Beatles' 'LOVE' album, 'All Together Now...
The Beatles' "LOVE" album and "All Together Now," the feature-length documentary about the making of The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil, will make their worldwide digital debuts this month exclusively on the iTunes Store (http://www.itunes.com).
Both titles are available for pre-order on iTunes starting today in most countries. "LOVE" will be released on iTunes worldwide Feb. 8 and "All Together Now" will follow soon after.
The "LOVE" album (US$12.99) includes exclusive, previously-unreleased "LOVE" versions of "The Fool on the Hill" and "Girl," and comes as an iTunes LP featuring an art gallery that blends images of the Beatles with colorful photos from the stage production. "LOVE" will also be available to purchase and download as individual songs.
The "All Together Now" documentary ($12.99 HD) will be offered with iTunes Extras including the 84-minute film, three bonus featurettes and a trailer for the "LOVE" stage production, and is also available to rent.
'LOVE,' a Cirque du...
Comcast, Time Warner's TV Everywhere agreement offers iOS...
Comcast Corp. (http://www.comcast.com) and Time Warner have signed a long-term agreement that provides Comcast digital cable customers with access to top-rated shows and movies from Turner Broadcasting System networks, including TNT, TBS, CNN, HLN, truTV, Turner Classic Movies, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim.
The content will appear shortly after initial airing at no additional cost to Comcast’s customers on http://www.XfinityTV.com, Comcast’s On Demand service, applicable Turner web sites and Xfinity and Turner branded iPad, iPhone and Android-based tablet and phone applications with plans for live streaming later this year.
Comcast digital cable customers will have access to current and library content from signature Turner shows On Demand and online, such as “The Closer,” “Men of a Certain Age,” “Southland,” “Conan,” “Lopez Tonight,” “The Venture Brothers,” “Ben 10: Ultimate Alien,” “Speeders,” “Glory Daze,” “House of Payne,” “Meet The Browns,” and “Piers Morgan Tonight,” among...
Screen enlarging utility zooms to the Mac App Store
Hubapps (http://hubapps.com) has released Zoom 1.0, a screen enlarging utility for Mac OS X, in the Mac App Store. It costs US$2.99 and is available in the Utilities category.
Zoom "goes beyond the essential functionality for improving visibility and legibility of small text and images, providing a superior experience in the form of a unique, hypnotically beautiful zoom mechanism which keeps 100% of the screen visible while also zooming," according to the folks at Hubapps.
TopXNotes now available at the Mac App Store
Tropical Software's TopXNotes (http://www.tropic4.com/) note manager is now available at the Mac App Store. With the latest version (1.7) you can take your notes with you no matter which Apple touch device you're using.
TopXNotes now offers improved synchronization with iOS devices. Version 1.7 also includes other minor changes, improvements and enhancements. For example, a new, taller and customizable toolbar makes TopXNotes easier to use by putting the most frequently used tools at the user's fingertips.
The NoteOrganizer was also redesigned with a new striped background making it easier to focus on and select individual notes from the list. Note icons have also been redesigned and support for two-finger scrolling has been added.
TopXNotes 1.7 requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later. It costs US$39.99 and is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category.
iWebTemplate adds five animated themes
In collaboration with iWebThemesPro and iPresentee, iWebTemplate (http://www.iwebtemplate.com/) has launched five new animated-with-Flash themes for iWeb, Apple's web site creation component of its iLife suite.
The new iWeb themes feature eight templates that include Flash animated and static backgrounds to choose from. All themes incorporate backgrounds and can be customized.
The new themes require Mac OS X 10.4.3 or later and iWeb 2.0 (iLife '08) or iWeb 3.0 (iLife '09 or iLife '11). Each new iWeb theme is available for US$9.99.
Free public beta of Lo-Fi photo app for Mac OS X available
Wingnut is offering a free public beta test version of Lo-Fi, a retro photo effect application for Mac and Windows systems. It gives pictures the "funky look" of low end, toy cameras.
You can download Lo-Fi from http://www.lofiapp.com . It turns digital photos into retro handmade snapshots. You can mix a wide range of effects from the film world, such as grain, colorful cross processing, lens blur, light leaks, and frames. All these happy accidents of film photography combine to give each photo its own quirky personality, says Terence Tay, one of the creators of Lo-Fi.
It looks and behaves like a gizmo you are holding and playing with, he adds. Lo-Fi will sell for US$29 and run on Mac OS X 10.5 or higher.
Ntractive announces Elements CRM 3.0
Ntractive (http://www.ntractive.com) has updated Elements CRM, the company's Mac Customer Relationship Management solution, to version 3.0. New features include:
° A revamped user interface;
° Speed improvements throughout the app;
° System workflow enhancements including sales and projects;
° The ability to create rules to filter your data and view what's important;
° Beefed-up credit card processing via improvements to integration with Authorize.net.;
° More integrations like Gowalla, Linkedin and a full Twitter app;
° Marketing workflow enhancements with Mail Merge and MailChimp integrations;
° Improved invoicing look and feel with more custom options;
° Acclivity AccountEdge and Intuit QuickBooks enhancements.
Elements CRM 3.0 is available immediately. Small business pricing starts at US$24.95/user/month, and professional pricing starting at $44.95/user/month.
PuzzleTiles 1.0.1 comes to the Mac App Store
Fat Apps has announced PuzzleTiles 1.0.1 (http://www.fat-apps.com/apps/puzzletiles-mac.html), their 15 tile sliding puzzle game for Mac OS X 10.6 and higher. It's available in the Mac App Store in the Gaming division for US$4.99.
Here's how the game is described; "PuzzleTiles is a simple yet addicting puzzle game in which you slide numbered tiles into the correct order, and try to beat your best time. PuzzleTiles features three built-in tile sets, with the ability to make a puzzle from any picture on your computer. It offers multiple difficulty levels, from easy to expert, and much more."
Apress publishes 'Beginning iPhone 4 Development'
"Beginning iPhone 4 Development," the latest book from Apress (http://www.apress.com), offers a soup-to-nuts course in iOS development. The authors of "Beginning iPhone 3 Development" for Cocoa Touch developers are back with the same material completely updated for iOS 4 and written from the ground up using the latest version of Apple’s Xcode 3.
Written by Dave Mark, Jack Nutting and Jeff LaMarche, "Beginning iPhone 4 Development" is 680 pages. It costs US$39.99 for the print edition and $27.99 for the ebook version.
Tune-Instructor for Mac OS X updated to version 3.2
Developer Tibor Andre has released Tune-Instructor 3.2 (http://www.tune-instructor.com/) for Mac OS X, an update of the app that provides a variety of options for organizing iTunes files, plus playback controls. The menu bar controller is always present and permits navigation and playback without opening iTunes.
Tune-Instructor allows custom editing of the ID3 tag, which contains all the metadata of an MP3 file, so that users can organize their song libraries, lyrics, artwork, files, and folders however they wish. Advanced audio players and ID3 editors are called taggers, and permit batch tagging other utility functions.
Tune-Instructor offers Search & Replace functionality across all the following categories: Name, Artist, Album, Album Artist, Composer, Show, Sort Name, Sort Artist, Sort Album, Sort Album Artist, Sort Composer, Sort Show, Genre, Comment, Grouping, Lyrics, and Episode ID. Search parameters include: Tag-Text Contains, Tag-Text Starts With, Tag-Text Ends With, Tag...
QNAP debuts new Turbo NAS family
QNAP (http://www.qnap.com) has announced the TS-x12 line-up of Turbo NAS servers intended for the home and SOHO market segment.
The new models utilize the latest Marvell 1.2GHz processor and include 256MB of DDRII memory and Gigabit LAN ports, offering up to 8TB of networked storage. The TS-x12 series includes the 1-drive TS-112, 2-drive TS-212, and 4-drive TS-412.
The new TS-x12 models also improve the multimedia experience and capabilities for home users, says Tony Lu, product manager at QNAP. The built-in UPnP media server (TwonkyMedia) feature of the TS-x12 series supports numerous UPnP-compliant media players such as the Sony PS3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 gaming consoles. Users can even use their iPhone and Android phone to stream music and video or view digital photos stored on the NAS in real-time from anywhere with a Wi-Fi or 3G connection.
The TS-x12 series will be available starting in February through commercial distributors, resellers, and retailers globally. Pricing hasn't...
URL Extractor update offers internal improvements
Tension Software has released URL Extractor 3.2.2 (http://pomola.com/products_urlextractor/urlextractor.html). The new version offers internal improvements and bug fixes.
URL Extractor is a Mac OS X app for extracting emails address and generic URLs from files on the HD or directly from the web using a list of "starting" web addresses and working unattended after the startup. You can retrieve and start search from web pages using keywords from various international Google sites.
URL Extractor can extract thousands of URLs from the web starting from a single web page and using "cross navigation" and extraction. It requires Mac OS X 10.4 or higher and costs US$50. It's Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. Version 3.2.2 is a free update for registered users of version 3.x.
PayPal hires seven-year Apple veteran
PayPal has hired Sarah Brody, a seven-year veteran of Apple, as vice president of Global Design, reports "All Things D" (http://macte.ch/d2D4r).
At PayPal, Brody will focus on improving the PayPal user experience and making sure that its payment platform is easy to use, the article adds. At Apple, Brody worked on the first iPhone and an early version of the iPod Nano. Some of her more recent design work can be seen on the homepages of Final Cut Studio, Logic Studio and Pro, says "All Things D."
26% of apps downloaded in 2010 were used just once
The market for phone and tablet apps is very competitive, with about 400,000 iPhone/iPad and 200,000 Android apps. The good news is that customers seem very willing to give new apps a try; it took only two weeks for 8th grader Robert Nay’s Bubble Ball to unseat Angry Birds.
The bad news is that 26% of the time customers never give the app a second try, according to Localytics. The research group studied thousands of iPhone, iPad, Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phone 7 apps using its real-time app analytics service.
For all new customers of an app in 2010, Localytics looked for the first time each customer used the app and whether or not there was any follow-on usage through Jan. 26, 2011. All one-time uses of apps were grouped into the quarter they occurred and calculated as a percentage of all new customers in the same quarter.
The resulting analysis shows that for customers using an app for the first time between January and March, about 22% of them never open the app again. In...
Analyst: 65 million Phones to be sold this year
BMO Capital analyst Keith Bachman raised his estimate of iPhone sales based on the smartphone market outlook offered this morning by his colleague, Tim Long, reports "Barron's" (http://macte.ch/duEma).
Bachman sees 14.9 million iPhones being sold, up from a prior 14.6 million estimate, with gains at Verizon offset by churn at AT&T. For the fiscal year ending in September, Bachman sees 65 million iPhones being sold versus a prior view of 62 million. Bachman sees the higher number boosting revenue for Apple this year to US$97.1 billion, higher than he expected by $1.8 billion. He also raised his EPS [earnings per share] estimate to $22.30 from $21.60.
For fiscal 2012, Bachman now sees Apple selling 84.3 million iPhones, up from 79.1 million previously. He raised his revenue estimate $113.9 billion, up from $111 billion. His EPS estimate goes to $26.05 from $25.20.
AJA ships Ki Pro Mini portable flash disk recorder
AJA Video Systems (http://www.ajasystems.com) is now shipping the Ki Pro Mini, the smaller, lighter version of its portable tapeless recorder that captures to the Apple ProRes 422 codec directly from a camera. It has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$1,995.
With its miniature form factor and ability to mount to a range of digital cameras and accessories, Ki Pro Mini makes for the smallest camera and recorder package available for the capture of high-quality 10-bit 4:2:2 files that are immediately ready for editing, according to AJA President Nick Rashby. It bridges production and post, effectively eliminating log and capture, he adds. Key features include:
° 10-bit full-raster recording to Apple ProRes 422 SD and HD formats (including HQ, LT and Proxy);
° The ability to record SD/HD files from digital video cameras to Compact Flash (CF) cards;
° Mac OS X friendly media and native QuickTime files (no log-and-capture required);
° Professional video connectivity through SD/...
Intel identifies chipset design error, implementing a solution
Intel (http://www.intel.com) has discovered a design issue in a recently released support chip, the Intel 6 Series, code-named Cougar Point, and has implemented a silicon fix. In some cases, the Serial-ATA (SATA) ports within the chipsets may degrade over time, potentially impacting the performance or functionality of SATA-linked devices such as hard disk drives and DVD-drives.
The chipset is utilized in computers with Intel’s latest Second Generation Intel Core processors, code-named Sandy Bridge. Sandy Bridge is expected to start popping up in Macs soon.
Intel has stopped shipment of the affected support chip from its factories. The company says it has corrected the design issue, and has begun manufacturing a new version of the support chip which will resolve the issue. The Sandy Bridge microprocessor is unaffected and no other products are affected by this issue.
The company expects to begin delivering the updated version of the chipset to customers in late February and expects...
Intrexx is new Enterprise Portal software for Mac OS X
United Planet (http://www.unitedplanet.com), a developer of Enterprise Portal software in Europe, has introduced Intrexx for Mac OS X to enable companies to create and operate web-based business applications and Enterprise Portals for the Mac environment.
"No one can doubt the popularity of the iPhone and iPad in the business world. More and more companies are now also using Apple computers across the business, and not just in a marketing or design environment," says United Planet CEO Axel Wessendorf. "But whilst it is not surprising that business users are moving towards the Mac, given the world-renowned intuitiveness of its operating system, it could be suggested that it has been lacking powerful business software that will enable it to break into more mainstream business environments. We intend to bridge this gap with Intrexx for Mac OS X."
Mac users will now be able to optimize their business processes by creating and operating web-based business applications and Enterprise...
Active Storage announces metadata controller appliance for Xsan
Active Storage (http:/www.activestorage.com) has introduced ActiveSAN, a high-performance metadata controller appliance for Xsan and StorNext networks.
In November 2010 Apple announced it would discontinue its Xserve rack-mount server as of Jan. 31. Why? “Since its introduction in the fall of 2009, Mac mini with Snow Leopard Server has become Apple’s most popular server system," the company said.
“On the day that Apple has formally stopped selling Xserve, we have exciting news," CEO Alex Grossman. "Until now, Apple's Xserve was the metadata controller of choice for most Xsan installations, providing enterprise form factor and capabilities. Xsan users in high-pressure industries require datacenter-level quality products to manage their Metadata, but also demand the ease of use and setup of Xsan. Previously, that meant one thing: Xsan on an Xserve. But all that changes today -- with ActiveSAN.”
ActiveSAN is a server-based appliance that incorporates Active Storage product design and the...
New app at the Mac Store helps prepare Federal Tax Returns
Taxsoftware.com (http://www.taxsoftware.com) says an application for six of the most often used 2010 federal tax returns is now available on the Mac App Store. The forms can be completed entirely on Macs.
The app for the 2010 tax year version of Form 1040 return includes most forms and schedules needed to prepare tax returns. Paid preparers must be registered with IRS and have an EFIN, a PTIN and an IRS E-services account. They must also be registered with a Taxsoftware.com Eservices account and have a digital ID.
All business forms include depreciation of up to 10 assets and the use of one vehicle for business. The app includes unlimited tax preparation and printing. There is an e-filing charge of US$4 for a Mac App 1040 and a $15 fee for any Mac App business return (1041, 1065, 1120, 1120S and 1099-MISC.)
No Gravity 1.0 game comes to the Mac
Realtech VR has released No Gravity 1.0 (http://www.nogravitythegame.com/mac/), a game originally released as a PSP game that's now on the Mac. It costs US$3.99, requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher and is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Games category.
The game pits the player against evil forces who have unleashed a mind-altering sickness across thousands of colonies. To help in the fight, each ship comes equipped with six weapons, everything from lasers to ion blasters.
Players have 31 mission levels to play, can choose from six different spaceships and two levels of difficulty. No Gravity requires OpenGL 2.0 or better.
WordCrasher update, now on the Mac App Store
Kevin Ng Games (http://kevinnggames.com) has announced WordCrasher 1.0.3, an update to his tactile word game that's now available on the Mac App Store.
WordCrasher offers a take on the word game genre; letter discs fall and collect on the screen as the player touches discs in sequence to make words. WordCrasher features realistic tactile physics, three difficulty settings, comes with new music and graphics designed for the Mac version and more. Version 1.0.3 adds game dictionaries in four new languages.
WordCrasher 1.0.3 is available worldwide through the Mac App Store. It normally costs $3.99, but is available for $0.99 price for a limited period. WordCrasher for the Mac App Store requires Mac OS X 10.6.6.
Canalys: Android now world's leading smartphone platform
The Canalys research group (http://www.canalys.com) has published its final fourth quarter (Q4 2010) global country-level smart phone market data, which revealed that Google’s Android has become the leading platform.
Shipments of Android-based smart phones reached 32.9 million, while devices running Nokia’s Symbian platform trailed slightly at 31.0 million worldwide. But Nokia did retain its position as the leading global smart phone vendor, with a share of 28%. Apple had 16% market share compared to 16.3% in Q4 2009. However, the number of iPhones shipped rose from 8.7 million to 16.2 million from Q4 2009 to Q4 2010.
The fourth quarter also saw the worldwide smart phone market continue to soar, with shipments of 101.2 million units representing year-on-year growth of 89%. The final quarter took shipments for the year to fractionally below 300 million units, with an annual growth rate of 80% over 2009.
In Q4 2010, volumes of Google OS-based smart phones (Android, OMS and Tapas) were...
Android captures 22% of global tablet shipments in Q4 2010
According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics (http://www.strategyanalytics.com), global tablet shipments reached 10 million units in the fourth quarter of 2010. Apple maintained first position, while Android soared and captured a record 22% global share.
Global tablet shipments grew 120% sequentially to reach 9.7 million units in Q4 2010. Apple maintained first position and recorded an impressive 75% global market share during the fourth quarter. However, it has slipped from a peak of 95% in Q3 2010 due to rising competition from Android, says Peter King, director at Strategy Analytics.
"Android tablet volumes experienced 2000% sequential growth and its global market share soared to a record 22% in Q4 2010," says Neil Mawston, another director at Strategy Analytics. "The Samsung Galaxy Tab was the main driver of Android’s success, as the model was launched in dozens of countries and promoted heavily by Samsung. Tablet makers like Android because of its perceived low cost...
Apple is world's most desired brand
Apple is the world's most desired brand, per the new "Brand Desire" report (http://www.brand-desire.com/) issued by the Clear marketing division of M&C Saatchi, the advertising firm formed by the Saatchi brothers in 1995.
Apple and its various brands (iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc.) came in No. 1 out of 100 in the survey of 17,000 people around the world. However, Apple doesn't rule everywhere. BMWs are No. 1 in China. Rolls Royces are No. 2 after iPhones in the U.K. In Singapore, it's Singapore Airlines, and in Germany, it's the World Wildlife Fund, notes "Fortune" (http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2011/01/28/apple-worlds-most-desired-brand/).
PC graphics shipments down 7.8% year-over-year
Overall shipments of graphics devices for 2010 came in below expectations with an unimpressive 4.3% total year to year growth -- a disappointing result given the enthusiastic start of the year, according to Jon Peddie Research (http://www.jonpeddie.com).
Q4 of 2010 didn't boost the year as expected. Instead of the traditional seasonal pickup, market leader Intel showed decline, which affected the overall results. Over 113 million graphics chips and CPUs with graphics shipped in Q4 2010. Intel was the leader in unit shipments for Q4’10, elevated by Clarksdale, continued Atom sales for Netbooks, and Sandy Bridge. However, on a quarter-to-quarter basis AMD and Nvidia gained market share at Intel’s expense.
AMD reported graphics was 26% of the company’s total sales, an increase of 8.7% sequentially and 0.7% from last year. The graphics business benefited from a double-digit volume increase.
Intel reported revenue from chipset and other revenue of US$1.68 billion in Q1; however, that...
Diagrammix is new Mac OS X diagramming tool
Deep IT has released Diagrammix, a new Mac OS X diagramming tool for building diagrams with minimal effort. It costs US$9.95 and requires Mac OS X 10.5 or later; a demo is available for download (http://deepit.ru/products/Diagrammix/info/).
You can use Diagrammix as a fast business tool for illustration purposes. It offers several art elements and different connectors that let users prepare elements in vector drawing editors. Diagrammix has several palettes with elements specially designed for this release.
Once elements are connected by a line, they stay connected no matter how much you change them or move them around. That means the logical integrity of your diagram is preserved regardless of how you choose to position the elements. There are several connector styles: thin, thick, solid, dashed, dotted, with different arrows and colors, all with predefined styles. Work can be saved in a number of formats including JPEG, PNG, TIFF, PDF or copied to text processors via a clipboard.
Twelve South debuts BookArc for new MacBook Airs
Twelve South (http://www.twelvesouth.com) has introduced a new version of its BookArc, designed exclusively for latest MacBook Air (late 2010 models). The new model grips the thin MacBook Air and includes a built-in cable management system to keep cables in place for "grab and go" use.
When BookArc is paired with a MacBook Air and external monitor, it offers a noticeable boost in power for graphics-intensive programs, says Creative Director Andrew Green of Twelve South. BookArc for MacBook Air begins shipping next month for US$39.99.
Like previous versions of BookArc, the MacBook Air model is fashioned from heavy gauge steel. Since MacBook Air has inputs on both sides, the BookArc cable housing routes power, external display, USB and other cables behind the MacBook for a clean workspace.
ABI Research: Apple, RIM, HTC win in mobile handset race
In nearly all parts of the world, consumers’ appetite for purchasing the very latest handsets has not abated. In fact, ABI Research (http://www.abiresearch.com) estimates 390 million handsets and smartphones were shipped in the fourth quarter (4Q) of 2010, up 15.6% year-on-year, says vice president of forecasting Jake Saunders.
Overall, that takes the 2010 total of handsets shipped to 1.36 billion. This is a remarkable turnaround given that just one year ago, 2009 shipments had contracted 4.4% year-over-year, Saunders says.
Nokia’s market share slid marginally to 31.7% because its revamped smartphone portfolio has yet to gain traction. Samsung made marginal gains in market share (to 20.7%). Samsung’s smartphones, including the Galaxy-S, have helped to strengthen its competitiveness in the smartphone sector, but in the overall handset market, this vendor is treading water, Saunders says.
Apple’s iPhone 4 continues to capture a growing chunk of the smartphone market (4.2%). RIM also...
Icon Pallet 2.0 available in the Mac App Store
Carnation Software (http://www.carnationsoftware.com) says Icon Pallet 2.0, its program and document launcher for Mac OS X, is now available in the Mac App Store. With Icon Pallet, you can switch between apps, launch documents and folder items.
Drag files, folders and documents to the pallet, and they'll aways be there for you. Designed to complement your OS X Dock, Icon Pallet keeps your icons in the same location, and at the same size, no matter how many you add (well, up to 600).
Icon Pallet stores the link to your folders, apps and documents, for launch and access with a single click. You can organize your programs, files and folders on an expandable pallet instead of cluttering your desktop with icons or squeezing them onto a crowded dock. You can add names and colors to your folder icons, making it easier to recognize them on your Icon Pallet without having to roll the mouse over the folder icon to see the full name.
Icon Pallet 2.0 requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later. It costs...
FoldersSynchronizer updated to version 4.0
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.
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 files FS is going to copy, replace and delete. You can also specify to save a log file, to send a...
Keynote Theme Park releases USA Elements, Letter Shapes
Keynote Theme Park (http://www.keynotethemepark.com/) has released USA Elements, another in the Nation Element series, plus a new product, Letter Shapes.
These add-on products are created specifically for Keynote, but can be used with the other iWork applications. State symbols are made from single or multi-layer editable Keynote shapes that you can ungroup and edit. Location maps are made of several individual elements so they can be ungrouped, arranged, and masked.
Each state in USA Elements includes several objects, such as the state location map, flag, flag orb, seal, symbol and state border Keynote shape. A USA map is made of isolated states ready for masking with the hi-res elevation image or custom fill and stroke.
New to Keynote is Letter Shapes -- individual alpa-numeric Keynote shapes in Sans Serif regular and italic. You can use Keynote's fill attributes of graduated colors to make drop caps or titles. Also, you can fill letters of a word with different images or span...
Rage Software unveils SEIntelligence for Mac business owners
Rage Software (http://www.ragesw.com) demoed an entirely new software application for Mac business owners to help them attract targeted users to their web site at last week's Macworld Expo.
Search engines are the number one source of traffic to most web sites. Unfortunately, since we don't know exactly what Google and other search engines use to rank web sites, it's difficult for business owners to get top ranking sites.
Using statistical analysis, Rage Software's SEIntelligence application compares a user's web site to the currently top ranking web sites. The application also tells you exactly what needs to be changed in order to match, and beat, the strategies employed by the already successfully ranked web sites.
SEIntelligence is on sale for a limited time for US$99.95. It requires Mac OS X 10.5 or later.
iDatabase 2.0 available in Mac App Store
Apimac has updated iDatabase (http://www.apimac.com/idatabase/) for the Mac to version 2.0. It's available at the Mac App Store for US$19.99.
iDatabase is a personal database manager that offers a way to organize your information and data. With it Mac and iPhone users can manage membership lists, expenses, projects, keep track of Internet accounts and more. Users can choose from 16 ready-to-use, customizable database templates to organize any type of information or can create a totally new database from scratch.
The types of fields a user can create are: Small Text, Large Text, Number, Date, Time, Date and Time, Image, Choose, and calculation. There's also a special field type named Separator Field for dividing a record into distinct visual parts.
iDatabase for Mac and iDatabase for iPhone can be synchronized via Wi-Fi. iDatabase supports backup and restore, exporting and importing of databases in .idatabase and .CSV formats (the iPhone version via the service online Dropbox). The ....
Akvis Sketch 12 introduces Smudging parameter
Akvis (http://www.akvis.com) has released Akvis Sketch 12, an update of the software that converts photos to pencil and watercolor drawings. The new version introduces the new Smudging parameter that creates the effect of smearing hatching in midtone areas without affecting the contour lines of the drawing.
The algorithm handles semi-processed images more effectively. They are now simpler and more exact, according to the folks at Akvis. Also new to version 12 is the ability to view a list of recent images by right-clicking on the Open Image button.
An Akvis Sketch Home License (plug-in or standalone) sells for US$72. Registered users of the previous versions can upgrade to version 9.0 for $39. Or you can buy the Alchemy Bundle (which includes the Sketch, Chameleon, Stamp, Retoucher, Coloriage, Noise Buster, Decorator, Enhancer, LightShop, SmartMask and ArtSuite plug-ins) for $325.
For business licenses consult the Akvis web site. One license key allows activating the software on two...
iSkin announces ProTouch keyboard for 11-inch MacBook Air
iSkin has announced its ProTouch Classic Keyboard Protector for the 11-inch MacBook Air. It's designed to overlay the keyboard and block small particles of food, dust and other impurities from entering and causing damage.
ProTouch forms a thin, yet durable, layer that protects without overheating or hampering use of the keyboard, according to the folks at iSkin. It also dampens the sound caused by typing and helps to prevent key wear from heavy use.
The ProTouch keyboard protector features Microban anti-microbial product protection that works to inhibit the growth of odor‒causing bacteria and fungus on the product. The ProTouch can also be removed and washed with warm water and detergent.
The ProTouch Classic for 11-inch MacBook Air will initially be offered in an Arctic (Clear Frosted) flavor. This is a clear, colorless version that is specially coated to provide a smooth, satin-like finish. Finally, its specially formulated non-toxic silicone has been optimized to provide a...
Macworld: Connected Accounting ERP Software updated
Accountek Solutions announced Connected Accounting & ERP 6.3, the latest updates to their small business accounting software suite, at this week's Macworld Expo.
Connected has been designed to meet the needs of growing small to mid-sized businesses, providing accounting and ERP features. Version 6.3 includes full integration to NRGShip Pro for UPS, as well as enhanced customer and vendor Actions to improve business workflow and support and more.
Connected users will be able to automatically update freight amounts and UPS tracking numbers will appear as active hotlinks on Connected's invoice entry screen, enabling front line customer service representatives to immediately determine the status of a shipment from within the accounting software.
With the enhanced customer workflow, accounting staff will be able to add customers "on the fly" and enter orders without having to exit the order entry screen, saving valuable processing time, says Scott Archer, director of Product...
Macworld: new version of iPad-compatible hard drive released
Sanho Corp. announced the second iteration of their HyperDrive Hard Drive for iPad at this week's Macworld Conference & Expo. It's the only hard drive in the market that can connect directly to the iPad via the Apple Camera Connection Kit.
This new version allows users to directly use their iPads to browse and transfer up to 1TB of video and photo content without the need for computers, additional apps or a jailbroken iPad. Finished in a slim enclosure, the HyperDrive looks exactly like any portable USB hard drive except that it has two mini USB ports, one for connecting to the computer to function as a normal USB hard drive, and the other to connect to the iPad via the Apple Camera Connection Kit.
Using the Apple Camera Connection Kit, the iPad is able to connect to SD cards and self-powered USB devices. However there is a size limitation of 32GB, making it impossible for larger USB hard drives to connect to the iPad. HyperDrive iPad Hard Drive overcomes this limit with its...
Macworld: online video and music recorder for Mac introduced
Applian Technologies and Jaksta are showcasing Jaksta for Mac at this week's Macworld Expo in San Francisco. As a follow-on to Jaksta for Windows, Mac users now have the same freedom to download and convert online streaming audio and video for personal use.
It’s the first program designed specifically for Mac capable of this feat, according to the folks at Applian. Jaksta supports all popular stream formats and protocols, enabling it to capture video from thousands of web sites including YouTube and Facebook.
Similarly, because of Jaksta’s audio-capturing capabilities, customers can download streaming audio from their favorite music and radio sites. In addition to allowing Mac users to save their favorite videos, songs, and radio programs, Jaksta can automatically convert the downloaded files to a variety of devices, such as the iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV, PS3, PSP, and Android.
Jaksta is available at http://www.jaksta.com/ for US$49.95. Alternatively, Mac users can download a...
Cybermart to distribute Apple products in Greater China
Cybermart International, a major retail chain in China and a member of the Foxconn Group, has obtained the status as a first-grade distributor for Apple's products in the Greater China area, according to "DigiTimes" (http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20110127PD208.html).
Cybermart plans to set up 500 Apple licensed retail shops in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, according to company chairman Steve Chang. The first store will be opened in Tianjin on April 1, says "DigiTimes."
Office on the Mac App Store? Maybe
Microsoft says it continues to be pleased with sales of the Mac version of Office, but has not yet decided whether to offer the product or any of its components in the Mac version of the App Store, according to "All Things D" (http://mobilized.allthingsd.com/20110127/microsoft-considering-whether-t...).
“It’s something we are looking at,” Microsoft’s Amanda Lefebvre told "All Things D." “It’s something we haven’t ruled out. We just have to see how that relates to our business.”
Apple could become 'PayPal on steroids'
Apple could cause "serious disruption" in the mobile payments space if it enters the field as reported, say analysts. Rumors Apple is planning to embed Near-Field Communications (NFC) technology into its next-generation iPhones and iPads. Such NFC-enabled systems would let users pay for purchases by waving their mobile devices near payment terminals, notes "Computerworld" (http://macte.ch/ESy4k).
Similar contactless payment technologies have been around for years and have been received with lukewarm support at best by consumers. What's likely to make Apple's entry into the space vastly different, however, is its huge base of 160 million iTunes users, Gartner analyst Avivah Litan told "Computerworld."
That base gives Apple the ability to operate largely as a "closed payment system" with minimal need to interface with credit card companies and banks, she said. "They can largely shut out credit card companies if they choose to," and operate in much the same way that PayPal has done in...
Finland agency to investigate iPhone's cold weather...
Finland's Consumer Agency is looking into how well the iPhone performs (or doesn't) in cold weather, according to "YLE" (http://macte.ch/ljNF6). The agency ays that customers who bought an iPhone and weren't informed about how it performs in cold weather may be entitled to return the product and ask for a refund.
The iPhone’s normal operating temperatures are between 0 and 35 degrees Celsius, and the average temperature in Helsinki is below zero for four months of the year, notes "YLE." Although the phone can be stored in temperatures as low as -20, Apple advises users not to operate the device in freezing conditions. If they do, Apple says they run the risk of shortening battery life or causing the phone to stop working temporarily.
According to the Finland's Consumer Agency, customers dissatisfied with their phone’s functionality in cold weather can return it to the merchant and ask for a refund -- if they weren't informed about the normal operating temperatures before they...
Apple outgrows global handset rival in Q4 2010
According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics (http://www.strategyanalytics.com), global handset shipments grew 16% annually to reach 400 million units in the fourth quarter of 2010. Apple again outgrew its major rivals, while Nokia and LG slipped back due to tougher competition.
It was a mixed quarter for the world's major handset vendors. Some brands outperformed, such as Apple, while others underperformed, such as LG and Nokia. LG continued to lose ground due to a weak smartphone portfolio, while Nokia suffered ongoing component shortages and sluggish sales in the important US market.
"Global handset shipments grew 16% annually to reach 400 million units in Q4 2010," says Alex Spektor, senior analyst at Strategy Analytics. "Apple was a star performer during the quarter, as it once again outgrew major rivals, held its top-five ranking, and announced a potentially lucrative tie-up with mega-operator Verizon Wireless in the United States.”
Neil Mawston, director at Strategy...
Mobile phone market grows 17.9% in fourth quarter
The worldwide mobile phone market grew 17.9% in the fourth quarter of 2010 (4Q10), a new quarterly high driven by smartphones.
According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) "Worldwide Mobile Phone Tracker," vendors shipped 401.4 million units in 4Q10 compared to 340.5 million units in the fourth quarter of 2009. Vendors shipped a total of 1.39 billion units on a cumulative worldwide basis in
The strong quarterly and annual growth comes after a weak 2009, which saw the market decline by 1.6%. A stronger economy and a wider array of increasingly affordable smartphones helped lift the market to its highest annual growth rate since 2006 when it grew 22.6%.
"The mobile phone market has the wind behind its sails," says Kevin Restivo, senior research analyst with IDC's Worldwide Mobile Phone Tracker. "Mobile phone users are eager to swap out older devices for ones that handle data as well as voice, which is driving growth and replacement cycles."
It's not just smartphone-focused...
BoinxTV Home comes to the Mac App Store
Boinx Software (http://www.boinx.com/) has released BoinxTV Home, live-video production software that makes you the star of your own YouTube videos, exclusively at the Mac App Store. Designed to "turn your home into your very own professional TV studio" it costs US$49.
BoinxTV Home spices up videos with its use of creative tools such as lower thirds, to adding text and titles, tickers, green screen backgrounds, and more on video captured live by a camera, such as the one built right into your Mac, at a resolution of up to 960x540. It allows users to edit their videos in real-time, while recording.
This eliminates the tedious post-production process usually required to add effects to a video, says Oliver Breidenbach, CEO, Boinx Software. BoinxTV Home allows the simultaneous use of up to 15 layers for the rendering of your video. Once rendering is complete, users can upload their videos directly to their YouTube accounts.
BoinxTV Home shares many of the same features as its big...
Iron Wars comes to the Mac App Store
AppMania Company says Iron Wars (http://www.appmania.org/ironwars), their new 3D game for Mac OS X is now available for downloading in Mac App Store. It costs US$2.99 and requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later.
Here's how the game is described: "Iron Wars is an exciting battle between fabulous iron balls in real time or in top-down view. It can equal the best action games in dynamics, speed, excitement in a breathtaking atmosphere. The battle of the balls takes place in the most unexpected areas such as space platforms, abandoned mines, forests, and cemeteries with vaults.
"The battle of the balls takes place in the most unexpected areas such as space platforms, abandoned mines, forests, and cemeteries with vaults. There are nine colorful maps which diversify the game and add to its exciting gameplay. Besides, there are many weapons and special bonuses on the maps. Besides the traditional first-aid kits and armor there are brand new ones such as a ram. It will help you to defeat enemies...
Macworld: CodeWeavers releases CrossOver -- Impersonator Edition
CodeWeavers (http://www.codeweavers.com) released CrossOver -- Impersonator Edition at this week's Macworld Expo.. This latest edition greatly increases the ease of running Windows software on Macs and Linux PCs without the need for a Windows operating system license, according to the folks at CodeWeavers.
Impersonator Edition also includes CodeWeavers new “CrossTie” installer, which lets users install hundreds of Windows applications with just a click of a button. CrossTie communicates directly with CodeWeavers massive compatibility database (c4.codeweavers.com), which lists thousands of software applications -- including basic office packages, educational software and highly popular games -- that Windows-less individuals can now operate through Impersonator, says CodeWeavers CEO Jeremy White.
CrossOver – Impersonator Edition replaces all previous versions of CrossOver. The software is immediately available at the CodeWeavers web site. Pricing starts at US$39.95.
IntelliScanner SOHO Black unveiled
IntelliScanner Corp. (http://www.intelliscanner.com/products/soho/) has unveiled IntelliScanner SOHO Black, a new IntelliScanner for small business. It sports a rechargeable battery, included inventory software, and integration with the apps Mac and PC users use.
IntelliScanner is designed to make it easy for small businesses to keep track of business
inventory and assets with barcode technology. By scanning the barcode, users can automatically create an inventory of what's in stock, where it is, and what they have invested.
IntelliScanner SOHO Black also integrates with third-party applications like FileMaker Pro, Xsilva LightSpeed, and Microsoft Excel. It has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$299.
Macworld: BulletScan for Mac debuts
This week at the MacWorld Conference, NewSoft (http://www.bulletscan.com) is debuting its new BulletScan for the Mac product family of scanners, bundled with the company's Presto! Page Manager document management software. In addition, NewSoft will be demonstrating its new iOS applications: FotoTap for iPhone and iPad and BizCard for iPhone.
The BulletScan Manager for Mac product line includes mobile, desktop and departmental scanners rated at up to 60 images per minute with one-click scanning to PDF and searchable PDF. Pricing starts at US$250.
Presto! PageManager 9 for Mac is a front-end page processing application. Capabilities include capture, preview, convert along with the delivery of all of your paper and electronic documents to a designated location. Simply drag-and-drop to stack or merge files, or use the embedded OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to convert them into a searchable PDF
FotoTap enables novice and experienced photographers alike to give their photos a new...
