Aug. 9 highlights from the Apple-Samsung trial
The Apple-Samsung patent battle/trial is underway. Following is some of the latest highlights and where you can find more info.
"Samsung's trial lawyers have a propensity to engage in conduct that they later have to explain to the court. It's really strange that this always happens to them, and never to Apple's counsel." -- "FOSS Patents" (macte.ch/szlC0)
"Samsung may struggle to convince the jury that the Galaxy Tab isn’t a copy of the iPad, given that, according to an internal Samsung documents, over half of viewers seeing its TV commercials assumed the ad was for the iPad. According to the report, only 16% of viewers thought that the commercial was for Samsung. -- "Macworld UK" (www.macworld.co.uk)
"In addition to becoming the youngest woman win tenure at Harvard, running Michael Dukakis' presidential campaign, writing more than half a dozen books (most recently "Soulless: Ann Coulter and the Right-Wing Church of Hate") and doing token liberal commentary for Fox News, Susan Estrich...
Apple to match discounted iPhone prices
With some retailers and carriers, such as Sprint, dropping prices on the iPhone as rumors of a next gen Apple smartphone gain steam, Apple's retail stores have been given authorization to match these discounted prices from approved major retailers and carriers, reports "MacRumors"(http://www.macrumors.com).
In all cases, Apple will discount iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 models by $49.01 upon request to bring pricing down to $349.99/$249.99/$149.99 for the iPhone 4S and $49.99 for the iPhone 4, the article adds. An "iPhone 5" is rumored to be announced next month.
South Korea court delays Apple/Samsung ruling
A South Korean court has made a last minute decision to offer a verdict in the patent battle between Apple and Samsung, reports the "Wall Street Journal" (http://macte.ch/K8a53).
Late Thursday, the clerk at Seoul Central District Court said the verdict in two lawsuits -- one by Samsung against Apple and one by Apple against Samsung -- that had been scheduled for Friday morning will be delayed until Aug. 24, the article adds. The clerk cited "procedural reasons."
"Such delays are common in South Korean courts, particularly in high-profile cases. Judges have a solid reputation for being straight in their verdicts but they are also leery of controversy," notes the "Journal." "With the Samsung-Apple trials in the U.S. and Australia drawing a lot of attention, there’s a chance a verdict in South Korea could be woven into those cases."
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...
Google to play $22.5 million for Safari privacy violations
Google Inc. has agreed to pay a record US$22.5 million civil penalty to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it misrepresented to users of Apple’s Safari Internet browser that it would not place tracking "cookies" or serve targeted ads to those users, violating an earlier privacy settlement between the company and the FTC.
In addition to the civil penalty, the order also requires Google to disable all the tracking cookies it had said it would not place on consumers’ computers.
"The record setting penalty in this matter sends a clear message to all companies under an FTC privacy order," says FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz. "No matter how big or small, all companies must abide by FTC orders against them and keep their privacy promises to consumers, or they will end up paying many times what it would have cost to comply in the first place."
Google, the developer of the world’s most popular Internet search engine, generates billions of dollars in revenues annually from selling...
Apple-Motorola ruling postponed until Sept. 13
A regional court in Germany on Thursday postponed a ruling on a case brought by Apple against Google's Motorola unit over alleged patent infringement until Sept. 13, a court spokeswoman told the "Wall Street Journal" (http://macte.ch/XoLRM). The ruling was originally scheduled for today.
Apple has alleged that Motorola infringes 24 of its patents (21 of them with Android-based phones, the remaining three with set-top boxes and DVRs), while Motorola previously asserted 18 patents against a variety of Apple products (mostly but not exclusively iPhone, iPad and iPod).
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.
Apple looking at major 'second-half product launches'
In a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White -- said information from Apple suppliers responsible for delivering parts for the company's future products witnessed their best monthly sales jump 14% month-over-month in July. This indicates a rev of iOS devices that will result in the "biggest second-half product launches" in Apple's history, he says.
Topeka Capital Markets' Apple Monitor analytical tool tracks sales trends across the Taiwan supply chain at leading Apple suppliers that generate a high percentage of revenues from Apple. It's used to augment White's own checks and research, rather than as a standalone tool, as new product launches and inventory adjustments can sometimes skew monthly results, notes "AppleInsider."
Apple in talks to stream films owned by EPIX?
Apple is in talks with EPIX to stream films on the Apple TV and the rumored Apple-branded HDTV (the "iTV"), reports "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/ZOVcp), quoting "two people with knowledge of the negotiations.
One of the sources told "Reuters" that any discussions would apply to its set-top box and also to upcoming devices that stream content. "Apple is widely expected to unveil a full-fledged TV product later this year or in early 2013 to drive its next phase of growth and potentially revolutionize the industry," says "Reuters."
Epix is a joint venture of Viacom's Paramount Pictures, Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios. It offers a premium movie channel on pay-TV systems such as DISH Network.
Consumers stick with familiar operating systems
Consumers prefer iOS and the Android OS and Apple iOS, currently the top two operating systems in the mobile industry, according to new data from Strategy Analytics (http://www.strategyanalytics.com).
Both are well established, staying current with the consumers’ needs and wants with respect to features, services and applications offered, and providing quality and popular applications -- an aspect consumers look for when purchasing a new device. Consumers that prefer an easy to use and intuitive operating system like a closed platform, similar to iOS, finding the need to customize their devices relatively low, says Strategy Analytics.
However, consumers who like the ability to customize their device, don’t mind a bit of complexity and prefer having the choice of numerous applications, find an open market operating system, such as Android, more appealing, according to the research group. BlackBerry OS was seen as secure and reliable from a business perspective, but was viewed as less...
Steam expanding beyond games
Valve -- creators of game franchises such as Counter-Strike, Half-Life, Left 4 Dead, Portal, and Team Fortress -- and leading technologies -- such as Steam and Source -- has announced the first set of software titles heading to Steam, marking an expansion to the platform most commonly known as a leading destination for Mac and PC games.
The software titles coming to Steam range from creativity to productivity, according to Mark Richardson at Valve. Many of the launch titles will take advantage of popular Steamworks features, such as easy installation, automatic updating, and the ability to save your work to your personal Steam Cloud space so your files may travel with you, he adds.
More Software titles will be added in an ongoing fashion following the Sept. 5. Developers will be welcome to submit Software titles via Steam Greenlight, Richardson says. For more info go to www.steampowered.com .
Majority of Americans shun 'iPad mini' for '...
Following the rumors that Apple is in the process of developing an iPad mini, purportedly due in stores later this year, the CouponCodes4u coupon code website conducted a survey of 1,873 Americans to discover whether or not size matters for consumers and if they're more likely to purchase a smaller iPad or the latest iPhone 5 instead if and when they are launched.
Respondents were initially asked whether or not they owned an Apple product, to which 76% of those taking part said that they did. The majority, 64%, of these owned an iPhone of some sort, whilst 39% had an iPad and 31% had an iPod.
When asked, "Would you be more likely to purchase an iPad mini or an iPhone 5?" the majority, 78%, said "iPhone 5." When asked why that would be their preferred choice, 46% felt that the iPad mini was "pointless," while 39% said they would "use the iPhone 5 more." Seventy-seven percent of those who would choose an iPhone 5 over an iPad mini were current iPhone owners. Similarly, 52% of those...
iPicop projector unveiled for iPhone, iPod touch
General Imaging (GIC) has introduced the ipico, a hand-held, projector with a patented pop-up connector for an iPhone or iPod touch to allow you to share videos, photos and movies and project them larger than life on virtually any surface.
No cables needed. Pop-up the built-in connector on the ipico, slide your device into it, focus on virtually any surface, and your ready to project.
The ipico weighs only 3.35 ounces and is about two-thirds the width of an iPhone. At just over half an inch thick, the ipico's pop-up connector slides down into the dock when not in use and fits inside a pocket or bag. When projecting, it holds your iPhone or iPod touch in place and, in most cases, doesn't require removing the protective case from your device.
The ipico will be available in white to kick off the 2012 holiday shopping season for US$129.99. It includes a built-in, rechargeable Lithium-ion battery and USB charging cable. For more info go to www.general-imaging.com .
Scosche delivers wireless tunes with boomStream
Scosche Industries has announced boomStream, a wireless media speaker for Bluetooth 2.1 enabled iOS and Android devices. The compact and lightweight boomStream is designed for streaming music around the house, outside, at the office, in dorm rooms and more.
A 1200 mA lithium polymer rechargeable battery provides up to eight hours of continuous playback or can be used to top off a smartphone via the USB charging port. The boomStream has a brushed aluminum surface and a built-in microphone. It's available now for US$99.99 on www.scosche.com and ships with charging and audio cables.
Satechi ships Swift Bluetooth speaker
Satechi has released the Swift Bluetooth (BT) Speaker. portable speaker features a sleek, black glossy exterior and allows users to stream audio anytime, anywhere from any Bluetooth-enabled device.
The lightweight (4.3 ounces) Swift BT Speaker fits into a purse, carry-on or backpack. It can wirelessly stream from up to 33 feet away and is equipped with a rechargeable lithium ion battery for up to four hours of talk time, three hours of playback and up to 300 hours of stand-by.
The portable speaker also has an integrated multi-function button that can activate voice dialing or Siri on iPhone 4S for hands-free calling. The Satechi Swift BT Speaker is available now for US$29.99 at Satechi.net and Amazon.com .
iFixIt writes repair manual for Retina display MacBook Pro
A month ago, the folks at iFixIt called the MacBook Pro with Retina display "the least repairable laptop we've taken apart." But that hasn't stopped them from writing the repair manual for the 2012 MacBook Pro with Retina display.
You can find it at http://macte.ch/hiBJr .Many components within the laptop can be removed without much fuss, provided folks use the correct tools. Pentalobe screws hold the lower case in place and Torx screws secure everything else. Spudgers and plastic opening tools are absolutely necessary, as many of the components are designed with such tight tolerances that using fingertips is simply not an option.
Fair warning: working on the laptop is no easy task. Some repairs are simply infeasible. For example, there's no way to replace the trackpad without removing the battery. And while it's possible to remove the battery, chances are high that it will be punctured in the process. Puncturing Lithium-polymer batteries releases noxious fumes and can cause fires....
Parat Solutions announces Parasync for iPad transport case
Parat Solutions has released the US$980 Transport Case for Parasync iPad charge and synchronization docks.
The Parasync for iPad Transport Case accommodates 10 iPads, one Parasync dock (pictured), and a laptop. Designed to be shipped safely through air travel, FedEx and UPS, the durable exterior withstands inclement weather and the rigors of the road, according to Peter Jauss, director of sales at Parat Solutions (http://www.Paratsolutions.com). To protect the devices from impact stress, the dense foam insert has a dedicated spot for each iPad device, the docking station, the laptop, and power supplies. Even extra cables or accessories can be stowed into the additional small compartment.
The case is equipped with an ambient pressure equalization valve, high quality latches, and an o-ring seal to make it watertight, airtight and dustproof. Weighing just 50 pounds when fully populated with an extendable handle and wheels, the case is easy to transport between locations, says Jauss.
Mac OS X software updates for Aug. 9
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Thursby Software Systems (http://www.thursby.com) has shipped Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion upgrades of its enterprise Mac-to-Windows integration, management and security software. DAVE has delivered commercial grade Mac network home folder and share integration since 2002 with Microsoft SMB/CIFS and Microsoft DFS. All the new versions support Apple's new Gatekeeper security technology.
BeLight Software has announced Swift Publisher 3.1.1 (http://www.belightsoft.com/products/swiftpublisher/overview.php), a new version of its page layout application for designing and printing flyers, newsletters, brochures, booklets, etc. The new version fixes a number of issues with printing and exporting on OS X 10.7 and 10.8.
Doug's AppleScripts for iTunes has released Dupin 2.5.2 (http://dougscripts.com/apps/dupinapp.php), the iTunes duplicates manager. Dupin is an application that assists with locating, sorting, filtering, and deleting duplicate tracks...
iPhone/iPod touch/iPad apps for Aug. 9
Here are the latest iPhone/iPod touch/iPod/iPad apps. You can find 'em at the Apple App Store (http://www.itunes.com/appstore/).
Tap Saloon has announced Skinz Golf 1.0 for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. The free golf game enables players to set up multiple asynchronous rounds with Facebook friends or contact list. The app uses patent pending swing motion technology to enable players to direct their shot making in a realistic manner.
FreeMagicTricks4u.com has released Jump Magic Free for iOS. In the free game, you leap, float and fly from hat to hat at high speed, collecting stars and magical power-ups as you go.
PhotoAffections -- an online provider of custom printed photo birth announcements, invitations, photo cards, wall decor and more -- has introduced FreePrints. With the free app, users can order up to 1,000 free professionally printed 4x6 photos per year, directly from their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
AppEzzy has launched Social Diary -- Automated Journal for Facebook and...
WWDC 2012 Interview: MacPaw
While in San Francisco, TUAW and MacTech Magazine teamed up to speak to developers at Apple's WWDC 2012 about the keynote and how Apple's new technologies will help them and their customers. In the weeks following the event, we'll bring you those videos on TUAW, MacTech and MacNews.
If you aren't currently a reader of MacTech Magazine, check out the special WWDC free MacTech on iPad issues for MacTech Magazine here.
This video features Neil Ticktin (Editor-in-Chief, MacTech Magazine) and Oleksandr Kosovan of MacPaw at WWDC. Oleksandr was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on the announcements on WWDC, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.
iOS: world's most popular platform for playing games
Apple's iOS platform appears to be the world's most popular platform for playing games, according to new data from the Asymco market research firm, as reported by "Ars Technica" (http://macte.ch/rrYy7).
Asymco compared cumulative sales of home console and handheld gaming devices to the number of registered users for the iOS Game Center. During the 2012 Worldwide Developers Conference Apple said that Game Center -- a free service that facilitates high score tracking, achievements, and online play -- has 130 million users.
Using this number asa proxy for the number of iOS gamers, Asymco say they put iOS well ahead of any current console and trail just behind the Nintendo DS's roughly 150 million unit sales. Considering the Playstation 2's roughly 150 million unit sales, that would rank iOS as the third most popular gaming platform of all time.
iPad a hot seller in China
According to a report from China-based Analysis International -- as noted by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- Apple dominated the Chinese tablet market during the three-month period ending July, capturing nearly three out of every four purchases despite not being able to sell the new iPad in the mainland until the final week of the quarter.
Chinese consumers combined to purchase 2.34 million tablets during the second quarter; that's a 63% increase from the previous year. Apple nabbed 72.66% of those sales, according to data from Analysis International. Extrapolating that data would bring Apple's total estimated unit sales in the region to roughly 1.7 million, or more than eight times greater than its closest competitor Lenovo, who came in a distant second with a 8.38% share, or approximately 196,000 units, notes "AppleInsider."
Interest high in iTV -- if the price is right
In a note to clients -- as reported by "CNET" -- the Piper Jaffray research firm says if Apple does release a much-rumored HDTV (the so-called "iTV") nearly a third of the 200 consumers it surveyed would upgrade to it if the price is right.
Approximtely 49%of the consumers surveyed said they would be interested in purchasing an Apple-marketed TV set, according to survey results released this evening by Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster. Twenty-nine percent said they weren't in the market to buy a new TV but that an Apple entry would turn them into buyers.
However, only 12% of those interested in an iTV said they were willing to pay the $1,500 estimated retail price for the set. "The hurdle Apple is going to face with winning consumers to Apple Television is price," Munster said. "Over the past seven years, consumers have been conditioned to pay progressively less for TVs, with the average 32-inch TV price down 76 percent since 2005."
Read more at http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-...
Apple: let's have a swift ruling on this Kodak situation
Apple has asked a bankruptcy court for a swift appeal on that court’s ruling that Apple’s ownership claims for two Kodak patents were invalid, reports "The Mac Observer" (http://www.macobserver.com). Apple told the court it was in everyone’s best interest to deal with an appeal sooner, rather than later, the article adds.
Apple sued Kodak in April 2010, about three months after Kodak accused Apple and Research In Motion of infringing a patent related to ways of previewing images. Apple's countersuit said Kodak devices copy the technology that it uses in Macs, iPhone, iTunes and Photo Booth involving image processing, energy management and memory design.
Kodak plans to sell its patents as part of a bankruptcy reorganization in New York. However, Apple claims it owns 10 of the patents in Kodak’s portfolio.
Aug. 8 highlights from the Apple-Samsung trial
The Apple-Samsung patent battle/trial is underway. Following is some of the latest highlights and where you can find more info.
"As part of its case against Samsung, Apple has shown snippets of an internal Samsung document comparing the original Galaxy S phone with the iPhone." -- "AllThingsD" (http://macte.ch/HQ6UN)
"Apple presented a massive 132-page internal Samsung document that showed the South Korean firm comparing every inch of the iPhone with its early Galaxy S phone in its patent ruckus yesterday. The internal Samsung report, translated from Korean, goes over every aspect of the iPhone and looks at how the equivalent feature of the S mobe matches up. Unfortunately, it also says none-too-subtly that the S phone would really be a lot better if it was more like the Jesus-mobe." -- "The Register" (http://macte.ch/QP7Jp)
"Apple alleged that Samsung Electronics changed the design of its smartphone icons to resemble those on the iPhone, supporting its claim with an internal Samsung...
Apple, Amazon dominate online space for 'brown' goods
Amazon UK was the most visible brown goods advertiser online while Apple remained the most visible website for brown goods-related searches, reveals the latest research from leading independent digital marketing agency, Greenlight (www.greenlightdigital.com). ("Brown goods"" is industry slang for all electronic products.)
Greenlight's "Brown Goods Sector Report -- Issue 12" assessed which brands, retailers and review sites were the most visible in both natural search and paid media and had the greatest share of consideration when UK consumers searched on Google UK for Audio & Accessories, Cameras & Camcorders, PCs & Laptops, Phones & Accessories and TVs & DVD Players.
According to the report, Amazon UK achieved a 30% share of visibility in paid media. It also displayed the most visible, unique ad creative, in the Audio & Accessories subsector, advertising low prices on the iPod nano.
Through ranking at position 1 for the search term "iPhone," in the organic...
TABU launches iPad Pouch
TABU Products (http://www.TABUProducts.com) has announcd the iPad Pouch, which combines a protective memory foam sleeve and a zippered pocket to create a portable, all-in-one carrying solution for the new iPad and accessories such as chargers, cables, earbuds, USB drives and more.
The iPad Pouch can store the Apple tablet with or without a back case or Smart Cover. To ensure the iPad stays safely inside the sleeve at all times, it has an industrial grade magnetic closure. The iPad Pouch is also lined with microfiber and memory foam to protect against scratches and sudden impact.
It also features an integrated translucent, water resistant zippered pocket to store accessories and protect them from rain drops and splashes. The see-through pocket allows users to keep tabs on all of their accessories and find them when needed.
For US$25, contributors to the iPad Pouch on Kickstarter will receive one iPad Pouch in either blue or gray with free U.S. shipping. Larger contributions get you...
OWC Mercury On-The-Go Pro now comes with USB 3.0
Other World Computing (OWC) has announced a "triple interface" model of its OWC Mercury On-The-Go Pro bus-powered portable storage solution. It now features a USB 3.0 port that's USB 2.0 backwards compatible.
Complemented by two FireWire 800/400 ports, it's all housed in a pocket-sized drive offering up to 1TB of storage capacity. According to the folks at OWC, that's enough space to hold up to one million JPEG photos, 500 DVD movies, 76 hours of digital video, or 350,000 MP3 songs.
In addition to the FireWire 800/400 and USB 3.0/2.0 triple interface model,
a USB 3.0/2.0 only model is also available. Both models offer a choice of a 5400RPM or 7200RPM hard drive in capacities up to 1TB, or an OWC Mercury Electra 6G Solid State Drive up to 480GB capacity. Pricing starts at US$89.99. For more info go to eshop.macsales.com/shop/firewire/on-the-go .
Vers reveals hand-crafted, wood Bluetooth sound system
Vers (www.versaudio.com) -- a creator of compact, hand-crafted wood sound systems and mobile accessories -- has announced the 1Q, a Bluetooth sound system that can fit in the palm of your hand. It has surpassed its initial funding goal on Kickstarter, and will begin shipping this fall.
The 1Q is wrapped in a 3-inch wood cube, and connects to any mobile device (smart phones, tablets, laptops and more) through Bluetooth v2.1. The sound reproduction of wood is unmatched, as it provides a natural warmth, says David Laituri, founder of Vers and 1Q designer.
The 1Q has a 30-foot range, and a rechargeable battery that lasts over 10 hours. It also has a built-in auto switching capability to convert from mono to stereo when two units are linked to create a micro stereo.
For each tree used in production, 100 are replanted through Vers’ partnership with The Arbor Day Foundation and the U.S. Forestry Service, according to Laituri. The Vers 1Q comes in Walnut, Bamboo, and a limited Kickstarter...
Stabil-i vibration reducer available for the iPhone
Dynamo Innovations Group has announced the Stabil-i, an accessory for smartphones. It's designed to make short work of shakiness and stows in your pocket.
By counterbalancing the phone onto a single, microscopic point, Stabil-i drastically reduces vibration commonly seen in home movies and concert bootlegs, according to the folks at Dynamo. It also doubles as a protective cover,.
The Stabili-i product is now available on the crowd-funding platform Kickstarter. Pledges for getting the device and a T-shirt begin at US$44. Increase it to $55 and you get a tripod adapter as well. For details go to http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/stabil-i/stabil-i-case-shake-free-vi... .
I-MEGO headphones come to the U.S.
I-MEGO (http://www.i-mego.com), an audio accessories manufacturer with a long-standing presence in Europe and Asia, has introduced two of their headphones to the United States market for the first time.
The Throne (pictured) are over-ear headphones, while the Walker Junior are noise canceling headphones are an ideal compact travel companion. Both feature the brand’s characteristic stellar sound provided by two high performance 40mm drivers, according to Matt Altschul, president of I-MEGO U.S. Operations.
Each also boasts genuine leather and memory foam. For added convenience, The Throne and Walker Junior headphones include soft carrying pouches, as well as adapters to accommodate any audio resource, from synthesizers to airplane armrests.
Both the Throne and Walker Junior headphones are now available at Amazon.com. The former retail for US$129.99, the latter for $139.99.
One Step Photograph and Slide to iPhone Converter available
Hammacher Schlemmer has introduced The One Step Photograph and Slide to iPhone Converter, a device that imports photographs and slides directly to an iPhone with the touch of a button.
The device's tray accommodates 3 x 5 or 4 x 6 photographs, 35mm sides, or negatives (135 film) and instantly scans the image to an iPhone 4S or iPhone 4 that docks on top of the converter. A free iPhone app enables the iPhone's camera to automatically adjust the size and color of photographs and slides before the device converts the images into JPEGs that are instantly stored on the iPhone.
The One Step Photograph and Slide to iPhone Converter has LEDs that provide diffused light free of hotspots, glare, or flash burn. Powered by four AA batteries, the converter allows instant photo conversion without being tethered to an AC outlet or a computer.
The One Step Photograph and Slide to iPhone Converter is available from Hammacher Schlemmer for $59.95. For more info go to http://www.hammacher.com/Product/...
Stellar launches Apple Mail to Outlook 2011 converter tool
Stellar Data Recovery has launched Apple Mail to Outlook 2011, a converter tool that converts Apple mail to importable "RGE" files that can be imported in Outlook 2011.
The software converts all messages along with included attachments without disturbing the original folder organization and email formatting, according to Sunil Chandna, CEO of Stellar Data Recovery. Stellar Apple Mail to Outlook Converter is available at a starting price of US$39. You can download a demo copy of the software from the Stellar Data Recovery website (www.stellarinfo.com).
ATTO delivers connectivity solutions for HP file-based editing...
ATTO Technology has introduced a new connectivity solution for HP's media and entertainment File-based Editing Platform for Mac environments.
This next-generation, end-to-end solution offered by ATTO consists of ATTO's Celerity 8Gb/s Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapters (HBAs), HP P2000 G3 MSA Storage, an HP SN6000 Fibre Channel Switch, an HP ProLiant DL360 server, the HP LTO-5 Ultrium 3000 SAS Tape Drive series and Quantum’s StorNext File System. This solution has been designed to offer a single application suite for the entire post-production workflow, including editing, graphics, color grading, mastering and archiving activities, according to Wayne Arvidson, vice president of marketing at ATTO Technology.
The HP File-based Editing Platform enables an end-to-end, high-performance, reliable and affordable solution for post-production companies, news organizations, sports editing, advertising and gaming companies, as well as digital media production and broadcast facilities, he adds....
Undercover for Mac OS X gets live tracking, keylogging
Orbicule has released Undercover 5, an upgrade to its theft-recovery solution for the Macs. The update adds live tracking and keylogging.
Version 5 has the ability to track a stolen Mac in real-time: the completely redesigned web interface allows users to instantly snap and view mugshots of the thief whenever their stolen Mac is online. The same goes for screenshots and location information, allowing users and law enforcement to follow stolen Macs live.
In addition, Undercover 5 introduces keylogging, revealing everything a thief is typing on the stolen Mac, including his Facebook or Twitter account names, social security numbers, contact information, etc. What's more, the Undercover recovery web app has been rewritten from scratch using SproutCore, giving users a rich, desktop-like experience, according to Orbicule President Peter Schol.
Undercover requires OS X Snow Leopard, Lion or Mountain Lion. It's available at http://orbicule.com/undercover/mac. Version 5 is a free upgrade for...
Bruce Lee comes to MIMOBO series of flash drives
Mimoco, has released the second in the Legends of MIMOBOT series: the Bruce Lee MIMOBOT. The flash drive is available in capacities up to 64GB. Pricing starts at US$19.99 for an 8GB model.
It comes come preloaded with bonus Mimory such as MimoDesk personalization suite of Bruce Lee-themed wallpapers, icons, video, and avatars, and MimoByte sound software that plays sound clips each time Bruce Lee MIMOBOT is inserted or ejected from a computer.
Mac OS X software updates for Aug. 8
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Smile has released TextExpander 4.0.1 (www.smilesoftware.com/TextExpander/), an update to its typing shortcut tool. The update restores transparency to the menu bar icon, among other enhancements and fixes.
Softhing (http://www.softhing.com) has announced a new version (3.0) of Outlook Exchange Accounts Optimizer. This utility automatically moves old mail from your Outlook Exchange account to a replicated structure within Outlook local folders. Version 3.0 is compatible with Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion.
HELIOS Software (http://www.helios.de) has updated its UB2 file and print server software to support Mountain Lion, including Spotlight and Time Machine.
VinetekaSoft (www.vinotekasoft.com) has uncorked Vinoteka 3.0, a new version of its wind cellar management software. The upgrade is Mountain Lion compatible.
PixelEspresso (www.pixelespresso.com) has updated Decloner, its tool for finding and removing duplicate files, to version 1.5. The...
Apple releases Xcode 4.4.1
Apple has released Xcode 4.4.1, an update to its set of powerful developer tools for Mac OS X.
Apple says it's been repackaged, and is now distributed as a stand-alone application. This replaces the Install Xcode package, and adds support for delta updates. Xcode includes a new "Downloads" preference pane to install optional components such as command line tools, and previous iOS Simulators.
Xcode 4.4.1 is a 1.46GB download. It's free at the Mac App Store.
Analyst: Apple expects to sell more than 263 million next gen...
As reported by "Macworld UK" (http://www.macworld.co.uk), the analyst firm Asymco says it thinks that expects to sell more than 263 million of its sixth-generation iPhone.
Asymco started its analysis by working out the estimated iPhone sales history of each generation, then calculating the cumulative totals of those models, the article adds. The results showe that:
° The iPhone 3G sold nearly four times the amount of original iPhones sold by Apple;
° The iPhone 3GS sold 1.6 times more units than the iPhone 3G;
° The iPhone 4 has just about outsold the original iPhone, the 3G and the 3GS’s sales put together;
° The iPhone 4S has currently sold more than the iPhone 4 by a bit, but is only half way towards beating the cumulative total sales of its four predecessors.
Asymco predicts that Apple will sell enough iPhones 4S units by September to put the model two thirds of the way towards beating the cumulative sales of the original iPhone, the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4.
Taiwanese man sues Apple for FaceTime-related patent violation
Another day, another lawsuit. A Taiwanese man known only as Lee claims to hold a patent on a "voice network personal digital assistant" technology and has filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging that his technology is used in FaceTime, reports "CNET."
FaceTime is a video calling software application and related protocol. It runs on iOS and Macs running Mac OS X 10.6.6 and higher.
An initial hearing on the alleged patent violation is slated for September. Lee hasn't specified any financial amount in damages but wants Apple to stop the patent violation, notes "CNET." You can read more at http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57487986-37/apples-facetime-faces-pate...
Apple, Google among those vying for Kodak patents
Apple and Google have joined rival investor groups hoping to nab Kodak's patent portfolio. The groups are offering warm-up bids of between $150-$250 million, reports "The Register" (http://macte.ch/Cgu28).
Kodak plans to sell its patents as part of a bankruptcy reorganization in New York. However, Apple claims it owns 10 of the patents in Kodak’s portfolio.
Apple sued Kodak in April 2010, about three months after Kodak accused Apple and Research In Motion of infringing a patent related to ways of previewing images. Apple's countersuit said Kodak devices copy the technology that it uses in Macs, iPhone, iTunes and Photo Booth involving image processing, energy management and memory design.
Apple faces another China-based Siri lawsuit
A Shanghai-based voice assistant developer at Zhizhen Network Technology claims that Apple's Siri infringes on one of the company's patents for a "type of instant messaging chat bot system," reports "M.I.C. Gadget" (http://macte.ch/rejwn). Siri is Apple's speech recognition "personal assistant" feature the debuted with the iPhone 4.
The Zhizhen lawsuit isn't attacking the Siri trademark itself but the introduction that Apple used on their China’s official website to explain what Siri is, which says “it (siri) can understand what you say and what you’re asking for, and it can find the answer that you are looking for on the web”. However, "we cannot find the Siri’s introduction on Apple’s China site anymore, seems like it had been pulled down already to avoid infringement," notes "M.I.C. Gadget."
This isn't the first China-based Sir lawsuit. On July 30, it was reported by the "IDG News Service" that Taiwan’s National Cheng Kung University filed a lawsuit in a U.S. district court on...
iPad putting the smackdown on the ultrabook market
In "Tech.pinions" op-ed (http://macte.ch/cua42) Creative Strategies analyst Tim Majarin -- reiterates what others have said: the iPad is putting a beat-down on the ultrabook market.
"We have been privy to some very interesting research that shows that the market for laptops appears to be bifurcating into one that is focused on low cost notebooks and the other on the higher end of the notebook market," he writes. "The research suggests that the mid market for laptops is declining and that laptops priced at $699-$899 may be going away as users either opt for low cost laptops or if they want more powerful laptops, buy up to laptops in the $999-$1299 range instead. Part of this lack of overwhelming interest in the $699-$799 price range is also due to the iPad. The interest in the iPad remains high, and right now from our research we are learning much higher than notebooks by the mass market."
Because of that ultrabooks priced around the range of the iPad seem to of less interest. It...
Aug. 7 highlights from the Apple-Samsung trial
The Apple-Samsung patent battle/trial is underway. Following is some of the latest highlights and where you can find more info.
"An internal Samsung email presented at Apple v. Samsung proceedings on Monday shows the South Korean electronics giant had what it calls a 'crisis of design' when the first iPhone launched in 2007." -- "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com)
"Peter Bressler, former president of the Industrial Designers Society of America and himself the head of an established industrial design group, was called to the stand by Apple today as an expert witness in the Apple vs. Samsung trial to testify about three specific Apple patents. In his testimony, Bressler agreed generally with Apple that Samsung had copied many specific elements of the iPhone in its' post-iPhone smartphones. Under cross-examination, however, Bressler was less specific about how to judge copying." -- "MacNN" (http://www.macnn.com)
"An industrial designer testifying for Apple in its multibillion-...
Sprint drops iPhone 4S price to $149
Over the weekend Sprint dropped the price of the iPhone 4S to $149, down $50, reports "AllThingsD" (http://macte.ch/bSumD). It's apparently a Sprint promotion, "but with Apple's blessing."
"The move comes ahead of what is expected to be the introduction of a new iPhone as soon as next month. Apple is planning a media event for the week of Sept. 9," notes "AllThingsD."
iBook recaps first year of university's iPad-fueled...
Abilene Christian University’s "Learning Studio: Year One Report" is now available at Apple’s iBookstore. The report provides an interactive survey of the AT&T Learning Studio, a "learning laboratory" focused on mobility and media creation.
The 35-page report recaps the story of the Learning Studio, from early design discussions through major projects in its first year of operation. Interactive features tell the story of students and faculty who worked with the Learning Studio through video interviews and sample work.
Projects profiled include award-winning student filmmakers, ACU faculty who share how a digital storytelling workshop changed their teaching, mobile media workshops for K-12 faculty, and an ACU art professor who uses a green screen to travel through time for his online art course.
The report also includes a virtual tour of the Learning Studio, providing an inside look at its recording studios and collaboration rooms. It concludes with key numbers from the first year...
Wiley announces seven new books on Mountain Lion
To support Apple's Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion, John Wiley and Sons, Inc. is bringing to market a series of new instructional books covering the topic for every level of user.
Seven titles are publishing from Wiley on the topic of OS X Mountain Lion including:
° "OS X Mountain Lion For Dummies" (ISBN: 978-1-1183-9418-2, August 2012) by Bob LeVitus;
° "Teach Yourself VISUALLY OS X Mountain Lion" (ISBN: 978-1-1184-0140-8, August 2012) by Paul McFedries;
° "OS X Mountain Lion Bible" (ISBN: 978-1-1184-0143-9, September 2012) by Galen Gruman;
° "OS X Mountain Lion Portable Genius" (ISBN: 978-1-1184-0142-2, September 2012) by Dwight Spivey;
° "OS X Mountain Lion All-in-One For Dummies" (ISBN: 978-1-1183-9416-8, September 2012) by Mark L. Chambers;
° "OS X Mountain Lion Server For Dummies" (ISBN: 978-1-1184-0829-2, September 2012) by John Rizzo;
° "OS X Mountain Lion Simplified" (ISBN: 978-1-1184-0141-5, October 2012) by Paul McFedries.
For details go to lp.wileypub.com/osxmountainlion/ .
Khronos releases OpenGL 4.3 specification
The Khronos Group has released the OpenGL 4.3 specification, saying it brings "the very latest graphics functionality to the most advanced and widely adopted cross-platform 2D and 3D graphics API (application programming interface)."
OpenGL 4.3 integrates developer feedback and continues the evolution of this royalty-free specification while maintaining full backwards compatibility, enabling applications to incrementally use new features while portably accessing state-of-the-art graphics processing unit (GPU) functionality across diverse operating systems and platforms, according to Barthold Lichtenbelt, working group chair of the OpenGL ARB and director of Tegra graphics at NVidia. The OpenGL 4.3 specification contains new features that extend functionality available to developers and enables increased application performance, he adds.
The full specification is available for immediate download at www.opengl.org/registry .
Fusion-io accelerates SIGGRAPH with Fusion ioFX
Fusion-io says it's collaborating with many of the industry's leading entertainment technology companies to demonstrate how the Fusion ioFX can accelerate powerful entertainment production applications at SIGGRAPH 2012.
The Fusion ioFX is being used to boost application performance in demonstrations with many hardware and software industry leaders at the show, including Adobe, ASSIMILATE, Boxx Technologies, Thinkbox Software, Tweak Software, NextComputing, Maingear Computers, Supermicro and ProMAX.
Designed to eliminate data bottlenecks that slow the creative production process for digital artists, the Fusion ioFX enables creative professionals to meet deadlines while exploring more artistic possibilities by bridging the performance gap between workstations and today's digital content creation applications, according to Vincent Brisebois, Fusion-io director of Visual Computing. From footage capture in the field, to post-production of the film, the ioFX is architected for...
PipelineFX showcases new product suite at SIGGRAPH 2012
This year at SIGGRAPH 2012, PipelineFX (http://www.pipelinefx.com) will be showing off two new additions to the Qube! render farm management family: a new app named Qube! MobileView, which is designed to make viewing and managing render tasks on a mobile device easy; and a CPU core coordinator called QBLocker.
PipelineFX’s first Birds of a Feather discussion on Aug. 8 will cover various "Challenges and Solutions for Today’s Render Pipeline." Topics include the pain points, trends, and capacity scaling strategies tied to render pipelines, as well as cloud rendering options and hybrid render pipeline models. After a panel discussion, the room will be opened up to audience questions. PipelineFX’s free Qube! Artist Workshop (RVSP required) will be held on Aug. 6 and will provide a window into Qube! and its many benefits for industries that rely on rendered content, according to CEO Richard Lewis.
Qube! MobileView frees pipeline supervisors from their offices, by giving them access to...
Creative Pro User Group Network announces Amsterdam SuperMeet
The Creative Pro User Group Network (CPUG Network) have announced the Fifth Annual CPUG Amsterdam SuperMeet, which will take place on Sunday, Sept 9, at the Hotel Krasnapolsky in the heart of Amsterdam during IBC 2012.
Doors open at 16:30 with the "SuperMeet Digital Showcase" featuring over 20 software and hardware developers. SuperMeet presentations will begin at 19:00 and continue until 23:00 with the World Famous Raffle. Tickets are on sale online for the Early Bird price of 10 Euros each, plus ticket fee (Early Bird pricing ends Aug. 9) and 10 Euros for students and teachers with valid ID.
The Amsterdam SuperMeet promises to be the single largest gathering of Final Cut, Adobe, Avid, Autodesk editors, gurus and visual storytellers during IBC 2012. It's expected this SuperMeet will sell out as historically every SuperMeet sells out. For more info go to http://supermeet.com .
Imagination announces Caustic Visualizer plug-in for Autodesk...
Imagination Technologies has announced the Caustic Visualizer viewport plug-in for Autodesk Maya 2013*. Imagination will be demonstrating Caustic Visualizer’s highly interactive full-frame performance on the new PowerVR low-power ray tracing hardware reference platform at this week's SIGGRAPH show.
Imagination’s Caustic Visualizer family revolutionizes the performance and functionality of the interactive visual look development process by making ray-traced photorealistic rendering, from the start, an integral part of the content creation work flow, according to Tony King-Smith of Imagination. It's built entirely on the Imagination PowerVR OpenRL platform.
"Through OpenRL’s highly optimized CPU implementation, Caustic Visualizer can deliver an interactive photorealistic viewport experience on a CPU-only desktop that was previously only possible in competitive solutions based on expensive quad-GPU hardware configurations," Smith says. "Furthermore, when coupled with OpenRL running on...
