iPhone OS 4 to include multitasking, folders, Game Center
Apple unveiled iPhone OS 4 software at a special event at its Cupertino, California -- and released a beta version of the software to iPhone Developer Program members. And, yes, it will include multitasking. Sweet.
The iPhone OS 4 beta release includes an updated Software Development Kit (SDK) with over 1,500 new Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and over 100 new features that will be available to iPhone and iPod touch users this summer, according to Apple. At today's event, Apple CEO Steve Jobs said new features include multitasking for third party apps; Folders to better organize and access apps; improved Mail with a unified inbox, fast inbox switching and threaded messages; enhanced Enterprise support with even better data protection, mobile device management, wireless app distribution and more; Apple’s new iAd mobile advertising platform; and iBooks, the ebook reader and online bookstore recently debuted on the iPad.
iPhone OS 4’s new multitasking offers users a way to...
Emtrace extends Moxier Wallet app to Mac OS X
Emtrace Technologies, a smartphone solutions developer, has released Moxier Wallet for Mac computers. Available as a "freemium" download at http://www.moxier.com, Moxier Wallet is a password manager and personal information vault for the Mac, Windows systems, iPhones and iPod touches.
It boasts encryption technology, and automatic multi-platform synchronization capabilities. Moxier Wallet is a self-contained, master password protected software application that stores personal data in an encrypted database. No information is stored in the computer’s temporary files, and there are no confusing forms to fill out or complicated steps to follow to get started.
Consumers use one of the templates provided to fill out web log-in information or other frequently used data. Moxier Wallet includes a popup window that stays open on top of browsers or other applications so users can: copy and paste stored data to access web sites; copy and paste credit card data to make web purchases; or access...
Analyst: 300,000 iPads sold on launch date just not good enough
Jonathan Yarmis, senior analyst at Ovum, a research consultancy that's part of Datamonitor Group, says that sales of 300,000 iPads on the first day of the device's launch just isn't good enough.
"The first troubling sign is the fact that you can still get an iPad today," he said in a research note -- as noted by "InformationWeek" (http://www.informationweek.com/news/security/management/showArticle.jhtm...). "They didn't sell out."
He says that Jobs & Company have, in the past effectively managed inventory to create shortages. Such lack of availability supports the perception that a product is in high demand and presumably stokes the desire of potential buyers, says "InformationWeek"
Yarmis attributes the lackluster launch in part to disinterest in iPad apps. He also thinks that the
Softpress offers Easy Web Animator prom for new, existing users
Softpress Systems says all new purchases of Freeway 5 Pro will include the alternative of a free copy of Easy Web Animator when purchased directly from the Softpress Store, or on a rebate basis from the Apple store.
Freeway is a web site creation tool. Easy Web Animator offers a Flash/QuickTime animator for creating banner ads, animated introductions, photo galleries and other visually rich interactive content.
New purchasers of Freeway Pro can choose from bundles including a free copy of either Easy Web Animator, Intaglio or PDFpen at US$249. Freeway 5 Pro and Freeway 5 Express are available for purchase and immediate electronic delivery directly from the Softpress Store. Existing Freeway users can purchase Easy Web Animator for t $25. For more pricing details (including student, senior and non-profit discounts) go to http://www.softpress.com/products/companion/easy-web-animator/ .
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty to soar in two editions
Blizzard Entertainment (http://www.blizzard.com) says its real-time strategy game, StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, will be available both in a standard edition and in a limited-release Collector's Edition packed with exclusive bonus materials.
Players who purchase either edition will be able to play online for no additional fee through the new version of Battle.net, an online gaming destination for Blizzard Entertainment gamers. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty will be available on DVD-ROM for Mac OS X and Windows (XP/Vista/7).
The standard edition will sell for a suggested retail price of US$59.99 and will also be available shortly after release as a download through the online Blizzard Store. The special Collector’s Edition package, which is priced at $99.99 and will only be available at retail stores, will include bonus items in addition to the game disc.
WiLAN sues Apple, others for patent infringement (again)
Another day, another lawsuit. Wi-LAN (http://www.wilan.com), a technology innovation and licensing company, has commenced litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (the lawsuit capital of the world, it seems), against Apple and several other companies for patent infringement.
In its filing, WiLAN claims that these companies have infringed and continue to infringe WiLAN’s U.S. Patent No. 5,515,369 by making and/or selling various products enabled with Bluetooth technology including cellular handsets and personal notebook computers. WiLAN will be represented in this action by McKool Smith.
Also included in the lawsuit are Acer, Atheros, Belkin, Broadcom, Dell, D-Link, Gateway, HP, Intel, Lenova, LG Electronics, Marvell Semiconductor, Motorola, Personal Communications Devices, Sony, Texas Instruments, Toshiba and UTStarcom. What? Not Microsoft? Why not simply sue the whole tech industry?
In 2007, Wi-LAN filed a similar lawsuit against 22 technology companies...
'Get a Mac' ads may be concluding
Justin Long, the "Mac" in the popular, award-winning "Get a Mac" ads, tells the AV Club (http://www.avclub.com/articles/justin-long,39870/) that it may be time to move on from the long-running series of advertisements.
"You know, I think they might be done," he says. "In fact, I heard from John, I think they’re going to move on. I can’t say definitively, which is sad, because not only am I going to miss doing them, but also working with John [John Hodgeman, who plays the "PC"]. I’ve become very close with him, and he’s one of my dearest, greatest friends. It was so much fun to go do that job, because there’s not a lot to it for me. A lot of it is just keeping myself entertained between takes, and there’s no one I’d rather do it with than John."
Public beta of PluralEyes 1.2 for Final Cut Pro available
Singular Software, developer of automation applications for post-production, is offering a beta version (http://www.singularsoftware.com/downloads.html) of the next release (1.2) of its flagship product PluralEyes for Final Cut Pro.
The new version will include improved workflow for dual-system audio, clock drift correction, increased synchronization control, broader coverage of media types and customer-requested enhancements. It does not overwrite the previously installed PluralEyes 1.1, and can run alongside that version. Just remember that beta software is unfinished software, so use with care.
Designed for time-conscious video professionals, PluralEyes offers workflow automation tools for analyzing media content and synchronizing audio and video clips, including DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera images. The new PluralEyes plug-in for Vegas Pro provides an array of features for managing multi-camera, multi-take, and dual-system audio productions; including a level audio...
SmartSound to debut customizable music with vocals at NAB 2010
SmartSound Software (http://www.smartsound.com), which makes customizable, royalty-free music, will be releasing the latest in library music on April 12 at the NAB 2010 Show in Las Vegas. The Voxation Series will feature lyric-based vocal music from bands and musicians in a SmartSound format that automatically edits length, arrangement and mix at the hands of any video or audio editor.
Each song on these albums is delivered with the instrument tracks and vocals on separate layers. With the customization control in SmartSound’s Sonicfire Pro software, video editors can now manipulate these songs to make the instruments and vocals automatically fit to the changes in the video.
The first album in the Voxation Series features the tunes and lyrics of singer/songwriter Brady Harris. The second album features the Indie Pop/Rock band, Steep, from Germany. SmartSound is working with a growing number of bands and musicians to keep the Voxation Series growing.
Albums in the Voxation Series...
Publicspace.net wants you to take your Vitamin (R 0.7) for Mac...
Publicspace.net has announced version 0.7 of Vitamin-R (http://www.publicspace.net/Vitamin-R/index.html) its productivity tool for creative professionals. The new release makes many improvements and refinements ahead of the upcoming 1.0 release.
Vitamin-R is a collection of tools and techniques designed for managing attention and maintaining motivation. It purportedly complements the task capturing and organizing features of modern to-do list managers by forcing you to concentrate fully on one task a time and keeping distractions at bay. Vitamin-R breaks down large tasks into a series of short "time slices" of between 10 and 30 minutes.
It requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher and costs US$14.95. Family, business and enterprise licensing is also available. Customers may chose to include a "forever upgrade" with their purchase.
Digieffects to launch three products at NAB
Digieffects (http://www.digieffects.com) will launch three new products next week: FreeForm 3D Mesh Warp, FreeForm 3D Displacer, and Damage 2.0. Attendees at the NAB Show in Las Vegas from April 12-15, can stop by the Plugin Pavilion, booth SL4228 to meet with representatives from Digieffects.
All new plugins, as well as Camera Mapper, Falloff Lighting and Aged Film will support native 64-bit applications. New products include:
° FreeForm 3D Mesh Warp: developed by Mettle Communications and available for US$99, Digieffects FreeForm 3D Mesh Warp adds a third dimension to the built-in After Effects mesh warp tool. Users can select how many rows and columns to divide the image into, then manipulate the control tangents to create cylinders, curves, ribbons, folding cards, and an infinite amount of three dimensional shapes.
° FreeForm 3D Displacer: developed by Mettle Communications and available for $99, Digieffects FreeForm 3D Displacer brings true three dimensional displacement...
iPad development course, tutorials offered at EDUmobile
EDUmobile has extended its iPhone Programming Course to include iPad development topics. The new iPad training module will be provided to all candidates of the iPhone Course at no additional cost.
The module will cover a range of topics to help developers understand key differentiators and unique aspects of iPad development as compared to iPhone development. Developers can learn how to create an iPad application from scratch on the iPad SDK (software developer kit) and more.
Developers can learn how to create an iPad application from scratch on the iPad SDK and learn how to use the concepts from iPhone to program for the iPad. They can get a birds-eye-view on the basic similarities between the two devices and the relative differences between them. Developers can also see how to make their Apps compatible so they run across the iPhone, iPod touch and the iPad. For details, including pricing, go to http://edumobile.org/ipad-course.html .
Tension Software announces TS Calc 1.1.3
Tension Software has updated TS Calc (http://www.pomola.com/products_tscalc/tscalc.html), a Mac OS X app for solving mathematical models applied to technical problems of various types, to version 1.1.3. It's a maintenance release that fixes some bugs.
TS Calc is a document based application and its documents can be realized and used as calculation models for a specific mathematical technical problems. These documents can also be distributed as pre-made solutions for various type of technical problems with all the requested equations inside and all the variables pre-inserted with acceptable range already set.
A TS Calc document contains a series of equations and a list of variables and constants used by the equations. The user can insert different input and see the output generated by the TS Calc document using the equations solving the problem.
TS Calc includes a calculation engine entirely developed and coded internally by Tension Software in C and Objective-C, able to solve...
iPhone/iPod/iPad apps for April 7
Here are the latest iPhone/iPod touch/iPod/iPad apps announced. You can find 'em at the Apple App Store (http://www.itunes.com/appstore/).
SmarterTools says the SmarterMail mail server can provide iPad users complete push services for email, contacts, and calendars. The Exchange ActiveSync protocol that SmarterTools licensed from Microsoft in 2009 is the key component in providing this integration. The SmarterMail app is available at the SmarterTools web site (http://www.smartertools.com).
Lonely Planet, a travel content provider, has announced that its 1000 Ultimate Experiences App for iPad is now available for US$9.99. The 1000 Ultimate Experiences App allows iPad users to experience Lonely Planet’s top 1000 recommended experiences through images, captivating video and insights from its leading travel authors.
Fashion label Calesco has released Calesco Couture 1.0, a free app for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad devices. It covers Calesco's current collection on bridal, prom and...
EditShare unveils storage series, new XStream version
EditShare (http://www.editshare.com), maker of cross-platform collaborative editing and shared media storage systems, has announced the the availability of version 6.0 of its Storage Series and XStream shared storage solutions.
Part of EditShare's Complete Collaboration product line, the shared storage solutions offer project and media sharing for Final Cut Pro and Avid editors. EditShare's user management tools are designed specifically for post and broadcast workflows. The 6.0 release boasts performance and workflow enhancements, including simplified media management, optimizations for DPX workflows, and support for dual port 10-Gigabit Ethernet cards, according to Andy Liebman, founder and CEO, EditShare. He says highlights of the new Storage Series and XStream Version 6.0 release include:
° With Version 6.0, users can enable DPX optimizations on a per-Media Space basis, and choose specific optimizations for HD-DPX or 2K-DPX workflows.
° Version 6.0 allows for the definition of...
Agenda set for Ninth Annual FCPUG Las Vegas SuperMeet
The agenda has now been set for the Ninth Annual Las Vegas SuperMeet to take place on Tuesday, April 13, in the Amazon Ballroom at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.
Doors open at 4 pm and presentations begin at 7 pm and continue until 11 pm. Tickets are on sale online for US$15 each, (plus a $1.36 ticket fee) and $10 for students with a valid ID or $20 at the door. Scheduled to appear on stage (and this is subject to change) will be:
° Canon: Alex Buono, 10-year director of photography for NBC's Saturday Night Live Film Unit, kicks off the SuperMeet with a real-world perspective and a bit of humor on shooting for broadcast for the weekly live comedy series with Canon EOS DSLR cameras. He'll be joined by Paul McAniff of Canon, who will introduce the new XF305 and XF300 professional HD camcorders.
° Adobe: Jason Levine, Adobe worldwide product evangelist, will highlight several new features that will be useful for the Final Cut Pro editor (including Round tripping to/from FCP...
Scosche announces iPad accessories
Scosche (http://scosche.com) has announced two new additions to its iPad accessory line: reVIVE II Dual USB Chargers for home and car. Each of the two reVIVE II chargers features a 2.1 Amp (iPad) and 1 Amp (iPhone or any other USB powered devices) port so iPad users can power their new iPad and another handheld device imultaneously from one wall outlet or car power port.
Should users confuse the two USB ports the iPad will charge slower in the 1A port and other devices will simply charge at the same rate in the 2.1A port. No devices would be damaged by mistakenly plugging the wrong device into the wrong port and the ports are clearly labeled to help avoid any confusion, says Kas Alves, executive vice president of Scosche Industries.
The reVIVE II chargers will retail for US$24.99 (car) and $29.99 (home) and are available now for pre-order. They'll ship in late spring.
The two chargers join the kickBACK P1 for iPad, which will be available for preorder on Scosche.com for $44.99 and...
RE:Vision Effects announces After Effects CS5 support, more
RE:Vision Effects (http://www.revisionfx.com) says it will demo its next generation of plug-ins for Adobe After Effects at NAB 2010, in booth SL4130. The new versions will contain 64-bit support for the soon-to-be-released Adobe After Effects CS5.
The products will also have major optimizations for After Effects 7.0 and later, and other supported After Effects-compatible host applications, so users who will not be using Adobe After Effects CS5 will have a good reason to upgrade, according to the folks at RE:Vision Effects.
Customers who purchase an After Effects-compatible product today will received the new upgraded version for free when it's released. This offer will be good until the new versions are released. Upgrade pricing will be announced when the products are released.
Apple's year-end net cash pile expected to be around $48...
Apple is expected to have an end-of-the-year net cash pile of around US$48 billion, according to Macquarie analysts. Macquarie (http://www.macquarie.com/us/index.htm) is a global provider of banking, financial, advisory, investment and funds management services.
What's more, Macquarie analysts expect the company to have around $75 billion in net cash by the end of 2012. Sounds good, right? However, "The Wall Street Journal says it's an "enviable, but difficult, position."
"The problem here is that that the forecast year-end net cash figure is around the same size as the current equity base–and 14 times the net PP&E–so it’s very hard in practice for Apple to put all its cash to work internally," the "Journal" says. You can read their analysis at http://blogs.wsj.com/source/2010/04/07/eating-into-apples-cash-pile/?mod... .
iPad now second most popular mobile Wi-Fi device in Boingo...
Boingo Wireless (http://www.boingo.com), a WiFi provider, says the iPad is now the second most popular non-laptop device connecting to its WiFi networks, displacing Android devices and more than doubling the daily number of visits for the previous second place device.
“It’s stunning how quickly the iPad has established itself as a force in Wi-Fi,” says Dave Hagan, president and CEO of Boingo Wireless. “After four days in market, it is already being more widely used than other Wi-Fi enabled mobile devices that have moved millions of units.”
The iPhone is still the indisputable king of mobile devices, representing nearly 90% of all non-laptop connections in Boingo’s airports. The iPad registered 5.4% of all device connections, while Android tallied 2.5%. Blackberry phones and iPod Touch MP3 players accounted for less than 2% each of total visits. Windows Mobile was less than 1%.
This data represents all Wi-Fi enabled non-laptop devices in Boingo’s managed network, which includes 58...
SOHO Notes for Mac OS X adds Find Duplicates feature, more
Chronos has released SOHO Notes 8.3, an update to its note manager for Mac OS X. The key attraction of version 8.3 is a Find Duplicates feature that assists users in finding and dealing with duplicate notes, folders, folder icons, form definitions, and colors.
Users can preview the duplicate items and then choose to delete or merge the duplicates, according to Robert McCullough, vice president of Development at Chronos. He adds that SOHO Notes 8.3 also includes 25-plus improvements including: the ability to create smart folder hierarchies; performance and memory improvements; and nine NoteLife syncing improvements and fixes.
A fully functional 30 day trial version can be downloaded from Chronos' web site (http://www.chronosnet.com). It costs US$39.99 for new users, and a family pack is available for $69.99.
SOHO Notes 8.3 is a freeupdate for registered SOHO Notes 8.x users. Registered owners of SOHO Notes 5.x to 7.x can upgrade to version 8.x for $25. SOHO Notes requires Mac OS X v10...
Marware ships the Eco-Flip for the iPad
Marware is shipping the Eco-Flip for iPad (http://www.marware.com/products/iPad/Eco-Flip-for-iPad). It's an eco-leather flip case designed to deliver three solutions in one. A hand strap design allows you to fold back the cover and grip the device during usage.
Also, the Eco-Flip folds open at the top, and the lid can be used as a stand. The elastic strap keeps the case closed while the fold over tab inside helps keep the iPad from slipping out. A foldaway display stand is designed for lower-angled typing or viewing. The Eco-Flip is available in black eco-leather and, for a limited time, is on sale for US$44.99.
Macgamestore.com releases Jewel Quest 4: Heritage for the Mac
Macgamestore.com has released Jewel Quest 4: Heritage (http://www.macgamestore.com/detail.php?ProductID=1442 ) for Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later. Developed and published by iWin, the game is the fourth game in the match-3 series of games. The game costs US$19.95, but a free 60-minute trial version is available for download
Here's how Jewel Quest 4 is described: "Solve over 175 Jewel Quest Heritage boards and one puzzling family mystery on a topsy-turvy quest through Europe's ancient hot spots. Hit the trail with Rupert on a journey through the shrines and castles of Hernan Cortes' lore. Swap jewels and collect puzzle pieces to unravel a perplexing web of Jewel Quest family history. With over 175 new Jewel Quest Heritage boards, including 3 jewel-swapping modes, new surprises await in every level."
The game features 35 world scenes, over 175 unique Jewel Quest boards, three modes of play in Jewel Quest Heritage, puzzle pieces and a family tree, and more.
Nuo Tech launches eco, checkpoint friendly line of iPad sleeves
Nuo Tech has launched its eco-friendly line of totes, sleeves (including ones for the iPad) and messenger bags that ease airline travel and protect netbooks, laptops and other mobile gadgets.
The complete collection includes Nuo-branded messenger bags and sleeves, as well as a fashion line designed by Kailo Chic that includes smartphone pouches, netbook and laptop sleeves, messengers and totes. Cases start at US$19.99 and all Nuo and Kailo Chic products purchased at shopnuo.com the week of Earth Day (April 19-26) will receive a 20% discount in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Earth Day.
The folks at Nuo Tech says their environmentally-friendly collection is constructed of eco-friendly materials such as water and vegetable-based dyed cotton/canvas and synthetic leather materials. The materials don't contain harmful AZO dyes or PVC and are RoHS compliant (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), they add
.
The checkpoint friendly design of the 10 inch sleeves allows your iPad,...
FileMaker 11 Database Training Series and Certification Testing...
FileMaker Inc. (http://www.filemaker.com), a wholly owned subsidiary of Apple, has announced the availability of the FileMaker Training Series for FileMaker 11, a self-paced learning program to help intermediate to advanced database users and developers master the essentials of the software.
The FileMaker Training Series is a resource to help prepare for the FileMaker 11 Certification examination, also available today. The training is designed to benefit anyone from consultants and in-house corporate developers to independent developers and professionals running their own business.
Consisting of 12 modules, the FileMaker Training Series contains detailed, step-by-step instructions on key FileMaker development topics. The materials include a 700+ page manual and a DVD with demo files, exercises and videos to help guide users through the content. Modules in the series cover a range of information from introductory concepts such as working with fields and layouts to more advanced topics...
'Your Mac Life' goes hands-on with the iPad
On this week's "Your Mac Life," the YML gang talks iPads with two special guests: Ian Schray, newly minted marketing guy at GadgetTrak, and Bill Reynolds, owner of Audio/Video Awakenings.
They discuss not only their personal plans for their iPads but how both will integrate them into their businesses.
You can listen in this and every Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 8 pm (Pacific). Live video is on Your Mac Life! You can watch the show live at http://yml.macosg.com/ -- or you can listen in to the plain old audio feed at http://www.yourmaclifeshow.com/QT/stream.mov .
You can join one of the two Chat Rooms that run during the live show -- on the live video site or on the dedicated IRC Server at irc.chat-solutions.org in the #yourmaclife Channel .
Analyst: Apple sold 7.5 million iPhones in first three months of...
USB analyst Maynard Um told clients today in a note that Apple sold 7.5 million iPhones in the first three months of 2010, according to a recent Q-Series survey.
The study also found that Apple leads the smartphone industry in both mindshare and retention rate. Fifty-six percent of respondents in the Q-Series survey think Apple is the best smartphone manufacturer. According to "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) the implied retention rate among a sample of 310 users is 95 percent. As Um notes, that's well beyond anything else seen ever in the industry.
What's more, 90% of iPhone owners think that Apple is the best handset maker on the market, the analyst adds. When it comes to the iPad, Um is forecasting that Apple will ship 2.1 million in its 2010 fiscal year and 4.6 million in fiscal year 2011.
iSuppli: iPad components cost about $260
The iSuppli research group (http://www.isuppli.com) says the iPad costs Apple about US$259.60 to build, reports "BusinessWeek" (http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/apr2010/tc2010046_788280.htm?).
Materials for the Apple device include a touchscreen display that costs $95 and a $26.80 processor designed by Apple and manufactured by Samsung Electronics, according to iSuppli. The research group's analysis means that the components of the lowest-priced iPad, which includes 16GB of memory, constitute 52% of its $499 retail price, on par with other Apple products including the iPhone 3GS.
A mid-priced 32 GB version of the iPad that sells for $599 contains $289.10 worth of materials. A high-end 64 GB version, which retails for $699, contains components that cost $348.10, according to iSuppli. Much of the iPad's component costs went toward making the device appealing to use, says iSuppli principal analyst Andrew Rassweiler.
Datamation Systems announces security cart for iPads
Datamation Systems (http://pc-security.com/) has released the DS-Netvault-IP, a security cart and storage solution for the iPad. It secures, stores and recharges as many as 40 of the Apple devices.
The DS-Netvault-IP will also work with ebook readers, such as the Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, and Sony Reader, as well as many tablet PCs. It boasts a three-point locking system and is equipped with ample outlets for recharging batteries and powering peripherals.
The DS-Netvault-IP is also equipped with innovative wire management features, medical grade wheels and adjustable dividers. The interior can be reconfigured to accommodate changing technologies. Contact Datamation Systems for pricing.
STM Micro introduces micro iPad bag
STM Bags (http://www.stmbags.com) has announced the US$44.95 micro iPad bag for, as you might guess, the Apple iPad. It sports tuck away handles and is designed to protect the new Apple device from scratches and external abuse.
A front flap pocket stows your cords, keys and other sundries. Adjustable and removable shoulder strap also included.
Zevrix update improves export of InDesign documents to INX file...
Zevrix Solutions (http://www.zevrix.com) has announced BatchOutput 3.6.6, a maintenance update to its professional solution to automate printing and exporting to various formats from Adobe InDesign. The new version improves export of InDesign documents to INX file format.
BatchOutput automates InDesign output workflow of printers, ad agencies, service providers and publishing houses. With the software, users can select the files to output and adjust the settings, instead of opening and printing each document manually. For example, BatchOutput can be left to output hundreds of InDesign files overnight, and the completed job can be picked up next morning.
BatchOutput also allows users to output InDesign documents as single pages, update links automatically, and output files invisibly for the user. The software automatically composes complex variable file names. Because BatchOutput can run in the background, it allows users to keep working with other programs during processing....
zCover ships Dock-in-Case silicone bumper for the iPad
zCover (http://www.zcover.com) is shipping its gloveOne silicone protection case for the iPad. The case features a Dock-in-Case "smart design" that allows the iPad to be docked into Apple original iPad Dock while it's still in the zCover case.
The gloveOne is a form-fitting, contour design with an ergonomic engineering concept. According to the folks at zCover, side finger grips are comfortable to use and the space between finger grips and the back open formed an airflow cooling system.
Besides full access to all control functions, ambient light sensor, and die-cut open for speakers, microphone, and headphone jack, the case has an integrated flip cover protecting Apple Dock Connecter Port. The gloveOne retails for US$39.99.
VirusBarrier X6 for Mac OS X gets iPad compatibility
Intego (http://www.intego.com), the Macintosh security specialist, has released release of VirusBarrier X6 10.6.5, a free (to registered users) maintenance version its antivirus and anti- malware software for Mac OS X. It now scans iPads for malware and malicious files.
In addition to iPad compatibility, VirusBarrier X6 adds the following features:
° A new option allows users to submit URLs that are flagged as web threats or phishing sites to Intego for analysis;
° A contextual menu in the log allows users to add sites flagged as web threats or phishing sites to the Trusted Sites list;
° A button in the web threat and phishing alerts allows users to add sites to the Trusted Sites list;
° A button in the behavioral analysis alert allows users to trust an application;
° An "Always require a password to access the interface" checkbox has been added to the advanced preferences;
° A new advanced scan option allows users to skip Boot Camp volumes during malware scans.
VirusBarrier X6...
Taco HTML Edit for Mac OS X gets tweaked interface
Taco Software has released Taco HTML Edit 2.6 (http://tacosw.com/), the latest edition of its HTML and PHP editor. The upgrade includes a revamped interface for Code Clips, which provide a way to access frequently used text segments.
The Component Library, introduced in version 2.5, has also received user interface enhancements and the addition of two new components. There are other tweaks, as well.
Taco HTML Edit costs US$24.95 per license, and can be downloaded from Taco Software's web site. Taco HTML Edit requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later. A free, 30-day trial is available.
Better Finder Rename for Mac OS X updated to version 8.5.6
Publicspace.net (http://www.publicspace.net/) has released A Better Finder Rename 8.5.6, an update of the renaming solution for the Mac. The new release adds the ability to use a random sort in conjunction with the numeric, alphabetical and roman numeral sequence features of the tool. This is primarily useful in the creation of slideshows.
A Better Finder Rename costs US$19.95. Business, family and enterprise licensing is also available. Customers may chose to include a "forever upgrade" with their purchase.
Singular Software announces DualEyes
Singular Software, developer of automation applications for post-production, has announced DualEyes, an audio replacement for DSLR and other video.
Designed as a standalone application for the automatic synchronization of video and audio clips for dual-system audio, DualEyes can be used with any video editing software for post-production results. It's powered by the same technology as the PluralEyes product, but is streamlined for the task of replacing in-camera scratch audio with separately recorded high-quality audio, says Singular CeO Bruce Sharpe.
The DualEyes app can automatically sync video clips to an audio recording. Users record audio on a separate recorder while recording video. DualEyes synchronizes and cuts up the audio to automatically match each video clip in both start time and duration. With DualEyes' technology, all original media files are kept intact and new media files are created for flexibility.
The video and new audio clips are imported into a video editor...
VolnaTech releases NimbleKit SDK for iPhone, iPad
VolnaTech has released NimbleKit SDK (http://nimblekit.com), an update to their software development kit thath adds full iPad support. NimbleKit allows to develop iPhone and iPad applications using just HTML and Javascript.
According to the folks at VolnaTech, there's no need to spend time learning how to use complicated tools. Just start development from a template and immediately HTML file available for modification or to launch your app in simulator.
The NimbleKit SDK requires Mac OS X 10.5.5 or higher and iPhone SDK 3.0 or higher. It's available for US$99. A trial version is full featured but apps created unregistered can run only on iPhone or iPad simulator (part of iPhone SDK).
Tom Bihn introduces new iPad travel bag
Tom Bihn (http://www.tombihn.com) has introduced the Co-Pilot travel bag, which is sized specifically for travel essentials, including your iPad. It's available for pre-order for US$110 and will ship in mid-June.
The Co-Pilot is a small, carry-on sized travel bag sized to fit the essentials.The iPad will fit in its Apple case or in its Apple case within the Tom Bihn cache for iPad sleeve inside of the main compartment of the Co-Pilot.
The travel bag is made of 1050d U.S. ballistic nylon and Japanese Dyneema/nylon rip-stop fabric. It has YKK splash-proof zippers, and ultrasuede-lined iPhone pocket and includes a shoulder strap.
AMD launches FirePro graphics solutions
AMD (http://www.amd.com) has launched the first of a new family of ATI FirePro professional graphics solutions with ATI Eyefinity technology. No word on if or when they'll come to the Mac Pro.
The ATI FirePro V8800 is "the industry’s most powerful professional graphics card ever created2 and the only professional graphics solution in the world supporting ATI Eyefinity multi-display technology and Microsoft DirectX 11 technology, says Rick Bergman, senior vice president and general manager, AMD Products Group. It has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$1,499.
The ATI FirePro V8800 delivers 2.6 teraflops of raw computing power with the highest memory bandwidth (147.2 GB/s) available in any single-card professional graphics solution -- more than two times the compute power of the previous generation, Bergman says. In the coming months AMD plans to round out its next-generation ATI FirePro family, offering a number of solutions to meet the various 2D and 3D needs of...
DeltaGraph 6 for Mac available in May
Red Rock Software (http://www.redrocksw.com) announces that DeltaGraph 6 for Mac and Windows, an update of the graphing application, will be available in early May. The new version addresses "fundamental building blocks within DeltaGraph and the result is a dependable and more flexible application," says Craig Hopson, managing partner and lead engineer at Red Rock Software.
DeltaGraph 6 offers 80+ scientific and business charts, analysis tools, complete chart customization capabilities and flexible import and export file types. According to Hopson, highlights include:
° User interface enhancements that complement the latest Mac OS and Windows releases;
° International text support;
° Cross-platform document files;
° Support for Pantone and other third-party spot colors in PDF and EPS exports.
Designed with business and creative professionals in mind, Red Rock DeltaGraph 6.0 helps researchers, analysts and managers working with sets of data to collect, analyze and present their...
Sorenson Media announces video optimization for the iPad
Sorenson Media has announced that all of the company’s Internet video solutions have already been optimized for the iPad, including the Sorenson 360 online video platform, the award-winning Sorenson Squeeze client-side encoding solution and the Sorenson Squish browser-based encoding solution. This optimization is available immediately and at no additional charge.
Since June 2009, every Sorenson Media solution has also been fully compatible with the Apple iPhone and iPod touch. Sorenson Media was the first to optimize for the iPhone 3G S immediately after its launch. To view screenshots of Sorenson Media’s solutions in action on the iPad, visit: http://blog.sorensonmedia.com .
Using optimized presets, the Sorenson 360 online video platform enables users to encode video content in the iPad-compatible MPEG-4 format and deliver that content using Apple’s native video player. Intelligent embed codes then immediately call up the correct player for playback on the iPad and other Apple...
Canon releases two new pro camcorders
Canon USA (http://www.usa.canon.com) has announced the Canon XF305 and XF300 professional camcorders. Both new models employ an MPEG-2 4:2:2 50Mbps codec -- Canon XF Codec -- for capturing and recording native 1920 x 1080 video onto Compact Flash (CF) cards.
Uniting video, audio and metadata into a single file, the Canon XF305 and XF300 use an MXF (Material eXchange Format) File Wrapper, an open-source format, to maximize compatibility with existing industry infrastructure and non-linear editing (NLE) systems. The Canon XF305 and XF300 are engineered for multiple production applications including broadcast news, documentary and independent filmmaking and event videography.
The Canon XF305 and XF300 Professional Camcorders include a Genuine Canon 18x HD L-series lens. Each model includes three Canon developed and designed native 1920 x 1080 CMOS image sensors, and the new Canon XF Codec for extreme color detail required for accurate chroma-keying, color-grading and compositing for...
Doremisoft releases Video to Flash converter for Mac
Doremisoft has announced Doremisoft Video to Flash converter for Mac 1.0 (http://www.flash-video-soft.com/video-to-flash-converter-mac/), an US$49.95 Flash converter and editor for Mac OS X 10.4 and higher.
Doremisoft Video to Flash converter is designed for converting video formats from all kinds of video including 3GP, MP4, ASF, MOV(Quick Time), MPEG, MPG, WMV, AVI, MKV, RM, RMVB, VOB, HD video, etc to Flash video in FLV, SWF formats. According to the folks at Doremisoft, the software can help you upload your favorite videos to popular video sharing web sites, insert them to your own web site , blog, or social site.
Widget Press introduces FormEntry Server for Mac OS X
Widget Press (http://www.widgetpress.com) has introduced FormEntry Server 1.0, a new form delivery platform for working in conjunction with FormEntry for Mac and FormEntry for iPhone. Designed exclusively for Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server, it's designed to facilitate syncing between form based applications for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch devices is now simple and automatic.
FormEntry for Mac was specifically developed for novices, students, and iPhone gurus alike, according to the folks at Widget Press. It offers an unified interface and purportedly makes creating form based applications as easy as pressing a button. Drag and drop controls, add custom icons, update parameters and custom edit each post setting.
FormEntry for iPhone is a free iPhone and iPod touch application from the Apple App Store. FormEntry for iPhone is the form reader software for FormEntry for Mac. The two software applications work exclusively together. When designing forms on FormEntry for Mac, form authors will...
Apple posts article on iPad/Wi-Fi issues
Having problems getting an iPad to join or rejoin an Wi-Fi network? Apple has posted a KnowledgeBase article (http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3304) on the matter.
Apple says that, under certain conditions, iPad may not automatically rejoin a known Wi-Fi network after restart or waking from sleep. This can occur with some third-party Wi-Fi routers that are dual-band capable when using the same network name for each network or using different security settings for each network. If you encounter this issue, try the following:
° Create separate Wi-Fi network names to identify each band. This can be done by appending one or more characters to the current network name.
° Ensure that both networks use the same security type (WEP, WPA, WPA2, and so on)
° If the issue persists, reset your network settings using Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
° Always ensure that your Wi-Fi router firmware is up to date.
Griffin Technology announces desktop, power accessories for the...
Griffin Technology has announced their new A-Frame multi-position tabletop stand for the iPad. The company also announced new versions of their PowerBlock AC wall charger and PowerJolt DC car charger for the new Apple device.
The US$49.99 A-Frame (pictured) is a heavy-duty brushed aluminum stand for desk and tabletop use. You can open A-Frame into the upright position and secure your iPad inside its soft silicone cradle for reading and web browsing. Strategically-placed grooves in the cradle allow sound to play from iPad without obstruction, according to Paul Griffin, founder and CEO of Griffin Technology. Turn iPad to landscape mode and A-Frame provides a base for viewing videos or browsing photos. In either configuration, A-Frame's soft silicone cradle is designed to accommodate cases for iPad from Griffin and many others, while allowing full access to the dock connector for charging and syncing.
Griffin's PowerBlock AC charger ($29.99) is now available for iPad in a new 2.1 amp...
SmartBackup update for Mac OS X gets new interface, more
Freeridecoding has updated SmartBackup (http://freeridecoding.com/smartbackup), a Mac OS X app for lightweight backups, to version 3.0. The upgrade sports a revamped interface, a new mode to support folder syncing and improved performance.
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 3.0 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.
BaKno releases Unlocker 1.2.0 for the Mac
BaKno has released Unlocker 1.2.0 (http://www.bakno.com/Unlocker/), an update to its free utility that automatically unlocks trial versions of games for the Mac or PC after purchase from its online store.
The free Unlocker utility saves customers the time and trouble of entering a User ID and Key Code, required to go from limited to full game functionality, according to BaKno President Andres Martinez. They need only click the link contained in their purchase confirmation email, and Unlocker automatically and permanently unlocks their new game.
BaKno caters to the casual game player. It offers a selection of games for the Mac, iPhone and Windows PC users. The goal is to offer games worth playing, to players of any age on any computer, says Martinez.
Developer's Cards Book for FileMaker Pro 11 available
Steve Wilmes Consulting has released the Developer's Cards (http://www.cardsfm.com) book for FileMaker Pro 11. The set of cards offer a detailed reference that has every FileMaker function, error code, script step and more on three coil-bound double-sided-8 1/2 x 11 inch (A4)-laminated cards.
The latest version includes pages on PHP Classes/Methods, FileMaker Server Event Codes, and common unicode values. Also there are highlights all the changes to functions, script steps, server commands, and script triggers added in FileMaker Pro 11.
Card One goes in-depth describing functions and script steps. The card highlights functions that are case-sensitive, require the return character to separate values, use []s to separate multiple values and operate differently when hosted. For Script Steps it highlights which script steps are available over the Web, available when hosted on FileMaker Server and which are Mac/Windows only.
Card Two has all of the FileMaker error codes (returned by Get(...
Toshiba enters US digital camcorder market with the Camileo
Toshiba (http://www.toshibadirect.com) has entered the U.S. digital camcorder market with the introduction of its Camileo line. Models range from the pocket-sized S20 to the compact touch-screen H30 and X100. Manufacturer's suggested retail prices start at US$179.99.
According to IDC, the traditional camcorder market is shifting to HD, as nearly 45 percent of all units shipped in 2009 were HD models and is expected to hit 60% in 2010. The Camileo line supports 1080p Full HD resolution allowing consumers to capture and edit high-quality video, take still camera photos and view them directly on their computer or TV2, says Ron Smith, vice president of marketing, Toshiba America Information Systems, Digital Products Division.
Along with delivering 1080p Full HD resolution, key features of the Camileo line include a 3-inch LCD monitor, YouTube hotkey for instant uploading to the Internet, as well as the ability to take standard SD/SDHC memory cards up to 32GB, giving users up to 12 hours...
