes, the article adds. Specific shows include "Sons of Anarchy," "New Girl," "Switched at Birth" and "The Secret Circle," though, in general, only the current season of these shows carries support for captions.
It's not exactly clear when the first captioned TV shows arrived on the iTunes Store, but as late as last month, reports claimed that no TV shows on Apple's digital storefront offered the feature, says "AppleInsider." Most of the shows providing the closed-captioning are from the fall 2011 TV lineup and have only been added recently, the article adds.
iHome, New Balance team up for NB639 fitness headphones
iHome and New Balance have teamed up to produce the US$99 NB639 Fitness Evolved headphones.
Features include: a chronograph workout timer; pedometer; the ability to track the total number of steps and distance traveled; a heart rate monitor, the ability to measure heart rate beats per minute and calories burned; real-time voiceover feedback; the ability to announces heart rate, caloric burn, steps taken and distance stats without pausing your music or your workout.
HeartPal Graphing software sorts your information by days/weeks/months, and summarizes performance data, allows you to customize your results and set goals. The NB639 also sport eetachable ear cushions fit a variety of ear sizes.
Digital Heaven releases five new transition effects for Final...
Digital Heaven has released the first in a series of Final Cut Pro X effects packages to complement any editor's effects toolkit.
FCPX Transitions Pack 1 features five transitions including DH_Flare, DH_FrameRoll, DH_LightFlash, DH_Shutter and DH_StretchPan. In DH_Flare
the classic lens flare transition gets a makeover with controls for changing the color, angle and a little twist.
DH_FrameRoll brings the retro effect of old-school projectors that kept jumping into the 21st century with controls for bumpiness and stretchiness. DH_LightFlash replicates the organic imperfection of light leaking into an old film camera with controls for light direction and extra leakiness.
DH_Shutter is a "snap-happy" transition that mimics the lens shutter of a camera. You can choose between the classic iris and vertical shutter styles. DH_StretchPan offers a whip pan effect that adds dynamic movement between two shots with adjustable direction.
FCPX Transitions Pack 1 is available for immediate...
Deus Ex: Human Revolution coming to the Mac
Feral Interactive says the action-RPG video game Deus Ex: Human Revolution will be released for the Mac this winter. Developed by Eidos-Montreal and published by Square Enix for game consoles and the PC, Deus Ex: Human Revolution is a prequel to Deus Ex.
Here's how the game is described: "Set in 2027, Deus Ex: Human Revolution immerses players in a world where amoral corporations market biomechanical modifications that blur the boundary between man and machine. The player controls former SWAT commander Adam Jensen who has been forced to undergo cybernetic augmentations after a terrorist attack on Sarif Industries, the biotech company where he works as security chief.
"To find those responsible, the player must explore the full potential of Adam’s augmented body and develop it to suit their playing style. Every situation can be approached in countless different ways, either by focusing on one of the four pillars of gameplay - combat, stealth, hacking and social -- or by deploying an...
mSecure 3.0 password manager released for Mac OS X, iOS
mSeven Software (http://msevensoftware.com/) has launched mSecure 3.0, offering additional security, accessibility and more for Mac OS X, iOS, Windows and Android systems.
The password manager software now supports groups for categorizing records, the ability to mark favorite records for fast access and a new Security Everywhere architecture for improved data security when syncing with cloud services such as Dropbox and Apple's upcoming iCloud. The folks at mSeven say that they're introducing the Security Everywhere sync architecture to accomplish three main goals:
° Sync securely without concern about the security of the cloud system.
° Sync anywhere using a general Internet connection without the hassle of firewall and router settings.
° Sync anytime keeping all mobile and computing devices in sync without a sync server.
mSecure’s Security Everywhere architecture adds additional encryption and compression to its 256-bit Blowfish encryption. Another key feature in the 3.0 release is...
U.S. GameStop stores to accept trades of iOS devices
Got an iPod, iPhone or iPad collecting dust? Now you can trade it for credit toward video games, gaming systems, downloadable content and more at GameStop (http://www.GameStop.com/PCGames), a multichannel retailer of video games.
Trades of the iPod, iPhone or iPad must be in working condition and free from cosmetic defects. For complete details, including devices accepted, visit http://www.GameStop.com/iTrades or a local GameStop store.
VidConvert ready for Lion
Independent software developer Reggie Ashworth has released VidConvert 1.1, an update of his video converter for Mac OS X. It's been optimized for Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion") and sports a new "logic" to give the best quality and file size at the fastest speed.
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. However, 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....
CS Odessa updates MindTweet
CS Odessa has announced an updated ConceptDraw MindTweet addition to ConceptDraw MindMap 7.
The new ConceptDraw MindTweet solution is available immediately via download from the ConceptDraw Solution Park located at the Concept Draw website (http://www.conceptdraw.com). ConceptDraw MindTweet adds the capability of being able to publish the image of an entire mind map, or any selected portion of a map. Now ConceptDraw MindMap users won't be able to publish the topic text, but also map images with the push of a button.
ConceptDraw MINDMAP is a mind-mapping application that assists with brainstorming, building business documentation, and constructing presentations. Now it can also be used for communication and social collaboration in online community-oriented environments.
Availability of ConceptDraw MindMap 7 is immediate. ConceptDraw MindMap retails for US$219, competitive upgrades from other paid mind mapping products are available for $109, contact CS Odessa sales for details on...
Mac platform on pace to have best quarter ever
Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster told clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- that the latest sales figures from the NPD Group (http://www.npd.com) show the Mac platform is set to have its best quarter ever, with sales on pace to hit 4.5 million.
NPD's latest U.S. data tracked Mac sales up 22% in July and August. Munster said August Mac sales benefitted from a full month of Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion") being available. Plus, Mac sales were also beefed up by sales of the refreshed MacBook Air and Mac mini models.
Munster thinks the MacBook Air will represent between 10 and 20% of total Mac units in the September quarter. Sales of 4.1 million Macs would easily be a record for Apple, notes "AppleInsider." The company's previous best came in the holiday quarter of 2010, when 4.1 million Macs were sold.
Apple ends security updates for five-year-old Macs
"The JoshMeister on Security" site has posted an in-depth article detailing how Apple has stopped issuing security updates for Leopard, and so has finally terminated support for PowerPC-based hardware, some of which Apple was still selling as recently as four years and 11 months ago.
"Until [Sept. 10] Apple had been releasing security updates for Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard, the final version of the Mac operating system that is compatible with G4 and G5 processors," writes the JoshMeister (Joshua Long). Prior to Apple's transition to the Intel architecture in 2006, all Macs had been based on the IBM/Motorola PowerPC G4 and G5 processors."
Apple began converting its entire line of Macs to Intel processors in January 2006 with the MacBook Pro (which replaced the PowerBook G4) and the iMac, followed by the Mac mini in February, the MacBook (which replaced the iBook) in May, the Mac Pro (which replaced the Power Macintosh G5) in August, and finally the Xserve in November 2006.
"Those who...
Analyst: Apple to build 30 million iPhone 5 units this calendar...
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo tells "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) that Apple's anticipated iPhone 5G will sport the same 512MB of DRAM as the iPhone 4. In addition, the hardware will feature a glass front and back, just like the current iPhone, he adds.
Kuo tells "AppleInsider" that the next rev of the Apple smartphone should have an improved antenna design. Though the antenna will be improved, the analyst thinks that there will be little change to its shape and appearance.
Kuo forecasts that Apple is planning to build 30 million iPhone 5 units by the end of calendar year 2011. If Apple were to meet that goal and sell all of the handsets in the holiday quarter, it would easily best the record 20.34 million iPhones Apple sold in its June 2011 quarter, notes "AppleInsider."
101 Dolphin Pets swims onto the Mac App Store
Selectsoft (http://www2.selectsoft.com/) has introduced 101 Dolphin Pets 1.0, a virtual pet game for Mac OS X 10.6.6 or higher. It's available for US$6.99 in the Games section of the Mac App Store.
101 Dolphin Pets features a3D world, with over 101 accessories, fun tricks, pet shows and more. You can teach your dolphin to jump, dress it in fun clothes, take it to the vet, explore underwater and more.
You can zoom, tilt and rotate in 3D as you visit the aqua park, go underwater and more. In the app, you can unlock new items as you care for your dolphin.
RAGE Software releases iWeb to WordPress conversion tool
RAGE Software (http://www.ragesw.com/) has introduced iWeb to WordPress, a tool for converting an iWeb blog to a WordPress blog.
WordPress, one of the most popular and powerful blogging platforms available today, is a great alternative for iWeb users, according to the folks at RAGE Software. iWeb to WordPress takes all of your blog posts and comments from iWeb and imports them into WordPress.
Translate Tab for Lion translates 57 languages
Alex Izvekov has released Translate Tab 1.0 (http://translate-tab.com) for Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion"). It's a menu bar utility that provides instant language translation between 57 languages.
It's available at an introductory price of US$1.99 from the Mac App Store in the Utilities category. The regular price is $3.99.
Based on Google Translate, the app is designed for quick, desktop translation. Translate Tab features: automatic recognition of the input language, audible pronunciation of the original and translation, suggested phrases, click-on-word alternate translation, one-button reverse translation, and continuous translation while typing.
Translate Tab can be accessed from the menu bar, while any running application remains in the front of the desktop. Clicking on the Translate Tab status item or icon on the right side of the menu launches a drop-down menu. At the top are two buttons: "Translate From" and "Translate To." Each button has its own drop-down menu with 57 languages...
Macware releases Graphic Design Studio for Mac OS X
Macware has released Graphic Design Studio, an application for creating graphic designs and vector illustrations on your Mac. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher and is compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion").
It offers a starting point to your projects by including pre-designed vector artwork, royalty free vector graphics, images and more. You can use Graphic Design Studio to design web buttons, drawings, icons, logos, tattoos, banners, email and website graphics, cartoons, text art, posters, t-shirt designs and more.
The software is targeted to graphic design professionals and newbies alike. it upports SVG, PDF, PNG, JPEG, BMP, TIFF, GIFF, EPS and more.
Graphic Design Studio is now available on the Macware website (http://www.macwareinc.com) at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$39.99
AJA introduces Thunderbolt-enabled XT, KONA LHe Plus
AJA Video Systems (http://www.aja.com) is introducing Io XT, the company’s first Thunderbolt-enabled professional video I/O device.
The XT connects to a Thunderbolt enabled Apple computer via a single cable. An additional Thunderbolt port is provided, allowing daisy-chaining to other Thunderbolt peripherals like high bandwidth storage and high-resolution displays through a single interface. In addition to the range of supported capture and playback formats, the Io XT can unify disparate formats via its 10-bit hardware Up/Down/Cross conversion capability.
The Io XT provides compatibility with popular NLE programs, the newest codecs, video formats, stereoscopic 3D workflows and more. It will be available in the fourth quarter of the year at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$1,495.
Designed for today’s workflows, Io XT provides compatibility with the most popular NLE programs, the newest codecs, video formats, stereoscopic 3D workflows,
AJA is also debuting the next-...
Black Cat Systems releases Sound Byte 4.1.2
Black Cat Systems (http://www.blackcatsystems.com) has released version 4.1.2 of Sound Byte, which turns your Mac into a" cart machine" for playing sound recordings, such as music and special effects.
This version corrects a problem with the Apple Remote Control not working with all Mac models, as well as custom sound channel mapping not always working.
Sound Byte is designed for DJs, radio stations and audio productions, allowing the user to play a variety of recorded sounds, such as jingles, advertisements, songs, sound effects at sporting events, and more. Sound Byte is available for Mac OS X, as well as for Windows.
It comes in three versions, starting at US$39. Sound Byte Lite supports a single rack of carts, or up to 75 recordings total. Sound Byte supports five racks of carts, or up to 375 recordings total. Sound Byte Pro supports 50 racks of carts, or up to 3750 recordings total.
SweetP Productions has announced Cookie 2.0
SweetP Productions has announced Cookie 2.0 (http://www.sweetpproductions.com), an update to their cookie and browser history management utility for Mac OS X (10.6.6 and higher). It's available at the Mac App Store for US$14.99.
Version 2.0 sports, among other things, a revamped user interface. Cookie is designed to help you to manage exactly who can access information about your online activities. It scans your computer for all types of cookies, from all the top browsers, and can be configured to remove all unwanted tracking-advertising cookies.
Data can be stored on your computer without you even knowing in a multitude of different formats: cookies, Flash cookies, databases and local storage. Cookie scans your computer for all types of cookies.
Music Man for Mac OS X gets maintenance update
Mireth Technology has updated Music Man (http://www.mireth.com/) -- the Mac OS X ripper, converter, burner, player digital music software -- to version 4.0.1. The upgrade is a maintenance release to provide more reliablity when displaying m4a tag artwork on Mac OS X 10.6 and later.
Music Man can rip, convert, burn and play MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, AIF, Audio CD, MIDI and Ogg Vorbis on Mac OS X. It also has burning features, such as variable burn quality that allows for burning up to four times as much music on a USB Flash Drive as when using standard burn technology, according to the folks at Mireth. Another feature is the mono mixdown feature, which burns all the music to both the right and left track, so one-ear listening lets you hear both tracks.
Music Man is available for download, or on CD-ROM, starting at $24.95. Registered users of Music Man version 3.x can take advantage of this free update. Registered users of previous versions of Music Man can take advantage of this free upgrade...
HighPoint Shipping External 4-Port SAS 6Gb/s PCI-E 2.0 x8 RAID...
HighPoint Technologies, Inc. is now shipping its latest SAS 6Gb/s HBA, the RocketRAID 2711. Designed specifically for Mac Pro platforms, the RocketRAID 2711 is an external 4-port, SAS 6Gb/s PCI-E 2.0 x8 RAID controller, and directly supports up to 4 SAS/SATA devices in a variety of storage configurations.
"The RocketRAID 2711 delivers enterprise management and connectivity features at entry level costs." according to the company. External Mini-SAS port (SFF-8088) and a low-profile design allows the card to be integrated into a variety of rack-mount and chassis designs.
The RocketRAID 2711 can support SAS and SATA devices in a multitude of configurations, including non-RAID JBOD’s, single disks, and RAID arrays including 0, 1, 5, 10 and 50, and includes Highpoint’s Unified Web-Based Management interface, which allows both novices and experts to quickly configure, manage and monitor storage configurations.
The RocketRAID 2711 is fully backwards compatible with SAS/SATA 3Gb/s devices,...
Apple posts Security Update 2011-005
Apple has released Security Update 2011-005 for Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard") and Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion"). It addresses an issue with fraudulent certificates issued recently by DigiNotar.
According to "The Mac Security Blog" (http://macte.ch/GNnks): "An attacker with a privileged network position may intercept user credentials or other sensitive information Description: Fraudulent certificates were issued by multiple certificate authorities operated by DigiNotar. This issue is addressed by removing DigiNotar from the list of trusted root certificates, from the list of Extended Validation (EV) certificate authorities, and by configuring default system trust settings so that DigiNotar’s certificates, including those issued by other authorities, are not trusted."
Security Update 2011-005 can be obtained via the Software Updates component of the Mac OS X Systems Preferences app.
Droplets sues Apple, others for patent infringement
Another day, another lawsuit. A company called Droplets (http://www.droplets.com/) has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Apple, Google, Facebook and Yahoo, reports "Patently Apple" (http://macte.ch/Rt8fs).
Droplets official Complaint, filed with lawsuit friendly Texas Eastern District Court, accuses Apple of violating their patent that covers an object-oriented approach for delivering interactive links to applications and information stored on a network. The complaint claims that Apple's own website along with their movie trailer site, iTunes and "other web applications" violate their patent, notes "Patently Apple."
Droplets -- located in Plano, Texas -- was founded in 2000. According to the company's website its goal is to: ".... meet the needs of enterprises who seek more efficient ways to deliver highly functional and scalable applications over the Internet. Through Droplets and the Universal User Interface, companies can provide dynamic, accessible applications across...
Apple wins Galaxy Tab injunction in Germany -- again
The Düsseldorf Regional Court has again upheld the preliminary injunction against the Galaxy Tab 10.1 based on the alleged infringement of a Community design (a design-related intellectual property right registered with an EU agency) held by Apple.
According to "FOSS Patents" (http://macte.ch/B7ggN), at this stage, the injunction is valid only in Germany with respect to Samsung's Korean parent company. Only the German subsidiary is barred from selling across the border, but that doesn't have any practical consequences, the article says.
Two days ago Samsung pulled the just-unveiled Galaxy Tab 7.7 out of the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin after a Dusseldorf court on Sept. 2 granted Apple’s request to ban sales and marketing of the product.
Also, last month it was announced that Apple had won an agreement from Samsung that the South Korean company won’t sell the newest version of its tablet computer in Australia until a patent lawsuit in the country is resolved.
The Samsung...
mLogic introduces new Mac products
mLogic (http://www.mlogic.com) has launched three products designed for Macs: the mDock, mBack and mLink.
The mDock is a companion product for unibody MacBook Pro (MBP) portable computers. It eliminates the repetitive plugging and unplugging of devices typically attached to these computers while significantly reducing desktop cable clutter. While docked, mDock’s built-in hard drive backs up the MBP system drive via Time Machine. It also features front facing USB and headphone ports. It costs US$219 for the 500GB version and $299 for the 1TB version.
The mBack (pictured) is a zero-footprint backup drive for iMacs. Unlike a typical backup drive that resides on the desktop, mBack mounts securely to the iMac stand (or Apple Cinema/Thunderbolt Display stand) so it’s off the desktop and out of the way. The mBack is $169 for the 1TB model, $209 for the 2TB version and $349 for a 3TB edition.
The $399 mLink is an external chassis that enables PCIe adapter cards (HD video capture cards, RAID...
Apple posts updated Lexmark drivers
Apple has released updated drivers (http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1397) from Lexmark for Mac OS X 10.6 and 10.7. This download includes the latest Lexmark printing and scanning software.
It's a 133.99MB download. You can obtain it via the Software Updates component of the Mac OS X Systems Preferences app.
Gartner: computer shipments to slow to 3.8% growth in 2011
The Mac will doubtless bear the trend, but worldwide personal computer unit growth is on pace to total US352 million units in 2011, a 3.8% increase from 2010, according to the latest preliminary forecast by Gartner (http://www.gartner.com).
Shipments are forecast to see better growth by the end 2012, when units are expected to reach 404 million units, a 10.9% increase from 2011, according to the research group. Computer unit growth for both 2011 and 2012 has been reduced from previous projections: from 9.3% growth for 2011 and from 12.8% growth for 2012.
The notably lower outlook for 2011 personal computer growth is largely due to sharply downgraded forecasts for Western Europe and the United States in the second half of the year. The lower outlook for 2012 is the result of a weaker 2011, and also a slower start to 2012 -- with an expectation for better growth in the second half of next year as economies stabilize and new mobile computer form factors enter the market.
Even so, the...
App piracy hurting Android developers’ bottom lines
App downloads in the U.S. are booming to the tune of 40 apps per user per year, according to Yankee Group’s (http://www.yankeegroup.com) 2011 US Consumer Survey, but not all platforms are participating equally in the frenzy.
Android developers make much less money from paid apps than do Apple iOS developers. A recent survey of 75 Android developers conducted by Skyhook suggests that rampant piracy of Android apps may be the primary culprit. Findings include:
° Piracy is a problem for Android Among the Android developers surveyed, 27% see piracy as a huge problem and another 26 percent see it as somewhat of a problem.
° Google isn’t helping. Fifty-three percent of developer respondents say Google is too lax in its Android market policies.
° Piracy hurts developers’ top and bottom lines. About a third of developers say piracy has cost them in excess of US$10,000 in revenue. Additionally, 32% say it increases their support costs, while another quarter say they see increased server costs...
Enolsoft conjures up PDF Magic for Mac
Enolsoft Corp., a professional multimedia software developer, has released PDF Magic for Mac. It offers an all-in-one solution for Mac users (OS X 10.5 and higher, including Lion) to split, merge, assort, rotate and insert PDF with drag-n-drop.
Users can split multipage PDF to smaller PDF documents, merge several PDF files into one single PDF document, insert PDF pages into another PDF document, create new PDF files from image and pages, and extract pages from PDF files and rotate PDF pages if necessary. The compatibility of Mac OS X Lion with full screen mode supported and zoom-in (zoom-out) function helps Mac users to better preview and manage their PDF files.
Retailing for US$39, the Enolsoft PDF Magic for Mac is available now through the Enolsoft website (http://www.enolsoft.com). Users may download a free trial version through http://www.enolsoft.com/download/enolsoft-pdf-magic.dmg .
iClock for Desktop 1.0 ticks onto Mac OS X
Aperio Lux (http://aperio-lux.com.ua/) has released iClock for Desktop 1.0 for Mac OS X. It displays an unique analog clock that you can place anywhere on your desktop on your main monitor -- or you can move it to a secondary monitor as well.
The picture is enhanced by sound effects creating a realistic environment. If you need to turn the sound effects off, you can do that from the Settings panel. From that same panel, you can select the position for the clock (above all other windows or standard placement). You can also set the clock to show on all spaces as well as in fullscreen regime.
The program offers six clock styles for you to choose from. If the clock is set to the standard placement from the menu "Bring iClock to Front" and "Show Clock," you can always bring it to the forefront. The Run At Login option in your Settings menu lets iClock be launched every time you turn your Mac on.
iClock requires Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion"). It costs US$0.99 and is available worldwide through...
G-Tech shows 4GB hard drives
Dedicated to serving the Mac and creative professional audio/video (A/V) markets, G-Technology by Hitachi (http://www.g-technology.com/) is demoing its first 4TB hard drives with Thunderbolt technology at IBC 2011 in its two-drive, RAID 0, G-RAID solution.
Not only does the G-RAID Thunderbolt demo showcase the fastest interface you can find with data transfer rates up to 10 Gbps, it shows amazing sustained throughput for handling multi-stream compressed HD workflows including REDCODE, DVCPro HD, XDCAM HD and ProRes 422. At 8TB it is also the highest capacity, two-drive, RAID 0 external storage device in the world for storing hours of clips, composites, digital intermediate (DIs), proofs, effects and more, says Steve Pereira, vice president, Hitachi GST, Europe Middle East and Africa.
What's more, connected to a MacBook Pro, the G-RAID solution enables a portable editing workstation to take on the road, in the studio or even use from the comfort of your own home to complete projects...
Colin McRae: DiRT 2 drives onto the Mac
Feral Interactive has announced the immediate online release of Colin McRae: DiRT 2. The game’s release was delayed from July in order to improve compatibility with Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion").
Here's how the game is described: "Combining sublime handling, gorgeous visuals and dynamic competition, Colin McRae: DiRT 2 sets a new standard for racing games on the Mac. The game features nine incredible locations around the globe, 41 tracks and over 100 separate racing events, all of which combine to deliver a spectacular, nerve-shattering racing experience.
"Colin McRae: DiRT 2 puts players behind the wheel for a world tour that runs from the mud-soaked Malaysian rainforest to the open desert roads of Morocco and on to the rain-slicked streets of Tokyo. Racers compete in a variety of contemporary sports racing styles, including three special ESPN X Games events. Additionally, the game lets players experience intense multi-car races in head-to-head competitive online play.
"Colin McRae: DiRT...
Adobe showcases advances in broadcast workflows at IBC 2011
At the IBC 2011 Conference and Exhibition, Adobe (http://www.adobe.com) is showcasing new video technologies and initiatives designed to help media professionals to create, deliver and monetize premium video content across a myriad of platforms and devices.
For content delivery, Adobe is announcing a new version of Adobe Flash Media Server that can now deliver Flash technology to Apple iPhone and iPad devices a new version of Adobe Flash Access, a content protection solution that is available for the Android platform and showcasing widespread adoption of Adobe Pass, a TV Everywhere user authentication solution used by broadcasters.
For content creation, Adobe is announcing the acquisition of certain assets of IRIDAS, a specialist in high performance tools for digital color grading and enhancement of professional film and video, accelerated industry adoption of Adobe solutions for video creation, along with an expanded partner ecosystem.
Adobe will demonstrate its new solutions and...
Acme Made offers new messenger bag
Acme Made (http://www.AcmeMade.com) has introduced the US$119.99 Clyde St. Messenger, its answer to the ubiquitous messenger bag.
Crafted with Acme Made’s Bombshell exterior for protection, the Clyde St. Messenger features a fully-padded laptop pocket within a roomy main compartment. The bag also boasts fine-tuned compartments for all stash-able items, easily stowing a 17-inch MacBook Pro alongside sneakers, sketchbooks, chewing gum, show tickets, noise-cancelling head phones, train tokens, jukebox quarters or iPhone.
The Clyde St. Messenger offers a stay-flat document pocket to protect important files. It also comes with a soft-rubber handle and padded adjustable shoulder strap.
Remote Buddy Express available at Mac App Store
Remote Buddy Express (http://www.iospirit.com/products/remotebuddyexpress/ajaxremote/), a version of Remote Buddy with stripped-down hardware support, is now available on the Mac App Store for US$19.99. It requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or higher and is compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion").
The Express version supports only the Apple Remote (via built-in Apple IR Receivers), iPhone and iPod touch, the regular Remote Buddy version supports a wider range of remote controls and receivers. Remote Buddy Express has more than 100 directly supported applications and system functions, real virtual mouse and keyboard, built-in presentation tools and extensive configuration abilities.
NuForce introduces audio conversion, headphone amp for iOS
NuForce (http://www.nuforce.com/) has announced the Icon iDo digital audio converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch devices. It's available now for US$249 from several online stores and Nuforce dealers.
It delivers audiophile-grade CD quality sound to digital music files stored on Apple mobile digital devices, according to NuForce CEO Jason Lim. iDo is ideal for music enthusiasts and musicians alike who primarily listen to -- and have their digital music libraries stored on -- these devices, he adds.
Users can connect any Apple mobile device to the Icon iDo with the Apple- approved, included 30-pin sync/charging cable, attach the power supply, and then plug the Icon iDo into a home stereo system using RCA cables or a single coaxial. Users can also plug in headphones directly into the Icon iDo for personal high quality sound playback.
Apple uses its own audio codec, Apple Lossless Encoder (ALE), to compress and store music files on its devices in...
Boris FX announces Boris Continuum Complete 8 AE
Boris FX (http://www.borisfx.com) has announced Boris Continuum Complete 8 AE (BCC 8 AE).
It delivers 200-plus VFX filters to Mac and Windows versions of Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro CS5.5, CS5, CS4, and CS3. New flicker reduction and videoscope tools, OpenGL-accelerated 32-bit float support, and enhanced lens flares, particles, glows, lights, and After Effects integration headline this new release.
BCC 8 AE will be available in October 2011 at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$995. Owners of previous versions of BCC AE may upgrade for an MSRP of $295 USD. Customers who purchase BCC 7 AE as of Sept. 8, 2011 will be eligible to receive a free upgrade to BCC 8 AE.
For a limited time, owners of GenArts Sapphire for Adobe After Effects will be eligible to crossgrade to BCC 8 AE for US$295 (limited to two crossgrade licenses per customer). CC 8 AVX for Avid, BCC 8 OFX for Sony Vegas Pro, and BCC 8 FxPlug for Apple Final Cut Pro 7, Final Cut Pro X, and Motion are...
TechTool Protogo 3.0 is Lion compatible
Micromat has announced a Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion") compatible version of TechTool Protogo 3.0. Protogo ships with the Protogo device configuration application, a collection of standard system and utility configurations, plus TechTool Pro 6.
Custom profiles for specific needs can be created with a few clicks. When profiles are installed on a single USB or FireWire device, Protogo can boot, run diagnostics and perform drive repairs on most Macs operating on Mac OS X 10.4.9 or newer.
In this new version, Protogo has been upgraded to run on Lion, yet preserves the flexibility to more add profiles for diagnosing hardware issues and repairing drives on older Macs, too, according to the folks at Micromat. Now a single portable device, such as a small flash drive, old iPod, SD Card or hard drive, can be used to boot, diagnose hardware and repair drives on a variety of Macs at home or at work.
Protogo 3.0 is available direct by download from Micromat (http://www.micromat.com) for US$129.99 with...
Manhattan Edit Workshop slated for fall
Manhattan Edit Workshop has announced an expanded and heightened training curriculum, taking content creation from start to finish, just in time for fall 2011.
Recently named one of New York's only Autodesk Authorized Training Centers, Mewshop's fall line-up includes brand new courses like Autodesk Smoke classes, a Documentary Filmmaker's Intensive course, Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve demos, and more. For the complete fall 2011 calendar schedule go to http://www.mewshop.com .
Squeeze Server 1.5 touts full adaptive bitrate support
In conjunction with the start of IBC2011, Sorenson Media (http://www.sorensonmedia.com/) has released Sorenson Squeeze Server 1.5, an update of the company’s enterprise transcoding solution that now includes optimized performance for all three leading adaptive bitrate streaming platforms: Apple HTTP Adaptive Streaming, Adobe Dynamic Streaming and Microsoft Smooth Streaming.
With hundreds of intelligent video encoding parameters, known as presets, Squeeze Server 1.5 fully automates the process of transcoding video files to optimize playback with virtually any container or format -- from broadcast standards like MXF, to popular outputs such as Flash, h.264 and WebM -- and on any major device -- from smartphones and tablets to computers, set-top boxes and connected TVs, according to Sorenson Media CEO Peter Csathy.
The unique adaptive bitrate support streamlines enterprise workflows by automatically transcoding each individual video file into multiple, chunked segments in a full array...
Apple launches charitable matching program for employees
Apple has launched a new charitable matching program for its employees, with the company offering to match employees' personal charitable contributions up to US$10,000 per year, reports "MacRumors" (http://www.macrumors.com). The article says the new program was announced in a company-wide email sent by new Apple CEO Tim Cook:
"Team:
"I am very happy to announce that we are kicking off a matching gift program for charitable donations. We are all really inspired by the generosity of our co-workers who give back to the community and this program is going to help that individual giving go even farther.
"Starting September 15, when you give money to a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Apple will match your gift dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000 annually. This program will be for full-time employees in the US at first, and we'll expand it to other parts of the world over time.
"Thank you all for working so hard to make a difference, both here at Apple and in the lives of others. I...
Apple highest in smartphone customer satisfaction
Overall satisfaction with smartphones and traditional mobile phones is considerably higher for devices that are a specific size and weight and are equipped with the latest technological advancements, such as high-quality display screens, faster processing speeds, longer battery life and touch screen capabilities, according to a new J.D. Power and Associates (http://www.JDPower.com study.
For a sixth consecutive time, Apple ranks highest among manufacturers of smartphones in customer satisfaction. Apple achieves a score of 838 and performs well in all factors, particularly in ease of operation and features. HTC (801) follows Apple in the smartphone rankings.
Samsung ranks highest in overall customer satisfaction with traditional handsets with a score of 718. Samsung performs well in three factors: performance, ease of operation and features. LG (717), Sanyo (716) and Sony Ericsson (709) follow Samsung in the traditional handset rankings.
Satisfaction with both smartphones and...
India's CCI investigating Apple
India's competition watchdog CCI has ordered investigations into allegations that Apple is limiting the availability of its products to a few service providers using its dominant market position, reports "The Economic Times" (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com).
The Director General of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) was asked to probe the matter after studying a complaint from a customer that Apple is curbing the customer's choice by limiting the availability of iPhones and iPads in India to a limited number of service providers, besides its signature stores, the article says, quoting unnamed sources. The customer's complaint was admitted under the section 4 of the Competition Act, 2002.
Apple wants to ban some Samsung gadget sales in Japan
Apple wants to ban sales of some Samsung Electronics gadgets in Japan, accusing its rival of violating patents relating to the iPhone and iPad, reports "Reuters" (http://www.reuters.com).
Apple has filed a suit with the Tokyo District Court seeking the suspension of sales of Galaxy S and its sequel S II smartphones and the Galaxy Tab 7 in Japan, says "Reuters," quoting "sources close to the matter." The first hearing was held on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, an Australian court has postponed a hearing due Thursday in which Apple is trying to stop Samsung Electronics Co. selling its Galaxy Tab 10.1 in the country, according to "MarketWatch" (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/australia-court-postpones-apple-samsung...). Apple has taken Samsung to court in Australia to stop the South Korean company from selling its Galaxy Tab 10.1, claiming the device breaches patents related to the iPad, which Samsung Electronics disputes.
A directions hearing was scheduled for 2315 GMT in Sydney's Federal...
