The Pragmatic Studio announces iPhone, iPod touch
The Pragmatic Studio (http://pragmaticstudio.com/) is offering their "iPhone/iPad Programming" course in Santa Clara, California, on Aug. 17-20, and in Chicago, Illinois, on Oct. 25-28.
In this four-day, hands-on training course you'll learn how to create iPhone/iPad apps with guided instruction from two renowned developers and authors: Matt Drance and Daniel Steinberg. You can reserve your seat soon and save US$300 on early registration.
One Apple lawsuit settled, another comes to light
Another day, another lawsuit. Apple has agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by patent-holding company Minerva Industries that accused the iPhone maker of infringing its patent for mobile media technology, reports "Law 360" (http://macosg.me/2/mh).
In January 2008, Los Angeles-based Minerva Industries sued Apple and satellite phone company Atlantic RT for patent infringement regarding a patent covering mobile entertainment and communications devices. The company filed the patent infringement lawsuit in the Eastern District of Texas on Tuesday, just hours after having been granted United States Patent No. 7,321,783 entitled "Mobile Entertainment and Communication Device," .
The six-page formal complaint alleges that representatives from Minerva informed Apple of their pending application with United States Patent and Trademark Office covering iPhone concepts back in November, but that Apple "waited until approximately one week before the patent was to issue before sending prior art" in an...
Apple Store Covent to open Aug. 7
Apple will open a new retail store in London on Aug. 7. It will be Apple's 28th retail store opening in the UK.
Apple Store Covent Garden (http://www.apple.com/uk/retail/coventgarden) is located at No. 1-7 The Piazza, London, WC2E 8HA. The grand opening will start at 10 am
Regular store hours will be Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 pm.
Apple Store Haywood Mall will be the company's 296th retail store. Apple plans to open another 187 or so during this fiscal year, with about half of those outside the U.S.
AMD, Intel have huge share growth at Nvidia’s expense
Jon Peddie Research (http://www.jonpeddie.com) -- a research and consulting firm for graphics and multimedia, computer graphics -- has announced its estimated graphics chip shipments and supplier’s market share for the second quarter of 2010 (Q2’10).
Overall graphics chip shipments were up 4% from Q1’10, while desktop discrete GPUs fell 21.4% reflecting the tremendous growth in notebooks. For the first half of the year, 2010 shipments are 38.6% above the same period last year.
Clarksdale, continued Atom sales for netbooks, and strong notebook growth helped Intel maintain its leadership position in unit shipments for Q2’10. AMD led the market with the biggest gains for both discrete and integrated desktop products in the company’s history. On a quarter-to-quarter basis Nvidia had double-digit losses in every segment except notebook integrated where they showed a 10% gain in units shipments from last quarter.
AMD reported their graphics segment revenue increased 8% sequentially and 87...
Speed Download for Mac OS X speeds to version 5.2.19
Yazsoft (http://www.yazsoft.com) has released Speed Download 5.2.19, the latest version of its Mac OS X download manager that combines four products: a download manager with auto-resuming downloads, a secure FTP client, a file sharing utility with full encryption, and .Mac/iDisk/WEBDAV connectivity.
The upgrade is revved for tighter compatibility with Safari 5. Speed Download requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or higher. It costs US$25 for a single-user license. Speed Download is available in US English, French and Polish localizations.
KeynoteUser releases Elemental theme set
KeynoteUser (http://www.keynoteuser.com) has released Elemental, a Keynote theme based on the four elements in nature. Keynote is the presentation component of Apple's US$79 iWorks bundle.
Elemental sports brightly colored, gradient backed themes (plus a fifth, alternate bonus color) in all the standard presentation sizes (including HD). It costs US$29.95.
However, for a limited time, you can save 20% off anything in the KeynoteUser store by using the code keynote20 at checkout. This offer expires on Aug. 6. Keynoteuser is also giving away a free Keynote theme. Elemental Earth2, an alternate brown version of the Elemental theme.
Scene store released for My Living Desktop
Amuse has released a new scene store for My Living Desktop (http://www.mylivingdesktop.com) for Mac OS X, a video desktop and screen saver utility. The app replaces the standard still desktop with a video desktop that plays high-definition movies of the user's choice.
The My Living Desktop Scene Store showcases such categories as Fine Art, Art and Animation, Landmarks, Animals and Insects, and more. For a limited time, all orders over US$20 receive a 20% discount.
My Living Desktop is a cross between a video desktop (moving wallpaper) and screen saver. With its built-in video importer, users can import their own movie scenes for use as video desktops. Anyone can now have family movies, movies of friends and special events, vacation movies and more as their desktop -- or as a screen saver.
My Living Desktop boasts a variety of high-definition movie videos shot from all around the globe, accompanied with relaxing nature sound effects. Upon purchase, download access to over three...
DAZ 3D releases Bryce 7 (regular, pro, limited edition)
DAZ 3D has released Bryce 7, the latest version of its 3D solution for achieving realistic imagery. The company has also released Bryce 7 Pro and the Bryce 7 Personal Learning Edition (LE).
Artists utilizing Bryce 7 will gain the ability to easily incorporate 3D models made in Google SketchUp or Electronic Arts' Spore Creature Creator into their pipeline, says Dan Farr, founder and CEO of DAZ 3D. This direct import option, created specifically for Bryce 7 workflows, streamlines integration and eliminates cumbersome tweaking, utilizing new import and export options for both the COLLADA and FBX file formats, he adds. Bryce users can now also export their environments for use in a variety of other tools and 3D applications.
Additionally, the DAZ Studio Bridge within the Bryce pipeline has been re-designed to transfer models from DAZ Studio 3, into Bryce 7 with less overhead and greater ease. Even complex layered 3D figures and accessories now seamlessly import into Bryce 7, says Farr....
Apple looking for engineer for a 'revolutionary'...
A new job posting by Apple (http://macosg.me/2/mb) says the company is looking for a software engineer to help build a "new and revolutionary feature for Mac OS X. " Of course, it doesn't say what that feature is.
But here's part of the job description: "Are you looking to help create something totally new? Something that has never been done before and will truly amaze everyone? Are you excited by the prospect that what you helped create would be used every day by millions of Apple customers? Then come and work on with the Mac OS X software engineering team to help build a new and revolutionary feature for Mac OS X.
"WWe are looking for a senior software engineer to help us create a revolutionary new feature in the very foundations of Mac OS X. We have something truly revolutionary and really exciting in progress and it is going to require your most creative and focused efforts ever.
"An ideal candidate will have a degree in Computer Science (or equivalent), five years of professional...
Smith Micro releases Spring Cleaning Essentials for the Mac
Smith Micro Software has released Spring Cleaning Essentials for Mac, a suite of tune-up utility tools to help users keep their Macs running like new. It lets users clean up, optimize and maintain their Macs with tools that organize files, reduce clutter and completely uninstall unwanted applications.
Spring Cleaning Essentials offers search capabilities to help novice users organize their hard drives, as well as protect and archive files and data, according to Pauline Shumake, senior product manager, Productivity and Graphics Group at Smith Micro Software. The interface allows users to achieve results immediately. As a user’s needs evolve beyond basic hard drive maintenance, Spring Cleaning Essentials offers the ability to individually purchase specialized tools for managing multimedia, securely uploading files to the cloud and much more, she adds.
Spring Cleaning Essentials features include:
° Personalization: you can mix, match and add toolsets to meet your needs. With the...
Apple outsells Motorola in smartphone market again
Motorola just reported lower mobile phone shipments than Apple for the second quarter in a row, reports "Silicon Alley Insider" (http://macosg.me/2/m3). Motorola shipped 2.7 million smartphones in the second quarter of the year, up from 2.3 million in the first quarter.
However, that was below recently raised expectations of 3.2 million from Morgan Stanley's Ehud Geldblum, and 3.1 million from Citi's Jim Suva. Apple shipped 8.4 million iPhones during its June quarter, verses 8.3 million for Motorola -- including just 2.7 million Android smartphones.
Psystar says copyright only governs copying, not use...
In a brief reply to Apple in the ongoing legal brouhaha over Mac clones, Psystar asserts that copyright only governs copying and not restrictions on use, reports "World of Apple" (http://macosg.me/2/m2). The company also denies Apple’s position that their copyright restrictions do not stifle creativity.
In January Psystar officially filed its Notice of Appeal in the copyright suit it lost against Apple. The appeal involved a copyright infringement suit Apple brought against Psystar to stop the Florida company from selling Psystar computers with Mac OS X installed.
In December 2009 Apple won a permanent injunction against Psystar. Granted by Judge William Alsup of the US District Court for the Northern District of California, it prevents the Mac cloner from selling clones, installing Mac OS X on any hardware, and selling or copying Mac OS X.
Psystar also can't manufacture, import, offer to the public, provide or otherwise traffic in any technology, product, service, device, component...
iPod nano smoking hot (and not in a good way)?
Japan’s trade ministry asked Apple to report by Aug. 4 on measures the company will take to prevent a fire hazard the ministry said is related to the iPod Nano, reports "Bloomberg Businessweek" (http://macosg.me/2/m1).
Six incidents involving the 2005 model nano catching fire while being charged have been reported to the ministry since 2008, says Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry spokesman Hiroshi Miyashita said today by telephone. There were an additional 21 cases involving incidents where the players overheated and emitted smoke since 2005, he adds.
“IPods are incredibly well designed and safety is the highest priority for Apple,” spokesperson Christine Monaghan told "Bloomberg" in an e- mailed comment. “We are taking METI’s letter in regard to the first generation iPod nano very seriously and are working closely with them to answer their concerns.”
UpStand is new aluminum stand for the iPad
Just Mobile (http://www.just-mobile.com) has launched the Just Mobile UpStand, an US$49.95 iPad stand designed to complements your home, office or studio.Precision engineered from aluminum, the UpStand's supporting grips are finished in rubber to hold your iPad firmly in place and keep it pristine.
It's compatible with most iPad cases, too. The UpStand will float your iPad at just the right height for desktop use, according to the folks at Just Mobile. It's perfect for working with a Bluetooth keyboard, watching movies or using the iPad as a digital picture frame, they add.
GadgetTrak anti-theft software updated
ActiveTrak has released GadgetTrak 3 (http://www.gadgettrak.com/products/laptop) for laptops, the latest version of its anti-theft software. The latest version introduces new functionality that allows people to track multiple computing devices at the same time -- including laptops, netbooks and desktop computers -- through a centralized web control panel that can be viewed from any Internet accessible device.
By using onboard Wi-Fi radios found in virtually all computers together with advanced Wi-Fi positioning technology, GadgetTrak pinpoints stolen laptops within 10 meters, according to ActiveTrak CEO Ken Westin. When tracking occurs, a subscriber will get an email with detailed information about a device's location. This information can also be found on a web control panel at http://www.trak.me . Using a laptop webcam, GadgetTrak can remotely snap a photo of a thief, providing crucial evidence that police can use to get a laptop back.
The GadgetTrak software supports Mac OS X (10....
'iFixIt' offers Magic Trackpad teardown
Some of the highlights of the teardown:
° This is one of the few Apple products where the battery is user serviceable.
° The battery screw has square threads. While square threads have the highest mechanical efficiency of all lead screws, their difficulty of manufacturing makes them prohibitive for most applications.
° After a good amount of quasi-non-destructive prying, the inner spacer can be removed from the trackpad. This spacer prevents the highly unlikely event of squeezing the lower panel against the logic board hard enough to damage it.
° The ribbon cables are ridiculously thin and are stuck to the underside of the touch pad. If you plan on servicing your Trackpad, proceed with caution.
°* After using a heat gun to warm up the adhesive, the touch pad can be carefully pried off the aluminum chassis. This step is not for the faint of heart. A copious amount of heat, guitar picks, and plastic opening tools were required to make the touch pad budge.
° The Magic Trackpad has a...
2010 Photoshop World Expo coming Sept. 1-3
The 2010 Photoshop World Expo (http://photoshopworld.com/expo/), the largest exhibition of digital photography and Photoshop-related products and services, will be held Sept. 1-3 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
Photoshop World is produced by the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) in partnership with Adobe. The industry expo features product launches, hands-on demonstrations, exclusive offers, and promotions and giveaways from more than 40 exhibitors, including Adobe, Adorama, B&H, Dell, Epson America, iStockphoto, Mpix, Nik Software, onOne Software, Wacom Technology and Xerox Corp.
Throughout the course of this year’s expo, photographers of all levels have the opportunity to hone their shooting and lighting skills at a special interactive booth on the show floor. Sponsored by F.J. Wescott, a leader in professional photography and video lighting equipment, the booth features four live model and product shoot scenarios. Along with snapping...
iTunes not allowing users to sign in with AOL screen name
At first it appeared to be just an isolated problem or one that would be resolved quickly on Apple's end. However, we've searched Twitter and found out I'm not the only one having this problem:
http://search.twitter.com/search?q=aol+itunes
http://twitter.com/Brian_Bee/statuses/19715468590
http://twitter.com/RJKEL/statuses/19778538449
http://twitter.com/blue_wind/statuses/19786963783
http://twitter.com/Parawhore4Ever/statuses/19793447632
http://twitter.com/modernglow/statuses/19794581458
http://twitter.com/jglass86/statuses/19799121784
One user claims that "insiders in Cupertino" have told him it's a hardware failure at Apple and "they're still working on it": http://twitter.com/dland/statuses/19798361611
There were reports a year ago that Apple was killing support for AOL accounts (see http://www.macgasm.net/2009/07/29/aol-accounts-not-longer-usable-on-itun... for example) but the latest version of iTunes still allow AOL accounts to be used for signing in.
Disk Doctors Lab updates Mac Data Recovery software
Disk Doctor Labs has released an upgrade for Disk Doctors Mac Data Recovery Software, which provides many new features and enhancements including compatibility with Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard") on 64-bit Macs.
The new version also includes some major updates that provide considerable improvements in recovering critical data from HFS+ and HFSX file systems. The upgrade comes with multi-dimensional drive scanning that combines recovery of lost folders, broken folder entries, and individual file type search. The overall usability of the application has been enriched by the try & buy activation process, according to Omer Faiyaz, CEO, Software Business, Disk Doctor Labs. This enables the users to save time as they can activate the demo version immediately after purchasing the software, he adds.
Designed and programmed as native Mac OS X 10.4.11 and above, Mac File Recovery can be downloaded here: http://www.diskdoctors.net/download.html#mac . Registration is US$179.
VP ships EU Rome Gold, Hearts of Iron III: Semper Fi for Mac OS...
Rome may not have been built in a day, but gamers can achieve that goal with Europa Universalis Rome: Gold Edition, the strategy game now available for Mac OS X from Virtual Programming.
This edition packages the previously-available Europa Universalis: Rome with its Vae Victus expansion pack, which features a variety of improvements to the core game, including rewards for players who complete missions and the ability for players to trigger events at their discretion.
Here's how the game is described: "Europa Universalis Rome: Gold Edition covers the years 280 BC to 27 BC, beginning with the first Punic War and ending as the true Roman Empire flourishes. Players can start a game at any date in that range and choose from among 10 different cultures, including the Roman, Celtic, Greek, and Egyptian civilizations, with over 53 playable factions vying for control of a map covering hundreds of provinces. Players trade, negotiate, or fight with their neighbors, dealing with many different...
Trans International offers memory upgrades for new iMacs
Trans International (http://www.transintl.com/store/category.cfm?Category=9&RequestTimeOut=500) has announced the worldwide availability of up to 16GB Memory Upgrade Kit [4X4GB] PC-3 10600 DDR3 1333MHz SO-DIMMS for the latest iMacs.
TransIntl.com memory modules conform to Apple's stringent electrical and mechanical design guide lines and carry a Lifetime replacement Warranty. Also, you can trade in your iMac factory memory, 4GB Kit (2X2GB) for $52. Transintl.com offers:
° 16GB Kit [4X4GB] for US$488;
° 8GB Kit [2X4GB] for $248;
° 4GB Kit [2X2GB] for $108.
MacFamilyTree sprouts version 6.0
Synium Software has released version 6.0 of MacFamilyTree (http://www.synium.de/products/macfamilytree/index.html). The new version features a new user interface, more and better charts as well as reports, integration of "New FamilySearch", ToDo management, Web Research, places management and more
MacFamilyTree 6.0 requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher. For new users the cost is US$49. Upgrades from previous versions are $25. A demo is available for download. MobileFamilyTree, the companion app for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad is available in the App Store for $4.99.
Extensis sponsors MOGO Media Dreamweaver, InDesign Seminar tours
Extensis, a division of Celartem, is sponsoring a font management lunch presentation in major cities across the country during the MOGO Media Dreamweaver and InDesign Seminar Tours held through the rest of 2010.
The lunch presentation is open to seminar attendees who will see the latest in Extensis’ font management technology. Dreamweaver seminar attendees will be able to preview WebINK, the new web font service from Extensis. InDesign seminar attendees will see how effective font management can help achieve brand consistency for print or the web.
The MOGO Media Dreamweaver and InDesign seminars are one-day training conferences for creative professionals working with Adobe InDesign and Dreamweaver. You can view the entire 2010 MOGO Media seminar schedule and register for an event at http://www.mogo-media.com .
Ramjet announces memory upgrades for new iMacs
Ramjet now carries DDR3-1333 RAM upgrades for the latest rev of the iMac line. The new iMacs have four memory slots, and a system maximum of 16GB.
Ramjet offers a 4Gig kit (2x 2Gig modules), an 8GB Kit (2x 4GB modules), and a 16GB kit (4x 4GB modules). These modules are fully compatible with the latest Apple firmware, and are SPD configured for the new iMac. These kits are shipping now, and are covered by a lifetime warranty. For details go to http://www.ramjet.com/imi.asp#1333 .
iPad owners: snobbish, rich, over-indulgent?
According to survey results by MyType, owners of Apple's high-profile iPad are likely to be snobbish, rich and prone to the temptations of anger, lust and overeating, reports "eWeek" (http://macosg.me/2/lx).
From March through May of 2010, online research firm MyType surveyed more than 20,000 of its users on Facebook about Apple's iPad to determine the personality traits, values, demographics and interests that drive differences in opinion about the high-profile tablet computer. After weighting the responses to reflect the composition of the general Internet-using U.S. population between the ages of 13 and 49, it appears iPad owners possess the qualities of sophistication, intellect, snobbery and selfishness, notes "eWeek."
The survey also found people who plead guilty to sins of indulgence are more likely to own an iPad. Ethnic minorities in the United States are in general much more likely to know what the iPad is than whites, according to survey results. Koreans and Chinese in the...
Droids use more data than iPhones?
A study released today by Validas says the average data consumption for non-Blackberry Verizon smartphones was 421MB per month, compared to the 338MB per month consumed by AT&T iPhone users, reports "Fortune" (http://macosg.me/2/ly).
The Validas 009-2010 Wireless Data Consumption study examines, analyzes and compares information drawn directly from actual consumer bills from 2009 and 2010. It provides year-over-year trends and detailed distribution charts segmented by device and by carrier, providing unique insight into the explosive growth in wireless data, which carriers are benefitting most from it, and which user and device groups are most driving it.
"While the study didn't specifically call out Verizon's line of high end Android phones, there is really nothing else in Verizon's line that would make such an impact besides the multimedia-heavy Droids," says "eWeek." "Who else would be using so much data? Windows Mobile? Symbian? the Pre? No way."
Apple sues over unauthorized accessories for idevices
Another day, another lawsuit. Apple is suing companies it said are selling unauthorized electronic accessories such as chargers, speakers and cables for the iPod, iPhone and iPad, reports "Bloomberg Businessweek" (http://macosg.me/2/lw).
“Many are of inferior quality and reliability, raising significant concerns over compatibility with and damage to Apple’s products,” Apple said in the complaint, citing a user comment that a charger from one of the companies drained his iPod rather than replenishing the battery.
In the complaint, Apple said the unauthorized products are infringing as many as 10 patents and violating its trademarks. The complaint, filed July 22 in federal court in San Francisco, identifies six sellers based in California and one in Washington and said Apple could name as many as 20 additional companies, notes "Bloomberg."
Boris Continuum 3D Objects Unit now supports After Effects CS5
The Boris Continuum 3D Objects Unit (http://www.borisfx.com) now features five l effects filters for creating create 3D objects using text and shapes in After Effects, Final Cut Pro, Motion, and Final Cut Express.
The Extruded Text filter allows you to create 3D text elements and use AE's native camera and lighting system to generate fly-throughs or animate the viewer around the generated 3D text models. Extruded EPS provides a way to import and extrude Adobe Illustrator layered vector logos and graphics in Adobe After Effects.
With Type-on Text, you'll be able to create animated text type-ons that fly in from behind or toward the camera or slide into view from the top, left, bottom, or right of the screen either letter-by-letter, word-by-word, or line-by-line. Extruded Spline generates and extrudes shapes from any AE-generated mask shape as well as imported vector art from Adobe Illustrator.
Layer Deformer generates useful 3D shapes such as planes, cubes, spheres, and cylinders...
Professional 3D game engine for REAL Studio available
The Component Man Group, a division of Paradigma Software (http://www.paradigmasoft.com), says Franklin 3D is available in a public beta with support for REAL Studio (formerly REALbasic), the cross-platform BASIC language development environment from
REAL Software.
Franklin 3D is a professional 3D game and simulation engine available for Mac OS X and Windows. It includes over 400 methods, including support for display control, model loading and callbacks. Franklin 3D includes the engine plus a collection of example projects.
Utilizing an open source core engine, Franklin 3D lets developers use the optimal 3D rendering engine depending on the platform: OpenGL on Mac OS X or Windows, and DirectX
on Windows. Features include:
° Multiple rendering support: the Franklin 3D engine can utilize OpenGL and DirectX 9 (and Direct X 8) rendering, with two back up, software only renderers;
° Hardware acceleration for 3D and 2D: users can leverage native driver support for OpenGL and Direct X...
The Pixel Farm unveils PFMatchit
The Pixel Farm (http://www.thepixelfarm.co.uk) has unveiled PFMatchit, a Mac OS X compatible, 2D/3D camera-tracking/matchmoving software package.
The new product is announced as part of wider realignment of the company's core VFX product range, including the renowned PFTrack. It's released in response to customer demand for a lower entry point to The Pixel Farm's technology, is the first product to harness the company's new 64-bit, node-based flowgraph architecture. This approach dramatically improves the core processes involved in camera tracking, one of the most critical aspects of successful VFX creation, according to the folks at The Pixel Farm.
The new architecture gives users a logical, visual overview of tracking workflows, and a procedural, non-linear environment in which to work. Digital artists have full control over every aspect of each individual operation within a workflow, and can experiment non-destructively with different approaches to a shot to achieve the best...
360Works releases ScriptMaster 4 FileMaker plug-in
360Works has released ScriptMaster 4 (http://360works.com/scriptmaster/), the latest version of its free FileMaker plug-in. It now includes 81 functions, enabling developers to y manipulate files and folders, encrypt and decrypt sensitive data, download web pages and submit online forms, push notifications to iPhone and other iOS devices, and incorporate XML Web Services, shell scripting and event/script triggering.
In addition to these new functions, ScriptMaster 4 delivers speed and stability improvements, the ability to load and share modules on the network, improved documentation and tutorials, and numerous bug fixes. Also new in ScriptMaster 4.0 is the optional US$95 Advanced Edition:
The Advanced Edition will allow anybody to generate their own branded plug-ins. Just check the modules you want and click the "Make Plugin" button, and you've got a plugin with all of your favorite modules pre-compiled into it. You can distribute this generated plugin royalty-free with all of your...
MyService offers 750GB MacBook hard drive upgrade
MyService (http://www.myservice.com) has announced a new 750GB hard drive upgrade for the MacBook and MacBook Pro. These new 9.5mm drives by Western Digital are the largest drives available for the Apple laptops.
MyService has these drives in stock. The upgrade service includes the new drive, round trip shipping, professional installation and data transfer. MyService sends a custom laptop shipping container to you. All shipping is insured and can be tracked online.
Your old hard drive is returned to you and can be used for backups. Since MyService is an Apple Authorized Service Provider, the 750GB upgrade will not void your Apple warranty.
Once your laptop is back at MyService, a certified technician installs the new drive and transfers the data over from your old drive. If your old hard drive is failing, a new operating system is installed. All drives feature a three-year manufacturer warranty.
After the service is completed, your laptop is cleaned, tested and sent back to you,...
Best Buy Mobile launches Side Shield for the iPhone 4
There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but now customers who shop at Best Buy are eligible for a free Side Shield for the iPhone 4. The offer launches exclusively on July 28, and comes in the form of a clear, unobtrusive shield applied to the outer edges of the iPhone 4.
The Side Shield from invisibleShield was designed to address issues with antenna attenuation and has been tested and manufactured by ZAGG. This program will be available free of charge, including installation, to anyone who purchased or will purchase an iPhone 4 from Best Buy and will be extended to all existing Reward Zone customers. The solution will also be available to the general public for the retail price $9.99, including installation.
In addition, all consumers can take advantage of 20% off of any iPhone 4 case through Aug.7. Best Buy Mobile (http://www.bestbuy.com/mobile) offers an assortment of cases for the iPhone 4, along with a range of key accessories that serve to protect and personalize the smart...
Apple will honor mis-priced Mac mini orders in Taiwan
In response to urges from Taiwan's Consumer Foundation, Apple has agreed to honor orders placed on its web site store on July 23 for Mac mini servers with 8GB of memory that were accidentally mispriced.
The Mac minis were quoted at NT$19,900 (US$618), 57.66% lower than the correct price of NT$47,000. However, Apple Taiwan says each buyer is limited to one unit, according to "DigiTimes" (http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20100728PD222.html)k.
In addition, since the pricing error was only listed under its educational discount section, Apple will also require purchasers confirm their eligibility before accepting the orders, the article adds.
OWC announces memory upgrades for new iMacs
Other World Computing (http://www.macsales.com) has announced OWC PC3-10600 DDR3 1333MHz Memory Upgrade Kits up to 16GB for the new mid-2010 iMac models introduced by Apple yesterday.
The upgrade kits are for the new iMac 21.5-inch 3.06GHz, 3.20GHz, and 3.6GHz i3; iMac 27-inch 3.20GHz i3, 3.6GHz i5 (Dual-Core), iMac 27-inch 2.8GHz i5, 2.93GHz i7 (Quad-Core) models and include:
° OWC 4GB DDR3 Memory Kit (2 x 2GB matched memory modules) -- US $117.99. These are added to the factory installed 4GB RAM for 8GB total RAM. This is an upgrade not offered as a factory option.
° OWC 8GB DDR3 Memory Kit (2 x 4GB matched memory modules) -- $279.99. This is added to the factory installed 4GB RAM for 12GB total RAM; this upgrade isn't offered as a factory option.
° OWC 16GB DDR3 Memory Kit (4 x 4GB matched memory modules) -- $549.99. OWC says this is 45% lower cost than the factory 16GB option.
For more information on or to purchase OWC Memory Upgrades of up to 16GB for all iMac models,...
Native Instruments Announces Komplete 7 Elements
Native Instruments has announced Komplete 7 Elements (http://www.native-instruments.com/elements), a new software bundle that provides musicians and producers with an arsenal of professional instruments and effects. It includes over 2,000 production-ready sounds and 12GB of studio-grade sample material.
Together with the introduction of Komplete 7 Elements, the popular free Kontakt 4 Player and Kore 2 Player are now complemented with Player versions of Guitar RIG 4 and Reaktor 5. Komplete 7 Elements combines the vast synthesis, sampling and effects processing capabilities of these four Player versions with material that is derived from the full product versions contained in the professional Komplete bundle.
On the basis of Kontakt 4 Player, the Komplete 7 Elements collection -- due in September for US$119 -- offers a full assortment of acoustic sounds, including VSL orchestral material, Abbey Road drums, and a large variety of other classical, ethnic and band instruments. This...
New training DVDs offered for Adobe Creative Suite
At the SIGGRAPH Conference, online sales specialist, Journey Education Marketing, Inc. (Journey), announced several new Total Training DVDs for Adobe Creative Suite 5 and Microsoft Office 2010.
Through a partnership with Total Training, Journey is offering the DVDs to the education community up to 80% off suggested retail prices. Total Training specializes in online and DVD-based training. Journey is an online marketer of software to college and K-12 education through its education brands, JourneyEd and Academic Superstore, and is an authorized Adobe and Microsoft reseller. For pricing on the new training DVDs, go to http://www.journeyed.com/dept/Brands/Total+Training/284081 .
Kensington announces new laptop locking station
Kensington Computer Products Group (http://www.kensington.com) has introduced a new locking station and tether kit for laptops. The US$79.99 Kensington Laptop Locking Station is built with an all-steel backbone that purportedly resists cutting, drilling or prying.
Users place their laptop on the base of the unit and close the side arm, with no key or cable required. To unlock, insert a key to release the laptop. The optional Tether Kit ($29.99) offers additional flexibility to users who do not want to permanently attach the laptop locking station to a desktop surface.
The Kensington Laptop Station allows your laptop to rotate, slide and tilt for optimal positioning and access to laptop ports. It can be installed on any desk and works with laptops from 13.3 to 17 inches.
Griffin updates iTrip Auto, WindowSeat
Griffin Technology (http://www.griffintechnology.com) has announced the latest versions of their iTrip Auto and WindowSeat automobile solutions. Each has been updated for handsfree smartphone support, and universal compatibility for a wide array of devices.
The US$59.99 iTrip FM transmitter technology has been brought together with an handsfree microphone, so users can talk on their mobile phone without taking their attention off the road. It gets its power from the car's 12-volt accessory socket, and includes a USB port for charging a mobile device with its own charging cable.
The $39.99 WindowSeat mounts an iPod touch, iPhone, BlackBerry, or other mobile device at eye level on the car's windshield or dashboard, putting street maps, directions, and more safely in view and within reach. The adjustable mounting bracket holds the device securely, and a thumb release allows quick removal upon arrival at the destination.
WindowSeat HandsFree comes packaged with a handsfree microphone...
Samsung introduces new digital camera, camcorder
Samsung (http://www.samsung.com) unveiled the ST80, a 14.2 mega-pixel point-and-shoot camera that joins Samsung’s growing line of Wi-Fi enabled digital cameras. Samsung has also introduced a pocket-sized Full-HD camcorder. They're due in September for US$249.99 and $199.99, respectively.
It supports wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi and Samsung’s AllShare (DNLA) connectivity. The camera houses a 3x optical zoom as well as a 3.0-inch wide touch-screen on the back of the camera.
The ST80 comes equipped with Samsung’s new "Smart Crop" feature, an editing tool that takes place directly on the camera. With Smart Crop, users can crop images taken at any angle or slant, such as banners or signs, and then straighten them as if they were originally taken straight on. The ST80 also lets you capture mages with Samsung’s Smart Auto (Still & Movie) scene recognition technology. Smart Auto (Still & Movie) automatically recognizes the user’s current shooting environment and selects the...
SanDisk launches smallest USB flash drive in North America
SanDisk (http://www.sandisk.com) has announced the availability of its smallest USB flash drive to U.S. and Canadian consumers. The SanDisk Cruzer Blade is about the size of a standard size paper clip and weighs approximately the same as a penny.
It's available in capacities ranging from 2GB to 16GB, the SanDisk Cruzer Blade. A 4GB drive can store 1,000 songs, 1,200 high-resolution photos, or 8 hours of 768kb/s video. The SanDisk Cruzer Blade USB flash drive is available now in the United States and Canada at sandisk.com, with prices ranging from US$14.99 to $77.99. The drive carries a two-year limited warranty.
Cumulus Sites features added in Cumulus product line update
Canto Software has announced the availability of an update to the Cumulus product line that includes feature additions to Cumulus Sites, the company’s browser-based Wweb publishing and file sharing tool, released in March.
New to Cumulus Sites is an option that sends email links that enable users to download requested files at later times so they can close browser windows without having to wait for large-file downloads to complete. File sharing via Sites has also been improved.
Collection links can now be viewed, edited and reused, so users can see which settings were used, and more quickly re-share files. Embargo dates can ensure shared files are not available until specified times, and new social media sharing options make it easy to post files to Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and 12 other social networks.
Flash movies and MP3 files can now be streamed from within Sites, and PDF files can be previewed at full resolution without additional plug-ins or software. An in-browser slideshow...
CleanApp now scans for duplicates, empty folders
Synium Software has released CleanApp 3.4 (http://synium.de/products/cleanapp/index.html), a new version of the uninstaller and system management tool for Mac OS X. It now scans for duplicate files and applications and for empty folders anywhere on your system.
CleanApp requires Mac OS X 10.4.11 or 10.5. It's Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs.
CleanApp can be purchased for US$15. CleanApp 3.4 is a free update for existing users. Registration codes of these prior versions will automatically work with CleanApp 3. For new users the cost is US$15.
REAL Studio update includes 81 improvements
REAL Software says their rapid application development tool, REAL Studio 2010 Release 3, includes 81 improvements and 25 new features. The new functionality includes:
° LLVM for RBScript: RBScripts now run up to 17 times faster than in previous releases. Using LLVM for RBScript is the first step towards the adoption of LLVM for building applications in REAL Studio.
° Cocoa (neta): The option to build for Cocoa is now available, but is at the beta stage. There are some new features for Cocoa builds, such as Pushbutton now has a ButtonStyle property that gives access to nine new styles of pushbuttons.
° Documentation: The REAL Studio documentation is now locally stored and the user can choose between viewing the local version or the online documentation.
° Reporting improvements: To make reporting easier, reports can now take a RecordSet directly to report upon.
°Database Improvements: ODBC and REALSQLDatabase queries and updates no longer block the other threads while they are...
BBEdit for Mac OS X gets maintenance release
Bare Bones Software (http://www.barebones.com) has released BBEdit 9.5.1, an update to its strength HTML and text editor. It's a maintenance release that fixes reported issues and adds several refinements.
The update is available free of charge to all registered BBEdit 9 customers. For new users it has a suggested retail price of US$125. Any registered owner of BBEdit prior to version 9.x can upgrade for US$30.
KeyCue update for Mac OS X adds diagnostic tool
Ergonis Software (http://www.ergonis.com) has released KeyCue 5.1, an update of the keyboard shortcut "cheat sheet." introduces a new built-in diagnostic tool for application-specific adjustments, increases compatibility with third party applications, and improves overall performance, particularly in Safari.
In addition to that, KeyCue 5.1 improves the installation and upgrade experience by displaying a more prominent warning when a new version is not covered by the current license, and by allowing to skip one particular version in the automatic update check.
KeyCue detects and displays an instant overview of all shortcuts. Until now, KeyCue could show only keyboard shortcuts that are visible in a program's regular menus. Version 5 also comes with a new technique for easy installation and update and offers further improvements, like an option to specify on which display the shortcut table shall appear.
KeyCue 5.1 requires Mac OS X 10.4 or Mac OS X 10.5. It's Universal Binary so runs...
Geomatica for Mac OS X gets additional satellite sensor support
PCI Geomatics, a developer of geo-imaging software and systems, has announced the availability of an upgrade to its remote sensing and image processing software. The new version includes additional satellite sensor support in addition to enhanced functionality.
Geomatica 10.3.2 is the latest version of the image-centric desktop software and now includes imaging tools for GIS. The new version adds imaging tools for GIS. It also adds additional satellite and aerial sensor support.
Geomatica is PCI Geomatics’ set of software for remote sensing, digital photogrammetry, raster spatial analysis, mosaicking and automated production workflows. There are a variety of pricing options, which you can find here: https://store.pcigeomatics.com .
Mac WPS improves handling of location manager exceptions
Tension Software has released Mac WPS 1.0.1 (http://www.pomola.com/products_macwps/macwps.html) for Mac OS X 10.5 ("Snow Leopard"). the new version offers better handling of location manager exceptions.
Mac WPS is a Cocoa application to track your geographic position using OS X wi-fi geo-tracking and other available hardware to detect your coordinate in the more precise way via Apple core location.
Mac WPS shows your position over a zoomable map. The map can be shown with the zoom level you prefer and maintain this zoom level during position upgrade. The map can scroll maintaining current position at the window center.
The map is interactive, and you can drag scroll and drag zoom. A demo is available for download. An Intel-based Mac is required.
Mac WPS costs US$10, though version 1.0.1 is a free update for registered users.
Macintosh Explorer adds Quick Look support
RAGE Software has released RAGE Macintosh Explorer 5.0 (http://www.ragesw.com/products/explorer.html). It adds support for Quick Look on Mac OS X Leopard, offers improved file browsing, an updated user interface and better support for Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard").
RAGE Macintosh Explorer 1.3 also includes new file sorting features which let you group directories together when sorting files. The utility brings the hierarchical, tree-view navigation style of Windows Explorer to the Mac.
RAGE Macintosh Explorer is available for users of Mac OS X 10.5 or later. A free trial version is available for download, which allows 14 fully functional launches. Registration is US$24.95 with volume discounts available.
Ortelius 1.1 introduces pro-level map symbol management
Mapdiva has updated Ortelius (http://www.mapdiva.com/), its map illustration software for Mac OS X, to version 1.1.The new version offers introduces a professional-level symbol Library Manager and many workflow enhancements.
Ortelius is a vector-based drawing program made especially for (though not limited to) map design and presentation. Through its drag-and-drop interface, Ortelius offers a solution for floor plans, landscape plans, scaled drawings, and a variety of custom maps.
Ortelius allows you to draw directly with features such as roads, rivers, coastlines, buildings, symbols, and contours. It's designed for reports, presentations, books, research papers, invitations, magazines, web sites, brochures, public displays, and new media applications with professional-level results.
Every drawing feature supports map attribute information, such as those imported from geographic information system (GIS) map data, that can be referenced by Ortelius' intelligent text labeling system....
