Mac OS X software updates for Oct. 12
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Zevrix Solutions (www.zevrix.com) has announced Graphic Inspector 1.7.19, a maintenance update to its quality control solution that checks batches of graphic files for potential problems according to specific workflow requirements. The new version improves the handling of JPEG files on Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion.
Objective Development (www.obdev.at/) has released Little Snitch 3.0.1, an update of their application firewall. Rules can now be created by dragging applications on Little Snitch Configuration's dock icon or on Little Snitch's status menu item. Also, Network Monitor Snapshots are now displayed without traffic meters and server names in gray.
Koingo Software has updated Mac Cleanse (www.koingosw.com/products/maccleanse.php), a small Mac OS X application geared towards purifying your system, to version 2.0.1. It's a maintenance release with some bug fixes.
The Pixelmator Team (www.pixelmator.com/) has rolled out Pixelmator 2.1.2...
Ex-AMD veteran leaves Samsung for Apple
Jim Mergard, a 16-year veteran of Advanced Micro Devices and recent Samsung employee, has left Samsung to go to work at Apple, reports the "Wall Street Journal" (http://macte.ch/lXSb6).
He's known for playing a leading role in the development of a high-profile AMD chip that carried the code name Brazos and was designed for low-end portable computers. Patrick Moorhead, a former AMD executive who now leads the research firm Moor Insights & Strategy, tells the "WSJ" that Mergard brings deep expertise in both computer technology as well as in products known as SoCs–systems on a chip.
Besides the current breed of Apple smartphones and tablets, Moorhead says Mergard’s talents could potentially be applied to Apple’s computer fforts, where its Macs use Intel chips but not SoCs.
"He would be very capable of pulling together internal and external resources to do a PC processor for Apple," Moorhead tells the "WSJ."
Apple ranks high in list of in-demand employees
A new study by LinkedIn (http://talent.linkedin.com/indemand/) names Apple as the number two most in-demand employers globally. It's topped only by Google.
Making the top 20 are: Google, Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, Unilever, GE, Pepisco, P&G, McKinsey & Company, Coca-Cola, Walt Disney, Nike, Salesforce.com, Twitter, Exxon, Nestle, BCG, Ogilivy, Expedia and Accenture.
However, when it comes to the most in-demand employers among software engineers, Apple ranks only nine. The top 20 by this classification are: Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Amazon, Accenture, Cisco, Oracle, Twitter, Apple, IBM, Cognizant Technology Solutions, ThoughtWorks, Infosys, Wipro Technologies, HCL Technologies, Adobe, HP, Intel, Red Hat and Motorola Mobility.
Here's what LinkedIn -- a is a social networking website for people in professional occupations -- says about the lists: "Out of more than 2 million companies on LinkedIn, these employers are the most InDemand. How did we rank the winners? We...
Ban of Galaxy Nexus overturned
A U.S. appeals has court overturned a preliminary injunction banning the sale of Samsung's Galaxy Nexus smartphone, sending the case back to a California court for reconsideration, reports "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/mWhBo).
Apple had filed a lawsuit in February accusing Samsung of infringing eight patents, and had asked a California court to ban the sale of smartphones it said infringed on its patents. The lower court agreed.
However, "Reuters" reports that the the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which had previously put a stay on the injunction, ruled that the district court in California "abused its discretion in entering an injunction."has abused its discretion in entering an injunction."
This is all part of the ongoing, global legal battle. Apple and Samsung have filed more than 30 lawsuits against each other across four continents. For example, Apple alleges that Samsung copied the slide-to-unlock technology of its iPhone and iPad devices.
Rumored iPad mini the least desired of upcoming Apple products?
A survey by TechBargains.com, a deal aggregation site, says that the rumored iPad mini is the least desired Apple product expected to launch this year. The company's "iPhone/iPad Mini Predictions" survey revealed that only 18% of the surveyed consumers plan to purchase the smaller tablet (assuming, of course, Apple does release such a device).
Fifty percent of those surveyed aren't interested in buying the iPad mini and 32% are undecided. This compares to 45% of respondents from the same survey who plan to purchase the new iPhone 5.
Of those who plan to purchase the iPad mini, 14% indicated a plan to wait in line the day it's released, one in five will buy it online as soon as it's available, and 66% don’t have a set time frame for purchase. The data also reveals original iPad owners are the most likely to pay for the new iPad mini with 27% of them planning to purchase the tablet.
Current Kindle Fire owners and those who don’t currently own a tablet are least likely to plan a...
iOS sales ban lifted in South Korea -- for now
A Seoul court has delayed an iOS sales band in South Korea so Apple can continue to sell the iPhone and iPad there, reports "The MacObserver" (www.macobserver.com). The company has been facing a ban on sales after a finding that its mobile devices infringe on Samsung-owned patents.
In August a three-judge panel in Seoul Central District Court said Apple infringed two Samsung technology patents, while Samsung violated one of Apple's patents. The court awarded small damages to both companies and said they must halt sales of the infringing products in South Korea.
This is all part of the ongoing, global legal battle. Apple and Samsung have filed more than 30 lawsuits against each other across four continents. For example, Apple alleges that Samsung copied the slide-to-unlock technology of its iPhone and iPad devices.
Two Italian consumer organizations suing Apple
Another day, another lawsuit. Two Italian consumer associations are launching a class action lawsuit against Apple for failing to respect Italy’s national warranty regulations, reports the "IDG News Service" (http://macte.ch/70wSZ).
Rome-based Federconsumatori and the Center for the Protection of Consumers and Users (CTCU), based in the northeastern city of Bolzano, announced the action in a joint statement Tuesday. The groups cited a €900,000 (US$1.16 million) fine imposed on Apple by Italy’s Antitrust Authority in December and upheld on appeal by the Regional Administrative Tribunal (TAR) of Lazio in May.
According to the "IDG News Service," the consumer groups said they were launching the legal action in view of Apple’s continuing violation of consumer protections and with the intention of recovering the financial losses incurred by Apple’s customers as a result of its "past and present behavior."
In December 2011, Italy's Antitrust Authority fined Apple 900,000 euros for its...
Macs have 12.5% to 13.6% of US computer market
The worldwide personal computer market contracted sharply in the third quarter of 2012 (3Q12), with shipments declining over 8% from the third quarter of 2011, according to info from both the IDC (www.idc.com) and Gartner (www.gartner.com) research groups. Even Apple was affected, though less than everyone else.
According to IDC, Apple how has 12.5% of the U.S. personal computer market, though sales were down 7.5% year-over-year in the third fiscal quarter. Apple shipped approximately 2.1 million Macs during the quarter compared to just over 2.1 million in the year-ago period. Apple is now in third place among U.S. computer makers.
The top five companies in the market -- according to IDC -- are HP (26.1% market share, down 18.8% year-over-year with sales of approximately 4.2 million), Dell (20.7%, down 16% year-over-year with sales of 3.4 million), Apple, Lenovo (8.3%, with sales of 1.4 million, up 9.2% year-over-year) and Acer (6.7%, with sales of about one million, down 8.5% year...
iOS Maps problems? What problems?
Much has been reported in the media about the problems with the Maps app that Apple rolled out with the release of iOS 6. The early reporting was "anecdotal, apocalyptic or often just plain wrong but very little of it addressed the question of what consumers thought of Apple’s new Map app," reports Blumenthals (www. http://blumenthals.com), which specializes in web hosting and computing repair.
What do they think? It would seem for most of them the iPhone Map App is a non issue.
To answer this question Blumenthals created a survey in Google Consumer Surveys tool that ran from Oct. 5 through Oct. 7. The urvey indicates that over half of current users of the new app weren't ffected at all by the app and over 91% fell in the "not going to jump off the Empire State Building" cohort.
Seventy-five percent were satisfied or perhaps just didn’t notice. Only 3.2% indicated that the Map app would definitely prevent them from buying another iPhone in the future.
iFixIt tears down, examines the new iPod touch
The iFixIt gang has torn apart the new iPod touch and examined it thoroughly. You can find the teardown at http://macte.ch/Io81P .
"The recently released iPhone 5's modular design ranked high on our repairability scale, so we had lofty hopes for the Touch," says the "iFixIt" gang. "Our hopes were swiftly dashed, though. With no external screws, the Touch is tough to pry open, and its logic board utilizes two hard-to-manage ribbon cables: the battery, logic board, front camera, speaker, headphone jack, Lightning connector, and home button switch are all soldered onto one cable, while the volume buttons, power button, LED flash, and rear microphone are all attached to another cable. Repair is not impossible, but it's certainly going to be difficult and expensive if one component breaks. These factors combined earned the iPod a 3 out of 10 on our repairability scale (10 is easiest to repair)."
Ghost Whisperer now haunting the Mac
Legacy Interactive's Ghost Whisperer game (http://ghostwhisperergame.com) is now available for the Mac. It requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher and costs USS$6.99.
Here's how the game is described: "With its stories penned by Emmy award-winning television writer Lance Gentile, Ghost Whisperer: Shadowlands combines light adventure and hidden object–style game play where players need to help the recently departed move on to the afterlife and provide closure to loved ones left behind. Gamers must collect objects for their inventory to solve challenging puzzles while unraveling the mysteries of five enthralling stories with more than 30 hauntingly beautiful environments."
Ecoxbt is new waterproof Bluetooth speaker
EcoxGear (www.EcoxGear.com) has announced the US$129.99 Ecoxbt waterproof Bluetooth speaker. It features "waterproof protection from rainstorms, ocean waves, pool parties or kayaking trips," according to the folks at EcoxGear.
It's fully submersible and floats. It's purportedly been tested at one meter of depth for 30 minutes, with no leaks. The rechargeable lithium battery allows up to 10 hours of continuous music.
The Ecoxbt boasts: full-range stereo speakers with a built-in waterproof mic for speakerphone function; a built-in auxiliary in jack for an optional wired connection; a rubberized exterior that's designed to protect it from drops and everyday abuse; and an integrated carabineer clip and top panel controls for power, pairing, volume and speakerphone answer. It's available in red, orange, and black.
KoamTec smartphone cases work with barcode readers
KoamTac has released three more smartphone cases made to work with its suite of Bluetooth barcode data and card readers.
The cases are compatible with the iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy SIII and Pantech Vega Racer, bringing to eight the number of custom cases that allow users to use their smartphones as a barcode PDA in conjunction with their KDC200, KDC250, KDC300, and KDC400 programmable Bluetooth barcode scanners. For more info go to www.koamtac.com/ .
Native Instruments introduces Action Strings
Native Instruments has introduced Action Strings -- a phrase-based instrument featuring a 60-piece string orchestra. It costs US$339 and is available at http://macte.ch/zmELU .
Running in Kontakt 5 or the free Kontakt PLAYER, Action Strings delivers driving string phrases and short motifs with an extremely natural and expansive sound, according to the folks at Native Instruments. The flexible instrument provides producers of all skill levels with a resource for adding drama and movement to film and game scores, as well as rock, pop and urban tracks.
Performed by the FILMharmonic Orchestra Prague, Action Strings provides producers with over 14GB of musical phrases, sampled by renowned score production company Dynamedion. The orchestra is made up of a high ensemble featuring 22 violins, eight violas and six cellos, as well as a low ensemble containing ten violas, eight cellos and six basses. The phrases range from basic rhythmic patterns to intricate melodies, each recorded live in...
Jumsoft's Inspiration Set gets 30 new templates for Pages
Jumsoft has updated its template assortment for Apple's Pages. The latest version includes 30 new designs, adding up to 200 templates for a variety of document types.
The set presents a range of documents -- from brochures and photo albums to posters and invitations. It supplies over 700 layouts. Some designs include up to 28 inner sections, while the Catalog template contains as many as 51 different sections.
Most elements in Inspiration Set can be recolored, moved, or removed. Users can type or paste in their own text, add and remove text boxes, and change the fonts. Stock images can be replaced with users' own photos or pictures. All templates are available in both paper size A4 and U.S. Letter.
Inspiration Set requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later and iWork '08 or higher. It costs US$19.99 is and available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Graphics & Design category (http://macte.ch/fkRnf). The app is also available from Jumsoft's website (www.jumsoft.com).
Graphic Node offers 10 Keynote themes for free
Graphic Node has updated its range with a pack of 10 free themes for Keynote, Apple's presentation software. The themes require Mac OS X 10.6.6 or higher and iWork '08 or later.
The Themes for Keynote Free 1.0 set includes up to 14 slides with a mix of bulleted text and photo-oriented layouts. Designs include the clean-cut Steel Rose, the fairy-tale Turquoise Wish, and the elegant Dark Slate. The pack is intended for Keynote users looking for diverse ways to present their ideas in a professional and attractive manner, according to the folks at Graphic Node.
Users can type or paste in their text, add and remove text boxes, change fonts, and drag their photos or pictures onto the presentation slides to replace the placeholders. The themes are available in up to five slide sizes.
Themes for Keynote Free 1.0 is free and available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category (http://itunes.apple.com/app/themes-for-keynote-free/id555935825).
Mac OS X software updates for Oct. 11
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Boinx Software (www.boinx.com) has announced version 4.0 of FotoMagico, the slideshow creation tool for Mac OS X. The upgrade adds a new multiple Layers feature and Timeline visual and audio elements.
Unmarked Software (www.unmarked.com) has announces TextSoap 7.3.4, an update to its text processing and editing utility for OS X. It's a maintenance release designed to address several key issues reported by customers.
Smile (www.smilesoftware.com) has released TextExpander 4.0.2, an update to its typing shortcut tool. The update improves optional fill-in section behavior, along with other improvements and fixes.
Apple has revved its Apple Configurator mass-imaging and control software to version 1.2. It adds support for iOS 6 features on supervised devices.
The new ConceptDraw Dashboard for Facebook solution for ConceptDraw Pro 9 (www.conceptdraw.com) gives organizations a new social media analysis tool that facilitates trend discovery and...
'CNET': developers complaining about Maps flaws since...
Developers have been complaining about the Maps in iOS since shortly after they were given the first pre-release version in early June, according to "CNET." They say they filed bug requests, sent e-mails to specific Apple employees, and vented on message boards only other developers and Apple could see.
All of the half dozen developers with whom "CNET" spoke -- each of whom have applications that rely on Apple's maps technology -- requested that their names and the names of their applications be kept out of this story because of ongoing relationships with the company, the publication says. However, they say the issues were well-documented among developers, who used four pre-release versions of the software before it was given to the public last month.
Apple declined to comment. You can read more at http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57529147-37/developers-we-warned-apple.... .
Apple's Passbook a hit with MLB fans
Apple's Passbook has proven to be an instant hit with Major League Baseball fans, Bob Bowman, CEO of MLB Advance Media, tells "MarketWatch" (http://macte.ch/dj1P6). In its test run with four teams for the final two weeks of the season, 1,500 e-ticket buyers (12%) chose Passbook delivery.
"That adoption rate really floored us -- there is no question our fans want digital tickets," Bowman says."“Fans can use the tickets, forward them to a friend, resell them, or even donate them to charity -- and they never get lost or left at home."
Passbook makes it easy for consumers to organize, manage and retrieve local coupons, loyalty cards, and other money-saving information from one place. It was introduced with iOS 6.
Cream newsreader for Mac learns what you like
The Mental Faculty BV has introduces Cream 1.0, its debut newsreader application for Mac OS X (10.8 or higher).
Cream is a lightweight app designed to address the influx of news in today's digital world. The app uses technologies developed for junk mail filtering to learn what stories you like.
You can sort and filter stories based on how likely a story is to appeal to you. You can add a story to a read-it-later service like Instapaper, Readability, or Pocket. Or you can open the story in your browser.
Using technologies from junk mail handling, Cream can filter stories based on your past reading habits. Clicking on a story reveals a popover bubble.
When you read a story, Cream marks it as interesting. When you ignore a story, it's considered uninteresting. This information is used to learn what types of stories you like.
Cream provides a number of ways to filter and sort news stories. You can sort by "creaminess," which is the likelihood you will like a story based on your past...
iPhone, iPad remain very popular among U.S. teenagers
In a note to clients -- as reported by "MacRumors" (www.macrumors.com) -- Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster released a report on his semi-annual survey of U.S. teenagers, revealing the continued popularity of the iPhone and iPad. The survey of over 7,700 teenagers shows that:
° 40% of respondents currently use an iPhone, up from 34% in the last survey of six months ago;
° 62% of survey respondents plan to get an iPhone;
° 44% of teenagers now have a tablet device of some sort, with 72% of those using an iPad.
° About 35% of survey respondents who don't own a tablet (20% of total respondents) are planning to obtain one in the next six months. Of those, 74% are planning to purchase an iPad.
° 43% of survey respondents planning to buy a tablet say they would be more likely to do so if Apple launched an iPad mini priced around US$299.
Groupon sprinkles Breadcrumbs on the iPad
Groupon (www.groupon.com), which specializes in e-mail based daily deals, has launched a point-of-sale service called Breadcrumb across the U.S. as it attempts to lure in more restaurants as clients, reports "Reuters" (www.reuters.com).
Breadcrumb is a sales, order management and reporting system for restaurants, bars and cafes that runs on the iPad. It was designed a start-up founded by Seth Harris. Groupon acquired the business in May.
Since that deal, Breadcrumb has been offered as a test to about 100 restaurants, bars and cafes in New York. On Wednesday Groupon launched the service nationwide.
Apple-owned fingerprint software exposes Windows passwords
Apple-owned fingerprint software exposes Windows passwords, according to a new report by a pair of security experts, reports "Ars Technica" (http://macte.ch/s2CS7).
The vulnerability is contained in multiple versions of fingerprint-reading software known as UPEK Protector Suite. In July, Apple paid $356 million to buy Authentec, the company that acquired the technology from privately held UPEK in 2010.
"The weakness came to light no later than September, but Apple has yet to acknowledge it or warn end users how to work around it," says "Ars Technica." "No one has accused Apple of being responsible for the underlying design of fingerprint-reading software."
Here's Authentec's official description of itself: "AuthenTec encryption technology, fingerprint sensors and identity management software are deployed by the leading mobile device, networking and computing companies, content and service providers, and governments worldwide. AuthenTec’s products and technologies provide security on...
Apple, others to discuss patent law
Apple, Nokia, Google and Microsoft will for the change in patent laws today at a "UN confab on whether patent law is stifling innovation," reports "The Register" (http://macte.ch/ycBnG).
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) arranged the meeting to assess the effectiveness of allowing companies to sort out the licensing of patents crucial to building industry-standard gear, the article adds. The companies involved are expected to offer these essential designs on "reasonable and non-discriminatory terms,"
The meeting will also discuss whether existing patent law should be updated, whether standards essential patent violations should result in product bans, and what the basic rate for royalties should be, notes "The Register."
Quality control crackdown compounding iPhone 5 shortfall
Apple's problem in meeting iPhone 5 demand is being exacerbated by a quality-control crackdown at China's Foxconn manufacturing plant that’s designed to cut the number of devices shipped with nicks and scratches, reports "Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/uxm8m), quoting an unnamed "person familiar with the matter."
The scrapes, which sparked complaints with the iPhone’s debut last month, are due to Apple’s decision to use a type of aluminum that helps make the smartphone thinner and lighter. Senior Apple managers told executives at Foxconn near the end of September to tighten production standards, according to "Bloomberg."
The slowdown is heightening supply concerns that have cost Apple about $60 billion in market value since the iPhone debut -- "a shortcoming of the drive to imbue products with qualities that make them alluring yet more difficult to manufacture," the article adds.
Kobo acquires Aquafadas
Kobo (www.kobo.com), which specializes in eReading, and Aquafadas a digital publishing technology company, have entered into a definitive agreement under which Kobo intends to acquire Aquafadas (www.aquafadas.com).
The global eReading market is exploding and with the acquisition of the Aquafadas Digital Publishing System, Kobo will be able to bring a selection of rich media – magazines, academic, comics, kid's books and more to Kobo customers everywhere, says Kobo CEO Michael Serbinis. Aquafadas makes such Mac compatible products as Comici Composer, MotionComposer and SnapFlow.
"Kobo's arrival is amazing news," adds Aquafadas CEO Claudia Zimmer. "Thanks to this acquisition, publishers who use Aquafadas Publishing System will benefit from an easy, scalable, solution that will provide access to a new distribution channel in addition to other channels: Kobo's platform and its 10 million registered users. We will benefit significantly from this partnership and amp up development to...
Iomega announces new network storage array
Iomega (www.iomega.com) has announced the worldwide availability this month of the new Iomega StorCenter px12-450r Network Storage Array, a multi-protocol networked data storage for small and medium business, remote office/branch office installations and distributed enterprises.
The StorCenter px12-450r features the new Intel Xeon Processor E3-1200 v2 Product Family, 8GB RAM, improved user supportability and the option of 4TB hard disk drives (HDD). Additionally, the StorCenter px12-450r utilizes the latest version of the EMC LifeLine software, an advanced operating system that makes EMC's enterprise class expertise and cloud capabilities available to a broad range of users.
The new StorCenter px12-450r Network Storage Array is designed for advanced functions including deduplication, VDI, database and storage-based applications. Examples of emerging applications include video management systems (VMS) for surveillance and McAfee VirusScan Enterprise running natively on the storage....
iBike rolls out new iPhone 5 products
iBike has two new products for the iPhone 5: the iBike Dash CC 5TM cycling computer and iBike Phone Booth 5 bike case and mount. Both sport Bluetooth 4 bike sensor technology to track speed and cadence and water resistance to protect your Apple smartphone from the elements.
Made in the U.S.A., the iBike Phone Booth 5 will be available in November and the iBike Dash CC 5 Cycling Computer will be available in December. All iBike Dash products for earlier iPhone and iPod touch models will continue to be available.
The iBike Phone Booth 5 case & mount for iPhone 5 is available now for pre-order, priced at US$49.95 at Amazon.com or at http://store.ibikesports.com/iphone-bike-case-mount/ibike-phone-booth-fo... .
Available in December, the iBike Dash CC cycling computer for iPhone 5 is available now for pre-order priced at $99.95 at Amazon.com or http://store.ibikesports.com/bike-computers/ibike-dash-cc-bike-computer-..., and will also be available for purchase in late...
XEffects 3D released for Final Cut Pro X
Noise Industries (www.noiseindustries.com) has introduced idustrial revolution XEffects 3D Transitions to FxFactory. It's made exclusively for Apple's Final Cut Pro X.
XEffects 3D Transitions brings 24 effects to any project, using effects such as camera moves, lighting, depth of field and more to add to the realism of the animation. Settings controls for various parameters let editors fine-tune 3D transitions. XEffects 3D Transitions are available now for FxFactory for US$49.
Million Dollar Adventure available at the Mac App Store
Nevosoft has released Million Dollar Adventure for the Mac. It costs US$6.99 and requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or higher.
Here's how the game is described: "You play from the perspective of Sandra who accepts an invitation to participate in a race around the world in which the winner is awarded one million dollars. This is where the adventure begins. The storyline is touching and gets more and more interesting as you progress. It turns out that Sandra was in a car accident when she was a little girl. Her parents died and she lost her memory. In her quest to win a million dollars Sandra will travel around the world and interact with people that seem to have an eerie connection to her past.
"Even though Million Dollar Adventure is a hidden object game, the player can feel how this game differs from most games in this genre. Variety of classical searches is mixed with dozens of truly unique mini-games from all over the world, such as playing Baoding Balls or the shell game. Besides, style...
Virtual TimeClock integrates with ADP
Employers who rely on ADP payroll processing have a new time clock solution with the new Virtual TimeClock release from Redcort Software. It's Mac OS X compatible.
Virtual TimeClock's new ADP Pay eXpert integration completes Redcort Software's goal to support all of the most popular payroll systems, including QuickBooks, Paychex, SurePayroll, PayChoice, and more. It also adds a dozen user enhancements designed to improve the overall user experience.
According to the folks at Redcort default activities and memos are now preselected to improve accuracy when users punch in and out. Numerous menus and commands have been streamlined and enhanced for keyboard centric users. Users of Virtual TimeClock Network Edition have enhanced client log-in and simplified log-out.
A complete list of enhancements in Virtual TimeClock '12 Release 2 and a fully functional free trial of Virtual TimeClock software is available at the Redcort Software web site (www.redcort.com). Free trials are available for...
Mac OS X software updates for Oct. 10
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
MaBaSoft (www.mabasoft.net) has announced World Clock Deluxe 4.8.2, an update to their world time utility for Mac OS X. The new version introduces clocks with light text on a dark background, fully revises World Clock Deluxe Preferences, and corrects the offset from UTC of Tokelau.
VeprIT has released Resize Sense 1.3.1, a new version of the batch image resizer for Mac OS. The upgrade brings Retina Display support, user-configurable window layouts and other user interface improvements, and bug fixes.
Alice Dev Team has introduced Everyday 1.1 an update to their app that reminds users to take a new picture of themselves, snaps the photo, and saves daily photos in a photo album. In the upgrade, he photo window displays oval eye-guides, so users can create perfectly sized and centered photos.
Gaucho Software (www.gauchosoft.com) has rolled out Seasonality Core 2.3 with a new feature called Particle Mode. Particle Mode offers a one-of-a-kind...
Just Mobile releases new MacBook stands
Just Mobile has launched the Just Mobile AluBase and AluRack. The former is an upright MacBook stand, and the latter is a laptop mount for the iMac and Thunderbolt Display.
Crafted from a single piece of high-grade aluminum, the AluBase ships with plastic inserts to hold MacBook Pro, MacBook Pro with Retina display and MacBook Air firmly upright. Conceived by the award-winning Danish designer Jakob Wagner, it's designed to turn your MacBook into a desktop sculpture, says Nils Gustafsson, co-founder of Just Mobile.
The Just Mobile AluRack is a rear storage solution for your iMac or Thunderbolt Display. Also designed by Wagner, it allows you to mount a laptop or external drive to the rear of your display.
The AluBaseTM is available for US$49.95. The AluRack is available now for$59.95. For more info go to www.just-mobile.com .
Little Big Disk gets SATA III SSD interface
LaCie (www.lacie.com) says that the Little Big Disk Thunderbolt Series, design by Neil Poulton, now features a SATA III SSDs (6Gb/s interface). With read speeds up to 635MB/s, the LaCie Little Big Disk is the fastest portable Thunderbolt solution on the market, the company claims.
The 1.4-pound drive can transfer a 50GB project in less than two minutes or edit six uncompressed 422 streams at the same time. The product features a pair of 2.5-inch SATA III SSDs. A RAID array can be configured using the Mac OS Disk Utility for performance (RAID 0) or security (RAID 1). The Little Big Disk Thunderbolt supports daisy chaining up to six compatible devices such as displays and other peripherals.
The LaCie Little Big Disk Thunderbolt Series SSD is available in 512GB and 1TB capacities through the LaCie Online Store and LaCie Storage Partners starting at the suggested retail price of US$699. The Thunderbolt cable is included with the purchase.
Sid Meier’s Railroads! steams onto the Mac this fall
Feral Interactive has announced that Sid Meier’s Railroads!, the re-imagining of the legendary Railroad Tycoon (1990), will be released for the Mac this fall. Developed by Firaxis games and published by 2K Games for PC, Sid Meier’s Railroads! comes to the Mac for the first time under the Feral Legends label.
Here's how the game is described: "First published in 2006 for PC, Sid Meier’s Railroads! is a compelling combination of virtual train set and business simulator, putting players in charge of building their own railroad empire. Players control a vast collection of rolling stock from steam and diesel locomotives to modern electric trains, hauling goods and passengers across vast continents.
"Featuring 46 historically-accurate trains, 16 maps and seven mission-driven scenarios that span two centuries of American and European history, Sid Meier’s Railroads! challenges players to turn frontier lands into thriving civilizations by laying track and routing trains between farms, towns,...
30DC MagCast publishes 100th magazine in 100 days on Newsstand
30DC, a provider of web based tools for the monetization of digital content, says its MagCast digital publishing platform has been used to publish its 100th unique magazine title on Apple Newsstand.
"What is really pleasing about the MagCast program is the diversity of publishers, the diversity of networks, the diversity of demographics, and 30DC working together with our publishers will be delivering a series of new offerings targeted at the particular interests of the consumers of the new magazine," says CEO Ed Dale.
30DC (www.30dcinc.com) provides web based tools for the monetization of digital content. The company's MagCast publishing platform offers an apps development and maintenance tool for publishers seeking to circulate content on a single issue or subscription basis. MagCast utilizes Apple's marketplace for digital media, Newsstand as the customer interface which provides electronic distribution and collects revenue.
Quark announces App Studio for digital publishing
Quark has announced the App Studio, a digital publishing solution that combines HTML5 technology from the recent acquisition of PressRun with Quark’s existing digital publishing technology.
App Studio is now the digital publishing solution that allows users to create customized apps with HTML5, QuarkXPress, InDesign, and XML, says Shaun Barriball, vice president of Mobile Products for Quark. Through a managed cloud environment, designers, authors, and extended teams are able to collaborate to create rich, interactive content that can be delivered across multiple platforms and devices, he adds.
App Studio will be available in the next 30 days. For more info -- and to sign-up and get notified as soon as the new App Studio is available -- go to www.AppStudio.net . The new App Studio is compatible with InDesign CS5 or higher as well as the soon to be released QuarkXPress 9.5.
KasePal launched for iPad, Apple Wireless Keyboard
Trendy Digital (www.trendydigital.com) has launched the KasePad for transporting an iPad and Apple Wireless Keyboard. It's a zipped folio case that acts as a cover, carry case and stand
Available in a choice of three finishes, Wrapped removes the need to tote two separate covers everywhere, according to Mark Zheng, vice president of sales and marketing, Trendy Digital. It also offers no-fuss access to both, he adds.
"For those who love their iPad for its convenience, the KasePal makes using the tablet and keyboard together easier than ever thanks to a hassle-free design which consolidates storage and access," says Zheng. "Just unzip, slide out and start typing. When you're finished, slide back in. The zipped folio case offers around the clock protection. It is built around a tough polycarbonate hard shell which fits both the iPad 2 and the new iPad 3 like a glove, so you don't need to buy another case when you upgrade your tablet."
The Apple Wireless Keyboard is kept firmly in place...
Apple among supporters of Web Platform Docs
In a press release the World Wide Web Consortitum (W3C), in collaboration with Adobe, Facebook, Google, HP, Microsoft, Mozilla, Nokia, Opera, and "others" (including Apple), has announced the alpha release of Web Platform Docs (docs.webplatform.org).
This is a new community-driven site that aims to become a comprehensive and authoritative source for web developer documentation, according to W3C Director Tim Berners-Lee. In the past, developers who use HTML5, CSS and other technologies of the Open Web Platform have had to consult multiple sites to understand how to use these technologies in a way that works across browsers, operating systems and devices. This was time-consuming and in many cases increased development costs.
Berners-Lee says that, with Web Platform Docs, web professionals will save time and resources by consulting with confidence a single site for current, cross-browser and cross-device coding best practices. Anyone can contribute content to Web Platform Docs. The...
Apple stock down 9.5% from all-time intraday high
Apple's stock is down 9.5% from its all-time intraday high of US$705. In a note to clients -- as reported by "CNN Money" -- Sterne Agee analyst Shaw Wu tells them not too worry.
"With press reports focusing on employee disputes at key partner Hon Hai Foxconn and some minor product complaints including scratches and 'purple flare', we have been getting many questions on whether this has impacted iPhone 5 supply and demand," he says.
Wu expects Apple to report sales of 27 million iPhones in the quarter that ended Sept. 29 and is looking for the company to sell 46.5 million more in the December quarter. You can read more at http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2012/10/09/apple-analysts-are-trying-to-calm...
Analyst: 13-inch Retina display MacBook Pro to follow the iPad...
In a note to clients -- as reported by "CNET" (news.cnet.com) DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim says he still thinks a 13.3-inch Retina display MacBook Pro will start production in the fourth quarter.
He thinks this will happen after an iPad mini announcement, which he expects soon. Regarding the 13-inch Retina display MacBook Pro, Shim thinks:
° It will have a 2,560-by-1,600 pixel density display. That compares with the 2880-by-1800 15.4-inch Retina display MacBook Pro.
° It will be more price friendly than its big brother. Shim thinks the 13-inch model will sport a price tag "well below the $2,199 entry point for the 15.4-inch model."
Taiwan wants Apple to blur Maps image of radar station
Taiwan wants Apple to blur a map image of its new US$1.4 billion early warning radar station that can detect aircraft and missiles coming from as far as western China, reports the "Associated Press" (http://macte.ch/AUujY). The image, on Maps in iOS 6, was purportedly taken more than a year ago.
Defense Ministry spokesman David Lo says Apple should follow its rival Google in using only low-resolution satellite pictures to show sensitive facilities, even as he acknowledged the military should also try to camouflage them. The 10-story high radar installation is near the Hsinchu Air Base in northern Taiwan, is built with U.S. technology and is due to go online later this year.
Lodsys Group offers update on patent dispute with Apple
As noted by "MacRumors" (www.macrumors.com), the Lodys Group (www.lodsys.com) has published two blog posts regarding its patent dispute with Apple.
The first post reads: "The in-app purchase scenario has been the focal point of a great deal of press and Internet discussion, given the popularity of Apple iOS and the large number of developers that have chosen to use the in-app purchase / freemium business model. As a part of the Inter-Parties Reexamination requested by Google, the USPTO recently issued an Office Action confirming Claim 24 of US Patent 7,222,078. This claim is particularly relevant regarding in-app purchases and free-to-paid application upgrades. In addition, we have every confidence that all claims will ultimately be confirmed through this lengthy process. In-app purchase features and free-to-paid upgrades will be a part of the litigation process that is now swiftly moving forward.
"In that process, the Court has allowed Apple to participate to try to make the case...
Work Journal is new task app for Mac OS X
NimbleWorks has introduced Work Journal 1.0 (http://workjournal.net) for Mac OS X (10.7 or higher). It costs US$S9.99 and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store (http://macte.ch/63wAM) in the Productivity category.
Work Journal is a task app that helps you track what you do on a daily basis. You can track what you've just done as fast as you can switch between tasks. Users can print or email the list of completed tasks to keep colleagues or bosses informed of their daily activities.
Bridge Project coming to the Mac
Application Systems Group has announced the upcoming release of Bridge Project for Mac OS X. System requirements and pricing haven't been announced.
The Bridge Project is the successor to the original Bridge Builder simulation. The PC version has just been released and the Mac version is expected on Oct. 25.
In the game, your goal is to build stable bridges in a variety of detailed landscapes. You take on the task of constructing a huge variety of different bridges: truss, suspension, folding, stone, steel, wood, car or railway bridges. For more info go to http://www.application-systems.co.uk/bridgeproject/index.html .
Plustek USA announces OpticFilm 8200i Ai
Plustek Technology (www.plustek.com) has released the latest addition to the their OpticFilm line of scanners with the OpticFilm 8200i Ai. It delivers professional grade 35mm negative and slide scanning with 7200 dpi resolution, according to Mark Druziak, Plustek’s director of Marketing and Business Development.
Bundled with the purchase of the OpticFilm 8200i Ai scanner is LaserSoft Imaging SilverFast Ai Studio 8, which includes Multi-Exposure and iSRD -- two technologies for scanning 35mm negatives and slides. Multi-Exposure enhances dynamic range, diminishes noise, and enriches image detail, according to Druziak. SilverFast iSRD electronically removes dust and scratches from film using the scanners’ built-in infrared channel.
The OpticFilm 8200Ai is Mac and Windows compatible. It has an USB 2.0 interface.All Plustek products can be purchased from authorized resellers, DMRs, VARs, and distributors. OpticFilm 8200Ai retails for approximately US$430.
Nihilumbra Steam-ing to the Mac
Beautifun Games says Nihilumbra, the iOS game, is coming to the Mac through Steam's Greenlight -- if there's enough demand. For more info go to http://macte.ch/aSH39 .
Here's how the game is described: "Nihilumbra is a dark, atmospheric 2D puzzle platform game boasting hand painted dark environments, nightmarish monsters, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. It tells a story that really panders to the existential dread lurking within us all. The game has HD graphics and more."
Mac OS X software updates for Oct. 9
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Mirko Viviani has released Lyn 1.2.8 (www.lynapp.com) for Mac OS X, an update to his lightweight image viewer and browser designed for photographers, graphic artists, and web designers. The new version updates the raw converter with support for the Canon 650D, Sony DSC-RX100, and Samsung NX1000.
Iospirit has updated Remote Buddy (www.iospirit.com/remotebudd), Mac OS X software for controlling Macs remotely, to version 1.22. The upgrade improves the software's appearance on a Retina display.
Karelia Software has revved Sandvox (www.karelia.com/sandvox), its web development tool, to version 2.6.7. This maintenance release fixes a variety of problems, including an issue that prevented multiple twitter feeds on same page, an issue with typed input slowing down over time, issues with link and text handling, and other bugs.
Rogue Amoeba (www.rogueamoeba.com) has announced Airfoil 4.7.4, an app that allows you to send any audio to AirPort...
Apple's reputation improves, Samsung's diminishes
Apple's reputation as the leader in technological innovation has improved while Samsung's brand image has been tarnished by the recent legal battle between the two companies in U.S. federal court, according to the latest Morpace Omnibus.
Consumers are well aware of the California court case, with Apple winning its product infringement suit in August. Furthermore, many U.S. consumers feel that overall, product pricing and offerings within the tablet and smartphone markets will be adversely affected by the court ruling, according to Morpace, a survey marketing research and consulting organization specializing in the automotive, financial services, healthcare, retail & consumer goods and technology industries.
The Omnibus shows that 48% of all U.S. consumers who are smartphone and tablet purchase intenders, or who influence technology decisions within their company, feel Apple's image as the pre-eminent leader in technology, innovation and design has been enhanced by the court ruling...
Citizen Lab: Mac-focused malware on the rise
"Forbes" (http://macte.ch/UBpkg) notes that, at the SecTor conference in Toronto last week, security researcher Seth Hardy of the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab research center warned that 2012 has seen a "significant increase" in new variants of targeted, Mac-focused malware reported to the group by the human rights organizations it seeks to aid.
So far this year, the lab has seen five new types of espionage malware for Apple’s operating system appear, he says. That compares with just one in 2011 and none in years prior to that.
"This was a very rare anomaly in 2011. This year it’s part of the new normal," says Hardy. "[Attackers] have noticed that a lot of organizations are using Macs. If they want to target these organizations, they need a wider range of tools to get into these systems."
