TwelveSouth releases SurfacePad for MacBook Pro
TwelveSouth (http://www.twelvesouth.com) has introduced the
SurfacePad, a soft, thin layer of leather that dresses up and
protects the keyboard deck/wrist rest area of MacBook Pro from
scratches, dirt and discoloration. It's available in smooth and
pattern styles for the 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pro. The retail price
is US$39.99 for both sizes.
Along with protecting the surface around the keyboard, the black
leather SurfacePad completely transforms the look of a MacBook Pro,
"making it a standout in coffee shops, classrooms and boardrooms,"
according to Andrew Green, head of creative for TwelveSouth. It's
available in either a napa smooth finish or an embossed baroque
pattern. It also beautifully coordinates with the black keys and
black screen bezel on MacBook Pros, says Green.
The SurfacePad for the 13-inch MacBook Pro is a one-piece design that
covers the keyboard deck, with an opening for the trackpad and
keyboard. The SurfacePad for the 15-inch MacBook Pro is a two-piece
style...
Elgato launches EyeTV Live3G
EyeTV 3 users can now stream live television over a 3G connection to
an iPhone. With Elgato's new EyeTV Live3G web app, you can watch live
TV and EyeTV recordings anywhere.
The web app connects your iPhone to your Mac at home. It uses HTTP
Live Streaming technology to deliver video streams without
sacrificing battery life, according to the folks at Elgato. The
Live3G web app is available immediately at live3g.eyetv.com, and is
part of EyeTV 3.3, a free update for EyeTV 3 users.
The web app complements Elgato's recently introduced EyeTV app for
the iPhone, which delivers live TV to an iPhone over a Wi-Fi
connection. The EyeTV Live3G web app uses HTTP Live Streaming
technology introduced with iPhone OS 3.0, which relies upon H.264
video and AAC audio to deliver the highest possible playback quality.
Live3G takes advantage of the iPhone's hardware acceleration to
deliver higher performance and longer battery life, says Elgato.
The EyeTV Live3G web app uses Elgato's free "My EyeTV"...
Live Interior 3D adds ability to construct and work with roofs
BeLight Software (http://www.belightsoft.com) has released Live
Interior 3D 2.3, an update to its interior design software for Mac OS
X that lets users create house, office and apartment interiors with
3D walk-throughs. Version 2.3 adds the ability to construct and work
with roofs, acquires over 200 roofing materials, presents a new
walkthrough tool, and more.
Live Interior 3D is normally available in Standard (US$49.95) and Pro
($129.95) editions. However, BeLight Software has announced a 30%
discount on Live Interior 3D Pro and Standard. From now until Dec.
28, the Standard Edition is priced at $34.95 and Pro Edition at
$90.95. Version 2.3 is a free update for registered users of version
2.x.
Live Interior 3D is Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC
and Intel Macs. It works with Mac OS X 10.4 and 10.5.
Booq releases Mamba shift case for laptops
Booq (http://www.booqbags.com/) has released the US$149.95 Mamba
shift case for laptops. Its exterior peels open to reveal a padded
interior. The Mamba shift also has side pockets and quickly
accessible compartments.
It's designed with YKK zippers and side compartments, the cool black
Mamba shift is perfect for storing items you routinely need while on
the move. The shoulder straps come equipped with an elastic pop-out
iPhone pocket that keeps your phone protected and at your finger tips.
Once you unzip and peel back the black outer skin, Mamba shift opens
up to reveal a red interior that boasts multiple features to help
organize your stuff. The main compartment includes a document storage
pocket as well as a pen holder located at the top of the interior.
Diagonally overlapping interior pockets let see, search, and store
all your gear.
Booq has also included a separate zippered pouch for cables, hard
drives, and any other small accessory you would like to keep
protected. Located in a...
DAZ 3D, Gizmo merge
DAZ 3D (http://www.daz3D.com) and Gizmoz (http://www.gizmoz.com) have
announced a merger that "will create the foremost online marketplace
for high-quality and inter-compatible digital characters and
accessories," according to Eyal Gever, president of the merged
company and CEO and founder of Gizmoz.
With the largest community of active digital character artists, the
merged company will allow users to experience personalized digital
goods and identities across any platform, he adds. Gever says the
combination of Gizmoz's consumer-friendly, photo-realistic head
reconstruction and online personalization service with DAZ 3D's
sophisticated full-figure content, desktop software tools and
thriving community will provide creative professionals, gamers and
consumers alike with a substantially more expansive virtual goods
design center and marketplace.
The merger will enhance distributive capabilities as well: the custom
avatars can then be managed and transported to any virtual
environment...
HW Group releases Poseidon 4002 for rack mount environment
The HW Group (http://www.HW-group.com) has released the Poseidon
4002, a 19-inch 1U rack mount system for datacenter temperature and
environment monitoring.
The Poseidon presents the solution for monitoring of the racks and
computer rooms (temperature, humidity, electricity supply, access to
the room, detectors). The device alerts by e-mail, SNMP traps, SMS,
output relays.
Poseidon 4002 is designed to offer a complete system for environment
monitoring in a 19-inch rack, an entire server room or in a
datacenter. The 4002 model can be mounted as a 1U device, or outside
of the 42U space.
Eighteen sensors are supported (temperature, humidity, smoke, flood,
electricity supply status or failure, entry to the room, digital
inputs). The device is SNMP compatible. Two monitoring applications
(PD Trigger and HWg-PDMS) are included free of charge. Contact the HW
Group for pricing options.
Qoppa Software launches PDF Studio 6.10
Qoppa Software, which specializes in PDF tools, has updated PDF
Studio (http://www.qoppa.com/psindex.html), a PDF editor, to version
6.10. The new version is based on a new PDF reader and parser engine
(entirely developed by Qoppa Software) that the company says is
faster and uses less memory allowing to open bigger PDF documents in
less time.
PDF Studio maintains full compatibility with the PDF Standard and
supports the latest PDF format. In version 6.10 you can: manage
digital IDs and trusted certificates for digital signatures; batch
preflight to preflight to verify PDF/X compliancy for multiple
documents at once; and batch crop to crop multiple documents at once
and change the margins for crop box, bleed box, trim box or art box.
PDF Studio now offers cloud annotation and a screenshot tool allowing
users to select a page area with a lasso and copy the image to the
clipboard or export the image to a file There's also support for
barcodes.
PDF Studio is available for Mac, Windows...
LaCie announces its smallest hard drive to date
LaCie (http://www.lacie.com) has introduced what it says the most
compact 2.5-inch hard drive on the market -- the LaCie Rikiki, in
metal. Measuring 110cm, it holds up to 640GB of media, but can fit in
a pocket or purse.
Encased in brushed aluminum, the LaCie Rikiki, which means "tiny" in
French, sports an USB 2.0 interface and is compatible with a Mac or
PC. LaCie Rikiki also comes with a software suite for backup
management - enabling complete configuration in just a few clicks.
The LaCie Rikiki will be available in 250GB, 500GB, and 640GB
capacities through the LaCie Online Store, LaCie Reseller+, and LaCie
Corner. Pricing starts at the suggested retail price of US$74.99.
'Fully loaded' exhibitor booth packages offered for...
The National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP),
organizers of Photoshop World Conference & Expo
(http://www.photoshopworld.com) , are now offering "fully loaded"
exhibitor booth packages -- cost-cutting options for vendors that
streamline the trade show planning and budgeting process.
These new exhibitor packages bundle everything from hotel
accommodations and discounted drayage, to electricity, standard
furnishings, pipe and drape, carpeting, and more for onepackage
price. Plus, every vendor who chooses a package gets a one-year NAPP
corporate membership for their company's own benefit and use.
NAPP drew from its own experiences in additional costs associated
with similar industry events when creating this concept and have come
up with two options, says Scott Kelby, Photoshop World conference
technical chair and president of NAPP. You can download a PDF of the
expo packages here:
http://www.photoshopworld.com/downloads/psw_exhibitor.pdf .
Agama launches new line of mice
Agama (http://www.agamazone.com), a new new consumer electronics
company, has announced the launch of a line of new mice with high
tracking precision for gamers and professionals alike. Each is small,
portable and can be stored for traveling.
The models include the M-300 Retractable Mini Notebook Mouse, M-500G
Gaming Mouse, M-900LS Laser Notebook Mouse and the M-905BT Bluetooth
Notebook Mouse. The US$10.99 M-300 retractable mini notebook mouse
has a 1200 dpi optical sensor, has a retractable cable and is
available in black or silver.
The $14.99 M-500G Gaming Mouse has a 1600 dpi gaming engine and can
be switched to 800 dpi, depending on the game. It touts 20G maximum
cursor acceleration and 68 inches per second maximum speed. The mouse
also has a blue fluorescent light that shines in dark environments.
The $24.99 M-900LS Laser Notebook Mouse has 2.4GHz digital cordless
technology that works up to 10 meters away. The 1600 dpi laser sensor
and advanced laser engine for high tracking...
Snow Leopard video training course now available from The MacU
Mac OS X Snow Leopard Overview, a video training course, is now
available at the The MacU. This video training course contains over
three hours of HD training videos covering everything from file and
folder basics to how to use applications like Mail, Safari, iCal and
more.
The videos are presented in HD and the course also includes a
searchable course contents PDF. Go to the MacU web site
(http://www.TheMacU.com) to learn more and view several free lessons.
This course is available as in individual download for US$15.
Also, from now until the end of January all video training at The
MacU is 15% off when the coupon code "MACU15" is entered during
checkout. This code will work with individual courses and course
bundles.
TechSmith announces public beta of Snagit for the Mac
TechSmith Corp., a provider of screen capture and recording
solutions, has released a public beta of Snagit for Mac. It's an app
for turning screenshots into visual communication tools.
Individuals who want to take part in the public beta can download
Snagit for Mac by visiting http://www.techsmith.com/snagitmac/ .
"When we released Camtasia for Mac earlier this year, we were
reminded once again just how much the Mac community also wants to see
Snagit on the platform," says Tiffany Wood, Snagit product manager at
TechSmith. "Starting today, the public beta of Snagit for Mac is
available. We're excited to receive feedback so we can deliver a
final release that meets the Mac community's expectations and get
feature suggestions that matter most to them for future releases."
Snagit enables computer users to take screenshots of exactly what
they see on their computer screens to communicate ideas faster,
explain concepts clearly, and archive electronic information with
point-and-click...
iFixit licensing all repair manuals for free under Creative
Effective immediately, iFixit (http://www.ifixit.com) is licensing
all its repair manuals under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA license.
"To our knowledge, this is the largest free release of repair
documentation ever," says iFixit CEO Kyle Mike Wiens. "W are
committing to make our repair manuals available to everyone in the
world, forever, for free. My team has invested thousands of hours
documenting how to repair Apple hardware. Starting in 2004 with our
very first set of repair guides for the venerable PowerBook G3
series, we have steadily, inexorably, carefully, taken apart every
single Mac we could get our hands on."
iFixit now has manuals for 91 Mac models, 34 iPods, and a couple of
iPhones. Together, our media servers currently host 154,556 images
(including revision history and thumbnails) and over 1,000
step-by-step guides. iFixit will also be providing a XML data dump of
our repair manuals sometime in the middle of next year.
OWC offers memory upgrades for 2009 Mac Pro quad-core models
Other World Computing (http://www.macsales.com)
has announced third party 32GB 1066MHz DDR3 ECC
memory upgrade for all Mac Pro quad-core Pro
models, including the newest 3.33GHz model
announced by Apple earlier this month.
OWC memory upgrades offer all Mac Pro users up to
double the original factory memory with kits of
up to 32GB for all Mac Pro dual-core, quad-core,
and 8-core Models. Pricing for OWC memory upgrade
kits for 2009 Mac Pro Quad-Core 2.66GHz, 2.93GHz,
and 3.33GHz models:
° OWC 12GB DDR3 ECC Memory Kit -- $467.99 (3 x 4GB matched memory modules);
° OWC 16GB DDR3 ECC Memory Kit -- $619.99 (4 x 4GB matched memory modules);
° OWC 24GB DDR3 ECC Memory Ki ---$1579.99 (3 x 8GB matched memory modules);
° OWC 32GB DDR3 ECC Memory Kit -- $2099.99 (4 x 8GB matched memory modules).
Pricing for OWC memory upgrade kits for 2009 Mac
Pro 8-Core 2.26GHz, 2.66GHz, and 2.93GHz models:
° OWC 24GB DDR3 ECC Memory Kit -- $929.99 (6 x 4GB matched memory modules);
° OWC 32GB DDR3 ECC Memory Kit...
HyperOffice announces beta of cloud-computing collaboration suite
HyperOffice (http://www.hyperoffice.com) has released a beta version
its cloud-computing software. The private beta is available
immediately to qualified customers and prospects upon request.
Farzin Arsanjani, president of HyperOffice, says that HyperOffice
integrates a range of software-as-a-service business applications
over the Internet: shared calendars and contacts, business-class
email, document and project management, web conferencing, databases
and web forms; forums, polls and wikis; project and task portals,
Intranets and Extranets; user rights, versioning, commenting, backup,
and more. Hosted online, the suite delivers to smaller and
medium-sized businesses the power and productivity of costly
corporate collaboration products - for a low monthly subscription fee
of about US$7 per month, per user, secure, and hassle free, he adds.
Under the hood, rebuilt from the ground up, Ajax and an array of Web
2.0 technologies power improvements in performance, scalability and
security....
Skydda Design introduces the BambooBook Case for the MacBook Pro
Skydda Design has introduced the BambooBook
(http://skyddadesign.com/products/bambooBook/bambooBook.html), a case
for 13-inch Macbook Pros. It's manufactured of bamboo and lined with
padded suede fabric.
The BambooBook measures 1 5/8 x 14 3/8 x 11 inches and weighs three
pounds, seven ounces. Even with the MacBook Pro inserted, users will
will have full operation of their laptop without having to remove it
from the case. Just set it down anywhere, open the lid and it's ready
to go. You can plug in the computer's AC adaptor and even access the
USB port while working within the case.
To protect the BambooBook's polished hardwood finish, the case ships
with a formfitting vinyl cover. The cover zips around each side of
the case up to the handle for access and has a pocket to store the AC
adaptor, iPhone and other accessories.
The BambooBook is currently offered at the introductory price of
US$149. To celebrate the launch of the BambooBook, Skydda Design is
also offering an additional $20...
TypeTrax unites project workflow, asset, font management
Insider Software and Moksa have announced the release of TypeTrax
(http://www.typetrax.com) for Cumulus 8, which manages Adobe InDesign
CS4 project workflows and associated fonts with Cumulus 8, Canto's
industry-leading digital asset manager.
As designers import InDesign projects into Cumulus, TypeTrax
automatically imports all the fonts and files required. Users can
preview fonts and their metadata with a few clicks. When users check
in an InDesign project, Cumulus and TypeTrax automatically preflight
the job to ensure that all required fonts, images and resource files
are included.
TypeTrax detects differences between fonts resident in projects and
on users' systems. In addition, users can track all checked-in
revisions, so they can revert to an earlier version of a project. The
app requires a Mac running Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later and Adobe
InDesign Creative Suite 4, as well as access to a server running
Canto Cumulus 8.0 or 8.1.
TypeTrax for Cumulus 8 is available immediately and...
QNAP expands capabilities of Turbo NAS servers with upgraded NAS
QNAP Systems (http://www.qnap.com), a
manufacturer of NAS servers, has announced an
update to the NAS management software that powers
its business-class Intel®-based Turbo NAS servers.
The NAS management software version 3.2, embedded
as firmware, provides an iSCSI target solution
supporting SPC-3 persistent reservation, MPIO and
MC/S allowing SMB and corporate customers the
ability to deploy the NAS as a storage server in
the virtualized and clustered infrastructure.
Additionally, the newly updated management
software also steps up its backup capabilities by
adding Apple Time Machine support and even
redundant backups to Amazon's S3 cloud storage
platform. In addition, IT administrators can also
benefit from the DFS support (Share Folder
Aggregation), import of user-list, and
customizable Daylight Saving Time.
What's more, the next-generation Internet
Protocol, IPv6, has also been incorporated for
future networking evolution. QNAP's Web File
Manager 2 features a redesigned user...
Michael Amorose releases Newsreader Xcode Project Template for
Michael Amorose has released Newsreader, an iPhone application
template project for Xcode. It provides a table-based starting point
project for creating new newsreader iPhone apps in Xcode.
Newsreader includes an application template, UITableView and
UITableViewCell subclasses, a tab bar controller, four table view
content views, four tab bar icons, a default app launch image, and an
application icon. Newsreader is free and can be downloaded from the
author's web site
(http://www.michael-amorose.com/software/cocoa_classes/index.htm).
Autodesk Smoke comes to the Mac
Autodesk has announced that it's ready to start
shipping Autodesk Smoke 2010 for Mac OS X
(http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?id=5561833&siteID=123112
), a software-only editorial finishing tool and
the first Autodesk finishing product designed to
run on the Mac.
Smoke software's proven editorial finishing tools
harness the 64-bit power of Snow Leopard to
provide an interactive, all-in-one finishing
experience, says Stig Gruman, Autodesk vice
president of digital entertainment. Autodesk
Smoke helped define editorial finishing by
combining the timeline workflow of a non-linear
editor with advanced visual effects tools, he
adds.
Customers have used Smoke to help shape such
television programs as "House," "NCIS," "CSI: NY"
and "Entourage" as well as popular Super Bowl
commercials, including Coke Zero "Mean Troy" and
Cash4Gold.com's "One Up." CCTV in China used
Smoke to help create its 2008 Beijing Olympics
packaging and promotions as well as for content
production during...
MacTech Releases Virtualization Upgrade Benchmarks
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MacTech Labs Releases Virtualization Upgrade Benchmarks
- Over 400 tests performed to compare versions
- Two separate articles:
- VMware Fusion 2 vs. 3
- Parallels Desktop 4 vs. 5
December 15, 2009 -- WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- MacTech Labs
(http://www.mactechlabs.com/), part of MacTech Magazine
(http://www.mactech.com), today released a benchmarks studying the recently
released upgrades of the two major virtualization solutions running on
Intel-based Macs. MacTech's goal was to see how well the upgrades performed
compared to their predecessors.
The over 400 tests were performed on a current model MacBook Pro. The
tests focused on virtualization performance, computational performance,
file i/o, as well as graphics.
"MacTech Labs has been doing product evaluations and testing for over 20
years. Our focus is to help IT Pros not only in making tough decisions, but
with real-world and how-to answers. In this case, we wanted to help people
understand what to...
Bioware, Transgaming announce Mac edition of Dragon Age: Origins
BioWare, a division of Electronic Arts, and TransGaming have
announced plans to release Dragon Age: Origins for the Mac on Dec.
21. The dark fantasy epic will be available to Mac Players as a
digital download where they can choose between the Standard or
Digital Deluxe version. You can pre-order it here:
http://dragonage.bioware.com/game/preorder/; pricing ranges from
US$39.99 to $49.99.
The Digital Deluxe version will feature additional content
including: a collection of wallpapers, in-game bonus items, the
game's soundtrack and the Warden's Keep additional content. Warden's
Keep provides players with a new dungeon-exploring adventure, new
loot including a set of ancient Grey Warden armor, a chance to gain
two of six mysterious new abilities, a new base complete with
merchants and a party chest to store their hard-earned items. The
Standard and Digital Deluxe versions are available now for pre-order
through many popular online digital retailers.
Each version of Dragon Age: Origins...
Mamut to launch new Mac accounting products for UK market
Mamut Software (http://www.mamut.com), an
European provider of business software for small
and medium businesses (SMBs), today announced
that it will be launching two new products, Mamut
AccountEdge and Mamut AccountEdge Plus, for the
Mac platform.
The new products will launch in the UK in April
2010 and will be released as part of a multi-year
partnership with Acclivity, global developers of
the AccountEdge series of accounting software. In
April 2008, Mamut acquired the UK Business
Division of MYOB, and under the agreement Mamut
gained distribution rights to the MYOB and DOSH
brand names and product range in the UK. Mamut
AccountEdge builds on the success of MYOB's Mac
products, and will include a new streamlined
interface, offering improved navigation and
appearance over previous MYOB offerings, says
Bryan Richter, UK Country Manager for Mamut.
It includes several new innovations such as a
Business Insights feature which allows users to
easily view information about business...
Epson offers free printing app for iPhone and iPod touch users
Epson America has announced that its free iPrint photo printing app
for iPhone and iPod touch is now available on the Apple App Store.
The app lets users print wirelessly on Epson network capable printers
including the Artisan 810, Artisan 710 and WorkForce 610, to name a
few.
"With the holidays quickly approaching, many special moments will be
captured on an iPhone and Epson is providing users with an easy way
to print high-quality photos of these special memories onto Epson
printers using the Epson iPrint App," said Steve Semos, planning and
development for Consumer Ink Jets, Epson America Inc. "In addition,
the Epson iPrint App gives iPhone and iPod touch users great
flexibility by printing on a variety of photo paper sizes and on
letter-size plain paper."
The Epson iPrint App is available for free from the App Store on
iPhone and iPod touch or at http://www.itunes.com/appstore/. For
more information about Epson iPrint and compatible Epson printers,
visit Apple App Store and...
RadTech releases ProCable for iPods, iPhones
RadTech (http://www.radtech.com) has released the ProCable for the
iPhone and iPod. IT's a 30-oin to USB and 3.5mm line-out audio cable.
The US$19.95 ProCable is designed to let you tap the high-fidelity
line-out audio from an iPod or iPhone and feed it directly into a
home or auto sound system. This cable also allows you to charge and
power said iPod or iPhone via a standard USB port. You can combine it
with RadTech's ACpower USB charger for home set-ups, or with our
AutoPower in-vehicle charger when using the cable in a vehicle.
QuickerTek external antenna upgrades wireless networking for for
QuickerTek has upgraded the wireless networking for all MacBooks and
MacBook Pros, including the latest crop of unibody MacBooks and
MacBook Pros.
The US$49.95 antenna upgrade
(http://www.quickertek.com/products/macbook_5dbi_extantenna.php)
attaches to the internal Apple AirPort networking card, moving the
antenna up and out of the MacBook case. It also adds a more powerful
5dBi antenna, which again, boosts the wireless range and speed.
There are no changes or additional software to use, so your Apple
laptop works the same before and after the upgrade is installed. The
removeable antenna clips to the screen of the MacBook. The antenna
cable attaches to the internal Apple AirPort card, passing through
either the security slot or the ExpressCard slot -- depending on the
MacBook/MacBook Pro. A detailed installation manual and all the tools
required are included with the product.
FmPro Migrator 5.35 released, enhances Servoy Migration feature
.com Solutions has announced FmPro Migrator
Developer Edition 5.35
(http://www.fmpromigrator.com/services/fmpro_servoy_service.html)
with enhancements to the Servoy Migration feature.
FmPro Migrator Developer Edition enables Servoy
developers to realize productivity gains by
re-purposing existing Microsoft Access and
FileMaker Pro solutions into the Servoy
development environment. The FmPro to Servoy
Migration Service incorporated within FmPro
Migrator Developer Edition provides a fixed-price
conversion service for converting Microsoft
Access and FileMaker Pro database files into
Servoy Eclipse projects. This service includes
the conversion of layouts, scripts,
relationships, and value lists within a
predefined budget.
According to the folks at .com Solutions,
enhancements to the FmPro To Servoy Migration
Service include:
° Conversion of tab controls -- FileMaker and
Access Tab Controls are converted into Servoy Tab
Panels, including all embedded objects. Each Tab
Panel is created as...
Blatner Tools 1.0 InDesign plug-ins released
DTP Tools has released Blatner Tools 1.0
(http://www.dtptools.com/bt), a suite of 12
InDesign plug-ins. This collection -- which costs
approximately US$160 -- offers over 100 new
features for InDesign users, including the
ability to create color and style reports, create
fractions automatically, build character and
paragraph styles and apply them across an entire
document quickly, and more.
These features were perfected (and more features
added) during a six-week public beta period this
fall, says suite designer David Blatner, who also
hosts the "InDesign Secrets" web site. He says
some of the most important functions of Blatner
Tools 1.0 are:
° The ability to analyze documents to
automatically create and apply character and
paragraph styles;
° A Find Color feature that lets you find colors
-- even spot colors inside placed graphics;
° An Extras menu that provides quick access to scripts;
° The ability to compare Styles to see how two or more styles are different;
° A Remove Local...
aTV Flash 4.0 updated for Apple TV 3.x compatibility
Version 4.0 of aTV Flash (http://www.aTVFlash.com) -- an US$49.95 USB
flash drive that inserts into the Apple TV and will upgrade it to do
various kinds of new things -- has been released. This version adds
compatibility for the latest 3.x. AppleTV software
Also, in aTV Flash 4.0, Couch Surfer Pro has been updated, and now
features full iPhone Remote app integration. Users can browse the web
on AppleTV using their iPhone or iPod touch as a touch-pad and
keyboard.
Also included is an improved USB storage option. Users now have the
option of using an external USB hard drive for storing their synced
iTunes media.
As always, aTV Flash includes support for additional media formats
that are not typically supported by the AppleTV. These formats
included DivX, Xvid, AVI, WMV, VIDEO TS (DVD files) and many more.
Additionally it adds a fully integrated WebKit based web browser, and
the ability to expand the storage capacity through the use of an
external USB hard drive.
Howling Moon Software updates Chipmunk physics engine
Howling Moon Software has announced Chipmunk 5.0
(http://howlingmoonsoftware.com/chipmunk.php), a new version of the
physics engine. It's a lightweight, 2D, rigid body physics library
written in C.
The latest version features a new joint and constraint system,
raycasting, sensors, a new collision callback API (application
programming interface), and improved performance. The Howling Wolves
say the aim is to give 2D developers access the same quality of
physics you find in newer 3D games. Chipmunk is licensed under the
unrestrictive, OSI approved MIT license.
A set of demonstrations is available for download. Source is
included, so you can learn the engine by example. Chipmunk is
donationware. Try it, and if you like it, donate to Howling Wolf so
they can continue the development.
Speck releases SeeThru, SeeThru Satin cases for unibody MacBook
Speck (http://www.speckproducts.com) has released SeeThru and SeeThru
Satin cases for the 13-inch "unibody" MacBook. These customized,
form-fitting hard shell cases have a manufacturer's suggested retail
price of US$49.95.
The cases are designed to protect the MacBook from drops as well as
regular wear and tear. Both the SeeThru and SeeThru Satin cases add
extra stability via integrated rubber feet, which were omitted from
the new MacBook model in place of a flat rubberized, scuff-able
bottom panel.
Glossy translucent SeeThru hard shells are now available for the new
13-inch white unibody MacBook in clear and in shades of red and pink,
and the soft-touch and frosted-looking SeeThru Satin is available in
black, purple and red tones.
Cordiant releasees Analytics in a Box
Coradiant (http://wwwcoradiant.com), which specializes in web
application performance management, has announced the immediate
availability of Analytics In A Box, powered by Coradiant technology.
It's a turn key appliance that passively taps and collects web
traffic data and provides complete reports via Google's Urchin Web
analytics software, which is integrated with the appliance.
Organizations benefit from a lower total cost of ownership, and
quicker access to market intelligence via on-demand analytics. IT
operations are streamlined by eliminating log file maintenance and
reducing JavaScript tagging. Analytics In A Box deploys behind
corporate firewalls; data is securely stored within the appliance,
reducing privacy and security concerns.
Analytics In A Box provides a comprehensive view into customer Web
site interaction, and insights into online conversion outcomes.
Analytics capabilities are substantially enhanced through access to a
richer data model and customizable reporting...
ListServ update adds newsletter gallery system
L-Soft (http://www.lsoft.com) has released LISTSERV 16, an update of the Mac compatible email list manager. The new version offers a newsletter gallery system that includes HTML newsletter templates.
Also included in the latest LISTSERV software version is the capability for senders to schedule their deliveries in advance and send test messages of newsletters to their own addresses before posting, which is particularly useful for HTML newsletters as HTML standards are supported unevenly across email clients, says Eric Thomas, L-Soft Founder and CEO, who developed LISTSERV in 1986.
LISTSERV 16 also features an advanced content analysis check, because
no one can afford to waste. LISTSERV 16 senders get an instant score indicating the likelihood of an email getting flagged as spam - especially important because more and more legitimate email is not being delivered because of overzealous spam filtering. In addition, the SpamAssassin system highlights specific details about an...
Mac Shutdown news new Today button, Show in Finder function
Pomola Software has updated Mac Shutdown X
(http://pomola.com/products_macshutdown/macshutdown.html), a Mac OS X
utility for shutting down a Mac on a specified event or on a
specified date and time, to version 1.5. The upgrade adds a new
"Today" button in the "On Date" shutdown section and a new "Show in
Finder" function in the "On Event" section.
The upgrade offers a new design of the setting area, a new method of
restart by "Web Keyword" (a keyword inside a remote web page can
launch the restart, from one to an unlimited number of remote Macs),
internal engine improvements and a new user guide.
Mac Shutdown X costs US$20. Version 1.5 is a free update for
registered users. The software is Universal Binary so runs natively
on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. It requires Mac OS X 10.4 or higher.
MacSpeech Dictate fixes glitch with quad-core iMacs
MacSpeech (http://www.macspeech.com) has released MacSpeech Dictate
1.5.8, an upgrade to the speech recognition solution for the Mac. It
addresses an issue with audio input that only impacts the new iMacs
with Core i5 and i7 quad-core processors.
MacSpeech Dictate requires Intel-based Macintosh hardware and Mac OS
X 10.5.6 or higher. New MacSpeech Dictate solutions, with a choice of
headsets, are available starting at US$199. Registered customers of
MacSpeech Dictate are eligible to purchase MacSpeech Dictate 1.5.8 at
a special upgrade price of $54.95.
Native Instruments, Abbey Road announce partnership
Native Instruments (http://www.native-instruments.com) has announced
a partnership with Abbey Road, the iconic British recording studio.
The two companies will create advanced software instruments, with the
first product scheduled for release in early 2010.
Abbey Road's equipment includes one of the largest microphones
collections as well as a selection of famed analog outboard gear
custom-built by EMI. With the Kontakt sampler and its free Kontakt
Player version, Native Instruments has established a platform for
sample-based instruments.
"Both popular music culture and the recording arts are indebted to
Abbey Road Studios in many ways", says Sascha Kubiak, director of the
Producer Division at Native Instruments. "We are excited about the
challenge to develop software instruments that will put the Abbey
Road sound into the hand of musicians and producers everywhere".
Bento for Mac OS X Leopard updated to version 3.0.2
FileMaker has released an update (3.0.2) for its personal database
application, Bento
(http://www.filemaker.com/products/bento/overview.html). The update
resolves an issue related to importing a template with a sorted
related records list. It also resolves an issue related to checkboxes
and smart collections and fixes other user-reported issues.
Bento is a personal database from FileMaker. Designed specifically
for Mac OS X 10.5.4 Leopard (or later), Bento helps Mac users
organize their lives by giving them one place to put their important
information from contacts and calendars to projects and events. Bento
can organize activities related to work, home, school and community
Bento costs US$49 -- or $99 U.S. for a family pack of five licenses,
and is available on the FileMaker Web store
(http://store.filemaker.com). Version 3.0.2 is a free update for
registered users of version 3.x.
Check Point Endpoint Security adds full disk encryption for Snow
Check Point Software Technologies has released Check Point Full Disk
Encryption for Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard"). It's an encryption
solution with pre-boot authentication to support Mac operating
systems.
Check Point Full Disk Encryption enhances data security and supports
Mac OS X, Windows, Linux, and VMware based systems to Symbian,
Windows Mobile, Palm based smartphones and PDAs. The software is
designed to simplify the deployment and management of endpoint
security by automatically encrypting all hard drive contents,
including the operating system and existing, temporary and erased
system files.
"More than 85 percent of our employees are using Mac OS X as their
primary desktop and notebook platform," sakys Allen Hancock,
president of the Mac Consulting Group, Inc. "The stability and
flexibility of Check Point Full Disk Encryption have been key
benefits in easily managing our work environment without compromising
the level of endpoint security for any operating system in place....
FileMaker Inc. announces new dates, venue for developer...
FileMaker Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Apple, has announced new
dates and a new headquarters hotel with a lower room rate for its
2010 Developer Conference.
The 15th annual FileMaker Developer Conference will be Aug. 15-18,
2010, at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, San Diego, which
offers a limited number of rooms for DevCon attendees at US$149 per
night. DevCon attendees are strongly urged to make reservations at
the Sheraton (1-877-734-2726) before low-priced rooms sell out.
A $200 savings on conference registration is available for a limited
time. You can register for DevCon at http://www.filemaker.com/devcon
before May 21, 2010, to take advantage of these savings.
The FileMaker Developer Conference is the world's largest gathering
of corporate and independent FileMaker developers, consultants and
trainers. It provides developers with creative solutions, technical
ideas, and a wide array of events.
The conference offers in-depth workshops and seminars led by...
Logic3 offers ScreenBeat USB speaker
Logic3 (http://www.logic3.com/) has released the ScreenBeat USB, a
cylinder shaped meta speaker for use with computers, iPhones, iPods,
MP3 players and other gadgets (though it's designed specifically for
laptops).
The ScreenBeat speaker is made aluminium, and its USB connection
doubles up as the power supply and in-built sound card. It's
compatible with all Mac, PC and Linux-based computers. In its compact
8-inch tube, the ScreenBeat packs three watts of stereo sound.
The speaker comes in a compact protective case so that it can be
safely stored when not in use or during transit. It costs
approximately US$30.
MetaCommunications enhances CS4 publishing workflows with new
The new Workgroups 2010 Collaborative Process and
Productivity Suite from MetaCommunications now
extends native Adobe InDesign and InCopy CS4
collaborative publishing workflows with automatic
email notifications, alerts, reminders,
scheduling, visual statuses, web-based dashboard
worklists for all stakeholders, integration with
a comprehensive project and productivity
management suite, and more.
Robert Long, executive vice president of
MetaCommunications, says the new support extends
the capabilities of the native Adobe CS4
collaborative publishing workflows in several key
ways:
° Integrated support for multiple parallel publishing workflows and projects;
° Automatic email notifications, alerts, and
reminders to keep everyone up-to-date and
production documents out of email;
° Automatic and manual routing of assignments and tasks;
° Support for document versioning;
° Timelines, due-dates, and scheduling for all tasks and activities;
° Built in collaborative review and approval...
MPEGIF Master Class 'TV X.0 Present and Future' slated...
The MPEG Industry Forum (MPEGIF), the world's largest advocacy group
for standard's based digital television technologies is presenting
the first ever MPEGIF Master Class to be held at CES 2010.
This Master Class titled "TV X.0 Present and Future" is the latest in
the long running MPEGIF Master Class series that has been a
cornerstone of the NAB and IBC conferences each year. The Master
Class will be held on Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, between 9:00 am and 12:30
pm in the Las Vegas Convention Centre (N260). This conference
session will bring together industry experts representing the leaders
in next generation video entertainment, multimedia and television.
The CES 2010 MPEGIF Master Class showcases senior executives and
experts with a track record of pioneering the adoption of new
advanced technology and innovative service offerings bringing to bare
new business models. They'll share their experiences, challenges, and
expertise with a focus on technological progress, regulatory and...
Mixamo, TurboSquid collaborate to optimize high-quality 3D
With a goal of improving the overall character creation and animation
experience for 3D professionals, game artists and animators, Mixamo
has announced a partnership with TurboSquid, an online 3D
marketplace, to offer "Mixamo-certified" models assured to work with
the entire collection of motions found on the Mixamo web site
(http://www.mixamo.com).
Users can now easily apply any high-quality Mixamo motions to a
growing list of TurboSquid character models that can be viewed
directly within the Mixamo interface, without uploading. While the
Mixamo online animation service is compatible with most 3D models,
these "Mixamo-certified" models in the TurboSquid marketplace have
been internally tested and are guaranteed to provide the user
seamless integration with Mixamo animations, says Stefano Corazza,
co-founder and chief technical officer of Mixamo.
After purchasing a "Mixamo-certified" model on TurboSquid.com, users
can then select a desired animation from Mixamo's extensive
collection...
Verde VDI solution adds support for Mac clients
Virtual Bridges (http://www.vbridges.com) has released the newest
version of its virtual desktop infrastructure suite with the release
of Virtual Bridges' Verde 3.0 software.The new version f inally
brings the Mac community into the fold by providing access to Windows
and Linux virtual desktop sessions from Mac clients.
Verde offers the ability to run both Windows and Linux desktop
"guest" sessions. Version 3.0 enables MSP's to support multiple
tenants in a managed environment that delivers desktops in the cloud
to both non-profit, SMB and enterprise users. Partners like Midas
Networks offer both a "Premium" desktop based on Windows and Office
and a "Value" desktop based on Linux and the IBM Client for Smart
Work.
Verde 3.0 has a fully-loaded cost including VDI software, server
hardware and user storage of roughly US$200 per user. With the new
version, Mac users can now participate in VDI deployments together
with Windows and Linux access points bringing the power of VDI to the...
Hostway Enterprise expands storage offerings
Hostway Corp. (http://www.hostwayenterprise.com), a hosting and web
applications provider, has expanded its existing hosted storage
solutions with the availability of an Enterprise-Class Shared SAN
(storage area network) product.
Shared SAN will augment existing hosted storage offerings that
include direct and network attached high performance storage arrays,
For customers with high volume and/or high performance requirements,
the range of add-on storage solutions can cost effectively augment
the internal storage available with each dedicated or virtual server,
according to aid Todd Benjamin, director of Enterprise Hosting.
Hostway's shared SAN is an upgradeable solution that lowers the cost
of storage, because the high performance, enterprise class array is
shared among multiple customers, eliminating upfront capital
expenditures, he adds. The SAN is fully managed and maintained by
Hostway, freeing customers to focus on running their businesses.
Storage can be acquired on a demand...
QuickerTek wireless networking product drivers updated for Snow
Users of QuickerTek's wireless networking upgrades for Intel-based
Macs now have new drivers available. These new 802.11 b and g
wireless drivers are now available for Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow
Leopard"), as well as Mac OS X 10.3.9, 10.4 and 10.5.
The USB wireless upgrade products include the Quicky, iQuicky, Quicky
FP, 1 Watt Transceiver, Quicky Jr. and Nano. All of these products
provide improved wireless networking performance, according to the
folks at QuickerTek. You can ownload these free driver updates here:
http://www.quickertek.com/downloads.php
Workamajig Releases Global Search, Visual Import updates for Snow
Workamajig (http://www.Workamajig.com) has released Global Search,
Visual Import and Mass Update features. Also included are
enhancements for Mac OS X 10.6.2 ("Snow Leopard"), all in the
recently released version 10.5.1.3.
The Global Search feature makes it faster to find things in the
database. For example, if a user wants to look up a contact, project,
they can now simply start typing part of the name in the global
search box and all records in the database that match that name will
show up. Then, all they have to do is double click the record to open
it up, says Ron Ause, Workamajig's director of marketing.
As for the Visual Import, Creative Manager's importing capabilities
were good, but not easy, he adds. The old way required users to
meticulously format their import files with columns with specific
headers and column order. The new visual import in Workamajig lets
users easily pick a file to import and simply drag and drop the
mapping of which columns go where, Ause says. This...
Sonoma Wire Works' AudioCopy, AudioPaste SDK for iPhone app
Sonoma Wire Works has launched the AudioCopy & AudioPaste Software
Development Kit and will be offering it to select iPhone app
developers. The SDK is designed to "take the new copy/paste features
available in the iPhone software to a new level."
Sonoma Wire Works has developed AudioCopy and AudioPaste
functionality for the iPhone. Software Developers who wish to receive
this SDK may request to join the Mobile Audio Product Interaction
(MAPI) Program. For more info go here:
http://www.sonomawireworks.com/iphone/partners .
FourTrack (http://fourtrack.com) has the ability to paste audio
information from a growing list of AudioCopy enabled apps including
Sonoma Wire Works' InstantDrummer, Retronyms' DopplerPad, and VOX
3000.
The FourTrack multitrack audio recorder is a songwriting and practice
tool for singers, guitar players, piano players and other musicians
who want to capture musical ideas and record songs on their iPhone
and second generation iPod touch.
Enhance Technology shipping storage systems with 2TB hard drives
Enhance Technology (http://www.enhance-tech.com), a data storage
designer and manufacturer, has announced full support on the latest
Hitachi Ultrastar 2TB 7200RPM hard disks (HDDs) to enhance the
performance of its storage systems and populated storage solutions.
Storage capacities are now increased to 16TB on the 8-disk desktop &
rackmount storage arrays and as much as 32TB on its flagship 16-disk
UltraStor Professional Storage Systems, which is expandable to 160TB
through SAS storage expansion. Enhance Technology was among the first
group of technology partners to receive the new Hitachi 2TB HDDs when
they were released.
Based on the laboratory test results, the new Hitachi 2TB HDDs tested
with Enhance's JBOD and RAID storage systems yielded an impressive
20% read/write performance increment, the company says It
purportedly reduces the power consumption for the same capacity with
25% more storage spaces than 1.5TB HDDs.
RadTech releases anti-glare film for new iMacs
RadTech (http://www.radtech.com) has released ClearCal AG
(anti-glare) films for Apple's new 21-inch and 27-inch iMacs. The
company says they greatly improve the viewability of glossy glass
displays when used in brightly lit or outdoor environments.
ClearCal films -- which cost US$19.99 -- combine a tempered 2-mil
matte finished, anti-reflection layer, permanently laminated to a
3-mil flexible transparent base. A blemish-healing siliconized
adhesive provides an optically-correct, yet easily removable bond
that conceals existing surface defects like abrasions and scratches,
according to RadTech. The siliconized adhesive is permanently bonded
to the base layer and will purportedly never leave any residue behind
if later removed.
ClearCal's tempered, optically-correct surface resists scratches and
abrasions and cam be cleaned. In addition to glare reduction,
ClearCal provides a level of impact protection and minimizes the
appearance of oils or streaking if the display is touched.
