Intuit releases Lion version of Quicken
Intuit has released a Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion") version of Quicken Mac (http://macte.ch/nKHyy). The company says this version "is ideal for Quicken for Mac customers who use Apple's latest operating system."
It costs US$14.99. Quicken Mac 2005 – 2007 data files will automatically convert into the Lion compatible version. If you're currently running Quicken Essentials for Mac on OS X 10.7 Lion, and have previously converted from Quicken 2005, 2006 or 2007 for Mac, you'll be able to migrate your Quicken Essentials transaction data to Quicken Mac 2007 OS X Lion compatible.
Gumdrop rolls out Drop Tech Series for new iPad
Gumdrop Cases (http://www.gumdropcases.com) has announced the USS$59.95 Drop Tech Series for the new iPad. The company claims the case provides the "most rugged, durable, yet ultimately affordable protection on the market."
Dual material construction and reinforced rubber corners provide shock absorption. Ports and controls are easily accessed and each case comes with a replaceable integrated screen cover.
ClamCase released for the latest iPad
The ClamCase (http://macte.ch/QH5ej) is an all-in-one keyboard, case and stand for the new iPad. Paired with a 360-degree hinge, it allows the Apple tablet to be viewed at any angle desired.
The ClamCase offers complete protection, a stand, and a full Bluetooth QWERTY keyboard into one streamlined package. It's available in black and costs US$149.
ATTO Technology introduces Desklink
ATTO Technology has introduced the ATTO Desklink category of products for mobile devices, laptops and ultrabooks. Similar to host bus adapters and bridges, Desklink devices are the latest in ATTO’s portfolio of storage and network connectivity offerings.
This technology allows a variety of portable devices that typically incorporate FireWire and USB connections access to other storage protocols including Fibre Channel, SAS/SATA and Ethernet. The line is being launched with the introduction of ATTO’s new ThunderLink and ThunderStream Desklinks devices.
The ThunderLink family allows Thunderbolt-enabled products to leverage ATTO’s latest technology for access to Fibre Channel and SAS/SATA storage, as well as Ethernet network connectivity previously unavailable for portable devices. The solutions are targeted to environments such as medical imaging and video rendering.
The ThunderStream line further enhances this connectivity and consists of embedded or desktop SAS/SATA RAID Storage...
Case-Mate reveals accessories for the new iPad
Case-Mate (http://www.case-mate.com) has announced cases for the new iPad. Most will be available March 15 and include:
° The US$60 Tuxedo (pictured) features built-in and reusable MagicTape, a double-sided adhesive that doesn't leave residue and holds the new iPad in place. Doubling as a stand with multiple viewing angles, the premium case flips and bends. The Tuxedo's design also includes smart magnets that put the device to sleep while not in use. The Tuxedo will be available in textured black, grey, pink, turquoise, and orange.
° The $90 Stingray Slim Stand is a case that folds into a stand using a tab stand feature. A glittering pebbled pattern is designed to offer a whimsy touch, while the bright color is designed to make the cover and the owner stand out. The Stingray Slim will be available in lipstick pink and turquoise.
° The $40 Barely There offers a thin layer of protection and polish. It's compatible with the Smart Cover and is made from specially engineered materials,...
Slidevana launches new Keynote template for Mac, iPad, iPhone
Slidevana (http://www.slidevana.com) has launched Slidevana Light, a new edition of its Keynote template for the Mac, iPad, and iPhone. Keynote is Apple's presentation creation software.
Slidevana Light has been designed to meet the needs of presenters that require a single template for projection and printing, according to Ravi Mehta, Slidevana's creator and CEO. Slidevana Light is a complement to Slidevana Dark, Slidevana's original Keynote template. Both versions feature over 140 slide templates.
Slidevana Light is available now. For a limited time, both Slidevana Dark and Slidevana Light will be bundled together for US$69, 50% off the base price of $139.
Mac OS X software updates for March 9
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps.
Limited Securities has released iCurrency Plus 1.2.2 on the Mac App Store. The application tracks and evaluates currency exchange rates, as well as provides trends, graphs and a currency conversion calculator.
MaBaSoft has announced World Clock Deluxe 4.7.10 (http://www.mabasoft.net/products/worldClockDeluxeX.html), an update to their world time utility for Mac OS X. World Clock Deluxe comes with over 1,400 cities and 200 time zones, displays multiple clocks in a horizontal or vertical palette, in the menu bar, or in the Dock, and calculates time conversions. Version 4.7.10 adds 20 United States cities, adjusts the UTC offset of two Antarctic stations, and updates daylight-saving time information for Armenia, Chile, Cuba, and the Falkland Islands.
Wrapsol announces screen protector for the new iPad
Wrapsol has introduced the Wrapsol Ultra (http://macte.ch/DtefH) for the new iPad. The protective films are engineered to help prevent everyday impact and scratch damage caused by accidental dings and scrapes, while preserving the tablet’s high-definition display clarity, sharpness, brilliancy and touch sensitivity.
Wrapsol’s screen protector sports a custom-cut design. The Wrapsol Ultra is made from transparent, 100% polyurethane, and features a 100% dry application process that purportedly clears air bubbles and eliminates fingerprints.
Made in the US, it's available as a screen-only or complete front and back wrap. The manufacturer's suggested retail price is US$29.95 for the screen-only version and $39.95 for the complete front and back wrap.
Apple can't pursue patent infringement against Kodak for...
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Allan Gropper, who oversees Kodak's Chapter 11 case, told Apple at a Thursday hearing that the company can't currently pursue ongoing patent infringement litigation against the bankrupt Eastman Kodak, reports "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/aHKSi).
The judge said it would be an "inappropriate way forward." He also denied Apple's request to file a new patent infringement lawsuit against Kodak over printer and digital camera patents, according to "Reuters."
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.
Verizon to support Personal Hot Spot feature of new iPads
Verizon will support the Personal Hot Spot feature for the new 4G LTE iPads it and AT&T won't. Personal Hotspot can be used to share a fast network connection on your iPad with up to five other devices using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB.
"Yes, we currently have hot spots on other tablets, and we will continue to support it," Verizon spokeswoman Brenda Raney told CNET in a phone call. "We will support the iPad mobile hot spot at launch." (You can read more at http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57393541-37/verizons-4g-lte-ipads-will... .)
Ex-Apple employee develops TV stand/home theater system
Todd Beauchamp, a former Apple audio engineer who helped develop the iPod's white earbuds, has developed Unity, a TV stand with built-in speakers, Blu-ray player, and Internet streaming capabilities.
The 39-year-old left Apple a year ago to pursue his own startup, In2Technologies (http://www.in2technologies.com/engageunity/), which plans later this year to come out with a home-theater system that shares some key traits with products that his former employer makes, according to "Fortune." The company says it's "committed to delivering our four core values: refreshing simplicity, elegant design, powerful performance and seamless connectivity."
"It's called Unity, and it is a game-changing home-theater platform. It brings the refreshingly simple back to the home theater," Beauchamp tells "Fortune." "The goal is to bring elegant design to this with seamless connectivity. It is a TV stand with full 5.1 surround sound built into our t-shaped design that allows it to do a number of things,...
Apple already running low on some new iPads?
Some models of the new iPad compatible with AT&T's 4G LTE network have seen their ship date moved back by three days, according to "CNET."
Specifically, the white version of the 16GB and 64GB AT&T iPad have seen their shipment dates pushed back to March 19, three days after the March 16 launch date. However, as of now, all of Verizon's models will ship on March 16, notes "CNET."
Read more at http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57393203-37/apple-running-out-of-some-... .
Gartner: computer shipments to grow 4.4% in 2012
Worldwide computer shipments are on pace to total 368 million units in 2012, a 4.4 % increase from 2011, according to the latest forecast by the Gartner research group (http://www.gartner.com). Shipments are forecast to see higher growth by the end of 2013, when shipments are expected to reach more than 400 million units.
Of course, if the Mac continues its growth trend, the platform will do much better than the overall industry.
"PC shipments will remain weak in 2012, as the PC market plays catch up in bringing a new level of innovation that consumers want to see in devices they purchase," says Ranjit Atwal, research director at Gartner. "The real question is whether Windows 8 and ultrabooks will create the compelling offering that gets the earlier adopter of devices excited about PCs again."
In addition, while the economic environment and supply issues played a key part in the weaker computer market, it was a lesser concern to computer vendors compared to the far greater issue of...
The iPad grows 73.5% in the EU5
iPad and iPad 2 ownership amongst the total mobile audience has seen a strong growth rate of 73.6% in the EU5 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK) since February 2011, according to comScore (http://www.comscore.com), a company that "measures the digital world."
In the three month average ending January 2012, 11.4 million mobile users owned an iPad in EU5, nearly doubling its 6.5 million audience from February 2011. A breakdown of EU5 markets shows the UK as not only being the largest market for iPads among the mobile audience (2.8 million owners), but it was also the fastest growing with 115% increase.
With the announcement of the next iPad on March 7, Apple "looks to expand its iPad audience as overall tablet ownership continues its upward journey," according to comScore.
'WSJ': Justice Department may sue Apple, publishers
The U.S. Justice Department has warned Apple and five of the biggest U.S. publishers that it plans to sue them for conspiring to raise the price of electronic books, reports "The Wall Street Journal" (http://macte.ch/IAe6j), quoting unnamed "people familiar with the matter."
The five publishers facing a potential suit are :CBS Corp.'s Simon & Schuster Inc.; Lagardere SCA's Hachette Book Group; Pearson PLC's Penguin Group (USA); Macmillan, a unit of Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holtzbrinck GmbH; and HarperCollins Publishers Inc., a unit of News Corp. Several of the parties have purportedly held talks to settle the antitrust case and head off a court battle.
According to the "WSJ," the case centers on Apple's move to change the way that publishers charged for e-books as it prepared to introduce its first iPad in 2010. Traditionally, publishers sold books to retailers for roughly half of the recommended cover price. Under that "wholesale model," booksellers were then free to offer those...
iBooks Author updated with support for the new iPad
Apple has released iBooks Author 1.1, an update of Apple's free tool for creating interactive ebooks. It's a free download at the Mac App Store.
iBooks Author 1.1 -- which requires Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion") or higher -- adds support for creating ebooks for the high res Retina display of the new iPad that was announced yesterday. The upgrade also improves stability and app performance, according to Apple.
Xcode gets iOS 5.1 support
Apple has released Xcode 4.3.1, an update of the set of developer tools for Mac OS X. The new version is compatible with iOS 5.1.
Xcode 4.3.1 also sports software development kits for Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion"), as well as iOS 5.1. Other additions include a code signing workflow for for signing OS X apps with Developer IDs, an installer for command line tools, support for launching Instruments and File Merge from the Open Developer Tool menu, bug fixes, and more.
Xcode 4.3.1 requires Mac OS X 1.7.3 or higher. It's a free download at the Mac App Store.
WaterField Designs offers the Muzetto Outback for new iPad
WaterField Designs (http://www.sfbags.com/ ) has announced the US$199 Muzetto Outback, a waxed canvas version of the Muzetto line, for the new iPad.
The Outback is available in dark brown canvas, a choice of six accent colors and five sizes -- two designed specifically for the new Apple tablet. The Muzetto Outback is available for pre-order today and will begin shipping by March 26. All WaterField Designs bags are made entirely in San Francisco.
Originally used for waterproofing sailing garments and popularized by mariners, gamekeepers, and outdoorsmen, waxed canvas is a naturally durable, time-tested fabric that brings a rugged and weathered look to the new Muzetto Outback, according to Gary Waterfield, founder of Waterfield Ddsigns. He adds that the bag is sewn in small batches to take full advantage of the material's unique characteristics.
The Muzetto Outback is a vertical messenger bag with one main compartment to hold the iPad, a back pocket for paperwork, a pocket under the...
Marware announces Encore line of iPad cases
Marware (http://www.marware.com) has announced the Encore lineup of new cases for the new iPad: the C.E.O. Hybrid (pictured), EcoVue, MicroShell Folio and MicroShell.
The Encore line offers the previous generation Marware iPad cases updated for the new iPad, according to Sean Savitt, director of sales for Marware. All four s are now available for sale at Marware online.
The US$49.99 C.E.O. Hybrid is available in five colors: carbon fiber, black, red, brown and pink. The $54.99 EcoVue is available in three colors: black, brown and red. The $59.99 MicroShell Folio is available in two colors: black and silver. The $34.99 MicroShell is available in four colors: black, silver, red and purple.
Scosche unveils new iPad accessories
Scosche Industries (http://www.scosche.com) has announced its new iPad accessory line-up. Although many of Scosche’s existing iPad accessories will work for the new Apple tablet, the company chose to release three new case designs, multiple charging solutions, a mount and two Bluetooth keyboard options.
New iPad owners looking to protect their tablet have three all new designs from Scosche to choose from. The sportKASE features a tough polycarbonate exterior and a shock absorbing rubber interior to protect the iPad against drops and dings. It will be available in black with yellow, blue, grey, red, or green ascents.
The webKASE for iPad features an interwoven polycarbonate design. The shock absorbent case will be available in red, yellow, green, blue, grey and black.
The snapSHIELD pro is a low profile polycarbonate case available in 10 different colors including a textured carbon fiber version. Both the webKASE and snapSHIELD pro feature an integrated notch for use with Apple’s...
New time tracking app launched by Harvest
Harvest has released a new time tracking app, Harvest for Mac. It's supported by a reporting and invoicing web app, and incorporates such features as hot keys and "idle time detection."
A free download of Harvest for Mac is available for users who have a Harvest account at http://www.getharvest.com/mac. For those who don’t have a Harvest account, a 30-day, free trial is available.
"What we have been able to successfully accomplish with Harvest for iPhone, and many of our integrations, we’re now bringing home to the desktop," says Danny Wen, Harvest’s co-founder. "Our web-app allows users to run reports on their time, but the emphasis of the Mac app is speed of time entry – we’ve made it as simple and fast as possible to enter time -- effectively removing the most painful part out of time tracking."
Harvest’s new Mac client is lightweight, sits on the menubar, so users know how long they have been tracking, and reports on time as people work rather than making users try to...
XtremeMac announces new iPad accessories
XtremeMac (http://www.xtrememac.com) has announced the availability of four cases for the new iPad -- the TuffWrap, MicroShield SC, MicroShield Silkscreen SC and Genuine Leather Thin Sleeve.
The US$34.99 TuffWrap is a form-fitting, silicone case that provides full protection and offers full access to all switches, jacks and camera. Featuring a smooth finish and textured sides, the TuffWrap provides added grip for the iPad and features a subtle crisscross debossed pattern available in these colors: Bubble Gum Pink, Peacock Blue, Lime Green, Tangerine, Cherry Bomb Red, Licorice (black) and Clear.
The $34.99 XtremeMac MicroShield SC is a hard case that integrates with the Apple Smart Cover. It's available in pink, blue, black, light gray, dark gray and clear.
XtremeMac’s $34.99 MicroShield Silkscreen SC for the new iPad also works with the Smart Cover, providing edge-to-edge form-fitting protection. Available in graphic design patterns, the MicroShield Silkscreen SC is available in pink...
Drive Genius External Defrag comes to the Mac App Store
Prosoft Engineering (http://www.prosofteng.com) has announced the availability of Drive Genius External Defrag at the Mac App Store. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher and costs US$29.99.
"Prosoft is excited to release our new Drive Genius External Defrag app, which is a standout tool from the award-winning utility Drive Genius 3," says Greg Brewer, CEO of Prosoft Engineering. "Drive Genius External Defrag gives you the power to defrag/optimize any of your external hard drives. You can now easily defragment to increase the performance and speed of all your external Mac hard drives.”
Drive Genius External Defrag reorganizes the fragmented pieces of all the files and compacts their contents into one continuous block for faster access times, with all the empty space at the end. The full version of Drive Genius 3 includes features like DrivePulse, Enhanced Defrag, DriveSlim, Enhanced Repartition and Sector Edit.
Cygnett reveals cases for the new iPad
Cygnett (http://www.cygnett.com) has unveiled its range of new iPad cases. They include the:
° Alumni: it's an US$49.99 canvas case with an inside pocket. Opening or closing the case automatically activates the sleep/wake function. The Alumni is available in jade green, cobalt blue, hot pink or black.
° Folio case ($149.99): this a folio case with an integrated Bluetooth keyboard and stand. It features a thin, magnetically attached, 78-key QWERTY keyboard. Concealed magnets activate the sleep/wake function and keep the case securely closed when your iPad isn't being used. The Folio is available in black or sandstone.
° Folio case with multi-view stand ($59.99): this super-soft folio case doubles as a stand and offers 360-degree protection. It offers three viewing positions. Concealed magnets activate the sleep/wake function and keep the cases securely closed when your iPad isn't in use. The Folio case with multi-view stand is available in sandstone or purple.
° Glam ($59.99): this is...
ZAGG introduces accessories for new iPad
ZAGG (http://www.zagg.com/) says it will introduce new designs of its invisibleSHIELD protective film and ZAGGfolio keyboard case for Apple’s new iPad. The invisibleSHIELD and ZAGGfolio will be available at ZAGG.com and select retailers on the same day Apple releases its updated version of the revolutionary tablet computer -- and that's Friday, March 16.
The invisibleSHIELD is ZAGG's patented, "virtually invisible and indestructible film." The ZAGGfolio is a thin, multi-function carrying case with a removable Bluetooth keyboard, and provides a built-in stand to hold the new iPad in either portrait or landscape orientation.
The retail price of the invisibleSHIELD is US$29.99 for a screen cover and $39.99 for a full body cover. The ZAGGfolio (pictured) for the new iPad retails for $99.99.
iLuv launches accessories for the new iPad
iLuv Creative Technology has announced a line of cases and styli for Apple’s new iPad.
The line of new iPad cases features updated versions of some of iLuv’s most popular models, including the iCK836, the newest version of iLuv’s Professional WorkStation portfolio jacket with detachable Bluetooth keyboard. Additionally, the new cases will feature new designs based off of the needs and wants of today’s iPad user, including artwork from designer Dominic Pangborn.
The Professional WorkStation Portfolio is a folio jacket that features a retractable kickstand and a detachable Bluetooth keyboard that connects to an iPad. The laptop-style keys sport dedicated keys specifically for iPad functions.
The CEOFolio is designed with the professional in mind and includes an ePen stylus holder and designated slots for A5 pads and business cards or credit cards. It also includes a stand to prop the iPad for optimal viewing of websites, presentations, illustrations and documents.
The OrigamiFolio (...
Mac OS X software updates for March 8
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps.
Zevrix Solutions (http://www.zevrix.com) has announced BatchOutput XLS 2.1, a feature upgrade to its output automation solution for Microsoft Excel on Mac OS X. The upgrade introduces new output controls for printing and exporting to PDF.
Jumsoft (http://www.jumsoft.com) has released Book Palette 1.1, an update to its template assortment for Apple's iBooks Author. Book Palette provides templates for various e-book styles, from textbooks to a classic cookbook. The new additions feature a number of Jumsoft's familiar designs for Keynote, adapted for iPad books, along with two fresh layouts for a children's book and a gothic novel.
Tidy Up! (http://www.hyperbolicsoftware.com/TidyUp.html) -- which allows you to search for duplicate folders -- has been updated to version 2.3.8. The upgrade includes various bug fixes.
Class action suit claims iPhone 4S's Siri is a 'pricey...
The voice-activated Siri assistant on the iPhone 4S doesn't work as advertised, and is just a ploy to lure customers to buy a more expensive iPhone, a man claims in a federal class action, as reported by the "Courthouse News Service" (http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/03/07/44470.htm).
Frank Fazio has sued Apple on behalf of consumers who bought the iPhone 4S because commercials made the voice-activated Siri feature seem easy to use for a variety of tasks. Siri on iPhone 4S lets you use your voice to send messages, schedule meetings, place phone calls, and more. Apple says that you can ask Siri to do things just by talking the way you talk. I haven't tried it, but Apple says Siri understands what you say, knows what you mean, and even talks back.
However, the new class action says claims about the Siri feature are fundamentally false and misleading. "Notwithstanding Apple's extensive multimillion-dollar advertising campaign showcasing the Siri feature, and the fact that the iPhone...
iTunes 10.6 adds 1080p resolution support
Apple has released iTunes 10.6. The update added support for playing 1080p resolution videos from the iTunes Store.
The upgrade is designed to make life simpler with the new Apple TV, which also adds 1080p support.
iTunes 10.6 also offers improved song matching for iTunes Match users; improved album artwork handling, downloading, and display; and fixes an issue where songs may skip when playing from iCloud. You can obtain it via the Software Updates component of Mac OS X's Systems Preferences app.
New iPad sports, Retina Display, A5X Chip, 5 megapixel iSight...
Apple has introduced the new iPad, the third generation of its tablet, featuring a Retina display, new A5X chip with quad-core graphics and a 5 megapixel iSight camera with advanced optics for capturing photos and 1080p HD video.
iPad with Wi-Fi + 4G connects to networks worldwide, including AT&T’s and Verizon’s 4G LTE networks, and still delivers the same all-day 10 hour battery life while remaining amazingly thin and light, according to Apple.
"The new iPad redefines the category Apple created less than two years ago, delivering the most amazing experience people have ever had with technology," says Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "The new iPad now has the highest resolution display ever seen on a mobile device with 3.1 million pixels, delivering razor sharp text and unbelievable detail in photos and videos."
The new iPad’s Retina display delivers four times the number of pixels of iPad 2, so dense that the human eye is unable to...
Apple introduces iPhoto for iOS; updates iMovie, GarageBand
Apple has introduced iPhoto for iPad and iPhone and updates to iMovie and GarageBand.
iPhoto includes Multi-Touch features so you can use gestures to sort through hundreds of photos and find your best shots, enhance and retouch your images using fingertip brushes and share photo journals with iCloud.
iMovie now gives you the ability to create Hollywood-style trailers as you record HD video on your iPad and iPhone. GarageBand introduces Jam Session, a feature that allows a group of friends to wirelessly connect their iOS devices to play instruments and record live music together.
Each app takes full advantage of the Retina display on the new iPad. The new iPad also features a 5 megapixel iSight camera so you can record, edit and watch 1080p HD video all on the device.
"With the introduction of iPhoto, we’ve brought the entire suite of iLife apps to iOS and users are going to love it," says Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "Whether brushing an...
Apple TV gets 1080p High Definition
Apple has announced the new Apple TV, featuring 1080p programming including iTunes movies and TV shows, Netflix, Vimeo, photos and more in HD.
The new Apple TV features a simpler, refined user interface that makes it easier than ever to access your purchased movies, TV shows and music with iTunes Match right from iCloud, says Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. With AirPlay, users can stream or mirror their favorite content from their iPad or iPhone 4S to the Apple TV.
"People are going to love streaming movies and TV shows in 1080p with the new Apple TV, and photos look beautiful displayed at the maximum resolution of your TV," Schiller says. "Apple TV is easier than ever to use with its new icon-based interface and the ability to access your purchased movies, TV shows and music right from iCloud."
Apple TV users can choose from a selection of programming including over 15,000 movies and over 90,000 TV episodes on the iTunes Store. Apple TV also...
Proview creditors: the 'iPad' trademark belongs to us
The Bank of China Ltd. and several other creditors of Proview Technology Shenzhen say the "iPad" trademarks belong to them and not to Proview, potentially complicating a fight over the trademark between Proview and Apple, notes "The Wall Street Journal" (http://macte.ch/noLzO).
Major creditors of Proview Electronics, which is challenging Apple's use of the iPad trademark, has moved to have the ailing computer monitor maker liquidated, reports the "Associated Press" (http://macte.ch/VtdFF). The article says Taiwan-based Fubon Insurance is seeking US$8.68 million in debts and has filed an application to have Proview declared bankrupt, per reports by the Xinhua News Agency and other mainland media. Proview's mainland Chinese subsidiary is based in the southern export zone of Shenzhen, where an official at the city's Intermediate Court said he expected an announcement regarding the case soon.
Last week Proview launched an attack on Apple in the U.S., filing a lawsuit in California that...
Quark presents 'QuarkXPress Basics' eSeminar
On Thursday, March 8 Quark is hosting an eSeminar that will cover the basics of QuarkXPress, the graphic design and layout software used to create print, Web, and digital projects. Those new to QuarkXPress and current users interested in a refresher are welcome to join the session that will cover:
° How to effectively use text, graphics, and other design elements to set up a layout;
° Time-saving best practices, such as using style sheets and master pages;
° Power-user tips for navigating and fine-tuning layouts.
The eSeminar will be be held at 8 am (Pacific). You can register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/551810881 . For more info on QuarkXPress, go to http://www.quark.com/Products/QuarkXPress/ . To download a free 30-day test drive of QuarkXPress 9, visit http://www.quark.com/Products/QuarkXPress/Test_Drive.aspx .
Apple partner Liquidmetal shipping parts to unnamed customers
Apple partner Liquidmetal Technologie has begun shipping commercial parts to "several" customers, but the company hasn't named any specifically, reports "Appleinsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com).
Liquidmetal revealed that delivery parts actually began to customers in December. But the company announced on Wednesday that its manufacturing operations are now shipping parts to a number of worldwide customers, and shipments are expected to continue into the months ahead, notes "AppleInsider."
In 2010, it was found announced that Apple struck a deal with Liquidmetal Technologies (http://www.liquidmetal.com/technology/default.asp), a California-based company that holds patents on new metal and alloy designs, for essentially access to all of its intellectual property.
According to the LiqudMetal Tech web site, its alloys are a" revolutionary class of materials that redefines performance and cost paradigms." The superior properties of Liquidmetal alloys are made possible by revolutionary...
Samsung files new lawsuit against Apple -- this time in South...
Samsung has filed another lawsuit against Apple, this time in South Korea. The company alleges that the iPhone 4S and iPad 2 are violating three patents, according to "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/W4d9V).
Samsung says the new suit -- filed on Tuesday to a Seoul court -- covers three utility patents and involves methods of displaying data, the user interface, and short text messages, the article adds. This is another round in the global, ongoing brouhaha between Apple and Samsung involving patent disputes.
The two companies have filed more than 30 lawsuits against each other across four continents. A German court on Friday dismissed two cases brought by Apple and Samsung against each other as part of an ongoing legal battle.
Apple dominates BrandFinance Global 500
Advanced findings from the BrandFinance Global 500 (http://www.brandfinance.com), due to be launched on March 19, show that Apple has leapfrogged Google to be named the world's most valuable brand. The Californian tech giant enjoys the highest ever valuation by Brand Finance plc (US$70.6 billion) almost one third greater than its closest rival Google (currently valued at $47.5 billion).
Apple rose a staggering seven places from eighth in the 2011 table after a year which has seen the Californian tech giant assert its position as the preeminent consumer tech brand with the launch of the iPad 2, iPhone 4s, Mountain Lion operating system and the eagerly anticipated launch of the iPad 3. The announcement comes as Apple announces its 25th billion mobile download dwarfing its competitors in this evolving market.
Commenting on this year's report from the Brand Finance New York office, David Haigh, CEO of Brand Finance Inc, said: "The meteoric rise we have witnessed over the last 12 months...
Adobe announces Shadow, Edge
Adobe is at SXSW Interactive -- the interactive music and film expo in Austin, Texas, this week, hosting a full-day Creative Camp on HTML5 and mobile solutions and announcing the release of Adobe Shadow and a new preview of Adobe Edge.
Adobe Shadow (http://blogs.adobe.com/shadow) is a new offering available today that's designed to solve a major workflow issue for Web developers and designers by streamlining preview and customization of websites for mobile devices. Web pros can wirelessly pair multiple smartphones and tablets with their computer and simultaneously view real-time previews of Web content on iOS and Android devices.
Shadow provides remote inspection and debugging so developers can make and see bug fixes instantly on any paired device. Adobe Shadow can be used in conjunction with any integrated development environment (IDE) or text editor.
Adobe encourages Web Pros to download the free Labs Release 1 of Adobe Shadow at http://adobe.com/go/shadow and provide the team...
Pimp Your Screen comes to the Mac
Apalon, the creator of Pimp Your Screen for iOS, now offers a Mac version. It requires Mac OS X 10.6, costs US$2.99 and is available at the Mac App Store.
Pimp Your Screen features a collection of specially designed background images and wallpapers. What's more, new content comes out regularly.
Pimp Your Screen for Mac has a choice of minimalistic images, abstract backgrounds and wallpapers that were created by a team of professional designers. All the backgrounds are arranged in eight categories: Abstract, Cartoon, Holidays, Sci-Fi, Animals, Sport, Nature, and My Images, the latter allows users to create their own personalized collection of wallpapers.
The app supports all available resolutions. Every image can be previewed before saving it as a desktop. It is also easy to check out the most popular images in the Popular tab and add the images users enjoy most into the Favorites folder.
Total music-track sales up in 2011
After years of decline, driven by sharply falling CD sales and maturing digital download market, total music-track sales rose 4% during 2011. Although CD sales dipped, the decline was not nearly as severe as in the past, and the drop was offset by a healthy paid-music download market.
Based on the findings of NPD’s "Annual Music Study," after years of losing buyers, caused by many consumers who simply stopped buying music, the total number of CD buyers increased for the second consecutive year, growing 2% to 78 million. There were a variety of reasons consumers cited for purchasing more CDs, including a perceived improvement in the quality and value of the music available, and a greater ability to learn about music prior to purchase.
Consumers also now have a wider variety of sources to discover new music -- from traditional AM/FM radio and online services like Pandora, Rhapsody, and Spotify. Even as Apple’s iTunes approaches its tenth anniversary next year, there are still nearly...
Akitio adds MyCloud Mini personal cloud server
Akitio has expanded the company's personal cloud server product line with the addition of the MyCloud Mini personal cloud server.
Following in the steps of Akitio’s previously released MyCloud Duo, the MyCloud Mini offers users remote web-based access and a file browser with a built-in media player to manage and view files in the Web browser or on an iPhone or iPad. By simply registering the device, users may login through Akitio’s Web portal or the iPhone app and will have immediate access to their files.
The MyCloud Mini allows users to create their own personal cloud to share files with friends and family. In addition, users can stream content within their local network to any available UPnP-AV and DLNA compatible devices. Data can also be uploaded to the Gigabit network drive and shared from multiple workstations via SMB or FTP connection.
Akitio’s MyCloud Mini personal cloud server is available for purchase starting at US$99. It can be found at Akitio.com, as well as...
Armadillo brings online content creation to RapidWeaver
NimbleHost has announced the initial public release of Armadillo, a custom-built content management system designed specifically for RapidWeaver, a web page design too.
Armadillo brings online content creation and management to Realmac Software's web design application, and enables RapidWeaver users to remotely create new blog posts or pages for their website from any web browser, anywhere in the world. As the popularity of RapidWeaver has grown, so too has the demand for a robust content management system that would allow users to create and edit their content online, without requiring the program itself to make and upload those changes, according to Jonathan Head, NimbleHost's lead developer and CEO.
Armadillo's interface makes it easy to remotely manage your website, whether that be to upload media files, create new blog posts, add more pages, register additional users, or perform online backups of your content, he adds. In addition to being a full-featured blogging platform,...
Virtual Frog Dissection app donated by PETA to save frogs
PETA has offered to donate money to a private school in Oneonta, California, to reduce the number of frog dissections performed in the school's science classes.
The animal-rights group said it will pay for Lighthouse Christian Academy to purchase the Virtual Frog Dissection Educational app (http://frogvirtualdissection.com) from Emantras so that students who object to dissecting animals have an alternative means of completing such assignments.
The app features three-dimensional organ views, anatomical comparisons of human and frog organs, and virtual dissection tools, including pins, markers, scissors, scalpels, and forceps.
"PETA is delighted to give Lighthouse Christian Academy teachers the tools they need to help compassionate and merciful students learn biology using humane, modern methods instead of by cutting up dead animals," says PETA Vice President of Laboratory Investigations Kathy Guillermo. "Millions of frogs, pigs, cats, and other animals are still killed for dissection...
Mac OS X software updates for March 7
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps.
Zevrix Solutions (http://www.zevrix.com) has announced BatchOutput XLS 2.1, a feature upgrade to its popular output automation solution for Microsoft Excel on Mac OS X. The upgrade introduces new output controls for printing and exporting to PDF.
Cross Culture has released Mergemill Pro 4.3 (http://www.mergemill.com), an update to their data processing and static website generation tool. The software now extends its BASIC scripting functionality to all supported platforms, from Mac OS X 10.5 to 10.7 and Windows XP to 7.
Sprightly Software has rolled out Trip Journal for Business 1.2 (http://www.tripjournalforbusiness.com/mac). It's an update of the Mac app for tracking business vehicle. Version 1.2 features a new duplicate button to use an existing record as a template for a new records, lbug fixes, and interface enhancements.
Troi Automatisering has served up Troi File Plug-in 6 (http://www.troi.com/software/fileplugin.html) for...
Total music-track sales up in 2011
After years of decline, driven by sharply falling CD sales and maturing digital download market, total music-track sales rose 4% during 2011. Although CD sales dipped, the decline was not nearly as severe as in the past, and the drop was offset by a healthy paid-music download market.
Based on the findings of NPD’s "Annual Music Study," after years of losing buyers, caused by many consumers who simply stopped buying music, the total number of CD buyers increased for the second consecutive year, growing 2% to 78 million. There were a variety of reasons consumers cited for purchasing more CDs, including a perceived improvement in the quality and value of the music available, and a greater ability to learn about music prior to purchase.
Consumers also now have a wider variety of sources to discover new music -- from traditional AM/FM radio and online services like Pandora, Rhapsody, and Spotify. Even as Apple’s iTunes approaches its tenth anniversary next year, there are still nearly...
Apple data farm to use solar panels from SunPower
According to the "Mercury News" (http://macte.ch/nYsYK),a regulatory filing has revealed that Apple's massive solar farm at its new data center in Maiden, North Carolina, will use solar panels from San Jose, California-based energy company, SunPower.
The solar farm will be built in phases and could begin delivering electricity to the grid as early as October. "Each of the photovoltaic installations will consist of multiple SunPower E20 435-watt photovoltaic modules on ground-mounted single axis tracking systems," the filing states.
Last month it was reported that Apple's North Carolina data center will be powered by the nation's largest end-user-owned solar array. The facility, which is being constructed in Maiden, N.C., has been awarded LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, the company said in its latest "Apple and the Environment" report (http://www.apple.com/environment/).
"We know of no other data center of comparable size that has achieved this level...
iFixIt introduces iMac Dual Hard Drive Kits
The most recent iMac 21.5-inch teardown at iFixIt revealed an interesting tidbit: unused mounting points that were curiously in the shape of a 2.5-inch hard drive.
After a bit of investigating, iFixIt found that all mid-2011 21.5-inch and 27-inch iMacs can accept an additional hard drive, regardless of whether or not Apple will let you outfit your machine with a second drive.
"However, all was not peaches and roses," says iFixIt. "We also found that although some iMacs may have mounting holes for hard drive brackets, others don't. Which is unacceptable. Users should be able to upgrade their iMacs to dual drives if the functionality is there."
So iFixit has introduced the 21.5-inch iMac (http://bit.ly/imac_21_dual_drive_kit) and 27-inch iMac (http://bit.ly/imac_27_dual_drive_kit ) Dual Hard Drive Kits for US$69.95. These self-install kits work on all Mid 2011 21.5-inch and 27-inch iMacs. With the kit, you'll be able to install OS X on an SSD for fast startup times, while still being...
Research group: 112.5 million US adults to own a tablet by 2016
In a new report (http://macte.ch/Wa5Rd) for clients, the Forrester research group has revised its US consumer tablet forecast upward.
"We now expect 112.5 million US adults to own a tablet in 2016, which will equal 34.3% of US adults," analyst Sarah Roman Epps writes. "In Europe, the numbers are similarly impressive, with an expected 105.7 million tablet users, or 30.4% of consumers 16 and older, in the EU-7 by 2016. With an assumed replacement rate of two years, cumulative unit sales will be much higher: In the US, we forecast that consumers will buy 292.5 million tablets from 2010 to 2016."
Forrester estimates that US consumers constitute only 43% of Apple’s 55 million iPads sold through the end of its last fiscal quarter, with the rest going to consumers and enterprises in the rest of the 90 countries where the iPad is now sold. The research also notes that "whether it will or not, we think Apple should launch a smaller, cheaper iPad to ward off competition from Amazon."
Apple willing to cut deals with Motorola, Samsung?
Apple, which is fighting a multi-front and global patent war against competing makers of mobile devices, has indicated a willingness to cut deals with competitors, according to a "Dow Jones" report (http://macte.ch/hLUpx), quoting unnamed "people familiar with the matter."
The article says that the iPhone/iPad maker has made proposals to Motorola Mobility Holdings and Samsung Electronics to settle some pending litigation in exchange for royalty payments to license its patents, among other terms. Apple purportedly isn't attempting to offer patent licenses to all its competitors or create a royalty business.
"Dow Jones" -- quoting "another person familiar with the matter" -- says Apple has asked for between US$5 and $15 per handset for some of its patents in one negotiation, or roughly 1% to 2.5% of net sales per device. However, as the article notes, any offer to license patents would seem to oppose statements from former CEO Steve Jobs, who died in October.
Apple continues to gain mobile, smartphone subscriber shares
ComScore (http://www.comscore.com), a company that "measures the digital world," has released data from the comScore MobiLens service, reporting key trends in the U.S. mobile phone industry during the three month average period ending January 2012. And it shows Apple continuing to grow.
The study surveyed more than 30,000 U.S. mobile subscribers and found Samsung to be the top handset manufacturer overall with 25.4% market share. Google Android continued to grow its share in the smartphone market, accounting for 48.6% of smartphone subscribers.
For the three-month average period ending in January, 234 million Americans age 13 and older used mobile devices. Device manufacturer Samsung ranked as the top OEM [original equipment manufacturer] with 25.4% of U.S. mobile subscribers, followed by LG with 19.7 % share and Motorola with 13.2 percent share.
Apple continued to capture share in the OEM market with 12.8% of total mobile subscribers (up 2.0 percentage points). RIM rounded out the...
