Digital Heaven releases Loader 2.0 for Final Cut Pro
Digital Heaven, a third party developer for Apple pro apps, has released Loader 2.0 (http://www.digital-heaven.co.uk/loader), an update of the US$79.99 application that streamlines the process of importing media into Final Cut Pro. The Final Cut Pro destination for imported items can now be set.
Options are "Timestamped bin" (as in Loader 1.x), "Top level of project" or "Named bin" (Final Cut Pro 7 only). Loader 2 also adds: the ability to convert all audio files, regardless of original file type; audio conversion settings for sample rate, bit depth and mono/stereo configuration; and the ability to move original file(s) to trash by holding the Command key when dropping items on the Loader window.
Importing music, sound effects, graphics or movies into Final Cut Pro is a task that most editors do many times a day. In order to keep media files in one place for a particular project, it has traditionally been necessary to first copy the files to a media folder and then import the copied...
PandaWare updates TimeCache, TimeCache Manager
The PandaWare Company (http://www.pandaware.com) has updated TimeCache -- its time and expense billing app for Mac OS X 10.3.9 and higher -- to version 8.0.8. The update includes improved spell-checking functionality and a fix for a problem with creating new invoice files. TimeCache Manager allows consolidating data from multiple TimeCache users to centralize reports and invoicing.
TimeCache offers support for timed or manual entries, retainer billing, customizable invoices and reports, printing options, and flexible data entry options. It also offers tracking of all a user's computer activity, the ability to save fine-grained details with time and expense entries, can use Apple Address Book entries for client contact information, can produce charts of billable time and expenses, and can import from and export to iCal calendars.
What's more, PandaWare has updated TimeCache Manager, allows for streamlined management of a workgroup's TimeCache data, to version 1.1.2. The upgrade ncludes...
Speed Download for Mac OS X speeds to version 5.2.15
Yazsoft (http://www.yazsoft.com) has released Speed Download 5.2.15 the latest version of its Mac OS X download manager that combines four products: a download manager with auto-resuming downloads, a secure FTP client, a file sharing utility with full encryption, and .Mac/iDisk/WEBDAV connectivity.
The upgrade offers offers optimized performance, better compatibility and more. Speed Download requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or higher. It costs US$25 for a single-user license. Speed Download is available in US English, French and Polish localizations.
WebDesign 3.0 for Mac OS X adds new templates, more
Rage Software has released WebDesign 3.0 (http://www.ragesw.com/products/webdesign.html) an update to the web development software for Mac OS X. The new version adds such features as 20 professionally designed CSS web site templates, an all new toolbar similar to Apple's Pages software for quick inserts of common HTML code, live side-by-side web page previews, support for secure FTP connections and more.
WebDesign sports over 40 HTML wizards. Features include live side-by-side web page previews, auto code completion as you type, integrated HTML help, and much more.
WebDesign is compatible with Mac OS X 10.5 and higher. It costs US$59.95.
SuperSync update for Mac OS X adds iPhone/iPod/iPad importing
SuperSync (http://www.supersync.com) -- Mac OS X compatible software that acts as a music collection’s central hub, retrieving, organizing, and syncing all music and movie files across machines and disk drives in order to create one consistent, complete music library -- has been updated to version 3.6. The upgrade adds support for importing music, video and playlists from iPads, iPhones and iPods.
SuperSync includes integration with iTunes so that any additions to the SuperSync music library can be automatically reflected in iTunes. SuperSync eliminates the need to manually add new music or remove broken links in iTunes. Also, the software includes a powerful library scanner that will clean up your SuperSync and iTunes music libraries, removing broken links to music and adding new tracks.
A copy of SuperSync is recommended for each Mac and PC that has music on it. SuperSync is priced at US$29 for two copies. For an individual synchronizing or remotely accessing their personal music...
Quark acquires GLUON assets, including HyperPublishing technology
Quark (http://www.quark.com) has acquired the assets and technology of GLUON, a New Jersey-based software company that has developed tools for the corporate and publishing industries for over 20 years.
The acquisition includes GLUON’s HyperPublishing System suite of products, which Quark will integrate into its dynamic publishing software to enable enterprise-scale Web-to-print, variable data printing (VDP), and advertising automation solutions, says Nick Howard, director of Enterprise Products for Quark.
Quark and GLUON have partnered for years to integrate QuarkXPress® Server with GLUON’s HyperPublishing System to create automated print and multichannel solutions for corporate marketing departments, printers, advertising agencies, publishers, designers, and governmental agencies, he adds. The acquisition of GLUON’s HyperPublishing System allows Quark to strengthen its ability to offer customers the technology for creating customized, design-rich documents that can be dynamically...
Currency Assistant for Mac OS X rings up version 3.1.2
MaBaSoft has released version 3.1.2 of Currency Assistant for Mac OS X (http://www.mabasoft.net/products/currencyAssistant.html). In the new version of the conversion calculator, the Turkmen Manat (TMM), which was definitively replaced by the New Turkmen Manat (TMT) at the beginning of 2010, has been deleted.
The Search field in the Currencies window toolbar lets you now limit your search to the currencies appearing in the Add Currencies and Switch Currencies menus or to the currencies listed by the European Central Bank, the Bank of Canada, the International Monetary Fund, or the Bank of Italy. The appearance of buttons, pop-up menus, and scroll bars in converters has been revised.
Currency Assistant lets you convert between 174 world currencies (all major circulating currencies plus the 16 Eurozone legacy currencies) and automatically updates exchange rates over the Internet using the rates published by the European Central Bank, the Bank of Canada, the International Monetary Fund,...
iFixit, Chipworks tear down the iPad chip
Deconstructing processors like the A4 usually happens behind the closed doors of only a handful of companies. However, iFixit and Chipworks have teamed up to bring us a closer look at how semiconductor teardowns are conducted, as well as a peak inside the iPad's A4 chip. Here's part of what they found:
° The A4 package has three layers: two layers of RAM (Samsung K4X1G323PE), and one layer containing the actual microprocessor.
° This Package-on-Package construction gives Apple the flexibility to source the RAM from any manufacturer they want; they're not locked into Samsung.
° It's clear from both hardware and software that this is a single core processor, so it must be the ARM Cortex A8, and NOT the rumored multicore A9.
° iFixit and Chipworks don't expect to find any markings from PA Semi, Apple's recent acquisition, but it's safe to assume they played a major role in designing this package.
° Every iPhone processor that we have dissected has had a Samsung part number on the...
Proporta unveils iPad products
Proporta (http://www.proporta.com) has unveiled several iPad products.
The Mizu Shell is made from a mixture of crystal and silicone, fits like a glove, and purportedly provides the flexibility of a soft case with the toughness and strength of a hard case.
The Aluminium Lined Leather Pouch features Proporta’s trademark “Screen Saver” System, with a sheet of lightweight, aircraft grade aluminium built in to protect against crushing and impact damage. The Maya II Pouch is a handcrafted pouch with a soft, scratch free lining, and is available in a range of colors.
There are other custom made options to check out -- from the Tilt Stand that folds out into a portable stand, the Leather Case and Leather Style Case, and the Profile Hard Shell Case. Then tthere’s Proporta’s Advanced Screen Protector, made from plastic. Go to the Proporta web site for pricing and more details on all these items.
Bugs! sound effects scamper from Blastwave FX
Blastwave FX (http://www.blastwavefx.com), the HD sound effects publisher, has released the Bugs! Sound Effects Library, an US$249 collection of 700 insect sound effects. It has over 30 categories from Ants to Worms, including 5.1 surround sound effects.
Every sound effect in Bugs! was originally recorded and delivered at 24 bit 96kHz with MP3 reference files. The library is delivered on a 16GB USB Flash Drive, and all sounds are embedded with metadata that is compatible with Pro Tools, Soundminer, NetMix, iTunes and other popular sound library search engines.
iFunia adds iPad video converters to product family
iFunia (http://www.ifunia.com) has expanded its family of Mac video converter products to include iFunia iPad Video Converter and iFunia DVD to iPad Converter.
The new iPad Converter utilities offer a way to help Mac users convert their digital video content for Apple’s new iPad. Both application are priced at US$29, require Mac OS X 10.5 or higher and can be downloaded online from the company.
Autodesk integrates Craft Director Studio into its software
Craft Animations and Autodesk, have announced the integration of certain Craft Director Studio plug-ins within the 2011 versions of Autodesk 3ds Max, Autodesk 3ds Max Design and Autodesk Softimage software.
Craft Director Studio provides interactive control and simulation of cameras and vehicles, which helps greatly reduce animation production times, says Stig Gruman, Autodesk vice president of digital entertainment. It also allows artists to use a variety of input devices to create on-the-fly animation, helping make 3D animation as easy as playing a game, he adds.
The Craft Director Studio plug-in bundle will be included, free of charge, on the Samples DVDs that will be shipped with 3ds Max 2011, 3ds Max Design 2011 and Softimage 2011 software. The bundle includes: Craft SoftMotionCam, Craft ObserverCam. Craft MultiStateCam and Craft HumanizerCam.
The 2011 versions of 3ds Max, 3ds Max Design and Softimage software are expected to be available for purchase on, or after, April 7....
Analyst: iPhone OS 4.0 unveiling will include multitasking, iAd
Apple's unveiling of iPhone OS 4.0 later this week will likely include full multitasking support, the new "iAd" mobile advertising service, and gaming related announcements, Kaufman Brothers analyst Shaw told clients in a note today.
He said checks with his sources indicate that iPhone OS 4.0 will be a full multi-tasking environment where third-party applications will be able to run simultaneously and in the background along with Apple's own built-in applications, as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com). While multitasking will be important for the iPhone and iPod touch, it'll be even more important for the iPad, the analyst said.
"We believe this will be particularly important for the iPad, due to its much faster processor and much larger screen where users will more likely want the capability to run multiple applications much like most do with their PCs and Macs," Wu says. "We believe this will allow AAPL to deliver a fuller and more differentiated experience on...
Verizon CEO: it's up to Apple if we carry the iPhone
Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg says it's up to Apple whether or not his company will carry the iPhone. But he says he's amendable to the idea.
In remarks Tuesday before the Council on Foreign Relations, Seidenberg cited a recent "Wall Street Journal" report that said Apple is working on a version of the iPhone that would be compatible with Verizon's network, reports the Associated Press (http://www.courant.com/technology/sns-ap-us-tec-apple-verizon-iphone,0,4...?). However, he didn't confirm the report or give any details.
The "Wall Street Journal" claims Apple is developing a new iPhone to debut this summer and also appears to be working on a model for Verizon Wireless. "People briefed on the matter" told the "WSJ" that one of the new iPhones is being manufactured by Taiwanese contract manufacturer Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., which produced Apple's previous iPhones. The model that has CDMA capability, used by Verizon Wireless, is purportedly being manufactured by Pegatron...
JVC ships HD Everio camera
JVC says a new top-end JVC HD Everio video camera is now available. The GZ-HM1 HD Everio (http://camcorder.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL028649&pathId=171&page=10) purportedly offers a full slate of technologies to optimize picture quality and an array of manual controls for creative flexibility.
According to the folks at JVC, the GZ-HM1 offers performance improvements in three key areas -- low light performance, camera-shake compensation and digital still quality. It sports 64GB of internal storage and an SD/SDHC card slot. When it comes to still images, the GZ-HM1 delivers real 10 megapixel stills for detailed images up to 3648 x 2736.
The GZ-HM1 offers an array of manual controls. These include a manual adjustment dial that, among other functions, allows precise manual focus. Other manual controls include selection of shutter or aperture priority shooting, and bracket shooting. In addition, there’s a user-programmable button for storing frequently used settings.
To...
Are iWorks apps for the iPad 'crippled'?
Apple sells US$9.99 versions of its iWork app (Pages, Keynote and Numbers) for the iPad. However, it seems that the iPad’s crippled support for iWorks documents is causing frustration for some users.
The problems relate to the Keynote and Pages apps for the iPad and how these apps support certain features when documents are imported to the iPad from Keynote and Pages for Mac. You can read more here: http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=7935&tag=nl.e539 .
However, Apple does have KnowledgeBase articles related to both Keynote and Pages for the iPad that outline the limitations. You can find 'em at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4066 and http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4065 .
iPad expected to represent bulk of slate shipments in 2010
For 2010, the total portable computer market is expected to grow to 215 million units and US$117 billion, according to a new report by DisplaySearch (http://www.displayresearch.com). And the iPad will play a key role.
Dramatic increases in the size of the slate-style market are expected to be driven by the iPad and slates from other brands that are expected to be launched this year. DisplaySearch expects slates to take some market share from clamshell-style netbooks, as well as lure customers that desire more functionality away from the e-reader market. The company also foresees the majority of slate volume to ship into the North American and Western European markets due, in large part, to Apple’s distribution plans and known content agreements.
The mini-note/netbook/slate category will be the fastest-growing segment of the portable computer market for 2010, propelled in part by the introduction of slates, says DisplaySearch. However, clamshell style devices will continue to grow as...
Apple wins five Red Dot design awards
This year Apple received one Red Dot award for the 13-inch MacBook Pro and four Red Dot awards for "Best of the Best" with the iMac, Magic Mouse, iPod shuffle and the iPad.
Apple took 1% of all 45 "Best of the Best" awards. The Red Dot awards were selected from 4,252 products sent from 57 countries. Also, recently the Apple Industrial Design team lead by Jonathan Ive received four iF product design awards.
You can read more at http://www.setteb.it/?p=8577 .
-- Fabio M. Zambelli
LibreDigital to deliver ebooks for the iPad iBookstore
LibreDigital says it's working with Apple and book publishers to power the delivery of e-books to the new iBookstore and iPad. LibreDigital is a d partner for publishers looking to bring their titles to iPad and iBookstore customers.
LibreDigital works with the such U.S. book publishers as including HarperCollins Publishers, Hachette Book Group, Kaplan, Simon & Schuster and Scholastic, and the leading newspapers and magazines. It enables all publishers to securely market and deliver content across an expanding array of digital channels, including e-readers, tablets, smart phones, social networks and online stores, says CEO Russell Reeder.
LibreDigital also offers solutions for device manufacturers and retailers seeking to deliver digital books, newspapers and magazines. Publishers interested in distributing their works on the iPad and in the iBookstore can go here: http://apple.libredigital.com/index.php .
The iPad comes with an iBookstore app that features books from major and...
Case-mate introduces three iPad cases
Case-mate (http://www.case-mate.com) has released three iPad cases. They're offered in a variety of designs, materials and price points. The selection of case-mate iPad cases include:
° Walkabout Felt Folio (US$79.99): This case (pictured) has a side opening, leather accents and pockets for storage. A magnetic strap keeps the iPad in place.
° Traveler Leather Commuter ($49.99): This executive folio made of premium tan leather has embedded magnetic locks for a sleek fit.
° Express Nylon Folio ($34.99): Created out of a black ballistic nylon material, this splash-resistant folio offers fuss-free protection.
Case-mate will also be launching three other iPad cases in Q2, which include the Gelli series, Tough and I Make My Case personalization tool.
WD launches VelociRaptor SATA hard drive
WD is now shipping 450GB and 600GB versions of the WD VelociRaptor the next generation of its 10,000 RPM SATA family of hard drives. The new WD VelociRaptor hard drive is designed for blade servers, high-performance Macs, PCs, professional workstations, as well as 1U and 2U rack servers.
As the only 10,000 RPM SATA hard drive on the market, the WD VelociRaptor hard drive now comes packed with twice the capacity and up to 15% performance increase over the previous generation, according to Tom McDorman, vice president and general manager, WD. It's built with enterprise-class mechanics that provide 24x7 durability under high-performance demands and packs up to 600 GB of capacity into a 2.5-inch enterprise form factor, he adds.
The WD VelociRaptor drive is also available in the IcePack enclosure, a 3.5-inch mounting frame with a built-in heat sink -- a factory customization that fits the drive into a standard 3.5-inch system bay and keeps this drive cool when installed in a high-...
iPad review, part I: the design, music, movies and games
My iPad -- the US$699, 64GB Wi-Fi-only version -- is a great Mac companion, as I mentioned yesterday. It's already replaced my iPod touch and may replace my laptop (though the jury's still out on that). I've been using it heavily since it arrived Saturday, and, so far, I'm more impressed than I thought I'd be, though there's room for improvement.
Well, probably not in the design of the iPad itself. As you'd expect, it's another exquisite piece of work from Apple. The 9.7-inch screen with its 1024 x 768 pixel resolution is gorgeous. As is the minimalist design.
Jobs & Company can't quite eliminate buttons, though I think they'd love to. On the iPad, there's a home button on the screen, a sleep/power button and volume adjuster at the top right, and a switch that locks the iPad into either horizontal or portrait view. Built-in speakers are on the bottom of the iPad and provide more oomph than you'd think, though they'll not replace dedicated speakers or a good pair of headphones by...
Apple has 25.4% share of the smartphone market
comScore (http://www.comscore.com), which measures the digital world, released data from the latest comScore MobiLens service, reporting key trends in the U.S. mobile phone industry during the three month period between November 2009 and February 2010.
The report ranked the leading mobile original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and smartphone platforms in the U.S. according to their share of usage by current mobile subscribers age 13 and older, and reviewed the most popular activities and content accessed via the subscriber’s primary mobile phone. The February report found Motorola to be the top handset manufacturer overall with 22.3% market share, while RIM led among smartphone platforms with 42.1% market share.
Approximately 45.4 million people in the U.S. owned smartphones in an average month during the December to February period, up 21% from the three months ending November 2009, according to comScore. RIM was the leading mobile smartphone platform in the U.S. with 42.1% share...
Many iPad buyers already own Macs, iPhones, iPods
A big chunk of iPad purchasers are Apple fans who already own Macs, an iPhone, and at least one iPod, according to a weekend survey from Piper Jaffray.
Piper Jaffray senior analyst Gene Munster coordinated a survey of 448 iPad buyers on Saturday and said 74% of iPad owners surveyed currently own a Mac, while just 26% own a PC, reports "CNET" (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10472604-17.html). What's more, about 66% percent of those surveyed said that they currently own an iPhone. And 99% of those iPhone owners say they will use their handset in conjunction with the iPad.
Munster notes that 92% of iPad owners currently own an iPod. From that number, 97% plan to use both products going forward.
Envivio delivers live, on demand HD video to the iPad
Envivio says its 4Caster C42 video encoding/transcoding platform now offers comprehensive support for the iPad, enabling delivery of live and on demand high definition (HD) TV services over Wi-Fi and 3G networks for the new device.
Available for both the 4Caster C4 and 4Caster C42, the enhancement further expands the flexibility of the industry's leading Three Screens video delivery platform, which already powers network operator and over the top TV services for the iPhone, including premium Pay TV, sports and movie content for operators in Europe, coverage of the Olympics and NHL hockey in Canada, and telecomm Mobile TV services worldwide, says Julien Signes, president and CEO of Envivio.
New iPad owners can experience the quality of the Envivio video delivery platform for themselves by visiting the Envivio web site (http://www.envivio.com) and signing up for a free demonstration of HD and SD live streams. Envivio will also utilize the iPad in its Mobile TV and On Demand...
Lightroom 2.7, Camera Raw 5.7, DNG Converter 5.7 announced
The updates add raw file support for nine new popular camera models, including the Canon EOS 550D, Sony A450 and Olympus E-PL1. The term "release candidate" indicates the updates are well tested but would benefit from additional community testing. Adobe encourages photographers to try out the newly added raw file support in this update and provide the product team with feedback so they can create the highest quality experience for customers working on a variety of hardware and software configurations.
Photoshop Lightroom software is a digital photography workflow solution, allowing photographers to import, process, manage and showcase images. The Photoshop Camera Raw plug-in provides access within Photoshop to the raw image formats produced by many leading digital cameras. Adobe's Digital Negative (DNG) format is a publicly available archival format for the raw files generated by digital cameras.
The Lightroom 2.7 Release Candidate is available as a free download for Lightroom 2...
WoodWing offers solution to help publishers get onto the iPad
The Wonderfactory, a New York-based digital strategy and design agency, and WoodWing Software (http://www.woodwing.com/ipad) have collaborated on what they says is a publishing industry first: tools that enable publishers to produce beautifully-designed and compelling content for the iPad in almost the same way they create content for print.
The two companies plan to help magazines, book publishers, and advertisers create and distribute interactive, user-focused experiences to the iPad and other mobile devices. The first collaboration is with TIME Magazine's launch coinciding with the April 3 launch of the iPad.
"Using newly-developed InDesign plugins, the layouts for any digital magazine can be enriched with interactive multimedia elements like video, slideshows, and dynamic content," says Erik Schut, president of WoodWing Software. "Magazine designers retain full creative control and can work on print and digital issues in parallel. The process is easily reproduced."
While The...
App downloads pick up pace after smartphone sales soar
ABI Research (http://www.abiresearch.com) expects 2010 to be a big year for mobile application downloads, with just under six billion mobile applications forecast to be downloaded, up from an estimated 2.4 billion in 2009.
The rapid adoption of smartphones, registering a sales growth of 20% in 2009, as well as the proliferation of application stores are the major drivers for this expansion. In addition, two new smartphone platforms will make their debut later this year; Samsung’s Bada OS and Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 Series. Both platforms, similar to Apple’s, will have proprietary application stores and are racing to populate these stores with winning applications, according to the research group.
“The iPhone will continue to be the leading app platform, with a database of over 125,000 applications offering niche and localized content,” says wireless research associate Bhavya Khanna. “Other platforms are still playing catch-up, with Android being the fastest gainer among them....
Pragmatic Bookshelf announces 'beta' version of iPad...
Pragmatic Bookshelf has released a "beta" version of "iPad Programming: A Quick-Start Guide for iPhone Developers" (http://macosg.me/2/33). As you might guess from the title, it shows iPhone developers how to build apps specifically for the iPad. The final version will be US$34.
It's not for beginners (for beginners should check out "Beginning Mac Programming," also $34)). This book jumps right in and shows busy developers just what they need to know since the iPad is a different beast, according to the folks at Pragmatic Bookshelf.
For the last six years, Pragmatic Bookshelf has made titles available as beta books in eBook formats. Just like beta software, these books are still works in progress. There's no index; they haven't been copyedited or fully typeset.
But they do give readers up-to-date information, and authors get feedback to help shape the manuscript to match readers' needs. Purchasers get free eBook updates during the beta process up through the final version (and...
Ingram to provide publishers with access to Apple's...
Ingram Content Group Inc. today announced that it will provide publisher content to Apple's new iBookstore. Through CoreSource, Ingram's solution for the storage, management, and distribution of digital content, publishers will be able to submit eBooks to iBookstore for availability on the iPad.
"Digital book distribution is changing the publishing industry, and Apple is positioned to be a key player with the iPad," says Phil Ollila, chief content officer, Ingram Content Group. "With Ingram, Apple is working with industry experts who understand the fundamentals of book distribution and the complexities of the digital model. We're pleased to be able to offer this new channel to publishers."
Ingram will help manage the relationship between publishers and Apple. This will enable a publisher's catalog to be ingested, converted into ePub, Apple's required format, and submitted to the iBookstore.
Ingram currently distributes over 500,000 digital assets to major retailers and distributors...
Beats by Dr. Dre Red Sox Edition headphones released
Beats by Dr. Dre, co-founded by artist and producer Dr. Dre and Interscope Geffen A&M Chairman Jimmy Iovine, and Monster, which specializes in audio/video accessories, have teamed up with Major League Baseball and the Boston Red Sox organization for the introduction of Beats by Dr. Dre Red Sox Edition Headphones from Monster (http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=5872).
The headphones, featuring official Boston Red Sox team colors and insignia, are the first-ever Major League Baseball licensed Beats by Dr. Dre headphones created for a sports team that are being made available to the general public. Beats by Dr. Dre Red Sox Edition Headphones from Monster are being made available with Monster iSoniTalk, a microphone/headphone adapter for iPhone, and other music enabled phones. Contact the company for pricing.
EMG Tech accuses Apple of patent infringement with the iPad
Another day, another lawsuit. EMG Technology will move to include the iPad as an additional accused product in EMG’s previously filed patent infringement lawsuit against Apple, which is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.
“EMG will take steps to add Apple’s newly released iPad to the range of Apple products already accused of patent infringement in the case, including the iTunes Store, iPhone, iPod touch and Apple TV. The trial date is set for September 12, 2011,” says Shawn Hansen, an attorney with the Palo Alto, California office of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, which is representing EMG in the case.
“The irony is that recently Apple filed an International Trade Commission action against HTC, a major manufacturer of Google and Microsoft smart phones for allegedly infringing Apple’s patents," says Elliot A. Gottfurcht, managing member of EMG and lead inventor on the patents asserted in the case. "Apple is requesting the Federal Government to impose...
Apple sells over 300,000 iPads on day one
Apple says it sold over 300,000 iPads in the US as of midnight Saturday, April 3. These sales included deliveries of pre-ordered iPads to customers, deliveries to channel partners and sales at Apple Retail Stores.
Apple also announced that iPad users downloaded over one million apps from Apple's App Store and over 250,000 ebooks from its iBookstore during the first day.
"It feels great to have the iPad launched into the world -- it's going to be a game changer," Apple CEO Steve Jobs said in a press announcement. "iPad users, on average, downloaded more than three apps and close to one book within hours of unpacking their new iPad."
Some iPad users experiencing Wi-Fi problems
Several complaints about Wi-Fi issues on the iPad are popping up in Apple support forums. A typical complaint is that the iPad shows no wifi signal, or a very weak signal, where other devices pick it up just fine, reports "TechCrunch" (http://techcrunch.com/2010/04/05/trouble-in-paradise-ipad-users-complain...).
I've experienced no Wi-Fi problems with my iPad. Have you?
-- Dennis Sellers
Two more analysts raise their Apple price targets
Two more analyst firms have upped their outlook on price targets for Apple.
Analysts at J.P. Morgan have lifted their price target for Apple to US$305 a share from $240, citing better-than-expected anticipated sales of the company's Mac, iPhone and iPad products, reports "MarketWatch" (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/jp-morgan-lifts-apple-price-target-to-3...).
"We believe the iPad is a decent first step in a new category, but critical mass likely depends on future product generations overcoming current feature limitations," wrote the analysts in their note. "In the interim, though, the Apple faithful and the early adopters should help the iPad beat subdued investor expectations." J.P. Morgan added it expects 825,00 iPads to ship in the June quarter, followed by 1.23 million in the September quarter.
Meanwhile, Kaufman Brothers raised estimates and their price target and Apple from $253 to $295.The firm said, "checks indicate 250,000-350,000 sold this opening weekend with aggressive...
Cypress introduced iPhone/iPod development platform
Cypress Semiconductor Corp. has introduced a new development platform for iPhone and iPod accessories based on its new PSoC 3 architecture. Designers can use Cypress’s new CY8CKIT-023 PSoC Expansion Board Kit For iPhone & iPod Accessories -- a plug-in board to Cypress’s CY8CKIT-001 PSoC Platform Development Kit -- to streamline design of mobile accessories using the PSoC programmable system-on-chip architecture.
The new kit leverages the iPhone OS operating system of Apple’s iPhone and iPod products and the corresponding iPhone SDK (Software Development Kit) to provide a two-way communication interface between apps from Apple's App Store and corresponding accessories. The PSoC-based development platform enables integrated, modular design of functions such as capacitive touch-sensing, LCD segment drive and much more for traditional iPhone and iPod accessories such as audio docks and speakers, chargers and automotive products.
It also opens up a new realm of accessories that can...
Artman21 releases JeditAnywhere 1.0.3
Artman21 has released an update (version 1.0.3) of the system preference pane, JeditAnywhere (http://www.artman21.com/en/jeditanywhere/), that lets you edit the selected text in mailers, word processors or other applications with the Jedit X text editor. The new version improves compatibility with VMware Fusion, Eudora and Google Chrome.
With JeditAnywhere, by tapping the option key twice, you can invoke Jedit X and edit the selection without the copy and paste operation. After you've finished editing, tap the option key twice again, and the results will be written back to the selected area of the target application.
JeditAnywhere requires Mac OS X 10.5 or later and Jedit X Rev.2.20 or higher. It costs US$12.
NLU Products ships iPad Total Protection Pack today
NLU Products (http://www.BodyGuardz.com) began shipping its ScreenGuardz Total Protection Pack for the iPad. It offers clear device protection available for Apple’s new device.
The ScreenGuardz Total Protection Pack combines screen protection (ScreenGuardz HD Anti-Glare) with BodyGuardz scratch-proof transparent film for the body of the device. BodyGuardz adds a layer of scratch-proof film to the back and sides of the device, while ScreenGuardz uses a static cling application (a less permanent alternative to protective adhesive skins) to safeguard the screen from scratches, oils and other potentially damaging agents. This set comes with a cleaning cloth to keep the iPad dust- and fingerprint-free. When purchased individually, this US$34.95 package would cost $50.89.
ScreenGuardz for the iPad is also available in a screen-only version for $19.95. NLU Products’ BodyGuardz brand is also offering iPad protection in the following three options: full-body ($29.95), screen-only ($19.95) and...
Oyen Digital introduces 1TB MiniPro 2.5-inch drive
Oyen Digital (http://oyendigital.com/) has released the newly designed MiniPro series of 2.5-inch, bus-powered portable hard drives. The series includes a 1TB model, making it the highest-capacity portable hard drive available.
It's equipped with a variety of connection methods including USB 2.0, FireWire 800/400 and eSATA. The series features a rugged housing, measuring 4.9-inches x 0.9 inches x 3.1 inches, using an aluminum construction for shock protection and heat dissipation.
Oyen Digital's MiniPro is compatible with Mac OS 9.2 (and higher) and Mac OS X. All drives include Prosoft Data Backup 3 for Mac OS X.
ProPrompter ships two iPad prompters
Bodelin Technologies will be showing their new ProPrompter HDi (http://www.bodelin.com/proprompter/ipad_remote), a teleprompter specifically made for the iPad and the ProPrompter Presidential, the first live speech teleprompter made for the iPad.
The ProPrompter App, now optimized for iPad, will also introduce Remote Sync and Presidential Sync as free updates for current users of the ProPrompter App. No AC power or external batteries needed as the iPad has a 10-hour battery.
The ProPrompter sports a camera bar, made of light, yet sturdy, aircraft aluminum, which attaches to the base of Pro, and most, consumer cameras. Next is a custom cut of 16:9 studio quality beam splitter glass encased in a padded frame and set in a high impact ABS hood. The key to the ProPrompter HDi hardware is a specially designed iPad specific bracket to securely hold the iPad without slippage when shooting handheld, jib or with a steadicam, according to Bodelin.
This kit also includes the ProPrompter anti-...
Apple to offer a 'peek into the future of the iPhone OS...
Apple has sent invitations to the press for a special invitation-only event that will “peek into the future of iPhone OS." The event will be held on Thursday, April 8.
As evidenced by the graphic on the invite, it's almost certainly to be the unveiling of iPhone OS 4. The sneak peak will be held at the Apple Town Hall at the company's Cupertino headquarters.
So what will iPhone OS 4 offer? Only Steve Jobs and Friends know, but it's speculated that it will include more multitasking. iPhone OS 3.x (the current version) only allows a few core apps, such as iPod and Mail, to run in the background while another app is active.
USAePay launches PaySaber for the iPhone, iPod touch
USAePay has launched the PaySaber (http://www.paysaber.com), a lightweight, portable credit card machine that connects with the iPhone or iPod touch, allowing businesses to process financial transactions on the go. Individuals and businesses, from small business entrepreneurs to corporations of any size, can use PaySaber.
The unit connects with the iPhone/iPod touch to accept mobile payments anywhere, anytime. Its built-in encrypted card swiper purportedly ensures all transactions are safe and secure. The device works with the USAePay PCI certified payment gateway, which stores all of the data securely.
Users can keep retail rates by swiping customer’s cards with PaySaber’s built-in encrypted swiper. Swiping a card insures better transaction fees and chargeback protection. The swiper reads level one and level two card data, which is then encrypted at the time of swipe and sent over to the payment gateway for processing.
PaySaber is a complete point-of-sale system for retail...
Analyst raises Apple estimates on hot iPad, iPhone, Mac sales
Canaccord Adams technology analyst Peter Misek has raised his price target on Apple to US$300 from $250 or 20%. He's forecasting hot iPhone and Mac sales, as well as much better than anticipated iPad sales.
“Our survey and channel checks indicated widespread sell-outs [of the iPad] at Best Buy stores, however Apple stores appeared to have more stock and thus continued to have inventory. We believe that around 700K iPads were sold so far, including 500K of pre-orders,” Misek told clients in a note today. "We also took this opportunity to channel check Apple’s other product lines and, as a result, are adjusting our shipment estimates for iPads as well as iPhones and Macs.”
The analyst has raised his iPad shipments for fiscal year 2010 and fiscal year 2011 to 3.7 million and 11.3 million from 1.2 million and 3.5 million respectively. For iPhones, he's now forecasting 35.2 million (vs. 34.9 million) and 54.9 million (vs. 52.3 million) device sales in fiscal 2010 and fiscal 201. For...
WebMerge update for Mac OS X offers enhanced CSS support
Fourth World (http://www.fourthworld.com) has released WebMerge 2.6, an upgrade to the tool for generating static Web pages from database or spreadsheet data. The new version offers enhanced support for CSS, new template tags, and includes performance and interface enhancements for Mac OS 10.6 ("Snow Leopard") and Windows 7.
WebMerge works with any database or spreadsheet that exports in tab-delimited, merge, or other tabular formats, including FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Access, and most affiliate data feeds. Using simple tags in templates created with any HTML authoring tool, WebMerge makes a new page from the data in each record of the exported file. WebMerge can also create index pages with links to each of the detail pages. Generated pages can be hosted on any web server without the need for a specialized database hosting solution.
A trial version of WebMerge can be used for free to generate up to 20 pages and has all features enabled with no time limit. Registered copies of...
Pinball for MacOS X, Pinball Remote for iPhone released
Gamepromo has released Pinball for Mac OS X (http://gameprom.com/thepinball) and Pinball Remote (itms://itunes.apple.com/app/pinball-remote/id347819481?mt=8) for the iPhone and iPod touch. Both are free.
The game offers the ability to buy new pinball tables and offers start, pause, restart, flipper controls, table tilting, camera controls. Pinball and Pinball Remote have a built-in Help for pinball tables and local and global high score tables. You can also turn on a stereoscopic mode (stereo glasses are required for this).
Apple may have sold 600,000 to 700,000 iPads on launch day
Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster estimated that by midnight Sunday, Apple will have sold 600,000 to 700,000 iPads, including pre-orders -- more than double his relatively conservative pre-launch estimate of 200,000 to 300,000, reports "Fortune" (http://brainstormtech.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2010/04/04/new-ipad-launch-d...).
Other analysts had published estimates of 300,000 to 400,000. It took Apple 74 days to sell its first million units of the original iPhone, and three days each to sell a million units of the iPhone 3G and the iPhone 3Gs.
The iPad could cannibalize Mac notebooks sales '...
The iPad could offer "significant" cannibalization of Apple's laptop sales, according to "Seeking Alpha" (http://seekingalpha.com/article/196954-mac-notebook-cannibalization-from...).
"Seeking Alpha" estimates that there could be $15 (6%) downside to Apple’s stock if iPad sales were to eventually cannibalize about half of Mac notebook sales. Such a scenario could materialize if the majority of prospective Mac notebook buyers are primarily content consumers rather than content creators, the financial site says. )
About 18% of Apple’s stock value is attributable to the company’s Mac business. Mac notebooks are the most valuable component of the Mac business, constituting about 8% of Apple’s stock. In comparison, we estimate that the iPad constitutes about 4% of the $267 Trefis price estimate for Apple’s stock.
"Seeking Alpha" estimates that there could be $15 (6%) downside to Apple’s stock if iPad sales were to eventually cannibalize about half of Mac notebook sales. Such a scenario...
macProVideo.com releases NI Kontakt tutorials
macProVideo.com has released a tutorial-video about Native Instruments Kontakt sampler plug-in, called"Native Instruments 105: Exploring Kontakt" (ttp://www.macprovideo.com/tutorial/nativeinstruments105).
In this tutorial, composer and sound designer Scott Freiman shows you how to use Native Instruments’ Kontakt 4 sampler. Tips and tricks are scattered among this courses interactive tutorial-videos.
After a brief series of “getting started” videos, Freiman gets right into music making with Kontakt. He introduces Kontakt's features. Topics include creating a database of your own samples, using Kontakt as a plug-in, automating Kontakt with MIDI, and getting the most from the Kontakt browser. The course also takes a detailed look at each of the sample collections that make up the Kontakt Factory Library.
This tutorial is priced at US$39.50 for the HD Download, which users can download to their computer and review anytime, or $25 for unlimited monthly access to the company's Online...
ZAGG releases InvisibleShield for the iPad
ZAGG (http://www.zagg.com) has released the $29.99 InvisibleShield for the iPad. It's described as a "military-grade, virtually invisible, and indestructible film that protects thousands of gadgets from bumps, scratches, and dings with a lifetime guarantee."
The original invisibleSHIELD will provide fingerprint resistance and added grip to the iPad’s smooth surfaces, and at the same time will not compromise the touch screen, says Derek Smith, vice president of sales for ZAGG. he full body invisibleSHIELD sells for US$39.99, and the front only or back only sells for $29.99.
Four in 10 UK consumers want a tablet
There was good news for Apple today with new research from price comparison site Kelkoo UK stating that 40 per cent of consumers are ready to ditch their laptops for a tablet PC like the iPad, reports "V3" (http://www.v3.co.uk/v3/news/2260785/four-ten-uk-consumers-fancy").
When it comes to the iPad, 23% felt its functionality was too limited at the moment, while 32% said they didn’t see the need for one at all. However, Bruce Fair, managing director of Kelkoo UK,says the iPad could do for the tablet market what the iPhone did for the smartphone market and pave the way for a host of imitators.
“When it comes to transforming the fortunes of niche markets, Apple undoubtedly has the ‘Midas touch’,” he told "V3." “The iPad is a hybrid of Apple’s best loved products all under one roof, which is good for consumers as it could lead to significant cost savings. Like netbooks, the iPad provides the basic functions offered by a laptop at a margin of the cost -- which in the current economic...
