Epson announces double-sided Printing solutions
Epson America has introduced the Epson WorkForce 840 all-in-one and the Epson WorkForce 60 printer, the which it says is the world’s fastest automatic double-sided printing solutions for high print volume small offices and micro businesses.
The WorkForce 840 boasts single- and double-sided print speeds -- 15 ISO ppm [pages per minute] black and 9.3 ISO ppm color single-sided; 7.4 ISO ppm black and 5.4 ISO ppm color two-sided. It includes a 500-sheet input capacity to load a full ream of paper, and ships with Extra-High Capacity ink cartridges capable of printing up to 1,000 sheets.
The WorkForce 840 offers a 7.8-inch touch control panel with a 3.5-inch high resolution color LCD to access all printer functions, a built-in two-sided 30-page Automatic Document Feeder to copy, scan and fax two-sided documents, and built-in memory card slots and USB drive port.
The WorkForce 60 also delivers fast single- and double-sided print speeds: 15 ISO ppm black and 7.1 ISO ppm color single-sided;...
Apple App Store nears 10 billionth download
The Apple App Store is nearing its 10 billionth download, and Apple has a promotion that will give the person who downloads the 10 billionth application an US$10,000 gift card.
A counter at http://www.apple.com/itunes/10-billion-app-countdown/ counts down the sales to the 10 billionth app. The site says: "As of today, nearly 10 billion apps have been downloaded from the App Store worldwide. Which is almost as amazing as the apps themselves. So we want to say thanks. Download the 10 billionth app, and you could win an US$10,000 iTunes Gift Card. Just visit the App Store, and download what could be your best app yet."
Students at four Singapore schools getting iPads
Four schools in Singapore have begun giving iPads to students, reports "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/gm5md).
Nanyang Girls High School has spent approximately $100,000) to buy 150 iPads for 140 students and 10 teachers in a pilot project, the article says. Users connect to the Internet using the tablet, and download books and course material.
Seah Hui Yong, dean of admissions at Nanyang Girls school, told "Reuters" that the iPad was chosen because it complemented a new method of teaching under which students are given more freedom to learn themselves, instead of relying solely on the teacher in traditional classrooms.
Nanyang Girls is a secondary school, which means the youngest students are 12. Other schools in Singapore using the tablet include Tampines Secondary School, Nanhua Primary School and Dunman Secondary School.
WSJ: launch of 'The Daily' iPad mag delayed
News Corp and Apple Inc are delaying the launch of the media conglomerate's digital newspaper for the iPad, the "Wall Street Journal" (http://macte.ch/j3cIq) reports, citing "people familiar with the matter."
The tablet newspaper, dubbed "The Daily," was supposed to be unveiled next Wednesday. However, the two parties decided they need more time to test a subscription service, the "Journal" says.
News Corp confirmed the delay but declined to comment. And Apple had no comment.
Apple releases Epson Printer Drivers 2.5.1
Apple has released Epson Printer Drivers 2.5.1 for Mac OS X 10.6 and higher. You can obtain the 837.73MB download by using the Software Updates component of Mac OS X's Systems Preferences app.
This update installs the latest software for your Epson printer or scanner. You can view a list of supported Epson models at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3669#epson .
Intel reports record year, fourth quarter
Intel (http://www.intel.com) has reported full-year revenue of US$43.6 billion, operating income of $15.9 billion, net income of $11.7 billion, and EPS [earnings per share] of $2.05 -- all records.
The company generated approximately $16.7 billion in cash from operations, paid cash dividends of $3.5 billion, and used $1.5 billion to repurchase 70 million shares of common stock. For the fourth-quarter, Intel posted revenue of $11.5 billion.
The company reported fourth-quarter operating income of $4.3 billion, net income of $3.4 billion, and EPS of 59 cents. Fourth-quarter revenue, operating income, net income, and EPS were also all records.
Two billion FireWire ports shipped worldwide
FireWire, the computer, consumer electronics and industrial systems interface, reached the two billion ports milestone in 2010 and will continue its steady growth worldwide throughout 2011, the 1394 Trade Association (http://www.1394ta.org), of which Apple is a member.
The two billion FireWire ports shipped provide more than 1.2 billion consumer and computer products with reliable, versatile high-speed connections available from developers of FireWire silicon including Texas Instruments, LSI, and PLX Technology, among others, according to Max Bassler, chairman of the 1394 Trade Association. FireWire continues to be applied in a wide range of PCs, storage systems, new generations of set top boxes, industrial and factory automation equipment, and professional audio system, he adds.
The 1394 Trade Association estimates the total of 1394-equipped devices will increase again in 2011. The group foresees continued expansion into higher speed computing, storage and consumer electronics...
DigiPower unveils new iPad accessories
Mizco International’s (http://www.mizco.com) DigiPower division has unveiled a new line of accessories for the iPad that feature cases and stands in a variety of design solutions.
The US$29.99 Coffee Clutch does away with the clutter, providing iPad stand and case functionality in a single package. It's designed to hold the iPad at the optimal angle for watching movies, viewing photos or surfing the web. When on the go, you can grab the built in handle or attach the included strap to carry it like a shoulder bag.
The $29.99 DigiPower E-Z Rest for iPad works in portrait or landscape mode for use on a desk, or just lounging on the couch. The fold-flat stand lets you transport the Apple tablet, and with its slide-in contoured design the iPad is cradled and protected whether at home or on the go.
The $29.99 Universal Charging Dock will charge your iPad, iPhone or iPod. Its attached 4-foot cable connects to a wall charger to power up or to a computer to charge and sync. The...
NAMM: Solid State Logic intros X-Rack Stereo Dynamics Module
Solid State Logic (http://www.solidstatelogic.com) has introduced the X-Rack Stereo Dynamics Module at this week's Winter NAMM show.
The new X-Rack Module delivers the same sonic signature as the channel strip processing of SSL’s large format Duality console and the mono X-Rack SuperAnalogue Dynamics Module in a stereo configuration. The module is intended for stereo tracking or stem mixing and further extends the availability of SSL’s sonic heritage to studios of all sizes, says Niall Feldman, director of new products for Solid State Logic.
The X-Rack Stereo Dynamics Module is a stereo version of the SuperAnalogue Dynamics Module. Featuring Compressor/Limiter and Expander/Gate circuits, the Stereo Dynamics Module provides the familiar SSL level control tools for both recording and mixing applications.
The Compressor section can switch between a gentle Soft Knee (Over Easy) RMS compression to a more aggressive Peak Sensing or Hard Knee mode, providing a wide range of leveling...
NAMM: Powersoft M Series power amplifiers shipping
Powersoft (http://www.powersoft-audio.com) -- a manufacturer of green design power amplifiers -- announced at this week's Winter NAMM 2011 that the M Series line of power amplifiers is now shipping to distributors.
The M Series consists of five new models that include two 4-channel and three 2-channel versions. M Series amplifiers come in a one-rack-unit chassis, 14.1-inch in depth and weighing just over 16 pounds.
The M50Q and M28Q are 4-channel models, delivering up to 1,250W/ch into 4 ohms. The M30D, M20D and M14D offer 2-channels each with a maximum output of 1,500W/ch at 4 ohms. The entire range reaches down to 360W/ch into 8 ohms, resulting in greater flexibility for a wide range of applications, according to Claudio Lastrucci, Powersoft’s managing director.
The M Series features Powersoft’s plug-in DSP module. When installed and preset to meet the needs of a particular installation, including settings for crossover frequency and curves, basic system EQ and protection...
NAMM: Aviom introduces prepackaged digital snakes
Aviom (http://www.aviom.com), a developer of the A-Net audio transport protocol is introducing prepackaged Pro16 digital snakes in a variety of configurations that are tailored for a range of applications and ensemble sizes.
While Aviom -- displaying at this week's Winter NAMM show -- is best known for its industry standard personal mixing system, the company has also been a leader in distributing audio over Cat-5. Both its Pro16 Series of digital snake components. They're solutions for creating digital audio systems for houses of worship, schools, theaters, sound companies, studios, and broadcast companies. Contact the company for pricing options.
NAMM: True1 Connector debuts
Neutrik USA (http://www.neutrik.com) -- a manufacturer of professional audio, video, data and industrial connectors -- has announced the U.S. debut of its powerCon True1 AC power connector at Winter NAMM.
The lockable, extremely robust system of single-phase connectors is among the first of its kind to feature IEC 60320 breaking capacity, designed for 16 A, 250 V. This makes it suitable for concerts and similarly staged productions where the electrical equipment is often confined to a small area, making safety a top priority.
A complete system, including inlet and outlet couplers for easy daisy chaining of equipment, the powerCon True1 also provides for high-density requirements with a duplex chassis connector combining an inlet and outlet coupler. Thanks to its high-breaking capacity, performance crew workers and other production professionals can connect large amounts of electrical equipment without worrying that interruptions to the current will cause a catastrophic electric arc...
NAMM: Auralex introduces new diffusor series
At this week's Winter NAMM show, Auralex Acoustics (http://www.auralex.com) has released its first line of acoustical products made from 100% eco-friendly bamboo, the Sustain Bamboo Sound Diffusor Series.
The new line -- which consists of the WavePrism, WaveLens, QuadraTec, Peak Pyramid Diffusor and KeyPacs, retains the longevity and acoustical qualities Auralex is known for with green and acoustical properties of natural bamboo -- says Eric Smith, founder and president of Auralex Acoustics. The Auralex WavePrism eliminates flutter echoes and other acoustical anomalies without removing acoustical energy from the space, he says.
Auralex WaveLens’ open-boxed design scatters and redirects acoustical energy. The WaveLens can be beneficial in numerous applications as it can create a “large sound” in a small room, as it can optimize existing absorption panels by redirecting the sound energy, according to Smith.
The QuadraTec’s tiered design provides scattering properties, resulting in a...
iHub update boasts Android/Mac syncing
Nova media (http://www.novamedia.de) has updated iHub Basic for Mac OS X to version 2.13, a free upgrade for registered users. The US$29.95 software syncs contacts and calendars automatically and wirelessly between Macs, iPhones, iPads and iPod touches in any local network.
The new version supports synchronizing contacts and calendars between Macs and Android devices. The necessary sync client for Android can be downloaded from the Android marketplace for free.
The software installs on a Mac and shares selected calendars, contacts and address book groups. Other Macs and iOS devices on the same network can access and edit any shared data. iHub Basic doesn't require any additional client software as it uses the open standards CalDAV and CardDAV which are supported by default by Mac OS X and iOS.
"Thanks to iHub Basic, there is no need to store sensitive on any far-away cloud service," says Jan Fuellemann, spokesperson of nova media. "In addition, the user does not have to use a cable...
HoudahGeo 2.8 improves error handling during export, more
Houdah Software (http://www.houdah.com/) has updated HoudahGeo, a geocoding solution for the Mac, to version 2.8. The new version brings improved error handling to the publishing options of the software.
HoudahGeo costs US$30 for a single-user license for new users. Version 2.8 is a free update for registered users. HoudahGeo requires Mac OS X 10.4.8 or higher.
Jumsoft adds five themes to its Keynote collection
Jumsoft (http://www.jumsoft.com) has expanded its collection design themes for Keynote, the presentation component of Apple's US$79 iWork suite. The five new themes include up to 50 master slides, a mix of bullet text and photo-oriented layouts.
The Keynote Themes line includes 15 themes. The five new ones range from the clear-cut Highlight to the colorful Rapture Light and the soft Warm & Fuzzy.
The themes include up to 50 master slides -- a mix of bullet text and photo-oriented layouts. The layouts have custom bullets, matching tables, and easily readable charts. All photo slides feature media placeholders to crop a placed image into a custom shape. The complimentary Bullets folder includes a set of 15 extra bullet designs, which can be used to further customize any of the themes for a specific case.
The Jumsoft themes require iWork '08 or later. Each theme costs US$19.
Syncro Soft releases Oxygen XML Editor, Oxygen XML Author 12.1
Syncro Soft (http://www.oxygenxml.com) has released version 12.1 of its Oxygen XML Editor and XML Author, which contains a set of tools supporting all the XML related technologies.
The upgrade adds new features to the Author editing mode like the smart paste action that automatically converts content from Office suite applications or from a web browser to DITA, DocBook or TEI, improves the XML authoring in areas like reference management, change tracking, CSS rendering support and extends the application programming interface to incorporate feedback from partners which integrate Oxygen with CMSs or other applications.
On the XML development side the new version introduces the Quick Assist helper to facilitate access to search and refactoring actions plus a number of improvements to the XSLT and XQuery debuggers and to the Relax NG schema editor.
The integrated Subversion client and XML Diff and merge tools include all the features added in Syncro SVN Client 6.1 and Oxygen XML Diff 3...
iWeb Themes Park releases five new themes
iWeb Themes Park (http://www.iwebthemespark.com) has released new themes -- Music Player, Puzzle, Silhouette, Starting Point and Winter Sports -- for iWeb, the presentation component of Apple's iLife suite.
Here's how the themes are described: "Winter Sports theme is relevant for everyone who likes activities on the snow. Music Player and Puzzle themes are colorful and help to represent different lifestyles. Starting Point theme can be a key for starting and presenting your small business. Silhouette theme is perfect to express the ideas of educational, environmental or other organizations."
To use iWeb Themes from iWeb Themes Park requires iWeb from iLife '08, iLife '09 or iLife '11.
The iWeb Themes Box of 90 themes is priced at US$47.77. Ten iWeb Themes in a Combo Package can be purchased for $29.99. Each template is available for $11.99 or $12.99. Using the coupon code “iWebThemesTrio” three iWeb themes of your choice can be obtained with $12.99 discount. Four iWeb themes are free...
Virtual Programming offers Majesty 2 expansion pack
Virtual Programming (http://www.vpltd.com) has released Monster Kingdom, the final chapter in the Majesty 2 expansion trilogy for Mac OS X. It requires Mac OS X 10.6.3 or higher and costs US$14.95.
Here's how it's described: "One King to Rule Them All: Those words launch Monster Kingdom, the final chapter in the Majesty 2 expansion trilogy for Mac OS X. Players defeated all manner of threats to their kingdom in previous adventures, but now they face the theft of the Crown of Ardania by the High Priests. With only their trusted advisor to guide them, players embark on the Exiles of Fate campaign to regain the throne, relying on unlikely allies along the way."
iPresentee offers new Keynote themes
iPresentee (http://www.ipresentee.com/) has released Keynote Themes 8.0, to be used with Keynote, the presentation component of Apple's US$79 iWork package.
Offering over 80 themes to choose from Keynote Themes are stylized templates with coordinated designs. This new release includes 10 new themes: Cloverleaf, Dew Drops, Paperclips, Crayon, Splash of Ink, Color Block, Water Drops, Color Spectrum, Yellow Art and Color Curves.
Each Keynote Theme is available in standard or HD formats. These new Keynote Themes has from 18 to 23 different master slide layouts. Creating a presentation using new Keynote themes is exactly the same as creating a presentation using the usual themes; users can add, edit, and format text. They can add photos or movies and use Keynote's transitions and special effects.
Keynote Themes 8.0 requires Mac OS X 10.4.3or later and iWork '08 or iWork '09. It may be purchased for US$30. Free Keynote add-ons are offered free of charge and can be downloaded from...
Apple posts double digit Mac sales gains
Apple bucked the U.S. trend last quarter by posting double-digit Mac sales gains. Still, the Mac dropped to the fifth spot in U.S. computer sales during the final quarter of 2010 as strong sales to businesses by rivals pushed it two places down the list.
Both IDC and Gartner had Apple in the No. 5 position for the fourth quarter, behind Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Acer and Toshiba. According to the IDC research group, Apple sold over 6.5 million Macs in the US in fiscal year 2010 for 8.8% market share. The compares to over 5.6 million Mac shipments in 2009 for 7.8% market share -- a growth of 18.4%.
According to Gartner, Apple sold 1.9 million Mac desktops and laptops during the fourth quarter to snare 9.7% of the U.S. market. IDC listed U.S. Mac sales at 1.7 million, giving Apple an 8.7% share. Apple beat the U.S. industry average growth rate by huge margins. Only once since 2003 has the Mac not grown in year-over-year sales faster than the industry average. For the latest quarter, of...
Survey: Verizon iPhone will have 'major impact' on US...
With the Verizon iPhone release now set for early February, the ChangeWave research group (http://www.changewave.com) recently surveyed 4,050 consumers on their impressions and future plans regarding their wireless providers, including customer satisfaction, loyalty and demand trends going forward. The survey focused on the impact of a Verizon iPhone on the U.S. wireless service providers -- and found the impact would be major.
First, ChangeWave asked survey respondents how likely they were to change their wireless service provider in the next 90 days. A total of 10% said they plan on switching providers -- two points higher than a previous ChangeWave survey in September and the highest churn level of the past 18 months.
Only 4% of Verizon’s customers plan to switch in the next 90 days. In comparison, 10% of Sprint/Nextel’s customers say they plan to switch, as do 15% of both T-Mobile’s and AT&T’s.
What’s behind the weakening loyalty of AT&T customers? First, better than two-...
Nevosoft announces two new game titles on the Mac App Store
Nevosoft (http://nevosoft.com/) has released two titles on the Mac App Store: Laura Jones and the Gate of Good and Evil and Laura Jones and the Secret Legacy of Nikola Tesla. These adventure games -- whic cost US$4.99 each -- offer a mixture of hidden object searches, inventory-based puzzles and mini-games.
Certain parts of the screen can be zoomed in on, and occasionally you will also get spot-the-difference puzzles, or have to move objects aside to uncover the item you are seeking. They require Mac OS X 10.6 or higher and
Here's how the games are described: "The first game starts when Laura Jones gets a letter about a powerful ancient talisman. The universe Evil is trying to possess sacred powers and Laura saves the world from fatal destruction. The sequel's story begins when Laura heads to Europe and discovers a letter from the famous 20th century inventor Nikola Tesla. The note provides clues to the whereabouts of several parts that can be used to activate one of Tesla's lost...
Android surpasses iOS in mobile ad impression shares
The Millennial Media ad network (http://www.millennialmedia.com) reports that that for the first time in the company’s history Android surpassed iOS as the largest smartphone operating system on the Millennial network in terms of impression share.
Android OS impression share saw an 8% increase month-over-month and a 46% impression share on the network in December, compared to iOS’ 32% share (down by 6% from November). RIM followed with a 16% impression share for December, down by 3% from November.
Android ad requests grew 141% from quarter one to quarter three. Since January 2010, Android has grown 3130% over the year. Apple requests grew 12% in Q3 to Q4 2010, and since January, Apple increased by 14%. Apple saw more growth with its tablet device, as iPad requests growing by 280% Q3 to Q4 2010.
This month, Millennial broke down the revenue generated by apps in Q4, and interestingly Android had a 55% share as opposed to 39% for Apple, notes "TechCrunch" (http://macte.ch/2HRxt).....
Artificial Life sees 96% increase in iPhone/iPod/iPad downloads
Artificial Life (http://www.artificial-life.com), revealed its current iPhone/iPod and iPad title sales, download numbers and key ranking statistics. The total number of iOS application downloads generated for the year of 2010 was over 15.7 million in comparison to eight million downloads in 2009.
As of Dec. 31, 2010, the company has produced and released 36 applications for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. The top title was downloaded for over 6.2 million times, the second most for over 3.4 million times, and the third most for close to 3.1 million times. The average number of downloads per game was about 0.66 million.
Paid iPhone games were sold at between US$0.99 to $4.99. The average price per game was $2.27.
DNS Provider ZoneEdit's ns9 & ns13 Go Down
If you've noticed assorted web sites across the globe offline this morning, it may be that they are using ZoneEdit's DNS servers. There are reports from a variety of places that starting around 4:15am Pacific, ZoneEdit's ns9 and ns13 servers went offline. Those domains set up with the default two DNS servers (and if they used this two) had issues. Those web servers with at least 3 DNS servers listed were fine.
ZoneEdit has not responded to queries, and as of 7am pacific the issue continues.
NetAdmins: Moral of the story is that you should have 3 and even 4 DNS servers listed for your important domains.
NAMM: UA’s Firewire 800/400 DSP accelerators work on range of...
Universal Audio (http://www.uaudio.com), a manufacturer of professional audio recording products, announced the impending release of UAD-2 Satellite DUO and QUAD
Firewire DSP Accelerator Packages at this week's NAMM show.
As the newest members of UA’s UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins platform, the UAD-2 Satellite
family combines DSP acceleration with the plug-and-play simplicity of Firewire 800/400, according to Universal Audio President Matt Ward. It puts the entire UAD Powered Plug-Ins library within easy reach of Firewire 800 and 400-equipped computers; no PCIe
card installation required, he adds.
Ward says that, in developing these UAD plug-ins, UA’s DSP engineers worked with leading hardware manufacturers -- including Roland, Neve, Studer, dbx, Solid State Logic, Lexicon, Manley, Empirical Labs, Trident, SPL, EMT and more -- using their exact schematics, golden
units, and experienced ears. This gives computer-based musicians and engineers the warmth and harmonics of classic analog...
iChair rolls out slider case for iOS devices
iChair (http://www.goichair.com) has introduced its new multi-functional slider case with an integrated stand for iPad, iPhone 4, 3G/S, and iPod touch. It allows iOS device owners to display and work on their device while it's propped up on its durable stand.
Rubber coated for an easy grip and velvety feel on the outside and a microfiber lining on the inside, the iChair for iPad features an ultra slim profile design, according to Shefali Sedey, director of marketing, iChair. The integrated pull out stand folds in and out easily allowing for quick landscape or portrait viewing, he adds.
Pulling the stand further out allows for media or presentations to be displayed firmly, with three stable clicks varying optimal viewing. Another quick pull out tab enables ergonomic typing. Each case comes standard in black with your choice of an extra top slider case in either blue or white. It also comes equipped with a screen protector, dust cloth and squeegee board.
All iChair products are...
'MacVoices' visits the Connecticut Macintosh Connection
On the new "MacVoices" (http://www.macvoices.com), the "Road to Macworld" continues as Adam Engst of "TidBITs" and Take Control ebooks and host Chuck Joiner make a virtual visit to the Connecticut Macintosh Connection to talk about the evolution of Mac OS X and his session at Macworld on that topic, what Macworld means to him, the challenges facing a digital book publisher and more.
The Road to Macworld 2010 is a special MacVoices series produced in partnership with Macworld to preview some of the exhibitors and presentations at Macworld 2011 in San Francisco from Jan. 26-29 at the Moscone Convention Center.
"MacVoices" is an Internet show and podcast that delivers in-depth discussions with the most influential people in the Mac industry, as well as "the individuals who are out there making it happen on the front lines of the global Apple community," according to host Chuck Joiner.
Light Quest debuts on Mac App Store
Chimp Studios (http://www.chimpstudios.com/) has debuted Light Quest 1.0, an adventure/puzzle game, on the new Mac App Store. It's available for US$4.99 in the Games category.
Here's how the game is described: "Light Quest puts players in a lowly constructo-bot's hover shoes on a mysterious alien world. In order to return home, players will have to guide a laser beam through 15 hand-crafted 3D levels using only mirrors, beam splitters, ingenuity, and what they find along the way. The game features five original music tracks that range from subtle sci-fi/Native American blends to stomping industrial scores."
It features 10 hours of gameplay. Light Quest requires an Intel-based Mac running Mac OS X 10.6.6.
Vicinno BA Pro, 12C Financial Calculator app now on Mac App Store
Vicinno Soft (http://www.vicinno.com/) says its BA Financial Calculator Pro and 12C Financial Calculator for Mac, enhanced versions of the iPhone/iPad Vicinno financial calculators, are now available at the Mac App Store.
Both are designed for courses in Accounting, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Mathematics, Sciences, Real Estate, and Statistics. New user interfaces have been created specifically for the Mac platform.
12C Financial Calculator for Mac is an emulator for the well known HP 12C Financial Calculator. BA Financial Calculator Pro for Mac provides the same capabilities and operation sequences as the Texas Instruments Business Analyst II Plus calculator.
The 12C Financial Calculator and BA Financial Calculator for Mac are priced at US$14.99 each. You can find 'em at the Mac App Store in the Finance category.
Xerox announces new color flatbed scanner
Xerox (http://www.xeroxscanners.com) has announced a color flatbed scanner that scans, copies and emails documents at the touch of a single button: the Xerox DocuMate3220. It scans text at 23 pages per minute or 46 images per minute in duplex mode.
The DocuMate 3220 handles variable paper sizes and delicate originals on the glass or volumes of pages through an automatic document feeder (ADF) that holds up to 50 pages. It has a small footprint. Installation involves inserting one DVD-ROM disc and connecting the scanner to a host computer via a hi-speed USB 2.0 cable.
The Xerox DocuMate 3220 providese single button control at the front panel for scanning to any of 9 preset and up to 99 completely customizable one-touch scan profiles. It has a U.S. list price of $349.99 and is available immediately through major reseller and online channel partners.
LiveCode 4.5.3 adds more iOS features
RunTime Revolution (http://www.runrev.com) has updated its LiveCode software development platform for iPhone/iPad development, to version 4.5.3. The upgrade sports new features focused on creating polished iOS applications, plus enhancements and improvements across the whole range of platforms and devices supported by the platform.
Formerly the Revolution development environment, LiveCode enables real-time development with adaptations and modifications. LiveCode offers: compile-free coding; an English-like programming language; and cross platform development. It's a development platform that enables the creation of mobile applications, commercial software, enterprise IT solutions, in-house utilities, front ends, e-learning solutions and even school projects.
LiveCode pricing begins at $99 for a one-seat, personal use license, including LiveCode development for iPhone/iPad. Additional deployment and service packs are available based on project, platform, users or other requirements....
Tension Software announces Mac WPS 1.0.2
Tension Software (http://www.pomola.com) has updated Mac WPS, a Cocoa Mac OS X application for tracking your geographic position using Wi-Fi geo-tracking and other available hardware, to version 1.0.2.
The upgrade puts an embedded PDF User Guide inside the application. There's also improved handling of Location Manager exceptions.
Mac WPS shows the current position over a zoomable map. The map can be shown with the zoom level you prefer and maintain this zoom level during position upgrade. It can scroll while maintaining current position at the window center. The map is interactive, and you can drag scroll and drag zoom.
Mac WPS requires an Intel Mac running Mac OS X 10.6 or higher. It costs US$10, though version 1.0.2 is a free update for registered users.
Ricoh introduces new color digital imaging system
Ricoh Americas Corp. (http://www.ricoh-usa.com) has announced the Aficio MP C300/MP C300SR/MP C400/MP C400SR Color Digital Imaging System. This new letter-size (8.5"x11")/A4 Series provides a small footprint with tools and capabilities that maximize efficiency, lower total cost of ownership, and make it ideal for smaller workspaces, according to Shun Sato, senior vice president, Marketing, Ricoh Americas Corp.
The Aficio MP C300/MP C300SR/MP C400/MP C400SR produces documents with resolutions up to 1200 dpi (dots per inch) at 32 or 42 ppm (pages per minute) and houses a standard 160GB hard disk drive. A 250-sheet internal finisher is standard on the MP C300SR/C400SR, as it standard duplexing. The Document Server stores up to 3,000 documents that can be found, retrieved and shared.
A maximum 2,300-sheet paper capacity reduces the amount of trips to replenish paper with an ample supply, up to 120-pound Index. The product also features a standard 100-sheet bypass tray which handles a...
Blue Coat introduces family-safe web browser for iOS devices
Blue Coat Systems, a provider of web security and WAN optimization solutions, has introduced the K9 Web Protection Browser for iOS devices. It's a free, family-safe web browser available at the Apple App Store.
The browser provides immediate and highly accurate protection from content that is not appropriate for young children, including pornography, hate/violence, illegal drugs and gambling, according to Steve Daheb, chief marketing officer and senior vice president, Blue Coat Systems. In addition, the browser protects against phishing and malware., he adds.
As with Blue Coat’s K9 Web Protection software for Mac and PC computers, the K9 Web Protection Browser uses the company’s cloud-based WebPulse service that provides users with up-to-the-moment protection from objectionable content and threats, including phishing, malware and malicious content. The WebPulse service also continually categorizes new and evolving web content, giving parents the ability to immediately block...
SQLiteConverter 1.5 adds support for ODBC databases
SQLabs has updated SQLiteConverter (http://www.sqlabs.com/sqliteconverter.php) -- a tool that offers a way to convert your mySQL, PostgreSQL and Oracle database to sqlite -- to version 1.5. The upgrade adds support for ODBC databases and updates sqlite to version 3.7.3.
SQLiteConverter guides you step by step to five operations in order to completely convert your remote databases. The entire process obviously depends on how much data you need to convert, but most of the time you'll be able to complete it in few seconds, according to the folks at SQLabs.
SQLiteConverter is the ideal tool not only to complete a conversion between different DBMS to sqlite but it is also the ideal solution to backup your remote data to another disk based relational sql database, they add. You always have full control over the conversion process, you can decide to convert the entire database or just select the individual tables you want to backup.
SQLiteConverter requires MacOS X 10.4 or higher. A single...
iPhone Programming Course offered in Santa Clara
The Pragmatic Studio (http://pragmaticstudio.com/) is offering their iPhone/iPad Programming course in Santa Clara, California, on March 7-10. Reserve your seat by Feb.1 to save US$400 on early registration.
In this four-day, hands-on training course you'll learn how to create iPhone/iPad apps with guided instruction from two developers and authors. You'll get hands-on coding experience and answers to your questions so you can start creating your own iPhone and iPad apps with confidence.
Topics include: Intro to Objective-C; Xcode and Interface Builder; Cocoa Touch APIs and Design Patterns; View Controllers; Navigation and Tab Bar Controllers; Table Views; Keyboard Input; Gesture Recognizers; Animation; Core Data; Performance and Debugging; Practical tips, Tricks, and Techniques.
Password Repository 2.12.3 improves password insertion dialog
Tension Software has updated Password Repository (http://www.pomola.com/products_passwordrepository/passwordrepository.html), a Mac OS X password storage utility, to version 2.12.3. The upgrade improves password insertion dialog, which is now centered on the screen. It also improve the password generator; now you can provide a shorter password.
Password Repository lets you save all your passwords in documents protecting them on disk using a single password. Data is encrypted using strong and bullet proof algorithms, and the password protecting a document is not saved in any place. Password Repository costs US$30, though version 2.12.3 is a free update for registered users of version 2.x.
The software is Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. It requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher.
Apple seeds iOS 4.3 to developers
Apple has seeded iOS 4.3 to developers for both mobile devices and the Apple TV.
It brings new multi-touch gestures to iPad users, and the Apple TV update will allow AirPlay video from third party apps, according to "9to5Mac" (http://www.9to5mac.com/). "MacStories" (http://www.macstories.net) adds that through a new preference in the Settings app on the iPad, users can now set the behavior of the button to a mute switch or rotation lock.
And "Redmond Pie" (http://macte.ch/xJAdB) says that iOS 4.3 will bring the “Personal Hotspot” feature to all iPhones in March this year. The feature was introduced yesterday with the announcement of the Verizon iPhone.
Analyst expects record iPhone, Mac, iPad sales over holiday...
Analyst Mike Abramsky with RBC Capital Markets said in a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- that he expects Apple to report record sales of iPhones, Macs and iPads over the holiday period.
The analyst sees iPhone sales over the holidays increasing 84% year-over-year. At 16 million, that would exceed the previous record of 14.1 million iPhones sold in the Sept. 2010 quarter. In calendar year 2011, Abramsky expects Apple to sell a total of 70 million iPhones, which would account for 19% of the global smartphone market and help Apple achieve US$90.8 billion in revenue in its fiscal year 2011.
The analyst also thinks Apple will sell six million iPads and 4.2 million Macs in the holiday quarter, which concluded in December. Both the projected Mac and iPad sales would be new records for those product categories, as Apple achieved sales of 3.89 million Macs and 4.19 million iPads last quarter, notes "AppleInsider."
Finally, Abramsky also sees...
Analysts: Verizon iPhone will hurt Android
Some industry analysts think the Verizon iPhone, due next month, is about to put the brakes on Android growth in the US, reports "ars technica" (http://macte.ch/BJO1W). They say the reason Android has seen so much success in the mass market wasn't because of Android's strengths, but because it was available on more networks than the iPhone, the article adds.
"A lot of people who bought Android phones were buying it in lieu of an iPhone because they couldn’t get one on the Verizon network," Needham & Co. analyst Charlie Wolf has told clients. "Where the iPhone will have a dramatic impact is on the brand choices of feature phone users migrating to smartphones going forward. The iPhone will suck the wind out of Android’s growth on Verizon."
Kaufman Bros. analyst Shaw Wu told clients that the iPhone being available on the top two US carriers will be "the first true test for Android whether its share gains are real or just a temporary phenomenon due to weak competition from BlackBerry...
Survey: which smartphone owners will go with the Verizon iPhone?
Perhaps the most buzz that came out of the Consumer Electronics Show surrounded an announcement that wasn't even made at the tradeshow -- the Verizon iPhone. Gazelle (http://www.gazelle.com), a "recommerce" service, has released the results of a survey that polled more than 200 attendees at the International CES and gauged the likelihood that current smartphone owners would switch to a Verizon iPhone.
Seventy-five percent of those polled said that if they did indeed purchase a Verizon iPhone, they would trade in their current smart phone for cash to pay their ETF and fund the switch to the Verizon iPhone. The survey also showed that iPhone owners' dissatisfaction with AT&T's service will "drive them to put an end to this love-hate relationship.
iPhone 3GS and 3G owners led the pack of respondents most likely to make the switch to the Verizon iPhone (62% and 59% respectively would switch to Verizon iPhone). iPhone 4 users, on the other hand, won't be so quick to make the jump, as...
Pre-registration for MacTech Boot Camp ends Jan. 17
If you're interested in attending MacTech Boot Camp 2011 (and you know you are), you have until Monday to save US$100 on registration through the pre-registration price. It's a one-day event for those that support the home user, and small business market.
MacTech Boot Camp is a single-track, hotel based seminar that is specifically geared to serve the needs of consultants and techs wanting to serve their base better. It will be held at the Parc 55 Hotel in San Francisco on Wednesday, Jan. 26.
"MacTech Conference 2010 was an enormous success delivering amazing content and a quality conference to IT Pros and developers in the large organization, Enterprise, and ISV markets. We know that many consultants and techs in the market focus on serving the home and small business communities. MacTech Boot Camp is designed just for them," says Neil Ticktin, editor-in-chief/publisher, "MacTech Magazine," sponsors of the camp. "If you're already serving the home and small business users, or want...
CloudPull backs up Google Docs to the Mac
Golden Hill Software has released CloudPull, a Mac OS X application that backs up Google Docs to the Mac. It backs up documents, spreadsheets, and presentations as Microsoft Office files; drawings as PNG image files; and other files in their native formats.
CloudPull provides users with a local, independent backup of their Google Docs, says John Brayton, developer of CloudPull. It backs up automatically, once every hour. It maintains backups of prior revisions of documents and maintains backups of documents that have been deleted from Google Docs
CloudPull allows you to: drag and drop backups from CloudPull to the Finder at any time; preview your backups via QuickLook; and search documents by filename. It supports up to 10 Google accounts.
CloudPull requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later. It's available for download and purchase from the Golden Hill Software web site (http://www.goldenhillsoftware.com/cloudpull/). Single-user licenses for CloudPull cost US$24.99. CloudPull has a free 30-...
Analyst keen on FaceTime's effect on sales of iOS devices,...
In a note to clients -- as reported by "Barron's" (http://macte.ch/G4vLo), Barclays Capital analyst Ben Reitzes today raised his price target on Apple from US$390 to $420, saying the company's FaceTime video conferencing capability will have network effects that should enhance sales of iOS devices and Macs.
Apple will have 200 million FaceTime-enabled devices by the end of its 2012 fiscal year, ending September of that year, he writes. That’s an increase from the 150 million FaceTime devices Reitzes anticipated back when he first introduced this thesis, in October.
The analyst sees Apple selling 50 million FaceTime compatible iPhone units in this fiscal year; 15 million iPods with the capability; million FaceTime Macs; and 10 million FaceTime iPads. Apple’s advantage over other vendors’ wares is that the FaceTime video conferencing experience should be consistent across devices, he told clients.
FaceTime is an pplication that allows Mac users to video call iPhone 4 and iPod touch...
iPad among '10 Most Important Enterprise IT Products'
The iPad is among the "10 Most Important Enterprise IT Products of 2010" as determined by CTOEdge.com, the IT business edge-network site for IT managers who choose and implement specific technologies.
The solutions and products chosen by CTOEdge.com come from a mix of established technology companies and growing startup firms. The varied offerings that made the cut include network switches, servers, storage devices, tablets, and software.
“These products lead the pack in addressing the overarching enterprise needs that businesses will face in 2011 and in the years to come,” says CTOEdge.com Editor Michael Vizard, who oversaw creation of the list.
Microsoft says Apple can't trademark the App Store name
Microsoft is asking the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to deny Apple a trademark on the name "App Store," saying the term is generic and competitors should be able to use it., reports "Infoworld" http://macte.ch/LvyOx).
Apple applied for the trademark in 2008 for goods and services including "retail store services featuring computer software provided via the internet and other computer and electronic communication networks" and other related offerings, the article adds. Apple launched its App Store for the iPhone that year; earlier this month Apple launched the Mac App Store.
On Tuesday, Microsoft filed a motion for summary judgment with the agency's Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, asking it to deny the trademark to Apple, reports "Infoworld." In its motion, Microsoft said "app" is a generic term for what is sold at the App Store and that "store" is generic for retail store services.
Apple, others still pursuing those Novell patents
Open source advocates celebrating Web reports that a Microsoft-led consortium has withdrawn plans to buy hundreds of Novell patents will have to put the corks back in the champagne bottles.
However, Microsoft "InformationWeek" (http://macte.ch/N8Ijn) and other news media a statement saying its withdrawals of the plan from German regulators was just a procedural matter. In other words, nothing has changed, says "InformationWeek."
According to the "FOSS Patents" site (http://fosspatents.blogspot.com/2010/12/cptn-holdings-llc-acquirer-of-88...), Apple has teamed up with Microsoft, Oracle and EMC in a joint venture to purchase 882 patents from a company called Novell.
"I don't know much about EMC other than that it's a very significant company," Florian Mueller writes for "FOSS Patents." "I do know that Apple and Oracle are clearly companies who have different approaches to some important issues than Microsoft. Within the consortium, the four players will have to agree on a common...
DocScanner available at the Mac App Store
Norfello says DocScanner Mac, a Mac OS X version of the DocScanner iPhone scanning app, is now available on the new Mac App Store.
DocScanner iPhone turns the iPhone into an OCR scanner. The app allows users to take an image from a paper document using iPhone's camera and it automatically transforms the picture into a clear PDF document that looks like it has been scanned with a flatbed scanner.
DocScanner Mac is an US$14.95 Mac OS X version of the iPhone app. It brings the same functionality to Mac OS X and it now works with any digital camera. Porting the iOS app to Mac OS X allows DocScanner to take advantage of the OpenGL 3D accelerated graphics and fast processor on your Mac. The results are much faster image processing and OCR extraction, says Tuomas Rasila, Founder of Norfello.
