Synectics Business Solutions has released BackJack 5.1.4 (http://backjack.com), a new version of the Macintosh backup service. The company has also announced a "Summer Vacation Peace of Mind" promotion to celebrate BackJack's 11-year anniversary. BackJack 5.1.4 introduces a new DualSync capability that lets you have a second Mac configured to synchronize the files being backed up by your primary backup, allowing for restores to a second computer. DualSync leverages BackJack's security and encryption features to ensure all files remain fully encrypted until they arrive on your Mac. BackJack 5.1.4 also has a number of under-the-hood enhancements that improves the performance and throughput of backup and restore actions. These improvements have shown increases of up to 27 percent, especially on congested networks and Internet connections, according to the folks at Synectics Business Solutions. In celebration of BackJack's 11th year of offering this service to Mac users, new subscriptions...

Objective Development Software has updated Little Snitch (http://www.obdev.at/products/littlesnitch/index.html), the Mac OS X software that provides a firewall to protect your Mac against unwanted guests, to version 2.1.4. The upgrade adds support for guest accounts, introduces global, computer-wide rules that are valid for all users, provides improved Fast User Switching support and enhanced support for network user accounts. The upgrade to Little Snitch 2.1.4 is free for all Little Snitch 2 licensees. The full version is available starting at $29.95. Little Snitch includes a free, full featured, time limited trial license.

CrossLoop (http://www.CrossLoop.com), an Internet company that enables consumers and small businesses to receive help through independent service providers and technology, says Mac users can now gain easy access to immediate and qualified technical support. Through a Mac-specific beta version of CrossLoop's award-winning, free desktop sharing software, CrossLoop enables Mac users across the globe to find immediate help and training for virtually any tech issue -- anytime, anywhere, according to CrossLoop CEO Lisa Alderson. CrossLoop Mac compatibility enables a more seamless experience while providing application training and support across platforms, whether users enlist tech-savvy family and friends for free or access CrossLoop's network of tech Helpers for professional support, she adds. Users can now transfer files from Mac to Mac, Mac to Windows, or Windows to Mac.Consumers can now receive tech support from CrossLoop's network of trusted, qualified service providers, regardless of...

GamersGate (http://www.GamersGate.com), a digital distribution platform for PC games, has launched a GamersGate store for Mac compatible games. The initial launch includes titles such as World of Goo, the Hearts of Iron series, the Europa Universalis series, Flatout 2, and others. New titles will be added on a regular basis. "For years, digitally delivering games to Mac users has often been overlooked by the gaming industry," says Theodore Bergquist, CEO of GamersGate. "With the increase in the popularity of gaming among Apple users, we've been getting requests worldwide for our library of accessible, client-free titles on Mac computers. Our mission is to offer a convenient solution for all gamers and offering Mac titles is another step in that direction." GamersGate now has over 1,100 titles in its growing catalog from publishers such as EA, Ubisoft, THQ, and many others. GamersGate recently unveiled a redesigned web site that adds new social aspects, including profiles, internal...

Projecturf (http://www.projecturf.com), a provider of on-demand project and collaboration management software, has launched Projecturf, a scalable, web-based project management tool with unlimited storage space that's browser, platform and database independent. Projecturf was specifically designed to support the project management needs of design firms and developers, according to CEO Chuck Pearson. The task tracking software allows developers to define initiatives and projects, automate processes, and distribute data through a secure, stylish, intuitive and easy-to-use online environment with almost no learning curve, he adds. Projecturf doesn't require complicated software to be installed or a large in-house IT department to manage and upgrade, Pearson says. Project management features and benefits for all Projecturf plans include: unlimited storage on all plans; customizable design; a workflow with three levels of system permissions: Administrator, Project Manager(s), User(s);...

Cocktail 4.3.4 (Leopard Edition), a general purpose utility for Mac OS X, has been released (http://cocktail.maintain.se). This version adds clearing of Renepo.A, Renepo.B and Tored.A trojans, fixes compatibility issues with Mac OS X 10.5.7, Firefox and Google Gears as well as addresses minor bug fixes discovered in the previous release. It also contains updated Automator actions. The update is highly recommended for all users of Cocktail (Leopard Edition). Cocktail 4.3.4. (Leopard Edition) is distributed as a Universal Binary and runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. It requires Mac OS X/Mac OS X Server 10.5 or later and is tested for compatibility with Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server 10.5.4. Cocktail 4.3.4 costs US$14.95 for a single user license. It's a free update for registered users of version 4.x.

Primera Technology has partnered with Imagine Products to offer support for Imagine's award-winning ShotPut Pro software. Primera and Imagine recently introduced their combined solution at NAB 2009 in Las Vegas. The products are now shipping. Video professionals can now streamline their workflow and automatically archive content onto write-once DVD and Blu-ray Disc media using Imagine's software and a Primera Bravo-Series Disc Publisher. The entire offloading and archival process is automatic and hands-free, says Mark Strobel, Primera's vice president of sales and marketing. As soon as a video volume is detected, an offload is started to multiple drive locations which can include hard drives and a Bravo-Series Disc Publisher. The burned disc is printed direct-to-disc with customized information that can include Metadata directly from the camera's memory card. The shipping version of ShotPut Pro can be installed on any Mac running Mac OS X, 10.4 or higher. A Windows XP/Vista version...

iPresentee (http://www.ipresentee.com), the developer of add-ons for Apple's iWork and iLife applications, releases free Keynote Countdown Timer to be used with Apple's Keynote presentation software. Keynote is the presentation component of Apple's US$79 iWork bundle. Keynote Countdown Timer includes three different colors countdown timer animations: white, red and green. Each Keynote Countdown Timer can countdown from 90 minutes or less. You can use it to, among other things, get audience back in their seats promptly after breaks. Countdown timer can be used to show the time before the actually presentation or meeting should start. Teachers can use timers during classroom instruction to help students to maintain attention and ultimately to become better "time-managers." To start with Keynote Countdown Timer, download it, drag to the slide, set the countdown time and you are ready to start. Each countdown timer can be used on any colored background. Each animation can be changed in...

Blue Crowbar Software (http://www.bluecrowbar.com) has released iPhoto2Twitter 1.0, a new plug-in for iPhoto, Apple's photo editing and management application that's part of iLife. iPhoto2Twitter lets you send short messages and photos to Twitter from within iPhoto. iPhoto2Twitter provides the same functionality found in Aperture2Twitter, the plug-in for Aperture that was released in April. With it you can: send your tweets without leaving iPhoto; include an image with a tweet; and switch between different Twitter-accounts. iPhoto2Twitter requires Mac OS X 10.5 ("Leopard") and iPhoto '08 or '09. A demo is availabel for download; registration is approximately US$7.

Smart Loops has released three new SL MultiTracks drum loop libraries in ACID WAV format for use with Mac and PC software samplers and audio software. Fast Rock 3 is for aggressive rock and punk tunes that need a solid groove; it includes heavy tom grooves suitable for a bridge or solo section. Medium Straight Rock 9 is for songs with many different sections -- with light hi-hat patterns to some big fills and hard-hitting rides. Slow-Medium Straight Rock 4 includes grooves with a sharp snare back-beat and some unusual crash hits; it sports some train-type beats too. With SL MultiTracks, computer-based musicians and producers can take control of the drum mix by discretely controlling volumes, EQ and FX on individual drum and cymbal loops (kick, snare, hats, overheads, and toms). Each MultiTrack groove and one-shot is provided in two ways: as a set of multitrack drum and cymbal loops, and as a complete stereo mix loop. Fast Rock 3, Medium Straight Rock 9, and Slow-Medium Straight Rock 4...

TechSmith Corp., a provider of screen capture and recording solutions, has released a new version of Jing (http://www.jingproject.com/), which offers a way to add screen-captured images and videos to any online conversation by sharing a link. Jing is compatible with Mac OS X 10.4.9 and higher. Jing Pro users can now switch back and forth between their screen video and their webcam video to add more personality, make a quick introduction, send a video postcard, record a video greeting, and more, according to Tony Dunckel, Jing product manager at TechSmith. With Jing, computer users can capture an image (screenshot) or create a screen recording (screencast) of what they see on their computer screen and share it instantly by pasting a link to the content in IM or email, posted on forums, and shared on Twitter and social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook -- or anywhere else a link can be pasted. When the link is clicked, the viewer sees the Jing-captured image or video...

Other World Computing (http://www.macsales.com) has announced the availability of new memory and data storage upgrade options and a US$200 price reduction on brand new units of the Axiotron Modbook, the world's only Mac-based tablet computer that lets users draw and write directly on the screen. OWC is an exclusive US-based distributor for Modbook, as well as being an Axiotron Authorized System Manufacturer (AASM) and fully certified to convert existing MacBooks into full-featured Modbooks via the Modservice program. OWC offers consumers a variety of Modbook "build to order" customization options. A new 13.3-inch Modbook tablet computer starts at US$1,899.00 (including instant rebate) and comes standard with a Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz processor, 2GB of memory, 120GB internal hard drive, an 8X Dual-Layer SuperDrive, and WAAS enabled GPS (while supplies last). Both base unit and custom configured orders with new performance upgrades like memory up to 6GB, internal hard drive storage up to...

Portrait Professional 9 (http://www.PortraitProfessional.com) is new portrait airbrushing software for Mac OS X (10.4 and higher) and Windows (2000/XP/Vista). For any given face, the software creates custom controls specifically to enhance that particular face. For example, if the face has a heavy jaw or double chin, Portrait Professional's "jaw slider" control will reduce the fatness of the jaw. On the other hand, if the jaw was rather weak or small, the slider would subtly enlarge it. The software contains over 100 "intelligent" sliders of this nature, plus an automatic touch-up brush to give the user fine control over the appearance of the face and hair, according to the developers. In addition, Portrait Professional 9 incorporates new patent applied for ClearSkinT skin beautifying technology. This enables skin defects such as acne, blotchiness, roughness, wrinkles, age spots, grease and other skin problems to be automatically removed leaving the skin looking natural and well...

Freeverse has updated Comic Life (http://plasq.com/comiclife/) -- software from developer plasq for creating comics, picture albums and instruction booklets, to version 1.5. The upgrade introduces features such as easy Single Page Comic creation with drag and drop ability, comic import capabilities, single-click page element adds, and much more. Version 1.5 also improves Comic Life Deluxe with easier page and image importing and resizing, translation and other minor bug fixes. Comic Life Deluxe costs US$29.95 and is available from Apple Stores and better Mac retailers worldwide. A 30-day demo is available for download. Comic Life requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or higher.

Tiffen (http://www.tiffen.com) has introduced two new apps for the iPhone and iPod touch. Cool fx allows the user to select from 172 visual presets that simulate a variety of color and black & white film looks, diffusion, motion picture film stocks and optical lab processes. Cool fx is made up of customizable Black & White, Color, Diffusion, Grain, and Temperature preset groups. The app complements Tiffen's Photo fx software. Cool fx costs US$2.99 and is available at the Apple App Store. Photo fx software features 26 filters/effects with slider controls for a range of custom effects within five different groups and a range of 27 different film looks. It's available at the Apple App Store for $2.99, as well.

Timepodz (http://www.timepodz.com/) is a new iPhone/iPod app that offers "offers many interesting ways to celebrate age, anniversaries and other milestones." Ticking Timepodz can calculate age in seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks and months. They can also be used to calculate measurements of bodily functions such as heartbeats, breaths, blinks and sweat. The app can also track up to 10 friends. A Shaker feature displays random Timepodz. There's also a Funky Fact and Feature Finder that you access by using the accelerometer. Timepodz costs US$1.99 and is available at the Apple App Store. A subscription to Timepodz via the web is priced at $2.99 and includes extra features such as celebrity Timepodz, customizable Timepodz and free downloadable desktop app.

Spatial View, a developer of 3D image processing and autostereoscopic display technologies, has announced the introduction of Wazabee 3DeeInterlacing SDK and Wazabee 3DeeInterlacer to allow third party developers to create 3D games, applications and video content for the iPhone 3G. Combined with the Wazabee 3DeeShell and its current suite of applications, iPhone app developers will be able to create and view applications in vivid 3D. The 3DeeInterlacing SDK contains tools for developers to create 3D content for the iPhone, including a runtime component that allows games and applications to run in 3D when using the 3DeeShell. Additional elements include implementation examples, a user implementation guide, developer license, and end user licensing agreement. The 3DeeInterlacing SDK is compatible with the Mac operating system and is available to download for free at http://www.wazabee.net/sdk. The 3DeeInterlacer enables content creators, licensees and production houses to interlace...

Yenco has updated Finance (http://www.yenco.com/finance), a Mac OS X app for keeping track of your bank accounts and budgets, to version 6.0. It's designed to help you manage your checking, savings and credit card accounts, create a budget and provides time-saving tools for entering data such as repeating transactions, automatic budget distributions, and moving funds within accounts from a single transaction. It also includes fast searching of accounts as you type, a sidebar for quick access to accounts, and more. Finance 6 is a shareware application. You can evaluate it free for 15 times to try out its features and decide if you like it before you buy it. Finance 6 requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later. Registered Finance 5 users can enter their existing code into the registration window for a special discount.

Audrey Charm (http://www.audreycharm.com) has introduced Swarovski decor frames for the iPhone 3G. All Swarovski is handmade with Swarovski crystals. Made from silver, gold, or chromium plated metal, each frame features protective neoprene inner lining, cutouts for access to all ports and controls, as well as holes for attaching a lanyard or decorative charm, and either pink, clear, or black Swarovski crystals on the front. Audrey Charm's Swarovski decorative frames for the iPhone 3G is available now and are priced at US$66. Audrey Charm is in honor of actress Audrey Hepburn. In her later years, she worked as an ambassador for UNICEF to raise awareness about children in need. For every product sold, Audrey Charm will donate 10 percent of our income to the organization that selected for child as a respect and support to Audrey Hepburn's spirit.

Vemedio has released Snowtape (http://www.snowtape.com/) for Mac OS X. It enables users to listen and record live internet radio with the touch of one button. Snowtape provides a interface that enables the user to search, sort and organize radio stations and recorded audio tracks. Snowtape is able to store thousands of radio stations. Users can search for a particular station add it to the list and sort by, for example, genre and bandwidth. They can also be marked as favorites. Snowtape is able to cut the recordings at audio track boundaries automatically and it identifies potential commercials or interludes. With the built-in track editor users can cut out any interfering audio. When exporting to iTunes the audio track is encoded to high quality AAC audio and saved right onto an iTunes playlist. Album artwork and track titles are automatically exported as iTunes Audio Tags and get incorporated directly into the audio track during export. Snowtape can import .PLS and .M3U internet...

FUNDimensions has just released version 7.4 of their flagship fundraising product. FUNDimensions 7.4 includes several enhancements to the Event Management module. The enhancements is designed to make it easier to set up a new event, assign donors to groups, teams, tables or other seating, and track fundraising results in real-time. This is in addition to printing of tickets, name tags and placecards, thank you note facilities, and event reporting. The folks at FUNDimensions are offering an US$1,000 price drop on all new purchases of the software through Sept.1. This is the first time FUNDimensions has been put on sale: the price drop puts the starting price for FUNDimensions at just $1,500. The software is available for immediate download at the web site (http://www.fundimensions.com). This version is a free upgrade to licensees of version 7.0 or higher. A free working demo is also available for download.

touch. It's available at a special introductory price of US$0.99 at the Apple App Store (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=316983745). In Tankz you control one of three futuristic hover tanks in a non-stop battle against enemy towers and tanks, while you search for and collect all of the flags to complete the game. Enemy tanks patrol areas of each level, but if you get too close or shoot them from the distance, they will hunt you down and destroy you. Watch out for enemy proximity mines that get dropped around the level. Tankz features: ° Three differing hover tanks to choose from with varying speed and turn capabilities due to size and weight; ° 3D levels, including higher platform areas you can get onto; ° Particle effects and projectile trails; ° Single finger movement controls, including tilt to turn, forward and reverse, and sideways movement to strafe; ° Controls that can be set for left or right handed players; ° Two game play modes: Best Time...

Christian James (http://www.paygosaas.com), the makers of PayGo SaaS, have announced an upgrade to their Mac compatible, SaaS-based retail service that brings a speed increase to their real-time POS solution. The speed improvement is a result of PayGo's underlying technology, Servoy, which is an eclipse-based IDE, says Laura Haapala-Peterson, co-founder of the company. The newest release has vast improvements in compression and a reduction in round-trip communication between server and client. The company has provided a free demo on their website for people interested in test-driving a fully-functional solution. The pricing structure can be found here: http://www.christianjames.net/shop/home.php?cat=26

Native Instruments has released Deep Reconstructions (http://www.native-instruments.com/Deepreconstructions.info), a collection of multi-effects based on the sound processing features of the Kore platform. The new Kore SoundPack provides advanced effect configurations that can be used to tweak and transform audio material for direct use in Kore 2 and in the free Kore Player. Complementing the Deep Transformations library, the second multi-FX collection in the Kore SoundPack arsenal provides time-based effects configurations that can alter and rearrange beats, melody lines, vocals and any other audio material. Deep Reconstructions offers 150 effect patches with 1,200 sound variations, which draw on both the Kore effect algorithms and on the integrated engines of Reaktor, Absynth and Guitar Rig for their signal processing power. Through icombinations of delay, reverb, modulation, pitch shifting, resampling, filtering and dynamics processing, signals can be sliced, frozen and sequenced....