Time Bomb blasts onto Mac OS X
iLifeTouch (http://ilifetouch.com/) has introduced Time Bomb 1.0, a new way of keeping time on Mac OS X (10.6.6 or later). It costs US$1.99 and is available at the Mac App Store in the Utilities category.
With Time Bomb, you set an alarm or countdown timer. The app counts down to the last minute and "explodes" to wake you up or notify you of an important event. The app sports several customizable features.
The Mother Bomb that acts as a command central. Up to eight separate "mini bombs" can be set simultaneously; all can be color coded.
eggPlant offs a mobile testing solution
There's a rush in the mobile applications market. The market will reach 17.7 billion downloads in 2011, a 117% increase from an estimated 8.2 billion downloads in 2010.
Worldwide mobile application store revenue is projected to surpass US$15.1 billion in 2011, both from end users buying applications and applications themselves generating advertising revenue for their developers. This is a 190% increase from 2010 revenue of $5.2 billion, according to the Garter research group.
This rapid growth is driven by the concept of instant access to web browsing, email, document viewing, messaging etc. Everything on the fly. Welcome to Generation Facebook.
This growth is bringing with it a massive challenge of releasing stable apps that are robust when accessed from multiple mobile devices, across global telecom networks and locations. If you add multiple releases to this rich Internet applications (RIA) whether they're HTML5/Flash, developers have on their hands a complex, time consuming,...
Email Stats is email monitoring tool for the Mac
JBMJBM has released eMail Stats 1.0 (http://www.jbmjbm.com/emailstats.html) for Mac OS X 10.6 or higher. The app monitors your daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly email usage. It costs US$1.99 and is available through the Mac App Store in the Utilities category.
If you ever wonder how many emails you have been sending or receiving, this app can tell you. As a matter of fact, it has your email statistics for the day, previous day, week, month, and the year and all from your Mac Menu Bar.
Destination: Treasure Island Lite comes to the Mac App Store
Coladia (http://www.coladia.com) says Destination: Treasure Island Lite -- inspired by the Robert Louis Stevenson's novel "Treasure Island" -- is now available on the Mac App Store. It requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or higher, is free and can be found in the Games category.
Here's how the game is described: "Destination: Treasure Island is a Point and Click adventure game, with pristine photo-realistic graphics and environments, inspired by the Robert Louis Stevenson's novel, Treasure Island. With a unique interactive inventory using object combinations and a new system of knot puzzles, users will have to resolve dozens of fascinating enigmas. In a highly colored varied and exotic environment.
"With a unique interactive inventory using object combinations and a new system of knot puzzles, users will have to resolve dozens of fascinating enigmas. In a highly coloured varied and exotic environment, they'll play Jim Hawkins, the hero, to reach the treasure that Long John Silver hide on Emerald...
Aquafadas starts pre-release of digital publishing software
Aquafadas is making its digital publishing solution publicly available through a pre-release program. Aquafadas digital publishing tools can be requested at www.aquafadas.comen/publishing/tryitforyourself/ .
Aquafadas’ tools enable you to publish interactive documents on the iPad, iPhone, and Android-based tablets and smartphones. It supports magazines, newspapers, book publishers, communication agencies, and corporations as well as individual designers.
Aquafadas’ AVE App Factory allows generating Apps for iPad and Android tablets without requiring programming skills. Plug-ins for Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress XTensions enable designers to create digital publications without coding.
AVE App Factory as well as the plug-ins and XTensions can be used for free. A fee is applied only when apps and content are published. Aquafadas says its Publisher Portal makes it easy to manage distribution and complements App Stores and publishers own storefronts with sales analytics.
'Take Control of Media on Your iPad, Second Edition'...
Jeff Carlson's new ebook, "Take Control of Media on Your iPad, Second Edition," takes readers way beyond the basics with a full discussion of using media on the iPad or iPad 2.
He covers the basics, so new iPad users can get up to speed quickly. For those who want to go further, Carlson expands their media universe, helping them explore a variety of options, whether they want to read ebooks, enjoy music or audiobooks, watch video, or view photos. The ebook is also designed to help readers integrate their iPad with an Apple TV, and it has tips that will help iPad 2 owners take better photos with that device's cameras.
The 158-page ebook is available in PDF format for US$15 at http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/ipad-media. After purchase, readers can also download the ebook in EPUB format.
ProAnimator 5 adds multiprocessing support, more
ZaxWerks (http://www.zaxwerks.com) has updated ProAnimator, US$649 software for creating 3D animations, to version 5.0. It works with Adobe After Effects CS3 and CS 4.
ProAnimator works as both a standalone app and a plug-in for After Effects. If you're on a Mac, it is not yet compatible with After Effects CS5; however, the standalone version will create movies that CS5 an use, so you’re not really out of the running. Highlights of version 5 include:
° Multiprocessing -- ProAnimator will now use every core on your system to render much faster than before.
° And integrated drawing window -- All 3D objects have to be modeled. As you draw, the 3D model is created for you, on the fly. As you edit the 2D paths the 3D objects are re-built in real time. If you draw one path inside of another path the program knows what to do. The Auto-
° Live text editing -- You can edit the Bezier curves of text characters without having to convert them to paths.
° Warping -- Warping has been built...
Patterno for Mac OS X revved to version 2.0
Applications for Life Company has announced Patterno 2.0 (http://www.appsforlife.com/products/patterno/), an update to the utility that creates background images and tiled patterns for Mac OS X.
Patterno creates stripes, mosaics, tiled patterns and much more. Even the complex bokeh-like effect can be created with just a few mouse clicks, according to the folks at Applications for Life. It's designed for business and post cards design, book covers design and many other graphics areas where the eye-catching image is essential.
Patterno comes with more than 50 templates to start from. It provides "generators" that can be configured to create various effects. All the configuration is done by the small number of sliders.
Patterno features a real-time preview and doesn't require Adobe Photoshop or any other software to run. It costs US$30 and requires Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard"). A demo version is available for download.
ShareTool for Mac OS X updated to version 2.2
Yazsoft has updated ShareTool (http://www.yazsoft.com/st/) for Mac OS X, which lets you access all of your Bonjour services from anywhere in the world, to version 2.2. It's a maintenance release with bug fixes and tweaks. Also, the demo period has been reset for all users.
Formerly known as Rendezvous, Bonjour lets you create an instant network of computers and smart devices by getting them connected to each other. ShareTool automatically configures routers supporting NAT-PMP or UPnP. Remote services automatically appear in the Finder, iTunes, and other applications.
ShareTool 2.2 costs US$15 for a single license, $25 for a two-user license and $45 for a family pack (five licenses). Users that purchased ShareTool 1.x from April 13 to May 13, 2010 are entitled to a free 2.x upgrade.
Also, with every ShareTools purchase you get two freebies: the Attachments Menu and Unblunder. The Attachments Menu indexes all Apple Mail messages that contain attachments and puts them in an organized,...
Apple releases iOS 4.3.1
Apple has released iOS 4.3.1. The update contains improvements and other bug fixes including:
° Fixes an occasional graphics glitch on iPod touch (4th generation);
° Resolves bugs related to activating and connecting to some cellular networks;
° Fixes image flicker when using Apple Digital AV Adapter with some TVs;
° Resolves an issue authenticating with some enterprise web services
iOS 4.3.1 is recommended for the GSM iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 2, iPad, and the third- and fourth-generation iPod touch. No update is available for the CDMA iPhone running on Verizon.
And the winner is ... Apple -- or Kodak?
And the latest victor in the Kodak vs. Apple/RIM battle is Kodak. Or perhaps it's Apple. There are conflicting reports about the latest even in the legal brouhaha.
Eastman Kodak won the latest round in its patent dispute with Apple and Research in Motion, a victory with the potential to generate more than US$1 billion in new licensing revenue for the camera company, reports "Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/ucKnT).
Kodak rose as much as 21% in late trading after the U.S. International Trade Commission said it will review a judge’s findings from January that Apple’s iPhone and RIM’s BlackBerry don’t violate Kodak’s patent on a way to preview digital images using less processing power and storage space, the article adds. The ITC, which can block imports of products that violate U.S. patents, plans to make a final determination by May 23.
However, "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/IC1em) says that it was Apple that won the victory as the U.S. trade panel ruled that the Apple didn't violate any of...
Hide Files app released on the Mac App Store
JBMJBM has released Hide Files (http://www.jbmjbm.com/hidefiles.html) for Mac OS X 10.6 or higher. It's available for US$2.99 in teh Mac App Store in the Utilities category.
Hide Files is a program for the Mac that protects documents and folders from others viewing, modifying, or y deleting. It's as easy as dragging the file or folder into the app and clicking Hide, instantly those files/folders and all their contents are concealed. There are options to enable password protection of hiding, which ultimately removes access.
This is a standard and simple way to make files/folders on the Mac operating system invisible. If you need advanced levels of protecting your data, there are other ways to accomplish this including Mac OS X FileVault and various other removable media types.
MacTech Conference coming to LA in November
MacTech Magazine will be holding the MacTech Conference for IT Pros and Mac developers, Nov. 2-4, in Los Angeles. Early Bird Registration is now open for the three-day, information-packed event, which will have sessions and activities throughout the day and evening.
This immersion conference is hotel-based, giving attendees the opportunity to not only learn from the best, but get to meet new people and spend time with their peers and industry leaders.
"With the incredible success of MacTech Conference 2010, attendees made it clear to us how much they liked our format, our content, and our hospitality. MacTech has always been here to serve the community, and MacTech Conference and MacTech Boot Camp events extend that concept," says Neil Ticktin, editor-in-chief/publisher, MacTech Magazine. "In both the IT and developer communities, bonding with peers is among the top requests, and the MacTech Conference will be built to serve those wishes from the beginning."
"The whole idea of the...
Analyst thinks Apple is working on a Smart TV
Analyst Katy Huberty of Morgan Stanley told clients in a note -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) that the firm's "checks in Asia suggest Apple is working on a Smart TV prototype."
He speculated that a Smart TV could be an opportunity for Apple to consolidate "TV/Video content, gaming, DVR, as well as other features like apps and FaceTime into one product," much like the company did with its strategy for the iPad. It's a position that Piper Jaffray Gene Munster has also espoused.
However, this seemingly goes against a report that Apple is considering allowing TV makers to build its AirPlay media-sharing protocol into their sets, according to a "Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/i3UoT) report last week. AirPlay is a feature for streaming music, video and photos wirelessly from an iPad, iPhone and iPod touch to the Apple TV. The wireless technology is being integrated into speaker docks, AV receivers, and stereo systems from companies such as Bowers & Wilkins...
Kodak CEO: win over Apple, RIM would mean $1 billion in revenue
Eastman Kodak CEO Antonio Perez says a victory for his company in its patent fight with Apple and RIM may add more than US$1 billion in revenue from royalty payments, reports "Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/3jonI).
Of course, Kodak hasn't won the legal battle yet. Perez just thinks his company "deserves to win."
A decision is scheduled for about 5 p.m. Washington time today on whether the U.S. International Trade Commission will review a judge’s findings from January that Apple’s iPhone and RIM’s BlackBerry don’t violate Kodak’s patent on an image- preview feature in camera phones. Opening a review would revive Kodak’s effort to extract compensation from Apple and RIM, notes "Bloomberg."
However, in January, the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled that the action brought by Kodak against Apple and RIM is invalid and not infringed. Kodak pressed on nevertheless, arguing that all the digital cameras in these consumer electronic devices and smartphones were infringing Kodak’s patent...
Hercules rolls out XPS Diamond 2.0 UBS speakers
Hercules (http://www.hercules.com), a digital audio specialist, is expanding its XPS multimedia speaker line with the XPS Diamond 2.0 USB Speakers, which are designed for women who want to add a touch of “glam” to their computer and who are looking for a compact accessory.
The fully USB connection means that both the power supply and audio signals are carried via the kit’s single USB cable. The XPS Diamond comes with a wired miniature remote for volume control.
The satellites’ compact measurements -- just 3.5 inches in diameter -- and the included black velvet carrying pouch (featuring separate compartments) are designed for portability. The XPS Diamond will be available next month at a suggested retail price of US$39.99.
Product Builder helps developers create apps for the Mac App...
Tension Software has released of Product Builder 1.0 (http://macte.ch/MkLkm), software that allows software developers to create packages ready to be transmitted using the Application Loader (from Apple and included with the Developer tools) to the Mac App Store.
It allows developers to correctly submit application with spaces in the application name (you can't do it directly via XCode). With Product Builder, developers can code sign correctly the application before building.
After inserting the correct setup one time only, to create a package the user just needs to launch Product Builder and drag and drop the application to submit on the Product Builder window. A standard Help and PDF User Guide is included.
Product Builder requires an Intel-based Mac running Mac OS X 10.6.6 or higher. It's available at the Mac App Store for US$5.99.
Price for Product Builder is US$ 5.99 (available only at the Apple Mac App Store at lower launch price at this time)
Macgamestore releases Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction
Macgamestore (http://www.Macgamestore.com) says UbiSoft's Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction is now available as a digital download through its web site. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher and costs US$19.99. Or you can get a deluxe edition that includes the standard version plus an Infiltration Mode and three bonus weapons for $24.99.
Here's how Splinter Cell Conviction is described: "An investigation into his daughter's death unwittingly leads former agent Sam Fisher to discover he's been betrayed by his prior agency, the Third Echelon. Now a renegade, Fisher finds himself in a race against time to thwart a deadly terrorist plot that threatens millions.
"Uniting revolutionary gameplay enhancements with a high-octane, no-holds-barred storyline, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction arms you to the teeth with all the high-tech weaponry and lethal skills of an elite operative and invites you to enter a dangerous world where justice means making your own rules."
Macware releases Logo Design Studio Pro in the Mac App Store
Macware (http://www.macwareinc.com) has released Logo Design Studio Pro in Apple's Mac App Store. It's being offered for US$39.99 for a limited time; it's normally $59.99.
Logo Design Studio Pro is a full-fledged vector illustration and drawing application that allows you to design and use professional business logos and graphics. It comes with over 1,000 pre-designed logo templates, over 2,800 editable vector graphics, over 500 background textures, over 500 taglines and slogans and 15 commercial use fonts.
Other features include: a knife tool to slice graphics on the canvas; an eraser tool to remove parts of graphics, a blend tool to create 3D tunnel effects and unique shapes, a component Library to save and reuse new graphics you create and an object browser that includes special one-click filters.
Big Bang -- Cinematic Percussion is new virtual instrument
Big Bang -- Cinematic Percussion is new virtual instrument
SoniVox (http://www.SoniVoxmi.com) has released their latest virtual instrument: Big Bang -- Cinematic Percussion (US$299.99) for Mac and PC systems. It features over 12GB of more than 200 instrument presets all designed by SoniVox’s sound designers to deliver explosive sounding drums and percussion.
An integral part of Big Bang -- Cinematic Percussion is a new technology called Intelligent Rhythm Control, or IRC. Intelligent Rhythm Control Technology is a new concept in music production that offers real-time rhythm correction for maximizing in-time musical performance, according to the folks at SoniVox.
I.R.C., intercepts and adjusts MIDI events as they occur, integrating each note into the host timeline and enabling users to create drum and percussion tracks with fluidity and ease, they add. Big Bang is compatible with any MIDI controller.
Other features include: Independent Zone (per-drum) Tempo-Synched Variable Resolution...
Samuari II: Vengeance slashes onto the Mac App Store
Madfinger Games (http://www.madfingergames.com) says Samurai II: Vengeance, a hack-and-slash action game, is now available for Mac via the Mac App Store. It costs US$9.99 and can be found in the Games category.
Here's how Samurai II: Vengeance is described: "amurai II's move to Mac brings a wealth of updates. Environments and textures are four times more detailed, while anti-aliasing effects have been cranked up to 16x the mobile version. The game features full HD graphics, running full screen at 60 frames per second even on low-end MacBook laptops. Say goodbye to virtual d-pads and botched combos; Samurai II now supports keyboard and gamepad controllers, offering a new level of precision control.
"After the loss of his beloved, Samurai II’s campaign takes hero Daisuke from a serene village to the Valley of the Damned on his quest for revenge. With tons of enemies on screen, players can chain together huge combo attacks with devastating finishing moves. It also features Dojo mode,...
R10Cipher encryption solution gets North America release
Application Systems North America has announced the North America release of R10Cipher, a encryption solution for Mac, Windows and Linux. It employs 384-bit blowfish encryption to keep your documents, email, and files safe.
These files can be Word files, Excel files, MP3 files -- almost any kind of file. These encrypted files can be copied elsewhere, even to a different operating system and unencrypted by anyone in possession of the shared key that was used for the encryption.
R10Cipher for Mac OS X offers Twitter integration, allows you to send encrypted tweets. Only those knowing the specific shared secret can decrypt and read those tweets.
R10Cipher requires Mac OS X 10.4 or greater. It can be purchased for US$14.99 and is available through Application Systems North America online store (http://www.applicationsystems.com) and other selected retailers.
AcademiX 2011 Conference focuses on mobile devices in education
MacLearning.org, an organization dedicated to promoting the use of Macs and Apple technology in schools of all levels, has announced the third annual hybrid multi-site conference, AcademiX 2011, on April 29.
The focus of the conference this year is on mobility, with leading educators offering a total of eight 20-minute talks on how the iOS-led mobility revolution has impacted schools, teaching methods and students, with additional discussion of the Apple technologies -- particularly the iPad -- that are being employed.
The free conference, presented by Apple, will simultaneously connect four different universities, and will offer a webcast to reach a live global audience. All attendees, whether in person or via webcast, will have an opportunity to ask questions of the presenters during two Q&A panel sessions.
The event will be held "in person" at Northeastern, Emory, Ohio State University's Medical Center and San Diego State. The conference and live webcast runs from 11 a.m. to 4...
AmigoCase is wearable charging holster for the iPhone
The AmigoCase (http://www.concordkeystone.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=672) is a new, wearable, US$79.99 charging holster for the iPhone that purportedly doubles battery life without "piggy-backing" an extra battery to the phone.
The AmigoCase features an auxiliary battery that's embedded in the holster. Through a swivel action, the iPhone separates from the battery holster when the phone is in use. When the phone rings or the user initiates a call, he simply releases the iPhone from the holster, leaving the auxiliary battery behind in the case.
After the call ends, the iPhone slides back into the AmigoCase and continues charging. The back-up battery stays in the case at all times. An on/off switch allows the user to decide when to recharge. Holsters can be clipped to carry-on bags, handbags, computer cases or waistbands and comes with a translucent protective cover.
Final Print 2.0 enables printing from Final Cut Pro
Digital Heaven has released Final Print 2.0 for browsing and printing Final Cut Pro projects. This release offers new features such as a completely redesigned interface, enhanced performance, direct loading from Final Cut Pro and the ability to view clips inside sequences.
By taking full advantage of Final Cut Pro's XML interchange format, Final Print allows the user to view a list of clips, markers or the content of a bin with up to 10 columns of information. The lists can be printed or saved as a PDF file providing a workflow enhancement when handing off a project to another member of the post production team.
Final Print 2.0 requires an Intel-based Mac. Final Cut Pro 5.1.2 or later is needed for creation of XML files. Final Cut Pro 7 or higher is required for direct opening of projects
Final Print 2.0 is available for immediate purchase from the Digital Heaven online store (http://www.digital-heaven.co.uk) for US$129. Customers who purchased Final Print 1.x on or after Feb. 24 are...
iWeb Themes Park adds new templates
iWeb Themes Park (http://www.iwebthemespark.com) has announced new themes for iWeb, the web creation component of Apple's iLife suite.
The Film Theme is ideal for movie takers or watchers. The Green Fields theme is for people who have hobbies or do sports activities in the nature, and City View theme will bring everyone near to a large city. The Lighted Columns theme creates a light falling effect. The Sprout theme is for growing business or newly introduced organization's website.
All the themes from iWeb Themes Park consist of separate elements each of which can be modified, replaced or removed. To use themes from iWeb Themes Park requires iWeb from iLife '08 or later.
The iWeb Themes Box of 110 themes is priced at US$47.77. Ten iWeb Themes in a Combo Package can be purchased for $29.99. Each template is available for $11.99 or $12.99. Using the coupon code "iWebThemesTrio" three iWeb themes of your choice can be obtained with a $12.99 discount. Four iWeb themes are free for...
Native Instruments introduces Razor software synthesizer
Native Instruments has introduced Razor (http://macte.ch/Tzjpa), an US$79 software synthesizer designed together with electronic artist Errorsmith. For use in Reaktor 5 and in the free Reaktor Player, it utilizes up to 320 partials for its sound shaping algorithms.
The dual oscillator section provides an arsenal of timbres, ranging from typical analog-style waveforms to unconventional models like "Primes," "Sick Pitchbend" and "Hoover Sync". The two filter sections offers 20 different filter types, including formant, vowel and waterbed models.
A further section provides an arsenal of "Dissonance Effects" that further contribute to the sonic footprint of the instrument. Razor even integrates a 34-band vocoder that can also be used to process external audio signals.
Skype for Mac revved to version 5.1
The latest Skype for Mac (http://www.skype.com) -- version 5.1 -- participants in group calls can identify active speakers and you can select recent called numbers stored in the dial pad.
Contact groups are now shown in on the right hand side, allowing more space in the side bar. In addition, Skype 5.1 fixes several bugs and issues, including the iSight Firewire webcam detection problem.
The upgrade is a free download. Also, Skype has started a contest (http://macte.ch/kFahA) asking Mac users to create the chat style for an upcoming version of Skype for Mac. The competition will run over three stages, each lasting three weeks. Two winners will be selected at the end of each stage: a judges' choice winner that will be selected by our panel and a people's choice winner, as voted for by Skype users.
These six winners will go forward as finalists for the grand prize. Prizes include an iPad 2, an 11-inch MacBook Air, an Apple TV and more.
Mewshop to talk DSLR, Art of Filmmaking at NAB SuperMeet
Manhattan Edit Workshop (Mewshop), a authorized digital training destination for post-production and content creators, has announced its sponsorship of the 10th Annual NAB SuperMeet, as well as its participation in the NAB Post Pit: a gathering of users, rock stars, and creators of post-production software.
As official sponsors and presenters, Mewshop (http://www.mewshop.com/) will bring its DSLR and filmmaking training methodology to Las Vegas. Each year, the Las Vegas SuperMeet aggregates well-known Adobe, Apple, and Avid editors, digital content creators, and DSLR filmmakers from around the globe to explore the latest industry trends and innovations.
Mewshop founder, filmmaker and editor, Josh Apter, will be on-hand at the Post Pit to discuss "Recording Great Sound with DSLR and Digital Cinema Cameras." His "Ears-on" presentation will demo the best techniques for recording location sound with today's HD-DSLRs and compact digital cinema cameras, including Panasonic's new AF-100....
PDFPen gets ability to select the destination for a scan
SmileOnMyMac has updated PDFPen (http://www.smileonmymac.com/PDFpen/download.html), its PDF editing and form-filling tool for Mac OS X, to version 5.2.2. The update the ability to select a destination for a scan. It also adds the full Japanese Help, and fixes an OCR-related hang.
The changes in PDFpen 5.2.2 have also been made in PDFpenPro 5.2.2, the pro version that can also convert websites into PDFs, create fillable PDF forms, and construct document table of contents.
PDFpen costs US$59.95, and PDFpenPro is $99.95. Family pack licenses, which cover up to five computers in one household, are $74.95 for PDFpen and $129.95 for PDFpenPro. Upgrades from earlier versions of either application are $25, and free to users who purchased after Feb. 14, 2010. Upgrades from any version of PDFpen to PDFpenPro 5.0 are $40.
PDFpen 5.2.2 and PDFpen Pro 5.2.2 require Mac OS X 10.6 or later. Demo versions are available for download.
EastWest announces Evolution Series World Percussion
EastWest (http://www.soundsonline.com) has announced distribution of the Evolution Series World Percussion Virtual Instrument in the North American market.
Available from April 1, World Percussion is designed for film, TV, game composers and producers. It has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$649.
It's a sample library with 220GB of data. World Percussion Virtual Instrument features sounds from Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, and South America. It offers up to seven user controllable microphone positions, both stereo and five independent audio channels for creating surround sound mixes, an array of velocities and round robin, and hundreds of MIDI grooves.
Playback Media Server 1.7.3 adds features, boosts performance
Yazsoft has introduced Playback Media Server 1.7.3 (http://www.yazsoft.com/products/playback/information/), an update of their zero configuration media server for Mac OS X 10.5 and higher. The update sports a new high-performance engine.
Also folders can be dragged from Finder to shared folder lists. When streaming, the status menu displays percent complete and Playback Media Server 1.7.3 offers improved navigation for Aperture, Apple's software for professional photographers.
Playback can share media stored in folders or even make entire disks available to a Playstation 3 or Xbox 360. No configuration is required. By default, it will share almost any content on the users system. And Playback automatically integrates with iTunes, iPhoto, and Aperture. Users can share all content from these applications transparently or choose specific playlists and albums.
Those who like to tinker will appreciate Playback's built-in Access Control List (ACL) and bandwidth throttling. The ACL allows...
Capo 2.1gains new MIDI functionality
SuperMegaUltraGroovy has updated Capo for Mac OS X (10.6 and higher) to version 2.1. In this release, Capo gains the ability to export MIDI transcription data, the waveform representation of audio has returned, and playback commands can now be controlled via learned keystrokes or external MIDI hardware.
Capo 2 was the first app to allow users to transcribe their music to a notational representation using tablature, according to the folks at SuperMegaUltraGroovy. Now, in 2.1, users can export their data out of Capo in the standard MIDI format, and use it to incorporate transcribed solos into MIDI sequencers, or import the data into applications that facilitate advanced scoring work.
Capo 2.1 now allows users to set and manipulate their loops with an always-visible waveform. The new version also adds the ability for users to train a set of new keystrokes, or assign MIDI commands, to control Capo's playback.
Capo 2.1 is available now as a free update to all 2.0 customers, and is still a...
Esri ArcGIS 10 now supported by MAPublisher
Avenza Systems has announced updated support for Esri ArcGIS 10 geodatabases and ArcMap document (MXD) files in MAPublisher 8.4.1 for Adobe Illustrator.
The latest version of this mapmaking software used to produce high quality maps from GIS data for both print and electronic distribution can use its import tools to connect to Personal, File and ArcSDE geodatabases as well as MXD files. MAPublisher can make use of a geodatabase's spatial and non-spatial relationships, subtypes and attribute domain information during the import process.
To fully import Esri geodatabases or to fully access an ArcSDE server using MAPublisher import tools, valid Esri software must be installed and licensed; at minimum, ArcGIS Engine Runtime. More commonly, an ArcView, ArcEditor or ArcInfo license may be used. Mac and Windows users without an ArcGIS license can still import data using the Basic Personal Geodatabase Reader in MAPublisher.
MAPublisher for Illustrator is l map production software for...
Is Apple opening up the graphics side of its Mac platform?
A MacBook Pro-specific update to Mac OS X 10.6.7 includes native support for several 5000 and 6000 series AMD Radeon GPUs. Apple doesn't typically include support for GPUs that aren't in shipping products, so the inclusion has some important implications for Mac Pro users and future Sandy Bridge iMacs, says "Ars Technica" (http://macte.ch/E1GAD).
According to hackintosh site tonymacx86 (http://tonymacx86.blogspot.com/), Mac OS X 10.6.7 Update for early 2011 MacBook Pro contains native support for a range of Radeon HD 5xxx and HD 6xxx cards. The support brings full Quartz Extreme and CoreImage acceleration on these GPUs. tonymacx86 notes that for those building "hackintosh" systems -- PCs built to run Mac OS X -- using one of these cards won't require hacks or special kernel extensions such as Chameleon's GraphicsEnabler or ATY_init.
"This development raises some interesting questions," writes tonymax86 & MacMan. "Could this mean the end of the Mac-only graphics card? Could Apple...
Lines forming for global roll-out of iPad 2?
Apple said earlier this week that online sales of the iPad 2 would begin at 1 am Friday in 25 new countries, and the second gen tablet has already gone on sale in New Zealand and Australia.
Apparently, those who want to be among the first to get their hands on the iPad 2 have begun to line up across the globe. "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) reports that it has received reports from readers who have witnessed long lines in Australia, Germany, the U.K. and more.
Meanwhile, Apple has shortened estimates for U.S. iPad 2 orders to 3-4 weeks from the earlier 4-5 week period.
Apple wins American Brand Excellence Award
Apple is the winner of the eighth annual American Brand Excellence Awards (http://macte.ch/bOwHu)as the brand that best meets the needs of small to mid-sized businesses. The award is given each year by The Business Journals, a division of Washington Business Journal parent company American City Business Journals.
“Apple has become the premier business brand, and as the leader of the tablet category with the iPad, Apple is redefining how we work,” says Godfrey Phillips, vice president of research for The Business Journals. “Our study found that 9% of business owners currently use an iPad for business.”
More than 250 brands were rates by more than 2,000 small to mid-sized business owners. Criteria included “forward thinking,” “behaves ethically,” and “has a good price for what you get.”
Angry users of Angry Birds file lawsuit against Apple
Another day, another lawsuit. A class-action lawsuit filed last week in California state court is accusing “Angry Birds” of violating users’ privacy. The lawsuit is directed against Apple for allowing “Angry Birds” to collect user information, reports "Westlaw Insider" (http://macte.ch/jxAbI).
Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that Apple doesn't screen apps available in its App Store to prevent them from obtaining private user data. Plaintiffs’ allege that their data is being collected through the app Angry Birds. According to the complaint, a majority of popular apps on Apple’s App Store collect user information without the users’ knowledge or consent, says "Westlaw Insider."
The apps collect information about a user’s gender, age, location (via GPS), which apps he or she uses and for how long, and to what extent he or she uses the app. The tracking is possible because Apple assigns a UDID (Unique Device Identifier) to each iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, and apps can access that number...
Apple on its way to becoming a $200 billion revenue company
Apple can keep posting sales growth of more than 50% in the next two years as a mobile applications boom fuels demand for devices such as the iPad, says Forrester Research CEO George Colony, as reported by "Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/q03v6).
Apple sold almost 15 million iPads in its debut year and more than 90 million iPhones in its four-year lifespan. Demand for the devices has spawned a market for downloadable apps that let users shop, work, play games and handle other tasks on the go, Colony says.
“They’ll be bigger than IBM next year, and they’ll be bigger than HP the year after that,” Colony said, citing Apple’s 52 percent sales growth last year. At current growth rates “they’re going to be a $200 billion revenue company."
App scanner rejected from Mac App Store, now offered for free
Chimp Studios says its iOS developer tool, App Scanner is now free after being rejected by Apple for the Mac App Store.
App Scanner is a utility that mimics Apple's automated review process and picks through an apps internal structure to see if a developer has -- intentionally or not -- used a private application programming interface, an offense that warrants an immediate rejection. Chimp Studios originally intended to deploy App Scanner on the Mac App Store; however, Apple denied it due to legal concerns.
"It is a bit disappointing that in the three years that the iOS software development kit has been available to third party developers, Apple hasn't provided any kind of pre-check tool," says developer Andrew Schenk. Apple recently released Xcode 4 on March 9 to the general public on the Mac App Store for $US4.99, with registered developers receiving a free update. Despite a complete redesign of Xcode it did not feature a private application programming interfacescanner."
The...
Enter the Ninja for Apple ProRes
Atomos (http://www.atomos.com) has unleashed the Ninja, an US$999 portable touchscreen HD recorder, monitor and playback device that captures video direct to Apple ProRes from any camera with an HDMI output onto removable 2 1⁄2 inch hard disks.
Ninja is designed to eliminate the need for capture cards and wasted time logging and capturing by avoiding the lossy, time consuming capture to edit process. It bypasses the image-degrading compression needed to squeeze HD onto in-camera flash storage like P2, SxS, SDHC etc..
The Ninja includes all accessories -- batteries, chargers, disk caddies and a Mac/PC docking station -- in one case. Hidden inside its compact design is a hardware implementation of the Apples ProRes codec.
Ninja sports FireWire 800,USB 2 and 3 and e-SATA interfaces built in. Apple ProRes works natively with Final Cut Pro and on any computer with the ProRes codec installed (including suitably configured PCs).
iOS evidence-based clinical OMT app comes to the Mac
Clinically Relevant Technologies, developers of medical applications for smart phones, says their Orthopedic Manipulative Therapy app suite (http://www.clinicallyrelevant.com/) for mobile devices is now optimized for your desktop via the Mac App Store. The suite costs US$99.99 and can be found in the Medical category.
The applications -- which require Mac OS X 10.6 or higher -- are designed for clinicians, teachers, and students who use manual therapy (OMT) to treat musculosketal problems. They boast nearly 140 techniques and video.
The Evidence Based OMT program provides step-by-step illustration of each procedure and indication, using text, videos and supporting medical journal articles, and links to PUBMed references. Everything is covered, from the extremities to the spine, says Dr. Ben Hando, partner and content developer at Clinically Relevant Technologies.
This Sims game will get Medieval on your Mac
Electronic Arts and TransGaming have released The Sims Medieval for the Mac (http://www.ea.com/the-sims-medieval). It requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or higher and costs US$49.99.
Here's how the game is described: "Set in the Middle Ages, players will find themselves faced with new ways to play with life like never before. As they build up their kingdom, players create Hero Sims in a range of professions including knight, bard, wizard, priest, blacksmith and spy. Playing each Hero Sim is different, as players control the Sim’s professional life as well as take on the varied adventures of the quests. Other new gameplay elements include diplomacy with neighboring territories, and of course medieval punishments.
"The gameplay is framed by quests -- each quest presents a new situation and a fresh opportunity to pick which Hero Sims to control during that adventure. After choosing a quest, players will pick their approach for solving it and choose which Hero Sim will lead the quest. For example...
Boingo releases new Wi-Fi app for Mac, iOS devices
Boingo Wireless (http://www.boingo.com) has released a new version of its Wi-Fi app. The app not only logs customers onto more than 325,000 commercial hotspots around the globe with a single click, it also helps anyone find and connect to hundreds of thousands of free and open Wi-Fi networks worldwide.
The app includes the ability to search for paid or free networks and presents search results on a map. Boingo Wi-Finder is immediately available for Mac and Windows laptops, Android smartphones and iOS devices.
Boingo Wi-Finder is designed to help solve the problem of getting connected to Wi-Fi when there are multiple Wi-Fi signals in one place. Through connection logic, Wi-Finder identifies available networks and automatically connects a user to the best signal. The app’s logic also includes the ability to accept a network’s terms of service on the user’s behalf on a one-time or recurring basis to expedite connections to open networks.
The updated app includes location-mapping...
Graph graphs graphs on Mac OS X, iOS devices
A new, free app for graphing graphics -- appropriately called Graph -- is available from VVI (http://www.vvi.com) for Mac and iOS devices in the Mac App Store and the Apple App Store.
Graph supports several 1D, 2D and 3D graph types including bar, column, pie, line, area, scatter, 3D perspective scatter, trajectory and surface, volumetric, z-sliced cell, user defined maps, linear, semi-log, x-log, log-log, polar, r-log, Gregorian date and many variations. Maps are geographic, schematic, process maps, node graphs, floor plans or any diagram. A map of the United States is included, and users can load an additional 30 maps they construct themselves using the optional Vvidget Builder application.
Thousands of graphic, graph and data attributes -- including customized artwork, autoscaling and many other attributes can be set by using Vvidget Builder -- an optional Mac OS X desktop application, to make a skin document and applying that skin to this Graph application. A few tasks include...
'iPhone Obsessed' is an interactive book
"iPhone Obsessed, Photo Editing Experiments with Apps," just released from Peachpit Press is part how-to and part interactive book. It's filled with coverage of over 47 of the best iPhone photo applications.
Author Dan Marcolina explains his techniques on combining app effects such as blurs and vignettes, high dynamic range, film looks, and painting to turn snapshots into statements. You not only learn some advanced techniques on integrating Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop but also how to think about image taking on the mobile device.
"iPhone Obsessed" has over 125 creative app recipes for the new generation of mobile image makers using the Apple smartphone. Plus, there's a compendium of over 45 of the "most useful and sometimes unexpected photography app recommendations and reviews." Marcolina says it's the first book of its kind to deeply integrate the use of Microsoft tag and the iPhone to enhance and extend the readers experience.
When scanning one of the 75 tags printed in...
Future Media Concepts announces iTraining Bootcam
Future Media Concepts, an authorized digital media training center, has announced iTraining Bootcamp, a range of Apple-authorized courses and exams to be held May 17-24 in Orlando, Florida. This all-things-Apple event includes not only classes but travel, hotel, meals, and social opportunities in a single package.
Designated an elite, Gold Level training center by Apple, Future Media Concepts offers 13 courses at iTraining Bootcamp, including Mac OS X, Apple Pro Apps, Apple Server, Xsan, iOS Apps Development, Final Cut Pro, iLife and iWork®. All courses are intended to lead to Apple certification, which helps professionals distinguish themselves and their organizations in today's competitive marketplace. The complete iTraining Bootcamp schedule is available at http://www.itrainingbootcamp.com/Courses.htm#schedule.
"The significant growth in demand for Apple certification in our training centers has prompted us to combine our 13 Apple courses into a single, concentrated event," says...
FileWave 5 gets updated user interface, more
FileWave (http://www.filewave.com) has introduced version 5 of its software deployment and management suite, with new features and an updated user interface.
FileWave allows you to take granular control of your software deployments, both pre and post-deployment. Version 5 includes iOS Mobile Device Management (MDM) in the same management console used to control Mac and Windows client systems.
It also introduces the Intelligent Downloader, which gives file level control of existing client software without the need to redeploy it. In addition, FileWave 5 adds the capability to remote wipe Mac, PC, and iOS devices, integrates with LDAP directories, manages MCX preferences, deploys iTunes content to sync stations and includes numerous performance increases. Contact the folks at FileWave for pricing options.
ConceptDraw Project can now exchange data with MS Project
CS Odessa says ConceptDraw Project 6.0 now has the ability to import and export Microsoft Project XML files, with the new Project Exchange. Users have increased flexibility on how to exchange project information with all members of the project team.
ConceptDraw Project 6 has the ability to save to a MS Project XML file format so that ConceptDraw Project files can be shared with users of MS Project (2003, 2007, and 2010) as well as any other project management tools that can accurately import MS Project xml file format. This allows users of ConceptDraw Project 6 and ConceptDraw Office 2 (contains ConceptDraw Project 6) to generate project content that can be shared with all team members.Project participants also have the ability to import MS Project files into ConceptDraw Project 6 and ConceptDraw Office 2.
The ability to exchange data between ConceptDraw Office and MS Project is a big plus for project members because they can then use the other project tools that are part of...
Tidy Up! for Mac OS X gets interface tweak, more
Hyberbolic Software (http://www.hyperbolicsoftware.com) has released Tidy Up! 2.3.3, the latest version of their disk, file and folder processing utility for Mac OS X. The new version improves the interface of the search panes of the Basic mode to present a more clean look. It also adds the possibility to automatically report a list of the iTunes and iPhoto missing files.
Tidy Up! can find duplicate files and packages using any criteria. Version 2.3.3 has the ability to create six new smart baskets. The new option is accessible from the File menu and allows for the creation of the smart baskets using the selected folder and file as a filter. There are also bug fixes.
Tidy Up 2.3.3 requires Mac OS X 10.5 ("Leopard") or higher. Upgrades from version 1.x are $20, and upgrades from version 2.x are free.
