Nokia, Apple continue to butt heads over nano-SIM standard
Nokia and Apple are continuing to butt heads over the nano-SIM standard with Apple proposing one standard and a consortium of Nokia, Motorola and RIM proposing another.
Now "The Verge" reports that Nokia is threatening the ETSI that it will refuse to license patents it holds that it believes to be essential to Apple's proposal should that design be selected over its own, once again saying that the design simply "does not meet ETSI's technical requirements and which would be inferior for consumers and the mobile industry, unnecessarily increasing the cost of mobile devices."
"In practice, if Nokia won't license patents -- and they are, in fact, ruled essential to the standard -- that means it could be more difficult or impossible for manufacturers to produce and use nano-SIMs within the framework of the law," the article adds. For more info, go to http://www.theverge.com/2012/3/28/2908116/nokia-license-nano-sim-apple-etsi .
Meanwhile, Apple is offering royalty-free license to nano-SIM...
'Woz' to keynote at 2012 ICSC
Apple co-founder Steve "Woz" Wozniak will be a keynote speaker at the International Council of Shopping Centers' (ICSC) 2012 Retail Real Estate World Summit.
It will be held Sept. 12-14 in Shanghai, China. The Retail Real Estate World Summit (www.ICSC.org/2012RWS) is a multinational forum designed to address and shape the critical role and socio-economic impact of the worldwide retail property market.
"The World Summit represents an unprecedented assembly of industry, political and financial leaders who will openly discuss the globalization of retail," says Michael P. Kercheval, president and CEO of ICSC. "We are honored to have more than 50 of the world’s brightest minds and innovative thinkers share their insights on global opportunities for stimulating economic growth, social and humanitarian efforts."
Apple offers Australian iPad users refunds over 4G flap
Apple has offered to refund Australian customers who felt misled about the 4G capabilities of the new iPad. reports the "BBC" (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17532613).
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the country's consumer watchdog has taken Apple to court for false advertising because the tablet computer doesn't work on Australia's 4G network. Apple's lawyers said they were willing to publish a clarification, but said the company didn't mislead customers. On its website, Apple does state that 4G LTE is only supported on selected networks in the US and Canada.
Meanwhile, the Swedish Consumer Agency may investigate Apple's promotions for the new iPad for "misleading" marketing related to high-speed 4G LTE connectivity, while officials in the U.K. are also assessing consumer complaints, according to "The New York Times" (http://blogs.wsj.com/tech-europe/2012/03/28/sweden-may-investigate-apple...). The agency has purportedly complaints from several...
iPad users spent $70,000 per day at Newsstand
A study by the Distimo analytics group (http://www.distimo.com), as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- shows that iPad users spend about US$70,000 each day on tablet-centric newspapers and magazines purchased through Newsstand for iOS.
Subscriptions or purchases of "The New York Times," "The Daily" and "The New Yorker" top the list of downloaded content, and news apps as a whole account for 7% of the 200 highest grossing apps, the article adds. According to Distimo, most revenue is in the form of in-app subscription purchases since several digital publication apps are available as a free download.
This allows content providers to offer a variety of purchasing options in one place. As in other Apple media stores, the company takes a 30% cut of each sale, notes "AppleInsider."
Cafe4tune.com beta launches for iOS, Android platforms
Cafe4tune (http://www.cafe4tune.com), a new social network that allows individuals and organizations worldwide to interact in virtual, 2D and 3D web environments, launches today in beta with companion iPhone, iPad and Android apps.
Since Cafe4tune was first introduced in 2011, more than 20,000 new members in 35 countries -- at an average rate of 500 new members per day -- have registered for the Cafe4tune social network. A video demonstration of Cafe4tune is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpGhd2HzBpM. Cafe4tune is a free service, and a Premium content version will be available by subscription at a later date.
"With the integrated tools available on Cafe4tune -- specifically the interaction between video, audio and text -- each and every consumer and business user can improve their level of engagement with the world around them," says Co-founder and CEO Artases Oikonomidis. "As the site expands, our goal is to give visitors the ability to find almost everything that would...
Autodesk introduces 2013 building and civil infrastructure...
Autodesk has announced its 2013 software and services for building design and construction, civil infrastructure, and plant design professionals.
Enhancements for Autodesk Building Design Suite 2013, Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite 2013 and Autodesk Plant Design Suite 2013, together with expanded cloud services and improved collaboration and data management tools, are aimed at helping design, engineering and construction professionals address today’s business challenges with enhanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows, says Amar Hanspal, senior vice president, Information Modeling and Platform Products Group, Autodesk.
For design, engineering and construction professionals, a combination of Autodesk Building Design Suite 2013, Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite 2013 or Autodesk Plant Design Suite 2013 with Autodesk Subscription, Autodesk 360, Autodesk Vault Collaboration AEC 2013 software and Autodesk Buzzsaw 2013 software-as-a-service, can help solve a wide range...
TeamViewer launches version 7 for the Mac
TeamViewer (http://www.teamviewer.com) has announced TeamViewer 7 for Mac. The new version allows cross-platform online sessions between Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS and Android.
Having released TeamViewer 7 with the brand new TeamViewer Online Meetings functionality for Windows and Linux earlier this year, the latest version for Mac OS X makes it possible for Mac users to join and host online meetings as well as carry out remote support sessions. It's now possible to share and view video both during an online meeting and a remote control session, making distance collaboration more personable.
Integrated video and VoIP enables meeting hosts and remote supporters to connect with their clients or colleagues face-to-face, helping to establish a relationship of trust between the different parties collaborating remotely. TeamViewer 7 for Mac further expands the high levels of desktop sharing functionality experienced in previous versions.
The software can start automatically with system boot...
Mac OS X software updates for March 28
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps.
St. Clair Software (http://www.stclairsoft.com/) has updated App Tamer, its Mac utility that automatically pauses applications to improve battery life and reduce CPU usage, to version 1.2. .The new version displays CPU usage in your menubar in several ways. It also updates compatibility with Firefox 11 and resolves an issue where it could miss an application or show one twice.
Computech IT Services have launched a new version (5.0) of their BusinessMan software (http://www.businessmancrm.com) for Mac OS X and Windows. The software allows companies to manage all aspects of their business from first contact to invoice. BusinessMan 5.0 sports a new interface, the ability to integrate the comprehensive resource scheduling system with Google calendar and more.
Oranged Software (http://www.oranged.net/) has released Studiometry 9.1, an update to the Mac OS X compatible software for companies to organize, plan, invoice, track and create client...
Slidevana releases Retina-optimized Keynote templates for new...
Slidevana (http://www.slidevana.com/) has released updates of its Keynote templates that are optimized for the new iPad's Retina display. Keynote is Apple's presentation software.
The new templates are designed to enable mobile professionals to use their iPads to create and present presentations while on the go. Slidevana's presentation toolkit contains nearly 300 slide templates including layouts for tables, charts, diagrams, timelines, lists, and common business frameworks.
The entire set of graphics and diagrams have been updated to render at the new iPad's 2048 x 1536 resolution. For a limited time, both the Slidevana Dark and Slidevana Light themes will be bundled together for US$69, 50% off the base price of $139. Existing customers will receive a complimentary copy of Slidevana's Retina-optimized templates.
ShareMouse 'unites' Macs, Windows
Bartels Media has introduced ShareMouse for Mac OS X and Windows, their new software that allows users to control any combination of up to 26 Macs and PCs from a single keyboard and mouse.
Any computer on the network can control all the rest from its own keyboard. Reaching the edge of one screen, the cursor appears on the screen of the computer beside it.
ShareMouse allows users to drag and drop files from one computer to another, even between Macs and PCs. The app features a progress bar and speedometer for larger file transmissions, as well as a Cancel button to end file transmission at any time.
ShareMouse can share the clipboard between multiple computers, employing clipboard synchronization that supports text, bitmaps, files, and folders containing multiple files. The contents of a clipboard can be sent to a specific computer to avoid accidentally overwriting any computer's clipboard. Clipboard sharing works independently from Windows network file share.
Vertical and horizontal...
Sprint: we're free to offer a 4G LTE iPhone -- if/when one...
Sprint Nextel says it's free to offer a potential future iPhone using the faster mobile broadband network known as 4G LTE, reports "Dow Jones" (http://macte.ch/KzlsV). In announcing its fourth quarter financial results, Sprint says it sold 1.8 million iPhones. By comparison, AT&T sold 7.6 million and Verizon moved 4.3 million.
At an investor conference today, Spring Chief Financial Officer Joe Euteneuer didn't actually say that Apple has such a smartphone in the works, the article adds.
The carrier plans to introduce the 4G LTE network in only six cities by mid-year.
Euteneuer said Sprint's Apple contract is similar to those of rivals AT&% and Verizon Wireless. The company isn't being held to any 4G LTE coverage requirements, notes "Dow Jones."
Apple: new iPad battery operates just like the last one
The new iPad has come under some criticism for the way it handles battery charging, but Apple says the device operates in the same manner as past iOS devices.
Apple's Michael Tchao told "All Things D" (http://macte.ch/w1VMJ) that here's how it works: Apple does, in fact, display the iPad (and iPhone and iPod Touch) as 100 percent charged just before a device reaches a completely charged state. At that point, it will continue charging to 100 percent, then discharge a bit and charge back up to 100 percent, repeating that process until the device is unplugged. Doing so allows devices to maintain an optimum charge.
Apple, others sued over graphics processing patent
Another day, another lawsuit. Apple, Sony, HTC Corp., LG Electronics and Samsung have been sued by Graphics Properties Holdings, formerly known as Silicon Graphics, for allegedly infringing a patent through their sale of mobile phones and other electronic devices, reports "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/Yznwf). The lawsuits were filed in the U.S. District Court in Wilmington, Delaware.
The patent at issue relates to a computer graphics process that turns text and images into pixels to be displayed on screens. According to the lawsuits, the defendants' infringing devices include Apple's iPhone and the HTC EVO4G, LG Thrill, Research in Motion Torch, Samsung Galaxy S and Galaxy S II, and Sony Xperia Play smartphones.
Graphics Properties said that unless the alleged infringements are halted, it will suffer irreparable harm. The lawsuits seek to stop the sale of infringing products and obtain "reasonable" royalties and other damages, notes "Reuters."
Sharp establishes strategic global partnership with Hon Hai...
Sharp Corp. (http://sharp-world.com/) has entered into agreement with the Hon Hai group, an EMS (electronic manufacturing service) company, to establish strategic global partnership to collaborate in various business field. Hon Hai is the parent company of Foxconn, which makes iPads and iPhones for Apple.
According to a Sharp press release, Hon Hai Precision Industry, the key company of Hon Hai group, saw Sharp's LCD technology with high reputation, and decided to procure ultimately up to 50% of large-size LCD panels and LCD modules manufactured at the LCD panel plant in Sakai-city, Osaka, Japan. The LCD panel plant will be mutually managed by one company set by partner companies.
In addition, this partnership allows each company to establish a new business model, combining each company's strength, to launch cost competitive component and products fit to market demand by utilizing Sharp's potential for the development of one-of-a-kind components and products with Hon Hai group's...
FileMaker names new business development manager in Canada
FileMaker, Inc. (http://www.filemaker.com) -- a wholly owned subsidiary of Apple -- has appointed David Pong as new business development manager for Canada. Based in Toronto, Pong will drive market awareness and business opportunities for FileMaker database software products across Canada to prospective customers, developers and channels.
A veteran FileMaker database developer, Pong has created and sold custom solutions using FileMaker technologies for diverse organizations, from the City of Toronto to Robertson Electric Wholesale. During his career, he also worked with Apple reseller Elm Street Computer Terminal, as well as with Apple Canada in Southwestern Ontario to help resellers grow their businesses.
Pong is a member of the FileMaker Business Alliance and FileMaker TechNet and also organized the Toronto and Southern Ontario FileMaker Users Group (SOFA) and delivered numerous webinars, events and training sessions. In his new role, he will report to Keith Robinson, FileMaker...
Apple looking for data center construction project manager
Apple has posted a job opening for a data center construction project manager. Interested parties can get more info at http://macte.ch/xt1G5 .
"As Apple’s new products and services expand and grow, so too does the need for more servers and server space to house them, Data Centers," says Apple. "The candidate selected for this position will become an important part of the Apple team responsible for the design and construction implementation of the next generation of data centers. They will be expected to participating in meetings as the project develops from the conceptual phase into design development, and then up and through issued for construction. Once the project is fully designed, the candidate will lead the management efforts of the construction phase to insure the project is built per the project requirement."
Apple plans to build a data center at a 160-acre parcel in Prineville it bought from Crook County for US$5.6 million. The company has already opened a 500,000-square-foot...
ACCC says Apple misrepresents iPad's wireless capabilities
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (http://www.accc.gov.au/) has accused Apple of misrepresenting the third generation iPad’s wireless data capabilities by including the term “4G” in product advertising.
The ACCC says it will making an application to the Federal Court in Melbourne for orders against Apple alleged contraventions of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). The agency is seeking "urgent interlocutory relief to ensure consumers are made aware of the correct technical capabilities of this device."
Additionally, the ACCC is seeking final orders including injunctions, pecuniary penalties, corrective advertising and refunds to consumers affected. Consumers who have purchased or are considering purchasing an "iPad with WiFi + 4G" should ensure that they have a proper understanding of the mobile data networks which this iPad can directly access by a SIM card, according to ACCC.
House of Commons may receive iPads
The House of Commons in the UK may soon be receiving iPads or other tablet computers. The Commons Administration Committee has recommended a rollout of the devices which it said would ultimately save the taxpayer money, reports the "BBC" (http://macte.ch/ktOk8).
Currently, every MP (Member of Parliament) is provided with three desktop computers and two laptops for office use. However, the committee said tablets could save paper and make MPs more efficient.
Jobs honored by Cupertino Chamber
The late Steve Jobs has been honored with the President's Award from the Cupertino [California] Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber's 2012 STAR Award banquet.
Michael Foulkes, Apple's senior manager for state and local government affairs, accepted the award Saturday. The Chamber’s annual STAR (Service Teamwork Achievement Recognition) Award is an annual event to recognize those who perform outstanding community service or show exceptional leadership.
Logitech introduces new AirPlay speaker
Logitech (http://www.logitech.com) has introduced the Logitech UE Air Speaker, which works with Apple's AirPlay technology. Now you can stream uncompressed music from iTunes or an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch connected to your home’s Wi-Fi network to the UE speaker.
The Logitech UE Air Speaker boast a design with subtle curves and a piano-black finish, while its custom-tuned acoustics deliver a big soundstage with impressively detailed stereo sound, says Rory Dooley, senior vice president of music at Logitech.
To set up, just dock your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, follow the on-screen instructions to download the Logitech UE Air app, enter your Wi-Fi network password and you’re ready to go. After that one-time setup process, any iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch (second, third or fourth generation), iPad, iPad 2, or iPad (third generation) with iOS 4.2 or later, or any Mac or PC on your network with iTunes 10.1 or later is instantly connected.
Plus, with the Apple Dock...
Outlaaw launches Kickstarter project for iPhone stand
Newly formed startup company Outlaaw has recently launched its first product on the crowdfunding site Kickstarter.com. "The Stand" is a sound-enhancing iPhone dock designed from a solid block of cylindrical aluminum.
It amplifies sound naturally without the need for a powered speaker via its dish-shaped bottom increasing the volume while listening to music and using the speakerphone, according to Outlaaw co-founder Jim McDonough. The Stand works as an iPhone stand and/or charging dock.
Its ergonomically designed solid mass and tacky feet combined with its round shape allow for convenient single-handed use, according to McDonough. It works with most cases.
For information regarding The Stand project on Kickstarter visit http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/outlaaw/the-stand-the-best-looking-s... .
Mac OS X software updates for March 27
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps.
Softhing (http://direct.softhing.com/oeax.html) has updated Outlook Email Archive, an utility for archiving emails and attachments you have received or sent using Microsoft Outlook in Mac OS X, to version 1.4.0. In the upgrade, an IMAP account has been implemented.
Reggie Ashworth has released VidConvert 1.2.3 (http://www.reggieashworth.com/vidconvert), an update to the video converter for Mac OS X. The upgrade offers support for the new iPad and new Apple TV.
Rogue Amoeba has updated Airfoil (http://rogueamoeba.com/airfoil/mac) -- which lets users send any audio to the AirPort Express from media players like RealPlayer and QuickTime to audio web sites like Pandora and Last.fm -- to version 4.7. The upgrade adds a global menu that sits in the upper right of the Mac OS X menu bar, providing access to Airfoil's controls from within any app.
essential controls from inside any application.
87% of iPhone 4S owners use Siri at least once a month
A new report coming from the Park Associates research group (http://www.parksassociates.com)) says 87% of those who own Apple’s iPhone 4S use at least one feature of its Siri personal assistant at least once a month, reports "The Wall Street Journal" (http://macte.ch/r61pt).
Here's Apple's description of Siri: "Siri on iPhone 4S lets you use your voice to send messages, schedule meetings, place phone calls, and more. Ask Siri to do things just by talking the way you talk. Siri understands what you say, knows what you mean, and even talks back."
However, the study says that most usage is across a relatively limited set of functions. Parks Associates surveyed 482 owners of the iPhone 4S. According to the report:
° Approximately one-third of the the iPhone 4S owners surveyed use Siri to place phone calls, send text messages, or look up information daily or almost daily.
° Thirty-two percent have never used Siri to play music.
° Thirty-five percent have never used it to schedule a meeting...
Apple releases Safari 5.1.5
Apple has released Safari 5.1.5. You can obtain it via the Software Updates component of the Mac OS X Systems Preferences app.
Apple says Safari 5.1.5 fixes a problem that "could affect website usability" when running in 32-bit mode. Versions for Mac OS X 10.6, 10.7 and Windows are available.
New iPad heat levels comparable to Android tablets
Apparently, all the hubbub about the new iPad heat levels is much ado about nothing. Testing by "PC World" (http://macte.ch/U3FgC) shows that the latest gen Apple tablet runs about the same temperature as Android tablets.
"PC World" pitted the new iPad against the iPad 2 and two popular Android tablets -- the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime and the LTE version of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. They found that although the new iPad did run hotter than the iPad 2, the difference wasn't great.
"And in repeated lab tests of the new iPad, we could not replicate the disturbingly high temperatures that some sources have reported," says "PC World." "More important, the new iPad was not dramatically warmer than either the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime or the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 LTE, even though its battery has a substantially higher milliampere-per-hour (mAh) rating than theirs do (11666mAh for the new iPad, versus 7000mAh for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and 6930mAh for the Transformer Prime)."
Study: 24% of surveyed Americans plan to buy a new iPad
A Braid Equity Research study -- as reported by "Fortune" -- says 24% of Americans and 29% of international respondents plan to buy the new iPad.
Before you get the idea that pretty soon EVERYONE in the world will have an Apple tablet, note that the survey notes that 488 potential customers were surveyed. And thy were a "younger, tech-savvier group on average." With that in mind the study showed:
° Among existing iPad owners, 48% indicated they plan to purchase the new iPad, with 35% of those already owning an iPad 2.
° Forty-two percent of those planning to purchase the new iPad have never owned an iPad or other tablet.
° Fifteen percent of U.S. respondents plan to purchase the discounted iPad 2.
° Twenty-eight percdent of respondents suggested they were purchasing an iPad instead of a laptop, though close to 50% overall suggested the iPad purchase wouldn't delay the purchase of other electronic purchases.
Read more at http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2012/03/26/24-of-americans-surveyed-...
Apple gets Chinese regulatory approval for new iPad
Apple has received Chinese regulatory approval for the new iPad, indicating that the company plans on bringing its newest tablet to the country despite the ongoing legal battle with China-based Proview Technology over the iPad trademark.
According to the IDG News Service (http://macte.ch/KZmvh), the new iPad was granted the China Compulsory Certification by the China Quality Certification Center according to the regulator’s website. The certification is a mandatory stamp necessary for Apple to sell the device in the country, the article notes.
Tim Cook is first Apple CEO to visit China
Apple CEO is in China, where he visited the Beijing Apple Store, according to the Japanese language site, Sina Weibo -- as reported by "TechNode" (http://macte.ch/9pG9G). He's the first head of the company to make such a trip.
The "trip might highlight that the company is attaching much more importance to the Middle Kingdom, which just overtook Japan as the world’s second largest economy and was critical to Apple’s future growth, according to the company’s latest financial statement," says "TechNode."The article also adds that there’re speculations that Cook is in China to talk to China Unicom and China Telecom about introducing the company’s upcoming iPhone. Currently, both Chinese operators are partnering with Apple in iPhone 4S.
A "Bloomberg" article (http://macte.ch/9pG9G) opines that the visit may involve plans to open more Aple retail stores in China and perhaps expand the company's staff in that country. Since opening its first store in Sanlitun in 2008, Apple now has two...
Woman hits face on glass door at Apple Store, sues for one...
Another day, another lawsuit. An 83-year-old Queens (New York) woman is suing Apple for a million bucks after hitting her face on a glass door at a Long Island Apple Store, reports "CBS New York" (http://macte.ch/7G0ce).
Evelyn Paswall claims that the glass doors at the front of Apple Stores pose a risk to the elderly. Paswall’s attorney Derek T. Smith told the "New York Post" that,“Apple wants to be cool and modern and have the type of architecture that would appeal to the tech crowd, but on the other hand, they have to appreciate the danger that this high-tech modern architecture poses to some people.”
Paswell's suit claims that “The defendant was negligent . . . in allowing a clear, see-through glass wall and/or door to exist without proper warning.”
Last year, Apple had white stickers installed on the transparent glass of all Apple Stores to help prevent such collisions from occurring, notes "MacRumors" (http://www.macrumors.com). However, the plaintiff's lawyer says that any...
Apple offering royalty-free license on nano-SIM patents
Apple is offering royalty-free license to nano-SIM patents, a proposed standard backed by most European carriers, reports "FOSS Patents" (http://macte.ch/Ppeuy).
Last week the "Financial Times" reported that Apple is competing with Motorola Mobility, Research in Motion and Nokia on a smaller SIM card standard.
Apple wants a "nano-SIM" that would let it design even smaller products, the article adds.The MicroSIM card, with a design smaller than traditional SIM cards, was pushed by Apple in 2010 with the launch of the iPhone 4.
However, a nano-SIM would shrink further -- to about a third the size of the MicroSIM. Apple's keen on adopting the new standard, but the other companies aren't warm to Apple's design proposals, per the "Financial Times."
Apple's royalty-free license offer shows the company "is serious about establishing the nano-SIM standard rather than seeking to cash in on it," Florian Mueller writes for "FOSS Patents." "Apple's smart (card) move puts a lot of pressure on...
FabX launches iPhone cases with integrated strap system
FabXInnovations (http://store.shopfabx.com/) has introduced the Maxx Spectra, an iPhone 4/4S cases with an integrated, multifunctional security strap system.
The straps are designed to prevent accidental drops of the Apple smartphone. Also, the strap system purportedly provides stability when taking photos and videos and offers "hands-free" convenience benefits.
The Maxx Spectra is available in five pearlescent and metallic finishes. They're available for pre-order for US$45.
Tension Software releases Data Extractor for Mac OS X
Tension Software has released Data Extractor for Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion"). The US$40 app lets you extract data from files and export it for later use.
Data is collected in records with custom specified fields inside an internal table. According to the folks at Tension Software, Data Extractor solves the problem that advanced users often face: the necessity to extract data available in text format on one or more files and moving them inside a table or a database in an ordered and structured form with fields and records for archiving and successive processing.
Data Extractor can parse thousands and thousands of file in few seconds. It can collect all the data inside these files using instructions on how to recognize data, how to extract them and where to put these data inside Data Extractor tables, ready to be exported.
Data Extractor is available at the Mac App Store and the product site (http://www.pomola.com/products_dataextractor/). The $40 price is being offered for a limited time.
FoxTrot Professional Search 4.0 and Server released for Mac OS X
CTM Development has releases FoxTrot Professional Search 4.0 (http://www.ctmdev.com/foxtrot/professional_search/), an update to the networked document indexing and retrieval solution for Mac OS X (10.6 and higher).
Developed with law firms, media and mobile professionals in mind, FoxTrot Professional Search locates documents and their content using multiple categorization of search results, ranked by relevance. The products work directly with PDF, HTML, word processing, e-mail and multimedia metadata. With version 4.0, it now stores compressed text-only essentials for preview.
FoxTrot Professional Search 4.0 and FoxTrot Search Server are available immediately. A single user license is priced at approximately US$132. A five-user license (includes peer-to-peer sharing) is available for $265. A 10-user license also includes FoxTrot Search Server for $518, with degressive per-seat enterprise licenses available.
FoxTrot Professional Search 4.0 is available as a full-featured 30-day demo....
Apple rejecting apps that access UDIDs?
With the scrutiny from Congress around privacy issues, Apple has started rejecting apps that access UDIDs, Unique Device Identifier Numbers that are unique to every iPhone and iPad, reports "TechCrunch" (http://techcrunch.com/2012/03/24/apple-udids/).
Six months ago, the company gave developers a head-up about this via iOS documentation. But this is the first time Apple has issued outright rejections for using UDIDs, according to "TechCrunch."
Because the UDID is unique to each iPhone and iPad, it can provide a means for third-party advertisers looking for a way to track a mobile device users' online activities. Because the UDID is not alterable or deletable by a iPhone or iPad user, some have referred to the UDID as a "supercookie."
Such tracking has caused concerns among privacy advocates because it could give personal information about users without their knowledge. On the other hand, the change removes a way for makers of apps, advertising networks, social game networks and...
U.S. Army app site offers access to iOS devices
The U.S. Army has launched a custom mobile app marketplace to deliver handset and tablet applications through the web to military personnel who have access to iOS devices, according to "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com).
The Army Software Marketplace prototype currently features 12 mobile training applications, available for download on iOS devices only, that are the direct result of the Connecting Soldiers to Digital Apps (CSDA) initiative, the article adds. Army CSDA Director Brig. Gen. Wayne Grigsby Jr. said that the marketplace is an information delivery tool designed to distribute training material to soldiers at "the point of learning."
When the marketplace leaves the prototype phase and becomes a fully functioning product, it will be able to deliver web-based downloadable apps that can be used in the Army's Common Operating Environment on the Army network, says "AppleInsider."
New iPad already represents 5.52% of all iPad traffic
The new iPad” represents 5.52% (average of the last 24 hours) of all iPad traffic, according to Chitika Insights (http://www.chitika.com). Apple sold over three million units in the first four days the next gen tablet was on sale.
With Silicon Valley regarded as the long standing capital of tech in the US, it's no surprise that California leads the country in adoption of the iPad. with a 6.3% share of traffic, says Chitika Insights. Connecticut follows closely behind with an adoption rate of 6.1%, says the research group.
Another notable includes New York, where “The new iPad” represents 5.65% of all iPad traffic, positioning the state as the fourth friendliest state to the new product. Generally, it appears that coastal states tend to lead the way in adoption rates while more central states have lagged so far, according to Chitika Insights.
Rome court upholds fine on Apple for unnecessary warranties
A Rome court has upheld an US$1.2 million fine imposed on Apple last December by Italy’s Antitrust Authority for circumventing consumer protection laws, reports the IDG News Service (http://macte.ch/C3jUg).
The Regional Administrative Tribunal (TAR) of Lazio rejected Apple’s appeal that the fine be suspended pending a ruling on the merits of the question slated for May 9. The Antitrust Authority imposed the fine on Apple Sales International, Apple Italia Srl and Apple Sales Retail for not providing enough information about guarantees afforded by the Italian Consumer Code and for giving misleading information in order to sell more AppleCare packages, notes IDG.
However, the court did order the suspension of the Antitrust Authority’s order that Apple modify its publicity and packaging in relation to the AppleCare Protection Plan, accepting the company’s argument that if the order was overturned by the court in May the obligatory modifications would cause “grave and irreparable” harm to...
Apple shares briefly halted after 'errant trade'
Apple shares were briefly halted Friday morning on a single-stock circuit breaker after the price dropped 9.4% to US$542.80.
The shares were halted at 10:57 a.m. (Eastern); trading resumed at 11:02 a.m. So what happened? "StreetInsider.com" (http://macte.ch/8ubdI) says it was due to an errant trade.
According to John Melloy at "CNBC," one trade at $542.80 of 100 shares crossed at 10:57:36 from the BATS exchange. Coincidentally, BATS is scheduled to come public today, notes "StreetInsider.com."
"It appears a bad trade triggered the halt," adds The Wall Street Journal." "Stocks are halted if they swing more than 10% in a span of five minutes. This allows market participants time to regroup and to prevent further erroneous trades from undermining the market."
MacMall opening new Chicago store; we talk with the president
MacMall (http://www.macmall.com), an authorized reseller of Apple products and a brand of a PC Mall, says the grand opening event for its new retail store located at 329 W. Grand, Chicago, Illinois will be held on Saturday, March 31. The event will feature a 10 a.m. ribbon cutting, drawings for over $7,000 in technology products, and more.
The first 500 people to visit the store will be entered into a drawing to win one of over 20 technology products including a MacBook Air. Additional drawings will be held throughout the day featuring a Wacom Intuos5 tablet, five Apple TVs, two iPod touch players, three iPod nanos, an HP Officejet printer and more. The store will open at 9 a.m. and the MacBook Air drawing will be held at 10 a.m., immediately after the ribbon cutting.
The first 100 people in line will receive a free limited edition T-shirt, while the first 200 who purchase will receive a free gift bag. The first 1,000 customers will receive a limited edition MacMall 2-in-1...
iTunes Movie Trailer app updated for new iPad's Retina...
Apple has updated the iTunes Movie Trailer app for the iPad with support for the new Retina display.
The app mirrors the content on the iTunes Movie Trailers site (http://trailers.apple.com/). It now supports 1080p resolution. iTunes Movie Trailers 1.1 is a free upload at the Apple App Store.
Best Buy sells almost as many iPhones as Apple
A new report shows that Best Buy sells almost as many iPhones as Apple itself, according to "AllThingsD" (http://macte.ch/NtVcf).
Consumer Intelligence Research Partners surveyed U.S. iPhone purchasers from December 2011 to February 2012. They found that retail stores accounted for 76% of iPhone sales and online stores, 24%.
According to CIRP’s data, Apple sold 15 % of all iPhones purchased in the U.S. during the period of the survey (retail: 11% via retail and 4% online. Best Buy sold 13%. Meanwhile, AT&T sold 32% of iPhones; Verizon, 30%; and Sprint, 7%.
Global LTE phone shipments to reach seven million units in 2012
According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics (http://www.strategyanalytics.com), global LTE phone shipments will grow tenfold to reach 67 million units in 2012. It's a breakout year for 4G technology, and companies leading the growth spurt will include Apple, Samsung, HTC and others, according to the research group.
"We forecast global LTE phone shipments to grow tenfold from 6.8 million units in 2011 to 67.0 million in 2012," Neil Shah, analyst at Strategy Analytics, says. "Major countries driving LTE growth this year will include the United States, Japan and South Korea. Multiple operators, such as Verizon Wireless, NTT Docomo and SK Telecom, are aggressively expanding their LTE networks. Key vendors leading the push into LTE phones will include Apple, Samsung, HTC, LG, Nokia, Motorola, Pantech and Fujitsu.”
Neil Mawston, executive director at Strategy Analytics, adds: "The mobile industry is entering a breakout year for 4G LTE technology. Multiple operators and multiple...
Malware attacks target unpatched Macs, PCs
Malware distributors have launched a new wave of attacks aimed at taking over unpatched Macs and PCs, reports "ZDNet." They look like routine messages from a bank or a social network, but instead of phishing for passwords, they’re serving up malware, the article adds.
"ZDNet" says the best protection available for this type of attack isn’t antivirus software; it’s a good spam filter and an effective update routine. For more info go to http://macte.ch/Xehia. .
Just 6% of iPad app sessions on a cellular connection
The cellular-enabled variants of the new iPad seem to be comparatively unpopular, "perhaps because of how quickly they are capable of crushing limited data plans," according to new data from Localytics (http://www.localytics.com). The research group found that:
° Only 6% of iPad sessions are via a cellular network.
° 8.8% are via 3G-enabled devices.
° 1.5% are via 4G-enabled devices.
° 89.7% are via Wi-Fi devices.
Satechi iFit-1 is rechargeable speaker stand for smarphones
Satechi (http://www.satechi.net) has released the iFit-1 portable and rechargeable speaker stand for smartphones including the iPhone 4S, Galaxy S II and HTC One, Nokia Lumia 710, LG Nitro and more. Ttem.
The iFit-1 stand features a speaker and sliding stand to ensure firm placement and access to all functions on the smartphone. It also doubles as an external speaker for a laptop or tablet. Additionally, the iFit-1 features a rechargeable battery for up to six hours of battery life.
The Satechi iFit-1 is available now in pink, green, black or white for US$15.99 at Satechi.net and Amazon.com. The iFit-1 will also be available in blue soon.
RunRev expands LiveCode platform
RunRev (http://www.runrev.com) has announced an update to the LiveCode cross-platform development environment for mobile, web and desktop applications, with new features for iOS and Android developers and enhancements to the field objects across all platforms.
LiveCode 5.5 adds more than 15 new features, including native browser control, text field enhancements, push notifications and GPS. iOS developers also benefit from text messaging, push notifications and six other new features. LiveCode pricing begins at US$99 for a single seat license.
PadDock 10 is compatible with new iPad
SMK-Link Electronics Corp. says the PadDock 10 (http://www.pdstand.com/), an US$99.99 stand/stereo sound system for the Apple tablet, is compatible with the newiPad.
It cradles the iPad securely, keeping it safe and available for continuous desktop or countertop use. Charging the iPad while cradled, PadDock allows the user to tilt or rotate the iPad 360-degrees, supporting apps in any screen orientation. PadDock also eases syncing of iPad content with iTunes without swapping cables.
What's more, the PadDock 10 is a stereo sound system for the iPad. It utilizes custom oval speakers, a class-D stereo amplifier and a passive radiator for extended bass frequencies.
Monkey Tales games swing onto the Mac App Store
The Monkey Tales games are now available on the Mac App Store for Mac OS X 10.5 or later. They're available for US$14.99.
Here's how they're described: "Created in partnership between Die Keure, Belgium's leading educational publishers, and Larian Studios, a game developer with over 15 years of award-winning game development experience, the Monkey Tales series of games is for any kid that ever dreamed of having monkeys help with their homework.
"Each game adjusts difficulty on the fly as the child plays it, ensuring the experience is never too difficult or too easy. All the game mechanics used in the series are based on proven educational methods as well as four years of research and development involving teachers, schools, and universities.
"The Monkey Tales series consists of five math-focused games for ages 7 to 12. Each game is adapted for grade level and complies with US Common Core Standards and the 2009 Department of Defense Educational Activity (DoDEA) standards to help...
Mac OS X software updates for March 23
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps.
Solid State Logic has released Soundscape 6.2 at Musikmesse 2012. This new version of SSL’s DAW introduces new features that facilitate a series of "workflow specific" products based on Soundscape’s audio workflow and file management. The upgrade imports and exports the audio file and selected audio track, clip and marker data for Pro-Tools 9 Sessions, Cubase/Nuendo Track-Archives, Final Cut XML and Samplitude/Sequoia EDL projects.
Raskin Software has announced Raskin 1.8, a new version of its futuristic user interface for the Mac. Available at the Mac App Store, version 1.8 lets the user choose a preferred background color for the Raskin surface from the Mac color palette. Also, users can now view films directly from the Raskin surface.
Maintain (http://maintain.se/cocktail) has served up Cocktail 4.9.9 (Snow Leopard Edition), the latest maintenance update of Cocktail for users running OS X Lion. Cocktail is a general purpose utility...
Plustek launches new document, card scanner
Plustek Technology (http://www.plustekcom/usa) has launched the MobileOffice D430, commercial sheet-fed high-speed document and card scanner. It's designed for front desk and vertical applications.
Mark Druziak of Plustek says the MobileOffice D430 is perfect for scanning applications such as patient registration, medical records, pharmacy prescriptions, remote deposits, bank teller stations, nurse stations, transactional documents, identification verification, club registration desk or any document or card imaging application where high-speed and a small footprint are requirements. It can scan an 8.5 x 1- inch page in about two seconds and weighs approximately two pounds.
The scanner can scan any media including plastic embossed cards up to 1.2 millimeters thick. TWAIN and WIA drivers are included for interface to any image enabled application that supports input from scanners. Built-in DocPlus automatic image processing offers optical character recognition (OCR) and allows users...
