iPresentee releases iWeb Themes 8.0
iPresentee (http://www.ipresentee.com) has announced iWeb Themes 8.0 designed specifically for Apple's web site building component of its iLife suite. iWeb Themes for Business 8.0 adds five more themes available in standard and flash edition: Comics, Eco, Greenery, Light Colors and Red Sunset.
The new release extends iPresentee's iWeb themes collection up to 75 themes designed for personal and business usage. Each iWeb theme can be customized.
iWeb Themes 8.0 requires Mac OS X 10.4.3 or higher and iWeb 2.0 or later. Each iWeb theme is available for US$10. The set of five new iWeb Themes 8.0 may be purchased for $25. The iWeb Suite bundle may be purchased for $70. The bundle includes 40 iWeb Themes, 35 iWeb Themes for Business, 15 iWeb Intros, 75 iWeb Animations and 181 Keynote 3D Stuff objects.
Tesla hires Apple, Gap veteran
Tesla Motors (http://www.teslamotors.com) has hired former Apple and Gap executive George Blankenship as vice president of Design and Store Development. Blankenship will build Tesla’s retail strategy and network.
Blankenship, 57, brings thirty years of international retail and real estate experience to Tesla. Best known as the architect of Apple’s brand building retail strategy, Blankenship joins Tesla most recently from Microsoft. As Apple’s vice president of Real Estate, he created one of the most successful retail growth strategies in history.
Through his work creating Apple stores around the world, Blankenship defined and executed an International “Smart Growth Hit List” that encompassed major cities in Asia, Europe and North America. As vice president for Real Estate Strategy for Gap, Blankenship managed the growth of over 250 stores per year worldwide while establishing an energy-efficient, environmentally forward-thinking retail growth process.
"George has a record of...
DaisyDisk for Mac OS X updated to version 1.5.3
The DaisyDisk Team has released DaisyDisk 1.5.3 (http://www.daisydiskapp.com), an update to their scanning/mapping system utility for Mac OS X. It's a maintenance update with some bug fixes and performance tweaks.
In DaisyDisk, disk contents are displayed as an interactive sunburst map, revealing large files that may no longer be necessary. The sunburst map provides a color-coded overview of disk usage, and can be navigated to preview deeper levels of data.
DaisyDisk supports all kinds of drives, including Time Machine volumes, network share drives, FTP drives, USB thumbsticks, FireWire drives, CD/DVD drives and images, FUSE drives, SATA drives, IDE/ATA drives and RAID drives. When the application is launched an overview of all mounted disks is displayed, with graphical indicators of how full each is. Choosing the Scan button next to any displayed disk begins the scanning procedure.
The resultant circular sunburst map, in contradistinction to the more frequently used rectangular...
CatDV for Mac OS X prowls to version 8.1.4
Square Box Systems (http://www.squarebox.co.uk/) has released version 8.1.4 of CatDV, the media asset database and professional video logger for Mac OS X. The new version fixes some bugs and displays a warning when publishing catalogs or performing queries if the clip limit is reached.
CatDV is Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. A demo of version is available for download. For new users the cost is $95 for the Standard Edition and $340 for the Professional Edition. Version 8.1.4 is a free update for registered users of version 8
Rumor: next iPod touch to have 5 megapixel camera, FaceTime
According to an announcement at a John Lewis Christmas Technology Press Event, the next version of the iPod touch -- due in September -- will sport a 5-megapixel camera, a front facing webcam for FaceTime video calls over Wi-Fi along with gyroscope and accelerometer for improved gaming.
"It's is not clear where John Lewis has had this precious information from, reports the "Unbeatable" web site (http://www.unbeatable.co.uk/news/Apple-iPod-Touch-to-get-HD-video-FaceTi...). "John Lewis are holding an event in London today (of which we will be bringing you all the details), to showcase their Christmas offerings from all major brands, so Apple may have divulged this information to them to get tongues wagging in the lead up to Christmas."
John Lewis (http://www.johnlewis.com/) is an UK retailer than carries electronics, kitchenware, furniture and more.
Apple developer starts company to focus on the iPad, HTML5
Charles Jolley, the developer behind SproutCore, has left Apple to start Strobe Digital Publishing (http://www.strobeapp.com/), a new business targeting touch-driven web applications, reports "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com). Both Apple and Strobe will continue to advance SproutCore as a core asset, the article adds.
SproutCore is a Javascript framework that runs entirely in the browser. It’s designed to be run against any server back-end setup. At SproutIt, the company originally behind it, they used Rails as the backend. They facilitated the connection through a custom Rails plug-in that’s included with the SproutCore framework.
In other words, SproutCore is a light Cocoa alternative for deploying web apps that look and feel like Mac OS X desktop apps. It was reportedly used to build some parts of Apple's MobileMe suite of Internet services.
As for Strobe Digital Publishing, Jolley says it will concentrate on the iPad and HTML5. In a blog (http://charlesjolley.sys-con...
Apple dominates elite laptop sales at Best Buy
Apple MacBooks, more than any other single brand, populate the rankings of the priciest laptops at Best Buy, affirming Apple's reputation as a purveyor of elite computers, according to a "CNET" report (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-20009934-64.html?tag=mncol).
"The fact that Apple dominates the upper-price tier at Best Buy is no great surprise, but the MacBook pricing takes on a new meaning when you look at the numbers," the article says. "Out of roughly 200 models -- Windows and Apple -- listed on Best Buy's site, there are 12 MacBooks --used generically here to refer to the MacBook and aluminum-clad MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. Half of those 12 MacBooks are in the highest price category."
Altogether, about a dozen elite Windows and Apple models cost more than US$1,699. Once again, about half are MacBooks.
Defense Grid: The Awakening comes to the Mac
Virtual Programming has released Defense Grid: The Awakening (http://macosg.me/2/hs) for Mac OS X 10.5.8 or higher. The game costs US$24.95 and is age rated for ages seven and higher.
Here's how the game is described: "Defense Grid: The Awakening is the definitive Tower Defense Strategy game that’s easy to pick up, engrossing to play, and hard to set down. Strategically place your towers on the map to prevent alien enemies from stealing your power cores.
"This award winning game includes 8-10 hours of story play with 20 unique maps in the Awakening campaign, a wide variety of tower and enemy types, an interactive soundtrack, plus over 60 unlockable challenge modes adding dozens of hours of additional fun. Protect the Cores!
"Beautiful environments, spectacular effects, and a dynamic, engaging soundtrack bring the world to life. The controls are intuitive and the gameplay is deep - the special attacks and properties of each tower work together to provide many ways to succeed.
"Defense...
Elmedia Player released for the Mac
Eltima Software (http://www.eltima.com) has released Elmedia Player, a new media player for the Mac, which can play all most popular Flash and video formats and allows downloading online videos and their external resources directly to the hard drive.
The free version of Elmedia Player allows playing such formats as XAP (Silverlight), RM and RV (Real Media), SWF, EXE and FLV (Flash), AVI, MOV, MPEG and more. It can play local movies and videos or online ones via a built-in web browser.
Elmedia Player also provides its users with organization and management: media library inspired by iTunes, usual and smart playlists creation, volume adjustment in the application (not interfering with system volume, which is unique for Flash files) and more.
There's also an US$19.95 pro version that unlocks such possibilities as: downloading online videos and movies with their external resources directly to the hard drive; watching movies in full screen; and placing player's window on top of all...
Scene Store now available for My Living Desktop
Amuse has launched its My Living Desktop Scene Store (http://www.mylivingdesktop.com) to compliment its My Living Desktop video desktop wallpaper application. The store provides users with a solution for browsing, purchasing, and automatically installing new My Living Desktop wallpaper video Scenes to their My Living Desktop application.
Scenes currently available through the Scene Store include categories such as Fine Art, Art and Animation, Statues, Landmarks, Animals and Insects, and more. Each Scene is shot in gorgeous high-definition with a higher frame rate than previously available scenes. New video Scenes are added to the Scene Store on a regular basis with hundreds of other Scenes currently in the works.
Individual scenes start in price at US$2.95 each, while ScenePaks -- multiple Scenes from a particular theme or category -- range in price from $4.95 to $9.95 each. To celebrate the launch of the My Living Desktop Scene Store, for a very limited time customers can take...
Two analysts weigh in on iPad, Mac, iPhone, iPod sales
Bernstein Research analyst Toni Sacconaghi told clients in a note today that he expects Apple to sell 25 million iPads (or more) in fiscal 2011. Apple sold three million of the tablet devices in the first 80 days they were on sale.
“An analysis based on extrapolating sales trajectories of [the iPhone, iPod touch and all netbooks] suggests that Apple could sell a staggering 25 million iPads or more in FY 11,” Sacconaghi said. “We believe that current buyside expectations for FY 11 for the iPad are now at 20-25 million+ units, largely based on such an extrapolation."
Meanwhile, Financial Alchemist's Turley Muller thinks Apple will sell 3.38 million iPads in its third fiscal quarter. He's also forecasting, for the quarter, sales of 3.23 million Macs, 7.8 million iPhones and 9.9 million iPods.
Maintain releases Cocktail 4.7.6 (Snow Leopard Edition)
Maintain has released Cocktail 4.7.6 (Snow Leopard Edition), the latest maintenance update of Cocktail (http://www.maintain.se/c) for users running Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard"). It adds the ability to clear Apple System logs and diagnostic messages.
It also adds ability to disable the “This file has been downloaded from the internet.” Finder warning and ability to view .asl and .crash logs. This version also fixes minor Mac OS X 10.6.4 compatibility issues and contains updated Automator actions.
Cocktail 4.7.6 (Snow Leopard Edition) requires Mac OS X/Mac OS X Server 10.6 or later and is tested for compatibility with Mac OS X/Mac OS X Server 10.6.3. Cocktail (Leopard Edition) for Mac OS X 10.5 and Cocktail (Tiger Edition) for Mac OS X 10.4 are available for download from the Maintain web site.
Cocktail is a general purpose utility for Mac OS X that offers a variety of practical features designed to simplify the use of advanced UNIX function. A single user license costs US$14.95.
Sony introduces new 3D digital still cameras
Sony has unveiled two new Cyber-shot digital still cameras (models DSC-TX9 and DSC-WX5) that the company says are the world's smallest 3D cameras, capturing 3D images with a single lens system using a sweeping motion.
Both models offer a 3D Sweep Panorama feature, which lets you take panoramic pictures in one press-and-sweep motion. The high-speed burst of frames is stitched together using processing techniques to automatically create detail-packed 3D panoramas, says Kelly Davis, director of the digital imaging business at Sony Electronics. These images can be enjoyed in 2D or stunning 3D on compatible 3D televisions. 3D-compatible HDMI cables and 3D glasses are also required and are sold separately.
The DSC-TX9, which has a 3.5-inch 921k resolution LCD touchscreen, and the DSC-WX5, which has a 2.8-inch LCD screen, also let you view images in a new way. Unlike 3D Sweep Panorama mode, which lets you view your 3D images on compatible 3D television systems, Sweep Multi Angle lets you...
Callpod debuts Onyx and Vetro headsets
Callpod (http://www.callpod.com) has introduced the Onyx and Vetro headsets for Bluetooth mobile phones, PDAs, VOIP products and computers.
They both offer a 164-foot range, which allows users to extend the boundaries of traditional headsets. They allow users to roam around the office or home without being tethered to their cell phone.
The Onyx and Vetro can also simultaneously connect to your Mac or PC for Skype calls, allowing you to switch between your computer and mobile phone with a press of a button. In addition, the headsets have dual-mic noise suppression, which purportedly allows callers on the other end of the call to enjoy a strong clear voice even if the user is in the car, airport, restaurant or at the office.
The Onyx and Vetro can be used with other Vetro, Onyx or Dragon V2 headsets for two-way or push to talk communication over a 84,000-foot square foot space. The new headsets takes about three hours to fully charge via USB port or outlet and provides up to five...
Boris Continuum Complete 7 FxPlug available
BorisFX (http://www.borisfx.com) has released Boris Continuum Complete 7 FxPlug (BCC 7 FxPlug) is now available. It brings over 210 filters to Apple Final Cut Pro, Motion, and Final Cut Express.
The new release features a three-way color grade filter with built-in keying and masking tools, a video noise reduction tool, an OpenGL particle engine, and real-time title flare and luma glow effects. Boris Continuum Complete 7 FxPlug is immediately available through the Boris FX worldwide reseller channel and direct from the Boris FX web site at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$995.
Owners of previous versions of Boris Continuum Complete FxPlug may upgrade for $295. Customers who purchased Boris Continuum Complete 6 FxPlug as of April 12, 2010, are eligible to receive a free upgrade to Boris Continuum Complete 7 FxPlug.
SplashID Enterprise Edition now offers centralized controls for...
SplashData (http://www.splashdata.com) has announced a new version of SplashID Enterprise, offering IT managers controls for the centralized administration of password and security policies on all Mac and Windows desktop computers across multiple departments and employee groups.
SplashID Enterprise is designed to address the most immediate password management concerns of IT, enabling an organization to use stronger password management practices without compromising security or increasing costs. It stores all kinds of personal identification information, including usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, calling card numbers, bank account data, PINs, medical insurance information, and more. SplashID Enterprise is available on a per-seat basis starting at US$12 per license.
The consumer versions of SplashID also secure information on mobile platforms, including iPhone, iPad, Windows Mobile and Android. The next update of SplashID Enterprise will optionally give employees access to...
LightShop 3.0 adds 64-bit support, more
Akvis Softwar (http://www.akvis.com) has updated Akvis LightShop for Mac and Windows to version 3.0. The update has improved compatibility with Mac OS X 10.6 and Windows 7. Also, 64-bit support has been added. LightShop now works with Adobe Photoshop CS4/CS5 64-bit.
LightShop lets you create a light effects designed to draw attention and animate any photo. The program offers a large number of ready-to-use light effects (presets) that can be applied in their initial version or can be modified. First you can train on available light effects and than create your exclusive ones. It 's possible to save your own presets to use them in the future or share with others. See some examples here: http://akvis.com/en/lightshop/presets-lighting-effect.php
AKVIS LightShop runs on Mac OS X 10.4 and higher and Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/Windows 7. The plug-in version of AKVIS LightShop is compatible with Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, Corel Painter, Corel Photo-Paint, Paint Shop...
MacWise rings up version 12.11
Carnation Software has released MacWise 12.11 (http://www.MacWise.com) for Mac OS X 10.2 and higher. It fixes a problem in which you couldn't select Transparency from the Window Menu.
Many host computers are programmed to instruct the client app to save and restore screens. MacWise 12.0 or later supports three sets of escape sequences commonly used by PC clients (HostAccess, Accuterm and System Builder).
The software emulates ADDS Viewpoint, Wyse 50, Wyse 60, Wyse 370, Televideo TV 925, DEC VT100, VT220 and Prism terminals. MacWise also supports ANSI and SCO ANSI color. Esprit III color is also supported in Wyse 370 mode, and AppleScript. It works with Intel or PowerPC Macs, MacBooks, Powerbooks and desktops and allows users to connect to the host via serial, modem, telnet, ssh, via the internet or local connection.
MacWise costs US$95 for a single users license. Version 12.11 is a free upgrade for registered users of version 12.x.
Witch for Mac OS X conjures up version 3.5.2
Many Tricks has released version 3.5.2 of Witch (http://manytricks.com/witch), its window switching utility for Mac OS X (10.5 and later). It's a maintenance update with some bug fixes.
Witch 3.5.2 is a free update for all Witch 3 users. Witch 3 is US$19 for new users and $8 for users of Witch 2.x
SwitchEasy wants your iPhone 4 to go NUDE
SwitchEasy (http://www.switcheasy.com) has released its US$19.99 NUDE case for the iPhone 4. It sports an "ultra thin" design and is made of GE Lexan polycarbonate. All access points to buttons are open.
The NUDE comes with two anti-static screen guards, one microfiber wipe, one squeegee screen guard applicator, two headphone jack protectors and two 30-pin connector protectors. It comes in eight colors: UltraBlack, UltraClear, White, Red, Fuchsia, Viola, Lime & Turquoise.
AT&T blames software glitch on slow upload speeds for iPhone...
AT&T has made an official statement on an issue causing slow upload speeds for some iPhone 4 users. They say it's due to a software problem and that a fix is in the works.
"AT&T and Alcatel-Lucent jointly identified a software defect -- triggered under certain conditions - that impacted uplink performance for Laptop Connect and smartphone customers using 3G HSUPA-capable wireless devices in markets with Alcatel-Lucent equipment," the company said in a statement. "This impacts less than two percent of our wireless customer base. While Alcatel-Lucent develops the appropriate software fix, we are providing normal 3G uplink speeds and consistent performance for affected customers with HSUPA-capable devices."
Apple to open three stores in Shanghai, more considered
Apple plans on opening three stores in Shanghai and is considering more locations in other first and second-tier Chinese cities as well, reports "CrunchGear" (http://macosg.me/2/hl).
The first Chinese Apple Store opened in 2008 in Sanlitun, Beijing" but these new locations mark a strategy shift for Apple," the article adds. "The Oriental Morning Post" says Apple plans on having as many Chinese retail outlets as Louis Vuitton (which would be over two dozen).
In March Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty toldclients in a research note that China represents Apple’s next major geographic growth opportunity, and that Apple's plan to open 25 retail stores in China, announced during its shareholders meeting in February, could help drive Apple's share price — in her "bull case" scenario -- as high as US$435 within a year.
Cardiac surgeon sues Apple over iPhone 4 antenna issues
Another day, another lawsuit. A California cardiac surgeon has filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against Apple and service provider AT&T Corp. over an alleged defective antenna in the new iPhone 4, according to the "Boston Herald" (http://macosg.me/2/hn).
Dr. Thomas Gionis claims a design or manufacturing flaw has produced a phone that drops calls and consistently loses service, forcing him to carry two cell phones to stay in contact with the hospital emergency room that he oversees, according to the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Boston.
“His phone is a lifeline,” said Robert Karp, Gionis’ Newton attorney. “He’s in charge of other cardiac surgeons. When he’s needed, there can’t be any lag in finding him - and there can’t be any lag in him helping - because moments are obviously crucial. We’re asking Apple to make it right for consumers -- to take back the phones, cancel any contracts, fix them at no cost and provide the users with some kind of compensation."
VueScan 8.6.43 for Mac OS X resolves issues with some scanners
Hamrick Software has released Vuescan 8.6.43, a new version of the VueScan software for Mac OS X that's designed to let users produce better digital images from color snapshots, negatives, slides and documents. The new version resolves issues with some scanners.
The Standard Edition of VueScan costs US$39.95 and the Professional Edition is $79.95 for a single user license. Multi-user licenses are available. A fully functional, trial copy of VueScan is available for download from the Hamrick web site (http://www.hamrick.com).
Extensis Web Font Service WebINK enters public beta
Extensis, a division of Celartem, has announced a public beta for their new web font service, WebINK (http://www.webink.com). Built using patented and patent-pending font management technologies that have been extended as a cloud-based service, WebINK gives designers the benefit of using custom fonts on their site without worrying about supported font formats or font licensing issues., says Celartem CEO, Osamu Ikeda.
He says that thousands of quality fonts are available as part of the public beta. It includes multiple ways for users to manage their WebINK font collections -- from an online interface or through new WebINK features integrated into an upcoming update to Suitcase Fusion.
W3C standards compliant implementation of the @font-face tag, and includes support for a wide variety of web browsers, such as Safari, Firefox, Chrome and Internet Explorer
WebINK font collections can be managed online, or if preferred, through features integrated into Suitcase Fusion. New features...
IK Multimedia AmpliTube iRig shipping
IK Multimedia is pleased to announce that the US$39.99 iRig guitar and bass interface adapter (http://www.amplitube.com/irig) for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad is now shipping worldwide.
The new iRig interface allows guitar and bass players to plug their instruments directly into the headphone/microphone input jack on their mobile Apple device and access AmpliTube for iPhone. Combined with the AmpliTube for iPhone app range -- available in free, LE and full versions at the Apple App Store -- the iRig interface adapter allows everyone to plug their instrument into their iOS mobile device and play anywhere with real effects and amplifier tones.
In the app, your signal chain can consist of up to three simultaneous stompbox effects plus amplifier, cabinet and microphone, all reconfigurable. Additional Tuner, Metronome and Backing-Track player with loop-points allow for play and practice anytime, anywhere.
You can choose from 11 stompbox effects (including fuzz, distortion, overdrive,...
Heckler Design announces @Rest for iPad
Heckler Design (http://www.hecklerdesign.com) has announced @Rest for the iPad. Built from cut steel with a powdercoat finish, @Rest for iPad supports your iPad in portrait or landscape orientation at angles designed for the side table or countertop.
@Rest costs US$59. It's available now for pre-order and will ship in August.
FMTouch lets you turn FileMaker database into iPhone app
The FMTouch Enterprise System (http://www.fmtouch.com/filemaker-iphone-enterprise.php) lets you turn your FileMaker database into an iPhone app with no programming knowledge. It requires FileMaker 9 through 11 for development (FileMaker Advanced is not required, but highly recommended).
It combines the power of relational FileMaker Pro databases with the award winning FMTouch engine to deliver a business oriented app in minutes, according to the folks at FMTouch Enterprises. Here's how it works. Create a FileMaker database on your desktop. Add some iPhone specific customizations (such as layout size and field size). Upload your database to the online FMTouch Enterprise system, follow our step-by-step wizard and within minutes have a prototype running on your iPhone or iPad. This is an official app that you can submit and sell on the iTunes App store
Pricing for a basic subscription (one device app, unlimited simulator prototypes) is US $299 for one-time time activation and $29.99...
3D Eye Solutions's 3D conversion technology is iPad...
3D Eye Solutions (http://www.3deyesolutions.com) says its 2D to 3D content conversion technology is now compatible and can integrate its proprietary conversion process and file formats with the iPad.
The company says it continues to implement its licensing strategy with the signing of five licenses over the last several weeks. 3D Eye Solutions has signed license agreements with companies that cover a variety of vertical markets such as film, broadcast television, video game, digital signage, and the communications industries in both North America and Europe.
The company's licensees are able to market and sell 3D Eye's proprietary 2D to 3D conversion technology to their existing contact network and customer base within their respective industries. 3D Eyes strategy is to generate additional revenue through the sale of licenses and the exclusive 2D to 3D content conversion that is included in the terms of each license agreement, says sys Michael Gibilisco, CEO of 3D Eye Solutions.
iPhone 4 release increases global, mobile handset sales
Handset sales in the first quarter of 2010 were higher than expected, due to a strong growth in global smartphone sales and also the continuing uptake of unbranded low cost mobile devices in emerging markets, according to Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com).
The handset sector also saw the release of Apple's iPhone 4 and it is predicted that iPhone sales in 2010 will be much higher than in previous years, according to the research group. The rise of the smartphone is at the expense of the more traditional players, however, which are now beginning to feel the impact from the competitive threats from iPhone and Google Android
Rome: Total War patch adds PowerPC support
Feral Interactive has released an 1.1 patch for Rome: Total War Gold Edition for the Mac. The update fixes some bugs and includes support for PowerPC gamers with G5 Macs.
Here's how the game is described: "Rome: Total War is one of the all-time top-rated strategy games where players take charge of one of three Roman families with the goal of increasing their family's power in Rome through diplomacy, economic skill, and of course, war!
"Running from the late Roman Republic to early Roman Empire with campaigns ranging across Europe and North Africa, Rome: Total War offers a seamless integration of strategy and tactics that allows players to fight epic historical or fictitious battles, while plotting their path to ultimate victory."
The Gold Edition includes the official expansion pack, Barbarian Invasion. Set some 300 years later, in it players must decide whether they will save Rome from its enemies or, at the head of a Barbarian horde, fight to bring the once mighty Empire to its...
OfficeTime update offers iCal syncing
Transcena Design has announced that its OfficeTime (http://www.OfficeTime.net) time tracking software for Mac and PC, has been updated to version 1.5.2. The upgrade offers a bi-directional sync with iCa.
With OfficeTime, you can track your time and expenses in just about any language. Start the timer and add notes on your activity in the language of your choice. OfficeTime offers full support for a wide range of character sets, including multi-byte characters. The software's growing global community is tracking, invoicing and reporting their time in French, Spanish, German, Russian, Japanese and many other languages.
The internationalization functionality offers proper formatting of date and time for reporting and invoicing. It adjusts to either a 24-hour clock or AM and PM, as well as date structure preferences.
OfficeTime costs US$47; a 21-day demo is available for download.
Google Sitemap Automator update informs about broken links
RAGE Software has updated RAGE Google Sitemap Automator (http://ragesw.com/products/googlesitemap.html) -- the software package that helps web-masters get their web site listed in Google, Yahoo and MSN search -- to version 2.3. The update will now inform users about any broken links on their website and which pages they occur on.
With Rage Google Sitemap Automator you can automate the process of creating Google Sitemaps by utilizing filters and preset conditions. You then upload your Google Sitemap to your web server and notify search engines so they know where to find your sitemap file.
RAGE Google Sitemap Automator works with Mac OS X 10.4 or later. A free trial version is available for download. The full version of RAGE Google Sitemap Automator which adds automatic submission to Google as well as the ability to generate an unlimited number of Google Sitemaps costs US$29.95, though version 2.4 is a free update for registered users of version 2.x. It’s a Universal Binary product so...
Apple analyzing purchasing habits of iTunes users
Apple is analyzing the purchasing habits of its 150 million iTunes users in order to help serve up targeted adverts through its iAd platform, according to "those with a knowledge of the new mobile advertising scheme."
“Apple knows what you’ve downloaded, and how much time you spend interacting with applications,” Rachel Pasqua, director of mobile at iCrossing, a marketing company told the "Telegraph" (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/7876822/Apple-iAd-secrets-re...). “It even knows what you’ve downloaded, don’t like and deleted.”
She says that Information about shopping habits is never passed directly to advertisers, but being able to paint an overall picture of people's online behavior, likes and preferences could enable advertisers to target possible consumers more effectively. Advertisers can use these generalized "portraits" of users to decide which apps to serve their ads in.
Rob Candelino, marketing director at Unilever, told "Telegraph" that it was using iAd to...
Apple posts beta of revised MobileMe Calendar Web app
Apple has released a beta version of a tweaked the MobileMe Calendar Web app. MobileMe is the company's US$99-per-year suite of Internet tools.
The MobileMe Calendar beta is a preview of the new Calendar web application. It sports a new web interface with calendar sharing and event invitations, as well as new features designed to make it easier to use. Features include the ability to: share calendars with family and friends (though they must be MobileMe members in the beta); publish calendars for groups or teams; and offer event invitations with RSVPs. The beta works with the calendar applications on the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac.
Please note that all changes made after joining the Calendar beta will be lost if you leave (unless you manually export your calendar before leaving). You will revert back to the calendar data that you had prior to joining the beta. Also remember: beta software is unfinished software so use with care.
Apple updates iMovie for the iPhone 4
Apple released iMovie 1.0.1 for the iPhone 4 with fixes that address stability issues in the version of the movie editing app for the latest version of the smartphone.
The iMovie app for iPhone lets you combine movie clips, add dynamic transitions and themes and include photos and music, and users can buy it for US$4.99 through the App Store right on their phone. Version 1.0.1 improves reliability when exporting movies that contain photos was improved, and an issue with music playback in projects was fixed.
The update also includes additional performance and reliability improvements, according to Apple. It's a free update for registered users.
Apple: only small percentage of iTunes accounts were compromised
Apple says that only a small percentage of iTunes accounts were compromised in a recent situation involving violation of developer terms. Approximately 400 of the 150 million iTunes users -- less than 0.003% -- were impacted, reports "Clayton Morris" (http://claytonmorris.squarespace.com/blog/2010/7/6/apple-says-only-a-sma...).
"To the question of whether the iTunes servers themselves were ever in any danger of hackery Apple says that the iTunes servers were not compromised in any way," the article adds.
Hijacked accounts were reportedly used to buy multiple copies of previously obscure Vietnamese-language eBooks, in an apparent bid to game the iTunes ranking system. The eBooks concerned have been pulled from Apple's store and the account of seller Thuat Nguyen of mycompany has been suspended.
UBS Fever releases new iPad, iPhone 4 products
USB Fever has released four new products for the iPad and iPhone 4.
The Wooden-look Hard Back Cover Case for iPad (http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1897) is an US$16.99 case with a wooden-look on the backside graphics. The Italiano Flag Hard Back Cover Case for iPad
(http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1899) is a $16.99 case sports the Leopard Italy flag.
The Deutsche Flag Hard Back Cover Case for iPad (http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1900), also $16.99, is an iPad case with graphics of the Leopard Germany flag. And the USB Data Sync and Charging Cradle for iPhone 4 (http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1893) is a $19.99 combo dock/charging cradle for Apple's latest smartphone.
Monotype Imaging adds ITC New Esprit family to typeface...
Monotype Imaging Holdings has released the 16-font ITC New Esprit typeface family into the ITC typeface collection. Available in both text and display versions, ITC New Esprit can be viewed, licensed and downloaded from the company’s Fonts.com, ITCFonts.com and Linotype.com e-commerce sites.
ITC New Esprit was created by Jovica Veljović, who designed the ITC Esprit typeface more than 25 years ago. Veljović took the basic letterforms of his original typeface to create two variants of ITC New Esprit: one for improved text composition and the other for display typography.
ITC New Esprit comprises 16 typefaces that are available in four weights (from regular to black), each with an italic counterpart in the text and display variants. All ITC New Esprit fonts are available in the OpenType format, which supports both Mac and Windows platforms.
Selections are also offered as OpenType Pro fonts, which enable the ability to apply advanced typographic features and effects, such as the...
Mac sales see 19-23% year-over-year growth
The NPD Group says that Mac sales increased 35% in May and expects that Apple will sell 3.1 to 3.2 million Macs in the June quarter. That's year-over-year unit growth of 19 to 23% -- better than Wall Street's consensus of 19% year-over-year.
Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster says the NPD data shows little cannibalization of Mac sales from the hot iPad. However, iPod sales are down 13% year-over-year, which is a decrease greater than the 9% Munster had forecast. Still, considering that the iPad has an average selling price four times higher than the iPod, the analyst sees it as an overall positive for Apple.
Bria VoIP software for the Mac now supports multiple accounts
CounterPath Corp. (http://www.counterpath.com), a provider of desktop and mobile voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) software solutions, has updated Bria, its multimedia communications softphone, Bria, to version 3.1. One of the most significant additions to the update is support for multiple accounts.
With Bria 3.1, users now can select on the fly which account to use for voice, IM and HD video calling, whether it’s over a wired or wireless IP network, including 3G/4G and Wi-Fi. The new version also features an enhanced, streamlined user interface (UI) that enhances Bria’s expanded conferencing features, including additional multi-tasking options when multiple audio and/or video calls are in progress. Bria 3.1 also supports server-based conference calling using Bria’s built-in native contact list and call manager.
Available for Mac and Windows systems, Bria's new features include high-definition (HD) video, user customization, presence alert and additional troubleshooting tools, all...
Griffin Technology, Frontier Design Group present GuitarConnect...
Griffin Technology and Frontier Design Group have announced availability of Griffin's GuitarConnect cable and Frontier's iShred LIVE. With this combination of cable and app, your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad becomes a mobile guitar workstation.
The 1/4-inch cable connects easily into guitars, basses, or other instruments, and a stereo 1/8-inch mini-plug connects directly to the iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad for use with audio applications such as iShred LIVE. The six-foot GuitarConnect cable also provides a stereo 1/8-inch mini-jack to connect headphones or audio cable for connection to a home stereo, amp, mixer, or other audio source.
iShred LIVE is a mobile app with amp modeling and stomp box effects for guitar, bass, and other instruments. Based on the virtual guitar app from Frontier Design Group, iShred LIVE gives musicians of all skill levels the ability to play a real instrument through their iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
GuitarConnect, $29.99, is now available from Griffin...
beaTunes update improves concurrency for large collections
Tagtrum has released version 2.1.10 of beaTunes (http://www.beatunes.com), the iTunes add-on for Mac and Windows. The new release offers improved concurrency for large collections.
beaTunes can detect various types of metadata, such as beats-per-minute and musical key, as well as find and fix typos and inconsistencies such as misspelled artists and rarely used genres.
BeaTunes analyzes the color and tempo (BPM) of your songs, intelligently creates playlists of matching songs, corrects your iTunes Music Library (typos, wrong genres, etc.), lets you blog about your playlists and more.
A seven-day demo version is available at the product web site. Registration is US$31.95. Upgrades to version 2.1.10 from 1.x are $11.95 and free for registered 2.x users. beaTunes requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or higher.
Storyist for Mac OS X gets maintenance release
Storyist Software, a developer of creative writing tools for Mac OS X, has updated Storyist, a story development tool for novelists and screenwriters, to version 2.2.1. It's a maintenance release with some bug fixes and performance tweaks.
Storyist provides a word processor with the features writers expect from a top-notch writing program, including spelling and grammar checking and a page layout view with support for headers, footers, and style sheets. It also provides a number of features not found in typical word processing applications and screenplay formatters.
Storyist 2.2.1 is compatible with Mac OS X 10.4.11 and higher. The download-only version is $59 and a download + boxed set (CD + printed manual) version is $79. Both are available through the company’s online store (http://www.storyist.com/store).
Studiometry for Mac OS X updated to version 7.1.3
Oranged Software (http://www.oranged.net/) has released Studiometry 7.1.3, an update to the Mac OS X compatible software for companies to organize, plan, invoice, track and create with client and project data. The new version adds Catalan localization.
Also, you can now show Client ID numbers in the main window's client list and can sort clients by their ID numbers in the main window's client list. Studiometry 7.1.3 also has bug fixes.
Version 7.1.3 is a free update for registered users of version 7.x. Upgrades from Studiometry 6 are US$59. The price for new users is $199.
Yojimbo for Mac OS X updated to version 2.2.1
Bare Bones Software (http://www.barebones.com) has released Yojimbo 2.2.1, an upgrade to the information organizer for Mac OS X. It's a maintenance release that includes fixes for reported issues.
Yojimbo is an Universal Binary application that requires Mac OS X 10.5.7 or later, and is compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard"). Version 2.2.1 is a free update for registered 2.0x users.
For new users Yojimbo 2.2.1 is available at a suggested retail price of US$39 for an individual license; $69 for a family-pack license for up to five people in a single household; or $29 for an educational license. All licenses provide for synchronization of multiple computers. Any registered owner of Yojimbo 1.0 through 1.5.2 can upgrade to Yojimbo 2 for $20, including individual, family and academic licenses.
Analyst lowers iPhone sales predictions, ups iPad sales forecast
In a note to clients, Kaufman Brothers analyst Shaw Wu has lowered his sales estimate for iPhone from nine million units to 7.5 million for Apple's third fiscal quarter. His predictions for the Mac and iPod remain the same at 3.2 and 9.8 million.
"Based on our more detailed analysis of supply chain data, we are shifting our iPhone assumptions to latter quarters due to the high likelihood that an inventory drawdown and screen supply constraints could impact near-term shipments over the next two quarters," Wu says. "We believe most Street estimates have not factored this in and thus we believe consensus at 8.5 million iPhones for the June quarter may likely prove too aggressive."
The analyst is predicting 3.5 million iPad sales for the third fiscal quarter. He's raising Apple price target from US$342 per share to $349 per share.
Tee-Boy announces iPhone/iPad Developer Camp
Tee-Boy (http://www.tee-boy.com) has announced the dates for its upcoming iPhone and iPad Developer Camp. The camp will be held Oct. 25-29 in the countryside of the Southwest Louisiana Cajun Prairie.
During the week, participants will learn how to develop and deploy applications for Apple's iPhone and iPad products. In addition to a learning environment, all attendees will be treated to Cajun food cooked fresh daily. Accommodations will be provided by the highly rated L'Acadie Inn, which encompasses 13.5 acres of countryside outside of Louisiana's Prairie Cajun Capital of Eunice, Louisiana.
The entire training session, including materials and sample software, plus food and accommodations. The cost is US$2,995 per person.
Shot Logger Pro released for Final Cut
Red Lightning Software (http://www.redlightningsoftware.com/Shot_Logger_Pro.html) has released Shot Logger Pro, an on-set logging application for professional and amateur filmmakers and videographers. The US$299 app is designed to help you annotate and organize all shots during Final Cut Pro editing sessions.
When using Shot Logger Pro on location, a place holder clip is created at the same time the video clip is being recorded. When the clip is finished recording, annotate each shot with accurate notes, ratings, shot type, scene, and take numbers. Once all the clips have been shot, the filmmaker can instantly Batch Connect all the annotated place holder clips with their corresponding video clips and export all the clips and their logging information to Final Cut Pro. In Final Cut Pro, all your shots will be logged and organized in the shot bin, ready to edit.
Shot Logger Pro offers the ability to add Real Time Markers that allow the filmmaker to mark important spots in each video...
Apple Store Haywood Mall to open July 10
Apple will open a new retail store in Greenville, South Carolina, this Saturday, July 10.
Apple Store Haywood Mall (http://www.apple.com/retail/haywoodmall/) is located at 700 Haywood Road, Suite 106, Greenville, South Carolina 29607 The phone number is 864-987-7589.
Regular store hours will be Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30 to 6 pm.
Apple Store State Street will be the company's 294th retail store. Apple plans to open another 19 or so during this fiscal year, with about half of those outside the U.S.
