AutoDesSys had announced the adoption of a new open standard developed through a collaboration with the developer of Wild Tools for PowerCADD. OpenClip technology is being added to bonzai3d (http://www.bonzai3d.com) and form•Z (http://www.formz.com). It offers a different way to export 2D files into 3D programs other than the conventional means. You can copy and paste, yes, copy and paste, precision vector objects from one program to another. The OpenClip plug-in is free. You can use it if you are on the Mac platform and use PowerCADD 8.0 and either bonzai3d 2.0 or form•Z 6.7. The Mac versions of bonzai3d 2.0 and form•Z 6.7 from AutoDesSys are the first programs to support OpenClip. It handles Paste from OpenClip in the current plane. Copy will be made available in an upcoming version.

Beehive Software (http://www.SendFile.NET) has announced the availability of the Sendfile Secure Https file transfer system as source code. For the first time, users can develop, maintain and deliver completely custom file transfer applications using the secure file transfer source code. The Beehive Sendfile Secure client software is available, in source, as a desktop application for Mac and Windows platforms or as a browser Java client for any platform. The secure https server runs on a variety of Linux distributions and can be ported to other Unix distributions. On-The-Fly streaming compression makes Beehive Sendfile https secure file transfers up to 30 times faster than FTP, according to the folks at Beehive Software. It's used in secure file transfers for printing, prepress, marketing, finance and manufacturing.

RipCode (http://www.ripcode.com/) says its newest product, the TransAct Transcoder V6 can intercept Adobe Flash-based file or live video requests and convert them to a container, video codec, and audio codec accepted by the Apple devices -- all transparently to the end user device and without the need for any pre-transcoding or device-based client. RipCode CEO Brendon Mills says the iPad is poised to further accelerate and expand the mobile video device market just as the iPhone has over the last several years. However, one of its noted shortcomings has been Apple’s lack of support for Flash video playback, given the dominant position of Flash in professionally generated entertainment, sports and news content. HTML5 has been purported to address this dilemma by introducing Apple device applications that are simply "thin clients" communicating back to a web site hosting and subsequently delivering Flash files without a device-based player, but HTML5 isn't yet widely adopted, Mills says...

AT&T (http://www.att.com) has reported strong first-quarter results. The company activated 2.7 million iPhones during the period -- that's 1.1 million more than it did a year ago. For the quarter that ended March 31, AT&T's consolidated revenues totaled US$30.6 billion, up $78 million, or 0.3% versus the year-earlier quarter; operating expenses were $24.6 billion versus $24.8 billion; operating income was $6.0 billion, up from $5.7 billion in the first quarter of 2009; and AT&T's operating income margin was 19.6%, up from 18.8 percent in the year-earlier quarter. First-quarter 2010 net income attributable to AT&T totaled $2.5 billion, or $0.42 per diluted share, reflecting a previously disclosed noncash charge of $995 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, related to recently enacted changes in the tax treatment for the Medicare Part D subsidy. Excluding this charge, first-quarter earnings would have been $3.5 billion, or $0.59 per diluted share. These results compare...

AppRiver (http://www.appriver.com), a provider of e-mail messaging and Web security solutions, has reported results of a performance evaluation using the mobile performance monitoring testing solutions from Compuware Gomez.  The Gomez data showed a link between the AppRiver-Akamai relationship and AppRiver's ability to provide businesses with fast, reliable hosted Microsoft Exchange. In particular, the results demonstrated that AppRiver's Akamai-enabled Hosted Exchange service can improve mobile e-mail performance by up to 50%. Interfering factors like Internet congestion and cell network issues can negatively affect e-mail performance, impacting the demands of today's increasingly mobile workforce. AppRiver is the first Microsoft Exchange hosting provider to embed the Akamai global distribution platform into its secure service. As a result, AppRiver customers receive faster connectivity and more reliable performance from both wireline and wireless business e-mail at no additional...

iWebTemplate (http://www.iwebtemplate.com) has announced five new iWeb iPhone/iPod touch templates for iWeb, Apple's web construction application. The templates are designed for constructing resolution specific web sites to be viewed with iPhone and iPod touch devices. They feature customizable themes and will work equally with other mobile devices. And they're resolution specific. The templates work with Mac OS X 10.4.11 or higher and iWeb 2 and 3 (iLife 08/09). iWeb iPhone templates are available for US$10 each.

Freeridecoding has updated SmartBackup (http://freeridecoding.com/smartbackup), a Mac OS X app for lightweight backups, to version 3.0.1. The upgrade brings German localization and several minor improvements. SmartBackup performs backups to hard drives, network sharepoints, webDAV, USB sticks and iPods. It supports configuration via Spotlight "saved searches," archiving of deleted or changed items, file exclusion, handling of multiple backup sets, one-click restore and automation using iCal, Automator or shellscripts. SmartBackup costs US$25 for a single-user license; site licenses are also available. Version 3.1 is a free update for all users that have purchased a license since Jan. 1, 2009, or an upgrade to version 2.5. For all other users upgrade licenses are available starting at $10.

M-Edge Accessories (http://www.medgestore.com) has announced 13 new covers, stands, and bags designed specifically for Apple’s iPad. They include the: ° Executive Jacket (US$49.99), which includes a wraparound closure strap that acts as a handle as well as a stand; ° Platform Jacket ($49.99), which employs an easel-style stand design that allows for hands-free usability; ° Method Portfolio ($59.99): its Zipper folio includes integrated iPad sleeve, space for pad of paper, and pockets sized for iPhone and additional accessory storage; ° Page Sleeve ($49.99), a lightweight sleeve to house your iPad while not in use; ° Leisure Jacket ($39.99), which utilizes a clear vinyl cover that protects iPad’s screen while still allowing full touch-screen functionality; ° Latitude Jacket ($39.99), which zips closed for outstanding protection and includes pockets for additional accessory storage; ° Touring Sleeve ($29.99): it's made of impact-resistant neoprene, safeguards the iPad against drops; ° ...

SiTouch (http://www.sitouch.com/) has announced the SiTouch Mini wireless keyboard. It's designed specifically for Apple's Front Row, Windows Media Center, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii and many other media driven devices. The Si Touch Mini wireless keyboard is smaller than the average remote control and purportedly has up to 500 to 700 hours of battery life. The touch pad gives the user complete control and even allows scrolling. With wireless, the SiTouch Mini wireless keyboard can used on the other side of the room as the presenter goes through slides and even provides a built in laser pointer. With the ability to fit in any pocket, it can be pulled out and used at any given time. The SiTouch Mini wireless keyboard has “backlit“ keys so you can see what the keys that are on the keyboard, even in the dark. It's available now and costs US$99. However, there's an introductory coupon code for 25% off if you type in SITOUCH25 as the coupon code. Shipping is $3.99 for ground...

Red Giant Software has announced Guru Presets, a new product line that offers access to pre-designed templates and effects presets that work with plug-ins from Red Giant. These presets and templates are ready to go as-is, but can also be modified by the user. Each package offers preset animations, graphical elements, or design templates ready for use in After Effects and film looks that work in the hosts supported by Magic Bullet Looks and Magic Bullet Quick Looks. Guru Presets currently include seven preset packs, with additions planned for the near future. The Guru Presets line includes the following titles: Cassidy Bisher's Text Effects for Trapcode Suite; David Vinson's Particles Vol 1 for Trapcode Particular; David Vinson's Super Rays for Trapcode Shine; Eric Escobar's Indie Looks for Magic Bullet Looks; Harry Frank's Holidays for Trapcode Particular; Harry Frank's Video Rock for Trapcode Particular; and Nando Costa's Elements for Trapcode 3S Bundle. For pricing to to http://...

iKit (http://www.ikit.com) has introduced the iPhone 3GS Flip Case, which offers hands-free video viewing at a cae, desk, or anywhere with a flat surface. It features a protective polycarbonate body, flipstand with a screen protector. The 3GS Flip Case is available in red, blue, grey and white. It costs US$25.

Apple has posted an article (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3743) warning against the jailbreaking of an iPhone. The article is about adverse issues experienced by customers who have made unauthorized modifications to the iPhone OS (this hacking process is often called "jailbreaking"). Apple says that issues that have been encountered include instability, disruption of services, and compromised security. "As designed by Apple, the iPhone OS ensures that the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch operate reliably. Some customers have not understood the risks of installing software that makes unauthorized modifications to the iPhone OS ('jailbreaking') on their iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch," Apple says. "Customers who have installed software that makes these modifications have encountered numerous problems in the operation of their hacked iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch."

During the its fiscal 2010 second quarter that ended March 27, Apple saw its retail store chain increase revenue by 22%. That's up 38% year-over-year. Apple had an average of 284 stores open during the quarter. The stores saw 47 million visitors in the second fiscal quarter of 2010 as compared to 39.1 million in the second fiscal quarter of 2009. The average revenue per store was $5.9 million, compared to $5.5 million in the 2009 quarter. Apple will open 40-50 new retail stores before the end of the year. Half of them will be international stores, with locations including London, Paris and Shanghai. The latter will get two stores, and Apple plans on having 20 retail stores in China by the end of 2011. The retail stores sold approximately 606,000 Macs. And, as always, in talking with analysts about the fiscal results, Apple Chief Financial Officer said that half of those sales are to folks who've never bought a Mac before.

In a press conference regarding its latest quarterly financials, Apple Chief Financial Officer Peter Oppenheimer said that sales of 8.75% of iPhones in the latest fiscal quarter was more than three times the IDC estimate of 41% growth of overall smartphone growth for the period, as estimated by the IDC research group. And the growth has nothing to do with lower pricing? The average selling price of iPhone is still approximately US$600. Oppenheimer also touted the upcoming iPhone OS 4, saying that customers and developers both were excited by the upcoming 100-plus new features. Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook acknowledged the "staggering growth" of the iPhone globally. For example, Apple saw 474% growth in Asia Pacific year-over-year and iPhone revenue up $1.3 billion in China. Cook said that the addition of eight carriers also helped.

On March 30, Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania announced that all students will receive a 13″ MacBook laptop and an iPad. Seton Hill is not the only university embracing the iPad: George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon will offer incoming freshmen a choice of a new MacBook or the iPad. Last fall, Princeton University conducted a pilot program, giving Amazon Kindles to 50 students. Early feedback indicated that many “were dissatisfied and uncomfortable with the devices.” Complaints centered around the inability of the device to function in many of the same ways that students interact with textbooks, including bookmarking pages, highlighting text, affixing sticky notes or other marks. Many of these same complaints would certainly apply to Apple’s iPad. So, why is Seton Hill giving iPads to incoming students? According to the university, it is “training students of all learning styles and abilities to be better researchers, better at compiling and organizing data, and...

Ca-ching! Apple has announced financial results for its fiscal 2010 second quarter that ended March 27, 2010. The company posted revenue of US$13.50 billion and net quarterly profit of $3.07 billion, or $3.33 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $9.08 billion and net quarterly profit of $1.62 billion, or $1.79 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 41.7 percent, up from 39.9 % in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 58% of the quarter’s revenue. Apple sold 2.94 million Macs during the quarter, representing a 33% unit increase over the year-ago quarter. The company sold 8.75 million iPhones in the quarter, representing 131% unit growth over the year-ago quarter. Apple sold 10.89 million iPods during the quarter, representing a 1% unit decline from the year-ago quarter. “We’re thrilled to report our best non-holiday quarter ever, with revenues up 49 percent and profits up 90 percent,” says Apple CEO Steve Job. “We’ve launched...

On Wednesday the California State Senate's health committee will review a bill that, if passed, will make California the first state in the nation to create a live donor registry for kidney transplants. The bill will also require California drivers to decide whether they want to be organ donors when they renew their drivers' licenses. Despite California State Senate Bill 1395's near universal support, the ideas behind the bill had languished for years on the desk of Senator Elaine Alquist, according to the "SAI Business Insider" (http://www.businessinsider.com/how-steve-jobs-got-sick-2010-04?utm_sourc...). The article says 'The bill exists today -- and the law will, in all likelihood, exist in the future -- thanks to Steve Jobs's illness last year and the huge, expensive effort it took for him to find a liver donor." At a dinner in December Jobs sat next to Maria Shriver, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's wife, the whole story of his liver transplant, according to "SAI...

Native Instruments (http://www.native-instruments.com) has released Maschine 1.5, a free update of its computer-based music production system. The upgrade has more classic drum machine features, improved host integration, new sampling functions, an extended sound library, and a more efficient workflow. Maschine 1.5 introduces two new "vintage sampler" modes designed to emulate the gritty sonic signatures of the popular MPC-60 and SP-1200 models through omponent modeling. The 1.5 version also loads the programs of nearly all MPC models ever built, opening up a vast resource of existing sound and sample material within Maschine. Maschine 1.5 also enables a new level of DAW integration with host automation through new macro controls, MIDI pattern drag and drop export, direct DAW recording of Maschine events, MIDI pitch bend and CC support, and more. The real-time sampling features of Maschine benefit from extended slicing and mapping options. The 1.5 version also introduces a full...

Monkeybread Software has released version 1.2 of the MBS REALbasic Updater Kit, which is designed to help you in adding an automatic update feature to your application. Version 1.2 fixes a few bugs and improves the language handling. The Updater Kit requires REALbasic 2008 or newer and a license of the MBS REALbasic Complete License. It's available for US$99. You can learn more and try the sample application at http://www.monkeybreadsoftware.de/realbasic/UpdaterKit/ .

Remo Software has announced a series of data recovery software tools (http://recovermac.remosoftware.com) for the Mac. Remo Recover (Mac) is an exclusively designed application with all-round poise of simplified recovery tasks and sophisticated recovery technology, according to the company. 
It's available in two different editions, Remo Recover (Mac) - Pro Edition & Remo Recover (Mac) Media Edition. The former provides a dual mode of recovery tasks, including photo recovery. Remo Recover - (Media Edition) is designed for regular users and for advanced photographers to recover photos, videos, music and RAW image files from portable storage devices and hard drives. The Advanced mode offers scan options to accomplish tasks such as deleted/lost file recovery, formatted/lost volume recovery, from storage devices having healthy or corrupt HFS or HFSX file system. The Pro Edition costs US$179. The Media Edition is $69. They require Mac OS X 10.4.11 or higher.

Best Buy has set a target to collect one billion pounds of old or obsolete electronics and appliances for recycling. Starting April 22, the company is asking consumers nationwide to pledge online to “Recycle It On,” encouraging increased use of its comprehensive, convenient recycling and trade-in programs. The one billion pound goal is a significant increase over current levels and is intended to help increase responsible consumer action and capture a greater share of the current electronics waste stream, says Paula Prahl, senior vice president, communications, public affairs, and corporate responsibility, Best Buy. She says the company's recycling programs collected 120 million pounds of electronic goods in 2009 from U.S. consumers, including 60 million pounds of electronics and 60 million pounds of appliances. The company anticipates meeting the new goal in several years. Starting Earth Day, April 22, consumers can take the pledge to recycle, and encourage others to do the same....

Yesterday the 'Net was abuzz with reports that Apple would ship its 3G enabled iPad on May 7. Wrong. Today Apple announced that the Wi-Fi + 3G models of the device will be delivered to US customers who’ve pre-ordered on Friday, April 30, and will be available in Apple retail stores the same day starting at 5 p.m. Apple retail stores will offer a free Personal Setup service to every customer who buys an iPad at the store, helping them customize their new iPad by setting up their email, loading their favorite apps from the App Store, and more. US Apple retail stores are also hosting special iPad workshops to help customers learn more about this magical new product. The iPad is available in Wi-Fi models in the US for a suggested retail price of US$499 for 16GB, $599 for 32GB and $699 for 64GB models. The Wi-Fi + 3G models will be available on April 30 in the US for $629 for 16GB, $729 for 32GB and $829 for 64GB versions. The iPad is sold in the US through the Apple Store (http://www....

Dekorra has updated EasyDraw (http://www.eazydraw.com/whatsNew.htm), its vector drawing app for Mac OS X, to version 3.4.1 The new version adds support for the required page size for iPad development. It provides proper drawing size support for the main icon, Apple App Store icon, small icon and launch screens for the iPad and iPhone. EasyDraw 3.4.1 also provides a few new features and minor bug fixes for the recently released version 3.4.0, which introduced SVG support. Version 3.4.1 requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher. It's Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. EasyDraw 3.4.1 is a free upgrade for licensed owners of EazyDraw version 3.x license and a US$35 upgrade for owners of EazyDraw version 2.x. For new users the cost is $95 for the downloadable version.

Hamrick Software has released Vuescan 8.6.26, a new version of the VueScan software for Mac OS X that's designed to let users produce better digital images from color snapshots, negatives, slides and documents. The new version adds more info to Release Notes for each scanner and fixes some bugs. The Standard Edition of VueScan costs US$59.95 and the Professional Edition is $79.95 for a single user license. Multi-user licenses are available. A fully functional, trial copy of VueScan is available for download from the Hamrick web site (http://www.hamrick.com).