Google is expected to prevail in a key battleground for its wireless war with., as the smart phone market share of the Android Operating System (OS) rises to surpass that of the iPhone’s iOS in 2012, iSuppli Corp. (http://www.isuppli.com) predicts. Android will be used in 75 million smart phones by 2012, up from five million in 2009, forecasts the research group. Meanwhile, iOS usage will amount to 62 million in 2012, up from 25 million in 2009. This will give Android a 19.4% of the global market for smart phone OSes in 2012, up from 2.7% in 2009, according to iSuppli. Apple’s iOS for the iPhone will see its share rise to 15.9% in 2012, up from 13.8% in 2009. In 2014, Android’s share of global smart phone OS usage will rise to 22.8%, while iOS will decline to 15.3 %, predicts the research group. "Android is taking the smart phone market by storm," says Tina Teng, senior analyst, wireless communications, for iSuppli. “The OS started with entry level models in 2008, but the flexibility...

Apple says that it has a fix for the browser security flaw discovered earlier this week on its iOS-powered devices, according to "CNET" (http://macosg.me/2/nn). After the iPhone Dev Team released the latest jailbreak software hack for the iPhone over the weekend, it became apparent that the way the jailbreak worked -- via an iPhone's mobile Safari browser -- that the phone has a security vulnerability when it comes to the way it loads PDF files from the web, the article adds. On Wednesday an Apple spokeswoman said in a statement, "We're aware of this reported issue, we have already developed a fix and it will be available to customers in an upcoming software update."

Wow, how's this for a change? Shares of Microsoft edged lower Wednesday after Global Equities Research analyst Trip Chowdhry downgraded the software giant in part due to increased competition from Macs to Windows systems, notes the "Seattle PI" (http://www.seattlepi.com/business/1310ap_us_microsoft_mover.html). The analyst told investors he doesn't expect the Big M to see any upside to his estimates for the next 12 to 18 months. Chowdhry says that, increasingly, companies are giving their employees a choice to either use Macs or PCs -- and, increasingly, employees are choosing Macs over Windows. What's, Chowdhry said 70% of college freshman are entering school with Macs, up about 10 to 15% a year ago.

ABI Research (http://www.abiresearch.com) expects mobile application downloads from Apple's iOS and the Android to account for 78% of all application downloads in 2010, with iOS (the iPhone’s operating system) taking the lion’s share of 52% of all applications. The numbers are driven by availability, variety and novelty in both the Android market and the Apple App Store, which is currently unmatched by any other smartphone platform, says the research group. In addition, the sale of Android phones has taken off in 2010, with over 160,000 activations being reported daily. "The Apple App Store’s days of being the only game in town are over, although the store will continue to be the biggest player in the market,” says wireless research analyst Bhavya Khanna. “However, downloads from other platforms, such as Blackberry’s App Store and Nokia’s Ovi Store remain sluggish, hampered by a lack of variety and fragmentation among both manufacturers’ many devices.” Revenues from mobile app sales...

Recosoft Corp. (http://www.recosoft.com) -- the developer of the PDF2Office family of products, PDF2ID tool for InDesign cross platform file format conversion solutions and PDF converters -- has announced PDF2ID Standard 3.0 and PDF2ID Professional 3.0. They'll ship next month. They add support for InDesign CS5, interactive property conversion and enhanced PDF to InDesign conversion. There's also a new graphics option panel letting you fine tune the way images and vector-graphics are converted. PDF2ID provides a direct, transparent process for PDF document data retrieval and reuse within InDesign. It's been engineered to provide seamless integration with Adobe InDesign to eliminate the necessity to acquire and install additional PDF data recovery tools. PDF2ID 3.0 is available immediately in the following configurations: US$299 for the standard configuration; $399 for the pro version; $129 for a standard upgrade for version 1.x standard licensees; and $159 for upgrades for 1.x pro...

MaBaSoft (http://www.mabasoft.net) has updated its World Clock Deluxe time tool to version 4.7.1. Forty-eight cities in Australia, Austria, Chile, Cuba, Denmark, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Ireland, and Mexico have been added to the World Clock Deluxe database. Daylight-saving information for Egypt has been updated. And the Help > Lookup Latitude & Longitude command now takes you to the GeoNames geographical database that covers all countries, including the United States and Antarctica. ß With World Clock Deluxe you can display multiple clocks in a horizontal or vertical palette, in the menu bar and in the Dock, show Coordinated Universal Time and Internet Time, assign labels and colors to clocks, calculate date and time conversions across different time zones and show the current weather all over the world. The software is Universal Binary and runs in English, German, Dutch, French and Italian. World Clock Deluxe requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later and runs natively on both...

Tension Software has released URL Extractor X 3.1.2 (http://pomola.com/products_urlextractor/urlextractor.html). URL Extractor X is a Mac OS X app for extracting emails address and generic URLs from files on the HD or directly from the web using a list of "starting" web addresses and working unattended after the startup. The new version improves the Stop Extraction command. URL Extractor can extract thousands of URLs from the web starting from a single web page and using "cross navigation" and extraction. It requires Mac OS X 10.4 or higher and costs US$50. It's Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. Version 3.1.2 is a free update for registered users of version 3.0.

Logitech (http://www.logitech.com) unveiled three new G-Series gaming peripherals -- the Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930, the Logitech Wireless Gaming Mouse G700 and the Logitech Gaming Keyboard G510. The Wireless Gaming Headset G930 (US$159.99) immerses you in 7.1 Dolby surround sound, creating a detailed, positional soundfield that lets you hear your opponents before they see you, according to Elliott Chin, Logitech’s senior manager of product marketing for gaming. With gaming-grade wireless technology designed specifically for two-way, uncompressed audio streaming, you can focus on your game without being distracted by typical wireless lag or interference annoyances, he adds. The G930 gaming headset comes fully equipped, with three programmable G-keys that put you in command over music, voice morphing and chat clients. A memory-foam-lined headband is designed to fend off fatigue, while ear pads ease pressure points and seal out unwanted noise. There's also a noise-canceling...

Arten Science has updated R10Cipher (http://www.artenscience.co.uk), a cross platform encryption/decryption tool, to version 4.1.3. The new version adds an option to automatically delete original files following successful encryption. R10Cipher supports drag and drop multiple file encryption, and decryption by double clicking a file to recreate it with its original filename. R10Cipher takes text or files and encrypts them. These files can be Word files, Excel files, MP3 files -- almost any kind of file. Its encrypted files can be copied elsewhere, even to a different operating system and unencrypted by anyone in possession of the shared key that was used for the encryption. If encrypting text, this Cipher Text can then be copied into an email, saved as a file and attached to an email or just copied elsewhere. The recipient can use R10Cipher to open the file and view the encrypted contents, assuming they're in possession of the Shared Key that was used to encrypt the document in the...

Falkon Ware (http://www.falkonware.com) has updated its SerialMailer bulk email app for Mac OS X (10.4 and higher) to version 7.0.3. Multiple addresses can now be blocked by using the wildcard character in the blacklist. The date of the last successful mail delivery is saved for each recipient and tools for e-mail address verification were added. Data imported from the AddressBook now includes all available data fields and the support for CSV files has been improved. The software helps with sending mass communications to large groups like customers, students, employees, family or friends. The full version of SerialMailer costs US$34.95. The update to version 7.0.3 is free for everyone who registered an older version of SerialMailer after April 1, 2010. Otherwise it costs $14.95.

Epson has introduced three new premium photo all-in-ones -- the Artisa 835, Artisan 725 and an all-white Artisan 725 Arctic Edition. Among their features are what Epson says is the world’s fastest 4 x 6 inch photo print speeds, built-in Wi-Fi n, wireless printing from an iPhone, and a variety of creative applications. The Artisan 835 and 725 offer full-featured scanning/copying, automatic two-sided printing, and superior image enhancing tools.  The flagship Artisan 835 also features a built-in fax, 7.8-inch smart touch panel, and a 30-page Automatic Document Feeder. In addition, the sleek, all-white Artisan 725 Arctic Edition gives consumers more options in matching the décor and computer equipment in their home.   The Artisan 725 (US$199.99) and Artisan 835 ($299.99) will be available in mid-August through major computer, office and electronic superstores, a variety of retail stores nationwide and Epson’s retail site, http://www.epsonstore.com. An all-white “Arctic Edition” Artisan...

iPad has received a safety certification mark from Chinese regulators, which means the Apple tablet moves a bit closer to be being released in the country. Apple has made no announcement about the iPad being sold in China at this time. However, the company appears to be preparing it for an entrance into the Chinese market, says "PC World" (http://macosg.me/2/ni). On Monday, the device was given the China Compulsory Certification by the China Quality Certification Center. By receiving the certification, the iPad has cleared a major government hurdle to allow the product to be exported and sold to the Chinese market. But, as "PC World" notes, the device will likely need the approval of China's Telecommunications Equipment and Certification Center.

Traditionally, first-year medical students are awarded white coats to signify their entry into the medical community. But at an Aug. 6 ceremony, each member of the UC Irvine School of Medicine’s incoming class of 2014 will find an iPad pre-loaded with everything necessary for the first year of course work in their coat pocket. As part of its new iMedEd Initiative, the medical school has developed a comprehensive, iPad-based curriculum, reinventing how medicine is taught in the 21st century and becoming the first in the nation to employ a completely digital, interactive learning environment for entering students, says Dr. Ralph V. Clayman, dean of the UCI School of Medicine. "It is our firm belief that a digitally based curriculum will be the wave of the future, and UCI seeks to be a leader in the innovative presentation of information to students," he adds. According to Dr. Warren Wiechmann, the school’s director of instructional technologies, the iMedEd Initiative calls for...

Samsung (http://www.samsung.com) has announced the 12.2 megapixel PL90 featuring a built-in USB connector, enabling consumers to capture images and connect to a computer on the move without the need for additional wires or cords. It's due next month for US$149.99 The PL90’s integrated USB connector allows content to be shared with the camera’s plug and play capabilities, including the Auto-install intelli-studio software, and instant access to any computer via the USB. In addition, users will never have to worry about running out of power with the PL90, as the USB connector also allows consumers to charge the battery without a separate power cord, says Sangjin Park, president of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. The PL90 features Samsung’s new Smart Auto (Still & Movie) technology that purportedly enables consumers to capture a picture in virtually any conditions. The Smart Auto function automatically adjusts the camera’s mode to instantly match the shooting...

The Federal Trade Commission has nearly 200 pages of records related to a purported complaint by Adobe against Apple for banning iPhone developers from using its authoring tools to make iPhone apps. However, "in what might be the most-official confirmation that regulators are probing the ban for antitrust violations," the FTC declined to make them available to Wired.com, saying doing so “could be reasonably expected” to interfere with its “law enforcement” duties Wired.com says it sought a copy of Adobe’s complaint by filing a Freedom of Information Act request in early May, which was denied in whole in a July 23 letter. “We have located 189 pages of responsive records, all of which are exempt from the FOIA’s disclosure requirement,” Joan A. Fina, the FTC’s assistant general counsel, said “These records are exempt… because disclosure of that material could reasonably be expected to interfere with the conduct of the Commission’s law enforcement activities.” Wiredl.com says the language...

Riding the wave of new handset introductions and wide carrier distribution in the second quarter (Q2), the Android smartphone operating system (OS) continued its upward climb in the U.S. consumer mobile phone market, according to The NPD Group (http://www.npd.com), a market research company. For the first time since the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2007, RIM fell to second position, as Android took the lead among operating systems in handsets sold to U.S. consumers. NPD’s latest wireless market research reveals that Android accounted for 33% of all smartphones purchased in Q2, ahead of RIM (28 %) and Apple (22%). "For the second consecutive quarter, Android handsets have shown strong but slowing sell-through market share gains among U.S. consumers," says Ross Rubin, executive director of industry analysis for NPD. "While the Google-developed OS took market share from RIM, Apple’s iOS saw a small gain this quarter on the strength of the iPhone 4 launch." According to NPD’s Mobile Phone...

Ross Bencina has released AudioMulch 2.1 (http://www.audiomulch.com), an update of the app that brings the interactive music studio to the Mac. The new version -- which works with Mac OS X 10.4 or higher -- invites users to explore new rhythmic possibilities, extend AudioMulch with Audio Unit plugins on Mac OS X, and control the mix with built-in dynamics processing. AudioMulch is designed for musical audio processing, composition, and performance. Its modular patcher-style user interface promotes an improvisational approach to music making. The software offers a range of built in sound processing and audio mangling tools along with parameter control capabilities that include time line automation, a MIDI control mapping system and the Metasurface multi-parameter controller.   After 10 years of running exclusively on Windows, entry into the Mac market is a significant step for AudioMulch, says AudioMulch developer and owner Ross Bencina. The software costs $189. Version 2.1 is a free...

Aero Quartet (http://aeroquartet.com) has released version 3.10 of SimpleMovieX, a Mac OS X movie editor. This new version lets you add movies to your iTunes library in one click, automatically picking the fastest method while preserving quality. Movies with multiple audio tracks, like alternative languages or AC3 Dolby, can now be saved in MP4 formats natively. Chapters, languages, metadata and artworks that you add to your movies with SimpleMovieX, are compatible with AppleTV, iPhone, iPad, iPod and Front Row. The bonus in version 3.10 is an experimental feature that saves XVID movies into iTunes library 10x faster by "mutating" video into MPEG4 Video codec: You can now watch a feature-length movie on your iPad or iPhone just 5 minutes after opening it with SimpleMovieX. With a feature set roughly similar to QuickTime Pro, SimpleMovieX extends editing capabilities to other popular video formats such as AVI, Google Video, MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4. For occasional users, an unlimited...

Logitech (http://www.logitech.com) has unveiled the Logitech Rechargeable Speaker S715i, a portable speaker dock for the iPod and iPhone. It features eight custom-designed speaker drivers and an eight-hour rechargeable battery. "The new Rechargeable Speaker S715i offers eight drivers -- twice that of our previous speaker docks -- and includes a rechargeable battery so you can take your tunes with you," says Mark Schneider, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s audio business unit. It sports two three-inch laser-tuned neodymium drivers, two half-inch neodymium tweeters for s and four two-inch passive radiators. The Logitech Rechargeable Speaker S715i comes with a wireless remote control to give you command over functions such as power, volume, play, pause, shuffle, skip and repeat from up to 30 feet away. You can take the dock with you in the included travel case that also has space for the power adapter and remote. The Logitech Rechargeable Speaker S715i is expected to be...

Kapeli has released Switche (http://kapeli.com/switche/), an US$7.99 Mac OS X app that "combines CMD+Tab's simplicity with Expose's style and elegance." In fact, it uses Expose for all of its features. Users can define three pairs of keyboard shortcuts. CMD+Tab will cycle between active apps Expose-style and the other two pairs will switch between windows of the same app or between all windows. Switche can be used to: switch between applications; switch between windows, or switch between the windows of the frontmost application The software can: skip applications with no open windows; automatically zoom windows (using Expose); and close windows and quit applications by pressing "W" or "Q." Switche is a 2.3MB application that purportedly has no impact on the system. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard"). A demo is available for download.

Softpress Systems has released Freeway 5.5 Preview, a free evaluation version of its upcoming paid-for upgrade to the web-design products, Freeway Express and Pro. Preview versions of both Freeway Express and Freeway Pro are available from the Softpress web site (http://www.softpress.com). According to Softpress Managing Director Richard Logan, alongside Freeway's extensive existing feature set, Freeway 5.5 has a range of new functionality including: ° Freeway Showcase: Showcase offers even absolute beginners thousands of fully-customizable options so that they can effortlessly build professional, feature-rich galleries and slideshows from scratch in just minutes, he says. You can import images for use into the application via drag and drop from the Finder, or from iPhoto/Aperture libraries displayed in the app itself), or by direct import. A variety of appearance and layout options are available including borders, shadows, reflections and more. Freeway Showcase supports common web...

A newly discovered vulnerability in the software that runs Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch could allow hackers to remotely enslave the popular mobile devices, according to the Vupen security firm (http://www.vupen.com) "Two vulnerabilities have been identified in Apple iOS for iPhone, iPad and iPod, which could be exploited by remote attackers to take complete control of a vulnerable device," says Vupen. "The first issue is caused by a memory corruption error when processing Compact Font Format (CFF) data within a PDF document, which could be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking a user into visiting a specially crafted web page using Mobile Safari. The second vulnerability is caused by an error in the kernel, which could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges and bypass sandbox restrictions. Note: These flaws are currently being exploited by jailbreakme to remotely jailbreak Apple devices." Apple spokeswoman Natalie Harrison said the company was aware of...

Quest Software has launched Quest Identity Manager for Unix as freeware to  streamline the management of local Mac/Unix/Linux users and groups. With it you can report on key identity and group information across Unix/Linux systems and assess the readiness of systems for advanced functionality such as Active Directory bridge technologies. Quest Identify Manager offers a bird's eye view of all local Unix accounts and system parameters, enabling administrators to determine which systems are ready for advanced functionality offered by Active Directory bridge technologies such as Quest Authentication Services. The web-based console ties identity related tasks together for a centralized point of management that can be run from any Mac, Windows Unix or Linux platform and any of the most common browsers. You can try Identity Manager by going here: http://www.freeunixiam.com/ .

Tension Software has updated Mac Restart X (http://pomola.com/products_macrestart/macrestart.html) -- a Mac OS X app that can restart a Mac on a regular basis or one time only at a specific date and time or at launch using it via Apple iCal or other applications -- to version 1.5.1. The upgrade sports some interface improvements and bug fixes. Mac Restart uses the native Mac OS X Date Time Calendar control. It warns the user before a restart, showing a progress bar or jumping from the dock. And the software has a variable warning time interval adjustable in the preferences. Mac Restart requires Mac OS X 10.4 or higher. It costs US$20, though version 1.5.1 is a free update for registered users.