Global tablet market falls 8% in 2015
The global tablet market ended 2015 with its worst year-on-year performance ever. Shipments fell 11% to 69.9 million units during the fourth quarter and fell 8% to 224.3 million units for the full year of 2015, according to the new "Preliminary Global Tablet Shipments and Market Share by Operating System: Q4 2015" report from Strategy Analytics' Tablet & Touchscreen Strategies (TTS) service.
Bright spots in the tablet market continued to be in the 2-in-1 tablet and Windows tablet segments while traditional slates continued their downward slide.
"Apple suffered big setbacks this year as a lack of innovation during the last several years caught up to iPad sales. Instead, Apple has focused on its MacBooks, iPhone 6/6+, and Apple Watch releases,” says Peter King, research director, Tablet & Touchscreen Strategies. “The launch of the iPad Pro failed to meet expectations during the quarter. While we see real long-term potential for iPad Pro in the enterprise and verticals, there was...
OTT subscriptions exceeded 60% of U.S. broadband households in...
Parks Associates (www.parksassociates.com) reports that over 60% of U.S. broadband households have at least one OTT video service subscription.
"The growth of OTT subscription services is amazing. Several notable OTT services launched during the past year, and more will be introduced in 2016. We expect to see a variety of new content options to meet all tastes, interests, and languages," said Brett Sappington, director of research, Parks Associates. "Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu will continue to dominate this space in the United States, but the new entrants stand to make huge gains. Consumers are experimenting with different services. The market is very fluid right now, but in 2016, we will better understand the number of subscriptions consumers will be willing to maintain long term.”
Content will be key to attract the new video-centric consumer, and these emerging cloud-based businesses will be experimenting with different monetization models in 2016 and beyond, added Glenn Hower,...
AppDelete for OS X now optimized for El Capitan
Reggie Ashworth has announced AppDelete 4.2.3 (http://www.reggieashworth.com/appdelete), an update to his application deletion utility for Mac OS X.
Via drag and drop, it will uninstall anything along with all of the associated items. Version 4.2.3 is an El Capitan optimized version that adds Cancel buttons to the Genius/Orphans dialogs, has a trash package that now features the AppDelete icon, and includes miscellaneous bug fixes and other optimizations.
AppDelete 4.2.3 is compatible with OS X 10.7 and higher. It costs $7.99 for a single user license. Upgrades from Version 2/AppDelete Lite are$3.99 (USD). A full-featured demo is available. Version 3 licenses without a serial number are also eligible for the upgrade.
Excel Software announces DocProtect 5
Excel Software has announced DocProtect 5, an update of the software for protecting document types and ensuring that only licensed users on a Mac, Windows or Android device can view the content.
It can be used to protect computer training courses, research reports, confidential information, reference guides, price lists, customer contacts, repair manuals, demonstration videos, games and eBooks. DocProtect 5 can generate an Android application from EPUB, PDF, Video or HTML files.
It outputs a source folder of Java files that can be compiled into an Android application using Android Studio with no programming required. Other enhancements in version 5 include support for larger documents, improved video playback controls, more flexible PDF support and features to organize, clone or batch build up to 200 protected documents with one command.
DocProtect converts a document into a protected application. Version 5 adds the ability to generate a 32-bit or 64-bit Mac or Windows application...
Drawmer S73 Intelligent Master Processor plain added to...
Focusrite (www.focusrite.com) has announced that, beginning Feb. 2, the Focusrite/Softube Time and Tone bundle will be expanded to include the Drawmer S73 Intelligent Master Processor plug-in. The bundle already includes three of Softube’s plug-ins: TSAR-1R Reverb, Tube Delay and Saturation Knob.
All Focusrite Clarett, Scarlett and Saffire owners who registered on or after Septe.1, 2015, are eligible to download the bundle, and it’s available with any new purchase of those interface ranges. The Drawmer plug-in, with a value of $99, brings the total bundle value to $297.
The Drawmer S73 features an enhanced multi-band compressor sound design, fine-tuned to improve your mix and. Use the Type parameter to switch between ready made mastering processing techniques, featuring multi-band compression, equalization and mid-side (M/S) processing to find the sound that suits your mix the best. Under the hood is technology created by Drawmer for the 1973 Three Band FET Stereo Compressor, a multi...
MAXON announces update to Cineware for Adobe After Effects CC
MAXON has announced a new update to Cineware (3.0) for the latest version of Adobe After Effects CC, a key component of Adobe Creative Cloud. It’s available at http://tinyurl.com/jllyfv9 .
The Cineware Live 3D pipeline first introduced in After Effects CC offers improved workflow and greater performance. OpenGL rendering is now available within the Cineware effect, providing increased speed and higher quality results than the software render option.
Users can now choose to automatically sync the After Effects and Cinema 4D time sliders. The new Cinema 4D Take System, introduced in R17, the latest Cinema 4D release, is also supported; After Effects artists can now choose to render specific takes in a Cinema 4D project file.
After Effects users who don’t own a commercial license of Cinema 4D but are interested in exploring 3D content creation as a part of their workflow still have access to Cinema 4D Lite, a light version of the Cinema 4D toolset that launches directly from within...
Satechi expands its metallic line of workspace solutions
Satechi has added the Aluminum Monitor Stand to its Metallic Line, which already consists of the Type-C Hub, Aluminum Wireless Headphones, and an Aluminum Headset Stand.
All the products in the line are available in three metallic shades, gold, space grey, and silver. The Aluminum Monitor Stand raises larger computer monitors (up to 31 pounds) or laptops for a more comfortable viewing angle that reduces eye and neck strain by promoting good posture. The monitor stand also improves ventilation and creates free workspace, by adding an additional platform to organize a tablet, laptop, charging station, smartphone, office supplies, printers and more.
The Aluminum Monitor Stand, available in space gray, gold or silver, is available now for $39.99 on Satechi.net and Amazon.com.
Company of Heroes 2 – The Western Front Armies breaks out on...
Feral Interactive says The Western Front Armies game is now available on Stream for Mac OS X and Linux systems, and is coming to the Mac soon
The Western Front Armies expansion pack contains two additional armies: the versatile US Forces and the highly experienced Oberkommando West, as well as eight new maps set in the French and Belgian countryside. The Western Front Armies is available on Steam as a standalone game that offers a great entry point to Company of Heroes 2’s multiplayer. It can also be used with the Company of Heroes 2 base game.
On the Mac App Store, The Western Front Armies will be available as an in-app purchase, requiring the base game Company of Heroes 2 in order to play.
For more information, go to the Company of Heroes 2 mini site (https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/mac-games/companyofheroes2/?page=dlc).
Apple announces AC Wall Plug Adapter Exchange Program
Apple has announced the AC Wall Plug Adapter Exchange Program (http://tinyurl.com/z8eotwo). The company says it’s determined that, “in very rare cases,” the two prong Apple AC wall plug adapters designed for use in Continental Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Argentina and Brazil may break and create a risk of electrical shock if touched.
These wall plug adapters shipped from 2003 to 2015 with Mac and certain iOS devices, and were also included in the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit. Apple says it has voluntarily decided to exchange affected wall plug adapters with a new, redesigned adapter, free of charge. The company encourages customers to exchange any affected parts. Other wall plug adapters, including those designed for Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, United Kingdom, and United States and Apple USB power adapters are not affected by this program.
Green Screen Pro offers 2D, 3D motion effects for iMovie, FCP X
Mosa Motion Graphics has introduced Green Screen Pro 1.0 for OS X. It’s a helper app that brings 3D and 2D motion effects to iMovie and Final Cut Pro users.
You can drag and drop into any video project. With its library of 100+ green screen CGI clips, anyone can create amazing transition animations, knock-off animations of iPhone, YouTube, FaceBook, Instagram and more.
Green Screen Pro 1.0 costs $9.99 and requires Mac OX 10.9 or later. It’s available worldwide through the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/zalkc9r) in the Video category. All clips are royalty free, license prohibits resale.
Global smartphone shipments hit a record 1.4 billion units in...
According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics (www.strategyanalytics.com), global smartphone shipments grew 12 percent annually to hit a record 1.4 billion units in 2015. Samsung maintained first position and captured 22%global smartphone marketshare.
"Global smartphone shipments grew just 6% annually from 380.1 million units in Q4 2014 to 404.5 million in Q4 2015,” said Linda Sui, director at Strategy Analytics. “This quarter was the smartphone industry's slowest growth rate of all time. Smartphone growth is slowing due to increasing penetration maturity in major markets like China and consumer worries about the future of the world economy. Global smartphone shipments grew 12 percent annually from 1.28 billion in full-year 2014 to a record 1.44 billion in 2015.”
Neil Mawston, executive director at Strategy Analytics, adds: ”Samsung shipped 81.3 million smartphones worldwide in Q4 2015, growing an above-average 9 percent annually from 74.5 million units in Q4 2014. This was...
Synology introduces DiskStation DS216+
Synology has launched the DiskStation DS216+ (http://tinyurl.com/guu4p39). The 2-bay NAS server is aimed at home and small office users who want an efficient and secure storage solution to protect and share data, while enjoying on-the-fly video transcoding.
Equipped with an Intel Celeron Processor N3050 and Intel AES New Instructions (Intel AES-NI) encryption, the DS216+ delivers high-speed performance, exceeding 111 MB/s reading and writing, while ensuring encrypted data transmissions at over 113 MB/s reading and 109 MB/s writing, according to Jones Tsai, hardware design director of Synology. Additionally, the DS216+ can perform on-the-fly H.264 4K to 1080p video transcoding, making it possible for high definition enthusiasts to stream their multimedia files, regardless of bandwidth or potential device limitations, he adds.
By implementing the Btrfs file system, the DS216+ offers advanced data protection by enabling point-in-time snapshot and restore, built-in data integrity checks,...
Apple is planning a massive R&D facility in San Jose
The San Jose City (California) Council Tuesday unanimously approved Apple’s plans to develop up to 4.15 million square feet of office space over 15 years in North San Jose, “fueling hope among some leaders that one day the tech giant will be headquartered there,” reports the SF Gate (http://tinyurl.com/jln3ll9). Apple is currently based in Cupertino, California.
Apple hasn’t revealed its plans for the property or the total number of employees there, but San Jose city officials say the jobs will be related to research and development. Or, as the rumor mill is already speculating, it could be a place to build the rumored “Apple Car.”
According to the SF Gate, Apple has already invested about one- third of a billion dollars in San Jose. The council’s actions allow Apple to add 43 acres of land it acquired last year for $138 million to an existing development agreement approved by the city years ago. The office space to be developed sits on Orchard Parkway on both sides of Atmel Way and...
BBEdit gets performance boost, interface refinements, more
Bare Bones Software (www.barebones.com) has released BBEdit 11.5, an update to its professional strength HTML and text editor.
BBEdit 11.5 offers a variety of performance improvements, refinements to fit and finish, and changes to streamline workflow in specific areas, such as Find Differences. In all, this new version includes more than one hundred and sixty new features, changes to existing features, and fixes for specific reported issues. Version 11.5requires Mac OS X 10.9.5 or later, and is fully compatible with OS X El Capitan.
BBEdit 11.5 is a recommended update which is free of charge to all BBEdit 11 customers. For new users, the suggested retail price is $49.99. Special upgrade pricing is available to owners of BBEdit 10 for $29.99, and to owners of BBEdit 9 or earlier for US$39.99. Multi-user licenses are also available.
Output Factory Server for InDesign adds New HTML image export...
Zevrix Solutions has announced Output Factory Server 1.2.10, a feature update to its output workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign.
Output Factory Server automates printing and exporting from InDesign by processing files from hot folders. The software offers layer versioning, preflighting, variable file name, export as single pages, FTP transfer and many other time saving automation options. Version 1.2.10 adds support for new HTML image export options introduced in InDesign CC 2015.
Output Factory Server can be purchased from the Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com) for $699.95. A demo is available for download. BatchOutput Server users can upgrade for $350. Output Factory Server runs on Mac OS X 10.6-10.11 and works with Adobe InDesign CS5-CC 2015.
LOGICnow introduces enhanced remote management for the Mac
LOGIC now (https://www.logicnow.com), which specializes in integrated cloud-based IT Service Management (ITSM) solutions, has introduced enhanced remote management capability for the Mac platform and that it has acquired Mac-MSP, a provider of Apple Mac-centric SaaS tools for Managed Service Providers (MSPs).
These two developments will enable MSPs using the LOGICnow platform to deliver best-in-class support for both Macs and PCs, helping them to differentiate their services and support clients more effectively, according to Stephen Garland, senior vice president of Engineering, LOGICnow. The extension of the Take Control remote access feature within MAX Remote Management to cover the Mac will allow MSPs to offer the same levels of remote access support for Macs as they have long had for Windows-based environments, he adds.
One click allows remote access to any server or workstation directly from the MAX Remote Management dashboard. The solution also delivers reports that help MSPs...
Apple reports first quarter results
Apple today announced financial results for its fiscal 2016 first quarter that ended Dec. 26, 2015. The company posted record quarterly revenue of $75.9 billion and record quarterly net income of $18.4 billion, or $3.28 per diluted share.
These results compare to revenue of $74.6 billion and net income of $18 billion, or $3.06 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 40.1 percent compared to 39.9 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 66 percent of the quarter’s revenue.
“Our team delivered Apple’s biggest quarter ever, thanks to the world’s most innovative products and all-time record sales of iPhone, Apple Watch and Apple TV,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “The growth of our Services business accelerated during the quarter to produce record results, and our installed base recently crossed a major milestone of one billion active devices.”
“Our record sales and strong margins drove all-time records for net income and EPS in spite of a...
Ensilo makes real-time data protection available on the Mac
Cybersecurity company enSilo (www.ensilo.com) is extending the coverage of its real-time data protection platform to include Mac OS X. enSilo's unique software enables employees to continue working as usual in the event of malicious attacks, without concern that data will be tampered with or exfiltrated.
After extensive research into OS X, enSilo was able to translate and adapt its patented technology to also support Apple's Mac platform. enSilo's platform differentiates between malicious and non-malicious outbound communications and blocks in real-time any attempted malicious outbound communication, while allowing legitimate communication to pass through, sky's CEO and co-founder, Roy Katmore.
“A Mac solution has always been part of our product roadmap," he adds. "Just like in other hosting platforms, infiltration security solutions such as endpoint protection tools are not adequately capable of combatting targeted attacks. With the number of enterprises using Mac OSX, the amount of...
Control4 launches new line of smart home solutions
Control4 Corp. is shipping its EA Series, a new line of entertainment and automation controllers for smart homes. There are
There are three separate models powered by the Control4 Operating System. They have the ability to stream personal music from any iOS device to different rooms in the home, along with native support for popular music services including: Deezer, Pandora, Rhapsody, Napster, TIDAL, and TuneIn.
The Control4 EA-1 Bundle with Control4 SR-260 remote ($600), Control4 EA-3 ($1000), and Control4 EA-5 ($2,000) are compatible with iOS mobile devices including the Apple Watch, and are backed by a standard two-year warranty. The entire EA Series is available and shipping today through the Control4 dealer network of more than 3,700 certified dealers. Installation fees may vary. For more info go to www.control4.com.
StoryBoard Artist for Mac, Windows revved to version 7
PowerProduction Software has announced StoryBoard Artist 7, an update of the digital and animatic storyboard creation tool for filmmakers. The software is available for Mac OS X and Windows.
Version 7 amps up 3D capabilities, adding an unlimited number of character poses, advanced motion graphics, and integration with StoryBoard mobile apps for previs creation across devices.
StoryBoard Artist 7 is immediately available from PowerProduction Software (http://www.powerproduction.com) for $499.99. StoryBoard Artist owners can upgrade to the new version 7.0 for $199.
KickShark introduces the HydraDock Roadie
KickShark, Inc., has announced the addition of the Roadie 6 port USB-C travel hub to its HydraDock brand of USB Type C connectivity products. The Roadie is the size of a credit card and provides the four most needed on-the-go ports: HDMI (w HDCP), gigabit Ethernet, and two USB 3.1 ports, as well as a USB-C port for a MacBook (or other) USB-C power adapter, and a USB-C male cable for connecting to the MacBook (or other USB-C device).
“We have worked for almost two years to develop the most complete array of USB Type C connection technologies, partnering with the major chip makers and factories,” says Kristin Cales, marketing director. “The 12 inch MacBook and the other computers launched since then with the new USB-C port have created problems for users on the go needing to connect to wired devices, displays, and networks. The tiny little Roadie pocket hub is the solution.”
All HydraDock brand USB-C products including the Roadie are fully compliant with USB, HDMI and other standards,...
New USB-C adapter line expands to include HDMI
StarTech.com has released a new USB-C to HDMI Adapter, which is available in black and white versions. This product extends the current product line of USB-C adapters to include HDMI, enabling users to connect their USB-C equipped laptops (such as the 12-inch MacBook) that support DisplayPort to HDMI monitors, projectors or TVs.
The adapter is especially useful for IT departments and professionals that need to quickly re-configure their current workstations to accommodate a new USB-C laptop. The compact design of the adapter lets the user to connect their USB-C device while traveling or working in “Bring Your Own Device” environments where space is limited.
The $39.99 USB-C to HDMI Adapter is available at CDW, Amazon.com, Newegg.com, PC Connection, and Insight and will be distributed by Ingram Micro, SYNNEX, Tech Data, D&H and ASI.
Apple provides second beta of iOS 9.3 to developers
Apple has seeded the second beta of the upcoming iOS 9.3 update to developers for testing purposes. The second iOS 9.3 beta is available as an over-the-air update and through the Apple Developer Center (http://tinyurl.com/ncoyerp).
The first beta of iOS 9.3 added: new features for the Health, Wallet, Notes, and Settings apps; the ability for students to share iPads; an enhanced Managed Apple ID function; and new 3D Touch shortcuts. It also adds a new feature called Night Shift, which is is designed to cut down on the amount of blue light an iOS device is putting out during the evening hours.
iOS 9.2 beta 2 introduces Night Shift controls in the iOS Control Center, accessible by swiping up from the bottom of an iOS device.
Apple posts tvOS 9.1.1
Apple has released tvOS 9.1.1, an update to the operating system of the fourth get Apple TV. It adds a new Podcasts app, as well as includes the usual bug fixes and performance tweaks.
The Podcast app will allow owners of the fourth gen Apple TV set-top box to listen to podcasts via iTunes. The app automatically synchronizes subscriptions via iCloud.
tvOS 9.1.1 can be downloaded via the Settings app on the fourth-generation Apple TV. Go to the System app, then to Software Update (under the Maintenance subhead.)
Winter Wolves unleashes Panel Stronghold: Colonial Defense
Winter Wolves has released their first sci-fi visual novel/collectible card game hybrid: Planet Stronghold: Colonial Defense for Mac OS X, Windows and Linux.
Here’s how the game/novel is described: “Planet Stronghold: Colonial Defense brings you back in time in the early settlement days of the Planet Stronghold colony. By a bizarre coincidence, two captains, two siblings, get stuck in the same colony: Alex and Diana Nelson. Take control of one of them, and discover the mysteries and the dangers of Planet Stronghold, and the personalities of the various characters of your team.
“The game features a big card-collectible gameplay part, easy to learn but hard to master. Upgradable cards brings even more replayability, especially at higher difficulty levels. For those looking forward more to the story and visual novel/dating sim aspect, you can play the game in ‘Visual Novel Mode.”
Planet Stronghold: Colonial Defense it is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. A version for mobile is...
Excel Software announces OfficeProtector 3.0
Excel Software (www.excelsoftware.com) has announced OfficeProtect 3.0 to protect and license Microsoft Excel documents.
Using OfficeProtect with either QuickLicense or AppProtect, a user-editable Excel spreadsheet is converted into a protected application (EXE on Windows or APP on Mac). Version 3.0 supports Mac Office 2011 or 2016 and adds an additional layer of protection.
OfficeProtect costs US$395 for a single user license that supports Microsoft Office on both Mac and Windows. It must be used with either AppProtect or QuickLicense. The product includes PDF user guides, VBA interface code and royalty-free distribution rights for any number of protected documents or distributed licenses.
DJUCED premieres pro DJ software
DJUCED (www.djuced.com) is showcasing the company’s updated version of its DJUCED40° professional DJ software at the NAMM 2016 show.
With this third version of the software, the brand has extensively redesigned its flagship solution, adding new functionalities, a new interface and opening up additional features that are targeted at the performance DJ, says Stephane Bellanger, DJUCED development manager. The upgraded software offers a host of new features designed to boost creativity.
With two mixing decks, incorporating a dual-audio filter, an effects engine offering over 10 high-resolution options, compatibility for high-resolution audio decoding and filters such as “Magic Fade,” DJUCED 40° is designed for everyone from the first-time DJ to the experienced club DJ as they keep their DJ set updated. New features include dual remix-focused decks multi-layer samplers, advanced loop management and slicers
The new version of DJUCED 40° will be available in March for Mac OS X and Windows...
AKVIS debuts new France-themed frame pack
AKVIS (www.akvis.com) has released a new frame collection “France,” for use with the company’s software. The new pack sports 80 frame designs and is an addition to the AKVIS countries themed frame packs.
The new set includes 80 hand painted frames, 40 horizontal and 40 vertical, embellished with traditional symbols and iconic landmarks of France. AKVIS themed frame packs are intended for those interested in photo decorations
With the release of the new set, AKVIS now offers 24 themed packs. They can only be used with the programs: AKVIS Frames (available for free) and AKVIS ArtSuite (available in standalone, home deluxe, and business versions). You can download AKVIS Frames 1.0 for free. The France collection costs $15. All AKVIS products run on Mac OS X 10.6 or higher.
Unmarked Software scrubs TextSoap for OS X to version 8
Unmarked Software has launched TextSoap 8, an upgrade to their Mac OS X productivity tool designed to automate the tedious task of manually cleaning up text.
The software processes text from a variety of formats. TextSoap 8 brings a new interface designed to streamline efforts in text cleaning of documents, emails, web pages and more. The new system-wide menu provides access to TextSoap features inside most applications.
TextSoap 8 requires Mac OS X 10.10 or later available directly from Unmarked Software (http://www.unmarked.com/textsoap/). For a limited time, it’s available for an introductory price of $29.99, after which regular pricing for new customers starts at $44.99. Upgrades for existing customers start at $24.99.
Scannerz revved for OS X El Capitan
Software and Computer System Company has released Scannerz 1.9.9.90 (http://scsc-online.com) for Mac OS X.
The tool employs hard drive and SSD analysis algorithms. The package additionally includes the newer versions of Phoenix (version 2.1) as well as Performance Probe (as of version 2.1). All components in the 1.9.9.90 upgrade have been enhanced to provide better performance for users of OS X El Capitan (MacOS 10.11).
The update is free for all current users of fully featured versions of Scannerz. Scannerz is available in three versions: Lite ($21.95); FSE-Lite, Performance Probe, and Phoenix ($39.95) and Scannerz with FSE, Performance Probe, and Phoenix.
Three new plug-ins available for UAD hardware, Apollo interfaces
Universal Audio (www.uadio.com) has announced three new direct developer plug-ins for UAD hardware and Apollo interfaces — the Brainworx bx_digital V3 EQ Collection, Sonnox Oxford Envolution, and the exclusive Marshall JMP 2203 Guitar Amplifier, developed by Softube. All three will be released as part of UAD Software 8.5 in early February.
Developed by Softube exclusively for UAD-2 and Apollo interfaces, the $199 Marshall JMP 2203 Guitar Amplifier Plug-In is an emulation of the 100-watt amplifier used by everyone from Iron Maiden and Slayer, to Jeff Beck and My Bloody Valentine. All Marshall plug-ins include UA’s Unison technology; Apollo user’s guitar pickups will see the exact impedance load as if they’re plugged into a vintage Marshall amp, according to the folks at Softube.
Developed by Sonnox, the $249 Oxford Envolution is a frequency-dependent envelope shaper that can add presence/distance to drums, piano, guitar, and any other percussive content. With separate transient and...
Fuel3D deploys new 3D algorithm to boost performance
Fuel3D (www.fuel-3d.co), a 3D capture and imaging innovator, has launched Fuel3D Studio 2.1, the latest version of its software for processing and manipulating 3D scan data captured by the company’s $1,490 SCANIFY handheld 3D scanner system.
Key developments include improved Z-axis precision and the ability to process scan data in the cloud; both of these key developments originated from the company’s engagement with enterprise partner/customers. Fuel3D’s Cat Bird algorithm improves Z-axis precision on scans, which means that scans are processed with improved depth accuracy
Improved Z-axis cloud processing can be applied to previous scan files without the need to re-scan the subject. Users simply open any file previously captured by SCANIFY and re-process via the new cloud option in Fuel3D Studio.
The introduction of cloud processing (currently running in beta) helps to remove the burden of 3D scan processing from a computer or tablet by executing the new algorithm on Fuel3D’s servers...
Badia Software announces IDML Import 1.0 for QuarkXPress 2015
Badia Software has announced IDML Import 1.0 for QuarkXPress 2015, an XTension for importing Adobe InDesign's IDML files into QuarkXPress.
IDML Import can convert the contents of IDML files, including text and picture boxes, pages and spreads, graphics, styles, stories, layers, and colors, into fully-editable QuarkXPress objects. It supports any IDML file created with InDesign CC 2015 or older, and includes many handy tools for unparalleled flexibility.
IDML Import will retain the look and feel of the original InDesign document, and by importing all styles sheets and master pages, users can make global changes once the file is recreated in QuarkXPress. IDML Import can also import the contents of IDML files into existing QuarkXPress documents, or create brand new projects and layouts. It also permits importing certain spreads of the IDML file, for added flexibility.
IDML Import requires QuarkXPress 2015 and Mac OS X 10.9 or newer. Single licenses of IDML Import are $69.99 each (...
Apple opening iOS App Development Center in Italy
Apple has announced the creation of Europe’s first iOS App Development Center in Italy, which is designed to give students practical skills and training on developing iOS apps.
The iOS App Development Center will be located at a partner institution in Naples. Apple CEO Tim Cook says it will support teachers and provide a specialized curriculum preparing thousands of future developers to be part of Apple’s thriving developer community. In addition, the Cupertino, California-based company will work with partners around Italy who deliver developer training to complement this curriculum and create additional opportunities for students. Apple expects to expand this program to other countries around the world, says Cook.
“Europe is home to some of the most creative developers in the world and we’re thrilled to be helping the next generation of entrepreneurs in Italy get the skills they need for success,” he adds. “The phenomenal success of the App Store is one of the driving forces behind...
PFAssistive Framework revved to version 3.6.2
PFiddlesoft has released version 3.6.2 of PFAssistive Framework. The frameworks help developers write assistive Mac applications for persons with disabilities using Apple's Accessibility and Quartz Event Taps APIs [application programming interfaces] on OS X. Version 3.6.2 offers bug fixes.
The PFAssistive Framework was created in 2003 as the engine driving PFiddlesoft’s UI Browser application for developers and for users of Apple’s AppleScript GUI Scripting technology. The framework supports and enhances Apple's Accessibility API. The PFEventTaps Framework was created in 2007 as the engine underlying PFiddlesoft’s free Event Taps Testbench utility for developers. The framework supports and enhances Apple's Quartz Event Taps API.
The frameworks are written using Objective-C. They support the Intel 64-bit architecture using reference counted memory management or ARC, and they support client applications written in Objective-C or Swift. Developers can license the PFiddlesoft Frameworks...
Logic Pro X updated to version 10.2.1
Apple has updated Logic Pro X, its pro level music software for Mac OS X, to version 10.2.1. According to Apple, the upgrade contains fixes and enhancements including:
° New multi-threading feature improves performance when processing multiple live channels;
° Faster playback responsiveness when previewing Apple Loops and performing region edits;
° Flex Pitch editing can be performed within the Tracks area using a Piano Roll interface;
° A collection of 30 plug-ins have been redesigned to add Retina support and improve usability;
° Numerous improvements to Alchemy including Apple Loops support and 11 new spectral effects
° Improved reliability when downloading additional content;
° Additional content can be downloaded directly from the Sound Library and Apple Loops browsers;
° Drum Machine Designer supports drag and drop of multiple audio files;
° The Step Editor can automatically create lanes to display all MIDI events in a region;
° New export option allows you to to create stems...
U.S. Bank adds Apple Pay to its FlexPerks American Express cards
Apple Pay is now available to customers who use U.S. Bank FlexPerks American Express Cards.
“Enabling Apple Pay for our U.S. Bank FlexPerks American Express Cardmembers continues our efforts to give customers choices in how they manage payments, as well as providing them an easy, secure and private way to pay,” said Cliff Cook, senior vice president for the U.S. Bank retail credit-card division.
Apple Pay is now available with the: U.S. Bank FlexPerks Reserve American Express Card; U.S. Bank FlexPerks Travel Rewards American Express Card; and U.S. Bank FlexPerks Select+ American Express Card. With this announcement, all U.S. Bank credit and debit cards (consumer and small business) work with Apple Pay.
With Apple’s mobile payment service, card numbers aren’t stored on the iOS device; instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in the Secure Element. If the device is lost or stolen, you can suspend the device and stop the ability to make...
iPad Pro and iPhone support added to Logic Remote
Apple has upgraded its Logic Remote app to version 1.3 adding iPad Pro and iPhone support.
Available at the Apple App Store (http://tinyurl.com/hcqjgtu), Logic Remote is a companion app for Logic Pro X on the Mac. It provides a way to extend the power of Logic by using your iPhone or iPad.
Designed to take advantage of Multi-Touch, Logic Remote offers ways to record, mix and even perform instruments in Logic Pro X. It’s a free download and requires iOS 9.1 or later.
Apple releases, updates music apps for iOS devices
Apple has announced a new addition and a major update to its family of music-making apps for iOS to let folks tap into their musical potential and create incredible music no matter where they are.
An all-new app called Music Memos lets musicians and songwriters capture, organize and develop their musical ideas right on their iPhone. And a major update to GarageBand for iOS introduces multiple new features, including Live Loops, a fun way for anyone to make music like a DJ using only their iPhone or iPad.
“Musicians around the world, from the biggest artists to aspiring students, use Apple devices to create amazing music; the innovative new Music Memos app will help them quickly capture their ideas on iPhone and iPad whenever inspiration strikes,” says Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “GarageBand is the most popular music creation app in the world, and this update helps everyone easily tap into their musical talent with the powerful new Live Loops...
BestiPhoneCleaner releases iPhone Cleaner for Mac
BestiPhoneCleaner has introduced iPhone Cleaner for Mac, an utility designed specifically to keep iOS devices clean.
Smartphones can store different unnecessary data, such as cookies and remnants of applications. This is where iPhone Cleaner for Mac can be incredibly useful, and has proven itself capable of freeing a good amount of space in iOS devices. iPhone Cleaner for Mac was specifically designed for its purpose.
iPhone Cleaner for Mac is completely free, and can be downloaded from BestiPhoneCleaner online (http://tinyurl.com/gl33q4c).
OWC announces Mercury Electra MAX6G 2TB SSD
OWC has announced announced the Mercury Electra MAX 6G 2.0TB SSD, the highest capacity 2.5-inch solid state drive the company has ever offered.
It delivers “exceptional speeds and offers reliable, consistent high performance” via the 6G SATA interface, according to OWC. Sequential read performance reaches up to 490MB/s, with write performance up to 471 MB/s. Read performance for incompressible data is up to 466 MB/s with write speeds of up to 447 MB/s.
The Mercury Electra MAX 6G 2.0TB SSD provides RAID-like data protection and reliability. Shipping this month, it will be available at OWC authorized resellers and MacSales.com at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $799.99. Go to http://tinyurl.com/jabjaoo for more info.
Led by the iPhone 6s, the sensor hub market is growing fast
The demand for sensor hubs, dedicated processing elements used for low-power sensor processing tasks, is booming.
In fact due to “always on” sensor processing trends and the limitations of battery technology, the overall market for all types of sensor hubs will exceed 1.0 billion units in 2015, rising to nearly 2.0 billion in 2018, according to IHS Inc. (www.ihs.com). Samsung, Apple and Motorola have already been using sensor hubs in their smartphones for a number of years, and Apple, Motorola and Microsoft explicitly advertise their use of sensor hubs or sensor cores in certain smartphones, notes the research group.
“The sensor hub market is incredibly dynamic, changing rapidly over the last two years, due in large part to Apple’s iPhones,” said Marwan Boustany, senior analyst for IHS Technology. “When Apple shifted from a discrete microcontroller to an integrated application-processor-based solution for the iPhone 6S line in 2015, it signaled to other manufacturers that this...
GeekSuit announces beta test of Client Folder Maker 4.5 for OS X
GeekSuit has announced open beta testing of Client Folder Maker 4.5, an t update to their folder creation and management utility for Mac OS X.
Client Folder Maker offers a folder creation and management tool and is targeted to the busy web developer, graphic designer, app developer, desktop publisher, or prepress operator. GeekSuit is offering users the chance to beta test version 4.5 of the app in order to test drive the new features before it goes public.
Mac users who are running Mac OS X 10.8 or later on their machine are invited to participate in the Client Folder Maker 4.5 beta at the MacDeveloper website (http://macdeveloper.net/). Users simply need visit the website and login if they're already registered as a user, or become a tester by filling out a form.
CS Odessa releases UK map solution for ConceptDraw Pro 10
CS Odessa (www.conceptdraw.com) has announced a new UK Map Solution in ConceptDraw Solution Park. It’s designed to assist individuals who are looking for UK map content to be represented in maps they draw.
The collection of library objects, templates, and example drawings for ConceptDraw Pro simplifies the job of drawing maps that contain county information. The UK Map Solution offers optional levels of detail, showing sub-divisions of territory and local government areas, along with major cities.
It’s available for a $25 charge to users of ConceptDraw Pro10 and ConceptDraw Office 3, via ConceptDraw Solution Park. ConceptDraw Pro and ConceptDraw Office work with the latest versions of both Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows.
ConceptDraw Pro 10 costs $199 per end user license. Or you can obtain it by purchasing the $499 ConceptDraw Office 3 which also includes ConceptDraw MindMap 8, ConceptDraw Project 7, and the ConceptDraw Solution Park with more than 30 solutions.
iMovie for Mac revved to version 10.1.1
iMovie for Mac has been revved to version 10.1.1. It’s available via the Updates tab in the Mac App Store. According to Apple, the upgrade:
° Resolves an issue with YouTube sharing that could prevent sign-ins for users with multiple accounts;
° Fixes a problem that could prevent white balance adjustments from being applied to clips;
° Correctly plays Sony XAVC S clips captured at 100 or 120 frames per second;
° Resolves an issue that could lead to the incorrect display of images.
Clips are now copied when dragged from the Project Media container to events in the Library list. iMovie 10.1.1 also sees stability improvements.
PipelineFX releases Qube! 6.8
PipelineFX has launched released Qube! 6.8 (http://www.pipelinefx.com/features/), an update to the render farm management software for visual effects. The new version expands the capabilities of ArtistView bringing job submissions, a simpler configuration process and tabbed navigation into a new user interface.
ArtistView was designed to streamline WranglerView, so artists only have to focus on creative elements like queue control, project updates, and render previews. Qube! 6.8 kickstarts that process by taking submission elements from WranglerView and presenting them in a way that speaks to the workflow needs of top studios. The update also adds: centralized preferences; OS X El Capitan support; Harmony 12 support; and VRED Sequencer support.
Customers currently on maintenance and support can download version 6.8 immediately from the PipelineFX ftp site. Monthly subscription licenses are $15/mo. Dedicated licensing options like Qube! Designer (best for design and broadcast) and...
Just Mobile introduces its first iPad Pro accessories
Just Mobile (www.just-mobile.com) has released its first iPad Pro accessories -- Just Mobile AutoHeal and TENC for Apple’s iPad Pro.
The $44.95 AutoHeal self-healing full-coverage screen protectors protecting the super-sized iPad screen from minor scratches. The naturalist “wanting the true beauty of their iPad Pro to shine” will love the TENC self-healing, ultra-slim transparent cases, says Nils Gustafsson, co-founder of Just Mobile.
Crafted from auto-healing smart material and tailored to the iPad's curved edges, the $49.95 TENC (pictured) is designed to complement Apple’s Smart Cover or Smart Keyboard.
Screenium for OS X now lets you record from iOS devices
Synium Software has served up Screenium 3.1, an update to their screen recording tool for OS X.
The app lets you record at 60 fps. Version 3.1 lets you record the contents of your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and tvOS devices.
Screenium requires a OS X 10.9 or later. Recording iOS devices requires iOS 8 and OS X 10.10 or later as well as an iOS device with a Lightning connector.
Until January 19, Screenium is offered with a 50% discount. After that, the regular price of $49.99 will apply.
iTaskX for OS X revved to version 3
Techno-Grafit has released iTaskX 3 (http://tinyurl.com/zlvmdvd) for Mac OS X. It’s an update of the Microsoft Project compatible, pro project management software.
The update sports a revamped user interface inspired by OS X El Capitan. It also boasts: new usage views; cost rate tables; recurring tasks; advanced work calendars; effort-driven scheduling; and more.
iTaskX 3 requires Mac OS X Yosemite or El Capitan. Pricing starts at US$140 for a single-user license.
Apple’s home page honors Martin Luther King Jr.
Apple has again dedicated its home page (www.apple.com) to honor Marin Luther King Jr on the day that honors him.
There’s a black-and-white picture of the civil rights leader. It also lists one of his many famous quotes: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ “
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. It’s observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is close to King's birthday (Jan. 15).
