TranslateIt! for Mac OS X updated to version 14
TranslateIt! for Mac (http://www.mac.gettranslateit.com/) -- a multilingual dictionary that allows looking up words on the fly -- has been updated to version 14. The main window's search function now supports wildcards, which is useful for solving crosswords and playing other word-based games. Also, now a user can create his own dictionaries (adding, deleting and editing).
With TranslateIt!, you hover the pointer over an unfamiliar word (in any Cocoa application), and you will see its translation in a pop-up window. It comes with several free dictionaries for a large number of languages. TranslateIt! supports translation from/to any language (corresponding dictionaries must be installed), English sounds (it contains over 17,000 English words pronunciations) and printing of flash cards.
The software also comes with a Words Quiz (a game for learning new words), a built-in DictBuilder utility for creating custom dictionaries and a multilingual user interface. Any user can buy a lifetime...
Apple sees 87.2% growth in worldwide mobile device sales
Worldwide mobile device sales to end users totaled 1.6 billion units in 2010, a 31.8% increase from 2009, according to the Gartner research group (http://www.gartner.com). Apple sold 46.6 million units in 2010, 87.2% growth from 2009.
This growth is largely due to expansion into new countries and the ending of exclusivity deals, which has made the iPhone available through 185 communication service providers (CSPs) around the world. The end of exclusivity deals also encouraged CSP competition on tariffs and data plans, making the total cost of iPhone ownership more in line with other high-end smartphones, says Gartner.
For 2011, Apple's main growth opportunity will come from adding Verizon Wireless to its list of CSPs in the U.S. Gartner analysts said. Apple will maintain a stable average selling price, which favorably impacts margins at the expense of market share opportunity.
Smartphone sales to end users were up 72.1% from 2009 and accounted for 19%of total mobile communications...
iPod classic fifth best selling media player in the US
Apple's 160GB iPod classic was the fifth best selling media player in the U.S. for all of 2010. So the reports of its imminent demise -- something that has been rumored for a long time -- may be pre-mature.
The NPD Group (http://www.npd.com) tells "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) that in overall portable media player sales rankings in the U.S. in 2010, the black iPod classic came in fifth place among all media player sale. (The silver iPod classic was not among the top 10 devices.)
NPD's retail tracking includes sales in retail stores, as well as via online outlets. The top-selling media player in the U.S. in 2010, as tracked by NPD, was the third-generation 8GB iPod touch, notes "AppleInsider." Apple's higher-capacity iPod touch models came in third and fourth place, with the fourth-generation 32GB model taking third, and third-generation 32GB product in fourth.
Looking at Apple's 'Volume Purchase' program
Apple has implemented a program called “The Volume Purchase” program that allows approved educational institutions to receive 50% off when 20 or more copies of the same app are purchased for their staff members.
The developers have the option to opt out of this discount, so not every application will offer the discount even if you purchase 20 copies. Developers have to option for giving the discount. This way, if an educational institution chooses to purchase 20 copies of any of their apps, they'll receive 50% off on the cost of the application.
So how does the Volume Purchase program work? Someone from an educational program must enroll by becoming the program manager for your institution. The program manager will be in charge of making the purchases, and after the codes are downloaded this person is in charge of distributing codes that teachers, therapists and other staff members can use to download the application free of charge on their end. he program manager can sign up for...
Zack's upgrades Apple to 'outperform'
Zack's Equity Research has upgraded Apple to Outperform from Neutral, believing the company has further room for expansion. The investment case for Apple is based on its earnings momentum and accelerated revenue growth.
"Apple has grown leaps and bounds, driven by the success of its iPhones, iPad and increased Mac shipments" says Zack's. "We expect the iPhone-driven momentum to continue. Stronger-than-expected iPhone and iPad sales will help Apple grab a larger share of the smartphone market. In our opinion, this is the key to long-term growth and continued appreciation of the stock given the large addressable market. We expect the company to outperform its peers this year. Over the last four quarters, Apple surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 21.3%."
Apple’s posted stellar first quarter 2011 results beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The outperformance was driven by strong iPhone, Mac and iPad sales. The outlook for Mac, iPad and iPhone 4 remains extremely strong, backed by...
Analyst: Verizon may sell out of iPhones in first week
In a note to clients -- as reported by "Barron's" (http://macte.ch/SZOQT) -- RBC Capital Markets analyst Mike Abramsky said he thinks that Verizon may sell out of the iPhone in the first week the device is available, which he counts as starting Thursday, after surpassing one million units.
Abramsky bases his conjecture on what Verizon reported was a stock-out of the device when it went on sale online to existing Verizon customers last Thursday, and based on what he estimates was inventory on hand of one to 1.5 million units dedicated to the phone’s introduction, notes "Barron's." The analyst predicts the iPhone may sell three million to four million units in its first quarter of availability (Feb. 10 through March 32).
Abramsky is forecasting Verizon to sell 9-10 million iPhones this calendar year. But he notes that this estimate could be "conservative.”
iPad 2 now in production?
According to reports in the "Wall Street Journal" (http://macte.ch/XWTJU) and "The Telegraph" (http://macte.ch/DKhTK), the iPad 2 is now in production. However, Apple hasn't officially announced anything, so keep that in mind.
The articles quote "people familiar with the matter" and say here's what we can expect:
° The new iPad will be thinner and lighter than the first model.
° It will have at least one camera on the front of the device for features like video-conferencing.
° The resolution of the display will be similar to the first iPad.
° The iPad 2 will have more memory and a more powerful graphics processor.
° The new iPad will initially be available through Verizon Wireless and AT&T Inc., but not Sprint Nextel or T-Mobile USA in the U.S.
° The new iPad is expected to be released around Easter this year, but no launch date has been confirmed.
Walmart to offer Verizon iPhone starting Feb. 10
Walmart (http://www.walmart.com) says the iPhone 4 on the Verizon Wireless network will be available in select Walmart stores starting Feb. 10. Of course, it will also be available at Apple and Verizon retail stores at that time.
It will be available at nearly 600 of the retailer's in-store wireless areas starting at US$199 for the 16GB model. Walmart will offer a variety of iPhone 4 accessories including cases, car chargers, wraps, and hands-free accessories from variety of accessory manufacturers. Walmart currently carries the AT&T iPhone 4 in select stores nationwide.
Marvell CEO: iPads, tablets a threat to traditional computers
The head honcho at Marvell Technology Group., maker of the processor that runs BlackBerry smartphones, says the success of tablet computers and phones that surf the web is a bigger threat to traditional personal computers than laptops, notes "Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/SWFOB).
Computer makers will respond to the iPad and other tablets with more powerful laptops to emphasize the difference in capabilities, Marvell CEO Sehat Sutardja said in an interview. That in turn will narrow the gap between laptops and machines that sit under the desk, he said.
“We’re already seeing a steady decrease in the market for monster PCs as the performance of laptops has significantly increased,” Sutardja told "Bloomberg." “This is good for the industry because desktops are typically left under the desk for five to seven years, whereas consumers replace their laptop every two to three years.”
Mophie announces juice pack air for Verizon
Mophie (http://www.mophie.com) is accepting pre-orders for a new juice pack air designed with dual compatibility for the Verizon and AT&T iPhone 4. The lightweight, thin external rechargeable battery case doubles the battery life of the iPhone on one charge.
The dual compatible juice pack air can be pre-ordered at the Mophie web site for US$79.95 with an expected ship date of Monday, Feb. 28. The juice pack air for Verizon and AT&T is being sold in soft-touch black with a brushed silver band, with soft-touch red and glossy white versions expected in late March.
MS Word to PDF Document Conversion released
Qoppa Software (http://www.qoppa.com) has announced jWordConvert, their MS Word document conversion software. It supports converting Microsoft Word files to PDF documents, to image files, and printing Word files.
Qoppa's jWordConvert is available as a Java library for integration by developers into their Java applications or applets. It can be deployed on servers to handle automated processing of Word documents as well as end-user applications or in-browser applets.
The conversion functionality will also be released into PDF Studio, Qoppa's PDF editor, and PDF Automation Server, Qoppa's workflow solution, bringing more value to these other products, says Gerald Holmann, president of Qoppa Software. jWordConvert costs US$600.
RackMac mini secures two Mac mini servers in a 1U rack space
Sonnet Technologies has introduced its US$169.95 RackMac mini rackmount solution (http://www.sonnettech.com/product/rackmacmini.html) for the latest line of Mac mini servers and computers. Designed for the office or for transportable rack use, the unit supports the installation of one or two Mac minis into a 1U rack space.
The RackMac mini manages airflow and provides a front-panel power switch and USB port for each Mac mini. Constructed of steel with a black powder-coat finish, the 11-inch-deep RackMac mini secures the computers behind a smart front panel. For each Mac mini, the front panel includes: DVD, IR sensor, and power indicator slots; a power switch; and a USB port. Pressing each computer's power button, connecting a keyboard or mouse, or attaching a USB drive is simple.
A padded locking bar holds the Mac minis in place for transportable rack use. Cable tie points allow all cables to be secured, as well. The RackMac mini comes preassembled.
Enclosed inside the RackMac mini,...
Mellel 2.8 now available in the Mac App Store
RedleX (http://www.mellel.com) has released Mellel 2.8, an upgrade to its word processor for Mac OS X. It's available in the Mac App Store.
Mellel 2.8, introducing Track Changes and advanced Sort, comes with a lower price tag -- 20% percent across the board (US$39 instead of $49 for the regular version, $29 instead of $35 for the educational version) and eliminates for-pay upgrades. All upgrades from now on will be completely free to all Mellel users.
Track Changes is a feature in Mellel 2.8 that allows users to record changes done, and, later on, accept or reject them. Track Changes in Mellel largely follows the industry standard, as Mellel users will need to cooperate with others using other word processors, says Eyal Redler, RedleX's CTO. The new feature allows users to view documents in their original and final states, with corrections and in final state with corrections marked.
It also allows users to switch between viewing the various authors of changes, and allows a single...
MacShutdown X gets internal improvements
Pomola Software has updated Mac Shutdown X (http://pomola.com/products_macshutdown/macshutdown.html), a Mac OS X utility for shutting down a Mac on a specified event or on a specified date and time, to version 1.6.2. The upgrade offers some internal improvements and bug fixes.
Mac Shutdown X costs US$20. Version 1.6.2 is a free update for registered users. The software is Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. It requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher.
Studiometry 8.1 compatible with cloud-syncing services
Oranged Software (http://www.oranged.net/) has released Studiometry 8.1, an update to the Mac OS X compatible software for companies to organize, plan, invoice, track and create client and project data. The new version adds compatibility with cloud-syncing services such as Dropbox or Box.net.
Single users that can't set up a server machine with a constant Internet connection now have the ability to sync their Studiometry data between machines using the cloud. Studiometry now lets you store its database and settings in your cloud-enabled folders and will warn you if the database is currently checked out or open on another machine.
The next big feature in this update is complete two-way iCal syncing. This includes the ability to automatically import items created in iCal as well as the ability to have Studiometry delete items that have been deleted in iCal. The linked calendar in iCal can now be an exact replica of the calendar in Studiometry, with every change being synced...
Adobe launches Flash Player 10.2
Adobe is launching Flash Player 10.2 (http://macte.ch/PWFGA) for Mac, Windows and Linux systems. The release introduces Stage Video, a full hardware accelerated video pipeline for "best-in-class, beautiful video across platforms and browsers," says Adobe.
Additionally, this version of Flash Player offers all the new capabilities previewed in the beta release, like custom native mouse cursors, multiple monitor full-screen support, Internet Explorer 9 hardware accelerated rendering support, and enhanced sub-pixel rendering for superior text readability.
Apple Store Updating Now
The Apple store is currently not available saying: "We are busy updating the store for you and will be back shortly."
Which is the sign of new releases or other significant changes in the store.
Apple is most valuable company on earth
In its last fiscal quarter Apple sold a record 16 million iPhones last quarter and nearly doubled the sales of iPads, at least five firms have raised their 12-month forecast on the stock to an average price of $467, or a 32% increase from here, reports "CNBC" (http://www.cnbc.com/id/41473211).
At that level, Apple’s market value would total US$433.7 billion, surpassing Exxon Mobil’s current market value of $423.2 billion. After underestimating iPhone and iPad sales for the last year, analysts as a group have ratcheted their numbers up for Apple this year more than any other technology company, according to analysis by Bespoke Investment Group.
"CNBC" notes that Apple’s stock hit a new all-time high Tuesday of $355.12, valuing it at $326.6 billion.
iPhone/iPod touch/iPad apps for Feb. 8
Here are the latest iPhone/iPod touch/iPod/iPad apps. You can find 'em at the Apple App Store (http://www.itunes.com/appstore/).
RedStamp has announced an US$0.99 iOS application that allows users to email, text, post or paper mail stylish, personalized notes directly from an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. The app is filled with RedStamp's signature stationery designs featuring editablesentiments pre-written by RedStamp's founder and etiquette expert, Erin Newkirk.
Volyy has launched eLastyc Pix 1.0 for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. The $2.99 app lets you tweak faces, slim down, grow muscles, and apply absolutely crazy effects to faces or pictures of anything else.
PSJ Apps has released Testicular Cancer Checker 1.0 for the iPhone and iPod touch. This free app features reminder alerts for men to examine themselves for testicular cancer, as well as provides instruction for properly performing an examination.
ForeMinds has introduced ArticleSearch, their free research app for iOS...
Analyst: FTC may frown upon Apple's ebook vendor policy
Research analyst James McQuivey tells the "Los Angeles Times" (http://macte.ch/lLDzM) that Apple’s rules “could be interpreted as restraint of trade” and invite the attention of the Federal Trade Commission.
“One way to look at this is that Apple is leveraging its monopoly power over the iPad and iPhone platforms,” McQuivey said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if phones were ringing at the FTC today about this.”
Apple has said if ebook vendors like Amazon and Google want to use the iPhone and iPad to sell books, they'll now have to offer them through Apple's iTunes store. Previously, when users of Amazon's iPhone app wished to buy a book, the e-commerce company routed the customer to its own site, circumventing Apple's internal sales process for which it takes a 30% cut of the purchase price.
McQuivey told the "Times" he sees two potential drawbacks to Apple's approach. One: by dictating where digital books can be sold, Apple may be squelching innovation. Two: the restrictions could be...
ENPA concerned about Apple's subscription plans
Apple is being warned against trying to "squeeze cash" out of the newspaper industry by controlling subscriptions for iPads and iPhones, reports the "BBC" (http://macte.ch/PN8iK). The European Newspaper Publishers' Association (ENPA) says it's concerned by the company's plans to direct online sales through iTunes.
If that happens, a large cut of their profits would go to Apple the ENPA says. Several European newspapers claim that Apple has banned them from offering free electronic editions to their print customers. Publishers' main concern is that users will not be allowed to subscribe via newspapers' own web sites, notes the "BBC."
In a statement, the ENPA said: "consumers may only have access to the newspaper of their choice via the iTunes store, where the transaction would be subject to commission." Apple currently receives a 30% share of revenue from apps and ebooks sold.
Apple declined to comment on the ENPA's criticism, says the "BBC." The company has previously denied that it...
ComScore: Apple has 25% of smartphone market
ComScore (http://www.comscore.com), a company that "measures the digital world," has released data from the comScore MobiLens service, reporting key trends in the U.S. mobile phone industry during the three-month average period ending December 2010. The report shows Apple's share of the smartphone market rising from 21.4% to 25%.
The comScore report ranked the leading mobile original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and smartphone operating system (OS) platforms in the U.S. according to their share of current mobile subscribers ages 13 and older, and reviewed the most popular activities and content accessed via the subscriber’s primary mobile phone.
The December report found RIM to be the top smartphone market for the three-month period with 37.3% market share. That's down from 31.6% for the three-month period ending in September 2010.
Google's market share rose from 21.4% to 28.7% for the three-month period ending in December. That allowed it to slip ahead of Apple. Rounding out the...
Verizon may have sold 500,000 pre-ordered iPhones
Verizon may have sold 500,000 iPhones before it shut down pre-orders on its web site, "The Street" (http://macte.ch/5QCPU) reports. JP Morgan analyst Phil Cusick came up with that figure based on previous Verizon smartphone sales announced.
After breaking its previous phone sales record in the first two hours of pre-orders, Verizon continued to take orders for 15 more hours until 8:10 p.m. (Eastern), the article notes, quoting Cusick. In a note to clients, based on the pace of sales, the analyst estimated that more than 500,000 Verizon iPhones were sold on day one.
Verizon said sales of the Verizon iPhone crushed its previous one-day sales record. Cusick noted that that record was 100,000 Motorola Droids, a Google Android-powered phone that first sold on Nov. 6, 2009. The analyst estimated that the first sample of Verizon iPhone demand puts the phone on track to exceed the Droid's debut performance.
Panini offers RDC solution for Mac users
Panini (http://www.panini.com), a global payments processing technology provider, is providing a Mac interface for their check scanners designed for remote deposit capture (RDC).
The solution is the first to offer native support in the Mac environment along with true MICR capture allowing Mac-based small businesses the ability to capitalize on the many advantages and efficiencies available with RDC, says Michael Pratt, chief marketing officer, Panini.
Panini’s new Mac interface includes native support in Mac OS X, is based on Vision API version 3.6 and supports their check scanning products, Vision X and I:Deal. For more info about the check scanners, go to the Panini web site.
LogonKey forms 'immune bubble' around your computer
ProteMac has announced LogonKey, software that presents security for computer data packed into USB dongle. This software reduces log-on procedure to inserting USB flash drive.
According to the folks at ProteMac, LogonKey relieves users from entering anything from the keyboard; it is the serial number of your USB flash device that will be necessary for user identification. The software lets users choose between computer access via USB dongle or usual password that meets their specific security demands.
Device removal blocks access to computer system from the outside, enabling users to specify the activity after logging out: screensaver, logout, sleep or shutdown. LogonKey delivers the ability to get personal access code wrapped up into portable device.
LogOnKey requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher. It costs US$49.95 for a single user license and may be downloaded at the ProteMac web site (http://www.protemac.com/).
WaterField Designs unveils 11.6-inch MacBook Air Wallet
WaterField Designs (http://www.sfbags.com/) has introduced the 11.6-inch MacBook Air Wallet, a lightweight MacBook Air travel case for the slim laptop, a mouse, the charger, the SuperDrive, cables and other accessories.
Fully packed, the US$89 case maintains its light and compact feel and can fit into an airline seatback pocket, according to Gary Waterfield, owner of WaterField Designs. It's available for pre-order now at the WaterField Designs online store and will ship at the end of the month.
More than a case, yet smaller than a bag, the MacBook Air Wallet celebrates the ultra-portability of the MacBook Air, says Waterfield. Users can tuck it the case under the arm, in another bag or -- with the optional shoulder strap -- carry it as a stand-alone bag. Scratch-free pockets, foam padding, and impact-resistant plastic inserts protect the MacBook Air, and soft, scratch-free internal pockets plus a stretchy outside back pocket hold other individual items.
Available in a choice of...
Better Finder Rename now Snow Leopard only
PublicSpace.net (http://www.publicspace.net) has released A Better Finder Rename 5.0, the latest version of its contextual menu plug-in that allows users to rename multiple files. The new version features a completely re-designed single window user interface and is modernized with a new 64-bit Mac OS X Snow Leopard-only architecture.
A Better Finder Rename sports an instant preview feature. The tool features capture time and date extraction (EXIF JPEG and most RAW formats) for digital photographers, ID3 tag extraction for music lovers, regular expression support, plain-text file import for renaming from databases and many other features.
A Better Finder Rename is US$14.95 shareware for a single user license. Family, business and enterprise licensing is also available. Customers may chose to include a "forever upgrade" with their purchase. A Better Finder Rename requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher.
Game gets Medieval on your Mac OS X
Brisk Mobile summons you to test your wits with Medieval (http://briskmobilegames.com/Games/MedievalHD). It costs US$2.99 and is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Games category
In the game, your goal is to survive the waves of enemies, protect your flag and keep your castle from being blasted into oblivion. You have to outshoot and outsmart your enemies to claim victory.
Medieval boast four game modes (Fast Fire, Easy, Medium, Hard) and three different shooting modes (Auto Fire, Show Arc, Drag Fire). There are six different troop types, eight unique weapons, 11 locations and numerous enemy types, including flying enemies and a BOSS enemy.
There's new Optimism for the Mac App Store
Mental health software company Optimism Apps has announced Optimism 3.6 (http://www.findingoptimism.com/), an update of its mood chart and health planning application for Mac OS X 10.6.6. It's now available in the Mac App Store for US$24.99 in the Health & Fitness category.
Optimism helps a person to monitor the triggers and warning signs of a decline in their mental health, and develop strategies that help them to remain well, says developer James Bishop. It gives individuals a framework for self-help, in managing depression, bipolar disorder, or other physical and mental health conditions, he adds.
Optimism gets people started in being proactive about their health, learning the choices they can make everyday to assist in their wellbeing. As the software can be completely customized to suit an individual's specific circumstances, it is relevant to any health condition that affects, or is affected, by mood, says Bishop.
Vicinno Brings offers 15C Scientific Calculator for iPad, Mac
Vicinno Soft (http://www.vicinno.com/) has announced 15C Scientific Calculator 1.0 for the iPad and Mac OS X. It's an emulator for the HP 15C Scientific Calculator.
The app provides an emulation of the layout, functions, algorithms, capabilities, and key sequences of the original. One of five calculators in the 10C series, The 15C was the most advanced scientific calculator in the 10C series that were made from 1981 till 1989. The 15C was the most advanced scientific calculator in the line.
In addition to full implementations of original HP 15C, Vicinno the 15C Scientific Calculator sports like user manual accessible from within the app for reference on the go, optional click sound with each tap providing additional feedback, and more.
Vicinno 15C Scientific Calculator requires iOS 3.2 or higher on the iPad and Mac OS X 10.6.6 on the Mac. It's priced at US$29.99 and available worldwide exclusively through the Apple App Store and Mac App Store in the Utilities categories.
Artboard Drawing Software comes to Mac App Store
Mapdiva has introduced Artboard 1.0 (http://mapdiva.com/artboard), their new vector drawing software for Mac OS X, available exclusively on the Mac App Store in the Graphics & Design category. It requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 and costs US$19.99.
With Artboard, you can design logos, posters, floor plans, technical drawings, fashions, web graphics, and more. Use pre-designed templates to create fliers, invitations, signs, and business cards. Artboard includes over 1,600 styles and fully editable clip art, including speech bubbles, buttons, maps and flags, people factory, and home planning, plus a library to store your own creations.
Artboard features a style generator and stacked styles, providing a range of effects. It takes advantage of a Core Image-supported graphics card.
ProSign 1.0 offers signature capture to Filemaker Pro
Geist interactive has introduced proSign 1.0 (http://www.geistinteractive.com/proSign), which lets you add signature capture to any FileMaker Pro solution. Signatures can be captured using any touch pad or pen and tablet input device.
ProSign runs on both Mac and PC, and no special hardware is required. Signatures are captured and stored as Base64 encoded data urls which makes them easy to display in web viewers or to embed into HTML email, according to geist interactive founder, Todd Geist.
You can also convert these into PNG files later for storage and display using the free GoSignCompanion plug-in. ProSign requires FileMaker Pro version 9 or greater
ProSign is available by itself for US$239 or bundled with GoSign for FileMaker go for $289. Existing GoSign customers are eligible to get proSign at a special price of $219. Site licenses and demo files are available.
2X VirtualDesktopServer 9 offers iPhone, iPad connectivity
2X Software, an international developer of virtualization and server-based computing software, has released the 2X VirtualDesktopServer 9, offering application and virtual desktop delivery to computers, workstations and mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad and Android connectivity.
The release also continues to improve upon the implementation and management of virtualized IT infrastructures, such as Microsoft Terminal Server, Hyper-V or VMware ESX, while also improving environment performance and scalability, making the product ideal for IT infrastructures of all sizes, says Nikolaos Makris, CEO of 2X Software. To download an evaluation version of 2X VirtualDesktopServer 9, go to http://www.2x.com/virtualdesktop/register.html
Raidon launches new RAID storage solutions
Raidon (http://www.RAIDON.com.tw) is releasing a new generation of SAS 6G storage solutions: the 2880 Series. This series can to be deployed while offering stability at highest performance beyond 700 MB/second to the SMB, the company says.
The 2880 Series supports 8 to 15mm height 2.5-inch HDD’s and is embedded with a dual SAS 6G host interface. It provides multiple RAID levels up to RAID 6, for the highest level of redundancy, and also offers a snapshot function for system configuration backup. If a failure occurs the system can be recovered providing additional data security.
The 2880 Series comes in two models, the iR2880 for internal and the GR2880 for external use; both models are equipped with the RAIDON SAS 6G module from Intel 80341 CPU and 1GB of DDR2 RAM with LCD system status display. Both products also provide a web graphical user interface for system configuration and monitoring via LAN or RS232. The 2880 Series are available now; contact Raidon for pricing info.
Password Repository update improves Print Settings
Tension Software has updated Password Repository (http://www.pomola.com/products_passwordrepository/passwordrepository.html), a Mac OS X password storage utility, to version 2.12.4. The upgrade improves the Print Settings feature.
Password Repository lets you save all your passwords in documents protecting them on disk using a single password. Data is encrypted using strong and bullet proof algorithms, and the password protecting a document is not saved in any place. Password Repository costs US$30, though version 2.12.4 is a free update for registered users of version 2.x.
The software is Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. It requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher.
Intel provides update on support chip design issue
On Jan. 31, Intel (http://www.intel.com) disclosed a design issue with a support chip, the Intel 6 Series Chipset that has the potential to impact certain computer system configurations, including the Sandy Bridge chip expected in upcoming Macs.
As a result of discussions and specific requests from computer makers, Intel is resuming shipments of the Intel 6 Series Chipset for use only in computer system configurations that are not impacted by the design issue. Only computer makers who have committed to shipping the Intel 6 Series Chipset in computer system configurations that are not impacted by the design issue will be receiving these shipments. We're not sure if that includes Apple.
This resumption of shipments of the Intel 6 Series Chipset is not changing the company’s updated first quarter 2011 and full-year financial outlook published on Jan. 31. In parallel, Intel has started manufacturing on a new version of this support chip. Intel now expects to begin shipping the new parts...
DisplaySearch forecasts 200% year-over-year tablet
Momentum behind tablet (slate) shipments is growing, with a year-over-year increase of nearly 200% to 55.7 million units expected in 2011, according to the "DisplaySearch Quarterly Mobile PC Shipment and Forecast Report."
Though growth rates will slow over the forecast period, the slate personal computer share of the overall mobile personal computer market, which also includes notebooks and mini-notes, will rise to nearly 35%, or 172.4 million units, by 2014. Total shipments of the mobile personal computer market are expected to reach 503.8 million units by 2014.
“The upcoming product announcements, introductions and demonstrations in the coming weeks will build on the tremendous momentum that the market has already seen and will lead to segmentation in the tablet (slate) PC market,” says Richard Shim, mobile computing analyst for DisplaySearch. “This segmentation translates to significant shipment growth and proliferation in the short and long term.”
Segmentation is also demonstrated...
iTunes still top online movie seller
Despite intensified competition from fierce rivals including Microsoft and Wal-Mart Stores., Apple’s iTunes store in 2010 managed to hold onto its dominance in the U.S. market for movie electronic sell through (EST) and Internet video on demand (iVOD), new IHS Screen Digest research from iSuppli (http://www.isuppli.com) shows.
The iTunes accounted for more than two-thirds of U.S. EST/iVOD movie consumer spending in 2010, at 64.5%, down from 74.4% in 2009. The company also maintained its control of three quarters of the U.S. EST business in 2010. Apple’s hold on its market share supremacy was all the more impressive given that the business underwent a significant expansion in 2010, with EST/iVOD movie revenue rising by more than 60% for the year.
“The iTunes online store showed remarkable competitive resilience last year in the U.S. EST/iVOD movie business, staving off a growing field of tough challengers while keeping pace with an dramatic expansion for the overall market,” says Arash...
'iFixIt' tears down the Verizon iPhone
"iFixIt" has torn down the Verizon iPhone and found it's substantially redesigned inside. At first glance, the differences are more significant than we saw between the iPhone 3G and the 3GS.
For example, the location and design of the RF components -- EMI (electromagnetic interference) shields, connector locations, even board layout -- is changed.
"They redesigned the vibrator -- a seemingly minor item, but it takes up a large amount of space inside the phone," says Kyle Wiens of "iFixIt." "My tester said that the 'Verizon vibration was quieter, a little softer to feel, and made a better sound on the table.' (No, I'm not making a 'That's what she said' joke.) It used to be in the top right portion of the phone, across from the camera. Now it's on the bottom left."
But here's the biggest news: Apple is using the same Qualcomm chip as the Droid Pro World Phone. The Qualcomm MDM6600 chip supports HSPA+ data rates of up to 14.4 Mbps and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Rev. A/Rev. B. The datasheet can be...
Whoosh enables batch/bulk emailing from the Mac desktop
Whoosh (http://www.theescapers.com/whoosh/) is a new product from The Escapers. It uses the Amazon SES to enable batch/bulk emailing from the Mac desktop.
The Amazon SES service provides a REST service, which until now required a knowledge of HTTP services, and XML. According to The Escapers, Whoosh changes all that and allows full access to the SES service via a familiar Mac user interface.
The app supports campaigns, so you can manage as many email campaigns as you like. Whoosh can import your tab-delimited files from spreadsheets or databases, and mail-merge details into every mail your customers receive.
Whoosh supports plain text and HTML emails. It also keeps an eye on your quota, and lets you view stats direct from the Amazon service.
Whoosh is available at an introductory price of US$29.99 for a limited time. A demo is available for download. Whoosh requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher. It's Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs.
Verizon iPhone arrives Thursday
Just in case you haven't heard, the iPhone 4 arrives on the Verizon Wireless network for the general population this week. Beginning at 7 a.m. (Eastern) on Thursday, Feb. 10, the Apple smarataphone will be available at more than 2,000 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores nationwide and Apple's retail stores.
The iPhone 4 is available for a suggested retail price of $199.99 for the 16 GB model and $299.99 for the 32GB model with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers can subscribe to a Nationwide Talk plan (beginning at $39.99 for 450 minutes) or a Nationwide Talk and Text plan (beginning at $59.99 for 450 minutes and includes unlimited text, picture and video messaging), as well as an unlimited email and web data plan for $29.99 per month.
Customers will also enjoy the new Personal Hotspot capability paired with a 3G Mobile Hotspot plan to use iPhone 4 to connect up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices. The 3G Mobile Hotspot plan is $20 per month for 2GB.
Wireless users who want to...
Apple has a CEO succession plan; most companies don't
Apple may not want to disclose its CEO succession plan, but at least it has one, notes "All Things D" (http://macte.ch/EWZST). Which is more than you can say for most other companies.
According to a global survey of 1,300 companies by Korn/Ferry (http://www.kornferry.com/), although 98% of companies believe a CEO succession plan to be important, only 35% currently have one in place. And 49% haven’t had one in place for the last three years. Despite the recent increase of unexpected departures of several high profile CEOs, the trend hasn't fully opened the eyes of corporate executives, according to the Korn/Ferry Executive Survey.
“Given the number of abrupt, high profile executive departures this year, it’s surprising that more companies are not acting with greater urgency to put a CEO succession plan in place,” says Joe Griesedieck, vice chairman and managing director of Korn/Ferry Board & CEO Services Practice. “In today’s environment, succession planning should be a part of...
iPhone sees 86.2% growth year-over-year
Apple's iPhone gained more ground in the worldwide smartphone market year-over-year, with shipment volume growth coming from Asia/Pacific and Japan, according to the IDC research (http://www.idc.com).
As of the fourth quarter of 2010, Apple had 16.1% of market share shipping 16.2 million iPhones. That compares to 16.1% and 8.7 million units shipped in the fourth quarter of 2009. That's 86.2% growth. Nokia leads the market with 28% market share and 28.3 million units shipped in the fourth quarter of 2010.
In addition, Apple made further inroads into the enterprise market, with more companies adding Apple to their approved smartphone list and increased development of corporate-centered applications. Rumors of an iPhone 5 have begun to heat up the blogosphere, with many expecting a new design and perhaps a mobile wallet, says IDC.
According to the "IDC Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker," vendors shipped a total of 100.9 million smartphones during the fourth quarter of 2010 (4Q10...
Moska releases Archiware PresSTORE integration for Canto Cumulus...
Retrieving files from PresSTORE Archive just got a easier thanks to Archieware PresSTORE Integration for Cumulus, a new Cumulus add-on released by Moksa.
Originally developed by Moksa as a custom Cumulus integration for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Moksa president Vincent DiPaola saw an opportunity to bring archive and retrieval from within the Cumulus Client to the larger Canto Cumulus market. The Moksa integration provides an interface to PresSTORE archives from within the Cumulus Client.
By selecting records in the Cumulus collection window, users can manage and retrieve files from tape jukeboxes, and more. Cumulus Integration for PresSTORE is priced at US$1,995 for an unlimited seat license. It’s available for Cumulus 8.0 or later (Mac OS X and Windows), and can be purchased directly from Moksa (http://www.moksa.com), or through authorized Archiware and Canto resellers.
British House of Lords gives thumbs up to iPads
As reported by "The Telegraph" (http://macte.ch/hBPsd), peers in the British House of Lords will soon be able to use iPads and other mobile internet devices during debates. The Lords Administration and Works Committee said in a new report that current restrictions are "incomplete, outdated and contradictory".
For a trial period of one year, it is proposed that peers should allowed to refer to handheld electronic devices including all tablets, smartphones and ebook readers, during debates, provided they are set to silent, notes "The Telegraph." However, laptops will remain outlawed. Internet-enabled Lords will be restricted in what they are allowed to browse, however.
"Members taking part in proceedings should be able to use electronic devices to access Parliamentary papers and other documents which are clearly and closely relevant to the business before the House," the report proposes. "Members should not be permitted to use the internet to search for material that might be used in...
Analyst ups his sales forecasts for iPhones, iPads
In a note to clients -- as reported by "Fortune" (http://macte.ch/sDma0), Susquehanna's Jeff Fidacaro has raised his Apple price target from US$445 to $465 and upped his sales estimates for the iPhone and iPad.
For the March quarter, Fidacaro raised his iPhone shipment estimate to 19.8 million (from 17.7 million). For fiscal 2011, he's looking for iPhone shipments of 76.7 million (up from 70.5 million), an increase of 92% year over year.
Fidacaro's supply-chain sources suggest a build of 6.7-7.1 million iPads in the current quarter (2 million iPad 1s and the rest iPad 2s) and sales of 5.25-5.5 million units. The big bump comes next quarter, after what he believes will be the April launch of the iPad 2. Fidacaro is looking for sales of 8.5 million iPads (up from 6.5 million) in the June quarter and has raised his fiscal 2011 estimate to 32.1 million iPads (from 27.3 million), an increase of 330% year over year.
Georgia may go with iPads for students
Senate President pro tem Tommie Williams says that Georgia legislators and state educators are considering an offer from Apple regarding iPads, reports the "Atlanta Journal Constitution" (http://macte.ch/9nD6S),
"Last week we met with Apple Computers, and they have a really promising program where they come in and their recommending to middle schools -- for $500 per child per year, they will furnish every child with an iPad, wi-fi the system, provide all the books on the system, all the upgrades, all the teacher training-- and the results they’re getting from these kids is phenomenal."
Williams said legislators are currently searching for money in the state’s education budget to fund pilot programs across the state.
Analyst raises target price on Apple stock
In a note to clients -- as reported by "Barron's" (http://macte.ch/TSVUG) -- Needham & Co. analyst Charlie Wolf has raised his target price on shares of Apple from US$375 to $450, saying the “trajectory” of sales of the iPhone and iPad now appears to be higher than he originally expected.
Wolf now estimates 300 million smartphones were sold in total last year, up from a prior expectation of 250 million units. He also notes his estimation for iPhone sales last calendar year was only 40 million, which turned out to be below the actual 47.5 million Apple sold.
For 2011, he’s now modeling 75 million units. Wolf sees Apple with a 16% share of smartphones now, moving to perhaps 22% in the next five years, with the assumption Verizon Communications sells 16 million units this year and 16 million next year.
As a consequence of the iPhone and iPad estimates, Wolf raised his estimate for the material contribution to Apple revenue of the iPhone and iPad. He says the former may contribute $...
WWDC 2011 to be held June 5-9?
A new listing for a generic "Corporate Meeting" scheduled for June 5 through 9 at San Francisco's Moscone West could prove to be a placeholder for Apple's annual Worldwide Developer's Conference, reports "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com).
The convention center calendar shows Sunday, June 5, through Thursday, June 9, set aside for an unnamed meeting labeled as a "convention/tradeshow." While the generic listing is no guarantee of the WWDC 2011 dates, the second half of June is booked with five different events, suggesting that Apple's annual event will occur earlier in the month, notes "AppleInsider." The June 5 bloc set aside at the Moscone Center has been reserved at Moscone West, where Apple has historically held WWDC.
iPad 2 coming in April, according to ... Elton John
When you want to know about iPad news, who ya gonna call? Elton John, it seems. Sir Elton John predicts an April launch date for Apple's new tablet in a series of interviews to promote his new movie project "Gnomeo and Juliet."
"I'm a Luddite. I don't have a phone, I don't have a computer, I don't have an iPad and I don't have an iPod," the singer/songwriter said in an interview with "The Telegraph." "But this is going to be a problem for me because they're coming out with a Skype iPad in April and I've got to get one because I want to see my son when I'm not there -- I'll have to enter the world of technology."
"Our main question is whether Elton has merely been reading the same blogosphere speculation as us (or, more accurately given his comments, whether someone who's on his payroll to read blogosphere speculation has been telling him about the iPad 2 rumours)," says "CNET UK" (http://macte.ch/CzbQs). "Or does Elton have inside info about the device's launch date?
Okay, probably...
