Totem Tribe Gold game updated for Mac OS X
Enkord (http://www.enkord.com/) has announced Totem Tribe Gold 1.06, an expansion on their adventure/strategy/hidden object game for Mac OS X (10.4 and higher) and Windows. The game's narrative supplies 32 exotic locations to explore and over 200 quests and puzzles.
Here's how the game is described: "Totem Tribe Gold tells the story of the peaceful Hawk Tribe living on Tetala Island. According to legend the island was once marked by a glowing sparkle from the sky, the Tear of Heaven, capable of imparting wisdom and enlightenment to its owner. As the young female chieftain, Aruku, the player attempts to lead the tribe to prosperity as characters explore surrounding islands in search of totems that lead to an answer to the mysteries of the Tear of Heaven. With 32 distinct levels of play, each with its own obstacles, battles, quests, characters, puzzles, explorations, experiments, training and building, the game offers a highly complex yet straightforward narrative framework.
"Without...
iPod comes out on top as most prized possession
After new versions of the iPod were recently launched, the portable media playing devices have been voted "most prized possession" among Facebook users, coming out just on top ahead of the Blackberry and closely followed by iPhones and laptops.
Meanwhile, only 1% of respondents regarded their wedding ring as their most prized possession, while cars were the favorites of only 4% of people on the social network. Dogs got 9% of the vote, and cats received 5%.
The survey was carried out in August on behalf of insurance firm Protect Your Bubble (http://www.protectyourbubble.com), with 12% of the 500 respondents voting for their iPods as their most prized possession, just outdoing the Blackberry, which received 11.5% of the votes.
The first iPod launched in 2001 and the devices are still hugely popular despite the massive surge in purchases of smartphones in the last 12 months, with new versions of the iPod nano and iPod touch recently hitting the shelves alongside the iPod shuffle...
iPad Wi-Fi models available in China on Sept. 17
Apple says the Wi-Fi models of the iPad will be available to customers in China from Apple Retail Stores, and select Apple Authorized Resellers, on Friday, Sept. 17, starting at 10 a.m.
Apple Retail Stores will offer a free Personal Setup service to every customer who buys an iPad at the store, helping them customize their new iPad by setting up their email, loading their favorite apps from the App Store, and more. Apple Retail Stores in China are also hosting special iPad workshops to help customers learn more about the tablet device.
iPad Wi-Fi models in China will be available for a suggested retail price of CNY3988 for 16GB, CNY4788 for 32GB and CNY5588 for 64GB. For more information visit http://www.apple.com.cn .
iPad will roll out to many more countries later this year and Apple will announce availability and local pricing for these additional countries at a later date.
New iPad before the holidays?
A version of the iPad with a built-in video camera and support for the new FaceTime video conferencing standard has already progressed to the advanced testing stages, says “AppleInsider” (http://www.appleinsider.com), quoting a “person with proven knowledge of Apple’s future product plans.”
When might such a device arrive? Perhaps in time for holidays, but no later than March 2011, the article says. And the move, if it happens, would be as much about FaceTime as the iPad.
“It’s also believed that Apple may striving to embed FaceTime within its entire mobile arsenal before making good on a promissory to open up the standard to the rest of the world, thereby mitigating the market opportunity for rival tablet devices that could incorporate the technology,” says “AppleInsider.”
FaceTime is video calling that uses Wi-Fi. Apple says that using FaceTime is as easy as making a regular voice call, with no set-up required. On the iPhone 4 and fourth gen iPod touch, you can instantly switch to...
Apple sues Sanho Corp. for patent infringement
Apple is suing Sanho Corp. for patent infringement. The lawsuit (http://dockets.justia.com/docket/california/candce/5:2010cv04042/231609/) was filed Thursday in the California North District Court in San Jose, though details aren't yet available.
Sanho (http://www.hypershop.com/) is the company behind the HyperMac line of external batteries for the MacBook, iPod, iPad and iPhone and the HyperDrive portable photo storage device. The company was founded in 2002.
MicroStrategy deploys 1,100 iPads
MicroStrategy, a business intelligence software maker, has deployed 1,100 iPads to executives and sales personnel to conduct critical job-related tasks. The company said it expects 700 more iPads to be deployed soon, reports "Computerworld" (http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9184419/BI_firm_takes_iPads_over_...).
MicroStrategy is one of the largest business users of iPads to go public about its deployment, the article adds. Most other businesses that have talked about iPad use have around 100 users.
MicroStrategy said it is using some applications that can run on both the iPad and the iPhone, while others are designed to fully take advantage of the larger 9.7-inch iPad touch screen. For example, some of the latter applications help sales personnel easily show off videos or live demonstrations to customers during face-to-face meetings, Mark LaRow, senior vice president of products, told "Computerworld."
Apple's free Bumer case program ends Sept. 30
Customers who buy an iPhone 4 after Sept. 30 won't able to request a free case through Apple's case program, Apple announced today (http://www.apple.com/iphone/case-program/). However, they will be able to contact AppleCare to request a free Bumper.
"We now know that the iPhone 4 antenna attenuation issue is even smaller than we originally thought," says Apple. "A small percentage of iPhone 4 users need a case, and we want to continue providing them a Bumper case for free."
For everyone else, Apple is discontinuing the free case program on all iPhone 4s sold after Sept. 30. The company is also returning to its normal returns policy for all iPhone 4s sold after that date. Users experiencing antenna issues should call AppleCare to request a free Bumper case.
JPMorgan, UBS eyeing iPhones?
JPMorgan Chase & Co. may soon let employees use iPhones for corporate e-mail, making it an alternative to Research in Motion’s BlackBerry at the bank for the first time, reports "Bloomberg" (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-10/jpmorgan-said-to-test-iphone-fo...), quoting "two people familiar."
JPMorgan is purportedly testing the iPhone and smartphones based on Android software. The bank is the second-largest in the U.S. by assets and has about 220,000 employees worldwide.
UBS AG, Switzerland’s biggest bank, said it is also considering allowing its staff to use iPhones for company messaging as more of them opt for the Apple product, adds "Bloomberg." UBS has more than 63,000 employees.
Apple updates printer, scanner drivers
Apple has released several printer and scanner driver updates for Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard").
They involve products from Brother, Infotec, Laner, Gestetner, Ricoh, Savain and NRG. You can obtain 'em via the Software Update component of Mac OS X's Systems Preferences app.
FaceTime coming to Macs, Windows systems?
The French site Mac4ever (http://www.mac4ever.com/news/57279/rumeurs_du_vendredi_ilife_et_facetime/) says that Facetime, Apple’s open source video chatting protocol, will be coming to iChat on the Mac -- and to Windows, as well. I think they're right, and have predicted this before.
In case you're not familiar with it, FaceTime is video calling that uses Wi-Fi. Apple says that using FaceTime is as easy as making a regular voice call, with no set-up required. On the iPhone 4 and fourth gen iPod touch, you can instantly switch to the rear camera to show others what you are seeing with just a tap.
FaceTime works right out of the box. You don't have to up a special account or screen name.If you want to start a video call with your best friend, find her entry in your Contacts and tap the FaceTime button. Or maybe you’re already on a voice call with her and you want to switch to video. Just tap the FaceTime button on the Phone screen. Either way, an invitation pops up on her iPhone 4 screen...
Gartner: Symbian, Android to dominate mobile OS market
The worldwide mobile operating system (OS) market will be dominated by Symbian and Android, as the two OSs will account for 59.8% of mobile OS sales by 2014, according to the Gartner research group (http://www.gartner.com).
Symbian will remain at the top of Gartner's worldwide OS ranking due to Nokia's volume and the push into more mass market price points. However, by the end of the forecast period, the No. 1 spot will be contested with Android, which will be at a very similar share level.
Communication service providers' (CSPs') marketing and vendor support for Android-based smartphones will drive the platform to become the second-largest platform, following Symbian, by year-end 2010 (see Table 1). This is almost two years earlier than Gartner predicted a year ago.
"The worldwide mobile OS market is dominated by four players: Symbian, Android, Research In Motion and iOS," said Roberta Cozza, principal research analyst at Gartner. "Launches of updated operating systems -- such as...
Adobe resurrects Flash tool for the iPhone
Adobe says it will resurrect a tool that lets developers port Flash applications to the iPhone. The move came after Apple tweaked its App Store review guides.
"Apple's announcement today that it has lifted restrictions on its third-party developer guidelines has direct implications for Adobe's Packager for iPhone, a feature in the Flash Professional CS5 authoring tool," Adobe said in an online statement (http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2010/09/great-news-for-developers.html). "We will now resume development work on this feature for future releases. This is great news for developers and we’re hearing from our developer community that Packager apps are already being approved for the App Store. We do want to point out that Apple’s restriction on Flash content running in the browser on iOS devices remains in place."
Adobe says it will continue to work to bring full web browsing with Flash Player 10.1 as well as standalone applications on AIR to a broad range of devices, working with...
AJA introduces mini-converter, new KONA card
AJA Video Systems (http://www.aja.com) has announced the availability of Hi5-3D, a new mini-converter that combines dual 3G SDI inputs into various multiplexed 3D formats for output on true 3D HDMI 1.4a and SDI to enable simple, flexible stereoscopic viewing on 3D monitors and projection systems. The company has also unveiled its new KONA 3G capture card.
The Hi5-3D's true HDMI 1.4a output supports EDID transactions that automatically configure 2D/3D functions according to the HDMI monitor's capabilities. Input SDI 2 is frame-synchronized to input SDI 1 in 3D modes and SDI input audio is embedded in both the HDMI and SDI outputs. Hi5-3D also supports 2-channel RCA audio output with user control of channel selection, along with AJA's Mini-Config application for user configuration and firmware download.
The Hi5-3D will available In October at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$495. For a complete set of features and technical specifications, please visit http://www.aja.com...
KT receives almost 300,000 iPhone 4 orders
KT, Korea's second-largest mobile-phone carrier, provided Apple's latest gadget to its first 10,000 customers on the first day of its release and says it has received nearly 300,000 orders, including 20,000 on Friday alone, reports the "Korea Times" (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/09/133_72869.html).
KT has sold nearly 900,000 of Apple's previous handset, the iPhone 3GS. It hopes that the iPhone 4 will further boost its efforts to narrow the gap with rival SK Telecom, Korea’s largest mobile carrier, says the "Korea Times."
AccessoryGeek releases leather iPad case
AccessoryGeeks (http://www.AccessoryGeeks.com) has announced the US$24.99 Aegis Premium iPad Vertical Leather Stand Pouch that has been custom made for AccessoryGeeks' customers. Cases are available in black synthetic leather with a soft, gray suede interior.
The cases include an elastic strap band that acts as a flap safety closure, intricate stitch detail, a padded layer for additional protection, and iPad-specific cut outs to allow for full access to buttons and product functionality, says AccessoryGeeks Vice President, Karen Kang. The case is designed to also act as a stand to erect the case in a more user-friendly fashion. It allows multiple standing options based upon the user's preferences, including straight up at a 90 degree angle, or in a slanted fashion at either 30 or 45 degree angles.
AccessoryGeeks also offers a full line of synthetic leather iPad flip cases with magnetic closure. Retailing at $19.99, these cases also protect iPads from dust, dings and scratches.
Default Folder for Mac OS X updated to version 4.3.10
St. Clair Software has updated Default Folder (http://www.stclairsoft.com/DefaultFolderX/index.html), its utility for enhancing Open and Save dialogs in Mac OS X, to version 4.3.10. The upgrade addresses issues with Finder labels, as well as adding more capabilities for AppleScript users.
Default Folder X 4.3.10 is a free update for existing users who purchased a license or upgrade on or after June 1, 2007. The upgrade is US$14.95 for users who bought their copies before that date. Default Folder X costs $34.95 for a new license. Installers are available now in English and German and will be released shortly in Japanese, French, and Danish.
Blackmagic Design ships DaVinci Resolve 7.0 for Mac OS X
Blackmagic Design (http://www.blackmagic-design.com) is shipping DaVinci Resolve 7.0 for Mac OS X with pricing starting from US$995. It's the latest version of the high end DI grading system with features used by both Hollywood and high end post production.
The new version includes a new user interface developed with colorists and benefits from the decades of DaVinci color grading experience, according to the folks at Blackmagic Design. The new DaVinci Resolve 7.0 for Mac now reads and writes all the common Apple ProRes file formats including 4444, 422, 422(HQ), 422 (Proxy) and 422 (LT) directly on the timeline with no conversion required. Colorists can just select the clips in their media storage and DaVinci Resolve will play and grade them in real time, even if there are mixed resolutions and formats on the timeline.
Both Mac OS X and Linux systems now support read and write of DNxHD files with the optional DaVinci Resolve DNxHD Update. This optional $500 update allows native DNxHD...
Aqua Connect adds support for CS5 volume licensing edition
Aqua Connect (http://www.aquaconnect.com), the folks behind the enterprise grade Mac terminal server, says that Sun Media Corporation and Database Publishing Systems, Inc., have chosen Aqua Connect Terminal Server as their Mac deployment solution. Aqua Connect also announced support for the Adobe Creative Suite 5 volume licensing edition.
Sun Media Corporation and Database Publishing Systems were faced with the possibility of moving off of the Mac platform for their application deployment. Their users and customers were dependent on Mac applications, which made switching platforms costly and time-consuming. Aqua Connect’s OS X terminal server enabled both organizations to centralize their Adobe Creative Suite deployment and give their end-users and customers remote access to custom Mac applications.
"The Mac platform and applications have experienced an overwhelming adoption rate within the media and publishing corporations," says Renee Mehrian, executive vice president of Aqua...
Sonnet Fusion announces RX1600 Vfibre video editing SAN server
Sonnet Technologies (http://www.sonnettech.com) has announced the Fusion RX1600 Vfibre, an expandable 16-drive RAID video editing SAN server with multi-user Fibre Channel and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity built in.
This 4U rackmount system integrates Tiger Technology metaSAN Storage Area Network (SAN) Server software with an ATTO dual RAID controller-equipped SAS/SATA storage system. Capable of supporting a 4K workflow or multi-stream, multi-user collaborative workflows, Fusion RX1600 Vfibre provides direct connection for up to twelve 8Gb Fibre Channel users and 6 Gb/s aggregate bandwidth for users connected via Gigabit Ethernet.
Optimized for video editing, the base configuration Fusion RX1600 Vfibre provides four Fibre Channel ports, expandable to 12 -- additional Fibre users can be served with a Fibre Channel switch. Fusion RX1600 Vfibre supports multipath I/O to enhance performance and fault tolerance, combining data paths from two or more FC ports to increase performance to...
ATTO offers storage connectivity options for Autodesk Smoke
ATTO Technology has announced an offering of storage connectivity options for Autodesk Smoke for Mac OS X software. ATTO’s high-performance host bus adapters (HBAs) and RAID adapters meet Autodesk Smoke for Mac OS X bandwidth requirements to ensure fast and interactive editorial finishing with real-time uncompressed playback at any supported format, according to Tom Kolniak, director of products, for ATTO Technology.
ATTO Celerity and ExpressSAS products are available through a wide network of domestic and international partners. For a list of qualified ATTO Technology partners, go to http://www.attotech.com/howtobuy/findreseller.html .
Netviewer Meet for MacOS now with VoIP and video
Netviewer, a European provider of web collaboration solutions, has now expanded its product range for Mac users with version 6.1.1 of Netviewer Meet. This web conference solution now supports audio conferencing via Voice over IP (VoIP) under Mac OS X, in addition to high-quality webcam video transmission of the conference participants.
Customers can now download version 6.1.1 of Netviewer Meet for Mac from the MyNetviewer portal (http://www.netviewer.com). The solution is available as software-as-a-service. Non-commercial usage is free of charge.
Autodesk lights up Flame Premium 2011
Autodesk is introducing Autodesk Flame Premium 2011, a solution for 3D visual effects creation, editorial finishing and real-time color grading. Flame Premium combines the latest 2011 extension 1 releases of Autodesk Flame, Autodesk Smoke Advanced and Autodesk Lustre software into a single offering for post-production companies
Flame Premium gives new and existing customers access to Flame, Smoke Advanced and Lustre -- running on a single workstation and at a special price. New customers can purchase Flame Premium software for as little -- "little" being a relative term -- as US$129,000. Autodesk Flame 2011 customers can upgrade their licenses to Flame Premium for as little as $10,000 per Flame license, adding Lustre and Smoke Advanced to their creative capabilities.
Autodesk Smoke Advanced 2011 customers can upgrade their licenses to Flame Premium for as little as $25,000 per Smoke Advanced license, adding Flame and Lustre to their creative capabilities. Similarly, Autodesk Lustre...
Omni Group updates OmniFocus task management tool
The Omni Group (http://www.omnigroup.com) has updated Omni Focus, its task management tool for Mac OS X , to version 1.8. The upgrade will clean up automatically when switching views, moving items to their proper locations, just like OmniFocus for iPhone and OmniFocus for iPad.
Filtering is improved with the more flexible View Bar. All items, including groups, projects, and Inbox items, can appear in Context-mode lists, making them easier to find. Also, groups and projects can now become next actions, so there's no need to switch to Planning mode to finish up a project.
Perspectives can now be shared as files by dragging them out of OmniFocus. As introduced in OmniFocus for iPhone, a new bookmarklet can send web pages to the Inbox from a web browser.
Synchronization is faster and even more stable. Additionally, due item alerts can be synchronized alongside the OmniFocus database as a calendar.
You can add or hide features such as start and due dates, time estimates and task...
Morgan Stanley: investors should buy Apple options
Investors should buy bullish Apple options because the largest technology company by market value may gain on “strong” growth from iPad sales and rising demand for its products in China, Morgan Stanley said.
"Bloomberg" (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-09/buy-apple-call-options-on-ipad-...) reports that Equity derivatives strategists Christopher Metli and Sivan Mahadevan recommended purchasing January US$280 calls while selling the same number of January $320 calls, a strategy known as a call spread that cuts the trade’s cost while capping potential profit.
Apple rose 2% to $262.92 yesterday to extend this year’s advance to 25%.
PDFPen for Mac OS X adds ability to redact or replace text
SmileOnMyMac has updated PDFPen (http://www.smileonmymac.com/PDFpen/download.html), its PDF editing and form-filling tool for Mac OS X, to version 5.0. The upgrade includes the ability to redact or replace text, including OCR text.
Users can also initiate search and replace and search and redact functions to remove multiple instances of sensitive information. Additionally, PDFpenPro 5.0 can now convert websites and other HTML documents into PDFs, complete with hyperlinks.
PDFpen costs US$59.95, and PDFpenPro is $99.95. Family pack licenses, which cover up to five computers in one household, are $74.95 for PDFpen and $129.95 for PDFpenPro. Upgrades from earlier versions of either application are $25, and free to users who purchased after Feb. 14, 2010. Upgrades from any version of PDFpen to PDFpenPro 5.0 are $40.
PDFpen 5.0 and PDFpen Pro 5.0 require Mac OS X 10.6 or later. Demo versions are available for download.
PDF2ID 3.0 ready for InDesign CS5
Recosoft Corp. (http://www.recosoft.com) is shipping PDF2ID Standard/Professional 3.0, an upgrade of the PDF-to-InDesign conversion tool for Mac and Windows platforms. PDF2ID converts PDF files to native InDesign documents.
Version 3.0 incorporates over 150 new features and enhancements and has been designed to operate with Adobe InDesign CS3/CS4/CS5. What's more, PDF2ID 3.0 enables the conversion of variable page size PDFs to variable page size InDesign documents and contains new options to control how graphics objects are processed.
Finally, PDF2ID v3.0 intelligently identifies text frame wrapping around graphics objects ensuing in better layout accuracy in the resulting InDesign file, according to the folks at Recosoft.
PDF2ID v3.0 is available immediately from the Recosoft web store in the following configurations: PDF2ID Standard 3.0; US$299; PDF2ID Professional 3.0, $399;
PDF2ID Standard 3.0 Upgrade, $129 (for PDF2ID v1.x/2.x licensees); PDF2ID Professional 3.0 Upgrade, $159 (...
New BLAST: Modern Urban Production Tools announced
Renegade Media Group (http://www.renegademediagroup.com/), a sample library company founded by producers Josh Harris and Bobbybass, has announced BLAST: Modern Urban Production Tools Vol. 1 and 2, two new sample libraries of kits, sounds, and loops.
BLAST Vol. 1 contains more than 500 Hip Hop, R-n-B, Southern, Crunk, and Tribal sounds that includes full construction kits, single drum shots, and keyboard loop idea starters and building blocks. This library totals more than 4GB of content.
BLAST Vol. 2 picks up where Vol. 1 left off and continues with more than 450 total sounds and nearly 3GB of total content. Both BLAST Vol. 1 and 2 are available in Acidized Wave Files, Apple Loops, Rex2, and Reason Refill formats.
BLAST: Modern Urban Production Tools Vol. 1 and Vol.2 are available for US$79.99 each.
Parallels Desktop 6 for Mac to ship Sept. 14
Parallels (http://www.parallels.com) has announced the Sept. 14 availability of Parallels Desktop 6 for Mac, the latest version of the software for running Windows and Mac applications side-by-side on a Mac without rebooting. The new version has more than 80 new and enhanced features, says Serguei Beloussov, chairman and CEO of Parallels.
He says 3D graphics run nearly 40% better than before. Boot time for Windows is 41% faster than before, and Parallels Desktop 6 also boosts speed for working with files on USB drives, networks and in shared folders, says Beloussov.
Parallels also announced the availability of Parallels Desktop 6 Switch to Mac Edition, which includes Parallels Desktop 6 plus new features specifically designed to make the move from PC to Mac smart and simple. The Switch to Mac Edition provides a set of switching tools and includes a Parallels High-Speed USB data transfer cable. All of your programs, files, user settings and now even your browser favorites and...
California school district to test iPads
A pilot project in four California school districts will replace 400 students' eighth-grade algebra textbooks with iPads in an attempt to prove the advantages of interactive digital technologies over traditional teaching methods, reports the "Hillicon Valley Hill" (http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/117625-california-te...).
Education firm Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has teamed up with California Secretary of Education Bonnie Reiss for the pilot, which will take place at Long Beach Unified School District, Riverside Unified School District, Fresno Unified School District and San Francisco Unified School District.
"This is a seminal moment. It marks the fundamental shift from print delivery of curriculum to digital," saysJohn Sipe, vice president of K-12 sales at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Students randomly selected for the program will receive iPads loaded with digital versions of their textbooks for the coming school year. Their progress will be tracked and compared...
Bluestreak launches integrated Flash/HTML 5 app platform
Bluestreak Technology (http://www.bluestreakteck.com), which specializes in delivering software presentation solutions on embedded devices, has announced from IBC 2010 the launch of MachBlue XT, an integrated Flash and HTML5 application platform.
According to Dominique Jodoin, Bluestreak Technology CEO and president MachBlue XT offers a flexible solution to the current Flash versus HTML5 technology battle that is forcing network operators to maintain multiple application platforms to achieve true cross-platform support. MachBlue XT unites the top presentation technologies, including Flash and HTML5, into a single open platform for delivering rich media experiences uniquely optimized to run across TVs, set-top boxes, mobile phones, and other consumer electronic devices, he adds.
The platform includes both a custom Flash player as well as an HTML application engine, specifically optimized for embedded devices. Additionally, open libraries and interfaces speed development of...
Vector 3 announces support for ProRes Codec
Vector 3 (http://www.vector3.tv), a developer of IT-based graphics and playout solutions, announced today that its Vector MultiPlay product line now supports the Apple ProRes codec.
The newly supported codec offers full format compatibility to Vector MultiPlay customers who use Final Cut Pro for production. MultiPlay is Vector 3's IT-based, multi-channel playout solution that's designed to optimize redundancy management for multi-channel broadcasters.
ProRes is a standard-definition and high-definition lossy video compression format developed by Apple for use in post production. It was introduced in 2007 with Final Cut Studio 2.
Attendees to the IBC 2010 exhibition, held in Amsterdam from Sept. 10–14, can visit Vector 3 and learn more about their support for the ProRes codec on stand 7.C01.
Pentax announces two new Optio cameras
Pentax (http://www.pentaximaging.com) has announced two compact cameras: the Optio RS100 and the Optio RZ10. They'll ship in October for US$149.95 and $219.95, respectively.
The Optio RS1000 may be "dressed" to match the personality and style of its owner. This cosmetically customizable digital camera features a removable faceplate to hold interchangeable skins of any personal design.
The Optio RS1000 features 14 megapixels, a three-inch LCD monitor, and a 4X optical zoom lens covering 27.5mm wide angle. It's encased in a lightweight body about the size of a credit-card.
The Optio RZ10 digital compact camera boasts a 10X optical zoom lens, a 10X zoom and macro focus settings. The camera also features dual Shake Reduction (mechanical sensor-shift and digital) for blur reduction and an upgraded Auto Picture mode for “hands-off” selection of the most appropriate shooting settings.
Navara Mobility Suite update extends support for the iPhone
Navara (http://www.navara.com) has introduced version 6.2 of the Navara Mobility Suite. This new version enables software providers to mobilize any B2B application or workflow onto any device, including the iPhone.
With all major device types supported by the Navara Mobility Suite -- including Windows Mobile, Blackberry and iPhone -- software companies can now support their client’s growing mobile workforces, especially in healthcare, sales and field service organizations, says Ken Heard, vice president of sales, Navara. Allscripts, the largest supplier of healthcare software in the United States, is the first user of version 6.
In addition to support for iPhone, version 6.2 of the Navara Mobility Suite introduces the Navara Store to help improve the control, configuration and administration of mobile applications onto different devices. Simplified system management tools make it possible to remotely install the software client, and new communication settings allow end-users to...
AKVIS Chameleon 7.0 now a standalone app
AKVIS (http://www.akvis.com) has released version 7.0 of its photo collage program AKVIS Chameleon. The new version offers a standalone program in addition to the plug-in.
The plug-in version is compatible with Photoshop CS5 64 bit. Also there's improved compatibility with Mac OS X 10.6 and Windows 7.
AKVIS Chameleon has four operating modes. In Montage mode, you can take a rectangular part of the source image and then use two pencils -- red and blue -- to roughly indicate the parts that should appear on the resulting photo collage.
In Chameleon mode, from which the program gets its name, and object is pasted into a picture in such a way that the object adapts to the new color range and blends with the background, as chameleons do. Blend mode works in a similar fashion to Chameleon mode, in that it adjusts the color range and smoothes the borders of an object, but in addition it makes the object semi-transparent, so that the color and texture of the background can be seen through.
In...
Microsoft Office 2011 coming Oct. 27
Microsoft France has let slip the launch date of Microsoft Office Mac 2011 on its annual September meeting held at its HQ near Paris, reports "MacGeneration" (http://www.macgeneration.com/news/voir/167861/microsoft-office-2011-pour...).
Microsoft Office Mac 2011 should be launched on October 27, 2010. (Thanks to Anthony Nelzin, editor of "MacGeneration" for the heads-up on this.)
Apple issues statement on App Store review guidelines
Apple has issued a statement on its review guidelines for the Apple App Store. It reads:
"The App Store has revolutionized the way mobile applications are developed and distributed. With over 250,000 apps and 6.5 billion downloads, the App Store has become the world’s largest mobile application platform and App Store developers have earned over one billion dollars from the sales of their apps.
"We are continually trying to make the App Store even better. We have listened to our developers and taken much of their feedback to heart. Based on their input, today we are making some important changes to our iOS Developer Program license in sections 3.3.1, 3.3.2 and 3.3.9 to relax some restrictions we put in place earlier this year.
"In particular, we are relaxing all restrictions on the development tools used to create iOS apps, as long as the resulting apps do not download any code. This should give developers the flexibility they want, while preserving the security we need.
"In addition,...
Apple updates iMovie for the iPhone
Apple has released iMovie 1.1 for the iPhone. The new version adds support for the fourth generation iPod touch that was unveiled last week.
iMovie 1.1 also adds the ability to split video clips, video scrubbing support, support for automatic music looping when videos are longer than music tracks, and an in-app page of tips. It's available for US$4.99 at the Apple App Store.
LaCie introduces new USB 3.0 hard drives
LaCie (http://www.lacie.com) has debuted new USSB 3.0 hard drives: the LaCie Minimus and LaCie Rikiki USB 3.0. The former offers transfer speeds at 5Gb/second in a small Rikiki form factor. The latter is for for users who need terabytes of storage.
The Rikiki and Minimus hard drives are encased in brushed aluminum. It offers resilience from blunders, improved heat dissipation, and is fully recyclable. The drives come with LaCie’s Software Suite for setting up and backing up support for Macs or PCs. Macs don't yet support USB 3.0 so the drives will run at USB 2.0 speeds.
Additionally, each product comes with 10GB of Wuala online storage so you can store and share files online. The LaCie Rikiki USB 3.0 is available in 500GB/1TB capacities starting at US$99.99. The LaCie Minimus is available in 1TB/2TB capacities starting at $129.99.
Apple releases iOS 4.1
Apple has released iOS 4.1 for the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4, as well as every iPod touch after the first generation model. (However, note that not all the features are compatible with every device.)
The update adds support for Game Center, HDR photo capture, HD video uploads and TV show rentals. It also fixes some bugs and glitches including a faulty proximity sensor that could cause accidental hangups while on a call, poor audio quality when using Bluetooth accessories, slow iPhone 3G performance, and Nike + iPod fixes.
iOS 4.1 is a free update for the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, and second-generation iPod touch or later. It's available via iTunes.
Kobo app available for the Mac
Kobo, a global eReading service, has announced the Kobo Desktop Application, a free, downloadable application now available from http://www.kobobooks.com that enables users to read, build a digital library, and shop for eBooks directly from their computer or laptop. It's Mac OS X and Windows compatible.
The new application also allows Kobo customers with third party eReaders, such as the Sony Reader, to connect to the Kobo service to download or purchase content. Through the Desktop Application customers can instantly access their library and download their purchases directly to their computer and read offline without an Internet connection. Additionally, the Kobo Desktop Application enables users to shop for eBooks through the integrated Kobo eBook Store and download content to their desktop to easily build and manage their library.
Kobo currently offers dedicated applications for the iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry, Android, Android Tablets, as well as the Kobo eReader. Now with the Kobo...
Apple earns top honors in PC Mag's Reader's Choice...
Apple earns yet another Readers' Choice Award from "PC Magazine" (http://www.pcmag.com) in ranking laptops and portables. Apple had an overall score of 9.2 (out of 10), 9.3 for reliability, 8.6 for tech support, 8.1 for repairs, and a 9.3 score for those who would recommend the company's products for others.
For the most part, Apple's results remained consistent with last year. "PC Mag" readers rated the company a 9.3 for reliability despite the fact that 15% of Apple respondents reported that their laptops needed repair. The repair rate is the "main chink among Apple's otherwise stellar ratings," says "PC Mag." Only Dell and Fujitsu had more laptops needing repairs (18% each); Apple was on par with Lenovo and HP, with 15% needing repair.
Apple's satisfaction with tech support slipped slightly from last year from 8.8 to 8.6. "It's still head and shoulders above the competition -- Lenovo is next at 7.3 == but, hopefully, this doesn't foretell a trend," says "PC Mag." Among laptops used...
Apple posts iPhone Configuration Utility 3.1
Apple has posted the iPhone Configuration Utility 3.1 (http://support.apple.com/kb/DL851). It's a 9.94MB download and requires Mac OS X 10.6.x.
The iPhone Configuration Utility (IPCU) lets you create, maintain, encrypt, and install configuration profiles, track and install provisioning profiles and authorized applications, and capture device information including console logs. It's recommended for those managing devices running iOS 4.0 or later.
Configuration profiles are XML files that contain device security policies, VPN configuration information, Wi-Fi settings, APN settings, Exchange account settings, mail settings, and certificates that permit iPhone and iPod touch to work with your enterprise systems.
According to Apple, iPCU 3.1 adds support for new Mobile Device Management (MDM) features introduced in iOS 4 and enables wireless delivery of configuration profiles. It also includes support for Cisco AnyConnect and Juniper Networks SSL VPN clients, CardDAV, multiple Exchange...
DockView for Mac OS X now lets you disable live previews
Kapeli has released DockView 1.2.1 (http://kapeli.com/dockview/), an update of the Mac OS X app that extends the Dock and makes it aware of the windows that applications have open. You can now disable the live previews.
With DockView, whenever a user points the mouse at an application's icon, thumbnail images of the windows are displayed. The app helps Mac OS X users visualize the windows they currently have open and find the window they're looking for. It's also able to display the previews in the default Mac CMD Tab application switcher. Users can identify the application they are looking for and reduce the time it takes to switch between applications.
DockView is a 3.8 MB download that requires Mac OS X 10.6. ("Snow Leopard"). It may be purchased for US$7.99. The free version displays an alert every now and then and is otherwise fully unrestricted. Version 1.2.1 is a free update for registered users.
BatchOutput update improves image exporting
Zevrix Solutions (http://www.zevrix.com)has released BatchOutput 3.9.2, an update to its professional solution to automate printing and exporting from Adobe InDesign. The update suppresses color settings warnings and improves image export from InDesign CS3.
BatchOutput is designed to automate and simplify InDesign production workflows of service providers, printers, ad agencies and publishers. With BatchOutput, users only need to select the files to output and adjust the settings, and the rest will be done automatically.
BatchOutput 3.9.2 can be purchased for US$129.95. A demo is available for download. Upgrades to BatchOutput 3.9.2 are free for licensed users of version 3.x, and $47.98 for the users of earlier versions. Every order includes a free license of File Courier (a $19.95 value). BatchOutput is available for Mac OS X 10.4.2 and higher, a Universal Binary, and works with Adobe InDesign CS-CS5.
OCRKit for Mac OS X now lets you save HTML, RTF formats
OCRKit (http://ocrkit.com/), a text recognition app for Mac O X 10.4 or higher, has been updated to version 1.5. The new version allows you to save HTML and RTF formats and TXT UTF-8 encoded plain text. In addition it improves the recognition and stability of OCRKit plus the user-interface translations got updated.
OCRKit transforms images and PDF files into searchable PDFs. With built-in OCR it allows for editable PDF files via drag and drop. And you can find 'em with the Mac's built-in Spotlight desktop search.
OCRKKit comes with support for several OCR languages, including English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish, and even more user-interface translations: English, Dutch, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, Simplified-Chinese and Traditional-Chinese. It's designed for Intel Macs only.
OCRKit costs approximately US$49, though version 1.5 is a free update for registered users. A demo is available for download.
Study: demand for mobile applications will help consumers...
Consumer demand for mobile applications will wear down resistance to in-app mobile ads, propelling the North American market to $2 billion by the end of the year, according to a new report by Parks Associates (http://www.parkassociates.com). "Monetizing Downloadable Mobile Applications" shows North American in-app ad revenue will surpass US$860 million in 2014 and paid mobile app profits will exceed $4 billion.
"As appetites for mobile apps grow, consumers will become more accepting of in-app ads," says Heather Way, research analyst, Parks Associates. "Our latest report shows 46% of adults 18-34 are either indifferent to in-app ads or willing to endure ads in free mobile apps."
New digital technologies will give companies an edge with more creative and personalized advertisements. Parks Associates' analysts say Apple's iAd mobile advertising ad network is a good example of using novel and captivating ads to keep consumers engaged. The launch of this ad network has experienced early...
MakeMusic updates Finale PrintMusic
MakeMusic (http://www.makemusic.com) has released Finale PrintMusic 2011 for Mac OS X 10.5 and higher. This updated version of the music notation software includes new features and provides compatibility with current operating systems and files created with Finale 2011, MakeMusic’s flagship software package.
With a list price of US$119.95, PrintMusic is targeted to songwriters, teachers, band and choir directors, church musicians, students and other musicians. With it you can arrange pieces of up to 24 staves and extract individual parts from the score. Notes can be entered with a computer keyboard, a MIDI keyboard, with the exclusive MicNotator or by scanning existing music.
PrintMusic tools include Drum Groove and Band-in-a-Box Auto-Harmonizing. Music plays back using hundreds of built-in sounds or additional external sound libraries (sold separately), and can be shared with others using the free downloadable Finale Reader and by creating .MP3 files for use on iPods and beyond....
HP introduces Officejet printers with web connectivity
HP’s Imaging and Printing Group (http://www.hp.com/officejetpro) has unveiled two new Mac-compatible web-connected printers designed to help small and medium sized businesses save money while maximizing productivity.
The HP Officejet Pro 8500A e-All-in-One series and HP Officejet 7500A Wide Format e-All-in-One are designed for businesses looking for a wired or wireless all-in-one that offers impressive results and efficiency savings, according to Hatem Mostafa, vice president, Inkjet Business Solutions, Imaging and Printing Group, HP. For example, the HP Officejet Pro 8500A e-All-in-One series provides 50% lower cost per page compared with laser printers, he says.
HP ePrint technology, incorporated into the new printers, provides customers with theability to to print from any mobile device. Also, for the first time, HP business customers can print web content such as templates and stored documents without a computer by using HP print apps.
Plus, ePrint technology gives each printer...
CounterPath Corp. releases X-Lite 4.0
CounterPath Corp. (http://www.counterpath.com) has announced the worldwide availability of X-Lite 4.0, an entry-level voice and video softphone for Mac and Windows PCs.
Available as a free download, X-Lite 4.0 is based on a year’s worth of beta user feedback. It takes many of the features from X-Lite 3.0 and adds a completely new user interface that provides the choice of a contact-centric experience, a dialpad-centric experience or a combination of the two. X-Lite 4.0’s other major features include:
° Call history, call display and message waiting indicator;
° Call-management tools such as redial, hold, mute and speakerphone;
° Managed contacts lists;
° IM and presence using the SIMPLE protocol;
° Automatic detection and configuration of audio devices;
° Acoustic echo cancellation, automatic gain control and voice-activity detection;
° A troubleshooting assistant to help users quickly resolve a variety of issues;
° Auto-complete list when placing calls;
° Support for a wide range of...
