PageSpinner 5.1 released
Optima System has released version 5.1 of PageSpinner, the web
development package for Macintosh.
PageSpinner 5.1 adds improved compatibility with 10.5 Leopard, an
option to auto-check HTML and PHP syntax every time a page is saved,
added web site commands in the application's Dock menu, support for
linking to iPhone-supported movie file formats, new option to select
the browser identification when downloading pages via HTTP, plus user
interface enhancements, bug fixes, and more.
PageSpinner costs $29.95 for a single-user license that also includes
free registrations of MapSpinner, the HTML image map editor, and
CamSpinner, the video and web cam utility. Purchased separately
MapSpinner and CamSpinner cost $27.90.
The complete PageSpinner 5.1 distribution is available for download
from the PageSpinner web site at
http://www.optima-system.com/pagespinner/
LaCie releases 4big Quadra
LaCie (http://www.lacie.com) has announced the 4big Quadra, a
four-bay RAID solution for small servers, creative pro workstations
or offices that need large storage and backup capacity, peed and
advanced security. Offering capacities of up to 6TB (6000GB) and a
hot-swap feature, the 4big Quadra supports seven RAID modes including
RAID 0 and RAID 5.
Thanks to its native RAID controller that conserves computer
resources, the 4big offers burst transfer rates reaching up to
200-230MB/second through eSATA 3Gbits. This solution integrates
perfectly with most applications that demand high speed, such as
photo processing, audio/video projects, pre-press, and even HD
post-production, says Arnaud Prezelin, LaCie product manager for
Creative Pro solutions Compatible with Mac OS X 10.5's Time Machine
feature, the 4big also comes with Genie Backup Manager Pro and Intego
Backup Manager Pro for customizable backup and computer recovery.
The 4big Quadra's stackable and chainable design helps to save...
Billings for Mac OS X gets new interface, new templates, more
Marketcircle has updated Billings, time and
expense billing software for the Mac-based
creative and business professional, to version
3.0. Key features include:
° A streamlined interface with features such as
client groups and the chronological accounts view
with inline preview help to streamline day-to-day
workflow.
° 30 professionally designed templates.
° Instant overdue invoice notification. Billings
3 immediately notifies users of overdue invoices
with a red icon next to the client's name. Users
can then click on the overdue amount to send an
instant overdue invoice statement as a gentle
reminder.
° Consolidated and recurring invoices. With
Billings 3, users can consolidate and send
invoices for multiple projects or send recurring
invoices. Invoice items can be easily
re-arranged, and users can choose to send Pro
Forma invoices for approval prior to sending the
final invoice.
° Easy tracking of time and expenses. Billings 3
lets users track time using a menu-bar timer
available...
Marware announces Sport Grip Extreme for iPod nano 4G
Marware (http://www.marware.com) has introduced the Sport Grip
Extreme for the iPod nano 4G. The Sport Grip Extreme is a dual
colored silicone sleeve containing an anti-microbial additive.
The Extreme's textured sides feel great in your hand while providing
outstanding slip-free protection for your new nano. The Sport Grip
Extreme allows for easy access to all iPod nano 4G functionality and
comes with Marware's Lifetime Warranty.
The Sport Grip Exreme comes with a silicone skin, clear film
protector, and microfiber cleaning cloth * Marware's Lifetime
Guarantee The Sport Grip Extreme for the Apple iPod nano 4G is
available in Black/Red, White/Gray and Pink/White. The Sport Grip
Extreme retails for US$19.99and is available now for pre-order online.
Get Your ayePhone for International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Area49 Software has released the ayePhone for iPhone
(http://www.area49.com/products/ayePhone/), which "gives users the
vicarious experience of being a pirate." It's available for US$0.99
at the Apple App Store.
"With International Talk Like a Pirate Day appoaching, we wanted to
give all iPhone users the ability to convincingly talk like a pirate
on Sept. 19," says Alex Horovitz, managing director of Area 49.
Sounds included in the ayePhone for iPhone are "Avast Ye!", "Walk the
Plank", "Yo Ho Ho", "Batten Down the Hatches" and "Shiver Me Timbers."
Intego says QuickTime bug discovered
Intego, which makes Internet security and privacy software, says
Apple's QuickTime, the media software used to play music and movies
on Mac OS X and Windows, has recently been update to version 7.5.5,
but a serious bug has already been discovered that may be used as a
vector for malicious attacks.
Here's what Intego has to say about it: "The "(? quicktime type= ?)"
tag fails to handle long strings, which can lead to a heap overflow
in QuickTime Player, iTunes, or any other program that attempts to
display media using a QuickTime plug-in. This can be a browser, such
as Apple's Safari, Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox,
or, on Mac OS X, could be any program that displays graphics or
movies inline, such as Mail, or even the Finder if a user tries to
view a file with Quick Look.
"For now, files which contain offending strings will crash programs
attempting to display them, but malicious code could be added to such
files, and may be executed with no user interaction, other...
PDFPen for Mac OS X updated to version 4.0
SmileOnMyMac has updated PDFPen
(http://www.smileonmymac.com/PDFpen/download.html), its PDF editing
and form-filling tool for Mac OS X, to version 4.0. With this
upgrade, users can perform basic OCR (Optical Character Recognition)
on scanned text documents so they can be edited with the ease of
other PDFs.
PDFpen 4.0 features user interface enhancements focused on increasing
productivity, including a new document sidebar for viewing
thumbnails, a simplified Properties window, and enhanced toolbar
controls. Other new features in PDFpen 4.0 include Microsoft Word
document import, printing of notes and comments, additional mark-up
options, and file compatibility upgrades.
PDFpenPro, which has all of the features of PDFpen, has also been
upgraded. PDFpenPro 4.0 users can now create and edit document Table
of Contents, in addition to being able to create and edit
cross-platform fillable PDF forms.
PDFpen costs US$49.95, and PDFpenPro is $99.95. Family pack licenses,
which cover up to 5...
equinux introduces the interactive Stationery Pack 2 for Leopard
equinux has introduced Stationery Pack 2 with over 660 e-mail designs
for Mac OS X 10.5
Munich, Germany / South San Francisco, USA - September 18, 2008:
Today equinux has released Stationery Pack 2, a comprehensive
collection of high-quality, interactive e-mail designs for Mac OS X
Leopard Mail. Stationery Pack 2 contains over 660 e-mail designs,
that can be generated from a total of 122 templates with a simple
mouse click.
"We are proud that Stationery Pack 2 expands Mac OS X Leopard with a
new feature: interactive e-mail designs," said equinux CEO Till
Schadde. "Particularly MobileMe users, who used to send greeting
cards with .Mac, find Stationery Pack, with its wealth of e-mail
choices, an ideal successor with even more possibilities."
Many e-mail templates in Stationery Pack 2 change their designs: A
click on the background alters color, themes and photos. A total of
122 high-class templates are thereby transformed into more than 660
possible e-mail designs for nearly every...
SRS iWow debuts iWOW adapter for iPod
SRS Labs (http://www.srslabs.com) has announce the upcoming release
of two new products in the r iWOW family, making SRS' audio solutions
available for the entire iTunes ecosystem -- including the Mac, PC
and iPod. The first product is iWOW adaptor for iPod, an accessory
that attaches to iPods.
SRS iWOW adaptor for iPod is a premium audio adaptor that attaches to
the iPod. Utilizing patented SRS audio solutions, SRS iWOW for iPod
restores the audio cues that are buried in the original source
material so music and video files sound the way they were originally
meant to be heard on your iPod, according to Craig Marking, director
of Product Marketing for SRS Labs. With the simple push of the
button, users hear the difference in music, videos and podcasts, he
adds. SRS iWOW for iPod will work with all iPods featuring a 30-pin
connector, starting with the iPod classic, iPod nano 3G, and more. It
will be available in November for US$99.95.
The new version of iWOW software plug-in for the...
Heckler Design releases OnelessDesk minimal workstation
Heckler Design (http://www.hecklerdesign.com) has released the
OneLessDesk and OneLessDesk Limited Edition desks that are designed
to complement Apple products such as the iMac.
The OneLessDesk (US$649) is available in silver/grey and gloss white.
It sports two independent desks for flexibility. You could put your
notebook on the lower deck and connect it to a big display on the
upper deck. When the lower deck is pushed under the upper deck, the
OneLessDesk occupies about one foot of room space.
OneLessDesk's out-of-sight, rear-facing shelf provides a home for
your wires, power strip, external hard drives, USB hub, and even
small speakers. The shelf comes complete with wire management
features built in.
OneLessDesk's lower deck is a keyboard tray and more. Its 12-inch by
30-inch work surface provides space for a keyboard, mouse, pen tablet
or paperwork. And it's designed to be ergonomically correct. Which
means you'll look good and be comfortable while you work. The
OneLessDesk...
OtterBox releases Defender series case for iPhone 3G
OtterBox has released the Defender Series case
(http://www.otterbox.com/iphone-cases/iphone-3g-defender-case) for
the iPhone 3G. It's described as "semi-rugged, drop and scratchproof."
The US$49.95 Defender is available in black and coming soon in white,
black/yellow and pink. It accommodates the iPhone 3G (both 8GB and
16GB models) with three slim-fit layers of protection, while offering
access to the silence switch, sync/charge, home, sleep/wake, volume,
camera and headphone jack.
Acoustical vents safeguard the microphone and speakers from dust and
dirt to allow clear sound transmission. The case includes a
holster-style swivel belt clip that converts into a display stand
when the device is inserted screen out.
Wasabi expands VMX iSCSI SAN line
Wasabi Systems (http://www.WasabiSystems.com) has expanded its line
of VMX iSCSI SAN appliances. The VMX 2000 series now consists of the
VMX 2000e , VMX 2000mx and VMX 2000sx, covering entry-level
applications up to enterprise systems.
All three models share the same 2U 12 drive enterprise class chassis
with redundant power supplies and fans along with Seagate ES.2
enterprise class SATA or SAS drives. All are based upon Wasabi's
Storage Builder Enterprise network storage operating system.
At the top of Wasabi's lineup is the 2000sx , which features a PCI
express-based backplane and an Intel quad-core XEON processor
targeting high performance application environments and Virtualized
Data centers. By using optional expansion chassis, this model can
support up to 60TB of raw capacity with a mix of enterprise grade SAS
or SATA drives. The powerful addition of thin provisioning allows
users great flexibility in buying just the capacity they need
initially and being able to add physical...
MacPractice to offer ePrescription interface with NewCrop
MacPractice (http://www.macpractice.com) -- the developer of
MacPractice MD, MacPractice DDS, MacPractice DC, and MacPractice
20/20 -- is collaborating with NewCrop, a provider of electronic
prescriptions, drug interaction and insurance formulary solutions.
In a release this fall, all MacPractice applications will delivered
with an extensive drug list, at no additional cost. In addition,
every MacPractice user will be permitted to use the NewCrop
Electronic Prescribing system, which is a web-based software
solution. This system requires no downloading and no new hardware and
is also available at no additional cost.
The interface between MacPractice and NewCrop eliminates redundant
data entry and retains prescription history in the patient's clinical
record in MacPractice, according to Mark Hollis, President and
co-founder of MacPractice. Additional content including automated
allergy, drug information and review, herbals, managed care
formularies, drug interactions, and leaflets for...
Griffin Technology unveils AirCurve, Clarifi at Apple Expo Paris
Griffin Technology has unveiled its latest iPhone accessories at
Apple Expo Paris. The AirCurve, the company's acoustic amplifier
dock, amplifies and projects the iPhone's sound without speakers or
the use of electricity. Also introduced today, Clarifi is a
protective case for the iPhone that features a built-in lens for
close-up photography.
The AirCurve collects and amplifies the sound from the built-in
speaker of the iPhone and projects it into the room, delivering
amplification that sounds like desktop speakers, Paul Griffin,
founder of Griffin Technology, says. A coiled waveguide within
AirCurve's base eliminates the need for batteries or power adapters.
The AirCurve, made of translucent polycarbonate, is suited for
desktop use, amplifying the sound sufficiently to serve as an alarm
clock in the bedroom, Griffin says. It also includes a pass-through
slot allowing you to charge and sync your iPhone using a Griffin Dock
Connector Cable (available separately).
The Clarifi is a...
PCI Geomatics expands offering with PostgreSQL support
PCI Geomatics (http://www.pcigeomatics.com), a developer of software
and solutions for geospatial imaging applications, has expanded its
image management systems with the addition of support for the
PostgreSQL database. PCI Geomatics' image management systems now
support the capability to read both raster and vector layers from a
PostgreSQL database, and offer an solution for managing imagery and
GIS data.
PostgreSQL is an open source object-relational database management
system. The new support offered by PCI Geomatics consists of
functions for loading raster and vector layers into a PostgreSQL
database. Vector layers are stored using the PostGIS extension to
PostgreSQL, and raster layers are stored using PostgreSQL large
objects.What's rmore, vector layers that have been loaded into a
PostgreSQL database by any software are now accessible through PCI
Geomatics' Generic Database Technology (GDB) if the layers are stored
using the PostGIS extension.
PCI Geomatics' PostgreSQL...
Mamiya ZDb Digital Back debuts at Photokina 2008
Mamiya Digital Imaging has announced the next model of their digital
back --called the Mamiya ZDb 22 megapixel Digital Back --will be
shown at Photokina 2008. To allow longer shooting sessions, the ZDb
will have a buffer with up to twice the memory of the original ZD
Digital Back; this means that you can continuously shoot up to 22
frames of full resolution RAW files before the buffer is full.
The new back is now compatible with SDHC (Secure Digital High
Capacity) cards that can store up to 32GB of images. The Mamiya ZDb
Digital Back can also use SD, SDHC, CF I and CF II cards. When used
with the new Mamiya 645AFDIII, the ZDb Back will display the camera's
35 custom function controls on the LCD panel. T
In addition, a beta version of the new Mamiya Remote Capture software
will soon be downloadable from the Mamiya home page
(http://www.mamiya.com). The software is designed to make shooting
tethered with the Mamiya ZDb Back faster and easier.
The camera boasts a 22-mega pixel Dalsa CCD...
Stylus introduced for iPhone, iPod touch
Ten One Design (http://www.tenonedesign.com), a New York-based design
firm specializing in solutions for the mobile lifestyle, has
announced that its Pogo Stylus is fully compatible with the newest
iPod touch and iPhone models from Apple.
The material used on the tip of the Pogo Stylus acts as a bridge by
transferring the signal from the display to the user's hand, which is
why it works so effortlessly with the iPhone and iPod touch, says Ten
One Design CEO Peter Skinner. It works so well that the user can even
operate it while wearing gloves, he adds.
To give Apple lovers greater control over their new tech toy, the
Pogo Stylus has been specifically designed to give the user greater
efficiency and accuracy when typing. The tip uses less surface area
than a fingertip, which makes navigating the user interface easier
and more enjoyable, Skinner. And people with longer fingernails or
larger fingers no longer experience "gadget envy" from not being able
to use touch screen devices, he...
Nova media unveils new wireless USB modem with memory stick
CobraMobile releases Mouse About for iPhone/iPod touch
CobraMobile (http://www.cobramobile.com) has released Mouse About, a
fast paced touch screen puzzler from the creators of the iPhone game,
Numba. Mouse About costs US$2.99 and is available at the (a
href="http://www.itunes.com/appstore/"TARGET="_blank")Apple App
Store(/a).
The aim of Mouse About is to solve all the food puzzles by guiding
Marv the hungry little mouse around the screen from one piece of food
to another. He will then scoff the food down and wait impatiently for
you to guide him to the next tasty morsel. Marv will have to eat all
of the food onscreen to successfully progress onto the next puzzle.
Each puzzle is played against the clock and you lose a life if you're
beaten by the clock. No two games are ever the same as the puzzles
dynamically respond to the players skill level.
The Any Touch game mechanic lets you play by touching anywhere on the
screen, making for some fast interaction.
NovaMind announces Connect social Mind Map sharing app
NovaMind (http://www.novamind.com) has announced NovaMind Connect, a
system for sharing Mind Maps online. With it you can take a Mind Map
document created in NovaMind and upload it directly from NovaMind to
NovaMind Connect, where it.s turned into a full HTML version of the
document.
You can click on each Mind Map to view the detail of that Mind Map.
From there you see all the branches of the Mind Map in expandable
outline form, and you can navigate to each branch either by clicking
it on the Mind Map, or in the outline.
NovaMind is a tool used to conduct and record the outcomes of
brainstorming sessions. It's Mac OS X compatible and costs US$119 for
a single-user license.
NovaMind Connect allows you to update existing documents that you've
already uploaded, and will keep any comments that have been made on
your Mind Maps, and branches so long as the branch is still there in
the new version of the document. As soon as the document has been
uploaded, the full text of every branch,...
Gesture is photo 'painting' app for iPhone, iPod touch
Big Stone Phone (http://www.stone.com/iPhone/) has released Gesture
1.0 for the iPhone and iPod touch. It's an app that lets you turn
your photos and snapshots into digital paintings just by dragging
your finger over the photo.
Gesture translates your movements into paint strokes using a sampled
color from the photo below. You can view your masterpieces in
landscape mode, add and delete paintings, and share and view
paintings from other Gesture users online
With Gesture you can also save your painting to Photos, play back
your painting like a movie, "pointilize" your photo and zoom in for
detail work. The app offers unlimited undos and the ability to load
any image on the Internet
Gesture 1.0 costs US$4.99 and is available at the Apple App Store.
Iomega announces new Ego portable hard drive for MacBook Air
Iomega has announced the Iomega eGo Helium portable hard drive USB
2.0 320GB, which is designed specifically to match the style and
incremental storage needs of Apple's MacBook Air notebook.
On display this week at the Apple Expo tradeshow in Paris, the new
eGo Helium portable drive brings the MacBook Air notebook's aesthetic
to Iomega's eGo portable hard drive. In addition to the drive's
portable storage, the eGo Helium also harnesses the benefits of cloud
computing with Mozy online backup service, according to Peter
Wharton, vice president of marketing, Iomega.
The tapered 320GB eGo Helium portable hard drive echoes the lines of
the MacBook Air, enclosing a 2.5-inch portable hard drive in an
anodized aluminum shell to create a package that is 0.63 inches thick
and weighs seven ounces. Formatted with Apple's HFS+ file system, the
320GB hard drive sports Iomega's Drop Guard design feature that
protects the drive from drops of up to 51 inchesonto industrial
carpeting.
The eGo Helium...
Super Talent launches new SATA-II SSDs
Super Talent Technology (http://www.supertalent.com) has added two
new series of SSD products to its MasterDrive family that deliver
faster performance than existing SSDs.
These new SSDs are based on a new multi-channel SATA-II (3.0 Gbits
per sec) controller. The MasterDrive OX uses MLC NAND Flash to
transfer data at speeds up to 150 MB/sec (sequential read) and 100
MB/sec (sequential write). The MasterDrive OX is offered in
capacities up to 128GB, and is backed with a one-year warranty.
The MasterDrive PX employs SLC NAND Flash, and supports sequential
read and write speeds -- up to 170 and 130 MB/second read and write
speeds, respectively. MasterDrive PX SSDs are available in 32 and
64GB capacities, and include a three-year warranty. The 128GB
MasterDrive OX will be available this week at a street price of
around US$419.
StuffIt Deluxe 2009
STUFFIT - THE PREMIER COMPRESSION SOLUTION CELEBRATES ITS 20th ANNIVERSARY
WITH THE LAUNCH OF STUFFIT DELUXE 2009 FOR THE MAC
Smith Micro Delivers an Advanced Archive and Compression Solution for
Multimedia and Office Files with New Leopard Compatibility for Quick Look,
Time Machine and MobileMe
ALISO VIEJO, CA - Sept. 17, 2008 - Smith Micro Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:
SMSI) Consumer Group, today announced the launch of StuffIt Deluxe 2009 for
the Mac, its award-winning archive and compression software. StuffIt Deluxe
2009 marks StuffIt's 20th anniversary and the latest edition offers
state-of-the-art improvements to compress, expand, secure and back- up even
more formats and files faster and better than ever before. StuffIt Deluxe
2009 includes support for Apple's Mac OS X Leopard technology including
Quick Look, Time Machine and MobileMe.
StuffIt Deluxe 2009 includes unique multimedia compression capabilities
that allow users to compress a wide variety of file types and formats such
as...
Sonic Studio plans Moscone event to announce new products
After a two year hiatus, San Francisco's Moscone Convention Center
will be the renewed focus of all things audio. Sonic Studio
(http://www.sonicstudio.com) will be there Oct. 2-5, launching new
products, demonstrating current wares, and providing a glimpse at
future technologies.
The company will stage the first public showing of several new items.
A brief look at the convention highlights include: the release of the
new, low cost NoNOISE FixIt option; shipment of the new DSD Converter
option; the release of a new version 5 of Sonic Console; on--site and
off--site demonstrations of new and current products including the
latest versions of PreMaster CD, soundBlade and the new v5 Console
for Series 300 I/O Processors with 2d DSP expansion. There will also
be technology demonstrations of partner hardware and software
products.
A new product will be released, a restoration option exclusively for
soundBlade and PreMaster CD. NoNOISE FixIt combines elements of
Manual DeClick, Manual...
Mariner Software announces Contour story development app
Mariner Software have, announced today an
agreement made with LTW Productions Canada, to
acquire and redevelop TotallyWrite, the story
development software for Mac OS X. Newly-named
Contour, it will make its public debut under the
Mariner brand with existing content and new
features, before the end of 2008.
Contour enables writers to develop a movie
concept from the idea stage to a bulletproof
outline. Along the way, Contour guides the writer
through plot points of all three acts and
explains the major storytelling secrets to
crafting a marketable movie. The main character's
journey is explained through archetypal themes
that "reverberate in the top 50 grossing movies
of all time." Once the story passes through
Contour, the writer can transfer their work into
Montage, Mariner Software's screenwriting
software, to write and start marketing the script.
Some of Contour's features include:
° The ability to flesh out a main character and
codify their motivations and behaviors;
° Recognize...
Markzware releases free update to FlightCheck
Markzware, a developer of preflighting, data extraction and
conversion software, has announced a free update for its preflighting
solution, FlightCheck 6.12.
This new update will allow the user to drop folders of multiple files
of QuarkXPress or Adobe InDesign onto the FlightCheck icon for
preflighting. Other new enhancements include:
* Relaxed constraints on bad data to allow more files to be seen as
recognized by FlightCheck;
* Modified reading of Illustrator files to better handle documents
with layers previously flagged as unrecognized or locked;
* Improved detection of small point-size fonts in Illustrator (.ai
and eps files created out of Illustrator);
* Addressed content of an image box containing an eps image with
scaling applied would report the "image_name is transparent," when no
transparency had been applied;
* Coordinated file creation/Modification Dates and Finder Dates;
* Improved reading and detection of fonts in QuarkXPress 7 documents;
* Improved scanning of...
Cocktail 4.1.5 (Leopard Edition) has been released -
Maintain (http://www.maintain.se) has announced Cocktail 4.1.5
(Leopard Edition). Cocktail is an award winning general purpose
utility for Mac OS X. The application serves up a scrumptious mix of
maintenance tools and interface tweaks, all accessible via a
comprehensive graphical interface. This version addresses
compatibility issues with Mac OS X 10.5.5 and adds two new iTunes
settings. The update is strongly recommended for all users of
Cocktail (Leopard Edition).
Ekero, Sweden - Maintain has announced Cocktail 4.1.5 (Leopard
Edition). Cocktail is an award winning general purpose utility for
Mac OS X. This version addresses compatibility issues with Mac OS X
10.5.5 and adds "Disable Genre column in iTunes browser" and "Disable
iTunes Store arrow links in iTunes" settings.
The update is strongly recommended for all users of Cocktail (Leopard Edition).
Cocktail 4.1.5 (Leopard Edition) is distributed as a Universal Binary
and runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. Cocktail 4.1.5...
Onset announces new LEED monitoring kits
Onset Computer Corp. the HOBO data logger company, has announced
three new HOBO LEED Monitoring Kits designed to help improve building
energy performance while generating credits as specified in the U.S.
Green Building Council's LEED for Existing Buildings Rating System.
Specifically, the new kits enable facility managers, building owners,
contractors and engineers to quickly and easily measure and document:
boiler/solar hot water heater performance; rooftop HVAC system
efficiency; and indoor environmental quality.
HOBO LEED Monitoring Kits are available in three versions: a Boiler
Monitoring Kit; a Rooftop HVAC System Monitoring Kit; and an Indoor
Environmental Quality Monitoring Kit. Each kit includes HOBO data
logger hardware, HOBOware Lite graphing and analysis software (for
Mac and PC), and associated sensors.
The HOBO LEED Monitoring Kits are available immediately from Onset,
and can be customized and purchased on the company's web site at
http://www.onsetcomp.com/LEED.
Presidential biographies available at iTunes U
PBS' American Experience is offering free downloads of six of its
award-winning Presidential biographies for educational use. As the
2008 election heats up, closed captioned biographies of Franklin
Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Jimmy
Carter, and Ronald Reagan -- more than 23 hours of programming --
are available on the American Experience "The Presidents" web site
(pbs.org/presidents) and on Apple's on iTunes U, a section of the
iTunes Store showcasing free educational offerings from WGBH and top
universities.
"Our iTunes U collaboration with Apple is an effective platform for
reaching our existing audience and attracting new viewers," says
Annie Valva, WGBH Interactive's director of Research and Business
Development. WGBH's digital reach is further expanded by the
pioneering work of WGBH's Media Access Group. Annie notes, "Within an
hour of posting one American Experience film to iTunes U we heard
from a user who told us how much he and his wife depend on...
Kayo Games releases PlayDetective: Heartbreakers for Mac OS X
Kayo Games has launched PlayDetective: Heartbreakers, their detective
game, for Mac OS X. It puts you in the gumshoes of a private
investigator as he investigates a series of infidelity cases. Conduct
surveillance using a range of tools and gadgets, collect and analyze
evidence, and solve mind-bending puzzles.
Here's how the game is described: "A wayward husband who can't seem
to stay out of the clubs in the seedier parts of town? A girlfriend
who seems to be getting a little too close to her boss at work? Or
just a concerned wife who needs a little reassurance that her partner
only has eyes for her? It's all in a day's work for this detective.
Whether you take a direct approach and interview your suspects and
gauge their responses on your lie detector, Or just while away the
hours playing some classic games at your local casino while your
phone taps do your work for you, it's down to you."
With PlayDetective: Heartbreakers, you can investigate 15 unique
cases. You can eavesdrop using...
Casio introduces new high speed Exilim digital camera
Casio America (http://www.casio.com/home/) has released its newest
Exilim digital camera, the High Speed Exilim EX-FH20, which is
capable of ultra high-speed burst shooting at 40 fps and can record
High Speed movies at up to 1,000 fps.
The camera's design places all shooting mode settings on a single
dial. The EX-FH20 also sports a 20X optical zoom on a compact body
that's 27 percent smaller and 28 percent lighter than its
predecessor, the EX-F1. The EX-FH20, with a manufacturer's suggested
retail price of US$599.99, will be available in black at retail
stores in October.
It has 9.1 effective megapixels and a high power, wide angle zoom
lens. The EX-FH20 is equipped with a 26 mm-equivalent wide angle zoom
lens that can close in on subjects with a 20X optical zoom. The
camera also features a CMOS shift anti-shake function to support
power-zoom shots.
The EX-FH20 can capture action in high definition, 7-megapixel (3072
x 2304 pixel) images with ultra-High Speed burst shooting at up to...
Toon Boom and FableVision release Animation-ish SP1
Toon Boom Animation and Boston-based educational media developer
FableVision have announced the expansion and enhancement of its newly
released Animation-ish software for "do-it-yourself" animation. Along
with functional updates, Animation-ish Service Pack 1 expands the
firms' eLearning offerings to support its growing base of
international users.
Key to the success of Animation-ish, which has received three awards
from parenting and educational publications, is the software's
"Inspire Me" feature -- online animation lessons hosted by New York
Times Best-Selling Children's Book Author/Illustrator Peter H.
Reynolds (The Dot, Ish, Judy Moody, Someday), along with others
artists and animators at FableVision.
One of the newest lessons demonstrates how to animate a bouncing
ball, which combined with the program's "Ish-Starters" help even the
most reluctant and creatively-challenged learners. FableVision's EVP
and Director of Production Gary Goldberger notes, "We didn't just
create an...
New medical spelling dictionary compatible with Office 2008 for
Spellex (http://www.spellex.com) has announced a new medical and
pharmaceutical spelling software for Microsoft Office 2008 from
MacMedica. MacMedica is an all purpose medical spell checker that
lets you check the spelling of thousands of medical words while
inside Office 2008 for Macintosh.
By adding MacMedica to Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac, you will be
able to verify correctly spelled medical words and provide correct
spelling choices for incorrectly spelled terms. Both the standard
English language dictionary and the MacMedica dictionary are checked
simultaneously with one mouse click.
Prices for MacMedica start at US$79.95. Multi-user licenses and
educational discounts are available.
Fandora's Box is fantasy football app for the iPhone, iPod...
Marvel Apps has released the first iPhone/iPod touch application for
fantasy football news and advice, Fantasy Football '08
(http://www.fandorasbox.com) by Fandora's Box lets you stay on top of
all the injury news, matchup analysis, scores, standings and more.
It's available at the Apple App Store in the Sports and Entertainment
categories.
You'll also receive "Fantasy Advice." The fantasy football advice
consists of weekly recaps, waiver wire and start/sit suggestions,
detailed matchup analysis, game weather reports, daily injury
updates, and other editorial content. Importantly, content is native
to the app resulting in a great user experience. This app is powered
by content from industry leaders PA SportsTicker, The Sports Xchange,
and Fandora's Box.
QuantumSphere files patent on technology to increase Lithium Ion
QuantumSphere (http://www.qsinano.com/), a developer of advanced
catalyst materials, electrode devices, and related technologies and
systems for portable power and clean-energy applications, has
announced that it's filed a key patent for technology it has
developed that extends the capacity of rechargeable lithium ion
batteries up to five times. Next-generation batteries featuring this
technology could dramatically improve the operating life of portable
consumer electronics, hybrid-electric vehicle range, and a wide
variety of energy storage applications.
This news follows a previous QuantumSphere battery announcement
highlighting the development of a high-rate, paper-thin, nano-enabled
electrode for disposable batteries. This earlier breakthrough patent
pending air-electrode design increased power output by 320 percent in
zinc-air cells, providing roughly four times more power than
equivalent sized alkaline batteries, and is expected to be
commercialized in 2009, says Kevin Maloney,...
SmartSound's Sonicfire Pro 5 software ships
SmartSound Software is shipping Sonicfire Pro 5, an upgrade of its
music scoring software that sports new music timing controls and
searching feature. Coinciding with the release of six new Strata
Series multi-layer music discs, Sonicfire Pro 5 builds on its Mood
Mapping feature with new enhancements that make it possible for any
editor to match the timing of a score with events in a production.
Users can grab a beat in a piece of music and drag it to a nearby
edit point or other key event in their video without changing the
rhythm or overall length of the score. SmartSound believes this is
the first time such a capability has been available for prerecorded
music, says Kevin Klingler, president and CEO of SmartSound Software
New control over the timing of the music section changes helps
editors create dynamic music that matches the pace of their scenes,
he says. Also added to this release is the ability to adjust the
tempo of any SmartSound music track while maintaining its...
CodeWeavers polishes Chrome code for Mac users
CodeWeaver has extended the Google Chromium launch beyond Windows.
They are announcing the release of CrossOver Chromium for Mac and
Linux, available immediately as a free download.
CrossOver Chromium (http://chromium.codeweavers.com) is offered as a
proof-of-concept so that Mac and Linux users can try first hand the
power and flexibility of the new Chromium open source browser.
CrossOver Chromium also showcases the power of Wine that allows
CodeWeavers to rapidly migrate technology from Windows to alternate
platforms.
"We did this to prove a point," says Jeremy White, CodeWeavers
President and chief executive officer. "The message is very simply
this: if you are a Windows software vendor, and you want to get your
product into new markets, you should pay attention to Wine. Wine is a
very powerful tool for bringing your product to new audiences in the
Mac and Linux spaces. And in many cases Wine is faster and more
economical than doing a native port."
White was quick to caution that...
MacsDesign Studio announces Remote Desktop 3 integration
MacsDesign Studio (http://www.WebHelpDesk.com), developers of the
cross-platform help desk software solution, Web Help Desk, has
announced integration with Apple Remote Desktop 3, Apple's desktop
management system for Mac OS X. More than ever, businesses and
educational institutions are seeking continuity and cost-effective IT
help desk solutions. The easy access to ARD information and instant
remote control connectivity from within the Web Help Desk promises to
boost technician productivity and raise the bar on customer
satisfaction.
A scheduled or on-demand import of asset discovery data directly from
the ARD database to the Web Help Desk provides support professionals
with the critical, up-to-date asset information required to
efficiently resolve service requests. This new integration makes
Apple Remote Desktop 3 asset data available to any web browser
through one centralized web application.
Web Help Desk's integration with Apple Remote Desktop 3 makes
initiating an ARD control...
IK announces new Total Bundle 2 series
IK Multimedia (http://www.ikmultimedia.com) has announced sequels to
the Total Bundle series: Total Workstation 2 and Total Studio 2
bundles.
Total Workstation 2 bundle offers the entire collection of all five
of IK's virtual instrument and workstation plug-ins in one box
(SampleTank 2.5 XL, Miroslav Philharmonik, Sonik Synth 2, SampleMoog
and SampleTron). It contains 14,000 sounds and 28 GB of samples
available in one package.
Total Studio 2 is a collection of 12 award-winning plug-ins,
including the five virtual instruments of the Total Workstation 2
bundle, plus seven effects plug-in suites (AmpliTube 2, Ampeg SVX,
AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix, AmpliTube Metal, AmpliTube X-GEAR, T-RackS
and Classik Studio Reverb) covering guitar, bass, mixing and
mastering needs with over 160 modeled effects in one package.
In addition, as exclusive bonus content never released before, the
Total Workstation 2 and Total Studio 2 bundles include exclusively
made "Artist Signature Presets" by players and...
Exibia video scheduling software for Mac OS X gets an update
Plymix (http://www.plymix.com)has updated Exibia, broadcast
scheduling software for Mac OS X, to version 1.3. The upgrade
includes a new web client optimized for the iPhone and iPod touch.
Exbia allows clients in a multi-user, multi-platform environment to
upload and schedule QuickTime-compatible videos to a
centrally-located server. The Exibia Server, connected to a
closed-circuit television system for broadcast, handles the
scheduling and playback of the video content. Users of any platform
can upload and schedule videos for playback using their web browser.
Exibia Server is an Universal Binary that will run on any Macapable
of running Mac OS X 10.4.2 or greater with an available video output.
A G4, G5 or Intel processor is recommended. A large hard drive is
recommended for video storage. Many current Exibia users run Exibia
Server on a Mac mini.
Version 1.3 is a free update for current Exibia users. For new users
the cost is US$499 per Exibia Server License. One license allows...
Media Atelier releases GrandTotal 1.0 for Leopard
Media Atelier (http://www.mediaatelier.com) has has released
GrandTotal 1.0,an invoicing application for Mac OS X 10.5 ("Leopard")
platform). It's designed for freelancers, small- to mid-sized
companies, and any organization that needs to generate personalized,
invoices, estimates and account statements.
GrandTotal sports a range of word processing and layout tools. It
serves as both a stand-alone and companion application to Media
Atelier's TimeLog 4. GrandTotal integrates with the Mac OS X Address
Book. Other features include: creation of email invoices, estimates
and account statements; support for multiple currencies and tax
rates; a built-in catalog for recurring services and items; smart
lists; and flexible export options
GrandTotal is available in English, German, French, Italian, Dutch,
Danish, Swedish and Norwegian. Single licenses are available for EUR
49 (about US$70). Users of TimeLog 4 get a 10 percent discount.
GrandTotal can also be purchased in a bundle including...
iPhone app provides image recognition
Swiss company kooaba (http://www.kooaba.net/) has
released’kooaba search, an application for visual
search on the iPhone. Using kooaba's image
recognition application, customers can "scan"
posters of current movie releases and receive
info about the releases on their iPhones.
This includes trailers, reviews, information
about actors, or links to merchandising
material. Every request is also saved in a
history. Recognition of CD covers, DVD covers and
games will be added to the service in a few
months. kooaba's search service currently
focuses on the German speaking market, but will
be expanded to other countries in the near
future.
kooaba search is now available for free at the Apple App Store.
QuickerTek extends ExpressCard offerings for MacBook Pros
QuickerTek (http://www.quickertek.com) has extended its line of
ExpressCard MacBook Pro products to include a new version that comes
with an external antenna that increases speed and range. The new
ExpressCard with antenna is available for US$199.95.
It sports an external antenna with 5dBi of RF power. Because it's
external to the MacBook Pro case, it can be placed for optimum signal
strength and speed, according to the folks at QuickerTek. The antenna
itself clips to the MacBook Pro case when open.
The stock MacBook Pro has 30 milliwatts of wireless RF power. This
ExpressCard has 300 milliwatts of RF power. Additional power is
needed to penetrate walls, office equipment and floors (upstairs and
downstairs) where 25 percent of signal strength is lost at each
barrier, says QuickertTek.
All QuickerTek ExpressCards work with all Apple AirPort Base
Stations, including the 802.11n AirPort Extreme. They support all
standard security protocols including WPA, WPA2-64bit Personal and
128bit...
Enterasys releases latest member of its 10GbE switch family
Enterasys Networks (http://www.enterasys.com) has announced the new
Enterasys SecureStack C3 designed for Gigabit and 10-Gigabit Ethernet
(10GbE) access at the network edge. QoS features automatically
discover, classify and prioritize voice, video and data applications
such as IP telephony, HD video conferencing and business intelligence
analytics.
Redundant power supplies ensure availability while standards-based
IEEE 802.3af power over Ethernet (PoE) options support network
devices that require external power, such as wireless access points,
VoIP telephones, and IP security cameras. What You Need Is What You
Get (WYNIWYG) identity-based policies assure service level agreement
(SLA) requirements and proactively prevent security incidents based
on user and application privileges that ensure only the right users
have access to the right information from the right place at the
right time.
The new SecureStack C3 products are complemented by the Enterasys
Dragon Multi-Gigabit Intrusion...
Mundue.net updates reMovem game for iPhone, iPod touch
Mundue.net has updated its iPhone and iPod touch application, reMovem
(http://removem.mundue.net/iphone). Version 1.0.2 adds the option of
choosing four, five or six ball colors, and includes the ability to
turn off the Undo feature.
In addition, reMovem supports four modes of play and an 8 x 10 grid
of balls for hours of enjoyment. reMovem is available immediately at
the Apple App Store for US$0.99. The update is free if you have
already installed the game. A free version with one mode and a 7 x 10
grid is also available.
SRS iWow introduces new iPod, iTunes products
SRS Labs (http://www.srslabs.com) has announced the upcoming release
of two new products in the iWOW family, making SRS' audio solutions
available for the entire iTunes ecosystem -- including Mac, PC and
iPod applications.
The first product is iWOW for iPod, an adaptor that attaches to
iPods, and the second is iWOW for Mac and PC software plug-in, which
offers two software applications in one retail package. SRS iWOW for
iPod is an audio adaptor that attaches to the iPod. Utilizing
patented SRS audio solutions, SRS iWOW for iPod "restores the audio
cues that are buried in the original source material so music and
video files sound the way they were originally meant to be heard on
your iPod -- with remarkable depth and clarity," according to the
folks at SRS Labs.
With the push of the button, users hear the difference in music,
videos and podcasts, they add. SRS iWOW for iPod works with the iPod
classic, iPod nano 3G, iPod touch and the iPod 5G.
The new version of iWOW software plug-in...
Akvis LightShop 2.5. released for Mac, Windows
Akvis Software has updated Akvis LightShop for Mac and Windows to
version 2.5. The upgrade introduces new ready-to-use light effects
for a quick start. The version improves compatibility with Vista SP1
and adds a new interface language (Portuguese).
Now there are three download files for the Mac: a standalone
application, a plug-in version for Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop
Elements 6, and a plug-in for earlier versions of these programs.
LightShop lets you create a light effects designed to draw attention
and animate any photo. The program offers a large number of
ready-to-use light effects (presets) that can be applied in their
initial version or can be modified. First you can train on available
light effects and than create your exclusive ones. It 's possible to
save your own presets to use them in the future or share with others.
See some examples here:
http://akvis.com/en/lightshop/presets-lighting-effect.php
Ak is LightShop sells for US$117, downloadble from
http://www.akvis.com ....
Western Digital introduces 500GB capacity My Passport drives
Western Digital has introduced its new 500GB capacity My Passport
Portable USB drives. It's offered on the My Passport Elite and My
Passport Essential portable drive models.
A recent consumer study conducted by WD of 1,559 external hard drive
users revealed that 54 percent of survey respondents wished that
there was an automatic way to back up their computer without having
to think about it. My Passport Elite portable drives are equipped
with software to automatically back up consumers' collections of
personal media and digital files.
Weighing in at less than seven ounces, the new 500GB My Passport
portable drives are small enough to fit in a pocket or back pack for
portability, says Jim Welsh, vice president and general manager of
WD's branded products and consumer electronics groups. The
manufacturer's retail price for the My Passport family of portable
drives with 400GB and 500GB capacities ranges from $US179.99 to
$219.99, depending on the model. The My Passport Elite and...
MicroNet announces availability of RAIDBank4 RAID subsystem
MicroNet (http://www.micronet.com) is shipping the RAIDBank4 a
compact, high availability, high performance storage solution
designed for small and medium businesses (SMBs). It sports both eSATA
and USB connectivity, and a 300 MB/second data transfer rate,.
It's targeted for companies requiring up to 4TB now (and, soon, up to
6TB). up to six terabytes soon of high-availability data storage. The
RAIDBank4 has a footprint measuring 6.5 x 4.75 inches.
It integrates a 64-bit RISC processor with a 128MB and a high-speed
error correcting cache to ensure accuracy. The device is hot
swappable, features online auto rebuild support, and is packaged in a
lightweight aluminum enclosure.
RAIDBank4 includes MicroNet's 2-port eSATA PCI-Express host bus
adapter card and NTI Shadow backup software and is available with a
4-port adapter option. The OS independent solution enables
simultaneous online RAID expansion, RAID level migration and/or
stripe size migration. In addition, multiple array and...
