Synology launches new breed of disk stations
Today at the Interop Conference in New York, Synology America Corp.
(http://www.synology.com) launched the new DS410j, a new breed of
four-bay NAS boasting the perfect combination of features and
performance with an affordable price tag for home and small business
users.
The DS410j is designed for busy home networks and entry-level
businesses who want the flexibility of a multi-drive NAS that can
grow with them but need a feature rich and affordable unit. "This
much power and functionality has never been available in a single
unit at this price point before the DS410j", says Doug Self, product
specialist at Synology America Corp. "Now entry-level businesses and
home users have a solution that is affordable and best of all,
doesn't compromise on reliability or features," adds Self.
The DS410j new design is cable-less, which means that installation of
hard drives is effortless and with each bay capable of supporting up
to 2TB HDDs (up to 8TB total), the DS410j is an affordable...
FileMaker announces early registration for 2010 Developer
Syware announces Visual CE 12.0 beta program
Syware, a developer of mobile database development tools for business
and personal productivity, has announced an opportunity for
developers to get an early look at its next major release of their
flagship product, Visual CE.
Visual CE 12.0 will add support for a variety of new features
including a macro debugger, tabs, updatable grids, and
synchronization to multiple desktop databases. These are just a few
of the new features available.
Current licensees can purchase an upgrade to Visual CE 12.0 beta now
and will be sent the production release at no additional charge, as
soon as it is available. Those who do not yet have a Visual CE
license of any type can buy the 12.0 beta now to get started and will
also receive the production release at no additional charge, as soon
as it is available. Pricing and upgrade instructions are available on
the Syware web site (http://www.syware.com).
MacSpeech Dictate gets maintenance update
MacSpeech (http://www.macspeech.com) has released MacSpeech Dictate
1.5.7, an upgrade to the speech recognition solution for the Mac.
It's a maintenance release that fixes reported issues, and is
available free of charge to registered MacSpeech Dictate 1.5
customers.
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 at a
special upgrade price of $54.95.
AceSpy is new spy software for Mac OS X
Retina-X Studios has announced the immediate availability of AceSpy
for Macintosh computers. Using this new spy technology, users can
silently monitor everything their child or employee does on the
computer and Internet. AceSpy Mac brings to OS X the same technology
used by AceSpy for Windows for over six years.
AceSpy Mac runs in total stealth mode and no mentions of the program
are shown on the Desktop, Dock, Applications Folder, Force Quit
Applications menu or Menu Bar.
After the software is set up on the Macintosh, it silently records
actual screenshots every sixty seconds by default. It also captures
text logs of keystrokes typed, entire chat conversations,
applications ran and web site visits with complete content recording.
Any concerned parent or employer can know the complete truth, with
pictures. All logs can be viewed on the Macintosh by pressing a
secret set of keys together at once, which brings up a password box.
After the password is typed, users can view a full-screen...
Enhance Technology unveils new EnhanceRAID TS800 series
Enhance Technology (http://www.enhance-tech.com) has released the
EnhanceRAID TS800 Series, a desktop RAID storage system with RAID-6
and web GUI management. The EnhanceRAID TS800 Series consist of four
models, each with its own alternative connectivity interfaces: IP
(iSCSI), SC (SCSI), SS (SAS), and FC (Fibre Channel).
Powered by the newly 80-plus efficient green power supply, the TS800
comes with an integrated hardware RAID controller and light pipes for
the drive trays to display current HDD activity instead of
conventional LEDs. The TS800 Series supports eight (8x) removable
drive bays that are styled with a silver color T-shape design and
individual lock and key for data protection and secured storage for
mission critical computations and application servers.
The TS800 is accustomed for applications that require exceptionally
high performance along with massive amounts of storage capacity such
as HD security surveillance, server applications, post production,
professional...
Marware ships the EcoSleeve for the fifth gen iPod nano
Marware is shipping the EcoSleeve
(http://www.marware.com/products/iPod-nano/EcoSleeve-for-nano-5G) for
the fifth gen iPod nano 5G. Priced at US$19.99, it's the company's
latest eco-conscious case.
The EcoSleeve for iPod nano 5G is made from 100% cotton canvas. This
soft, stretchy Eco-Fabric feels better, is better for the
environment, and keeps your iPod secure while providing access to all
the functionality and features of your nano, according to the folks
at Marware.
A thin bottom flap secures the nano and keeps the docking port
covered and away from dust or dirt. Open the flap and you can sync or
charge right in the case. The EcoSleeve also sports a clear vinyl
cover to protect the screen and click wheel.
FolderGlance ready for Snow Leopard
Yellow Lemon Software has updated FolderGlance
(http://www.scsc.no/products/folderglance/), a utility for browsing
files and folders directly from the Finder's contextual menus, to
version 2.5.6, which adds the ability to colorize file names based on
Finder labels. It's also updated for Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard").
FolderGlance is Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and
Intel Macs. The app lets users preview files directly from the
contextual menus, as well as move, copy and make aliases of selected
files at locations they browse to.
FolderGlance 2.5.6 requires Mac OS X 10.6 or later. It costs US$20.
Pooch ready for Snow Leopard
Dauger Research (http://daugerresearch.com/pr/poochv1.8.shtml) has
updatedPooch (Parallel OperatiOn and Control Heuristic application)
and Pooch Pro clustering software to version 1.8. The upgrade is
ready for Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard").
Updates are shipping to Pooch users whose subscriptions are active.
The new Pooch also ships with the Pooch QuickTime Exporter for video
compression on Mac clusters.
For new users Pooch 1.8 is available for US$175 for the first compute
node, then $125 for each node thereafter. Pooch Pro 1.8 is available
for $200 for the first compute node, then $150 for each node
thereafter. Pooch requires networked Macs and/or Xserves running Mac
OS X 10.2 or later, and/or Mac OS X Server 10.2 or later.
Script Timer is ready for Snow Leopard
Apps & More Software Design (http://www.appsandmore.com) has released
version 2.6.2 of Script Timer, a script, Automator workflow, and
application scheduling product for Mac OS X 10.3 and later. The
upgrade has been revved for Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard").
In addition to full Snow Leopard compatibility, version 2.6.2 brings
improved log file output and corrects several minor bugs. Chief among
these was a problem where the program would not install its sample
data file and Items to Schedule folder properly on a new user's
computer.
Also included is Track Timer, a controller that provides an interface
between Script Timer and iTunes for automated music play. Among
Script Timer's features is the ability to specify scheduling times
down to the second.
Script Timer is Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and
Intel Macs. A 30-day demo is available for download at the Apps &
More web site. Registration is US$12 for a single-user license.
Version 2.6.2 is a free upgrade...
Art.Station is new, high-end iPod dock
Art.Station is a new audio-enhancing iPod dock from the David Wiener
Collection (DWC). It's sculpted from a block of solid T6 airplane
aluminum and purportedly "delivers a jolt of dynamic impact to
compressed music file" by using DWC*Aphex, an exclusive
audio-enhancing circuit.
The Art.Station also lets owners charge their iPods or iPhones and
play them through any stereo or powered speaker system and improve
the system's performance at the simple flip of a switch. RCA input
jacks let users also enhance the audio from a XBox, PlayStation and
Nintendo systems, satellite radio, cable converter boxes, computers,
and just about any another other audio source.
The Art.Station features convenient connections, a hand-polished
chassis, and a set-up process that takes about a minute. Available
now, the Art.Station, is already in demand by select retail and
online (http://www.dwcollection.com/artstation) outlets at a
suggested price of US$499.95.
Agama releases four new webcams
Agama (http://www.agamazone.com), a new consumer electronics company,
has entered the marketplace today by launching a line of new webcams.
The line purportedly features high-definition video.
The webcams' features also include: a high pixel count, auto focus,
and one with infrared technology to provide night vision for late
night or early morning web chats. Each webcam comes complete with
built-in microphones and a foldable, portable design for on-the-go
use.
The V-2050AF is a high-definition 2-mega pixel auto focus webcam.
Priced at US$69.90, the V-2050AF comes complete with a motorized auto
focus glass lens and can handle HD video (at 1280 x 720). It supports
streaming video and still image capture at up to eight
megapixels. The unit also comes with a universal clip base to provide
stability when hooked to an LCD monitor, notebook or standalone
computer.
Delivering full high-definition stream video with 720P, the V-2025
($54.90) was designed with a premium multi-layer...
FileMaker offers free Bento 3 Holiday Pack
FileMaker, a wholly owned subsidiary of Apple, has announced the
Bento 3 Holiday Pack (http://www.bentotrial.com/holiday/), a free way
to get organized for the holidays that works with Bento 3, the
personal database from FileMaker that's designed especially for Mac
OS X.
The Bento 3 Holiday Pack includes a 30-day trial of Bento 3, plus two
festive themes and two additional templates (beyond the 35 that come
with Bento 3) to help plan parties and organize a gift list. The gift
list tracking template tracks gifts both given and received, tracks
thank-you notes and even provides a place to store
comparison-shopping details.
The Holiday Party Planner stores a guest list which links directly to
the Mac Address Book, a to-do list which links directly to iCal
Tasks, recipe files, food and beverage list, the menu and more.
The Bento 3 Holiday Pack also works with Bento for iPhone, so
customers can work on holiday planning on an iPhone or iPod touch,
and then synchronize the information to...
Adobe announces Flash Media Encoder 3.1 for Mac OS
Red Giant Software releases Holomatrix plug-in for After Effects
Red Giant Software has released Holomatrix
(http://www.redgiantsoftware.com/products/categories/motion-graphics/holo...),
an After Effects plug-in that lets you "control your reality and
offers a new dimension in effect generation," according to Aharon
Rabinowitz, director of marketing at Red Giant Software.
Many science fiction feature films and TV shows feature holographic
communication and interfaces. Red Giant Holomatrix allows you to
recreate that effect with just a few clicks. The package includes 30
presets that turn ordinary footage into animated sci-fi holograms,
mimics bad TV reception and creates realistic looking digital signage.
Holomatrix is available now for US$99. Holomatrix is also being
offered with Digieffects Damage for a total of $149 (which lets you
save $49).
iZotope, eMedia release iZotope Music & Speech Cleaner
iZotope (http://www.izotope.com) and eMedia
(http://www.emediamusic.com) iZotope Music & Speech Cleaner, a Mac
compatible audio cleanup suite. The app lets you remove unwanted
noise and enhance your recordings.
Music & Speech Cleaner lets you clarify lectures or concerts by
removing the hum and buzz from air conditioners or amps. You can save
the cleaned audio as new files for increased intelligibility.
You can repair audio from videos recorded on your camcorder, cell
phone or camera. With Music & Speech Cleaner, you can remove unwanted
background noise in home movies, which results from recording in
public areas.
You can also restore an LP or cassette collection by removing clicks,
pops, and hiss from vinyl or tape recordings. Use Music & Speech
Cleaner to separate the file into multiple tracks and then load them
onto your iPod.
Music & Speech Cleaner works with a range of compatible file types,
and works with apps such as iMovie or Adobe Premiere Elements....
Tamsin Slatter's second edition of 'Residential Garden...
Nemetschek North America says the second edition of the "Residential
Garden Design with Vectorworks Landmark" tutorial
(http://www.nemetschek.net/training/guides.php), from Tamsin Slatter,
is now available for purchase.
This tutorial offers Vectorworks software users a method of learning
the process of residential garden design from the start of the
project-drawing or importing site surveys-through managing resources;
creating hard landscaping, planting plans, and 3D perspective
drawings; to rendering with Renderworks. Focusing on the traditional
flow of a project, this book teaches the tools needed in order to
complete a 2D plan and 3D visualization simultaneously, according to
Slatter.
Slatter, a well-known Vectorworks trainer and consultant in the UK,
has based this second edition on Vectorworks Landmark version 2010.
Suited for both students and professionals, this manual is especially
targeted to landscape designers who are relatively new to using
Vectorworks software. Currently...
Product Manager for Mac OS X adds new views with split areas
Tension Software has updated Product Manager
(http://pomola.com/products_productmanager/productmanager.html),
software for managing a company's products from different points of
view, to version 1.4. The update adds PR, Bug and Comp views with
split areas.
Product Manager is document based and can manage an unlimited number
of documents each with an unlimited number of products inside,
subdivided in families. It can be a general repository for all the
data used for marketing and technical management. It requires Mac OS
X 10.5 ("Leopard") or 10.6 ("Snow Leopard").
According to the folks at Tension Software, Product Manager allows to
organize products in a logical subdivision. For every product the
user can store: the main data with generic data fields; release
notes; press releases; a bug list; and a to-do list. The main data
area is customizable.
Any product can have a release description list with an unlimited
number of release descriptions for any products. Any release
description...
Runtime Revolution 4.0 lets you deploy apps straight to the web
The Runtime Revolution programming tool has been updated to version
4.0. The new version brings the ability to deploy your application
straight to the web, without recoding or writing a line of HMTL.
Just select "Build for Web" from the file menu and exactly the same
application as you previously deployed on the desktop can run in any
standard web browser, according to Kevin Miller, Runtime Revolution
CEO. The software works on Mac, Windows and Linux systems.
"The last two years have seen the most impressive growth in our
business, pointing to a correlation between a tough global economy
and the resourcefulness of professionals who need to do more with
less," he adds. "Our goal is to enable rapid creation of
applications, and that's exactly what we're doing with Rev 4.0. With
a free version and Web plugin, anyone can begin writing software
right away -- empowering students to model and explore the real
world, businesses to excite customers with new products, or
organizations to...
Internet Cleanup, Spring Cleaning ready for Snow Leopard
Smith Micro Software has announced enhancements to its utility
software Internet Cleanup 5 and Spring Cleaning 10, now fully
compatibility with Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard. Free downloads of both
updates are available to registered users at
http://www.smithmicro.com/downloads .
Internet Cleanup 5.1 is an US$29.99 collection of tools that protects
the privacy and improves the user's overall Internet experience. New
updates to the user interface increases productivity, and security of
the Mac.
Spring Cleaning 10.0.1 ($49.99) boosts performance with over 50 tools
that help users clean file clutter and better manage content. Users
can now reclaim more disk space and perform comprehensive system
maintenance on their Mac, according to the folks at Smith Micro.
Native Instruments Introduces Sonic Fiction
Native Instruments has introduced Sonic Fiction
(http://www.native-instruments.com/sonicfiction.info), a new
Kore-Powered instrument that combines field recording with synthesis
into "an arsenal of hundreds of genuinely otherworldly sounds."
Designed by sound design artist, Jeremiah Savage, and usable with
Kore 2 and the free Kore Player, the instrument provides musicians
and producers with a resource for movie and game scoring, modern
sound design and various electronic music styles. The sounds in Sonic
Fiction are inspired by science fiction scenarios and concepts.
Sonic Fiction provides 100 KoreSounds with eight morphable sound
variations each, resulting in 800 individual sounds. Parameter
assignments allow for immediate sound tweaking in Kore 2 and Kore
Player. Full musical metadata for all presets also makes Sonic
Fiction integrate with any individual collection of Kore-Powered
instruments.
Association of REALbasic Professionals announces REALbasic
Did you miss the ARBP (Association of REALbasic Professionals)
Inspiring Applications REALbasic Colorado Summit this past September?
If you did, you can now order the official Summit DVD from the ARBP
web store (http://www.arbpmembers.org/).
The Summit DVD contains all the conference proceedings, presentations
and projects from the 2009 REALbasic Colorado Summit. It has video
recordings of nine sessions from the Summit (totaling more than eight
hours of video).
The Summit DVD costs US$50, but ARBP Personal and Professional
members get it for $25.
GryphonClaw announces paste bin web site for REALbasic code
GryphonClaw announced their paste bin web site
(http://code.gryphonclaw.net) for REALbasic code. It's specifically
designed for highlighting REALbasic code.
Features include: Line Numbers (shows line numbers on pastes);
Private Pastes (you can optionally make the paste private and not
show up in the list of all pastes); and Password Protection. With the
latter, if you elect to make your paste private, you can add a
password to it to add another level of protection.
onOne releases Photo Essentials 3 for Adobe Photoshop Elements 8
onOne Software has released Photo Essentials 3 for Adobe
Photoshop Elements 8. It provides users of the Photoshop Elements
image editing and organizing software with a collection of five tools
that y correct color, remove unwanted backgrounds, add photographic
effects and enlarge photos.
This new version brings improved color correction, additional image
framing content and the new Make It Cool! module that give photos
a professional look. onOne's Photo Essentials 3.0 sports a new Photo
Essentials Palette, which provides quick access to all five modules
from a single location right inside Photoshop Elements.
New in Essentials 3, the Make it Cool module is a library with dozens
of professional effects that can be added to images in one click. The
Make It Better module lets you automatically fix brightness,
contrast, color and sharpness with no need to understand cryptic
sliders.
Cut It Out allows you to remove an unwanted background while
maintaining fine detail such as hair, clouds...
Troi Automatisering releases Troi Grabber Plug-in 2.2 for
Troi Automatisering has released Troi Grabber Plug-in 2.1 for
FileMaker Pro 10. It's a tool for grabbing images from a video input
source and putting them directly into a FileMaker container field.
The new version adds an extra imageName parameter to the
Grab_OpenImageGrabWindow and Grab_GrabImage functions, which allows
specification of a custom image name for the returned grabbed image.
This is an optional parameter.
All from within FileMaker Pro 10 you can: preview the image stream
from the video input source; crop pictures to grab only the desired
part of the video image, rotate pictures before grabbing, grab
pictures from a video input source and put them into your FileMaker
database, record a movie from a video input source for a specified
number of seconds or until the mouse is clicked and save the movie to
a specified file on the hard disk, and get timecodes of a recorded
movie; you can get the timecode of the beginning of the movie, of the
end of the movie, the timecode at...
Sonivox announces worldwide distribution of Way Out Ware products
Sonivox (http://www.sonivoxrocks.com), a manufacturer and distributor
of virtual instruments and sample libraries, has acquired exclusive
distribution rights to Way Out Ware's existing product set as well as
all future Way Out Ware products. Way Out Ware is known for its
recreation and emulation of classic synthesizers.
SoniVox will sell and market Way Out Ware's existing products through
its worldwide distribution channels as well as collaborate with Way
Out Ware on a creative level.
Way Out Ware's current product set, including the TimewARP 2600 and
KikAXXE, will be available immediately at the SoniVox web site, as
well as from any SoniVox dealer.
Marware releases Eco-Runner for fifth gen iPod nano
Marware (http://www.marware.com) is shipping the Eco-Runner for the
fifth gen iPod nano. The Eco-Runner for nano 5G is made from
Eco-Prene and is an environmentally friendly case for the
eco-conscious jogger or exercise enthusiast.
The design details look like muscle fibers when you wear it. The
armband extension strap allows this case to be worn on your wrist or
upper arm, and a bottom adjustable strap allows room for the Nike +
Sport Kit receiver.
The Eco-Runner is available in black, blue and pink Eco-Prene.
Eco-Prene is made from sponge-like limestone. This is combined with
recycled rPET to create an end result which looks and feels like
neoprene, only far less toxic and more sustainable because it doesn't
contain high levels of petroleum or PVC, according to the folks at
Marware. This material meets all RoHS standards, and all adhesives
used in this product are non-toxic.
The Eco-Runner comes with a clear vinyl cover that protects the nano
screen and Click Wheel. It also comes...
Launch2net offers Snow Leopard compatibility for many 3G USB
Nova media has updated launch2net
(http://www.novamedia.de/e_pages/e_produkte_mac_l2n.html), its mobile
connection manager for Mac OS X, to version 1.8.8.8. The new version
offers Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard") compatibility for many 3G USB
modems and 3G ExpressCards from Option.
Launch2net offers mobile Internet access and already includes drivers
and network access information to connect with cell phones, modems
and most mobile network operators worldwide. In addition, the
software offers advanced statistic information on the time and data
volume spent online and features convenient connection preferences
like the ability to auto-connect or to disconnect after a certain
time or data limit has been reached.
As launch2net is able to store connection and device profiles, it's
not necessary to open the program to establish a connection. As soon
as a known device and SIM-card combination is attached to the Mac,
launch2net allows to connect and disconnect from a menu bar icon.
Launch2net...
Undercover 1.5 tracks stolen iPhones using push notifications
Orbicule, developers of innovative Mac software, today announced
Undercover 1.5, a major update to their theft-recovery software for
iPhone and iPod touch. The new version uses push notifications to
remotely launch Undercover on the stolen phone, making the
theft-recovery software even more effective.
"Theft is a significant threat to iPhone owners, given the device's
value and mobility" said Peter Schols, president of Orbicule. "Thanks
to the push notification feature, our clients can now remotely
activate our location tracking software if their iPhone is lost or
stolen. Undercover is the first theft-recovery app for iPhone to do
that."
When outside, Undercover uses the built-in GPS to locate a lost or
stolen device. Inside, the system tracks its location based on Wi-Fi
networks and cell towers. Users can then login to their account to
view the phone's location. In case of theft, users can report the
iPhone stolen and remotely activate Undercover. Within seconds,
Undercover will...
PDF Checkpoint tweaked for Snow Leopard
Zevrix Solutions has released PDF Checkpoint 1.1, an update of the
PDF workflow automation solution. It preflights, exports as images
and splits multiple PDF files. Version 1.1.3 addresses a file routing
related issue and introduces compatibility with Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow
Leopard").
PDF Checkpoint lets users review and analyze preflight results
quickly and easily, according to the folks at Zevrix. The program is
equally suitable to process hundreds of files as well as single PDF
documents.
PDF Checkpoint checks fonts, colors, images and metadata of multiple
PDF files and lets users instantly identify potential problems
according to user-defined preflight profiles. Preflight profiles let
users check PDF for specific attributes, such as image resolution,
color model, PDF/X compliance and others. PDF Checkpoint can also
route PDF into success/error folders according to preflight results
and generate preflight report for each file.
With PDF Checkpoint, you can export PDF pages into TIFF,...
Black Cat Systems releases Audio Toolbox 2.0.0
Black Cat Systems has released version 2.0.0 of Audio Toolbox
(http://www.blackcatsystems.com/software/audiotoolbox.html). This new
version adds Universal Binary support, as well as a waterfall
spectrum display.
Audio Toolbox is an audio function generator for the Mac. Using no
additional hardware, you can produce sine, square, triangle, and
sawtooth waveforms of any frequency up to 22 kHz, as well as generate
noise.
Audio Toolbox can be used to create all sorts of sound effects. You
have full control over the frequency, type and volume of each sound
produced.
You can generate up to 13 different waveforms, enough for entire
octave. Each waveform can be routed to either the left or right
channel, or to both. The amplitude of each waveform may be adjusted,
as well as the volume on each channel, which is a mix of any
waveforms routed to that channel.
In addition, there's a sweep generator. Super for producing "Whoop
Whoop" sounds, sirens, and more. Generated sounds can be saved as
WAVE...
Apple Store Upper West Side opening Saturday, Nov. 14
Apple will open its newest retail store on New York's Upper West Side
on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 10 a.m. Set beneath an all-glass arched
roof, the street level of the Apple Store Upper West Side purportedly
offers more Macs, iPods and iPhones than any store in the world.
The lower level features the largest area ever created by Apple for
personal training and technical support, including a 45-foot Genius
Bar. Located on Broadway at 67th Street, the Apple Store Upper West
Side is just minutes from Lincoln Center and Central Park.
"We opened our first store in Manhattan seven years ago, and the
response has been incredible," says Ron Johnson, Apple's senior vice
president of Retail. "We hope our new store on the Upper West Side
will become as much a part of the community as our stores in SoHo,
the Meatpacking District and on Fifth Avenue."
The store has a team of more than 200 employees and offers familiar
services. At the Genius Bar, customers can get free advice and expert
tech support...
Take Control offers two ebooks about the iPhone, iPod touch
Two new ebooks in the Take Control series, "Take Control of Your
iPhone Apps" and "Take Control of iPhone OS 3," provide an in-depth
look at the iPhone and its core apps. These practical, hands-on
guides walk readers through the most effective ways to use numerous
features and help readers avoid problems. Most of the information is
also applicable to the iPod touch, and the differences are called
out. "Take Control of Your iPhone Apps" lists for $10; "Take Control
of iPhone OS 3" lists for $15. Both books are available from
http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/ individually and in a discounted
bundle.
In "Take Control of Your iPhone Apps,"
(http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/iphone-apps) Mac expert and highly
regarded technical writer Jeff Carlson shows readers how to make the
most of Apple's core iPhone apps. He provides clear, concise
explanations on how to use the iPhone for both work and play - from
sending email and Web surfing to playing games and managing photos.
Apps covered include...
Vvidget for Mac OS X upgraded to version 10.6.2
VVI (http://www.vvidget.org) has released version 10.6.2 of Vvidget,
a point and click graphing solution for Mac OS X. The upgrade offers
better integration with Interface Builder.
Vvidget includes an Apple's Interface Builder Plug-in so that all
Apple developers gain immediate access to common 2D and 3D graph
types This latest version improves interoperability with the Vvidget
system and purportedlly provides an even better experience for
integrating graphs into any Cocoa application.
With Vvidget, documents can have built-in queries to relational
databases such as Oracle, SQL Server and MySQL. This means the
Vvidget can give immediate visualization of data stored in enterprise
databases right through the Finder. Scientists, engineers and
analysts can now store data files on the file system and browse them
in graph format using custom Cover Flow plug-ins for a data
visualization browser and explorer.
The Vvidget Builder GUI (graphical user interface) tool is free. The
software is...
PowerXChange releases 'X-PDF 9 & Crossroads...
ThePowerXChange, the source for extended technology, has released the
free "X-PDF 9 & Crossroads Workflow Solutions Guide, North American
Edition" providing product details and system requirements for tools
available for PDF creation, correction, preflight and delivery.
The guide includes categories for Automation, Creation,
Editing/Management, Output/Imposition, Preflight and a new section
dedicated to Crossroads Workflow Solutions that support the Switch
workflow technology from Enfocus. The 53-page guide is available as a
free PDF download at the ThePowerXChange.com web site
(http://thepowerxchange.com/).
Larry Jordan joins list of macProVideo tutorial producers
macProVideo.com (http://www.macprovideo.comhas announced that Larry
Jordan, one of the world's most recognized Final Cut Studio
educators, has joined their roster of industry-leading software
tutorial producers.
Jordan has released a new tutorial-video called "Picking the Right HD
Format." In this new title, he provides a detailed discussion of
Apple ProRes, HDV, AVC HD, and most other common HD video formats.
It offers facts about HD video that will help you choose which format
you should use in your production workflow.
This title is available now, both via streaming in the Online
Tutorial Library and for direct HD Download to your computer for
US$29.50. You can also stream or sync the tutorial to your iPhone and
learn on-the-go.
New Flicker and Shake filter added to Boris Continuum Complete
Boris FX (http://www.borisfx.com) has released Flicker and Shake, a
free update for Boris Continuum Complete 6 FxPlug users.
It's an an auto-animating filter that uses bursts of synchronized
Exposure, Glow, Blur, X or Y displacement, and RGB channel offset to
create a flicker effect for video or graphics elements. The flicker
effect has been made popular by recent television commercials and
film trailers.
Flicker and Shake works in Apple Final Cut Pro and Motion. The filter
is part of the Boris Continuum Shaders category of real-time FxPlug
filters that take advantage of the latest Mac OS X OpenGL technology.
GizMac announces XRackPro2 Studio Rack
GizMac Accessories, a designer and manufacturer of a product line of
computer equipment racks, has announced details on their upcoming
Studio Rack version of the XRackPro2.
With years of success from the noise reduction design of the
XRackPro2 server rack product line, GizMac has created the Studio
Rack, according to Ken Vitto, director of marketing for GizMac
Accessories. The Studio Rack version of the XRackPro2 is designed
specifically for studios, home theater or other applications that
don't require deep equipment. The reduced depth of the new XRackPro2
Studio Rack will provide a solution for environments with limited
space.
Studio Rack is a solution for reducing noise of audio and video gear,
computers, storage, back up, networking and other systems that have a
small chassis depth. In addition to noise reduction, the Studio Rack
also includes air filtration, added security and portability features
not found on most other racks on the market. Filtered air, key
locking doors...
Recosoft introduces PDF2Office for iWork
Recosoft Corp. (http://www.recosoft.com) has introduced PDF2Office
for iWork, which converts PDF documents into editable Keynote and
Pages '08/'09 files, allowing you to recover and reuse PDF content
within iWork, Apple's US$79 suite of products.
PDF2Office for iWork has been designed specifically for the iWork
user, providing an interface to convert PDF files to the iWork
format, while offering options to fine-tune the conversion result. It
creates paragraphs, reconstructs tables and regroups independent
graphics elements. PDF2Office for iWork works with Keynote and Pages
'08/'09.
The app is compatible with Mac OS X 10.4-10.6.x.. It costs US$59 for
a single-user license, $79 for a five-user family pack and $99 for a
five-user, small office license.
Wondershare releases iPhone Ringtone Maker for Mac
Wondershare Software has released its first professional audio/video
converting software -- iPhone Ringtone Maker for Mac
(http://www.imediacreator.com/mac-iphone-ringtone-maker.html), which
can be used to make free iPhone ringtones.
Almost any audio/video format is supported by the program, and all
the ringtones made can be transferred to iPhone directly. You can add
fade in/fade out effects. The app offers professional wave-form
adjustment and direct connection with your iTunes library,
Wondershare iPhone Ringtone Maker for Mac also provides users with
ringtone management.
iPhone Ringtone Maker for Mac costs US$19. It requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher.
Livestream announces free service for streaming live to the
Livestream (http://www.livestream.com), a live Internet video
platform, has announced the immediate availability of its free
service for streaming live to the iPhone and iPod touch. Using
Livestream Procaster, users can stream live from their webcam, video
camera or even broadcast their Mac or PC desktop.
Livestream producers can start streaming live to the addressable
iPhone and iPod touch audience over 3G or Wi-Fi connections, with
less than five minutes of setup, according to Livestream CEO and
co-founder Max Haot. He says that Livestream is the first to offer a
turn-key streaming service that uses the new H.264 HTTP live
streaming functionality included in the native QuickTime player that
Apple has pre-installed on the iPhone.
This means that Livestream producers don't need to obtain Apple App
Store approval to launch their own iPhone live streaming channel, nor
do their viewers need to install any application. Streams are viewed
using the iPhone's Safari browser. Livestream has...
Audio-Technica introduces new USB turntable system
Audio-Technica
(http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/site/c35da94027e94819/index.html)
has released its AT-LP120-USB Direct-Drive Turntable System, an USB
turntable and software package.
The AT-LP120-USB lets you transfer records to digital media files. It
includes includes a direct-drive turntable and phono cartridge, Mac
compatible software, a USB cable and accessories.
The AT-LP120-USB features a direct-drive motor with both forward and
reverse "back-cueing" play capability, making it suitable for DJ as
well as home use. The AT-LP120-USB offers 33-1/3, 45 and 78 RPM
operation, with speed adjustment and a speed indicator. The built-in
phono preamp and included cables allow connection to a variety of
home entertainment components and A/V receivers.
The AT-LP120-USB is designed play LPs, 12-inch and 7-inch singles and
even 78 RPM records. It features a heavy-duty cast aluminum platter
with slip mat, and a pickup arm with soft damping control and
adjustable tracking force, anti-skating...
BatchOutput for Microsoft Office ready for Snow Leopard
Zevrix Solutions (http://www.zevrix.com) has released BatchOutput DOC
2.0.6, a maintenance update to its output automation solution for
Microsoft Word on Mac OS X. The new version has been optimized for
Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard").
The software provides advanced solutions for enterprise and office
publishing environments through automation of printing and
professional PDF output. With BatchOutput DOC, users select the files
and adjust the output settings, and the software will do the rest
automatically. For example, BatchOutput can be left to output
hundreds of Word files overnight, and the completed job can be picked
up next morning.
In addition to batch printing, BatchOutput DOC allows to carry out
professional PDF production directly from Word. Version 2.0.6
addresses some file naming related issues. BatchOutput DOC is a part
of the Zevrix BatchOutput family which also includes similar tools
for Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe InDesign.
BatchOutput DOC 2.0.6 can be...
Autodesk to present tech preview of Smoke on the Mac
Autodesk is participating in the International Broadcast Equipment
Exhibition (Inter BEE) in Chiba, Japan, Nov. 18-20. The company will
show a technology preview of its Autodesk Smoke editorial finishing
software running on the Mac OS X platform.
This will be the first time an Autodesk finishing product has been
designed to run on the Mac platform. Smoke benefits from many of the
advanced visual effects tools in Autodesk Flame software, as well as
the ability to conform from EDLs, AAF, and Apple Final Cut Pro XML
files.
Autodesk is also showcasing its latest visual effects, finishing,
color grading and animation solutions for television, film and
commercial post-production. Autodesk Inter BEE 2009 theme is
"Conceptualize. Create. Produce. Limited advance registration for the
event is available at
http://www.autodesk.co.jp/interbee2009/specialevent .
Macessity announces NX Stand
Macessity has released the NX Stand
(http://www.macessitywebstore.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=NXSTAND),
an US$59.59 stand for laptops. You can pre-order now; it's due to
ship Nov. 16.
NX Stand allows your closed laptop to stand up vertically in a
cushioned slot. It also sports a 4-port USB 2.0 hub, even room to
hide your external hard drive. The NX Stand has a steel design and
aluminum color powder coat paint.
It works with all 13-inch, 15-inch and 17-inch Apple laptops. It
provides access to all ports and drive slots, and provides a hot air
relief opening.
be.az announces new LE bags for MacBooks, MacBook Pros
be.ez (http://www.be.ez.com) has announced the LE rush notebook bag
collection for 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pross. The LE rush
features a lightweight, slim design in three flavors: LE rush Black
Coffee, LE rush Lime Park, and LE rush Lagoon Dream.
Each LE rush notebook bag is made of ballistic nylon and sports high
density padding. It can be carried either by hand or with the
optional shoulder strap. You can organize your laptop, documents, and
accessories with three pockets in the main compartment, an exterior
pocket with a Velcro-secured flap, and three fast-access slip pockets
on the back.
be.ez's LE rush notebook bag line for MacBook Pro is available at
Amazon.com and has an manufacturer's suggested retail price of
US$54.99 and $59.99, respectively, for the 13.3-inch and 15.4-inch
models.
O'Reilly Media releases 'iPhone Game Development'
O'Reilly Media has released "iPhone Game
Development,"
(http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/9780596159856) an
US$34.99, 255-page book designed to teach game
development basics and iPhone programming
fundamentals. The authors are Paul Zirkle and Joe
Hogue.
This book was written to help readers learn the
technical design issues particular to the iPhone
and iPod touch, and suggests ways to maximize
performance in different types of games. You also
get plug-in classes to compensate for the areas
where the iPhone's game programming support is
weak. Topics include:
° Learn how to develop iPhone games that provide engaging user experiences;
° Become familiar with Objective-C and the Xcode suite of tools;
° Learn what it takes to adapt the iPhone interface to games;
° Create a robust, scalable framework for a game app;
° Understand the requirements for implementing 2D and 3D graphics;
° Learn how to add music and audio effects, as well as menus and controls;
° Get instructions for publishing your...
Primera announces BravoPro XI-Series Disc Publishers
Primera Technology (http://www.primera.com), a
manufacturer of specialty printers, announced its
BravoPro Xi-Series Disc Publishers. They're new
and improved versions of Primera's BravoPro Disc
Publishers. They're compatible with Mac OS X 10.5
("Leopard") and higher.
According to the folks at Primera, features of
the Xi-Series include: 300% faster robotics for
higher throughput; an interior blue LED lighting
with job status feedback; a seventh-generation
disc picking mechanism; optional Blu-ray Disc
recordable drives; and lower prices. Three
Xi-Series models are available:
° The BravoPro Xi AutoPrinter: 100-disc capacity
for print-only applications for US$1,995. It will
print up to 172 discs per hour.
° The BravoPro Xi Disc Publisher, a100-disc
capacity and one high-speed CD/DVD drive for
$2,995 You can burn and print up to 32 discs per
hour.
° The BravoPro Xi2 Disc Publisher, which has
100-disc capacity and two high-speed CD/DVD
drives for $3,295. You can burn and print up to
60...
iPresentee releases Keynote Themes 8.0
iPresentee (http://www.ipresentee.com), a developer of add-ons for
Apple's iWork and iLife applications, has released Keynote Themes
8.0, a collection of themes to be used with Keynote. Keynote is
Apple's presentation component of the US$79 iWork suite.
Keynote Themes 8.0 includes six new themes: Brilliance, Shining
Waves, DNA Chain, Space Drops and Live Mosaic. The new Keynote Themes
collection offers a variety of presentation styles with coordinated
fonts, colors, backgrounds, bullets and picture frames. Each theme is
available in standard or HD formats. Keynote Themes has up to 22
different master slide layouts. Creating a presentation using new
Keynote themes is exactly the same as creating a presentation using
the usual themes. You can: add, edit, and format text; add photos or
movies; use Keynote's transitions and special effects.
Keynote Themes 8.0 includes an installer to make sure the themes end
up in the right place and will be displayed in Keynote's themes menu...
PDFPen update for Mac OS X reduces memory usage
SmileOnMyMac has updated PDFPen
(http://www.smileonmymac.com/PDFpen/download.html), its PDF editing
and form-filling tool for Mac OS X, to version 4.5.2. The update
reduces memory usage for OCR documents and includes various bug fixes
and improvements.
PDFpen costs US$49.95, and PDFpenPro is $99.95. Family pack licenses,
which cover up to five computers in one household, are $74.95 for
PDFpen and $129.95 for PDFpenPro. Upgrades from earlier versions of
either application are $25, and free to users who purchased after
June 1, 2008. Upgrades from any version of PDFpen to PDFpenPro 4.0
are $50.
PDFpen 4.5.2 and PDFpenPro 4.5.2 require Mac OS X 10.4 or later. An
Intel 1.8GHz processor or above is recommended for OCR. Demo versions
are available for download.
