Canon releases new digital SLR cameras
Canon USA (http://www.usa.canon.com) has announced the EOS Rebel T3i and EOS Rebel T3 digital SLR cameras. Complementing the EOS Rebel T2i DSLR, the EOS Rebel T3i, Canon’s new flagship Rebel, offers features for beginning photographers, and the EOS Rebel T3 provides a more attractively priced option for those looking to experience the pleasure of shooting with a DSLR camera, according to the folks at Canon.
For the young enthusiast learning photography or the adult looking to learn more, Canon’s new Feature Guide instruction will walk Rebel T3i users through functions and provide recommendations for various settings.
Point-and-shoot users looking to step-up to a DSLR can take advantage of the T3i camera’s Scene Intelligent Auto mode, which provides complete scene analysis and optimized settings. Canon’s three-inch Vari-Angle Clear View LCD screen, ideal for properly composing those difficult overhead shots, is is now part of the new EOS Rebel T3i.
The Canon EOS T3i Digital SLR...
Verizon iPhone sets sales record
At 8:10 p.m. (Eastern) on Thursday, Verizon Wireless ceased online orders of iPhone 4 to existing customers and ended the most successful first day sales in the history of the company.
"This was an exciting day,” said Dan Mead, president and chief executive officer for Verizon Wireless. “In just our first two hours, we had already sold more phones than any first day launch in our history. And, when you consider these initial orders were placed between the hours of 3 a.m. and 5 a.m., it is an incredible success story. It is gratifying to know that our customers responded so enthusiastically to this exclusive offer -- designed to reward them for their loyalty."
Mead also said customers will have another opportunity at being among the nation’s first to own an iPhone 4 on the Verizon Wireless network. "Yesterday's launch set the pace for next week when we open up sales to everyone across America," he added.
The general market launch of the iPhone 4 on the Verizon Wireless network will...
Survey: expect a line for the Verizon iPhone
Neither snow, nor rain, nor gloom of 3G-only networks will deter iPhone fans. As the end draws near for AT&T’s exclusive hold on the Apple smartphone, uSamp (http://www.uSamp.com), a technology and online sample companies, has released a nationwide survey of AT&T and Verizon customers to gauge their plans for the Feb. 10 launch of Verizon’s iPhone.
The conclusion: a stalwart group of iPhone enthusiasts intends to line up on day one, regardless of severe weather, product quirks and service uncertainties. Drawing from its online panel from Jan. 28 to Jan. 31 to query AT&T customers -- as well as current Verizon users of Android and BlackBerry phones -- uSamp surveyed more than 700 smartphone users, finding that 29% of AT&T customers who intend to switch to Verizon for the iPhone are willing to wait in line on Feb. 10 to get it. Among existing Verizon customers who plan to get the iPhone, 24% report a willingness to stand in line, too.
For young consumers, devotion...
ISS wants to know the plans for Jobs' (eventual) successor
The Laborer’ International Union of North America wants Apple to unveil their plans on a successor to CEO Steve Jobs. And Institutional Shareholder Services has backed the labor union’s proposal, adding its voice to those who are asking Apple what it plans to do if and when Jobs steps down, notes "Forbes" (http://macte.ch/LTwV8).
Apple’s board is asking shareholders to vote against the proposal. In its proxy statement, Apple argues that it does indeed have a succession plan, but that publicly identifying the company’s future leaders “invites competitors to recruit high-value executives” and that “executives who are not identified as potential successors may choose to voluntarily leave.”
"ISS believes that shareholders would benefit by having a report on the company's succession plans disclosed annually," the ISS says. ""Such a report would enable shareholders to judge the board on its readiness and willingness to meet the demands of succession planning based on the circumstances at...
Together 2.4 released on the Mac App Store
Reinvented Software (http://reinventedsoftware.com/) has announced Together 2.4 for Mac OS X. It's available at the company's web site and the Mac App Store for .
Together an application for storing, previewing, editing and searching all kinds of files. Version 2.4 adds support for OpenMeta tags, bookmark file import and bookmark content searching. Together will import tags from OpenMeta and update OpenMeta tags with the tags you use on items in its library. Together is now also available on the Mac App Store.
Also in version 2.4, Together can import bookmarks from the HTML files that are exported from most web browsers and online services such as Delicious, preserving any folder structure used. When importing from Delicious, Together will also import the tags and notes for the bookmarks.
Additionally, Together includes content searching for bookmarks files. Normally, Together uses Spotlight for content searching, but Spotlight doesn't index these files. Together overcomes this...
ArraySync lets you synchronize QuickTime across multiple...
The National Software Laboratory has announced ArraySync, a new tool for synchronizing QuickTime playback on multiple displays attached to one computer, or across a local area network.
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 users also have the option to span videos directly without...
App Tamer for Mac OS X updated to version 1.0.4
St. Clair Software has released App Tamer 1.0.4 (http://www.stclairsoft.com/AppTamer/), an update of the app for Mac OS X 10.5 and higher that gives you control over your applications so you can save battery and CPU power. The new version fixes some bugs.
Some Mac applications, especially web browsers, continue running tasks or animations even when they're supposed to be idle in the background. This can consume valuable processing power and reduce battery life. App Tamer's AutoStop capability automatically pauses these applications when you switch away from them, and then restarts them when you click back to them. This frees your CPU and reduces power consumption, according to the folks at St. Clair.
App Tamer shows the average percentage of your processor(s) being used by each app, and graphically displays a history of CPU usage. You can enable AutoStop for any application, as well as change its processing priority in OS X.
App Tamer comes pre-configured to automatically pause...
Wrapsol offers film coverings for the Verizon iPhone
Due to the slight shift in buttons on the Verizon version of the iPhone 4, many current iPhone cases aren’t fitting properly with expectations for a short supply in phone protection, according to the folks at Wrapsol. The company says it's jumped in to provide that protection with pre-orders so there’s no delay in keeping the sleek new phones from wear and tear.
Wrapsol will be offering two different types of film for pre-ordering for the Verizon iPhone 4 including Wrapsol’s Ultra film (US$29.95) that offers clear protection for front to back scratch and drop protection. There's also the Wrapsol Clean version ($14.95), which is a matte screen protector that also eliminates fingerprints, smudges and glare.
For those whose pre-order the films, Wrapsol is offering a 25% discount with the code verizoniphone. Pre-orders ship Feb. 10.
DEVONtechnologies updates products
DEVONtechnologies (www.devon-technologies.com) has released a second public beta of DEVONagent and updates all editions of its information manager DEVONthink and its intelligent note-taking application DEVONnote to version 2.0.7.
The second beta of DEVONagent 3.0 brings new plug-ins, e.g. for Gutenberg.org and ACM Digital Library, and a new navigation bar for search results that gives direct access to all objects collected on a selected page. Selections can be remembered and are re-applied to similar content when loading the same or another page from the same site to simplify taking notes, using services, or adding to DEVONthink.
Domains and single URLs can be excluded from searching with wildcards, several scanner and search plug-ins have been improved, the plug-in assistant is more flexible, and older archives are no longer renamed and so still be accessed from DEVONagent 2.3.1. Finally, the Application and Help menus have been rearranged, the visual appearance has been improved,...
Akvis ArtSuite adds St. Valentine Pack
Akvis has updated Akvis ArtSuite to version v.6.7. ArtSuite is a collection of effects for decorating photos.
Version 6.7 includes an improvement in the transformation of photos in hand-painted frames, a Recent Files list that's accessible by right-clicking on the Open Image button, and a new themed frame pack: the St. Valentine Pack. The St. Valentine Pack is available for US$12.
Available as a stand-alone product and a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop and other editors on Windows and Macintosh, Akvis ArtSuite lets you decorate digital photos, create original postcards, personalized desktop wallpapers, etc.
Akvis also offers a free set of frames (30 designs for any occasion), as well as Wedding, Travel, and Christmas frame packs. Each contains 50 hand-painted frames. These themed packs are offered at a price and are intended for professionals, as well as those who are interested in quality design photo frames. Note that these frames are only available in the Standalone version for...
Apimac Clean Text 6.5 available on the Mac App Store
Apimac has released Clean Text 6.5 (http://www.apimac.com/cleantext/), which is now available on the Mac App Store. It costs US$19.95 and can be found in the Productivity category.
Clean Text is a Mac OS X tool for eliminating all text formatting issues. It performs such functions as removing empty lines, removing unwanted spaces, removing tab characters, converting smart quotes, tabs, returns, and more. A new Quick Clean action in version 6.5 lets you solve the most common cleaning problems of text found in email messages, documents and web page with a single click.
Clean Text 6.5 requires Mac OS X 10.4 or higher. It's Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs.
TextExpander update for Mac OS X adds Spanish localization, more...
SmileOnMyMac (http://www.smileonmymac.com) has updated TextExpander, a Mac OS X utility that lets users define abbreviations for frequently-used text strings and images, to version 3.2.3. The update adds a Spanish language localization.
It also further refines the optional feature to eliminate double capitals. TextExpander can now correct double capitals when they appear at the beginning of words as well as at the beginning of sentences.
The regular cost of TextExpander is US$34.95 for a single user license or $44.95 for a five-pack family license. A 30-day fully-functioning demo of TextExpander can be downloaded at the SmileOnMyMac web site. Upgrades to TextExpander 3.x from earlier versions costs $15. Version 3.2.3 is a free update for registered users of version 3.x. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or later.
Analyst still predicting an Apple television
Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster tells clients in a note -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- that he still thinks Apple is planning on releasing its own television. Eventually.
Munster said recent meetings in Asia -- not with component suppliers -- suggested that Apple has put its "secret" US $3.9 billion investment toward securing displays for its range of products. He says Apple is believed to be investing in manufacturing facilities and securing supply for LCD displays.
Munster adds the investment could further signal Apple's intention to enter the television market. The analyst has repeatedly forecast that Apple will introduce its own HDTV by the end of 2012 at the earliest.
Apple releases new Lexmark printer drivers
Apple has released Lexmark Printer Drivers 2.4 for Mac OS X Snow Leopard (http://support.apple.com/kb/DL901). It's a 139MB download.
The Lexmark Printer Driver Update includes the latest drivers for printers you have used on your system, says Apple. Mac OS X 10.6 or higher is required.
Barcode Express now shipping
The Mac Barcode Company has introduced Barcode Express 1.0 (http://www.mac-barcode.com/express/), a software package for creating barcodes for Mac OS X. It costs US$99; a demo is available for download.
With Barcode Express, type in your barcode number, set a few options, click save, and -- voila -- instant barcode. The software supports all industry standards, and makes vector EPS files that import into Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. PNG, TIFF, and JPEG are supported, too.
Barcode Express makes UPC, EAN, ISBN, and other barcode types for use on product packages, books, labels, and more. With Instant Preview, it lets you see your barcode as you type it and change the settings, so you always know what you're going to get.
Some publishers wary of Apple's digital subscription service
Apple's plans to funnel more electronic sales of magazines, newspapers and other content through its iTunes store is making some publishers "uneasy," according to the "Wall Street Journal" (http://macte.ch/kKLCZ).
Apple wants to popularize subscription sales of digital content for the iPad via an upcoming coming new delivery and billing system (well, actually, it's already here, though only the Daily, which debuted yesterday, is using it). At the same time, Apple is tightening enforcement of a rule governing how some apps for the iPad must handle sales, a shift that affects online books as well as other electronic publications, says the "Journal."
"Apple's moves are a hot topic, in part because they could require publishers to share revenue from some content with the Silicon Valley company for the first time," the article says. "The hardware maker also could require that publishers forgo collecting valuable subscriber data they rely on to market their products, an issue that has...
27 individuals busted for fraudulently buying Apple products
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., today announced indictments of 27 individuals in connection with “S3,” a credit card forgery and identity theft ring based in Brooklyn that compromised hundreds of bank accounts, and fraudulently purchased Apple products from stores around the country to resell for profit.
Charges in the indictments include Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, Forgery in the Second Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree. The crimes charged in the two indictments total 57 counts on two separate conspiracies: 48 counts on the first conspiracy, which occurred between June 2008 and December 2010, and nine counts on the second conspiracy, which occurred between September 2010 and December 2010. The defendants were the target of a joint investigation by the New York County District Attorney’s Office’s Cybercrime and...
iKit rolls out NuCharge case for the iPhone 4
iKit has announced the NuCharge case available for both AT&T and Verizon iPhone 4. The NuCharge doubles the battery life of your device, providing a charge solution, ensuring your device is always functional.
This black lightweight case (6mm thick and weighs two ounces) packs a charge, unleashing 1400 mAh of power. It features a slim elegant design and is crafted to protect your iPhone against drops and scratches.
The NuCharge also comes with an on/off switch to cater to conserve power when not in use. The battery life is indicated on the front of the case by a blue LED light to remind you just how much back-up time you have.
A kickstand is also integrated into this case for landscape and video viewing, and full access to all buttons is maintained, providing maximum functionality of your iPhone 4.
The NuCharge for AT&T and Verizon iPhone 4 is now available at http://www.iKit.com in a sleek black finish for $64.95.
Quark presents iPad publishing eSeminar
On Wednesday, Feb. 9, Quark will host a free eSeminar to detail how a new module for Quark Publishing System that reduces the creative and technical barriers associated with publishing to the iPad.
Quark Publishing System is the editorial workflow system that is the core of Quark’s dynamic and digital publishing solutions for mid-to-large business organizations. With the new module, called App Studio, professional and corporate publishers who use Quark Publishing System can create and publish custom iPad apps and put designers in control of producing compelling digital publications, according to the folks at Quark.
"Publish Custom Branded iPad Apps with Quark Publishing System" will be held at 9 am (Mountain Time). You can register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/298286384 .
Horizon 2.1 released in the Mac App Store
Lucerne Systems has announced Horizon 2.1, exclusively in the Mac App Store. Horizon is a calendar-based personal financial analysis system. It requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 and costs US$29.95.
Version 2.1 adds a DayZoom feature, and a special import feature for App Store developers. These additions join a number of bug fixes and enhancements already found in Horizon 2.
Horizon 2 builds on the calendar-based analysis concept introduced in Horizon by adding edit-in-place cells, simpler, "infinite" repeats, a "shuttle" control to navigate between months, and animated transitions between months and views. A 30-day, fully functioning trial version is available from the Lucerne Systems home page (http://www.lucernesys.com).
KeynotePro announces Tribeca Theme for Keynote '09
KeynotePro (http://www.keynotepro.com) has introduced Tribeca, a new theme for Keynote '09. Keynote is the presentation component of Apple's US$79 iWork suite.
Tribeca was inspired by the New York City neighborhood of the same name. It's especially designed for presentations on architecture, fashion or high-impact corporate themes.
The Tribeca theme includes 27 master slides -- a mix of narrative and image-driven styles, including Full Spectrum and Inline slides in the Tribeca signature style. The core layouts encompass a range of general-purpose styles, including new Citation and Compare and Contrast masters.
Tribeca HD, available exclusively in the Tribeca Pro and Pro Mobile Editions, expands the style into HD format with aspect-optimized 16:9 and 16:10 versions of the Tribeca design. The Tribeca EP Edition themes -- included in the Tribeca Pro Mobile Edition -- take the Tribeca style to the iPhone/iPod touch or classic-format video-capable iPod in a format optimized for small-...
Vault only at the Mac App Store
Hubapps (http://hubapps.com) has released Vault 1.1 (http://hubapps.com/vault) for Mac OS X, a solution for creating and using encrypted file storage vaults on the Mac. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher and costs US$9.99. It's available exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Utilities category.
It sports an animated, point-and-click interface and a set of built-in actions for files contained in vaults. Vault lets anyone create, access, and safeguard "encrypted disk images" -- basically secure folders on the Mac.
You create a new vault with a password, and then it can be opened and closed at leisure. Files dropped in the vault will be visible while the vault is open -- and not visible when the vault is closed. Vaults are portable and can be opened with (and only with) the correct password, and are protected with 256-bit AES encryption (superior to Blowfish).
MenuStrip 3.5 exclusively at the Mac App Store
Indeeo has updated MenuStrip (http://www.indeeo.com/menustrip/index.html), their menu bar utility application for Mac OS X, to version 3.5. It's now available exclusively on the Mac App Store. To celebrate the launch of MenuStrip on the Mac App Store, it's currently on sale for US$9.99.
MenuStrip allows users to create their own menu items with their most commonly used applications, files, or folders. Users can also create "Action Buttons" that launch, hide, and quit groups of applications at once. MenuStrip's menu items can be displayed in the menu bar, or in a floating collapsable control strip that can be placed anywhere on the screen.
Version 3.5 adds support and compatibility for Mac OS X 10.6. It can also be expanded with plug-ins. The currently available plug-ins allow menu bar access to Address Book contacts, an easily browse-able organized Safari history, and iTunes playback controls.
Jumsoft announces Process for the Mac App Store
Jumsoft (http://www.jumsoft.com) has announced Process 3.0.13, an update to its productivity app for Mac OS X, on the Mac App Store.
Process is a productivity application that combines outlining, note taking, and project managing. Users can brainstorm, organize, schedule, plan, coordinate, collaborate, and do the work.
Process 3.0.13 is available from the Mac App Store in the Productivity category. The introductory price is US$18.99 until March 1; after that, it will cost $38.99. The application works with Mac OS X 10.5 or later.
TimeCache update for Mac OS X improves workgroup support
The PandaWare Company (http://www.pandaware.com) has updated TimeCache -- its time and expense billing app for Mac OS X 10.3.9 and higher -- to version 8.0.12. The update offers improvements to workgroup support and to importing information from iCal, and several bug fixes.
TimeCache offers support for timed or manual entries, retainer billing, customizable invoices and reports, printing options, and flexible data entry options. It also offers tracking of all a user's computer activity, the ability to save fine-grained details with time and expense entries, can use Apple Address Book entries for client contact information, can produce charts of billable time and expenses, and can import from and export to iCal calendars.
Licenses for TimeCache are US$70 per user. Version 8.0.12 is a free update for registered users of version 8.x. Registered TimeCache 7 users can purchase an upgrade to version 8 for $40. A demo is available for download.
AT&T's Hotspot app coming Feb. 13
Playing catch-up to Verizon, AT&T (http://www.att.com) says select smartphone customers will soon be able to connect multiple devices from their smartphone -- via Wi-Fi -- thanks to the new AT&T Mobile Hotspot application. Bundled with the AT&T Data Pro plan, customers will get 4GB for US$45 per month.
Also on Feb. 13, to bring AT&T's smartphone tethering plan in line with the AT&T Mobile Hotspot offer, AT&T will automatically add the additional 2GB of monthly data usage to smartphone customers already on a tethering plan at no extra charge. Customers will incur the same $20 monthly fee they're accustomed to paying, only now they'll receive an extra 2GB of data each month.
AT&T Mobile Hotspot details include connectivity for multiple wireless devices to AT&T's mobile broadband network and 2GB of data usage for $20 a month, bundled with AT&T's Data Pro plan ($25/2GB). Customers will receive a text message from AT&T once the additional 2GB has...
The Daily debuts on the iPad
Rupert Murdoch, Chairman and CEO of News Corporation, unveiled The Daily, the industry’s first national daily news publication created from the ground up for the iPad.
“New times demand new journalism,” says Murdoch. “So we built The Daily completely from scratch -- on the most innovative device to come about in my time -- the iPad. The magic of great newspapers -- and great blogs -- lies in their serendipity and surprise, and the touch of a good editor. We’re going to bring that magic to The Daily -- to inform people, to make them think, to help them engage in the great issues of the day. And as we continue to improve and evolve, we are going to use the best in new technology to push the boundaries of reporting.”
The Daily mixes text, photography, audio, video, information graphics, touch interactivity and real-time data and social feeds. Led by Editor-in-Chief Jesse Angelo and Publisher Greg Clayman, The Daily is the first application made available on the Apple Ap Store as a...
Best Buy to offer iPhone 4 on Verizon Wireless
Best Buy (http://www.bestbuy.com) has announced that the iPhone 4 from Apple on the Verizon Wireless network will be available in Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile specialty stores across the country beginning Feb. 10, the first day the device is available to the public.
“The iPhone 4 is an important device for Best Buy and we are excited to help Apple and Verizon Wireless bring it to even more consumers,” says Shawn Score, president of Best Buy Mobile. “Our customers have come to expect Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores to carry the best selection of mobile phones anywhere, and offering the iPhone 4 on Verizon’s network is our latest effort to deliver on that promise.”
The iPhone 4 on Verizon Wireless retails for US$199 for 16GB model and $299 for the 32GB model with a new or qualified upgrade with two-year agreement.
Smartphone market a three-way race
Nielsen Wire (http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/?p=25901) says that the competition between smartphone operating systems is a heated one.
When it comes to the installed base -- that is, U.S. mobile consumers who already own smartphones -- it's three-way tie between Blackberry RIM, the smartphone pioneer, Apple’s IOS, which revolutionized the smartphone and popularized mobile apps, and Android OS, the operating system created by Google which has been taking the market by storm.
Analyzing the preferences of those who purchased a smartphone in the past six months paints a different picture, however, one in which Android is clearly in the lead with 43% of recent acquirers purchasing an Android device, compared to 26% for Apple iOS and 20% for Blackberry RIM.
Apple’s iOs is the favorite among U.S. smartphone owners who are Asians/Pacific Islanders. Thirty-six percent of Asian/Pacific Islander who own smartphones have iPhones. On the other hand, RIM Blackberry is preferred by 31% of...
iPhone 4 on Verizon available for pre-order tomorrow
Verizon Wireless’ 94 million customers can pre-order the iPhone 4 online beginning on Thursday, Feb. 3, through the Apple Store (http://www.apple.com) and at http://www.verizonwireless.com/iphone . Due to high demand, customer orders will be fulfilled on a first come, first served basis.
Beginning on Wednesday, Feb. 9, all qualified customers will be able to order an iPhone 4 on Verizon through the Apple Store for delivery or reserve for in-store pick up beginning Feb. 10.
Beginning at 7 a.m. local time on Thursday, February 10, the iPhone 4 on Verizon will be available to all qualified customers at Apple’s retail stores. The iPhone 4 will also be available at more than 2,000 Verizon Wireless Communication Stores nationwide.
The iPhone 4 on the Verizon Wireless network will be available for a suggested retail price of US$199 for the 16GB model and $299 for the 32GB model with a new two-year agreement.
Apple looking for iOS photography software engineer
Adding to the mounting evidence that Apple plans to add cameras to its next-generation iPad, the company's digital photography team is hiring a software engineer to create applications for the iPad platform, reports "AppleInsider," which found a new job listing (http://macte.ch/YHQDR) for an iOS photography software engineer.
Apple's Digital Photography team is looking for a "dynamic software engineer with the drive and desire to deliver great photography applications for the Mac and iPad platforms. "The Digital Photography team has delivered top applications including iPhoto and Aperture on the Mac platform," says Apple. "As a member of the team, you will help us with text rendering and editing and HTML generation for publishing and viewing photo based content."
Preferred skills are Mac OS X and/or iOS programming experience and UIKit, Cocoa and Core Text and CoreAnimation experience. Apple says that image processing experience is also a bonus.
Digital Film Tools rolls out PhotoCopy for Final Cut, Photoshop...
Digital Film Tools, a developer of visual effects software, has released PhotoCopy, software for creating a photographic reproduction of a printed or graphic work made with a process in which a new image is formed by the action of proprietary image analysis, color, texture and light. Whether it's still or moving images, the key attributes are copied from one image and applied to another, says Marco Paolini, founder and president, Digital Film Tools.
With Photocopy, you can pick from 94 Academy Award nominated movies, including "Apocalypse Now," "Blade Runner," "Frankenstein," "Gone with the Wind," "King Kong" and "The Lord of the Rings." You can choose from 72 paintings from artists such as Cezanne, Chagall, Greco, Leonardo, Monet, Rembrandt, Renoir and Van Gogh.
You can select from 40 photographs by various masters of photography including Abbott, Andreev, Cunningham, Fenton, Nadar, Outerbridge, Stieglitz and Weston. With Photocopy, you can try one of 30 historical processes, some...
Cubetastic is new puzzle game for the Mac
DoPanic Studios has introduced Cubetastic 1.0 (http://www.cubetasticapp.com/) at the Mac App Store. The $1.99 game plays out as a 3D maze where users guide a light from start to finish by combining and recombining the cells on a cube. It requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 and can be found in the Games category.
Here's how Cubetastic is described: "Set atop a 3D cube consisting of smaller rotating cubes, users are tasked with navigating a ball of colored light from its starting tile to the designated finishing tile by arranging and rearranging the cube to create a solid path consisting of same colored tiles for the light to cross on. Developed to provide users with a puzzle game that offers boundless challenges and boundless entertainment, Cubetastic is currently available on the Mac App Store on sale for just $1.99 for a limited time only.
"This uniquely structured puzzle adventure requires users to think three dimensionally if they hope to successfully advance within the game from one stage to...
Bubble Harp comes to the Mac App Store
Developer Scott Snibbe (http://snibbe.com) says Bubble Harp 1.0, his visual music app is now available in the Mac App Store. With Bubble Harp, it's possible to create music just by moving your mouse or fingers.
Because it's algorithmically generated, the song shifts subtly each time it repeats, like a jazz musician might riff on a scale or theme, Snibbe says. It's based on his iOS app of the same name.
The Mac version features a new "heads-up" interface that pops up from the bottom of the screen to allow change the musical scale, tempo, drawing speed, and other parameters. Bubble Harp requires Mac OS X 10.6 or later and costs US$1.99.
AutoCrypt is app for batch processing encryption of documents
Pomola (http://www.pomola.com) has released AutoCrypt for batch processing encryption of documents. It lets you save in a document all the settings used to create encrypted archives.
Using AutoCrypt, a single click is enough to encrypt hundred of files from a source to another places. Using the blowfish mechanism, all the encrypted files will be totally unreadable by anyone except who knows the correct password, according to the folks at Pomola.
The obtained encrypted files can be transmitted or stored in unsafe place without any security problem. All the setting used to encrypt the original files, are saved inside an AutoCrypt document.
AutoCrypt Mac OS X requires 10.5 or higher. It's Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. AutoCrypt is being offered an introductory price of US$7.
MyService offers 3TB iMac, Mac Pro hard drive upgrade
MyService (http://www.myservice.com) has announced a new 3TB hard drive upgrade for the iMac and Mac Pro. These new 3.5-inch drives by Hitachi are the largest desktop drives available. The upgrades cost US$299, plus shipping.
MyService has these drives in stock. The upgrade service includes the new drive, professional installation and data transfer. Most hard drive upgrades are completed the same day. After the service is complete, your Mac is cleaned, tested and returned to you, along with your old drive. Since MyService is an Apple Authorized Service Provider, the 3TB upgrade won't void your Apple warranty.
The Hitachi Deskstar 7K3000 3TB hard drive comes with 7200RPM performance, a 64MB data buffer and uses the new 6Gb/s SATA interface. This configuration shows an improvement of up to 27% over previous generation products, according to the folks at MyService.
Stairways Software releases Sight Words 1.0 on the Mac App Store
Stairways Software (http://www.stairways.com) has released Sight Words 1.0 on the Mac App Store. It costs US$9.99 and offers a way for children to learn the most common English words.
The program -- which requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 -- can handle multiple children (even an entire class), and tracks each child's progress showing which words that child has mastered and, more frequently, prompting them with words that have not yet been committed to memory. Almost 2,000 words are included, including those in the Dolch Word List.
All are internally ordered from easiest to hardest, so that the easier words are offered early. You can also generate a report of the child's current status, showing words they know, words they are still working on, and words that they haven't yet tried.
SIP/H.323 video conferencing now on iPhone 3GS, iPad
After the recent launch of ClearSea Client for the iPhone and fourth generation iPod touch, Mirial says that iPhone 3GS and iPad have been added to the list of certified devices for Mirial ClearSea.
ClearSea is a video conferencing software including a client for iOS devices that enables organization to connect every Mac, PC, Android or iOS device and any standards-based H.323/SIP equipment. It allows you to integrate a traditional room based video communication systems or to deploy a new HD desktop and mobile solution without the need to invest in expensive infrastructure.
ClearSea for iOS devices is available today. For more info and a free demo go to http://www.mirial.com .
BorisFX releases AAF Transfer 2
BorisFX (http://www.borisfx.com) has released Boris AAF Transfer 2.0, an update of the set of two Apple Final Cut Pro plug-ins for transferring sequences between Final Cut Pro and Avid editing and finishing systems.
One of the plug-ins exports Avid-compatible AAF format files from Final Cut Pro to Avid editing and finishing systems. The other plug-in imports AAF format files from Avid editing and finishing systems to Final Cut Pro.
Using Boris AAF Transfer, Avid and Final Cut Pro users can exchange projects that include transitions, effects, image and time warps, third party effects, and keyframes. Avid’s AMA (Avid Media Access) architecture gives Avid users direct access to many QuickTime formats, while Final Cut Pro users can access Avid MXF files using Calibrated Software’s Calibrated{Q} MXF Import for OS X. Boris AAF Transfer supports both online and offline workflows.
Boris AAF Transfer is available immediately through the Boris FX worldwide reseller channel and direct through...
MarkMyWords for Mac OS X gets new plug-in system
Xelaton Software has released MarkMyWords 1.1.0, an update to the text-editor specially aimed at web authors. Improvements in version 1.1.0 gives writers more control over their articles.
MarkMyWords offers ways to format and structure articles for the web while retaining platform-independence by using plain text documents. Version 1.1.0 sports a new plug-in system to enhance the feature set. By using one of the script-languages -- Perl, PHP, Python or Ruby -- plug-ins can be created. The MarkMyWords-Plugin web site offers a collection of plug-ins to download and developer documentation on how to write your own.
Also new in version 1.1.0 are refinements and enhancements to existing features. For example, creating Markers, setting Markers and removing Markers are all now possible in just one shortcut. One-Click-Styles have been improved by adding block-markup for lists and Markdown quotes.
Another new feature is the use of preselected save-folders. With a single click a folder can...
Apimac Compress Files 5.0 available on the Mac App Store
Apimac's Compress Files 5.0 (http://www.apimac.com/compressfiles/) for Mac OS X (10.4 and higher) is now available on the Mac App Store. It costs US$14.99 and is available in the Utilities category.
Compress Files enables Mac users to create Zip compressed and encrypted files, XAR archive files, 7zip and 7zip crypted archives, TAR archives; Gzip compressed archives; Bzip2 compressed archives and compressed and encrypted disk images. Compress Files let you specify if you want omit Finder specific information and Mac specific file attributes when creating Zip archives.
What's more Compress Files let you omit Mac-specific invisible files when creating zip files. Invisible Mac-specific files can be annoying when you transfer Zip files to other systems. Windows and Linux make these files visible, and they could create confusion to recipients that receive your files. Compress Files let you specify if you want omit Finder specific information (such as the .DS_Store files) and Mac specific...
TapeDeck for Mac OS X adds channel selection support
SuperMegaUltraGrovvy and toastycode have updated TapeDeck (http://tapedeckapp.com), an audio recorder designed with a quick-capture workflow in mind, to version 1.4. The upgrade adds support for channel selection on professional audio hardware, and audio monitoring for recording line input sources. TapeDeck now allows users to listen to their attached audio sources as they're recording.
Recordings from TapeDeck will preserve their full fidelity when dragged into GarageBand, Logic Pro, or any Professional audio application that supports ALAC audio, according to the folks at SuperMegaUltraGroovy. The app was designed to emulate a real cassette tape recorder with a few key differences.
Every recording is automatically saved and organized in the searchable "tape box." There's no need to "tape over" anything, because a new recording is always just a click away.
TapeDeck requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher and costs US$24.99. Version 14 is a free upgrade for registered users; a demo is...
Fanurio for Mac OS X gets new interface
Atelier Software has released Fanurio 2.4 (http://www.fanuriotimetracking.com), an update of the Mac OS X time tracking and billing application designed for freelancers. The upgrade sees a a tweaked interface and a dock icon menu to control the timer.
Fanurio 2.4 also has a new user manual. You can now export time to an .iif file that can be imported by QuickBooks Pro. Plus, there are other improvements and bug fixes
Fanurio costs US$59; version 2.4 is a free upgrade for registered users. A demo is available at the product web site.
Yummy FTP update adds speed, usability enhancements
Yummy Software (http://www.yummysoftware.com) has updated Yummy FTP -- an FTP, FTP SSL/TLS, and SFTP client -- to version 1.8.3. The upgrade offers speed and usability enhancements, as well as some bug fixes.
Yummy FTP was designed to deliver speedy file transfers, using a multi-connection file transfer engine coupled with an intelligent recovery system to automatically handle most file transfer issues. It has a dual pane user interface.
Yummy FTP is US$28 for a single user license. Multi-user discounts are available beginning at 10 seats. Site licenses and other discounts are available upon request. A free 30-day, fully-functional trial is available.
Power Manager 4.0.4 adds new developer tools
DssW has released Power Manager 4.0.4 for Mac OS X. This release includes new developer tools and bug fixes.
Power Manager is an automation and energy saving solution for Mac OS X. It boasts a range of energy saving events, including the ability to run applications and scripts to a schedule.
For more information, and to download a 30-day demo version of Power Manager, go to http://www.dssw.co.uk/powermanager/ . Registration is approximately US$53 and $398 for Power Manager Professional.
System requirements are Mac OS X 10.4 or later for Power Manager, and Mac OS X 10.6 for Power Manager Professional. Version 4.0.4 is free for users of Power Manager 4.x. Existing users can update using Power Manager's automatic software update.
Zevrix updates BatchOutput for Microsoft Excel
Zevrix Solutions (http://www.zevrix.com) has released BatchOutput XLS 2.0, an upgrade to its output automation solution for Microsoft Excel on Mac OS X. In addition to batch printing, the new version lets users carry out automated professional PDF production directly from Excel.
Users can reduce PDF file size, optimize images, assign variable file names and encrypt PDF files. The new version also introduces compatibility with Excel 2011.
BatchOutput XLS 2.0 can be purchased for US$39.95 from the Zevrix Solutions web site, as well as from authorized resellers. Licensed users of version 1.x can upgrade for $19.97. A demo is available for download. BatchOutput XLS runs on Mac OS X 10.4.2 and higher, and works with Microsoft Excel 2008 and 2011.
Galaxy Tab return rate is 16% (compared to the iPad's 2%)
Consumers are buying fewer Samsung Galaxy Tabs than previously believed and are returning them more frequently.
ITG Investment Research tracked point-of-sale data from nearly 6,000 wireless stores in the U.S. from the Galaxy Tab’s November debut through Jan. 15 and found the device to have an unusually high return rate, as reported by "All Things D" (http://macte.ch/3fqHd). According to ITG estimates, cumulative return rates for the Galaxy Tab through December 2010 were about 13 %.
And that percentage is growing as holiday purchases are returned. ITG estimates that cumulative Galaxy Tab return rates through January 15 were 16%. The return rate for the iPad at Verizon since its debut on the carrier is just 2%, notes "All Things D."
NetMarketShare: Mac, Safari, iOS gain market share
Mac, Safari and iOS market share for Internet usage rose from December to January, according to the latest market share survey from NetMarketShare (http://www.netmarketshare.com).
According to the report, among operating systems, Mac OS X had 5.25% of the global market share in January compared to 5.02% in December (that's global market share; in the US it's almost 10%). Windows remains dominant with 89.70% as of January. That's down from 90.29% in December. Apple's highest percentage previously was 5.27% in October 2009.
When it comes to browsers, Safari had 6.30% in January compared to 5.89% in December, while Internet Explorer had 56% Firefox had 22.75% and Chrome had 10.70%. That compares to, respectively, December percentages of 57.08%, 22.81% and 9.98%, for the browsers.
The iOS's market share also rose, according to NetMarketShare. It had 2.05% of the global market share in January compared to 1.69% in December. That's an all time high. If you combine the Mac OS X and iOS...
Two new lawsuits involve iOS devices
Another day, another lawsuit. Well, two actually. One lawsuit is against Apple, accusing the company of privacy violations for the way it shares information collected from iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users with advertisers.
The suit was filed last Thursday on behalf of an Apple user in California and seeks class-action status. According to "PC World" (http://macte.ch/UUTMY), it charges Apple with sharing information about users' browsing history, application use and other personal details without their consent.
"Apple's privacy policy is opaque and confusing but one thing is clear: it does not inform mobile device users that by providing application developers with their UDID, Apple enables them to put a name to highly personal and in many cases embarrassing information derived from app downloading activity and usage, and internet browsing history, that would otherwise be anonymous," the suit reads.
The tracking is possible because Apple assigns a UDID (Unique Device Identifier) to...
Apple rejects Sony's iPhone app
Apple has nixed Sony’s iPhone application, which would have let people buy and read e-books bought from the Sony Reader Store. For many, it's a disturbing development.
What's more, the company has told some applications developers, including Sony, that they can no longer sell content, like e-books, within their apps, or let customers have access to purchases they have made outside the Apple App Store, reports "The New York Times" (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/01/technology/01apple.html?_r=1). Apple told Sony that from now on, all in-app purchases would have to go through Apple, said Steve Haber, president of Sony’s digital reading division, told "The Times."
The move could affect companies like Amazon.com and others that sell e-book readers that compete with Apple’s iPad tablet and offer free mobile apps so customers can read their e-book purchases on other devices. An iPad owner, for instance, has not needed to own a Kindle to read Kindle books bought from Amazon.That may now...
