Raskin update improves rendering quality, more
Raskin Software (http://raskinformac.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=createsend&utm_cont...) has updated its self-titled Raskin application – a zoomable single surface Finder alternative for Mac to version 1.1.1. The upgrade improves the rendering quality of files and text displayed at smaller sizes, adds interface improvements and fixes several user reported issues.
Raskin is designed to simplifiy interaction with your computer files. Version 1.1 uses Apple’s OS X Quick Look function.
“Quick Look was the number one requested feature among our growing user base,” says Raskin co-founder, Michael Rosewich. “It lets you scroll through multi-page documents, run slide shows and watch full-screen video without opening the file. Quick Look is a natural fit. It saves users even more time and that’s why it’s the first feature we’ve added.”
Raskin costs US$49.95 for a single-user license and requires Mac OS X 10.6.3 or higher. A 30-day demo is available for download. Version 1.1.1 is...
Multisite update for iWeb provides better feedback, more
Clarkwood Software's (http://clarkwood.com) Multisite for iWeb 2.0, a Mac OS X utility for users of iWeb, has been updated to version 2.5.3. iWeb is part of Apple's iLife suite of software.
Apple built iWeb to manage a site going to a single server. If you need to build several sites that go to more than a single web server then Multisite solves your dilemma, according to the folks at Clarkwood Software. It also speeds up iWeb’s publishing by putting sites into individual files behind the scenes so you don't have to publish every site each time.
Multisite 2.5.3 provides better feedback for cases where iWeb was renamed. In cases where a folder isn't created it now displays the path. Version 2.5.3 also improves: internal counts when tracking number of sites; permission checking in the file system; licensing feedback; and the automated build process for better version number coordination.
Multisite for iWeb costs US$19.95, though version 2.5.3 is a free update for registered users. It...
Mac Shutdown X for Mac OS X gets maintenance update
Pomola Software has updated Mac Shutdown X (http://pomola.com/products_macshutdown/macshutdown.html), a Mac OS X utility for shutting down a Mac on a specified event or on a specified date and time, to version 1.5.4. It's a maintenance update with some bug fixes.
Mac Shutdown X costs US$20. Version 1.5.4 is a free update for registered users. The software is Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. It requires Mac OS X 10.4 or higher.
App Tamer update for Mac OS X improves efficiency
St. Clair Software has released App Tamer 1.0.1 (http://www.stclairsoft.com/AppTamer/), an update of the app for Mac OS X 10.5 and higher that gives you control over your applications so you can save battery and CPU power.The new version increases efficiency and addresses several issues that have been reported since version 1.0 was released.
Some Mac applications, especially web browsers, continue running tasks or animations even when they're supposed to be idle in the background. This can consume valuable processing power and reduce battery life. App Tamer's AutoStop capability automatically pauses these applications when you switch away from them, and then restarts them when you click back to them. This frees your CPU and reduces power consumption, according to the folks at St. Clair.
App Tamer shows the average percentage of your processor(s) being used by each app, and graphically displays a history of CPU usage. You can enable AutoStop for any application, as well as change its...
Flux web page creation app gets History feature
The Escapers has released Flux 3.1 (http://theescapers.com/flux2/), an update of the Mac OS X app that allows drag 'n drop creation of web pages without the need of knowledge of XHTMLICSS (though you can twiddle with the code if you like). The upgrade introduces a new History feature to allow reversing experimental changes or mistakes.
Snapshots can be easily created using a keyboard shortcut. Also, a new palette manages the complete history of your web page.
Users of both Flux 1 & 2 are entitled to an upgrade for £34.99, and new users can pay only £69.99 for a single user license, or £99.99 for a family license.
Apple, Sector Labs battle over 'Pod' trademark
Apple and a startup called Sector Labs (http://www.sectorlabs.com/) are apparently going to do legal battle over the 'Pod' trademark, reports "Gadget Lab" (http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/09/apple-goes-to-trial-with-startup-...). Sector Labs is developing a video projector dubbed the Video Pod -- and Apple doesn't like that moniker.
Apple and Sector Labs are undergoing a paper trial, in which each party has 30 days to gather and present evidence in paper form, to be submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Apple filed its 873-page paper on Sept. 20, and Sector Labs’ testimony begins Oct. 18, the article adds.
“My team started working on the Video Pod in 2000, and it took us years to go from prototype to funded,” Kokin told "Gadget Lab." “At that time, Apple didn’t even enter our minds as a competitor. Now it’s 2010 and I still don’t think Apple is interested in video projection, but I’m supposed to rename our product because Apple also uses ‘pod’?”
The VideoPod...
Apple now world's second business company by market value
Apple has overtaken PetroChina Co. to become the second-biggest company in the world by market value, lifted by investors betting on growth prospects for the Mac, iPhone, iPod and iPad, reports "Bloomberg" (http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-09-23/apple-becomes-world-s-second...?).
Apple, valued at $265.8 billion, trails Exxon Mobil Corp., which was worth $313.3 billion as of 2:53 p.m. (Eastern). PetroChina is valued at $265.5 billion.
“There’s no reason at all Apple can’t grow much, much bigger,” Jane Snorek, an analyst with Minneapolis-based First American Funds (which has more than $100 billion under management, with Apple as its largest technology holding) told "Bloomberg." Apple still has a small portion of the market for phones and computers, she said.
Apple to open Spokane retail store on Sept. 25
Apple is set to open a new retail store in Spokane, Washington, on Saturday, Sept. 25, at 10 am. Apple Store River Park Square (http://www.apple.com/retail/riverparksquare/) is located at 808 West Main Avenue, Spokane, Washington 99201. The grand opening will start at 10 am.
Regular store hours will be Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.
Apple Store Haywood Mall will be the company's 304rd retail store. Apple plans to open another 17 or so during this fiscal year, with about half of those outside the U.S.
iHub Basic syncs Macs, iDevices wirelessly
Nova media (http://www.novamedia.de) has unveiled iHub Basic for Mac OS X. The US$29.95 software syncs contacts and calendars automatically and wirelessly between Macs, iPhones, iPads and iPod touches in any local network.
The software installs on a Mac and shares selected calendars, contacts and address book groups. Other Macs and iOS devices on the same network can access and edit any shared data. iHub Basic doesn't require any additional client software as it uses the open standards CalDAV and CardDAV which are supported by default by Mac OS X and iOS.
"Thanks to iHub Basic, there is no need to store sensitive on any far-away cloud service," says Jan Fuellemann, spokesperson of nova media. "In addition, the user does not have to use a cable and run iTunes just to add an appointment in the calendar or to change an address. And of course, there is no need to buy any expensive server solution to sync contacts and calendars any more."
iHub Basic runs as an invisible server application...
iPhone tops customer satisfaction list for fourth consecutive...
For a fourth consecutive time, Apple ranks highest in customer satisfaction among manufacturers of smartphones with a score of 800 on a 1,000-point scale, and performs particularly well in ease of operation, operating system, features and physical design, according to the J.D. Power and Associates' (http://www.JDPower.com) 2010 U.S. Wireless Smartphone Customer Satisfaction Study. Motorola (791) and HTC (781) follow Apple in the rankings.
The study measures customer satisfaction with traditional wireless handsets and smartphones across several key factors among owners who have used their current mobile phone for less than two years. In order of importance, the key factors of overall satisfaction with traditional wireless handsets are: operation (30%); physical design (30%); features (20%); and battery function (20%). For smartphones, the key factors are: ease of operation (26%); operating system (24%); physical design (23%); features (19%); and battery function (8%).
What's more, the...
Low brand loyalty among BlackBerry users may be fueled by...
Companies that force employees to use BlackBerries may be indirectly hurting the brand by fomenting low user loyalty, according to the latest Crowd Science study into smartphone brand loyalty.
Only 35% of survey respondents whose smartphone choices were foisted on them by corporate mandate said they were "very satisfied" with their brand, compared with about 60% of users who exercised at least some choice in their smartphone purchases.
BlackBerries were much more likely -- in two out of three cases -- to be the smartphone brand chosen by companies for their employees, the study found. About one-fifth (19%) of BlackBerry users had their phone chosen for them, compared with just 4% each of Android or iPhone users. In a related finding, Crowd Science found that one-third of BlackBerry owners use their phones mostly or only for business purposes, compared with just 20% of all smartphone users.
"Combine the low satisfaction levels of users of corporate-mandated smartphones with the fact...
Logo Design Studio Pro update doubles number of included...
Macware has updated Logo Design Studio Pro (http://www.macwareinc.com/products/LDSPro/overview.html), a vector based logo design application for Mac OS X, to version 2.0. The upgrade doubles the number of included logo templates and SVG graphic objects, adds new design options, improves overall usability, and fixes all bugs reported from the previous version.
Logo Design Studio Pro lets you design logo objects, then add or change text, shapes, color gradients and more to get the look right. Vector design tools allow you to scale logos to any size without losing their sharpness and clarity. You can even make your logo background transparent to blend in on any web or print-based project.
Logo Design Studio Pro is Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. It requires Mac OS X 10.4 or higher. The software costs US$59.99.
SOHO Business Cards 3.0 gets new smart templates, more
Chronos (http://www.chronosnet.com) has updated SOHO Business Cards, the business card software for Mac OS X, to version 3.0. New featurs include:
° 70-plus smart templates;
° An artwork browser that manages artwork and makes it searchable;
° A font preview mode for previewing fonts in a list or animated fashion;
° Curved & spiral text;
° A Paste and Match Style feature to match the style of text nearby;
° The ability to hold down the space bar and drag the mouse to scroll the canvas;
° A Trim To Card feature to hide objects outside the card for a quick preview; six new Smart Shapes; the ability to resize multiple objects together without grouping; the ability to edit bezier shapes; and 20 iScrapKits containing 974 graphics.
SOHO Business Cards is a business card kit that comes with: 13,000-plus designer-quality photographs, photos of objects and vector clip art images; 50 Bitstream commercial-grade fonts; 3,000-plus ready-made designs; and 100-plus super-masks.
SOHO Business...
Raidon releases new internal, two-bay, 3.5-inch RAID storage...
Raidon Technology (www.RAIDON.com.tw) has released the iR2620, an internal, two-bay, 3.5-inch RAID storage module offering RAID 0 and RAID 1 functions, with an integrated RS232 port for connection to industrial controls and IPC facilities.
The iR2620 integrates with the Raidon self-developed RAID chip and gives stable RAID 1 real-time backup to help maintain continuous operation of the system, according to the folks at Raidson. Its front panel LCD display provides initial configuration and status monitoring. The iR2620 is made available for data integration through the embedded RS232 port to facilitate with the management demands of industrial control systems. System status is provided via e-mail notification from the RAIDGuide software to instantly report any malfunction which may occur.
The iR2620 is designed to fit into two of the 5.25-inch CD-ROM bays with swappable trays and can be installed into any general IPC case. This RAID storage module also supports hot-swap and auto...
'Take Control of PDFpen 5' book released
Only days after Smile's release of PDFpen 5, TidBITS Publishing has published "Take Control of PDFpen 5" by Michael E. Cohen.
PDFpen 5 is a low-cost alternative to Adobe Acrobat, offering key PDF editing and manipulation features in an elegant interface. The 132-page ebook, which was created in collaboration with Smile, is available for US$10 at http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/pdfpen-5 .
In "Take Control of PDFpen 5," Cohen first provides an overview of the PDF format. He then gives readers a tour of PDFpen's tools and navigation. After getting the basics out of the way, Cohen turns to more in-depth features.
Verizon CEO hopes for an iPhone on the company's upcoming...
He said nothing about an iPhone for the company's current network, but said he hopes Apple will come around and allow Verizon to sell the phone for a new network it is building, reports the "Associated Press" (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100923/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_verizon_iphone?). The "4G" network hasn't yet opened for service and won't be complete next year.
"We don't feel like we have an iPhone deficit. We would love to carry it when we get there, but we have to earn it," Seidenberg said. "I think 4G will accelerate the process, and any other decisions Apple makes would be fine with us. Hopefully, at some point Apple will get with the program."
UAE's Etisalat announces iPhone 4 price plans
Etisalat, the leading telecom service provider in the UAE [(United Arab Emigrates-, has announced the price packages for the iPhone 4.
According to "Trade Arabia" (http://www.tradearabia.com/news/newsdetails.asp?Sn=IT&artid=186234), Eisalat’s 3G mobile broadband network covers 99% of UAE’s populated area and provides customers with speeds of up to 21 Mbps. Customers can subscribe to the iPhone 4 with several voice and data plan options on a one-year contractual basis.
"Trade Arabia" says the plans are "value-packed with a number of free minutes, SMS and data per month, suited to varying customers’ needs." Customers also have the opportunity to get iPhone 4: 16GB for free if they subscribe to Package 3, which includes unlimited data, along with 500 minutes of voice calls and 125 SMSes.
Apple CEO is 42nd richest American
According to the annual list of the 400 richest Americans, Apple CEO Steve Jobs is 42nd on the list with a net worth of US$6.1 billion. Last year he had a net worth of $5.1 billion.
The CEO only draws one buck a year in salary, but makes a bundle of cash from Apple stock options. Globally, Jobs ranks 136 on the list of billionaires, according to "Forbes."
Here's what "Forbes" has to say about Jobs: "In January he unveiled Apple's iPad tablet amid a media frenzy; the device has so far beaten the hype with more than 3 million sold since April. In May Apple's market cap overtook Microsoft's to become the most valuable tech company in the world. Despite a super-publicized antenna problem, Apple's latest iPhone sold 1.7 million units 3 days after launch. Majority of fortune comes from Disney; as largest shareholder owns about $4.4 billion of stock. Reed College dropout founded Apple 1976."
Bill Gates is ranks number one among the 400 riches Americans with a net worth of $54 billion. Also...
Analyst: Apple will sell 21 million iPads in 2011
In a note today to clients, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster raised his iPad sales estimates for 2011 from 14.5 million to 21 million units. Among other things, he thinks that Apple will begin selling the tablet device in Target stores, along with over 1,000 Best Busy, in time for the holiday season.
Jaffray also thinks the international roll-out of the iPad will pump up sales. The tablet is now offered in more than 20 countries. Finally, the analyst thinks iPad sales will be helped by Apple's increasing presence in the enterprise market.
Snowtape for Mac OS X can now record multiple stations at once
Vemedio has updated Snowtape (http://www.snowtape.com) for Mac OS X -- which enables users to listen and record live Internet radio with the touch of one button -- to version 2.0. You can now record from multiple radio stations in the background at once.
Snowtape 2 also introduces Recording Schedules. You can program the new recording engine to record at a certain time in the future or to record a favorite weekly show. Snowtape even wakes up the Mac, starts itself and records the show. After it has finished the Mac goes to sleep again.
The editor has been re-imagined from the ground up. Not only has Vemedio added audio waveforms but also zooming, scrolling and selecting. Extracting individual tracks form a recording is now also possible because Snowtape uses Last.fm Audio Fingerprints to identify a song based on the audio samples.
What's more, Snowtape 2 now fully supports the AirTunes protocol and is able to stream radio and recordings to an Airport Express or an Apple TV. The Apple...
UA releases EP-34 Tape Echo plug-in
Universal Audio (http://www.uaudio.com/support/uad/downloads/index.html) has released the EP-34 Tape Echo plug-in for the UAD-2. It gives guitar players and mix engineers the tape delay effects of vintage Echoplex units, now on the UAD-2 powered plug-Ins platform for Mac and PC systems.
Universal Audio President Matt Ward says you only need to listen to classic recordings from Jimmy Page, Brian May, Chick Corea, Eddie Van Halen, Eric Johnson and Andy Summers to hear the Echoplex sound in action, according to the folks at UA. Unlike other Echoplex emulations, the EP-34 is the first plug-in that targets specific behaviors of both the EP-3 and EP-4 Echoplexes.
The EP-34 Tape Echo plug-in is available as part of the new UAD Software 5.7.0 release. In addition to the EP-34 Tape Echo, 5.7.0 includes the now officially licensed dbx 160 Compressor/Limiter plug-in. UAD Software 5.7.0 is available as a free download.
Akvis Retoucher update adds new feature to the Stamp tool
Akvis has released Akvis Retoucher 4.5 (http://akvis.com/en/retoucher) for Mac OS X and Windows systems, an update of the app for restoring damaged photos by removing dust, scratches, stains, and by reconstructing the missing parts of a photo automatically.
The new version adds a new feature to the Stamp tool. Now it's possible to mirror a clone horizontally and vertically. It can be helpful, for example, when you need to add a mirror of the restored object to water, glass, etc.
Akvis Retoucher is available in plug-in and standalone versions. The plug-in version is compatible with Adobe Photoshop CS5 64 bit. The software runs on Mac OS X 10.4 and higher and Microsoft Windows XP/Vista/Win7.
AKVIS Retoucher sells for $87. A demo is available for download.
"REALbasic Developer Magazine" available in book...
"REALbasic Developer Magazine" (http://www.rbdeveloper.com/) is reprinting the last year's issues into a bound book that will be shipping in October. Through Sept. 30 the book may be pre-ordered for $37.50, 25% off the normal price of $49.99.
Current subscribers can save even more with an additional subscriber discount. The 384-page book contains the full contents of year 8 of the magazine (issues 8.1-8.6, Nov. 2009-Oct. 2010), and features a full-color cover, black ink interior, and perfect-binding. Those interested should place orders today on the REALbasic Developer web site.
A bimonthly publication focused on instructing users of the REAL Studio development environment, "REALbasic Developer" is a source of REALbasic instruction, tutorials, and programming advice. Subscriptions in digital format (PDF) are $49.99 per year. Individual printed issues may ordered via MagCloud. More information is available at the RBD web site.
REAL Studio, formerly REALbasic, is a cross-platform...
GTA to bring iPhone 4 to Guam on Sept. 24
GTA TeleGuam (http://www.gta.net) says it will launch iPhone 4 in Guam on Sept. 24 with a range of service plans tailored for iPhone customers. Full pricing will be announced soon.
"Customer response to iPhone in Guam has been overwhelming and we are confident the unique features of iPhone 4 will be received with great excitement by our customers," says Roland Certeza, executive vice president of sales for GTA TeleGuam. "GTA customers will find it easy and affordable to enjoy the great new innovations of iPhone 4 with our range of plans and pricing."
Roku introduces new line of HD streaming players
Roku (http://www.roku.com), makers of the Roku streaming player, has introduced its new product lineup. With up to 1080p HD streaming support and Instant Replay, the new players are shipping immediately at prices starting from US$59.99.
All models feature high-definition playback as well as support for older, standard definition TVs. There are three new Roku models: the entry-level Roku HD at $59.99; the Roku XD with Wireless-N and 1080p, and the top-of-the-line Roku XDS, which adds dual-band wireless technology and extensive connectivity options for home entertainment systems.
All Roku players deliver a large collection of streaming entertainment available for the TV, including over 100,000 movies and TV shows from Netflix and Amazon; Video On Demand; live and on-demand baseball from MLB.TV; music from Pandora, MP3tunes, MOG, and RadioTime; photo and video sharing from Flickr and Facebook; plus news and entertainment from thousands of sources around the world.
The $59.99 Roku HD...
TaskTime for Mac OS X gets maintenance update
ToThePoint Software has updated TaskTime (http://www.ttpsoftware.com/Products/tasktime.html), Mac OS X software for tracking time spend on jobs, to version 4.4.7.7. The new version fixes a bug related to saving invoice preferences.
TaskTime can generate personalized invoices which can be emailed, printed, and saved to disk. Other features include: project status tracking, Address Book integration for adding clients, linking of related resources to projects for reference, project expenses tracking, the ability to bill for flat rate items, scheduled and manual data backup, minimizing of project windows to small floating time controllers and more.
TaskTime costs US$20. Version 4.4.7.7 is a free update for registered users of version 4.x.
New York Apple specialist offering workshops for retail biz
Tekserve, New York City's largest independent Apple specialist, will hold a day of workshops supporting retail businesses.
The event will be held on Sept. 30 at Tekserve's Manhattan retail location. It is the latest in their ongoing program, Tekserve Means Business, aimed at small- and medium-sized business and focusing on practical, affordable productivity and security solutions from Tekserve and Apple.
Four workshop sessions will be held throughout the day at noon, 2, 4, and 6 p.m. A networking reception will be held before the 6:00 p.m. session. To register, or for more info, visit: tekserve.com/meansbusiness .
Melodyne for Mac OS X goes 64-bit
Celemony (http://www.celemony.com) has announced 1.2 of its Mac compatible Melodyne editor, Melodyne assistant and Melodyne essential. The update brings full 64-bit compatibility and various optimizations.
With version 1.2, the new Melodyne generation joins the currently select ranks of plug-ins capable of running native in modern 64-bit hosts. For users, this means primarily that Melodyne is more robust and runs more smoothly during the editing of more extensive projects, accoring to the folks at Celemony.
Broader host compatibility, various workflow improvements -- such as in the handling of transfer storage paths -- and a number of bug-fixes round off version 1.2. Naturally, compatibility with 32-bit hosts is maintained. Version 1.2 will appear in October and is free for registered users.
WHDI and WirelessHD establish wireless HD market
Wireless high-definition (HD) video technologies represent the next frontier in consumer electronic (CE) connectivity,replacing the nest of wires in the living room with high-bandwidth wireless technologies capable of transmitting HD video streams, according to a new study by Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com).
The primary candidate technologies include: wireless home digital interface (WHDI), WirelessHD, and Wireless Gigabit (WiGig). WHDI and WirelessHD are new, uncompressed HD video transmission technologies, each of which is primarily promoted by start-up chip companies. Although each has significant potential, both face significant market obstacles. WiGig has broad-based industry participation, but silicon is still a long way from the market, says Research and Markets.
Avid unveils new line-up of music tools
Avid (http://www.avid.com) has introduced a set of tools -- including the new Pro Tools Mbox family, the M-Audio MobilePre, Pro Tools SE bundles and M-Audio Oxygen 88 keyboard controller -- for a range of musicians who are seeking to create, record and mix music at home or on the road.
According to Avid, new features in the third generation of the Pro Tools Mbox family -- Pro Tools Mbox Pro, Pro Tools Mbox and Pro Tools Mbox Mini -- include: re-designed hardware with pro features delivering best-in-class audio and the flexibility to compose using Pro Tools LE or your DAW of choice
For first-time Pro Tools users and emerging artists with an interest in musical composition, editing and production, the new Avid Recording Studio, Avid KeyStudio and Avid Vocal Studio systems provide everything needed to create and record music at home, including new Pro Tools SE software and proven M-Audio hardware.
With Pro Tools SE software included, the new Pro Tools SE Family serves as an...
Apple updates iWork apps for the iPad
Apple has released version 1.2 updates to its three iWork apps for the iPad: Pages, Numbers and Keynote. They're available at the Apple App Store.
According to Apple, the updates offer improvements to file-format support and file transferring, add the ability to transfer files to and from remote servers and beef up support for exporting files in Microsoft Office-compatible file formats. They also support transferring documents to and from iDisk, a feature of Apple's MobileMe US$99-per-year suite of online services/tools.
Apple releases LED Cinema Display Software Update 1.0
Apple has posted LED Cinema Display Software Update 1.0 (http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1107). It provides support for the 27-inch LED Cinema Display.
It's a 75.79MB download and requires Mac OS X 10.6.4 or higher. LED Cinema Display Software Update 1.0 can be obtained with the Software Updates component of Mac OS X's Systems Preferences app.
NBC not likely to join rental program for new Apple TV
NBC Universal Chief Executive Jeff Zucker says the network isn't likely to follow rivals to make its TV shows available for new US$0.99 rental service unveiled earlier this month in conjunction with the new Apple TV, reports "Reuters" (http://www.reuters.com/article/idCNN2219136720100922).
"We do not think 99 cents is the right price point for our content. ... We thought it would devalue our content," Zucker said at a Goldman Sachs investor conference. And he noted that NBC shows are already available for $1.99 for download at iTunes.
The new $99 Apple TV was introduced on Sept. 1 and should ship within the next 2-4 weeks. With it you rent a TV episode for $0.99, and you have up to 30 days to start watching and then 48 hours to finish it -- or watch multiple times.
Android OS grows in business market, but iOS stays strong
ChangeWave's (http://www.changewave.com) latest corporate spending survey shows that the big winner in the business smart phone market this quarter is the Google Android Operating System, though Apple's iOS still remains strong.
When the research group asked respondents which mobile operating system their company currently provides, the Android OS (16%) was the clear momentum winner, registering a six point jump in market share since a previous survey in May.
All told, over the past nine months the Android OS has seen a five-fold increase in corporate market share. At the same time, Research In Motion’s OS still holds the dominant share of the corporate market, but it has dropped three points since May in terms of current share. The Apple iOS remains strong, ticking higher by one point.
Going forward, 35% of respondents report their company plans to buy smart phones next quarter one point less than previously.
FMC announces new iPhone, iPad development courses
Future Media Concepts (http://www.FMCtraining.com), an Apple Gold Level training Center, is expanding its Mac IT Academy offerings with two workshops for creating, publishing and selling iPhone and iPad applications.
The workshops are taught in small class size to maximize student/instructor interaction and provide the most conducive learning environment, according to the folks at Future Media Concepts. The teaching methodology consists of a combination of instructor demonstration and hands-on supervised practice sessions. Contact Future Media Concepts for times and pricing.
Only half a million iPad owners using AT&T's network?
AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson says that about a half a million iPad owners use the company's network to connect the Apple tablet computer to the Internet, reports "Reuters" (http://www.reuters.com/article/idCAN2116253420100921). And one analyst says that's a lower number than expected.
AT&T, is the only U.S. operator providing cellular connectivity for iPad. Pacific Crest analyst Steve Clement told "Reuters" that the half a million figure could indicate that many iPad purchasers aren't bothering to connect the device to the Internet using the AT&T network.
Since operators such as AT&T are expecting strong growth from gadgets such as tablet computers, this trend could mean the device category will represent less business than expected, he said.
"Half a million at this point would seem low," Clement told "Reuters." Samsung Electronics is banking on several carriers, including AT&T, to help sell its new table device, the Galaxy Tab.
Accused Apple supply manager proposes $600,000 in bonds
The Apple supply manager charged with selling company secrets for more than a million dollars in kickbacks has proposed posting a bond of more than US$600,000 from foreign bank accounts to be released from jail, reports "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com).
Paul Devine has offered $612,407 apparently held in foreign bank accounts for bail, the article adds. The Apple global supply manager, has been accused of trading confidential Apple information in return for more than $1 million in payments, bribes and kickbacks.
He purportedly had over $150,000 stored in shoe boxes in his house. Devine had a further $20,000 worth of foreign currency in his possession, according to Department of Justice Attorney Michelle Kane.
Ethernet Alliance Forum to explore next gen system design
Industry experts from companies such as Google, Cisco, VMware, NetApp and Intel will present on the impact Ethernet networks of the future will have on system and component design at a Technology Exploration Forum hosted by the Ethernet Alliance (http://www.ethernetalliance.com) on Oct. 5 in Santa Clara, California.
The continued evolution of Ethernet technology raises many questions about the future of network and system design. This one-day event, open to both Ethernet Alliance members and non-members, will provide the opportunity to explore these questions with members of the Ethernet community. Specific areas of discussion will include energy efficiency in Ethernet networks, higher Ethernet speeds, Internet data center, cloud computing and virtualization standards, and impacts on storage networking.
Forum attendees are invited to an informal networking reception following the event, where they will have the opportunity to meet the presenters, John D’Ambrosia, the program chair,...
LensPack is new collection of video editing tools
Noise Industries (http://www.noiseindustries.com) has announced that FxFactory development partner SUGARfx has released a new collection of video editing tools and plug-ins in the form of LensPack, "lens effects with a twist."
FxFactory powered plug-ins are designed by Noise Industries and their development partners to extend the visual effects capabilities of Adobe After Effects, Apple Final Cut Pro, Apple Motion and Apple Final Cut Express applications. SUGARfx’s latest boasts capabilities for users looking to distort, straighten, magnify, loupe, and purposely flaw pristine video footage.
Priced at US$99, it comes with five image enhancement and distortion tools. Optico improves and increases normal lens distortion when shooting in wide-angle mod. Horizon Line straightens footage with an auto-rotation tool.
Distorium distorts footage to make it appear as if it is “literally” coming out of the screen. Loupe automatically emulates the magnification effect in any part of your video...
Multi-Format sues Apple for patent infringement
Another day, another lawsuit. A New Jersey-based company named Multi-Format is suing Apple for patent violation. Apparently, the lawsuit concerns the sale and enabling of downloaded video content like movies and HDTV programming on iTunes to all of Apple's hardware including the iPhone, iPad and Apple TV, reports "Patently Apple" (http://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2010/09/apple-sued-for-the-s...).
Multi-Format is seeking a "reasonable royalty" from Apple and has further asked the court to consider tripling the damages accessed if the damages are not found by a jury, the article adds. Multi-Format Inc is a private company categorized under Motion Picture Producers and Studios and located in Little Ferry, NJ.
Digital Video Expo returns to Pasadena Convention Center next...
NewBay Media says the Digital Video Expo (http://www.dvexpo.com) is opening its doors next week at the Pasadena Convention Center, where the conference will run from Tuesday, Sept. 28, through Thursday, Sept. 30, with two days of exhibits on Sept. 29 and 30.
According to David Williams, conference chair, Digital Video Expo, and editor, "DV Magazine," highlights of this year’s Digital Video Expo include:
° Apple Certification Training from Weynand Training International;
° Multiple educational tracks focusing on web & mobile video, DSLR filmmaking, 3D production, and editing;
° Full-day workshops including Lighting, Canon 5D/7D Training, Digital Cinematography Training, and RED POST The Easy Way;
° Free Lighting Master Classes with cinematographers from the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC), led by veteran director of photography George Spiro Dibie;
° Keynotes by leading filmmakers, including Greg Le Duc, Bernie Laramie, Keefe Kaupanger-Swacker, Tom Funk, and Robert...
Aqua Connect announces over 60 features in Mac Terminal Server
Aqua Connect (http://www.aquaconnect.net) has announced support for over 60 features and options in their Mac terminal services solution. The Aqua Connect Terminal Server supports the latest Mac OS X features such as Core Animation and Core Image, along with greater compatibility with Apple’s Workgroup Manager.
Aqua Connect Terminal Server can now utilize more of the functionality of Apple’s Workgroup Manager, including the ability to create a Simple Finder in Mac OS X. A Simple Finder will allow administrators to deliver single or specific applications to users while also disabling the other functions of the desktop. Simple Finder is the easiest way for administrators to present application virtualization in OS X terminal services, says Renee Mehrian, executive vice president of Aqua Connect.
The Aqua Connect Administrator Tool was developed to complement Workgroup Manager’s features. The Administrator Tool is capable of customizing specific user environments to increase performance...
Ableton introduces Amp for Ableton Live 8 users
Amp (http://www.ableton.com/amp) is a new Ableton 8 audio effect designed to add warmth and drive. Co-developed with Softube, Amp delivers the sound and simplicity of legendary amplifiers and cabinets, according to the folks at Ableton.
Amp comes with Cabinet, a separate effect that provides a selection of classic guitar cabs, with optimized mics and mic positioning. Ableton has also included a range of sounds that transform Ableton’s instruments and effects with Amp’s new sonic character. These include Instrument and Effect Racks, Live Clips and over 400 presets.
Amp is included with Ableton Suite 8 and is available separately for US$129 from the Ableton web shop. Live 8 users can also take advantage of a free collection of new Instrument and Audio Effect Racks that use Amp's technology when they download the latest Live update, 8.2.
Analyst: Apple revving up for Verizon compatible, CDMA iPhones
Analyst Jeffrey Fidacaro with Susquehanna Financial Group said in a note to investors -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- that Apple is expected to build its first three million Verizon-compatible CDMA iPhones in December. If true, this underscores rumors that Apple is eyeing an early 2011 launch for a Verizon-compatible CDMA iPhone.
Quoting "contacts in the company's overseas supply chain," Fidacaro adds that the device is on track for an early 2011 launch. The analyst puts total GSM and CDMA iPhone production for the quarter at between 21 and 22 million.
If it actually happened, this would be the first time Apple has produced a version of the iPhone for a CDMA wireless network, which is different from AT&T's GSM technology. In cellular service there are two main competing network technologies: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). Both boast "3G" standards, or 3rd generation technologies.
As noted by...
Over one million iPhones sold in South Korea
Sales of the iPhone passed one million within about nine months of its debut in South Korea, reports "Yonhap News" (http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/techscience/2010/09/19/8/0601000000AEN20...). KT Corp., the local carrier for the iPhone, said that 1.02 million iPhones were activated as of Aug. 16.
Furthermore, KT says it expects iPhone sales to reach 1.2 million in early October. The company received 350,000 advanced orders for the iPhone 4, the latest model from Apple, which arrived in the country Sept. 10.
DEVONthink products ready for upcoming iPhone/iPad app
DEVONtechnologies (http://www.devon-technologies.com) has updated all editions of its information manager, DEVONthink, and its note-taking application, DEVONnote, to version 2.0.4.
The new releases of DEVONthink and DEVONnote have been prepared to work with the upcoming DEVONthink To Go for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, as well as with DEVONagent 2.5. DEVONthink To Go lets users take their data with them on their device and add new documents on the go.
In addition, DEVONthink Pro Office 2.0.4 comes with a new "Import, OCR, and delet"' folder action for easy integration of e.g. network scanners, improves the reliability of the built-in text recognition, and improves the integration with DEVONagent 2.5, which is about to be released later this year.
DEVONthink Pro and Pro Office 2.0.4 allow the user to add reminders for documents to Hog Bay Software's Task Paper and connect to Third Street Software's Sente 6.0 through an updated smart template. Many other templates, e.g. the...
AirWatch Mobile Device Management 5.12 available for iOS 4.x...
AirWatch (http://www.air‐watch.com), a provider of enterprise-grade Mobile Device Management (MDM) software, today has announced the commercial availability of AirWatch 5.12. This new version of the AirWatch solution includes mobile device management capabilities for iPhone and iPod touch devices using iOS 4.
It's available in three delivery options: Software as a Service (US$2 per device per month), a dedicated software appliance ($30 per device) and software deployed on premise behind a corporate firewall (with pricing starting at $4,995). Delivery options allow for flexibility to transition easily across the different models.
According to AirWatch CEO John Marshall, iOS 4’s expanded enterprise integration technologies, coupled with the AirWatch MDM solution, let organizations deploy and manage both corporate- and employee-liable iPhone and iPod touch iOS4 devices; protect sensitive corporate data; secure access to enterprise resources; monitor compliance with corporate policies;...
FileMaker Go for the iPhone, iPad lets you create PDFs, email...
FileMaker, Inc. (http://www.filemaker.com), a wholly owned subsidiary of Apple, has announced version 1.1 of FileMaker Go for iPhone and FileMaker Go for iPad, the apps that let users work with FileMaker Pro databases on iPhone or iPad.
These updates are available free from the Apple App Store, and include enhancements for creating PDFs, sharing databases via email, and inserting photos in databases. Users can now produce PDFs directly from FileMaker Go and either save them on their mobile devices or email them. This feature lets mobile users save and distribute reports, create invoices, and share project status directly from their iPad or iPhone.
Another enhancement is the ability to save a copy of a complete database and email it directly from FileMaker Go. With this feature, iPhone and iPad users can exchange databases from their devices without needing to dock with a desktop or laptop.
The update also delivers new ways to work more efficiently with photos and other media and...
Nokia releases Qt 4.7
Nokia today released Qt 4.7, the latest version of the cross-platform application and UI (user interface) framework. It's available for download now for all of Qt¹s supported platforms, with upgrades for Nokia and customer solutions expected over the coming months.
A key feature of Qt 4.7 is QML (Qt Meta-Object-Language), a declarative language that describes the interface of a program and how it behaves. The new version also includes performance improvements that make applications and user interfaces run faster and smoother.
An updated Qt SDK is now available for download. It contains Qt 4.7, Qt Creator 2.0.1 and everything developers need to create applications and to re-use the code across the Qt supported platforms. It can be downloaded at http://get.qt.nokia.com .
EastWest announces Hollywood Strings Gold Edition
EastWest has followed up their Hollywood Strings Diamond Edition virtual instrument with the US$795 Hollywood Strings Gold Edition (http://www.soundsonline.com/hollywood-strings). Designed for film, television, and video game scoring, it provides all of the sounds from the Diamond Edition in 16-bit resolution and includes a single, mid-tree mic position, all articulations with the exception of bow-change legato, and does not include Divisi mics.
The Gold Edition ships on multiple DVDs. It was designed to run on most music creation computer systems, and the system specifications are consistent with most other EastWest/Quantum Leap products.
