Apple releases Camera RAW update
Apple has released Camera RAW 3.6 (http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1357). It adds RAW image compatibility for new Canon, Olympus and Pentax cameras to Aperture 3 and iPhoto '11.
It also addresses processing problems for some cameras. Camera RAW 3.6 requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or higher and is a 6.45MB download.
Wondershare launches PDF converter on Mac App Store
AnyBizSoft PDF Converter, is now available on the Mac App Store. It costs US$69.99.
AnyBizSoft PDF Converter lets you convert PDF to six formats including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, EPUB, HTML and Text on Mac OS X. By converting PDF to the Office formats, users can edit, reuse, present PDF files. Also, converting PDF to EPUB can improve the eBook reading experience on the iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Sony Reader, and more.
PDF Converter preserves all the elements of original PDF files, such as text, hyperlinks, images, layouts, tables, columns, and graphics. It supports batch-conversion and partial-conversion modes. Batch-conversion allows Mac users to convert maximum 50 PDF files at one time. Partial-Conversion helps users specify page ranges (e.g. page 1-15) or select specific pages (e.g. page 5, 7, 14…).
PDF Converter also converts encrypted PDF files. If the PDF file has copying, printing and editing restrictions, Mac users can convert it with this app directly. If the PDF file has an...
Windows Phone 7 Connector app available
The Windows Phone 7 Connector app for Mac computers is ready and lets you transfer data between a WP7 smartphone and a Mac. It's free and is available at the Mac App Store.
The app is designed to sync your media files from your Mac, with your Windows Phone 7 or Zune HD. You can also sync photos and videos you captured on your phone with your Mac, and, when needed, update your Windows Phone 7 software.
Trine game available at Macgamestore.com
Frozenbytes's Trine is now available at Macgamestore.com and requires Mac OS X 10.6.4 or higher. The game is normally priced at US$19.95, but is available for a limited time for $9.95.
Here's how Trine is described: "Trine is a fantasy action game where the player can create and use physics-based objects to beat hazardous puzzles and threatening enemies. Set in a world of great castles and strange machinery, three heroes are bound to a mysterious device called the Trine in a quest to save the kingdom from evil.
"The gameplay is based on fully interactive physics - each character's different abilities help the player battle an army of undead and defeat hazardous contraptions. The player can at any time freely choose whoever is best suited for the upcoming challenge or puzzle: The Wizard is able to summon objects to help solve puzzles and create new ways to overcome obstacles, the Thief uses her agility and dead-on accuracy to swiftly surprise the monsters, and the Knight unleashes...
TARMAC now supports creation of App Catalogs
Equinux has updated TARMAC (http://www.equinux.com/us/products/tarmac/demo.html), a provisioning tool tailored specifically for the Apple platform, to version 1.5. With TARMAC medium to large enterprises can securely set up and manage their iPhones and iPads over-the-air, says equinux CEO till Schadde.
TARMAC now supports the creation of App Catalogs -- a way to provide employees with pre-defined groups of applications through the TARMAC web interface. With the App Catalog, TARMAC 1.5 can host internally developed apps and link those apps to specific workgroups. Using TARMAC, companies can provide employees with an app to access internal sales figures or earnings predictions from internal databases – all without going through the App Store. Using the Admin-interface an administrator can upload, delete or update new apps.
Administrators in corporate networks can define user groups and then categorize and restrict access to certain apps based on the user group. Within the App Catalog,...
FoldersSynchronizer updated to version 4.1
SoftoBe (http://www.softobe.com has updated FoldersSynchronizer, its Mac OS X tool for backing up and synchronizing files, folders and disks, to version 4.0.1. A free update for registered users of version 4.0, it's a maintenance release with some bug fixes.
FoldersSynchronizer is an US$40 app for Mac OS X and Mac OS 9 that synchronizes and backs-up files, folders and disks. The user can choose one or more pairs of files, folders or disks and then they will be synchronized or backed-up.
FoldersSynchronizer lets you organize your sync and backup in several sessions to save to a file for a later reuse. On each session you can apply special options like Timers, Multiple Folders, Filters, Exclude Items, Auto-Mount local and remote volumes, launch your own AppleScripts, set how to resolve conflicts, execute an incremental or an exact copy, and include locked files.
FoldersSynchronizer lets you specify global settings like whether the software should display a preview panel listing all the...
SugoiSoft brings Jisho to the Mac App Store
SugoiSoft has made its debut on the Mac App Store with the release of its flagship Japanese English dictionary, Jisho 4.1. This is purportedly the first Japanese English dictionary available on the Mac App Store not designed for native speakers of Japanese.
Jisho supports searching in multiple languages including: Japanese, English, German, Russian, and French. It also has the ability to convert the Japanese phonetic script hiragana, and Katakana to Roman letters making it easier for beginners to pronounce and read Japanese. Lists of words can also be made within the application so users can track forgotten words or any other vocabulary they choose.
Jisho 4.1 requires a Mac running Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later and costs US$20. A full trial and direct purchase version of Jisho is also available for direct download from the Sugoi Software web site (http://www.sugoisoft.com).
Class on Demand offers Pinnacle Studio training
Class on Demand, a provider of professional educational products for creative markets, has announced "Complete Training for Pinnacle Studio v.14 and v.15."
Developed in conjunction with Avid, the new course instructs users how to leverage both Pinnacle Studio v.14 and v.15 to create HD movies and video with effects, transitions, and more. Class on Demand founder and instructor Paul Holtz spearheads the training release, offering instruction on its integrated tools and his own tips-and-tricks.
The new Class on Demand Complete Training for Pinnacle Studio v.14 and v.15 is priced at $49.99 and is available in both DVD-ROM and streaming video delivery formats from Class on Demand (http://www.classondemand.net/media/pinnacle-training/studio14and15.aspx).
Apple, others looking for international tax amnesty
A group of tech, pharmaceutical and energy giants -- including Apple -- is readying a major lobbying blitz for a tax holiday that would allow them to bring home the estimated $1 trillion they've got parked overseas at a steeply discounted rate, according to "Fortune" (http://macte.ch/kY9Zo).
Quoting "sources close to the effort," the article says Apple, Oracle, Cisco, Duke Energy and Pfizer are among the major players looking to bankroll a coordinated, sustained pitch to sell policymakers on the idea. Their goal: win a one-year tax amnesty on their foreign earnings, allowing them to repatriate that money at a tax rate of about 5%, instead of the 35% they face now.
The push is timed to coincide with the start of a debate on an overhaul of the corporate tax code, and the companies are hoping to include the holiday in any reform package that moves forward, says "Fortune." However, if the broader reform effort stalls, the companies will probably try to move their plan separately, the...
Quark holding special online event Feb. 23
On Wednesday, Feb. 23, Quark is hosting a special online event to make a "significant, product-related announcement."
Members of the press are receiving instructions on how to register for the event. No other details have been offered.
MobileMe to get live video streaming, location-based check-in,...
According to an exclusive report (http://macte.ch/YtK8H) by "Cult of Mac," Apple's MobileMe is in for bigger changes than anyone has anticipated. MobileMe is Apple's US$99-per-year, subscription suite of Internet services.
Rumors have abounded this week that Apple would be soon offer the service for free, perhaps in conjunction with a "streaming only" iPhone that would lack internal storage of any sort. (I'm dubious; see http://www.macnews.com/2011/02/16/cloud-not-entirely-not-ever). Now "Cult of Mac," quoting an unnamed source, says that, among the chances planned for MobileMe, are:
° A live video-streaming service like Ustream;
° A location-based check-in system like Gowalla or Foursquare;
° A geo-tagging system codenamed “Tokens” that tags real-world locations, "like Facebook Places on steroids."
-- Dennis Sellers
dsellers@applecentral.com
iPads propel Apple past HP to top mobile computer position
Surging iPad shipments propelled Apple to a 17.2% share of worldwide mobile pesonal computer shipments in the fourth quarter of 2010 (Q4’10), placing Apple at the top of the DisplaySearch market share ranking.
According to preliminary results from the "DisplaySearch Quarterly Mobile PC Shipment and Forecast Report," Apple shipped more than 10.2 million notebook and tablet computers combined, nearly a million more units than HP in Q4’10. While Apple’s iPad is benefiting from a first-mover advantage, particularly in mature markets, its notebook computer shipment growth rate continues to exceed the industry average.
“While we anticipate increased competition in the tablet PC market later this year with the introduction of Android Honeycomb-based tablets, Apple’s iPad business is complementing a notebook line whose shipments widely exceed the industry average growth rate,” says Richard Shim, Senior Analyst at the DisplaySearch (http://www.displaysearch.com) research group. “Apple is...
Apple's notebook shipments should remain strong
Apple is expected to see its notebook shipments remain strong in the first quarter of 2011 since Intel's defective chip incident didn't impact the company, reports "DigiTimes" (http://macte.ch/7nEbB), quoting unnamed "sources from retail channel vendors."
Those sources says that because Apple's products have high ASPs [average selling prices], even if the company is slow in upgrading its products to the latest platform, it won't see a significant impact on its pricing or gross margins. Apple's shipments in January reached the company's expectations, and the company is reportedly planning to increase its orders for the first quarter, says "DigiTimes."
According to the IDC research group, Apple shipped approximately 2.86 million laptops in the fourth quarter of 2010. That's up 34.2% year-over-year.
Android market outpacing Apple App Store in growth?
Lookout (http://www.mylookout.com), a company that specializes in smartphone security, has released the findings of its second App Genome Report, based on an analysis of over 500,000 mobile apps across different device platforms and app markets. Results indicate that the Android Market is maturing, with the rapid addition of apps and increased proportion of paid apps.
In addition, Lookout analyzed specific alternative app markets and found that while these markets increase users’ access to apps, some also have a higher number of apps that could be repackaged with malware or illegitimate ad code.
Results show that the Android Market is growing at a rate nearly three times faster than the Apple App Store. Lookout found that the number of apps available in the Android Market increased approximately 127% since August 2010, while the Apple App Store grew at a rate of 44% during the same period.
This coupled with the fact that the Android Market has seen the prevalence of paid apps go...
AT&T head wants universal app store for smartphones
AT&T's CEO Randall Stephenson says he's frustrated with the way applications are sold to smartphone users and thinks customers should be able to buy an application once and have it work across many different devices, reports "USA Today" (http://macte.ch/imDCY).
As an alternative to today's most popular application stores, such as the Apple App Store, Stephenson touted an emerging system that lets carriers like AT&T sells apps directly to users, the article adds. He likes a new standard for web software, HTML 5, which will allow applications to run on different devices, and the Wholesale Applications Community (or WAC), which launched Monday.
"You purchase an app for one operating system, and if you want it on another device or platform, you have to buy it again," Stephenson said in a keynote speech at this week's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. "That's not how our customers expect to experience this environment."
MagicWand connects Magic Trackpad to Apple Wireless keyboard
Twelve South (http://www.twelvesouth.com) has introduced MagicWand, an US$29.99 accessory that connects the Apple Magic Trackpad to the Apple Wireless Keyboard.
With MagicWand in place, Mac users can fully utilize Apple’s multi-touch gesture technology with an iMac, MacBook or Mac home theater setup, says Andrew Green, creative director of Twelve South. The MagicWand has a special “H” beam to create a stable, portable input device you can use at a desk or on your lap, he adds.
To set up, you snap your keyboard into one end of MagicWand, and your Trackpad into the other. The Trackpad can be positioned on either side of the keyboard, for right or left-hand use.
No more balancing a keyboard on one knee and Trackpad on the other while working from the couch, something those who have a Mac home theater setup will really appreciate, says Green. For added control in the office, MagicWand can be used in conjunction with a mouse. Place the Trackpad on one side of your keyboard and a mouse on...
VintageScene comes to the Mac App Store
JixiPix says VintageScene 1.0 (http://www.jixipix.com/vintage-scene/vintage-scene.html), a retro photography application, is now available on the Mac App Store. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or later, costs US$7.99 and is available in the Graphics & Design category.
VintageScene is software for converting new photographs into retro, aged, and vintage style effects. With it you can take total control over the age, fade, distress, weathering, and tint of photos, assign paper age and color, choose an overlay or border to accentuate the age of the photo, add details, and more.
With VintageScene, you can emulate looks from the early 1800s all the way through current times. You can also: control the age and color of a photo; assign paper age and color; choose an overlay or border to accentuate the age of the photo and add details; save presets for any custom designed look; add a randomize effect to get a unique look; and create a number of combinations with over 60 built-in presets.
Bubble Breaker is new puzzle game for your Mac
Mayan Software has leased Bubble Breaker (http://www.mayansoftware.com/bubblebreaker/) on the Mac App Store. The game requires an Intel Mac and Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later. It costs US$1.99 and is found in the Games category.
In the game the goal is to burst as many connected bubbles as you can, plan your moves wisely and push yourself to the top of the global leader board. Bubble Breaker comes with three game modes, and includes customizable features.
In casual mode, you play along and pass each level by scoring as much as you can. In classic mode, you test your skills on how much can you score with only one board of bubbles. In Zen mode, you're supposed to be calm, take your time and rule the leader board.
Study: iPhone app users have a higher value than Android app...
According to data collected in January from Mobclix (http://www.mobclix.com), a mobile ad exchange network, iPhone app users have a higher value than Android app users. And utility app users have a higher value than game and entertainment app users.
Mobclix found that advertising on iOS devices were more effective than advertising on Android devices, sometimes yielding double the revenue or more. This makes iPhone, iPod touch and iPad users more "valuable" to developers and advertisers.
According to Moblclix, average revenue is defined as monthly revenue/unique users per month. Apps with 500k+ downloads and/or 75k+ daily active users were used for calculation purposes. Apps spent an average of two weeks in their categories' "Top 10" listing and are free apps
Value is based only on advertising revenues. An active user is defined as a usage of three times a week for a minimum of five minutes.
Sales of Verizon iPhones below expectations?
Initial sales of the Verizon iPhone 4 have failed to meet the expectations of both Apple and Verizon, says the "Boy Genius Report web site (http://macte.ch/eruFX), quoting unnamed sources.
The article says data from five Apple stores show that Verizon iPhone 4 sales for its first five days of availability were significantly lower than for the debut of the AT&T iPhone 4 over the same period of time.
"Additionally, we have been told that online pre-orders between Verizon and Apple amounted to around 550,000 units," says "BGR." "We also have some statistics on who’s buying Verizon iPhones to share with you: 30% of people buying Verizon iPhones were Android users, just over 25% of people buying iPhone 4 were BlackBerry users, and only 14% of people buying the Verizon iPhone were AT&T iPhone owners. The remaining percent didn’t want to say, didn’t have a smartphone, or didn’t have a phone prior to making their iPhone 4 purchases last week."
Crimsonworld game released for Mac OS X
Crimsonworld is a new Mac OS X game available exclusively in the Mac App Store. It costs US$1.99.
Here's how the game is described: "CrimsonWorld is an intense shooter with loads of beasts and loads of weaponry to fight them. Watch the action from an overhead perspective as you fight off teeming alien hordes on various desolate landscapes. Progressively upgrade weapons to do away with your foes more effectively, splattering blood, bones, and innards in your wake."
Crimsonworld has 25 unique locations, 12 types of weapons and lots of monsters. A demo is available at http://www.gamepro.com .
Noise Industries releases free barcode generation plug-in
Noise Industries says their development partner, Yanobox, has released Barcode, a free barcode plug-in powered by the FxFactory platform.
The new Barcode generator boasts adjustable parameters that allow users to replicate the EAN-13 encoding of the universal barcode, as well as take the symbol to a whole new level with custom color modes, random digitization options, and more. Barcode supports the latest versions of Apple Final Cut Pro, Final Cut Express, Motion and After Effects.
Barcode is offered as a free plug-in via the Noise Industries and Yanobox web sites. To download the Barcode freebie, go to http://www.yanobox.com/Barcode .
FxFactory Pro is available for US$399. Additional plug-ins are available for free or commercially starting at a price point of $29. FxFactory products can be purchased via the Noise Industries website (http://www.noiseindustries.com) or through select resellers.
CopyPaste Pro 3.0 adds search-through clips feature, more
Plum Amazing has updated CopyPaste Pro (http://plumamazing.com/mac/copypaste/), a multiple clipboard utility for Mac OS X, to version 3.0.
Macs come with only one clipboard; every time you make a new copy all previous clip info is lost. CopyPaste Pro changes that because it works in the background and remembers all copies and cuts creating a "Clip History." The "Clip Archive" is the place in CopyPaste Pro where permanent clips are kept.
CopyPaste Pro 3 adds a search-through clips feature for the History and Archives, so you can find anything in any clip. Also new is a Clip Revolver feature. Actually, this feature existed in a much older version of CopyPaste. Users requested it so Plum Amazing has brought it back.
This is how it works: turn Clip Revolver on in the preferences and then command-option-v pastes and empties the last clipboard. This can be set in the preferences. A copy of the last used clip either copied or pasted can be at the top of the History stack, so you can...
AJA, Avid partner to deliver Full Video I/O in Avid Media...
AJA Video Systems (http://www.aja.com) has added support for Io Express in Avid Media Composer 5.5 and Avid NewsCutter 9.5. AJA Io Express delivers a portable video I/O solution offering HD/SD capture, monitoring and output in Avid Media Composer 5.5.
AJA Io Express with Avid Media Composer 5.5 will be showcased at the AJA stand at the Broadcast Video Expo (D20) in London from Feb. 15-17. Paul Foeckler, vice president, Creative Professionals, Avid Technology, says key features of Avid Media Composer 5.5 workflow with AJA Io Express: HD/SD-SDI input/output; HDMI 1.3a input/output with Deep Color support at 30 bits per pixel; HD/SD Component video output; 10-bit HD to SD hardware downconvert; RS422 support, 2-channel RCA audio output; ExpressCard-34 and PCIe interfaces available for laptop or desktop use; small, portable design including standard 4-pin XLR power connector.
Media Composer 5.5 supports a variety of industry standard SD and HD formats, frame rates and resolutions...
Jabra unveils new Bluetooth products
Jabra (http://www.jabra.com) will reveal its all-new Bluetooth range at this week's Mobile World Congress. For the first time, Jabra will publicly showcase the next generation Jabra Stone2 Bluetooth headset, plus the all-new Jabra Freeway.
The Jabra Stone2 features a new voice concept that allows for hands-free communication, boasting a voice system that tells users who is calling and allows them to simply say "answer" to take the call or "ignore" to reject it. The Jabra Freeway is all new speakerphone sports three speakers combined with Virtual Surround Sound.
Also on show at Mobile World Congress will be new Jabra VoIP-optimised headsets. Two new plug-and-play devices join the Jabra Extreme For PC, providing a range of multi-use headsets for mobile calls and VoIP calls through laptops, mobile devices, tablets and computers. The Jabra EasyGo for PC uses a pre-paired USB adaptor that will automatically connect designed for music lovers, coming fully equipped with a high-quality...
MacPractice apps certified as Complete EHRs
MacPractice (http://www.macpractice.com) -- an Apple developer of practice management and clinical software on Macs and iPhones for medical, dental, chiropractic and eye care offices, -- says MacPractice MD 4.1, MacPractice 20/20 4.1, MacPractice DC 4.1 and MacPractice DDS 4.1 are all 2011/2012 compliant and were certified as a Complete EHRs on Jan. 5 by the Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT), an ONC-ATCB, in accordance with the applicable Eligible Provider certification criteria adopted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
The 2011/2012 criteria support the Stage 1 meaningful use measures required to qualify eligible providers and hospitals for funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
The ONC-ATCB 2011/2012 certification program tests and certifies that Complete EHRs meet all of the 2011/2012 criteria and EHR Modules meet one or more -- but not all -- of the criteria approved by the Secretary of Health and Human...
ArraySync updated to version 1.0.1
The National Software Laboratory has announced ArraySync 1.0.1, an update of the tool for synchronizing QuickTime playback on multiple displays attached to one computer, or across a local area network. It's a free maintenance update for registered users.
ArraySync allows you to create video walls and multi-screen demonstrations without specialized hardware. It's scalable, and can run entirely on hardware you already own. You can synchronize two displays or a hundred.
With ArraySync, you can use a Mac server to control PC clients, or a PC server to control Mac clients, or mix and match Macs and PCs in any combination you can wish. ArraySync's underlying protocol is platform independent.
You can mirror one video across your network, or combine displays to build a video wall and span one video across it. The National Software Lab'scompanion utility, ArrayShaker, allow syou to break up your media into multiple segments and distribute them to ArraySync clients powering your displays. Mac...
Apple posts iWeb 3.0.3
Apple has released an update (version 3.0.3) to iWeb, the web site creation component of its iLife suite. This update contains bug fixes and improvements, including the following:
° Addresses an issue when using the iSight Movie widget on certain Macs;
° Addresses an issue publishing iWeb sites using FTP;
° Improves compatibility with Mac OS X.
It's a 177.12MB download and requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or higher. You can obtain it via the Software Updates component of Mac OS X's Systems Preferences app.
Apple eyeing 3G for future MacBook Airs?
Apple has began reaching out to select MacBook Air owners with a survey that could help define future versions of the teeny notebook, posing questions on 3G, data syncing, I/O usage, and the desire for models with more capable computing power, reports "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com).
The survey touches on a number of issues, including the use of USB ports and external disc drives, web-based file storage and syncing, and use of certain function keys on the keyboard, the article adds. It also includes a number of queries related to wireless 3G data connectivity, "suggesting Apple could be exploring integrated cellular radios in future notebooks," says "AppleInsider."
iPhones with bigger screens? iPhones with slide-out keyboards?
Apple reportedly will change the screen size of the iPhone from 3.5 to four inches for its fifth generation iPhone to compete with the Google Android platform in the 4- to 7-inch smartphone market, reports "DigiTimes" (http://macte.ch/pxwkh), quoting unnamed "upstream component suppliers."
The component suppliers noted that the production lines for Apple's next generation iPhone have begun testing, and Apple is interesting in expanding the screen size to four inches to support the tablet market as the vendor only has a 9.7-inch iPad in the market, the article adds. Smartphones that adopt the Google Android platform are mainly four inches and larger. Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S and Google's Nexus S adopt 4-inch panels, Sharp adopts 5.5-inch panels for its smartphone, and Acer plans to launch a 4.8-inch smartphone.
In other iPhone rumors, "Engadget" (http://macte.ch/Sh6re) says Apple may be planning a future iPhone with a slide-out keyboard. A four-inch screen? Maybe. An iPhone with a...
Apple launches subscriptions on the App Store
Apple has announced a new subscription service available to all publishers of content-based apps on the Apple App Store, including magazines, newspapers, video, music, etc. This is the same innovative digital subscription billing service that Apple recently launched with News Corp.’s “The Daily” app.
Subscriptions purchased from within the App Store will be sold using the same App Store billing system that has been used to buy apps and in-app purchases. Publishers set the price and length of subscription (weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, bi-yearly or yearly). Then with one-click, customers pick the length of subscription and are automatically charged based on their chosen length of commitment (weekly, monthly, etc.).
Customers can review and manage all of their subscriptions from their personal account page, including canceling the automatic renewal of a subscription. Apple processes all payments, keeping the same 30%share that it does today for other In-App Purchases.
“Our...
DiskRadar 1.0 for Mac OS X offers hard disk fault prediction,...
Binary Fruit has introduced DiskRadar 1.0 (http://www.diskradar.com) for Mac OS X, an utility featuring hard disk fault prediction, infographic usage data, cleanup function, and HD temperature monitoring to prevent overheating.
Designed for use by non-technical users, the application provides access to sufficient hard drive diagnostic data to satisfy any system administrator, according to the folks at Binary Fruit. Additional features include: 64 bit, multi-core optimization; 100% safe in-app file removal; and history-based disk health evaluation.
DiskRadar 1.0 is compatible with all: standard internal hard drives (IDE/ATA/SATA and RAID); external hard drives (FireWire drives, USB drives, thumbdrives); CD/DVD drives and images; network share drives and FUSE drives; and Time Machine volumes. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher.
DiskRadar has three types of licenses. There's the lite version for US$14.95 (with limited time introductory pricing of $12.95). There's the pro version for $...
iWork '09 zooms with Token
Developer Dale Gillard has introduced Token 1.0 (http://dalegillard.com/token.html), a Mac menu bar app designed to make iWork faster. Recent iWork documents and templates open directly from Token in the Mac menu bar.
Available exclusively on the Mac App Store, Token automatically saves your iWork documents every 10 minutes so you can relax and focus, says Gillard. iWork will do more using simple AppleScripts you can download and customize to do your own tasks, he adds.
Token requires Mac OS X 10.6 or later and any one of the iWork '09 apps. It costs US$4.99 and is available through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category.
VidConvert for Mac OS X gets new conversion engine
Independent software developer Reggie Ashworth has updated VidConvert, his video converter for Mac OS X, to version 1.0.1. The upgrade adds a new conversion engine and all-around conversion improvements.
It's more robust in handling various import formats and now can accept Real Media files. General adjustments were made to the presets and additional options were enabled in the Advanced panel. The trial sample length was also extended. Various bug fixes were made including the crop settings, Quicklook icons, file association, and updater, as well as numerous other fixes and improvements.
VidConvert It 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...
Ohanaware releases HDRtist Pro 1.0 for Mac OS X
Ohanaware has released HDRtist Pro 1.0 (http://www.ohanaware.com/hdrtistpro/) for Mac OS X 10.5 running on an Intel Mac. It costs US$29.95.
HDRtist Pro is the more advanced version of Ohanaware's freeware HDRtist. It's been designed to provide more creativity with HDR images, while maintaing an easy-to-use interface, according to the folks at Ohanaware. Utilizing Apple technology, HDRtist Pro is able to wield and manipulate 128-bit floating-point images (that's 16,843,009 times more precision than a JPEG photo).
The app's engine has been designed to work with multiple exposures, single RAW images, and can make single JPEG images look like HDR. One-click styles, editable HDRs, and a "drop-N-click" system are all featured in HDRtist Pro.
Raidon presents 8-bay RAID storage solutions
Raidon (http://www.raidon.com.tw) has released the new SAS 6G storage solution, iR2880-8S-U5, performing a data transfer rate beyond 700MB/second. High level RAID6 data redundancy also can be installed.
The iR2880-8S-U5 offers an optimum SAS 6G storage solution especially to multi-operational workstations and data-based servers for the small to medium sized business market. It's equipped with an Intel 80341 CPU and 1GB of DDR2 RAM under the hood, embedded dual SAS 6G host interface. With support for eight of 15mm height 2.5-inch HDD from a physical figure of three standard 5.25-inch CD-Rom spaces, it also provides simple system configuration and monitoring via LCD control panel, LAN or RS232 ports.
The iR2880-8S-U5 offers multiple RAID levels up to RAID6 for the highest data redundancy ability, further provides high level snapshot and clone functions. The snapshot function calculates from existing data, keeping the changes of system in records on each given time for any necessary...
NewTek releases TriCaster Virtual Set Editor
NewTek (http://www.newtek.com) has released NewTek TriCaster Virtual Set Editor (VSE), which allows TriCaster TCXD850 and TriCaster TCXD300 users to customize TriCaster high definition (HD) virtual sets to fit their production needs.
It will be showcased on the main stage of NewTek booth E20 at the Broadcast Video Expo 2011, Feb. 15-17, in London. With TriCaster Virtual Set Editor, producers get exclusive TriCaster VSE Sets that produce real-time reflections and specular highlights, and have a wide variety of elements that can be edited, according to NewTek Executive Vice President of Engineering Andrew Cross.
TriCaster VSE users also have the option to create their own virtual sets by populating Layer Sets with their artwork, or composing layers in Adobe Photoshop, and then importing the layers into TriCaster VSE, which instantly transforms the PSD file into a Layer Set for use in VSE. Once a TriCaster virtual set has been customized with Virtual Set Editor, users can export it for...
MacAngel launches online learning environment
MacAngel (http://www.macangel.com) has launched the MacAngel Academy, a self-guided learning environment for small businesses that use Apple computers and devices.
MacAngel Academy members have access to short concise lessons that include a video, step-by-step instructions, and a downloadable PDF. Lessons are not only on Marketcircle's products Daylite, Billings and Billings Pro, but also productivity, small business infrastructure, time management and conscious business building.
To participate, you'll need a web browser capable of HTML 5 such as Safari 5. Chief Technology Evangelist Marni Melrose says MacAngel is hosted on Engine Hosting's load balanced cluster to provide speed and scalability, as well as superior Expression Engine compatibility. The online video platform Brightcove delivers the videos.
The price is US$49.95 per month or $549.95 per year. MacAngel's entire training curriculum will be transferred to the new environment at the rate of three lessons per month.
Boxee adds Netflix, VUDU support
Expanding content options available to users, D-Link and Boxee say the Boxee Box by D-Link now features support for both Netflix and VUDU.
The Boxee Box offers a way to bring TV shows, movies, music, and photos from the Internet to your TV. All that’s needed is a TV with an HDMI input and an Internet connection. The Boxee Box has support for a full web browser, full HD streaming from the Internet, support for all popular media file formats, and integrated social networking that delivers personal recommendations straight to the TV.
Boxee Box by D-Link users who are Netflix members are now able to instantly watch thousands of TV shows and movies streaming from Netflix for US$7.99 per month through an application that’s free for consumers.
VUDU provides Boxee Box users access a large selection of HD movies on demand, new releases (same day as DVD) and thousands of standard definition movies for rental at $2 for two nights. The VUDU HDX format on the Boxee Box is 1080p high-...
Playback Media Server for Mac OS X gets new engine
Yazsoft has introduced Playback Media Server 1.7.2 (http://www.yazsoft.com/products/playback/information/), an update of their zero configuration media server for Mac OS X 10.5 and higher. The update sports a new high-performance engine.
Playback can share media stored in folders or even make entire disks available to a Playstation 3 or Xbox 360. No configuration is required. By default, it will share almost any content on the users system. And Playback automatically integrates with iTunes, iPhoto, and Aperture. Users can share all content from these applications transparently or choose specific playlists and albums.
Those who like to tinker will appreciate Playback's built-in Access Control List (ACL) and bandwidth throttling. The ACL allows users to control which devices have access to their media. Bandwidth throttling limits the transfer rate from the computer to their UPnP device. This allows others on the network to do other Internet related activities, such as surf the web and...
Zevrix releases BatchOutput PPT 2.0
Zevrix Solutions (http://www.zevrix.com) has released BatchOutput PPT 2.0, an update to the output automation solution for Microsoft PowerPoint on Mac OS X.
In addition to batch printing, the new version lets users carry out automated PDF production directly from PowerPoint. Users can reduce PDF file size, optimize images, assign variable file names and encrypt PDF files. The new version also introduces compatibility with PowerPoint 2011.
BatchOutput PPT 2.0 can be purchased for US$39.95 from the Zevrix web site, as well as from authorized resellers. A demo version is available for download. BatchOutput PPT runs on Mac OS X 10.4.2 and higher, and works with Microsoft PowerPoint 2008 and 2011.
Troi File Plug-in 5.0.2 released for FileMaker Pro 11
Troi Automatisering has releasesd Troi File Plug-in 5.0.2 for FileMaker Pro 11. Troi File Plug-in is a tool for getting access to information outside the FileMaker Pro database.
Any files or folders stored on the computer can be accessed through the functions of the plug-in. Version 5.0.2 is a maintenance update that includes these bug fixes and improvements.
A fully functional demo version of Troi File Plug-in 5.0.2 is available for downloading at Troi's web site (http://www.troi.com/software/fileplugin.html). It works with FileMaker Pro 9, 10 and 11. The plug-in can also be used with runtimes from FileMaker Pro Advanced 9, 10 or 11.
The plug-in is available for Mac OS X 10.5.7 or higher, Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7. QuickTime 7 or later is needed for some image related functions.
Licenses cost US$89 per user. Developer licenses and multi-user discounts are also available.
Troi File Plug-in 5.0.2 also works with FileMaker Server 9, 10 or 11 as a server-side plug-in and...
New Outlook add-in synchronizes multiple, sub-folders with...
Most iPhone, Symbian, Blackberry and Windows smartphone users find synchronizing their personal Outlook calendar Exchange ActiveSync easy to do, but encounter barriers with public or group calendars and tasks as these are stored in public folders -- and “Exchange” doesn't support public folders synchronization.
Motivated by business users or those who have a family who often share tasks, content or calendars, for which Outlook creates these non-sync public folders, Somebytes Software Developer (http://www.somebytes.net/1-1-Home.html) has released OLMixedFolders to resolve this problem. It allows users to synchronize different Outlook folders through a personal profile.
Outlook users with more than one address folders (e.g. one for business contacts one for personal contacts) will usually find that their cellular phone will only synchronize one folder. In that case OLMixedFolders will check the changes in each address against the standard folder, which the cellular phone software...
Apple releases 2011 Supplier Responsibility Report
Apple has released its 2011 Supplier Responsibility Report (http://macte.ch/8FRoY), an annual report that looks at how well its suppliers are -- or are not -- adhering to its code of conduct.
Apple requires suppliers to commit to a Supplier Code of Conduct as a condition of doing business.
The code specifies everything from fair hiring practices and work-hour limits to safe working conditions. To monitor compliance, Apple conducts onsite audits, approves corrective action plans, and verifies implementation. As a result, "worker protections and factory conditions have improved at many facilities throughout Apple’s supply base," the company says.
"Apple is committed to ensuring the highest standards of social responsibility wherever our products are made," Apple says. "We insist that our suppliers provide safe working conditions, treat workers with dignity and respect, and use environmentally responsible manufacturing processes."
Apple says that more than 16,000 workers enrolled in...
Judge tosses iPad overheating lawsuit
U.S. District Court Judge Jeremy Fogel has dismissed a lawsuit that accused Apple of fraud, deceptive advertising and violating California’s consumer protection and unfair business practices laws by making, marketing and selling defective tablets. Last July, the three plaintiffs -- Jacob Balthazar, Claudia Keller and John Browning -- said they were duped into buying a defective device by Apple's claim that "reading on iPad is just like reading a book."
"The iPad does not live up to the reasonable consumer's expectations created by Apple insofar as the iPad overheats so quickly under common weather conditions that it does not function for prolonged use outdoors, or in many other warm conditions," the complaint read. According to the class complaint, the iPad unexpectedly shuts down in warm weather or when it's in direct sunlight.
Fogel said that the trio’s original charges were inadequate, notes "Computerworld." “The Court concludes that these allegations are insufficient,” Fogel...
iPhone/iPod touch/iPad apps for Feb. 14
Here are the latest iPhone/iPod touch/iPod/iPad apps. You can find 'em at the Apple App Store (http://www.itunes.com/appstore/).
AnyBizSoft has announced PDF Reader for iPad. The free app can help users read and manage PDF eBooks on the Apple tablet.
Dan Tullis has released Word Mend 1.0 for the iPhone and iPod touch. It's an US$0.99 word puzzle/jumble game designed for gamers of all ages. There are over 11,000 jumbled words that you can rearrange in as little as one second to several minutes, depending on the difficulty of the word and the sharpness of your brain.
Random Ideas has introduced Wasabi 1.0 for iOS devices. It's a $4.99 to-do list app for that includes over-the-air sync, location aware task notifications, as well as the ability to add projects, tasks, and locations to your iOS home screen. You can capture new to-dos from virtually any screen in the app, organize them by project, goal, or location and prioritize your to-dos by dragging them and sorting them.
Softmatic has...
Judge tosses iPad overheating lawsuit
U.S. District Court Judge Jeremy Fogel has dismissed a lawsuit that accused Apple of fraud, deceptive advertising and violating California’s consumer protection and unfair business practices laws by making, marketing and selling defective tablets. Last July, the three plaintiffs -- Jacob Balthazar, Claudia Keller and John Browning -- said they were duped into buying a defective device by Apple's claim that "reading on iPad is just like reading a book."
"The iPad does not live up to the reasonable consumer's expectations created by Apple insofar as the iPad overheats so quickly under common weather conditions that it does not function for prolonged use outdoors, or in many other warm conditions," the complaint read. According to the class complaint, the iPad unexpectedly shuts down in warm weather or when it's in direct sunlight.
Fogel said that the trio’s original charges were inadequate, notes "Computerworld." “The Court concludes that these allegations are insufficient,” Fogel...
Aquafadas to launch Digital Publishing Platform on March 17
Aquafadas (http://www.aquafadas.com) says it will launch its Digital Publishing Platform on March 17 and that it will offer these key advantages in digital publishing:
° It enables designers to create digital content quickly through plugins for Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress with no coding required.
° Publications can be based on PDF or XML , enhanced by picture galleries, slide shows, videos, and sound.
° Aquafadas ’s Solution makes it easy to deploy digital publications to multiple devices, such as tablets and smartphones, and to multiple operating systems, such as iOS and Android simultaneously.
° Publications can be published as interactive PDF, custom Apps, and in a XML-based format that supports text reflow while maintaining the publication’s design.
iPhone mini rumors are back
Rumors of an iPhone mini (or iPhone nano, if you will) were prevalent a couple of years ago. Now they're baaaaack with the "Wall Street Journal" (http://macte.ch/bdNbC) saying Apple is working on the first of a new line of less-expensive iPhones and an overhaul of software services for the devices.
Quoting unnamed "people familiar with the matter," the "WSJ" says the iPhone mini is intended for sale alongside the current iPhone line-up and be about half the size of the iPhone 4. The new phone would purportedly be available to carriers at about half the price of the main iPhones.
That would allow carriers to subsidize most or all of the retail price, putting the iPhone in the same mass-market price range as rival smartphones, says the "WSJ." There's no timetable on when the iPhone mini might debut, the article says.
"ZDNet" (http://macte.ch/sSoju) adds that the iPhone mini could be sold to carriers at half the existing price of the regular iPhone, meaning greater subsidies to the end...
GRAMMY nominees, winners available at iTunes
The 53rd annual GRAMMY Awards were held Sunday and a complete list of the winners and nominees are available at iTunes.
The list includes the album of the year, record of the year, song of the year, best new artist and more. Covered artists include Arcade Fire, Eminem, Lady Antebellum, Lady GaGa, Katy Perry, Miranda Lambert, Justin Bieber, Drake and more.
There's also a free MusicMapper app that "will allow fans worldwide to connect songs to special memories and places." You can select a song powered by Rd.io, tag it to a specific location using maps, and then attach a note describing how the song and location define a specific moment in the user's life.
