FileMyFiles for Mac OS X adds uninstall/remove app features
Pubblog has updated FileMyFiles (http://filemyfiles.com), a file organizing utility for Mac OS X, to version 2.3. The upgrade adds the capability to uninstall and remove applications, along with all of their associated files and folders.
According to the folks at Pubblog, with one click, FileMyFiles will: clean up your Desktop; copy your important files and folders to your laptop when you go on the road; and copy them back to your desktop computer when you return. You can even schedule FileMyFiles to automatically organize all the files in a list of all of your important folders.
You can schedule FileMyFiles to automatically organize all the files in a list of all of your important folders. All of your files are put away according to the type of the file. Files are sorted and put into folders according to eight categories of file types: Words, Images, Audio, Compressed, Data, Layout, Video, and Web.
FileMyFiles is fully customizable. The names of the destination folders can be changed...
QNAP releases version 3.3 of NAS Management Software
QNAP Systems has announced an update to the NAS management software embedded in their Turbo NAS products as firmware. Version 3.3 update provides new features and enhancements for consumer and business users of both current and legacy Turbo NAS server models.
Support for the QMobile app for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch users allows music, photos, and videos stored on QNAP Turbo NAS servers to be remotely streamed and played directly on the Apple devices anywhere there is access to a WiFi or 3G network, eliminating the need to store the content physically on the device. Also, a new Firmware Live Update feature allows QNAP Turbo NAS servers to automatically check for and download new NAS management software updates.
Version 3.3 has other new features and enhancements, as well. The firmware is available for download free of charge at http://www.qnap.com .
Chronos announces iClipboard 3.0 for Mac OS X
Chronos LC (http://www.chronosnet.com) has released iClipboard 2.0, an update of the clipboard manager for Mac OS X. According to Jerry Halls, vice president of Sales at Chronos, there's a new Paste Blaster that fundamentally changes the way users can paste clippings from their history.
It works just like the application switcher built into Mac OS X where you press Command-Tab to switch applications. Instead of selecting an application, the Paste Blaster lets you select the clipping you want to paste. iClipboard 3.0 also lets you copy clippings to projects, in addition to moving them. You can now turn the Shelf on and off.
iClipboard 3.0 is immediately available for US$29.99. Registered iClipboard 1.x and 3.x users can upgrade to version 3.0 for $14.99. A 30-day demo is available for download. iClipboard requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later.
SecretBox for Mac OS X adds Import Assistant
app4mac has released SecretBox 2.1 (http://www.app4mac.com/secretbox.html) for Mac OS X, an update of the app that allows you to keep your secrets in a safe place and uses 256-bit AES encryption to protect your data.
Version 2.1 offers a new Import Assistant. Now you can import data from the 1Password Interchange format. There's also an improved user interface and enhanced search function.
SecretBox for the Mac requires Mac OS X 10.5 ("Leopard") or Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard"). It costs US$35, though version 2.1 is a free update for registered users of version 2.0. SecretBox for the Mac can also sync with the $4.99 iPhone/iPad version.
'iFixIt' offers teardown of iPhone 4 gyroscope
The "iFixIt" site has torn down the iPhone 4's gyroscope. You can see it at http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iPhone-4-Gyroscope-Teardown/3156/1 .
Apple first announced the iPhone 4's gyroscope at WWDC 2010, but it was largely overshadowed by other big players inside the phone -- the A4 processor, Retina display, and external antennas. A lot of technology gets stuffed into vibrational gyroscopes (the type found in the iPhone 4), yet a casual observer may barely notice the chip itself, let alone the phenomenal contents within it. "iFixit" and Chipworks have partnered to show you exactly what's inside these little gems.
"Vibrational gyroscopes have a ton of practical uses, including automotive yaw sensors, game controllers, and image stabilization in cameras," says the "iFixIt" gang. "Now, iPhone 4 applications and games can also benefit from their superb accuracy. The teardown covers not only the iPhone 4's gyroscope, but vibrational gyroscopes in general. We tried our best to explain how...
Apple looking for iPhone/iPad antenna engineers
Apple is looking to hire iPhone and iPod antenna engineers, according to an "Engadget" report (http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/apple-hiring-iphone-antenna-engineers...). This is almost certainly in regard to an antenna issue causing poor reception and dropped calls."
Apple has gotten mounting complaints that holding the new iPhone in a certain way can impede signal strength, making it difficult or even impossible to make and maintain calls. The problems seems to be more prone to left-handed iPhone owners.
There are three Apple job postings for iPhone/iPad antenna engineers to "define and implement antenna system architecture to optimize the radiation performance for wireless portable devices." All three were posted on June 23.
Verizon iPhone rumors resurface
They're bacccck. Rumors of an impending Verizon iPhone. "Bloomberg Business" (http://macosg.me/2/gg) quotes "two people familiar with the plans" as saying Verizon Wireless will start carrying the iPhone in January.
Carrying the iPhone will give Verizon a boost in its competition for smartphone customers, UBS AG analyst John Hodulik told "Bloomberg Businessweek." Verizon customers, who numbered 92.8 million at the end of the first quarter, may buy three million iPhones a quarter, he estimates.
"Apple is going to dramatically increase the number of devices it sells in the U.S. when exclusivity at AT&T ends," says Hodulik. "It’s hard to ignore the quality issues that AT&T has faced."
If it happens, Oppenheimer analyst Yair Reiner told clients -- as reported by "Barron's" (http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2010/06/30/apple-verizon-iphone...) this would result in the sale of at least 12 million additional phones in the U.S. market which would mean more than $7 billion in...
Worldwide mobile subscriptions to reach five billion by fourth...
ABI Research (http://www.abiresearch.com) forecasts over five billion mobile subscriptions by the end of 2010, with an approximate 4.8 billion connections having been reached by the end of the year’s first quarter. Much of this growth will be registered in developing markets in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.
Africa remains the fastest growing mobile market with a year-over-year growth of over 22%. Mobile penetration in Asia-Pacific will rise significantly to 65% by the end of 2010.
"This unprecedented growth is driven by India and Indonesia, which have together added over 150 million subscriptions in the past four quarters," says ABI Research analyst Bhavya Khanna. "Falling monthly tariffs and ultra-low-cost mobile handsets have democratised the reach and use of the mobile phone, and aggressive rollouts by mobile operators in these countries will see the current rate of subscriber addition maintained for some time to come."
At the other end of the spectrum, developed countries...
ArchiOffice 2010 released for Mac, Windows systems
BQE Software (http://www.bqe.com), a provider of business management software, has released ArchiOffice 2010 for both Macs and PCs. The upgrade sports over 150 new and enhanced features designed to help architects and engineers better manage their businesses.
Among the new features are customizable dashboards, put-it-anywhere document management, intelligent folder synching, and enhanced integration with Microsoft Outlook, Entourage, Apple Mail, Address Book and iCal. ArchiOffice 2010 also added the ability for users to customize reports and invoices and drill-down into projects and costs.
Other enhancements include 128-bit SSL encryption and the option for a business to use its own SSL certificate. ArchiOffice utilizes Java Web Start technology to deliver capabilities with a small memory footprint, according to Steven Burns, FAIA, director of Product Strategy and Innovations at BQE Software.
This new technology in ArchiOffice eliminates manual software installation, replacing this...
iRecord Pro now ready for the iPad, iPhone 4, iOS 4
Streaming Networks (http://www.iRecord.com) has announced a new version of the iRecord Pro (PMR-200) with integrated support for the iPad, iPhone 4, and iOS 4. Movies and music can be installed on these devices simply by pressing a single button.
The new iRecord Pro (US$269.99) is also backward compatible with all members of the iPod and iPhone family including the fifth gen iPod nano. Existing iRecord Pro customers can have this same functionality with a software upgrade. (For current owners, the latest firmware is downloadable for $9.99.)
To use iRecord Pro, connect it via standard audio/video (AV) connectors to any TV, set-top-box (STB), DVR, camcorder, VCR, DVD, cassette and LP players, computer or just about any audio and video source. With one touch, iRecord Pro records directly to your choice of portable media player, offering an alternative to drag and drop and iTunes procedures.
In the absence of a portable media player, iRecord Pro can also record to any USB mass storage...
International versions of Poser 8 available
Smith Micro Software (http://www.smithmicro.com) has announced the international availability of Poser 8, the next generation of the 3D figure design and animation solution.
Poser 8 is now available in French and German language versions. The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the Mac or PC version is US$249.99 with upgrades from previous versions priced at $129.99. An upgrade to Poser 8 will be offered to users with a valid serial number from Poser 4 or higher.
Aero case for the iPad available in blue, pink
weight protective case for the iPad case. Its skin-tight, zero-flex polyurethane material enhances your grip when carrying and handling, and provides excellent impact protection from bumps and drops, according to the folks at RadTech.
The Aero is made from thermoplastic polyurethane. It features windowed access to display, buttons, switches, speakers and dock connector. The design also enhances the grip when carrying or handling the iPad.
The Aero is available in blue and pink. It's fully washable and autoclavable
Virtual Programming ships new native version of X3: Reunion
Virtual Programming has gone back to the well and reissued the Mac OS X version of the best-selling intergalactic adventure game X3:Reunion in a version that eschews the translation layer technology known as Cider.
The latest version of the game, which is a free update for all players, is a Mac OS X native port. It is also cheaper than the original version.
"We weren't happy with X3: Reunion's performance when using Cider, and it turned out many of our customers weren't either," says Virtual Programming CEO Mark Hinton. "As a gesture of goodwill, we reengineered the game as a native port that's a free update for existing customers. Starting today, new X3: Reunion customers will receive the updated version of the game."
Here's how the game is described: "X3: Reunion takes place in a far-flung future where humans have long since lost contact with Earth, which is now considered nothing more than a myth. Players slip on the spacesuit of Julian Brennan, who travels the 161 sectors of the...
Craft Animations has announced the discounted availability of...
Craft Animations has announced the discounted availability of the complete Craft Director Studio (CDS) tool suite. From now through Sept. 30, 2010, all artists utilizing 3ds Max 2011 or Softimage 2011 can visit http://www.craftanimations.com to take advantage of a nearly 40% CDS discount.
The complete CDS suite includes nine specialized virtual cameras and seven vehicle tools that increase interactive control and simulation, and provides the ability to enhance cinematics through a modular, configurable system that replicates a specific rig's animation within a given project. 3D artists may literally "drive" a vehicle, or "direct" a camera within the creative environment, garnering a more realistic effect in less time.
The promotional CDS tools included on the Installation DVDs shipped with 3ds Max 2011, 3ds Max Design 2011 and Softimage 2011 software includes the Craft SoftMotionCam, Craft ObserverCam, Craft MultiStateCam, Craft HumanizerCam, as well as four Craft Pre-rigged Models....
Keith McMillen Instruments releases computer platform for...
Keith McMillen Instruments (http://www.keithmcmilleninstruments.com) has released Stringport, which it says is the first computer platform for guitars. It's a Mac compartible hardware device that processes, converts and conveys to the computer the polyphonic audio from hexaphonic pickups (such as GK, Graph Tek, Zeta and RMC models) through USB 2.
The software suite includes 24 applications including Analysis (for converting every little performance nuance into control data), Polyphonic FX Processing (Wave Guide, PolyFuzz, Phase Vocoder, SMACK), a VST FX Wall (for integrating third party VST plug-ins), Synthesis (Classic FM and direct support for the Synful synthesizer), a Notation application (to capture data for output to music notation software), and MIDI Out (to integrate StringPort into an existing MIDI set-up).
The StringPort is being introduced at special discounted price of US$795; the regular price is $995), plus free software updates for one year. It requires Mac OS X 10.6...
Analyst: iPhone 4 shortages hurting the Apple brand
AT&T started selling the iPhone 4 to walk-in customers, but they didn't last long. Some stores have already exhausted their supply of iPhone 4s -- and that's bad for the Apple brand, according to one analyst.
"What is happening now certainly has done some damage to the Apple brand," said Tina Teng, an analyst at iSuppli, in a statement to "Computerworld" (http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9178673/Update_AT_T_now_selling_i...). "Consumers, questioning Apple's supply chain management capability, have started looking for alternative devices. In particular, consumers are not satisfied with Apple's response to the antenna issue causing poor reception and dropped calls."
Teng was referring to mounting complaints that holding the new iPhone can impede signal strength, making it difficult or even impossible to make and maintain calls.
DropDMG for Mac OS X updated to version 3.0
DropDMG 3.0 (http://c-command.com/dropdmg/) -- a new version of the tool for creating Mac OS X disk images -- is now available. The user interface and disk imaging engine have been almost completely redesigned and rewritten.
A Layouts feature gives developers a WYSIWYG editor to set the background picture, view options, and icon positions. Configurations are now editable, and the Configurations window has been merged into the Preferences window.
In DropDMG 3.0, the "New Blank Disk Image..." command lets you protect select folders using the same encryption technology as FileVault but without its drawbacks.
The new version adds support for the ".sparsebundle," ".sparseimage," and hybrid (".iso") disk image formats.
The DropDMG window in DropDMG 3.0 now has a customizable toolbar for quick access to commonly used commands. The Activity window consolidates progress information into a single window, rather than having separate windows for each operation. Additionally, DropDMG now has...
WireTap Studio for Mac OS X updated to version 1.1.1
Ambrosia Software has released WireTap Studio 1.1.1 (http://www.AmbrosiaSW.com/utilities/wiretap/), an update of the audio recording software for Mac OS X. A free upgrade for registered users, the new version fixes iPhone ringtone issues being experienced with iTunes 9.2.
It also improves the functionality of Silence Removal, offers faster variable bit rate encoding of your MP3s and addresses a crash while editing a file as waveform was loading. Additionally, there are other fixes and enhancements.
With WireTap Studio, you can record the discrete audio output of any application, as well as all system audio, or even record audio input from any microphone, line-in, or audio input hardware. Once you've recorded audio, WireTap Studio's audio editor allows you to edit your recorded audio without any loss of quality or content, according to the folks at Ambrosia. You can even take a file you mistakenly recorded at a lower quality and increase the quality at any time, without the need to re-...
Craft Animations offers suite upgrade for sample tools
Craft Animations has announced the discounted availability of the complete Craft Director Studio (CDS) tool suite. From now through Sept. 30, 2010, all artists utilizing 3ds Max 2011 or Softimage 2011 can visit http://www.craftanimations.com to take advantage of a nearly 40% CDS discount.
The complete CDS suite includes nine specialized virtual cameras and seven vehicle tools that increase interactive control and simulation, and provides the ability to enhance cinematics through a modular, configurable system that replicates a specific rig's animation within a given project. 3D artists may literally "drive" a vehicle, or "direct" a camera within the creative environment, garnering a more realistic effect in less time.
The promotional CDS tools included on the Installation DVDs shipped with 3ds Max 2011, 3ds Max Design 2011 and Softimage 2011 software includes the Craft SoftMotionCam, Craft ObserverCam, Craft MultiStateCam, Craft HumanizerCam, as well as four Craft Pre-rigged Models....
Hulu Plus to be iPad compatible
Hulu has announced Hulu Plus (http://www.hulu.com/plus), an US$9.99 monthly subscription service that's compatible with a variety of devices including the iPad, the PlayStation 3 and, of course, TV sets.
Hulu Plus will offer current and past seasons from many ABC, Fox and NBC shows -- and in HD at that. However, it's currently in an invitation-only testing period. No date hasn't been given as to when the "final" version will be ready to go.
Mac OS X Finder can now cut/paste files, merge folders
Kapeli has announced moveAddict (http://kapeli.com/moveaddict), a new Mac OS X app that the capability to cut and paste files (with merging folders as a bonus) to the Finder. feature to Mac's Finder. The US$4.99 app works with the usual keyboard shortcuts for cut and paste.
A notification window and Finder file labels provide feedback at every stage. Original data remains untouched until the move gets safely registered by the Finder. What's more, moveAddict doesn't modify the Mac system in any way, it is just a small (5 MB) application.
moveAddict requires Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard"). You can download a free version that allows moving one object at a time and is otherwise unrestricted.
Most Advantageous releases Optimal Layout for Mac OS X
Most Advantageous has released Optimal Layout (http://most-advantageous.com/optimal-layout/), a Mac OS X solution for managing your application windows and making the most of your screen space. Optimized for large and multiple displays, the US$18 app gives you keyboard commands to move, resize, tile and switch between application windows.
With Optimal Layout, you can move windows across the screen that snap into alignment or jump windows straight to the screen edges. You can resize windows and they stick together, avoiding the frustration of overlapping windows hiding the information you want to see. Optimal Layout lets you select a whole group of windows to instantly tile and optimally fill the screen. With it you can also browse and switch application windows while seeing a preview of each one
Optimal Layout is optimized for large and multiple displays. A seven-day demo is available for download.
TimeCache for Mac OS X gets more flexible in version 8.0.9
The PandaWare Company (http://www.pandaware.com) has updated TimeCache -- its time and expense billing app for oMac OS X 10.3.9 and higher -- to version 8.0.9. The update offers more flexibility in creating invoices, new options for entering report and invoice dates, and bug fixes.
TimeCache is a Universal Binary Macintosh application. It offers support for timed or manual entries, retainer billing, customizable invoices and reports, printing options, and flexible data entry options. It also offers tracking of all a user's computer activity, the ability to save fine-grained details with time and expense entries, can use Apple Address Book entries for client contact information, can produce charts of billable time and expenses, and can import from and export to iCal calendars.
TimeCache Manager costs US$70 per user, though version 8.0.9 is a free update for registered users of version 8.x. Upgrades from previous versions are $40, and a demo is available for download.
Sandvox for Mac OS X adds Writing Direction menu
Karelia Software has updated Sandvox (http://www.karelia.com/download/sandvox.html), their web creation software for Mac OS X, to version 1.6.7. The upgrade fixes minor issues, includes a new Writing Direction menu, and adds improvements to RSS feeds, video pages, and Flickr feeds.
Sandvox features drag and drop web site assembly, live editing without a preview mode, 50 designs, 11 page types, and 19 different pagelets. Version 1.6.5 is available for download and purchase from Karelia's web site. in both Regular and Pro editions. Single-user licenses are US$57 and $97, respectively.
Household licenses (allowing multiple users in one household) and site licenses are also available. Sandvox 1.6.7 -- a free update for registered users -- requires Mac OS X 10.4.11 or higher.
TextSoap 6.4.1 works around Apple Mail issue
Unmarked Software has updated TextSoap (http://www.unmarked.com/textsoap/) -- a Mac OS X utility for cleaning out the extraneous forwarding marks, invisible characters, and formatting that you often find in e-mails and long documents -- to version 6.4.1. The upgrade specifically works around a recent issue in Apple Mail that leaves the user with black on black text.
TextSoap is Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. It requires Mac OS X 10.5 ("Leopard") or higher.
Pricing for new customers starts at US$39.95. Upgrades for users of TextSoap 4 and 5 start at $19.95.
Troi Automatisering updates Troi Dialog plug-in for FileMaker...
Troi Automatisering has released Troi Dialog Plug-in 5.5.3 for FileMaker Pro 11. It's a maintenance release, but also includes a handful of enhancements.
Troi Dialog Plug-in is a tool for displaying all sorts of dialogs in FileMaker Pro 11. The text of the dialog and of the buttons can be created dynamically by using a calculation.
A fully functional demo version of Troi Dialog Plug-in 5.5.3 is available for downloading at Troi's web site (http://www.troi.com/software/dialogplugin.html).
Troi Dialog Plug-in 5.5.3 works with FileMaker Pro 9, 10 and 11. The plug-in can also be used with runtimes from FileMaker Pro Advanced 9, 10 or FileMaker Pro Advanced 11. The plug-in is available for Mac OS X and Windows.
On Mac OS X the plug-in runs in Mac OS X 10.5.7 or higher. The plug-in also runs on Windows Vista or Windows 7. QuickTime 7 or later is needed for the Dial_PresentImage() function.
Licenses cost US$59 per user. Details on developer licenses and multi-user packs can be found on the...
Pragmatic Studio offers iPhone 4 SDK training
The Pragmatic Studio is offering their iPhone/iPad Programming Course (http://pragmaticstudio.com/iphone) in Santa Clara, California on Aug. 17-20, 2010.
In this 4-day, hands-on training course, participants will earn how to create iPhone/iPad apps with guided instruction from two renowned developers and authors, Matt Drance and Daniel Steinberg. You'll get hands-on coding experience and answers to your questions. You'll have to contact the Pragmatic Studio for pricing.
MOTU introduces the MicroBook audio interface
MOTU has announced the MicroBook (http://www.motu.com/marketing/motu_products/audio_interfaces/microbook/), a USB bus-powered audio interface that purportedly delivers studio-grade audio performance in a compact size small enough to fit in your pocket. The MicroBook -- which will ship next month and cost US$269 -- turns a Mac or PC computer into a personal 4x2 recording studio with audio I/O and mixing.
"The MicroBook is small in size but huge when it comes to audio quality," says Jim Cooper, MOTU marketing director. "Our tests show that it matches or exceeds the measured audio specifications of other so-called 'high-end' interfaces on the market that cost two and three times as much. So it's perfect for discriminating users who want quality I/O for on-the-go recording, personal studio tracking, laptop-based DJing, and many other applications."
The MicroBook gives users four simultaneous inputs for a microphone, a guitar, and a keyboard or other stereo line level device. The mic...
iWork Pages Templates available for Mac OS X, the iPad
Hong Kong based FaCILISI has introduced iPad Pages Templates, an iPad compatible version of their iWork Pages Templates, made for the Pages application for Mac OS X. The templates enable the creation of brochures, flyers, postcards, posters, business cards, and envelopes.
Users need only add their own text and pictures to create documents in iWork Pages for Mac OS X, or iPad Pages for iOS 3.2 or later. FaCILISI iWork Pages Templates offers the user an additional 1200-plus templates from which to choose.
The FaCILISI STORE web site (http://www.facilisi.com/products.php?cat=164) displays templates under three headings: Categories, Themes, and Packages. iWork Pages Templates and iPad Pages Templates are available individually for US$0.99 or in complete packages priced from $9.99 to $19.99.
Gossip: Apple to buy more companies, get into the TV biz
"Silicon Alley Business Insider" (http://www.businessinsider.com/apples-shopping-spree-isnt-over-2010-6) says that, according to "gossip" at a a CEO dinner last night at Il Buco in Manhattan -- set up by the local Mobile Monday group and folks from Skyhook Wireless and Gunderson Dettmer -- Apple plans to buy more companies and get into the TV business.
"Besides the leaks of a supposed new Apple TV device, the company also renamed its iPhone OS 'iOS,' foreshadowing a future beyond mobile devices," the article says. "The company's move into advertising -- mobile, so far, but no reason it can't extend into TV somehow -- is another hint."
"Silicon Alley Business Insider" also says Apple is looking at all kinds of deals, even up to $1 billion. This move is purportedly being led by Adrian Perica.
Perica is a former Goldman Sachs investment banker, hired by Apple in January. He's believed to be the first first dedicated merger and acquisition specialist on the company's staff.
Tech stocks drop on global economic concerns
Tech stocks -- including Apple -- slumped Tuesday as concerns about global economic growth drove the broad market right into the red.
As noted by "MarketWatch" (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/broad-losses-lead-to-early-tech-slump-2...), every major tech stock lost ground, including Apple, Intel, Google, Dell and Micron Technology.
Seagate offers 3TB external desktop drive
Seagate (http://www.seagate.com) has announced the first 3TB external desktop drive: the US$249.99 FreeAgent GoFlex Desk. The company says it allows you to store up to 120 HD movies, 1,500 video games, thousands of photos or countless hours of digital music.
An addition to the company’s recently introduced GoFlex family of hard drives, the 3TB GoFlex Desk external drive couples immense capacity with the flexibility to adapt the drive’s USB 2.0 interface to a USB 3.0 or FireWire 800 connection to meet varying performance and transfer speed needs. Consumers can create, store and access content from either a Mac OS X or Windows cpmputer on the GoFlex Desk external drive, thanks to an included NTFS driver for Mac.
The NTFS driver for Mac allows the drive to store and access files from both Windows and Mac OS X computers without reformatting. The NTFS driver is simply installed once on a Mac computer, allowing it to read and write files on a Windows formatted drive. The FreeAgent GoFlex...
Dot Hill launches new end-to-end storage arrays
Dot Hill Systems Corp. is now shipping its next generation 3000 Series storage arrays featuring “end-to-end” 6Gb storage solutions.
The company is introducing two models: the 3520 2U 24-drive solution with 2.5-inch drives, and the 3530 2U 12-drive standard array, which offers 24TB of storage utilizing 2TB 3.5-inch drives. Each controller includes four 6Gb SAS 2.0 connections, for a maximum of eight host-attach connections per storage array. The Dot Hill 3520 and 3530 enable businesses to expand storage dynamically and easily in direct-attached storage environments. There are four ports per controller, the solutions deliver exceptional performance, while eliminating the need for a switched SAN environment.
The Dot Hill 3520 and 3530 are now shipping through major original equipment manufacturer partners and will be available via Dot Hill resellers starting in July. More information can be obtained on specific products and features at http://www.dothill.com/products/direct-attached-...
Creaceed releases iOS4 Speech Recognition SDK
Creaceed (http://www.creaceed.com) has released an iOS4 speech recognition (SDK) which can be used by all developers to design iPhone and iPad applications.
Creaceed's CeedVocal SDK supports isolated words recognition from a list of up to 5,000 words, and keyword spotting. The SDK is available in six languages (English, French, German, Dutch, Spanish and Italian). As no training is required from the end user, speech recognition is ready to use as soon as the app is launched, according to the folks at Creaceed.
iPhone developers can purchase a license either for developing a single application, or for developing an unlimited number of applications. The licensing scheme includes no royalties (even if CeedVocal SDK is integrated in a paid app). For more information about the SDK fee and SDK license pricing, see Creaceed's web site.
Analyst: Adobe should cut its iPhone losses and switch focus
Adobe should cut its losses with Apple and target its flagship Flash Player at telecoms carriers, independent analyst group, Ovum (http://www.datamonitor.com), claims in a new report.
With the spat over Apple’s refusal to support the Adobe Flash technology on its iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices continuing to generate column inches, Ovum believes it's time for Adobe to turn the tables by courting new sponsors of its technology in the shape of telecoms operators.
The report states that Adobe and telecoms carriers are faced with similar threats and share similar goals in relation to value-added applications and content, and that carriers should therefore seek an industry-wide partnership with Adobe to use Flash as the basis of their own multi-screen device, development, delivery, and distribution systems.
Ovum believes both sides could work together to create a developer ecosystem around connected devices that would compete with, and even outdo its rivals in terms of developer...
Jobs to attend Sun Valley Media Executive Retreat
Apple CEO Steve Jobs plans to attend the annual Allen & Co. media conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, "giving him a chance to court executives he needs to add content to his company’s products," reports "Bloomberg Businessweek" (http://macosg.me/2/g8). He last attended the event in 2005.
Executives of media and technology companies often use the conference, which isn't open to the press, to network and discuss deals. Walt Disney used it to launch its $19.5 billion acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC Inc. Yahoo! Inc. co- founder Jerry Yang met former Warner Bros. executive Terry Semel at an Allen & Co. conference before tapping him as CEO in 2001, notes "Bloomberg Businessweek."
Other expected attendees this year include News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. CEO Warren Buffett, Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates, Disney CEO Bob Iger, KKR & Co. Henry Kravis, Facebook Inc. CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Google Inc. CEO Eric Schmidt, according to the list. Jobs is the...
Law firm investigating 'potential problems' with...
The California law firm of Kershaw, Cutter and Rainoff is investigating investigating potential problems with the release of iPhone 4.
There have been reports of reception problems with the iPhone 4. Apparently, much of the problem involves gripping the smartphone in such a wave intuitive to left-handed people. Apple's response (so far) has been to avoid gripping the handset in the lower left corner, or use "one of many available cases" to prevent one's skin from touching the metal band.
"If you recently purchased the new iPhone and have experienced poor reception quality, dropped calls and weak signals, we would like to hear from you," says a note at the KCR web site. "Please call us toll free at (888) 285-3333, click "live chat" above to immediately speak with a KCR representative, or email us at jwilkinson@kcrlegal.com for more details."
Consumer confidence jumps in June
Consumer confidence in consumer electronics moved up sharply in June as confidence in the overall economy dropped to its lowest point since July 2008, according to the latest figures released today from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and "CNET."
The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Technology Expectations (ICTE) climbed in June to 82.7, up 11.2 points from last month. The ICTE, which measures consumer expectations about technology spending, is down 1.7 points from this time last year.
“Traditionally, the summer has been a strong time for tech spending. The recent news about the new iPhone and upgrades to video game consoles may have sparked renewed interest in tech among consumers,” says Anne Claudio, vice president of research at CBS Interactive.
The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE) fell to 162.8 points this month, its lowest point since July 2008, when it was 162.2 points. The ICE, down 1.4 points from last month, measures consumer expectations about the broader...
T-Plan announces support for Safari 5
T-Plan Limited (http://www.t-plan.com) -- which produces test process management. Incorporating test process and supporting tools -- has announced support for Apple’s Safari 5 web browser, adding to the list of web browsers like Firefox, Google Chrome and Microsoft Internet Explorer, its Robot Enterprise automation tool supports.
This support comes as part of T-Plan’s ongoing application test acceleration and compatibility (ATAC) program that it has launched in cooperation with its US distribution partner, nSyte Software, that seeks to dramatically shorten developer’s time to market by offering support for new web browsers and application platforms the same day they are released.
Charlie Wheeler, sales and marketing director for T-Plan, says discussions with T-Plan reveal that being able to support Safari 5 on the same day that it was released to market is only one of similar initiatives that are planned for other mobile and web platforms. It is rumored that with the pending release...
Quark Partners with NewsGator to deliver digital content to...
Quark has partnered with NewsGator, a social computing provider, to help publishers and other content creators deliver digital content to the iPhone, iPod touch, and soon, the iPad.
The partnership allows Quark Publishing System users to instantly publish newsfeed content to Apple’s digital devices through a newsreader application that can be created using NewsGator’s TapLynx Framework. Walker Fenton, vice president of Corporate Development at NewsGator, says TapLynx is the easiest way to make a unique digital content app for the iPhone and iPod Touch because users only need to fill out a simple configuration file. The framework supports multiple ad formats and servers so that publishers can monetize their content, and it lets consumers share content through social media. TapLynx is the foundation of NetNewsWire, NewsGator’s iPhone feed reader.
Quark Publishing System enables publishers and other content creators to publish to their newsfeeds with a single mouse click by fully...
Goshen College goes green with Mac minis
When Goshen College (http://www.goshen.edu) students return to classes this fall in Goshen, Indiana, their desktop computing experience will be very "green." This summer the college has launched a "Green Desktop" initiative as part of Goshen's zero carbon footprint goals by ordering 400 energy-efficient Apple Mac minis to replace every campus PC.
"The minis run a mix of Windows 7 and Mac OS X, but more importantly, they consume as little as one-eighth power of the PCs they are replacing," says Michael Sherer, director of the college's Information Technology Services.
Facilities Manager and Sustainability Coordinator Glenn Gilbert estimated that the upgrade will save the college US$8,000 per year in electricity and cooling costs. The computers that are being replaced will be sold or recycled.
Sherer said standardizing on Mac Mini's has benefits that go far beyond low-power consumption.
"People were skeptical at first," he says. "But they've been totally won over by the size, speed and...
MMColor tweaked for FileMaker Pro 11 on Mac OS X
Comm-Unity Network Systems (http://mmcolor.cnsplug-ins.com/) has updated MMColor, an interface plug-in that allows you to create and edit color in FileMaker Pro, to version 1.6.1. The upgrade includes many core bug fixes and enhancements imported from other CNS Plug-ins. It also includes a few positioning fixes for the Slider dialogs under FileMaker Pro 11 on Mac OS X.
MMColor is a user interface plug-in that allows users to work with color palettes as they would in any professional design application. The software has functions for bringing up the system color picker as well as custom sliders for adjusting any component of any color space used by MMColor right in FileMaker Pro. MMColor supports the RGB, HSV, HSL, CMY, and CMYK Color Spaces.
Version 1.6.1 a free upgrade for anyone with a 1.x.x license. However, if you haven't upgraded to 1.6.x, you will need a new license key for this version.
A single-user license for the client version of MMColor is US$35. To use the Server...
Oklahoma State University to launch iPad student pilot...
Oklahoma State University will pilot an Apple iPad initiative during the Fall 2010 semester with select courses in the School of Media and Strategic Communications and the Spears School of Business at both the Stillwater and Tulsa campuses, announced OSU President Burns Hargis.
"We will evaluate the academic enhancement to the courses, how the iPad and its specific apps and web-based tools can be integrated in this capacity, and perhaps most importantly, how the integration of these mobile tools can expand the tactical abilities of students as they enter the workforce," he says. "This pilot initiative will provide valuable insight into the research benefits of the Apple iPad in the classroom,” said Hargis. "The iPad has had an amazing impact since being introduced and we are excited to be able to put this powerful and creative tool in the hands of students and faculty and see what happens."
Bill Handy, visiting assistant professor in the School of Media and Strategic Communications,...
Pulsar for Mac OS X now lets you pause live radio
Rogue Amoeba has released Pulsar 2 (http://www.rogueamoeba.com/pulsar/), an update to the XM and SIRIUS desktop client for Mac OS X. The app now enables users to pause live radio.
If a song comes on you don't like, use the handy Next Song command to skip right past it. Missed the name of a band? Jump backwards to hear the DJ again. With buffered audio, you're in control.
With Pulsar, satellite radio subscribers can get their audio on the Mac with no hardware or web browser required. Version 2 also brings several other improvements. Favorites are now accessible from Pulsar's mini-player, and they can be re-sorted via drag-and-drop in the main Favorites view, to get just the order desired. Pulsar now features Growl integration, to make the currently playing song visible in any application. Track titles can now also be sent to Last.fm, automatically.
Pulsar 2 is US$20 for new users and a free update for all Pulsar 1 users. For a limited time, a complimentary Pulsar license can also be...
Leech, a Mac download manager, beefs up purchasing module
Many Tricks (http://manytricks.com/) has updated Leech -- a Mac OS X download manager that lets users queue, pause and resume downloads, download from password-protected servers and store their passwords in their system-wide, secure keychain -- to version 2.0.4. The upgrade installs a new version of the in-app purchasing module.
To use you open Leech, drag your URLs and start downloading. You can: limit the number of concurrent downloads; mark URLs for download without actually starting the download ; and shut down your Mac when all downloads are done. Leech supports drag and drop and the Mac OS X Keychain.
It's Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. Leech requires Mac OS X 10.5 ("Leopard") and costsUS$15.
TypeStyler for Mac OS X gets maintenance update
Strider Software has released TypeStyler 10.6.75 (http://www.typestyler.com )for Mac OS X (10.5.8 or later). It's a maintenance update with some bug fixes and speed improvements.
TypeStyler provides access to distortions, path editing, glows, soft shadows, texture fills, transparency, lighting and much more. Users can import and export in a variety of formats, including PSD with layers, PDF, GIF, JPEG, PIG, TIFF, and EPS. TypeStyler works great as a stand-alone environment, yet also as a great companion too with illustration and page-layout programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Quark XPress as well as popular video editing and web design tools, says Dave Stillman, Strider's director of operations.
TypeStyler costs US$179.95 for a downloadable version, and $199.95 for a boxed/CD version. A fully functional, 60-day demo is available for download. Version 10.6.75 is a free update for registered users of version 10.x.
HoudahGeo update for Mac OS X now supports Lightroom 3
Houdah Software (http://www.houdah.com/) has updated HoudahGeo, a geocoding solution for the Mac, to version 2.5.6. The new version now supports Lightroom 3 and has been updated to use GPSBabel 1.4.1.
HoudahGeo costs US$30 for a single-user license for new users. Version 2.5.6 is a free update for registered users. HoudahGeo requires Mac OS X 10.4.8 or higher.
DVDxDV for Mac OS X adds 'Check for updates' option
DVDxDV Pro (http://www.dvdxdv.com) has been updated to version 1.4.2. A "Check for updates" menu option has been added to the DVDxDV menu.
DVDxDV is designed to restore the audio and video from DVD's created with iDVD back to min-DV or any other QuickTime supported format. This program requires the use of the Apple Quicktime MPEG2 plug-in which needs to be purchased through Apple's web site. Without this plug-in, only the audio can be extracted.
DVDxDV requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later and QuickTime 7.0.3 or higher. It costs US$29, though version 1.4.2 is a free update for registered users.
Tape may fix iPhone 4 signal problem
Several iPhone 4 buyers have reported that the device drops its signal if the bottom left corner of the device is covered by the palm of the user's hand. Now there's a solution -- a simple, if less than perfect, one.
The problem, apparently, is that holding the phone covers a key portion of iPhone 4's antenna. However, in a video posted over the weekend, YouTube user "chedacheese" showed that he was able to rectify the problem simply by affixing small pieces of cellophane tape to the iPhone 4's bottom corners, reports "InformationWeek" (http://www.informationweek.com/news/hardware/handheld/showArticle.jhtml?...).
"We've got full signal strength here," said the YouTube poster, as he demonstrated the fix. "We are holding the device in its normal spots and it's keeping the signal bars pretty steady," he said. "It's pretty well taped on the sides, and no other place but on the sides."
iPhone 4 costs as little as $187.51 to make
Apple's iPhone 4 includes components that cost as little as US$187.51, according to market research firm iSuppli -- as reported by "Bloomberg Businessweek" (http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/jun2010/tc20100627_763714...).
Materials and parts for Apple's iPhone, which went on sale on June 24, include a 3.5-inch LCD screen that Apple calls a "retina display." As the smartphone's most expensive component, it costs $28.50 and may have been made by LG Display, iSuppli says. The iPhone 4 sells for $199 and $299.
The estimate doesn't include costs for items such as labor, shipping, advertising, software development, or patent licensing. iSuppli analyzed a 16GB version of the iPhone 4. As with the iPad, Apple used an internally designed A4 processor that was made by Samsung Electronics (005930:KS) and costs an estimated $10.75, notes "Bloomberg Businessweek."
