Mac OS X software updates for Sept. 13
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Raskin Software (www.raskinformac.com) has released a new version of its "infinite," ie. zoomable, file asset manager for Mac. The application, targeted at creative professionals in design, photography, and the film industry, is designed to complement the OS X Finder as it facilitates the handling of large amounts of visual content.
AKVIS (www.akvis.com) has announced AKVIS HDRFactory 3.0 for Mac and Windows. The software creates HDR images from a series of photographs taken at different exposures or from a single image. Version 3.0 adds the new Remove Noise parameter, provides compatibility with Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion, fixes bugs, and updates the list of the ready-to-use presets.
Rainbow Games (www.rainbow-games.com) has rolled out Odysseus: Long Way Home 1.2 for OS X, an update to the hidden object/adventure game in which players guide Odysseus on his journey to return home to his loving wife, Penelope. Aid one of literature's...
Apple releases iTunes 10.7
Apple has released iTunes 10.7. It offers support for the upcoming iOS 6, the iPhone 5 and updated iPod nano and iPod touch.
Tunes 10.7 requires iOS 10.6.8 or later and Safari 4.0.3 or newer. It's available as a free download at the Apple website (http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/).
iOS 6 will be released on Sept. 19. And a major overhaul of iTunes (the "new" iTunes, or version 11) is due in October.
Apple rolls out new iPod touch, iPod nano
Apple has introduced a new iPod line-up, including a iPod touch (top photo) and "reinvented" iPod nano.
The new iPod touch is the thinnest iPod touch ever and features: a 4-inch Retina display; a 5-megapixel iSight camera with 1080p HD video recording; Apple’s A5 chip; Siri, the intelligent voice assistant; and iOS 6. It comes in a s new thin, light anodized aluminum design. For the first time ever, iPod touch comes in five colors.
The new iPod nano is the thinnest iPod ever featuring: a 2.5-inch Multi-Touch display; navigation buttons; and built-in Bluetooth for wireless listening. It comes in seven new colors.
With Apple’s dual-core A5 chip inside, iPod touch delivers up to twice the processing power and up to seven times faster graphics than the fourth generation iPod touch, all while maintaining battery life of up to 40 hours of music playback and up to eight hours of video playback, according to Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. Its iSight...
New iTunes features simplified design, iCloud integration
Apple has announced the new iTunes for Mac and PC featuring a completely redesigned player, integration with iCloud, and a new look for the online music, apps, TV and movie stores.
The new iTunes is coming in October and will feature a dramatically simpler and cleaner interface that keeps your favorite iTunes content at the forefront, according to Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. With iCloud integration, your music, movie and TV purchases made on any of your iOS devices or computers is conveniently displayed in your iTunes library on your Mac or PC, available anytime you want them.
The redesigned iTunes Store, App Store and iBookstore have been rethought to make buying your favorite content on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or PC simpler than ever, says Cue.
"We created iTunes because we love music and we’re going back to our roots with an incredibly clean design that keeps your music at the forefront," he adds. "The new iTunes works...
The new Apple smartphone is here -- and, yep, it's called...
Apple has announced the iPhone 5, the thinnest and lightest iPhone yet. It's been completely redesigned to feature: a new 4-inch Retina display; an Apple-designed A6 chip; and "ultrafast" wireless technology" -- all while delivering even better battery life.
As expected, the iPhone 5 comes with iOS 6, an upgrade of the mobile operating system with over 200 new features including: the all new Maps app with Apple-designed cartography and turn-by-turn navigation; Facebook integration; Passbook organization; and even more Siri features and languages.
"iPhone 5 is the most beautiful consumer device that we’ve ever created," says Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "We’ve packed an amazing amount of innovation and advanced technology into a thin and light, jewel-like device with a stunning 4-inch Retina display, blazing fast A6 chip, ultrafast wireless, even longer battery life; and we think customers are going to love it."
He says the iPhone 5 is the...
iPad now has 68% of the U.S. tablet market
During a special media event today, Apple CEO Tim Cook says the iPad, which is driving the "post-PC revolution," now has 68% of the U.S. tablet market and accounts for 91% of tablet web traffic.
Last quarter Apple sold 17 million iPads. Cook says that, to put things in perspective, Apple sold more iPads than any PC manufacturer sold of their entire computer line-up.
He says that 94% of all Fortune 500 companies are testing or deploying the Apple tablet. And when it comes to the Apple App Store, Cook says it's now home to over 750,000 apps -- with over 250,000 of them specifically made for the iPad.
Apple laptops have 27% market share in the U.S.
During a special media event today, Apple CEO Tim Cook says response to the Retina display MacBook Pro has been tremendous. Its success -- and that of the company's other portables, including the MacBook Air -- have seen the company take the number one position in laptop share in the U.S.
Cook says that Apple has 27% market share in the U.S. Over the past year, the Mac has outgrown the overall personal computer market 15% to 2%. And for the past six years in a row, the Mac has grown significantly faster than the PC market, Cook says.
Mountain Lion downloads top seven million
Apple says downloads of Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion have exceeded seven million since its July launch, making it the most successful OS X release in Apple’s history. With more than 200 innovative new features,
Mountain Lion is the ninth major release of OS X. It's available through the Mac® App Store as an upgrade to Lion or Snow Leopard users for US$19.99.
Mountain Lion features include the all new Messages app, Notification Center, system-wide Sharing, Facebook integration (due any day now), Dictation, AirPlay Mirroring and Game Center. iCloud integration is designed to make it easy to set up your Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Messages, Reminders and Notes, and keep everything, including iWork documents, up to date across all your devices. For more information or to download Mountain Lion visit apple.com/osx/specs.
Undercover worker details working conditions at Foxconn factory
"The Shanghai Evening Post" has published an insider report of what it's like to work at Foxconn's Tai Yuan factory assembling the iPhone 5.
The story is told by a "Post" reporter who went undercover, got a job at the plant, and then kept a diary of his life while working there for 10 days. His article has been translated and summarized in English by "MIC Gadget." You can find it at http://macte.ch/a7ZqZ .
iCloud mail still unavailable for some
Apple's iCloud online storage service has been on the blink for 15 hours according to its status page (http://www.apple.com/support/icloud/systemstatus/).
"Mail may be slow or unavailable," the page reads. " When Mail is available, users may experience delays with incoming messages. Normal service will be restored ASAP. All other services are online and fully operational."
However, Apple says that only 1.1% of iCloud users have been affected. The problems started at 10.20 (Pacific) on Sept. 11.
DisplaySearch: iPhone 5 to accelerate growth of smartphone...
Smartphone shipments are forecast to reach 567 million in 2012, and nearly double by 2016 as new phones, like this week’s anticipated iPhone 5, continue to enter the market, according to new data from NPD DisplaySearch (www.displaysearch.com), a global market research and consulting firm.
"Apple’s iPhone 5 will be a key product for the smartphone market in the second half of 2012," says Hiroshi Hayase, vice president, small/medium displays for NPD DisplaySearch. "Apple shipped more than 140 million phones in 2010 and 2011, so we can expect smartphone shipments to continue flourishing as users upgrade to the new iPhone."
Despite the excitement surrounding the new iPhone, the volume of new smartphone shipments is lower than expected. NPD DisplaySearch downgraded its 2012 forecast of new purchases from 220-230 million to 177 million. The volume of replacement phones, however, is expected to increase as new smartphones enter the market.
"The timing of mobile phone contracts can also...
Siri co-founder leaves Apple
Adam Cheyer, an engineer who helped build the Siri voice-recognition software that was acquired by Apple, has left the company, reports "Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/iVU9Z), quoting three, unnamed "people familiar with the situation"
Cheyer, a Siri co-founder and its former vice president of engineering, left recently after working in Apple’s mobile software group, the article adds. The departure is at least the second among Siri’s founding team since Apple bought the company in April 2010 and follows the 2011 departure of Dag Kittlaus, the CEO of the company that invented Siri.
At the time, Kittlaus said there were several reasons for the departure, including his family being in Chicago, a desire to take time off and an interest in brainstorming new entrepreneurial ideas. Kittlaus had led the speech recognition efforts for Apple since Apple bought Siri in April of 2010.
Apple patents hold hints of future smartphone designs
Ahead of Apple’s media event this morning, where many speculate the company will unveil the design for the iPhone 5, a new patent study from the IP Solutions business of Thomson Reuters (www.thomsonreuters.com) details patent and litigation activity across Apple’s 1,298 mobile patents and provides insight into possible future incarnations of the iPhone.
Data for this report were aggregated using Thomson Reuters Derwent World Patents Index to identify global patent activity for Apple in the Derwent Manual Code category for portable, hand-held mobile radio telephones.
Top technology areas
Researchers at Thomson Reuters found that Apple has filed 416 smartphone-related patents since the launch of the iPhone in 2007. Another 279 have been filed for mobile camera patents; 232 were filed for user interface technologies; 149 have been filed for image display; and 88 were filed for battery/power control. Antenna (75), calendar (31), contact management (15), and voice control (5)...
Animation Desk is new drawing tool for the Mac
Kdan Mobile has released Animation Desk for Mac (http://macte.ch/lDzfd). The drawing app is available for US$6.99 at the Mac App Store.
Followed by the success of Animation Desk's presence on iPads and iPhones, Animation Desk for Mac provides a clean and fully-featured setting for a drawing experience that allows the creation of animated arts. In addition to an interface for creating detailed character sketches, users can share their works via multiple social networking sites and Anizone, an exclusive sharing platform for Animation Desk users.
With the software, iOS users can import their animation works from an iPad and iPhone to a Mac. The goal "is to help everyone explore the full potential of their imagination," says Kenny Su, CEO of Kdan Mobile.
PulpFX Wedding is new plug-in for Final Cut Pro, Motion
Aquafadas and Noise Industries have teamed up for PulpFX Wedding, a plug-in for Apple Final Cut Pro and Motion, and Adobe After Effects. It lets video professionals edit weeding videos for their clients thanks to a collection of various generators.
The PulpFX Wedding themes let users edit qualitative animated photo-montages, thanks to its ready-to-use layouts and animations. It has three weeding themes: a carousel, a weeding book, and a memories slideshow. Each theme has severals moods.
All the decorations and patterns can be customized to fit your event. You can set frame, size and opacity levels to each image, as well as add a title for each photo and time animations. In addition you can also associate several soundtracks to your image. PulpFX Wedding is available at www.noiseindustries.com for US$99.
Homecloud personal cloud product is OS X, iOS compatible
Westell Technologies (www.westell.com) -- a provider of telecommunications equipment for wireline, wireless and home networks -- says its new Homecloud product will be available for purchase on Sept. 26. Homecloud is designed to create a personal computing "cloud" within a home or a small-business environment.
The Homecloud Digital Home Manager (DHM) is a wireless router, a network hub, and an application server, all rolled into one. The DHM comes with an initial set of applications which enable automated data backup and sharing of content across devices using the Mac OS X, iOS and Windows operating systems.
Homecloud units may be purchased only via the Homecloud website (www.homecloud.com) beginning at 8 (CDT) on Wednesday, September 26, 2012. Orders will be accepted on a first-come basis, with limited quantities available, at a special introductory price of US$180 per unit. Fulfillment will be provided by Amazon.
"We are introducing a new kind of network product to the market,”...
WatchDox releases SDK for iPhone, iPad
WatchDox, a provider of access and collaboration solutions, has released its software development kit (SDK) for the iOS platform.
The WatchDox iOS SDK enables businesses to integrate the WatchDox mobile document collaboration platform with their own custom iPhone and iPad apps. This creates a secure, native mobile experience that offers a seamless solution for accessing, sharing, collaborating and syncing documents remotely, in addition to optimizing documents for viewing and collaborating on the iOS platform, according to Ryan Kalember, chief product officer at WatchDox.
The WatchDox iOS SDK enables organizations to combine existing mobile applications with WatchDox functionality to create a fully branded app with document sending, sharing and syncing functionality. It provides a full or partial module-based integration of WatchDox components.
The server-side components of the WatchDox platform can be deployed via a cloud service or as an on-premise virtual appliance. Email info@...
Mac OS X software updates for Sept. 12
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Mapdiva (www.mapdiva.com) has released Artboard 1.6, an update to their vector drawing software for Mac OS X. The new version is optimized for OS 10.8 Mountain Lion, adds Retina-display support, new features, and usability enhancements.
The Alice Dev Team (www.alicedev.com) has announced Security Camera 2.3 an update to their utility that allows users to secretly snap a time-stamped, security ID photo of any person taking the user's Mac out of sleep mode. The new version is Mountain Lion ready.
Netgear (www.netgear.com) has updated the software for its ReadyNAS line of network attached storage. Version OS 5.3.6 adds remote backup capability for Apple's Time Machine, ReadyDROP cloud-based storage implementation, mobile clients for ReadyDLNA media streaming, and more.
MacPractice (www.macpractice.com) -- an Apple developer of practice management and clinical software for doctors’ offices who use Macs, iPhones, and iPad -- has given us...
Majority of Americans prefer iPhone, Android to new Nokia phone
Following the news surrounding the release of the Nokia Lumia 920, the latest phone proposed to run the Windows 8 platform, CouponCodes4U (www.CouponCodes4u.com), a coupon code website, conducted an online survey to discover whether the Lumia 920 has what it takes to break Apple and Samsung’s hold on the cellular phone market. Apparently, it doesn't.
The study, which formed part of research into consumer buying trends and brand loyalty, surveyed 2,371 Americans aged 18-35. All survey participants specified that they had at least one smartphone, which was used on a daily basis for work or personal tasks.
Respondents were initially asked what type of Smartphone they owned, with 39% saying an iPhone. In contrast, 31% said they owned an Android platform phone, such as the Samsung Galaxy SIII, and 29% of users said they owned a Blackberry device.
According to the research, the majority of respondents liked the look of the new Nokia Lumia 920, with 65% admitting that they were "impressed"...
Apple selling LOTS of Macs, iPads to businesses
According to a Forrester Research report (www.forrester.com) -- as reported by "Silicon Valley BizBlog" (http://macte.ch/SbunZ) -- Apple will sell about US$17 billion Macs and iPads to business and the government this year.
On the other hand, non-Apple computers and tablets to business and the government will grow by only 1.7% this year to $146.6 billion. That's down by about 3% from 2011.
Forrester estimates that Apple's sales to business and government will jump by 76% on iPads to $10 billion and 9% on Mac computers to $6.7 billion. The research group also projects Apple sales in this market to grow by another 35% in 2013 while Windows-based sales remain flat.
Jonathan Ive buys 'Gold Coast' home
Jonathan Ive, Apple’s senior vice president of industrial design, has paid US$17 million for a house on San Francisco’s "Gold Coast," reports "The Wall Street Journal" (http://macte.ch/h5Pwr). Quoting unnamed "people familiar with the deal," the article says the house, on one of the city’s most exclusive blocks, was listed for $25 million.
Designed by the architectural firm Willis Polk & Co, the five-level brick home was completed in 1927 and has six bedrooms and 8.5 bathrooms. The 7,274-square-foot house also features views of the San Francisco Bay, an oak-paneled library, a courtyard garden and six wood-burning fireplaces, notes the "WSJ." An upstairs bedroom has cathedral ceilings with exposed beams, while on the lower level there is a two-bedroom, one bathroom staff apartment.
Apple challenges Google's dominance as 'iPhone 5...
As Apple prepares to release its new iPhone model, new research from Parks Associates (www.ParkAssociates.com) shows the iPhone leads its rivals in customer satisfaction, with 75% of its owners "very satisfied" with their handset versus 61% of Android phone owners.
The research firm's "Untapped Consumer Opportunities for Mobile Services" reveals 34% of U.S. smartphone shoppers from households with an annual income of US$50,000-$75,000, surveyed in July 2012, plan to purchase an iPhone. The same percentage plan to buy a Google Android phone, whereas last year, only 24% planned to purchase an iPhone versus 39% in favor of an Android phone. Similarly, smartphone shoppers with a four-year college degree, who once favored Google over Apple, now put the iPhone on top.
"The iPhone scores higher than Android in user satisfaction in virtually all surveyed features, but Android phones have ruled the market due to lower costs," says John Barrett, director, Consumer Analytics, Parks Associates. "...
'iPhone 5' could boost GDP of the U.S.
According to a new report by the J.P. Morgan research group, the release of the "iPhone 5" could potentially add between 1/4 to 1/2%-point to fourth quarter annualized GDP [growth domestic product] growth of the U.S. The next gen iPhone is expected to be announced tomorrow by Apple at a special media event.
"Our equity analysts believe around eight million iPhone 5's will be sold in the US in Q4, even while sales of previous generation iPhones are maintained at a solid pace," says J.P. Morgan. "While we have no idea how much these will retail for, if it is similar to previous launches it would be around US$600. Likewise, if the imported cost component is similar to previous leading generation phones it would imply around a $200 per phone addition to imports (which is a subtraction from GDP). The difference between these two figures, $400, would represent the trade margins, which figure into GDP."
Thus, calculated using the so-called retail control method, sales of iPhone 5 could...
Apple still most popular mobile device manufacturer
Mobile phone satisfaction among IT service professionals is heavily driven by the device itself -- far more than the wireless provider. At least that's what OnForce (www.OnForce.com) -- a source for on-site tech talent in the cloud -- uncovered in its recent survey of nearly 900 IT service professionals. And the report shines a favorable light on Apple.
The study, conducted just last month, found that when it comes to overall satisfaction, AT&T and Verizon are in a dead heat, with Sprint a distant third. In fact, only 55% of Sprint customers surveyed are "very satisfied" overall with their mobile experience, compared to 67% of AT&T customers and 66%of Verizon customers.
However, a customer's overall satisfaction comes from a blend of experiences, and deeper analysis uncovered some dramatic differences in satisfaction levels -- especially when asked about the service a carrier provides. While AT&T appears to have a slight advantage in overall satisfaction, AT&T...
Apple leading manufacturer on Millennial Media platform
Millennial Media (www.millennialmedia.com/), which specializes in mobile advertising and data, has released its "September 2012 Mobile Mix" report, the latest edition of its source for mobile device and OS trends. The September report found that Apple was the leading individual manufacturer on the Millennial Media platform with over 31% of all impressions, and the iPhone was the leading individual mobile device.
Samsung was the second leading manufacturer, and had eight different devices included in the Top 20 Mobile Phones on the Millennial Media platform. Combined, mobile devices from the two manufacturers made up over 50% of all mobile impressions.
The report also found 46% of all impressions on the Millennial Media platform were on the Android operating system, compared to 34% for iOS, 15% for the BlackBerry OS and 4% for Windows. The report also found that the iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab and Kindle Fire were the top three tablets ranked by impressions, and all three tablets were in...
Analyst: 'iPhone 5' will disrupt mobile industry
In a note to clients -- as reported by "CNET" -- J.P. Morgan analyst Mark Moskwitz -- the "iPhone 5" -- expected to be unveiled tomorrow at a special Apple media event -- will affect rival phone makers, computer vendors, wireless carriers and parts suppliers. How so? Moskwitz says the next gen smartphone will:
° Challenge other handset makers with the new phone's battery performance, screen size, and form factor;
° If LTE-enabled, as expected, it could cause the PC industry to "could lose further ground to mobile phone vendors, hurting growth at such companies as Dell and HP."
° Put pressure on wireless carriers' profit margins;
° Benefit certain parts suppliers such as LG Display (in-cell panels), Samsung (graphics memory), LG Innotek (the iPhone camera module), Semco (chip capacitors) and certain semiconductor suppliers such as Analog Devices, Fairchild and Broadcom.
You can read more at http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57510215-37/iphone-5-will-disrupt-mobi... .
American Airline pilots to get iPads
American Airlines has become the first commercial carrier to get Federal Aviation Administration approval to kit out their pilot’s ‘electronic flight bags’ with iPads for use in "all phases of flight," reports "The Next Web" (http://macte.ch/KtHRl).
American’s pilots will be using the iPad, which is the only FAA-approved tablet as a replacement for paper-based reference manuals that weigh 35 pounds, the article adds. This will save AA an estimated $1.2 million of fuel across all of its planes annually, based on current fuel prices, according to "The Next Web."
"This is a very exciting and important milestone for all of us at American Airlines as we work to modernize our processes and best meet the needs of our people," said Captain John Hale, American’s vice president of Flight. "With this approval from the FAA, we will be able to use iPad to fully realize the benefits of our Electronic Flight Bag program, including improving the work environment for our pilots, reducing our...
Reallusion debuts CrazyTalk7 on the Mac App Store
Reallusion, which specializes in 3D and 2D cinematic tools, has introduced CrazyTalk7 (http://macte.ch/xcuGB) on the Mac App Store. It costsUS$29.99 and requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or higher.
CrazyTalk7 is a digital media application. It lets you create talking character videos from any digital photograph. According to the folks at Reallusion, you can "bring any face to life with CrazyTalk7’s simple face-fitting guide, and then use your own voice to puppet your actor’s performance."
The ability to animate characters with any voice or text-to-speech engine, allows any user to create animated shorts, video hosts, cartoon characters and more. With CrazyTalk7 you can choose a photo or illustration, fit the facial features, add audio to generate animations, and see your characters perform in real-time. You can save movies for editing in iMovie, or directly upload them to YouTube.
Apple, ITC hold two settlement meetings
In a Friday filing, Apple and HTC confirmed to the International Trade Commission (ITC) that they've had two recent settlement meetings, one during the week of Aug. 13 and another more recent one, reports "FOSS Patents" (www.fosspaents.com).
However, the two companies haven't reached a settlement. Apple and Samsung plan to have further discussions in the future, notes "FOSS Patents."
This is all part of an ongoing legal battle. In November 2010 Apple sued Motorola, alleging that the company's smartphone lineup and the operating software it uses infringe on the iPhone-maker's intellectual property. The two lawsuits came after Motorola sued Apple in October 2010 for patent infringement. Motorola claims that Apple's iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and certain Mac computers infringe Motorola patents.
Also in 2010 Apple filed a lawsuit against HTC for infringing on 20 Apple patents related to the iPhone's user interface, underlying architecture and hardware. The lawsuit was filed concurrently...
Magnetyze is magnetic charging system for iPhones
Battery-Biz, an U.S.-based manufacturer and distributor of consumer electronic power accessories, has launched its BuQu Tech subsidiary and the introduction of the Magnetyze family of smartphone accessories. The magnetic charging system is available to users of the iPhone 4 and 4S at www.BuQuTech.com/Magnetyze .
It applies patent-pending magnetics technology to keep smartphones charged, synchronized and ready to "grab and go," says BuQu Tech CEO Ophir Marish. It also eliminates multiple cords, clumsy cradles and the need for new charging accessories with every smartphone upgrade, he adds.
Initially, the company will offer a Magnetyze iPhone 4 and 4S bundle containing the Magnetyze protective case, desk stand and magnetic charging and data sync cable for US$69.99 via its web site. The company will accept pre-orders for the next gen shortly after it's released and will introduce the first Magnetyze smartphone cases for Android later this fall with a Magnetyze case for the Samsung...
New Swatches provides creative effects in Illustrator
Graphicxtras has released their new Swatches sets (http://macte.ch/1ee0K) for Adobe Illustrator. Including arrow swatches, cat swatches, contour swatches, heart swatches, Christmas swatches and more. The Swatches sets are USS$6.99 each.
They're for use in Illustrator fills, effects, convert to other formats and more. The Swatches include 40-plus swatches packs for commercial use, all royalty-free to create items for sale. They're for use in fills, as well as combined with effects.
The Swatches package now sports over 4,000 patterns in total. It's compatible with all versions of the Adobe Creative Suite including the latest, CS6.
The swatches packs are priced at $6.99 (USD) each as of September 10th, 2012. Download only.
IPEVO releases telescoping stylus for the iPad
IPEVO (www.ipevo.com/) has announced the US$19 Telescoping Stylus, their newest product designed specifically for touchscreen devices such as the iPad and other tablet computers. It combines a stylus and pointer in a single device.
With a gentle pull, the user can extend the Telescoping Stylus to a pointer length of 15.2 inches. The stylus offers ultra-precise operation and fine control, while the pointer provides the ideal length for teaching and business presentations in a group setting, says IPEVO CEO Royce Hong.
The Telescoping Stylus is made from bronze and weighs 21 grams. It boasts an omnidirectional rubber tip that's been specially formulated for touchscreens.
PopChar evolves from character picker to font tool
Ergonis Software has released PopChar X 6.0, an update of the company's tool for dealing with fonts and special characters. With the new version, the app has evolved from a plain character picker to a font utility that lets you take a new look at fonts from a designer's perspective.
You can see a font preview, check out what a given text fragment looks like in a certain font, and print font sheets. Based on a a streamlined user interface, the new "Font Preview" feature gives an impression of a selected font by showing representative characters and a selectable piece of text in multiple font sizes.
In addition, the new "Sample Text" feature shows what the font looks like when applied to typical text fragments. Various predefined samples can be selected and users can customize their own sample text. A slider lets you view the text samples in various font sizes. Both the "Font Preview" and the "Sample Text" views can be printed.
PopChar X 6.0 also supports Unicode 6.1, the latest...
Simul80 lets use your Mac as an iOS Bluetooth joystick
Kode80 has announced Simul80, an iOS joystick emulation app for OS X. Designed for both iOS game developers and fans of iOS gaming, it allows Bluetooth-enabled Macs to control existing iOS games that have joystick support.
Any Mac compatible joystick or gamepad may be used and jail breaking isn't required. Input in Simul80 is fully configurable. The Mac's keyboard and any compatible joystick or gamepad can be used and configured from directly within the app.
When Simul80 is running any Bluetooth enabled iOS device will discover it as a Bluetooth keyboard enabling Simul80 to send the appropriate key presses directly to the device, just like a real joystick. It's a free download from the kode80 website (http://kode80.com/).
WD creates 'world's thinnest' 2.5-inch, hybrid...
WD (www.wd.com) says it's sampling a 5mm-thin hard disk drive featuring hybrid technology. The company says it's the world's thinnest 2.5-inch, hybrid hard drive.
WD says it's developed hard drives slim enough for integration into today's thinnest notebooks. The new technologies will be showcased during WD's Investor Day on Sept. 13.
"Mobile devices are becoming smaller, thinner, lighter and more responsive," says Matt Rutledge, vice president of client storage solutions at WD. "Working with our technology partners, WD has developed new 5mm hard drives that enable high capacity storage along with excellent performance and superior economics to allow our customers to expand their thin offerings."
With device volumetric efficiency a key concern for system makers, WD began shipping 7mm height hard drives for thin-profile notebooks earlier this year (historically, standard notebook hard drives have been 9.5mm). WD 5mm hybrid hard drives will enable the market's thinnest computers to...
Mac OS X software updates for Sept. 11
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Econ Technologies (www.econtechnologies.com) has updated ChronoSync to version 4.3.5 and ChronoAgent for Mac to version 1.3.6. ChronoSync is the automated synchronization and backup application for Mac OS X that can synchronize, backup, and create bootable backups. ChronoAgent for Mac is a utility that runs on the destination Mac and communicates directly with ChronoSync giving you a direct connection between two Macs. The updates fix an issue with some operations that require root privileges.
Reggie Ashworth (www.reggieashworth.com) has announced AppDelete 4.0.1, an update to the application deletion utility for Mac OS X. The upgrade sports a redesigned interface and improved compatibility with Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion.
Vinotekasoft (www.vinotekasoft.com) has uncorked Vinoteka 3.0.1, an update of their wine cellar management software. The upgrade adds Cellar Tracker password storage and lets you print the storage cell number VS bottle...
Getting a Piece of SkyCube: T minus 1 Day
SkyCube, the first satellite scheduled to reach orbit sponsored by social media, microfinance, and mobile apps, is just 24 hours from the end of its crowdsourced fundraising campaign on kickstarter.com
The project reached its original funding goal of $82.5K on August 30th, 2012, and is now just a few thousand dollars away from its new goal of $110K to build a second copy of the SkyCube satellite.
A backup SkyCube will give the project a second chance to reach orbit, in the unlikely case of a technical malfunction with the Falcon 9 rocket next spring. In the much more likely scenario that the launch succeeds, the backup will provide double the original capacity for broadcasts and images from space.
SkyCube is a 10x10x10 cm CubeSat scheduled for launch from Cape Canaveral in Q1 2013 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Once in orbit, from an altitude of more than 350 miles, it will broadcast sponsors' messages as "tweets from space," out at the speed of light at 915 Mhz across the...
Apple may sell record-breaking 5.1 million Macs in September...
In a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com) -- Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster says Apple is looking at a record-breaking September fiscal quarter when it comes to Mac sales. He's predicting sales of 5.1 million Macs during the three-month period.
Munster thinks that Mac sales will be up 5% year-over-year. That compares to an overall computer industry decline of 7% year-over-year for the computer industry, according to new data from the NDP Group (www.ndp.com).
Apple's previous record for the September quarter came in 2011, when the company reached sales of 4.9 million Macs, notes "AppleInsider." The Mac's all-time record came in the holiday quarter of 2011, when Apple sold a total of 5.2 million desktops and notebooks.
Publishing company says its servers were hacked, not the FBI...
A small Florida publishing company says the million-record database of Apple gadget identifiers released last week by the hacker group AntiSec was stolen from its servers two weeks ago, reports "NBC News" (http://macte.ch/BnmUh).
The admission, delivered by the company’s CEO exclusively to NBC News, contradicts AntiSec's claim that the hacker group stole the data from an FBI agent's laptop in March. The hacking group claimed (http://macte.ch/FPecX) it had obtained over 12 million of unique identifiers for Apple devices from an FBI laptop. The FBI denied this, and Apple issued a statement saying it did not provide any UDIDs to the FBI.
Natalie Kerris told "AllThingsD" (http://macte.ch/QWkhQ) that "the FBI has not requested this information from Apple, nor have we provided it to the FBI or any organization. Additionally, with iOS 6 we introduced a new set of APIs meant to replace the use of the UDID and will soon be banning the use of UDID."
"As soon as we found out we were involved and...
Apple reportedly suing online Polish supermarket
Apple is reportedly suing an online Polish supermarket for trademarking the name "A.pl," reports "The Next Web" (http://macte.ch/cKg8a), translating an article from the Polish website, "Telepolis."
The article says Apple demanded that the Urząd Patentowy Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej (Poland’s patent office) cancel the trademark belonging to A.PL Internet SA. The first meeting purportedly took place on Aug. 29, but was adjourned and deferred to a later date.
Apple claims that A.pl’s mark creates a likelihood of confusion and attempts to trade off the fame of Apple, reports "The Next Web." The California-based electronics firm wants the trademark invalidated -- after objecting to its registration in the first place.
Nvidia announces Quadro K5000 for the Mac Pro
Apple is showing little love for the Mac Pro, but at least NVidia (www.nvidia.com) is; the company says Mac professionals will benefit from "dramatically improved graphics performance and productivity" with the release of the Nvidia Quadro Pro K5000 for the Mac Pro systems.
Based on the Nvidia Kepler architectture, it's the most powerful professional-class GPU ever for the Mac. Features include:
° Cinema 4K display support (4096x2160 resolution);
° A new display engine that can drive up to four displays simultaneously;
° 4GB of graphics memory.
"Quadro K5000 for Mac will have a transformational impact on the digital content creation workflow," says Greg Estes, media & entertainment industry executive at Nvidia. "We're giving Mac Pro users the most powerful professional GPU ever for the Mac, with features and performance that will make a substantial difference in their workflows and allow them to create digital content at speeds never before possible."
The Nvidia Quadro K5000 for...
Samsung: we'll sue (again) when the iPhone 5 is released
Samsung Electronics said Monday it will sue Apple (again) when it releases its next gen iPhone (expected to be announced Wednesday). The company will due Apple for infringing on its fourth-generation (4G) long-term evolution (LTE) connectivity patents, reports the "Korea Times" (http://macte.ch/1KwbJ), quoting unnamed "ranking officials."
"It’s true that Samsung Electronics has decided to take immediate legal action against the Cupertino-based Apple. Countries in Europe and even the United States -- Apple’s home-turf -- are our primary targets,’’ a senior Samsung exec "who is directly involved with the matter," said in a telephone interview with "The Korea Times."
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.
Judge: Apple may have a hard job in invalidating HTC patents
A U.S. trade judge has hinted that Apple may have a difficult job in invalidating patents owned by HTC. U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) Judge Thomas Pender said in Washington on Thursday that "clear and convincing means something to me," speaking about the legalities of determining whether a patent should or shouldn't have been issued in the ongoing legal battle, reports "Bloomberg Businessweek" (http://macte.ch/ZQspu).
HTC claims Apple infringes two patents it owns for ways to reliably transmit a larger amount of data. The company says the patented methods are critical to the 4G technology known as LTE, or long-term evolution, that allow faster downloads.
A victory could let HTC seek an import ban of the latest iPad and even the newest iPhone, if it uses LTE when it’s unveiled, according to "Bloomberg Businessweek." That could give the Taiwanese handset maker leverage to force a settlement with Apple, which has made its own patent-infringement claims against HTC, the...
2013 edition for the Mac is the 'Zen of QuickBooks'
QuickBooks Zen is the code name for the 2013 edition of QuickBooks for Mac from Intuit (www.intuit.com). The latest release is designed to help small businesses new to QuickBooks for Mac get up and running faster and reduce the learning curve, according to the folks at Intuit. Updates include:
° Data Import. You can populate contacts and products or services bought or sold by importing contacts automatically from the Address Book, or by copying and pasting contact or item information from spreadsheets.
° Improved new user experience. QuickBooks Zen offers tutorials and tips, including video how-to’s and more.
° Document Attachments, a feature that attaches contracts, proposals, receipts and more to related records for easy reference.
° Batch invoicing, which is designed to streamline the process of invoicing multiple customers for the same service by creating a template and invoicing all customers simultaneously.
° Intuit PaymentNetwork, which enables small businesses to get paid...
Two new Mac apps released for batch file operations
Code by Kevin (www.codebykevin.com) has released two new Mac applications for batch file operations: FileMorph 1.0 (top photo) and TextSweep 1.0 (bottom photo).
FileMorph is an app for batch renaming of files and modification of file attributes. It's designed to make the process of changing large numbers of files -- ranging from one to dozens- - easy and painless, according to Code by Kevin.
TextSweep is an app for searching and replacing text in multiple files. It allows you to select a directory, specify which files will be modified, enter a search and replace term, and see the changes instantly.
Both applications are shareware and cost $14.95 each. Thirty-day demos are available for download.
Sonnet announces 10GbE, 6Gb eSATA Thunderbolt adapters
Sonnet Technologies has announced the Echo Express SE 10 Gigabit Ethernet Thunderbolt Adapter and the Echo Express SE eSATA Pro 4-Port Thunderbolt Adapter.
These new adapters pair Sonnet's just-released Echo Express SE Thunderbolt Expansion Chassis for PCI Express (PCIe) cards with either a Sonnet Pro one-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) adapter card or four-port 6Gb eSATA adapter card, respectively, in value-priced bundles designed to provide high-speed data and storage interfaces to iMac, Mac mini, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro computers with a Thunderbolt port. The adapters ship with the interface cards preinstalled.
The Echo Express SE 10GbE is a Thunderbolt-to-10GbE adapter that bundles Sonnet's Echo Express SE Thunderbolt Expansion Chassis for PCIe cards and the Presto 10GbE PCIe Card with Fibre SFP+, providing a near plug-and-play solution for adding 10GbE connectivity to any computer with a Thunderbolt port. This adapter enables users to connect their computers to high-speed...
Avid ProTools/HD gets Native Thunderbolt interface
Avid has announced the new Pro Tools|HD Native Thunderbolt interface, which it says delivers the lowest latency and the highest sound quality of any host based audio workstation for Thunderbolt technology equipped CPUs.
The Pro Tools|HD Native Thunderbolt interface brings the industry-standard Pro Tools HD toolset and premium conversion of Pro Tools HD Series interfaces to a broader group of customers who use a laptop or other computer with Thunderbolt technology, Pros now can choose from two Pro Tools|HD Native designs: the new Thunderbolt interface for Thunderbolt-equipped laptop and desktop computers, or the original PCIe card.”
Chris Gahagan, senior vice president of products at Avid, says that, with its elegantly implemented Thunderbolt connectivity, the Pro Tools|HD Native Thunderbolt interface gives producers, engineers, and mixers the sound quality, low latency, and sheer power of the Pro Tools|HD Native system in a mobile-based hardware solution, while connecting with Pro...
mySpot connects multiple devices with one Ethernet cable
Kanex has announced the US$59 mySpot, which offers a way to wirelessly connect multiple devices through any Ethernet port. It's designed for travelers who experience unreliable Wi-Fi connections in hotel rooms and other locations.
mySpot provides a dependable and secure signal to multiple wireless devices all at the same time, according to Kanex President Kelvin Yan. "We realize that there are real connectivity problems for travelers and mobile users," he says. "mySpot solves those challenges by offering a simple, compact wireless connection wherever Internet access is available."
To use you pop out the USB connection and plug it into a USB power source. Connect the other end to an Ethernet/LAN cable and you're ready to surf the web. You can use your laptop, iPad and other mobile devices simultaneously with mySpot.
It will be available in late September at kanexlive.com and other online and retail partners. For more info go to www.kanexlive.com/mySpot .
Phiaton noise-canceling earphones available
Phiaton Corp. has announced the availability of its PS 210 BTNC earphones that combine active-noise-cancellation and Bluetooth 3.0. They cost US$159 and are Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, Buy.com, NewEgg.com and a variety of other retailers.
Enhanced noise cancelation technology that neutralizes up to 95% of ambient background noise, according to Phiaton President James W. Baik. The built-in Bluetooth 3.0 technology provides greater bandwidth, clarity, and sound quality compared to previous generations of Bluetooth, he adds.
The PS 210 BTNC earphones purportedly offer a calling time of 12 hours, 14 hours of music-listening time and 250 hours of standby. An ergonomic "half in-ear" design is designed to provide outstanding comfort and fit, says Baik.
Full inline musical controls that allow you to take charge of your songs without having to find your device. Special "Echo-Off" noise reduction technology eliminates most background noise from the microphone while on a call. For more info go to...
NewMacgadgets introduces new iPad, iPhone products
NewMacgadgets (http://newpcgadgets.com) has developed a line of security products for retailers and businesses that use the iPad and iPhone for display.
The iPad Security Dock, iPad Wall Mount Display, PAD-Lock, Credit Card Dock and iPhone 4 Security Base provide security and display capability for iOS devices. For example, with the introduction of the US$89.95 iPad Security Dock (pictured), newMacgadgets has replicated the Apple store look while providing additional features to secure the iPad.
The new iPad Wall Mount Display ($89.95) allows businesses to securely display the iPad on walls. The clear acrylic base provides an elegant display while the outer-frame secures the iPad in place preventing theft, according to the folks at newMacgadgets.
As another option to secure the iPad newMacgadgets has introduced PAD-Lock ($49.95), a light-weight aluminum stand that attaches to the outer corners of the iPad and is secured with a 7-foot security cable. This security solution allows for...
