Help Fishing Cactus produce their next two games
Fishing Cactus -- the indie developer behind titles like Shift and the upcoming Creatures 4 -- says it will let its fans and the gaming community at large decide the fate of its next two video game titles.
As of today, one project code-named Eyeball Invaders is listed on Steam Greenlight waiting for people's votes to materialize, while Piratoons is featured on the brand new crowdfunding platform Gambitious. The pitch for Piratoons on Gambitious reads as follows:
"Steer your ship along the tropical coastlines, upgrade it with new powerful and magical artifacts, recruit the most greedy pirate crew and engage in exciting real-time Match-3 battles to prove your skills and gather hefty amounts of doubloons! Set sail for the search of the legendary Pelican Tooth, meet a great cast of wacky cartoon pirates, trade extraordinary goods, capture, protect and build harbors. Piratoons lets you experience the warmth of the Caribbean Sea, its lush colors, seducing rhythms and extraordinary stories...
Mac OS X software updates for Oct. 17
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
MaBaSoft (www.mabasoft.com) has updated World Clock Deluxe -- a time tool for companies and organizations regularly communicating with people across the world, frequent travelers, and home users having family or friends in other countries or time zones -- to version 4.8.2. Clocks in the Clocks palette and in the Dock icon can now use light text on a dark background. Also, the Palette, Dock, Menu Bar, Menus and Weather panes of World Clock Deluxe Preferences have been revised.
Fiplab (www.fiplab.com) has announced NotesTab 2.0, an update of the software for jotting down quick notes. The new version fixes various issues and sports new code optimizations.
Accompanist (http://www.zilibowitzproductions.com/) -- software that will work out the chords to almost any tune you can sing -- has been upgraded to version 1.1.0. The new version adds a key signature menu.
Hamrick Software (www.hamrick.com) has released Vuescan 9.1.17, a new version of...
Average size of iOS games increases 42% in six months
The iPad 3’s Retina display and Apple’s more liberal submission policy have caused the file sizes of leading iOS apps to grow substantially, especially in games. The latest data from ABI Research (www.abiresearch.com) shows that the global average app size across all categories was 23 megabytes in September, 16% more than in March.
For the most popular app category, games, the average size was 60 megabytes, meaning a six-month increase of 42%. Meanwhile, the size of leading Android apps for a similar sample was around 6MB in September, representing an increase of 10% against March. The games, however, nearly quadrupled to over 40MB in reported size, as Google also revamped its own submission policies. For ABI Research senior analyst Aapo Markkanen, the data confirms two important points.
"First, Apple’s decision in March to increase the maximum size of 3G/4G-downloadable apps from 20MBs to 50MBs has clearly had an unleashing effect on developers," he says. "Their games can now be...
iPhone 5 'frenzy' grips Gaza
The iPhone 5 is selling "well in the Gaza Strip despite inflated prices, reaching the Palestinian enclave via smuggling tunnels even before high-tech hub Israel next door," reports "The Times of India" (http://macte.ch/Hjj6X).
The Apple smartphone is being snapped up for almost double what it costs in the United States, its price jacked up by middlemen on its circuitous delivery route from Dubai via tunnels linking the blockaded territory with Egypt, the article adds. Prices ranged from 4,500 Israeli shekels (approximately US$1,170) for the 16GB model to 5,700 ($1,480) for the 64GB version.
The iPhone 5 won't be available until December from mobile operators in Israel, which along with Egypt maintains a partial blockade of Gaza to prevent the entry of anything that could be used for military purposes.
HID Global announces solution for securing iOS data
HID Global (http://www.hidglobal.com), which specializes in secure identity solutions, has announced a solution for government agencies interested in securing iOS devices with access to sensitive data.
The solution combines the recently announced ActivClient Mobile Software Development Kit (SDK) for iOS with two sleeves from Precise Biometrics: the Tactivo iPhone sleeve and the Tactivo iPad sleeve. This solution enables government agencies of all kinds to use their Common Access Card (CAC) or Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards to secure communications and access to sensitive information by encrypting it through standard Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) encryption methods.
HID Global also offers a solution leveraging "derived credentials,", a concept recently introduced in the FIPS 201-2 PIV standard, which is currently in draft form. The integrated approach taken by HID Global applies the "derived credential" to a secure microSD card, a secure element with the same...
Apple announces special Oct. 23 media event
Apple has sent out an invitation to certain members of the press for an Oct. 23 media event. It will be held at 10 am (Pacific) at the California Theater in San Jose, California.
The invitation boasts that "We've got a little more to show you." The world will be in shock if Apple doesn't announce an iPad mini at the event. Also rumored to be unveiled next week are a 13-inch MacBook Pro with retina display, new iMacs and new Macs minis.
iFixit tears down the seven gen iPod nano
The gang at iFixit has torn down the seventh generation iPod nano and examined its innards. You can find the teardown at http://macte.ch/Kc2Wh .
"With a plastic opening tool in hand, we probed the depths of the Nano's compact design. Good news: the Nano's case can be opened with a standard Phillips #00 screwdriver and a little prying from a plastic opening tool," says Miroslav Djuric
chief information architect, iFixit. "Unfortunately, the Nano's battery, Lightning connector, button cable, and headphone jack are all soldered to the logic board. To top that off, the battery is also adhered to the back of the assembly, which will make the battery difficult to replace when it fails (as batteries inevitably do). With a repairability score of 5 out of 10, the iPod Nano outperformed its Touch brethren's dismal 3-point ranking.
Here are some highlights from the iFixit teardown:
° The iPod nano came in at 1.48 x 1.68 x 0.35 inches, and weighed 0.74 ounces. The new 7th gen model is just over...
Analyst: T-Mobile may offer the iPhone in 2013
In a note to clients -- as reported by "CNET" -- Morgan Stanley analyst Nick Delfas says T-Mobile could "announce official iPhone distribution in early 2013." This could mean another 1-2 million iPhone 5 users, he adds.
T-Mobile is the only one of the four major U.S. carriers without custody of the iPhone. In May, the company announced that it would spend $4 billion to ramp up its 4G LTE network, giving it the ability to carry the iPhone 5 in more markets. Read more at http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57533098-37/t-mobile-could-offer-the-i... .
Foxconn finds underage workers in Yantai facility
Foxconn Technology Group, which manufacturers products for Apple and other companies, says it found interns as young as 14 had worked at a facility in Yantai, northeastern China, confirming a report by an advocacy group.
A company investigation found the interns, who ranged in age from 14 to 16, had worked at the campus for about three weeks, Foxconn said in an e-mailed response to "Bloomberg News" (http://macte.ch/lsCDF). A “small number” of interns who were sent by schools and employed at Yantai over the summer were aged 14 to 16, according to a statement on Monday from China Labor Watch.
“Any Foxconn employee found, through our investigation, to be responsible for these violations will have their employment immediately terminated,” Foxconn said in the e-mail to "Bloomberg News." “We recognize that full responsibility for these violations rests with our company and we have apologized to each of the students for our role in this action.”
Consumers aggressively migrate data to the cloud
The consumer cloud performed strongly in the first half of 2012, with the number of personal subscriptions to online storage services at the end of June already at 75% of the market’s projected sum for the year, according to insights from the "IHS iSuppli Mobile & Wireless Communications Service" from information and analytics provider IHS (www.isuppli.com).
The number of global consumers using cloud services after the first six months hit more than 375 million, or about three-quarters of the estimated total of 500 million by year-end. While no firm numbers exist to show the extent of the cloud in 2011 because it was relatively new and untested, best estimates put global subscribers then at approximately 150 million.
Subscriptions to either free or paid cloud services will continue to climb in the years ahead, jumping to an estimated 625 million next year, and then doubling over the course of four years to reach 1.3 billion by 2017, as shown in the figure below.
"The cloud is a...
Toplists for Mac lets you check out most popular apps
Appvetica (www.appvetica.com) has released Toplists, a Mac app that allows you to check the most popular apps in 153 countries. It lets you discover the top free and top paid iPhone, iPad and Mac apps all around the world.
Just pick the country you want to look at, select the platform and you'll be presented with a list. To view a description just hover the mouse cursor over the app you're interested. To open a link to the app just double click.
Toplists requires OS X 10.7. It costs US$1.99 and is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Reference category.
Griffin, Crayola team up for DigiTools
Griffin Technology and Crayola have teamed up for Crayola DigiTools for the iPad. DigiTools are creative tools that allow kids to produce colorful designs with special effects, including 3-D, airbrush, and glitter.
Each DigiTools pack includes a clip-on carrying case, and an app download that provides pages of virtual background scenes and animated stamp designs. Four different DigiTools packs are available.
Kids can create 3-D art on the iPad with Crayola’s DigiTools 3-D Pack. The DigiTools Effects Pack gives kids art effects, from glitter designs to magical color changes. The DigiTools Airbrush Pack lets kids create colorful digital spray art. And the DigiTools Deluxe Pack combines all of these tools .
The first three DigiTools are US$19.99 each; the DigiTools Deluxe Pack is $39.99. All are available at store.griffintechnology.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=digitools .
Logitech introduces Bluetooth, illuminated keyboard
Logitech (www.logitech.com) has expanded its keyboard lineup with the Logitech Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810. Compatible with iOS, Windows and Android devices -- and with a layout designed for Windows 8 -- this rechargeable keyboard uses Bluetooth connectivity to pair with up to three devices simultaneously.
Your keyboard can be connected to your PC, tablet and smartphone and you can switch among them with the push of a button, says Mike Culver, vice president of brand development for consumer computing platforms at Logitech. To increase the keyboard’s usability in low-light conditions or at night, the keyboard boasts auto-adjusting illumination.
It also uses proximity detection to turn on the lighting when your hands approach it, and automatically dims or brightens, depending on the amount of light in the room. The K810 is USB rechargeable with 10 days of battery life on a full charge (based on varying user and computing conditions). Thanks to the USB cable, you can even use...
New Take Control ebook reveals details about Safari
A new "Take Control of Safari 6" ebook by Mac expert, Sharon Zardetto, is filled with explanations of new Safari 6 features, including the enhanced Reading List and AutoFill preferences. Zardetto also supplies advice on ways to customize the Safari environment and teaches key browsing techniques.
Readers of "Take Control of Safari 6" will learn how to:
° Load any link into a new tab or window, or into a Reading List;
° Organize an enormous bookmark collection;
° Unearth a previously visited Web page, even it's not bookmarked or
in the Reading List;
° Read a multi-page, ad-ridden article in a reader-friendly layout;
° Prevent snoops from tracking where they've been on the Web;
° Update a password that Safari has stored;
° Learn how to make Safari fill in most forms automatically;
° Expand too-small text fields for easier typing and editing;
° Add pages to the Reading List for later perusal, whether online or
offline, and even on a separate device;
° Block ads, zoom images, show...
NimbleHost releases Atlas RapidWeaver theme
NimbleHost has announced the Atlas theme for RapidWeaver, a web-design application for Macs. The theme incorporates HTML5 and CSS3 features and options for customizing the look and feel.
Atlas also includes a built-in Social Media Bar that can display icons for the most popular social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google , LinkedIn, Vimeo, YouTube, and Flickr, as well as East Asian networks such as Mixi, Weibo, Youku, Tudou, and Renren. When used as an adjunct to RapidWeaver, it supports all major web browsers.
Atlas 1.0 is currently available for US$29.97 from the NimbleHost RapidWeaver website (http://nimblehost.com). It requires the RapidWeaver application for Mac OS X, available for $79.99. Review copies are available upon request.
Norton releases Hotspot Privacy
Norton by Symantec has released Norton Hotspot Privacy, a new service that helps protect consumers using public Wi-Fi connections. For more info go to mobilesecurity.com .
Available in the U.S. and U.K. for Mac and PC, Norton Hotspot Privacy automatically creates a private connection -- or virtual private network -- allowing users to control what they share online, no matter where they connect to the Internet.
"Increasingly, public Wi-Fi is a part of everyday life, providing people with a convenient way to connect on the go," says Dave Cole, vice president, product management, Consumer Business Unit, Symantec Corp. "With Norton Hotspot Privacy, consumers are able to take advantage of the convenience of public Wi-Fi, with the confidence of knowing their information is secure and their online activities remain private."
Mac OS X software updates for Oct. 16
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Econ Technologies (www.econtechnologies.com) has updated ChronoAgent for Mac to version 1.3.7. The update improves the efficiency of self-diagnostics, allows a port value larger than 56535 to be specified, and corrects some French and German translations. ChronoAgent for Mac is a utility that runs on the destination Mac and communicates directly with ChronoSync. ChronoSync is the automated synchronization and backup application for OS X that can synchronize, backup, and create bootable backups.
Reggie Ashworth (www.reggieashworth.com) has announced AppDelete 4.0.2, an update to the application deletion utility. The upgrade sports a new interface, revised workflow and is optimized for operation on Lion and Mountain Lion.
MacFamilyTree (http://www.syniumsoftware.com/macfamilytree/), the modern genealogy application, has sprouted version 6.3. The upgrade adds a new research assistant, media gallery, document scanning and more.
Applications...
Apple's Passport coming to its retail stores
Apple is preparing to put Password to work in its physical retail stores, reports "9to5Mac" (www.9to5Mac.com).
Later this month, Apple will be seeding an updated version of its mobile point-of-sale (EasyPay) system software to Apple Store employees, the article adds. This update, numbered version 12.3, will allow retail employees with EasyPays to capture Apple Store payment card codes from customer iPhones and iPod touches running Passbook.
"While Apple’s EasyPay software should be ready for Passbook this month, some sources noted that the current EasyPay hardware, at least at some retail stores, may not be capable of scanning iOS device displays," says "9to5Mac." "Presumably, Apple has a solution for this in the works."
Passbook is designed to make it easy for consumers to organize, manage and retrieve local coupons, loyalty cards, and other money-saving information from one place. It was introduced with iOS 6.
Apple hires Amazon exec
Apple has hired major Amazon exec and prominent search technologist William Stasior to run its Siri unit, according to "AllThingsD" (http://macte.ch/05RIk), quoting unnamed sources.
Stasior has been in charge of A9, Amazon’s search and search advertising unit. The former AltaVista exec co-founded the independent company and has run it since Udi Manber left for Google.
At Apple he'll be in charge of Siri, Apple's voice activated personal assistant. (Photo courtesy of "AllThingsD.")
MacBook Air, Retina MB Pro apparently get EPEAT thumbs-up
EPEAT, a certification organization that evaluates the recyclability of electronic devices, has tested a series of ultrathin notebooks from Apple, Lenovo, Samsung, and Toshiba and found that they meet the group's environmental testing criteria, reports "InformationWeek" (http://macte.ch/K43Up).
The products investigated were "the lightest and thinnest of the manufacturers' products," a spokeswoman for the organization said in an email, confirming that the devices met EPEAT's disassembly standards. This appears to include both the MacBook Air and Apple's MacBook Pro with Retina display model, though EPEAT's spokeswoman would not confirm this, says "InformationWeek."
"We can't name the products tested unless the manufacturers do so," she said.
Apple extends 2011 iMac hard drive replacement plan
Apple has extended its 2011 iMac hard drive replacement scheme, reports "Register Hardware" (http://macte.ch/pdZN9). Originally pegged to all-in-one desktop maps purchased between May and July 2011, the program now runs from October 2009 to July 2011.
If you own a 21.5-inch or 27-inch iMac bought new during that period, you may qualify for a free hard drive replacement. At issue are a series of Seagate 1TB HDDs that Apple discovered may fail.
Apple notebook line sees 30% growth in third quarter
The global notebook market suffered a 4.5% drop sequentially in the third quarter of 2012 and 11.6% year-over-year, according to DigiTimes Research (www.digitimes.com). Apple, however, wasn't affected.
"The economic downturn, as well as inventory adjustments in retail channels and consumers' wait-and-see attitude to PC purchasing due to Windows 8's upcoming launch were all drivers causing weak shipments in the third quarter," says DigiTimes Research Senior Analyst Joanne Chien.
Apple had the best performance in the quarter with a sequential growth of nearly 30%. The vendor's new products announced in June have received good feedback from the market, and the company was able to maintain a stable orders each month in the third quarter, according to DigiTimes Research.
Apple appeals Tokyo ruling in Samsung case
Apple has appealed a Tokyo ruling that said Samsung didn’t infringe on the iPhone maker’s patent as the world’s top two smartphone sellers continue their global legal dispute, reports "Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/bEOOt).
Apple appealed an Aug. 31 ruling by Tokyo District Court that said Samsung didn’t violate Apple’s invention of technology for synchronizing music and video data with servers, a court spokesman Yutaka Sakai told "Bloomberg." Apple was ordered by Tokyo District Judge Tamotsu Shoji at the time to pay costs of the lawsuit.
This is all part of the ongoing, global legal battle. Apple and Samsung have filed more than 30 lawsuits against each other across four continents. For example, Apple alleges that Samsung copied the slide-to-unlock technology of its iPhone and iPad devices.
Rift widens between Apple, Samsung
Apple hasn't collaborated with Samsung in the process to develop its A6 microprocessor used in its latest iPhone 5, according to "The Korea Times" (http://macte.ch/3kSjt), quoting unnamed "industry sources." Samsung has purportedly handled the manufacturing of the processors used in previous iPhones and believed to have contributed in their design to some degree.
Apple is still relying on the Korean firm to manufacture its chips but has made it clear it will no longer use its rival’s technology, according to a senior Samsung official, says the "Korea Times." "Samsung’s agreement with Apple is limited to manufacturing the A6 processors," one of the sources told the publication. "Apple did all the design and we are just producing the chips on a foundry basis."
Code 42 Software to present at MacTech Conference 2012
Code 42 Software (www.code42.com) -- developers of onsite, offsite and online backup solutions for consumers, businesses and the enterprise -- says it will present at this week’s MacTech Conference 2012 in Los Angeles.
Andrew Renz, a Code 42 senior enterprise engineer, will present "Protecting Enterprise Information in a Mobile World" on Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. He will outline how companies can reap the benefits of a mobile workforce while confidently securing enterprise information.
During the session, he will share wisdom gained from selecting and/or deploying enterprise backup solutions for leading technology companies around the world. Prior to Code 42, Renz spent six years at Apple IS&T, where he architected global NetBoot/NetInstall deployments, software distribution solutions and desktop backup solutions.
MacTech Conference 2012 is specifically designed to give Apple developers, IT professionals and the enterprise the opportunity to learn from the best while meeting and...
NewMacgadgets offers acrylic pedestal base for iPad
NewMacgadgets has introduced the iPad Acrylic Pedestal Base, a new product in their line of current iPad displays. Manufactured from solid two-inch clear acrylic with a six-inch diameter, the iPad Acrylic Pedestal Base is designed to be similar in appearance to the display in Apple retail stores.
It's designed for displaying the iPad in retail outlets, trade-shows, conferences and numerous other events. In addition, anti-slip silicone gel pads are placed on the top and bottom for a "sure"grip.
The iPad Acrylic Pedestal Base costs US$49.95. For additional details and ordering information please go to newMacgadgets .
Coladia announces The Fall Trilogy for Mac OS X
Coladia says The Fall Trilogy -- Chapter 1 : Separation for Mac OS X is available for download (www.coladia.com). It costs US$9.90.
Here's how the game is described: "After waking up in a mysterious temple, you realize you have lost your memory, and must find a way out! Can you find your way out of the temple and discover your past life?
The Fall Trilogy is a mouse-driven series of adventure and puzzle games from the developers of Destination: Treasure Island, Dracula 3 and Return to Mysterious Island . Chapter 2 will be released in November and chapter 3 in December.
Apple to open new Beijing store
Apple will be launching its largest flagship store in Asia at Beijing’s iconic Wangfujing Street, reports "M.I.C. Gadget" (http://macte.ch/NnrYD).
"According to our sources, the store will be a massive one, sporting a gigantic glass display and a wide-open space," the article adds. "And one more thing, it might be opened for China’s new iPhone 5 launch."
Intego: new Java backdoor trojan discovered
A new Java backdoor trojan called Java/Jacksbot.A has been discovered that has partial multiplatform support, according to Intego (www.intego.com), which makes security software. It's fully functional on Windows, and partially functional on OS X and Linux.
Intego says the trojan is currently considered low risk as it's not known to have infected users, and it doesn't run without root permissions. Jacksbot has the usual backdoor functionality, including the following capabilities: gathering system information; taking screenshots; performing denial of service attacks; deleting files
stealing passwords (including specifically Minecraft passwords); and visiting remote URLs, likely to perform Clickfraud.
"It appears likely that this trojan is intended to be dropped by another component that has not yet been identified," says Intego. "The present component will exit with an error message if the Java archive is not run with root permissions. There is also no functionality to trick the user...
MacOutfitters to present at next MacBUS meeting
Philadelphia (http://www.macbus.org/) will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.
This month's meeting will feature a presentation by Colin Long of MacOutfitters, an Apple Specialist in the Philly area. Long will be sharing holiday gift ideas for the Apple enthusiast. A general Mac troubleshooting Q&A session will also be held. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions and invite friends or coworkers who may find the meeting beneficial.
MacBUS was the first user group in the United States to focus on the business and professional uses of the Macintosh operating system. The group of approximately
75 members meets this month at:
Giant Food Store
315 York Road 2nd Floor Conference room
Willow Grove, Pennsylvania 19090
Meetings are usually held on the last Tuesday evening of each calendar month. To inquire about presenting, or to suggest a meeting topic, please contact the MacBUS board at macbusboard@gmail.com .For additional information about MacBUS, including directions to...
MacMate says it's solved the iWeb SEO problem
MacMate (www.macmate.me) says it's solved the Search Engine Optimization (SEO) problem "for the hundreds of thousands of iWeb sites out there.
SEO, at the fundamental level, requires three things for search engines like Google and Bing to rank a website: a page title, a description and some keywords. The search engines then compare these to the content, titles, site links and external backlinks of a website in order to get a feel for what the site is about and how to rank it for various keywords and phrases.
The problem with iWeb is actually getting the SEO building blocks in place. "One of the reasons for this, apart from Apple just leaving it out, is that iWeb has a very clever, but complicated way of coding up pages," says MacMate. "Of course this is completely invisible to the user when a host-ready website is churned out and published."
The web hosting/cloud storage/email company says it's overcome this problem with some software dubbed SEO Injectors at the server level of...
Freshfiber unveils 3D printed iPhone case
Freshfiber (http://freshfiber.com) has unveiled a new iPhone case designed by Alan Nguyen. Conceived to survive a harsh and rugged lifestyle, the case suspends the phone between a flex layer designed to absorb the shock from drops.
The complex structure of this flex zone is made possible thanks to the 3D printing production technology used in its creation, according to the folks at Freshfiber. It will be available at the end of the month. Pricing hasn't been announced.
Apple rumors: Apple & TSMC, iPad mini
Here are the latest Apple rumors from the blogosphere:
"China Economic News Service reports on a research note from Citigroup analyst J.T. Hsu claiming that Apple is working with Taiwanese chip manufacturer TSMC as its sole supplier for future quad-core chips based on more efficient 20-nanometer processes. The timeline shared by Hsu suggests that the quad-core chips could make their way into products such as the iPad in 2014." -- "MacRumors" (www.macrumors.com)
"Foxconn International Holdings, a subsidiary of Foxconn Technology and the largest cellphone manufacturer in the world, will reportedly take orders to build certain iPhone models in the company's first-ever Apple partnership." -- "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com)
"Some third-party accessory makers are so prepared for Apple's rumored 7.85-inch iPad that they already have the products boxed and ready to go, before the device is even made official." -- "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com)
"We heard yesterday from some very...
Photographer sues Apple over image misuse
Another day, another lawsuit. Apple has been sued by a Swiss photographer who claims the electronics giant misused one of her images by including it in a promotion for its latest MacBook Pro computers, reports "CNET."
In the suit -- filed this week in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York -- photographer Sabine Liewald claims Apple acquired the rights to use the image of a model's eye (complete with make up) for "layout purposes only," as opposed to commercial use. The complaint specifically points to examples where Apple ended up using the image in its advertising, including on its Web site. You can read more at http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57531606-37/photographer-sues-apple-ov... .
iOS now accounts for 62% of mobile ad impressions
Velti, a provider of mobile marketing and advertising technology, released its September "State of Mobile Advertising" report, which shows that iOS gained a 5% market share lead over Android and now accounts for 62% of mobile ad impressions (compared to Android’s 38%).
Velti also reports that just under half of all iPhone 5 impressions came from the U.S., followed by Japan with 14% , and the UK with eight percent of impressions. Additionally, Velti data reveals that, although iOS 6 saw quick adoption among a large amount of users, 11% of users have opted not to upgrade to the operating system and remain using iOS 4.
"In July and August, Android held prevalent market share in a year that was previously dominated by iOS -- but September marks an end to this trend," says Krishna Subramanian, CMO of Velti. "We are seeing a pattern that leads us to believe the shift back to iOS domination is a result of the iOS 6 release and iPhone 5 launch. In fact, this is similar to the change we saw...
Apple's Phil Schiller named most influential CMO
According to Appinions research conducted for "Forbes" (http://macte.ch/KYaw6), Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, topped the list as most influential CMO [chief marketing officer].
His opinions appeared frequently in various media over the course of 60 days, mostly on the topic of Apple, the article adds. Other CMOs who ranked in the top 20: Ford CMO Jim Farley, Verizon vice president and CMO Tami Erwin, Gap CMO Seth Farbman and Macy’s CMO Martine Reardon.
ChangeWave: Maps, Lightning connector not slowing iPhone 5 sales
A new survey from ChangeWave (www.changewave.com) shows the iPhone 5 has sparked an unprecedented wave of buying with consumers gobbling up the latest Apple smart phone at record rates.
"Despite the media attention surrounding both the Apple Maps issue and the Apple Lightning port issue, neither has had an impact on the massive numbers of buyers queuing up to buy the iPhone 5," says said Dr. Paul Carton, ChangeWave's vice president of Research. "Rather, the survey results show both issues hardly rank as bumps in the road."
To gauge overall demand for the latest Apple smart phone model the research group asked consumers how likely they were to buy one in the future. The survey results show an unprecedented degree of consumer interest, with one-in-three consumers (32%) saying they’re "likely" to buy the iPhone 5 in the future, 19% say "very likely," and 13% "somewhat likely."
Detexif is new Exif viewer for Mac OS X
Detexif (www.detexif.com) is a new Exif viewer for Mac OS X. It's available for US$1.99 at the Mac App Store (http://macte.ch/Go05T).
Detexif runs from the status menu bar. It combines information stored in the Exif and metadata for your images to show you the most important settings that affect your shot.
Apple to hold Oct. 23 iPad mini event?
Apple will hold a special event on Oct. 23 month, at which it will showcase a new, smaller iPad -- the long-rumored iPad Mini, reports "AllThingsD" (http://macte.ch/KUP3f).
"That’s a Tuesday, not a Wednesday, so this is a bit of a break with recent tradition. It also happens to be just three days prior to the street date for Microsoft’s new Surface tablet," John Paczkowski writes for "AllThingsD." "Sources declined to specify where the event is to be held, and I’ve not been able to confirm a location."
iPhone 5 usage surpasses Galaxy S III after less than three...
The Galaxy S III has been available in the U.S. for nearly four months, and posted impressive sales figures -- even beating out domestic sales of the iPhone 4S in August 2012. However, only 18 days since the public release of the iPhone 5, the newest Apple device has overtaken the Galaxy S III in terms of Web traffic volume, reports Chitika Insights (www.chitika.com).
"Record-breaking sales numbers, along with new 4G browsing speeds which encourage data usage, are the most likely explanation for this tremendous growth," says the research group. "This latest shift in the mobile ecosystem is not welcome news for Samsung, which has positioned its device as a direct competitor to the iPhone 5."
Apple agrees on icon licensing terms for Swiss clock design
Apple has agreed to pay the Swiss national railway (SBB) for use of its iconic clock design in iOS 6's Clock application, reports "The Verge" (http://macte.ch/eNqAq). No info has been released on what Apple will play.
Last month Switzerland's Swiss Federal Railway service, Schweizerische Bundesbahnen, accused Apple of using their iconic clock in its Clock app for the iPad without permission. Per a report in the Swiss newspaper, "Tages-Anzeiger" (via a somewhat rough Google translation), the SBB had no intention of using Apple, but wanted "a legal and financial solution."
Apple issues update for HP printers
Apple has posted an update (http://macte.ch/mvk4M) for most supported HP printers.
According to Apple, the update includes the latest HP printing and scanning software for OS X Mountain Lion, OS X Lion and Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard. It's a 439.55 download.
Sydney school to require iPads for all students
The St Andrew's Cathedral School in central Sydney, Australia, informed parents this week that it would require all students in years 7 to 10 to own an iPad starting next year, reports the "Sydney Morning Herald" (http://macte.ch/9OuAM).
The initiative will cost parents $597 per iPad, but the school expects hard copy text books will be replaced by e-books that will offset the cost "and spare their children's backs," the article adds. Several private Sydney schools are requiring compulsory tablets or other touch-screen computers, "convinced they are vastly superior learning tools to the heavier laptops that were given to every year 9 to 12 student under the federal government's $2.4 billion Digital Education Revolution," says the "Sydney Morning Herald."
Hunter Fan introduces smartphone controlled thermostat
Hunter Fan has introduced the Universal Internet Thermostat, which is controlled in-home or remotely with a smartphone app. Consumers can save an average of $180 a year using a programmable thermostat according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Hunter Fan’s Universal Internet Thermostat retails for US$99.99. It's iPhone and iPad compatible and is available on-line (https://istat.hunterfan.com) and in select home improvement and discount retailers across North America, including Lowes, Canadian Tire, and Wal-Mart. Product launches
"The Universal Internet Thermostat works with a broad range of heating and cooling systems and can be controlled from anywhere, anytime with a smartphone and our best-in-class app," says Martin Heckmann, group marketing manager at Hunter Fan. "The Universal Internet Thermostat is ideal for people and families who want to warm or cool their homes before they come home, and save money by turning off their heating and cooling equipment when they are...
ABI Research: Wi-Fi devices to exceed 1.5 billion this year
The number of Wi-Fi enabled devices shipped in 2012 is expected to surpass 1.5 billion, according to ABI Research (www.abiresearch.com). Growth is occurring across many markets including mobile handsets, laptops, media tablets, printers, TVs, and automotive, according to the research group.
"Since 2009 over nine billion Wi-Fi enabled devices have been shipped," says Peter Cooney, wireless connectivity practice director, ABI Research. "While growth was driven by networking in the early years the smartphone soon became the major market. Growth in the next few years will be increasingly driven by a whole host of applications in the mobile and connected home space."
One key growth area is the connected home, in particular the increasingly popular connected TV. Wi-Fi is currently widely used for Internet access in connected TVs but wired connections are also used in many cases. 17 million Wi-Fi enabled flat panel TVs were shipped in 2011, this grew to 30 million in 2012 and is forecast to...
D-Link introduces new PowerLine solution
D-Link (www.dink.com) has announced its latest addition to its PowerLine family of home networking solutions. The PowerLine AV+ Mini Adapter Starter Kit (DHP-309AV) extends the reach of your current home network by utilizing your home's existing electrical wiring to extend your network to locations with limited or no Wi-Fi connectivity.
PowerLine technology delivers a signal throughout the home and connects a desktop, laptop or wired entertainment device in those hard-to-reach spots in your home, outdoor, and entertainment centers, according to Ken Loyd, director of product marketing, D-Link Systems. Performance is enhanced by delivering speeds up to 35% faster than standard PowerLine devices, enabling fast access to email, files, and the Internet in the farthest reaches of your home, he adds.
With its compact design, the PowerLine AV+ Mini Adapter doesn't block a second electrical outlet. It boasts "plug-and-connection" installation.
The PowerLine AV+ Mini Adapter Starter Kit comes...
New WD Wi-Fi Range Extender boosts home wireless coverage
WD has unveiled its My Net Wi-Fi Range Extender to expand wireless home networks into out-of-reach areas of the home. It's available now at select U.S. retailers and online at wdstore.com at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$89.99.
The selectable dual-band My Net Wi-Fi Range Extender provides faster, stronger and more reliable wireless network coverage to computers, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, media players, smart TVs and other Wi-Fi connected devices that suffer from a weak Wi-Fi signal within the home, explains Scott Vouri, general manager for WD's connected life solutions group. It provides faster speeds at greater distances, enabling HD streaming to the outermost areas of the home, he adds.
My Net Wi-Fi Range Extender's power comes from its 3x3 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) antenna array design. The range extender also features a Gigabit Ethernet port, providing a high-speed Internet connection for distant, wired-only entertainment devices.
iPad trade-ins up 80% as iPad mini rumors swirl
Consumer electronics trade-in service Gazelle (www.gazelle.com) is seeing an 80% increase in iPads in the last month as owners are prepare for the rumored iMac, reports "VentureBeats" (http://macte.ch/2gsF4).
"People are definitely interested in a mid-sized tablet from Apple," Gazelle’s Anthony Scarsella told the publication's John Koetsier. "Trade-ins doubled on the 16th of last month, and volumes have stayed high since.
He also said that half of the Apple tablets the company has received in the last month were original 16GB WiFI models. Gazelle pays about US$130 for those models, ranging up to $500 for 64GB iPad3 versions.
Curio 8 ready for Mountain Lion
Zengobi has released Curio 8, a rewrite of their note taking, mind mapping, brainstorming, and task management application for Mac OS X. To celebrate Zengobi's 10th anniversary, Curio is available for US$99.99 (upgrades are $49.99) from www.zengobi.com/store .
Features include: a completely redesigned and modernized user interface; an internal architecture built specifically for OS X 7 Lion and OS X 8 Mountain Lion with a focus on performance and robustness; Retina-ready graphics; Organizer documents & filter bar; an fidea space split view; mind map boundaries; inline PDF annotations; figure stacks; improved Calendar syncing; and more.
Curio is the premier note taking, mind mapping, brainstorming, and task management application designed to promote visual thinking. Using Curio's freeform interface and tools, you can intuitively gather, associate, and recall your ideas, while easily managing all the notes and documents associated with your project.
A demo (www.zengobi.com/curio)...
Join FileMaker TechNet for special offer
FileMaker, Inc., has announced the FileMaker Training Series (FTS) Sampler Kit (www.filemaker.com/r/fts_kit_pr), featuring three key modules from the FileMaker Training Series for FileMaker 12, available free for FileMaker Technical Network (TechNet) members.
TechNet is a free community for FileMaker developers to obtain technical resources and network with other like-minded professionals. The FTS Sampler Kit includes self-paced instruction modules plus exercises, demos, and videos to enhance the learning experience. It has three modules taken directly from the complete 13-module FileMaker Training Series for FileMaker 12.
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