Bubble Chart Pro for Mac OS X floats to version 5.2
Bubble Chart Pro 5.2 for Mac and Windows introduces 3-dimensional rotating bubble charts, providing business managers and executives with a new way of looking at their data.
3D bubble charts let managers explore and compare project relationships against four different criteria simultaneously, such as cost, resources requirements, risk, and profit, in a single chart. The charts are customizable to allow users to choose any look, including changing colors, gradients, pictures, fonts, and more.
Bubble Chart Pro pricing starts at US$149.97. A free demo version can be downloaded from the application's website (www.bubblechartpro.com).
Native Instruments introduces Kinetic Metal
Native Instruments has introduced Kinetic Metal, a new instrument for creating ethereal sound beds, shifting textures, and tonal percussion. According to the folks at NI, it combines creatively-sampled, unconventional metal objects with artificial waveforms.
Kinetic Metal is aimed primarily at producers and sound designers seeking atmospheric textures, mallet-like lead sounds, and delicate percussion. Two modification wheels allow users to manipulate the sound. An auto-motion feature allows producers to set one or both of these wheels turning on their own.
Kinetic Metal runs in Kontakt 5 and the free Kontakt 5 Player. It's available from the NI Online Shop (http://tinyurl.com/qbw8grx) for US$99.
Nihilumbra has arrived on the Mac
BeautiFun Games has released Nihilumbra for Mac OS X. It costs US$9.99. A demo is available for download.
Here's how the game is described: "Discover the beautiful world of Nihilumbra and join Born on his adventure to find himself whilst trying to escape from his inevitable curse. Born was created from the absolute nothingness: The Void. But somehow he separates himself from the black emptiness and appears in the world. This is where his long odyssey begins, in which he will learn how to use the colors around him to gain powerful abilities and transform the world.
"However, his experiences come at a high price. The Void must be one. It seeks to reclaim him and will never stop chasing him, destroying everything in its path along the way. To survive, Born will have to condemn the earth he walks to it's inevitable obliteration by The Void."
For more info go to www.nihilumbra.com .
newMacgadgets introduces iPad mini Security Kit
newMacgadets has introduced the iPad Mini Security Kit. Constructed from aircraft quality aluminum, it's an US$39.95 anti-theft solution.
The iPad Mini Security Kit sports specially designed aluminum security brackets, with rubber inserts, that secure to the outer-edges of the iPad mini providing a tight grip. In the rear, a Torx T-25 tamper-proof screws connect the brackets and provides an anchor for the 6.5-foot security cable. The assembled weight of the brackets is less than 3 ounces.
In addition to providing security, the mounting brackets also double as a counter-top stand, holding the iPad mini at a 30 degree viewing angle. The security cable can mount to any fixed object or to the mounting plate (included). For more info go to http://newpcgadgets.com .
BatchOuput PDF adds reprint feature
Zevrix Solutions has released BatchOutput PDF 2.0.7, a new version of its solution for printing multiple PDF documents on Mac OS X. The upgrade lets users reprint jobs directly from BatchOutput PDF saving the time of locating the files again on the system.
Designed as a tool for printers, publishers, ad agencies, as well as users of other trades, BatchOutput PDF allows users to batch print PDF files with the click of a button. With version 2.0, users can now define print presets for various output settings and assign a hot folder to each preset.
For example, they can create hot folders for color and black and white printers, specific types and sizes of paper, various color management profiles and so on. Users only need to drop PDF files into hot folders and the files will be printed automatically with the respective preset settings.
BatchOutput PDF can be purchased from the Zevrix website (www.zevrix.com) for US$24.95 (the server version is $99.95), as well as from authorized...
MacPaw - Developer Interview
Recently, TUAW and MacTech Magazine teamed up to speak to developers about how Apple's newly announced technologies (specifically Mavericks and iOS 7) will help them and their customers. In the weeks following the event, we'll bring you those videos on TUAW, MacTech and MacNews.
If you aren't currently a reader of MacTech Magazine, check out the special free MacTech on iPad issues for MacTech Magazine here.
This video features Neil Ticktin and Oleksandr Kosovan of MacPaw. Oleksandr was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on Apple's announcements, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.
TextExpander for Mac features new predefined snipper group
SmileOnMyMac (http://www.smileonmymac.com) has updated TextExpander, a Mac OS X utility that lets users define abbreviations for frequently-used text strings and images, to version 4.1. The new version features a new predefined snippet group with over 200 popular emoji. It also prepares TextExpander to be compatible with OS X 10.9 ( Mavericks)
The regular cost is US$34.95 for a single user license or $44.95 for a five-pack family license. A 30-day fully functioning demo of TextExpander can be downloaded at the SmileOnMyMac web site. Upgrades to TextExpander 4.1 from earlier versions costs $15, though version 4.1 is a free update for those who bought the app after Jan. 15, 2012.
Yazsoft releases Playback 1.8.15 for Mac OS X
Yazsoft (www.yazsoft.com) has released Playback 1.8.15, an update of their new zero configuration media server for Mac OS X.Playback allows anyone to share their media with any Playstation 3, Xbox 360, or other UPnP compatible device.
Playback can also share media stored in folders or even make entire disks available to a Playstation 3 or Xbox 360. By default, Playback will share almost any content on the users system. No configuration is required.
Playback 1.8.15 is offered at the Introductory price of $15 for three licenses, and can be purchased from the Yazsoft website. A free 7-day demo is available for download. Playback requires Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher.
MacBreakZ upgraded to version 5.11
publicspace.net has announced MacBreakZ 5.11, an update of the integrated solution designed to address the entire spectrum of computer related health problems, ranging from eyestrain, headaches, neck, wrist, elbow and back pain to more severe Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), including carpal tunnel syndrome, writer's cramp, tendonitis, etc.
This latest release adds support for controlling the application via global keyboard shortcuts. Users can start, end, delay or disable breaks using fully customizable keyboard shortcuts.
MacBreakZ requries Mac OS X 10.7 Lion or later. Single user licenses for MacBreakZ cost US$24.99 and are available worldwide through the Mac App store in the Health and Fitness category under the alias "BreakZ 5." Small business, family, business and enterprise licenses are also available from the publicspace.net web store.
Champlain Arts - Developer Interview
Recently, TUAW and MacTech Magazine teamed up to speak to developers about how Apple's newly announced technologies (specifically Mavericks and iOS 7) will help them and their customers. In the weeks following the event, we'll bring you those videos on TUAW, MacTech and MacNews.
If you aren't currently a reader of MacTech Magazine, check out the special free MacTech on iPad issues for MacTech Magazine here.
This video features Neil Ticktin and Jesse Feiler of Champlain Arts Corp. Jesse was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on Apple's announcements, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.
Markzware announces FlightCheck 7 Mac with Creative Cloud...
Markzware has announce a new version of its preflight solution, FlightCheck 7 Mac. This new version of pre-press software for the Macintosh platform has added support to preflight Adobe documents created with InDesign CC, Illustrator CC, and Photoshop CC graphic software for Adobe Creative Cloud.
FlightCheck 7 Mac is a stand-alone application and a preflight solution for creative professionals, printers, graphic designers, and publishers to ensure print quality control for InDesign CC and other native files. Users can run FlightCheck 7 Mac to preflight Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, InDesign CC, and a variety of desktop publishing (DTP) file types, without the native applications.
The FlightCheck 7 Mac license can be purchased on a perpetual or subscription basis via the online FlightCheck Store (http://tinyurl.com/mdy4au8). The subscription includes, free of charge, all updates made during the subscription term. The upgrade from FlightCheck 6.90 to FlightCheck 7 Mac is...
OWC announces memory upgrade for new 27-inch iMac
Other World Computing (OWC) has announced the immediate availability of the OWC Memory Upgrade Kits from 8GB to 32GB for the new 2013 iMac 27-inch models that were just announced.
OWC’s kits offer memory configurations not offered by the factory as well as savings of more than US$240 compared to same-size factory options. Like all OWC Memory Upgrade Kits, a "how-to" install video and OWC Lifetime warranty are included.
New iMac owners seeking to max-out the RAM can select the $359, 32GB OWC memory upgrade and save over $240 compared to the 32GB factory cost of $600. For even more savings, iMac owners can trade-in the two factory base 4GB memory modules.
Here are the OWC memory upgrades for the 2013 iMac 27-inch 2.9GHz/3.2GHz i5 Models and 3.4GHz i7 Model:
° 8GB (2 x 4GB) PC3-12800 DDR3L 1600MHz Upgrade Kit with Lifetime Warranty. $97.99
Add to existing 2 x 4GB factory-installed modules for 16GB total memory. Offers over 50 percent savings vs. factory installed 16GB option.
° 12GB (...
Outdoor Tech deploys touch-control wireless headphones
Outdoor Tech has released the Privates wireless headphones that feature a touch-pad interface that allows you to control tunes with the flick of a finger.
The Privates' touchpad interface is located on the right earpiece and allows the user to change tracks and control volume with the swipe of a finger. They also feature a 3.5mm auxiliary jack for a wired connection to kick it old school in situations that don't allow for Bluetooth connectivity, like on an airplane, with a non-Bluetooth device, or if you forget to charge them.
The Privates also project a fuel gauge onto your device that actively tells you how much juice you've got left. Soft ear pads and a canvas wrap around the headband. Finally, they come with a signature ODT carry pouch.
The Privates are available in black, green, mustard and turquoise and may be purchased for US$99.95 at www.outdoortechnology.com .
WD introduces new My Book family of drives
WD, a Western Digital company, has redesigned its My Book and My Book for Mac lines of external desktop drives to provide as much as 4TB storage capacity and enhanced data protection for those who create and collect large volumes of data, video, music and photos.
With USB 3.0 for speed, the new My Book lines are available in 2TB, 3TB and 4TB capacities for the largest content collections. They come with WD SmartWare Pro automatic back-up software with Dropbox integration offers cloud backup capabilities. What's more the WD Edition of Acronis True Image enables users to execute a full system backup and securely delete digital files and programs.
Security measures against unauthorized access to the drive are handled through WD SmartWare Pro automatic backup software with hardware encryption and password protection. To protect files against theft, fire, flood or other natural disaster, My Book integrates Dropbox to store files in the cloud.
For full system backup and secure...
Zoom It for Mac OS X gets a performance boost
Appatit has revved Zoom It (www.zoomitapp.com) for Mac OS X to version 1.2. It's an utility that allows users to view their Mac's screen through a virtual magnifying glass.The new release provides a performance boost, an easily-identifiable black and white icon on the task bar, Retina display support, a loupe-size indicator in the drop-down menu, and the ability to hide the loupe when saving a screenshot, in addition to some minor bug fixes.
Designed especially for artists, designers, engineers, photographers, presenters, project collaborators, laptop users, and those who wear corrective lenses, Zoom It is a Menu item. The app's virtual loupe can magnify from 5-45% of the screen up to 5x.
The on-screen magnifier in Zoom It is always available to provide a closer look at whatever the user is doing on his/her Mac. The magnifier, with a circular or rectangular shape, can be accessed through keyboard shortcuts. Alternatively, the app's magnifying glass icon in the Menu Bar can open to...
Typinator for OS X gets enhanced dynamic input fields
Ergonis Software (http://www.ergonis.com) has given us Typinator 5.7, the latest version of its tool for auto-typing text and auto-correcting typos systemwide across all Mac OS X applications. The upgrade enhances dynamic input fields with optional default values and contains many other enhancements and fixes.
With a simple inclusion mechanism, text expansions can execute external scripts and include their results in the expansion. Typinator supports scripts written in in many different languages like AppleScript, Perl, PHP, Python, Ruby, and arbitrary shell scripting languages.
Typinator requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later. Mac OS X 10.6 or higher is recommended. It can be purchased on the Ergonis Software web site for approximately US$32 for a single user license. A family pack for installation on up to five computers is $49. The upgrade to Typinator 5.7 is free for anyone who owns a license to Typinator 5.x.
Default Folder X 4.5.11 offeres fixes for Mavericks, Photoshop,...
St. Clair Software (www.stclairsoft.com) has rolled out Default Folder X 4.5.11, an update to their utility for Mac OS X. Its custom keyboard shortcuts put your favorite and recent folders at your fingertips.
Version 4.5.11 is compatible with the developer release of OS X Mavericks and fixes issues on Mac OS 10.8 and 10.7 as well. Default Folder X 4.5.11 is a free update for existing version 4 users. It costs $34.95 for new users.
Adobe releases new versions of Photoshop Elements, Photoshop...
Adobe has released Adobe Photoshop Elements 12 and Adobe Premiere Elements 12, new versions of the consumer photo and video-editing software. According to Lea Hickman, vices president, Products, Creative Consumer Business, Adobe, enhancements in Photoshop Elements 12 include:
° Mobile access -- With Elements Mobile Albums, customers always have access to their pics. Powered by Adobe Revel, people can view, edit and share their photos and videoson their smartphones, tablets and desktop devices whether at home or on-the-go.
° Content-Aware Move -- This exclusive Adobe technology lets customers move objects within a photo and automatically fills in resulting empty spaces.
° Pet Eye Correction -- Added in response to customer requests, Pet Eye provides a solution to the problem of flash reflection in animals’ eyes, which is not addressed by Red Eye correction technology.
° Auto Smart Tone -- Intelligent software that learns a customer’s editing preferences, resulting in one-click...
Epson unveils PrecisionCore technology
Epson global president, Minoru Usui has announced PrecisonCore, a next-generation inkjet printing technology. It will be used in the company's industrial, commercial and office printing ranges.
The new PrecisionCore chip delivers commercial-grade performance in a compact, modular form, and enables Epson to scale the technology from single-pass industrial presses to workgroup and desktop printers, says Usui. It's the only volume-produced printing technology that spans such a wide range of inks and marking materials, he adds.
"PrecisionCore represents a leap forward in printing performance," says Usui. "We continue to deliver outstanding quality thanks to superior dot control, and have introduced a new system to ensure reliability. At the same time, scalability allows us to fully leverage our historical strengths of ink flexibility and printhead durability."
Visit epson.com/PrecisionCore for more details about PrecisionCore.
New TP-LINK Power-Over-Ethernet 8-Port Gigabit Switch Offers...
TP-LINK, a global provider of networking products, has announced a new Plug-N-Play fully enabled 8-port PoE+ (Power over Ethernet Plus) gigabit desktop/rackmount switch, offering a way to expand an existing wired network.
The TL-SG1008PE transfers electrical power along with data in a single ethernet cable, allowing users to expand their network to hard-to-power locations. The 124W total power budget is designed for users that need to extend their network to IP surveillance cameras, IP phones, access points, or other PoE+ enabled devices.
Most competing 8-port PoE switches provide power to only four of the eight ports. The TL-SG1008PE expands this limit by supplying power to any IEEE 802.3af/at compliant device across all eight available ports.
The built-in priority function protects the system in the event of a power overload and is intuitively arranged according to the number of each port, one being the highest priority and eight being the lowest. If all connected devices consume...
The iMac gets an update
Apple has updated the iMac with fourth generation Intel quad-core processors, new graphics, next generation Wi-Fi and faster PCIe flash storage options.
"The iMac continues to be the example that proves how beautiful, fast and fun a desktop computer can be," says Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "Inside its ultra-thin aluminum enclosure, the new iMac has the latest Intel processors, faster graphics, next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi and faster PCIe flash storage."
The entry-level 21.5-inch iMac features a 2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor and new Iris Pro graphics. The high-end 21.5-inch model and both 27-inch models feature quad-core Intel Core i5 processors up to 3.4GHz and NVIDIA GeForce 700 series graphics with twice the video memory and up to 40% faster performance than the previous generation. Customers looking for the ultimate in performance can upgrade to quad-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 3.5GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M...
Alegre Software releases Budgeteer for Mac OS X
Alegre Software has released Budgeteer for the Mac OS X. The app combines the functions of a spreadsheet and a calendar.
Budgeteer will display a day-to-day running balance of an account up to a year into the future. This allows the user to identify cash flow issues down the road and make necessary adjustments to their finances well before any problem occurs.
With Budgeteer you can enter income and expense items either as a one-off item or with any common interval (daily, weekly, bi-weekly, 4-weekly, or monthly). The software will automatically enter the item into all the appropriate future dates in its calendar.
You can set recurring items to skip weekends and/or bank holidays, similar to what a bank would do when crediting or debiting your account. U.S. and Canadian bank holidays are built into Budgeteer, but any holiday set can be entered by the user for any other country or jurisdiction.
Budgeteer automatically extends its internal database and continues to insert recurring items...
Smile announces PDFpen Scan+ for mobile scanning, OCR
Smile, a developer of productivity applications for Mac and iOS, has released PDFpen Scan+, a mobile scanning and OCR app, and the latest addition to the PDFpen suite of apps.
With PDFpen Scan+, users scan documents, articles, receipts, and more, using the iPhone or iPad camera. Scans are cropped, sized to standard paper sizes, and visually enhanced for legibility. PDFpen Scan+ includes OCR (optical character recognition). Once OCR has been performed, the text in the scanned document can be copied for use in another document or email message, or the PDF can be exported with searchable text included.
PDFpen Scan+ enables users to import and export PDFs from cloud services, including Dropbox, Evernote, and Google Drive. Documents can also be stored in iCloud and accessed from any iOS device.
PDFpen Scan+ is available for an introductory price of US$4.99 on the Apple App Store (http://tinyurl.com/mg4qew6). It requires an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 6 or 7.
Daily Expenses for OS X gets improved iCloud Configuration
iLifeTouch (www.ilifetouch.com) has revved Daily Expenses, their financial tracking app for Mac OS X, to version 1.2. The upgrade offers improved for iCloud Configuration, new Funds transfer, new Income Category, Monthly Budgets, and Reminders.
Daily Expenses offers a way to balance your expenses and income. You can keep track of your spending habits with customized payment modes, categories, dates, expense details and more.
Daily Expenses requires Mac OS X 10.7 or higher. It costs US$10.99 and is available at the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/pqucvbh).
Artlandia releases new pattern design Tools in SymmetryWorks 6
Artlandia, developer of pattern design software, has released Artlandia SymmetryWorks 6, a new version of its Adobe Illustrator plug-in for professional pattern design.
The new version automatically produces balanced counterchange patterns by combining symmetry operations with color reversals. Additionally, SymmetryWorks 6 makes it easy to create all the 46 mathematically possible counterchange symmetries as well as customize color reversals in repeated cells and tiles and introduce instant color reversals within the main repeated unit itself, according to the folks at Artlandia. The plug-in offers both live color inversion and readily customizable harmonic color schemes.
SymmetryWorks 6 requires Illustrator CS6 or the latest Creative Cloud version, Illustrator CC. For users of earlier versions of Illustrator Artlandia provides the previous version of the plug-in, SymmetryWorks 5. The plug-in costs $249 (download) and is immediately available for all Mac OS and Windows platforms. In...
C-Spire Wireless to offer new iPhones starting Oct. 1
C Spire Wireless will offer the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c to customers beginning on Tuesday, Oct.1.
For more information about availability and cost, go to www.cspire.com/iphone . For more information on the new iPhones cruise on over to www.apple.com/iphone .
First weekend iPhone sales top nine million
Apple says it has sold a record-breaking nine million new iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c models, just three days after the launch of the new iPhones on Sept. 20.
In addition, more than 200 million iOS devices are now running the completely redesigned iOS 7, making it the fastest software upgrade in history. Both iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c are available in the US, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore and the UK. Demand for iPhone 5s has exceeded the initial supply, and many online orders are scheduled to be shipped in the coming weeks.
"This is our best iPhone launch yet -- more than nine million new iPhones sold―a new record for first weekend sales," says Apple CEO Tim Cook."The demand for the new iPhones has been incredible, and while we’ve sold out of our initial supply of iPhone 5s, stores continue to receive new iPhone shipments regularly. We appreciate everyone’s patience and are working hard to build enough new iPhones for everyone."
SCSC releases update for Performance Probe for Mac OS X
Software and Computer System Company has released an update for Performance Probe for the Mac OS X operating system.
Performance Probe is tool that allows a user to monitor the current effective loading of their systems. The update expands on the features and capabilities of the tool by offering dynamic memory, drive space, and virtual machine parameter monitoring. In addition, the company says the user interface has been improved.
The price for the standalone version of Performance Probe is US$7.95. The tool is now a standard part of both the Scannerz with FSE and Scannerz with FSE-Lite packages. Go to http://www.scsc-online.com for more info.
DiapoSheet for OS X revved to version 1.2.2
Lorenzo Puleo has updated DiapoSheet for Mac OS X (10.6 or higher) to version 1.2.2. It adds the "Date Format" popUp menu on the Metadata/Exif panel. You can now assign a custom format to any metadata date as Digitized date, Modification date.
Version 1.2.2 also adds the text-colorWell to the metadata cells on the Exif/Metadata panel. Now the text color of the table-cells is visible even in absence of
metadata text or in case of white text color.
DiapoSheet lets you lay out your photos with metadata-exif and get a contact sheet PDF file. Drag a folder containing images onto the DiapoSheet window and you are done. You can change the number of rows and columns, their gaps, the margins, the page size and format, add your custom logo and company description, your watermark, display the metadata-exif with your favorite font, color and label.
You can then export your document to PDF, TIFF, PNG, JPG at the resolution of your choice. You can select the resolution of the images even when...
Ten One Design - Developer Interview
Recently, TUAW and MacTech Magazine teamed up to speak to developers about how Apple's newly announced technologies (specifically Mavericks and iOS 7) will help them and their customers. In the weeks following the event, we'll bring you those videos on TUAW, MacTech and MacNews.
If you aren't currently a reader of MacTech Magazine, check out the special free MacTech on iPad issues for MacTech Magazine here.
This video features Neil Ticktin and Peter Skinner of Ten One Design. Peter was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on Apple's announcements, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.
Casper Suite 9.1 adds support for iOS 7
JAMF Software -- developers of the Casper Suite, a collection of client management applications for Mac OS X computers and iOS mobile devices such as iPads and iPhones -- has announced an update to introduce additional enterprise management and security capabilities and ensure compatibility with iOS 7.
In fact, it features same day support for iOS 7. The latest version of the Casper Suite also introduces new enterprise management capabilities, leveraging technologies introduced in iOS 7.
"Many of our customers have thousands of iPads and iPhones arriving on their networks as a result of Apple’s constantly growing success with enterprise deployments," says Jason Wudi, Chief Cultural Officer at JAMF Software. "With Casper Suite 9.1, we’re pleased to once again release on the same day that Apple releases iOS 7. Casper Suite administrators can support and manage devices running iOS 7, and begin taking advantage of these important new enterprise management capabilities today."
Version...
Ten One Design - Developer Interview
Recently, TUAW and MacTech Magazine teamed up to speak to developers about how Apple's newly announced technologies (specifically Mavericks and iOS 7) will help them and their customers. In the weeks following the event, we'll bring you those videos on TUAW, MacTech and MacNews.
If you aren't currently a reader of MacTech Magazine, check out the special free MacTech on iPad issues for MacTech Magazine here.
This video features Neil Ticktin and Peter Skinner of Ten One Design. Peter was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on Apple's announcements, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.
Apple: demand for new iPhones is 'incredible'
“Demand for the new iPhones has been incredible, and we are currently sold out or have limited supply of certain iPhone 5s models in some stores,” an Apple representative told AllThingsD.
Apple declined to offer any specifics on sales, though the company doesn’t typically give numbers until after the first weekend of sales. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/l6aa2mh.
Shipping times for the iPhone 5s have slipped to seven to ten business days at Apple's online store. The gold model is out of stock and apparently won't be available until late October.
GameCase controller coming to the iPad, iPhone
GameCase is an upcoming iOS game controller that harnesses the power of iOS 7 and Apple's new MFi controller framework. It's not available yet, but you can sign up to be notified for when it is at gamecase.com.
Here's how the controller is described: "GameCase revolutionizes iOS gaming as it pairs stunning HD graphics with a natural and familiar console quality feel. Responsive dual analog sticks and tactile buttons provide an increased level of accuracy and precision. The thoughtfully crafted design and non-slip rubber surface alleviates fatigue and allows for hours of comfortable and competitive play. GameCase and iOS developers are currently collaborating to create exciting new games that take advantage of the device's incredible features. Welcome to the future of iOS gaming."
Virtual TimeClock gets over a dozen enhancements
Redcort Software (www.redcort.com) has released Virtual TimeClock ’13 Release 2, an update of its Mac compatible software for managing employee time and attendance. The upgrade boasts over a dozen enhancements.
For example, in Virtual TimeClock '13 Release 2 is a new timecard report that neatly summarizes a worker's daily time and activities on a single line. A new option to include workers without hours helps employers needing to track inactive employees. Report layouts have improved readability, while new options for overnight shift reporting enable employers to accurately report time as required by their particular state.
Pricing for Virtual TimeClock '13 starts at US$99. Annual software maintenance and support as well as discounted upgrade pricing is available. Full pricing details are available online at the Redcort Software store.
Inpaint for OS X gets extended toolbox
TeoreX has released a new version (5.5) of Inpaint, a Mac OS X compatible photo retouching application with a choice of tools for removal of unwanted objects from pictures.
Version 5.5 extends the software's toolbox by adding tools to make retouching even easier. The improved mask option allows to select unwanted objects on the image and save the mask for later use with other pictures in a row.
Precise selection has also become easier. Holding Shift a user can draw straight lines with the marker tool, while the size of the marker itself can now be changed with keyboard shortcuts. Other interface improvements are designed to save users' efforts, and the X2 Inpaint algorithm boost and the support for 64-bit systems deposits to better performance of the program.
The price for a single license of Inpaint is US$19.99. For more info go to http://www.theinpaint.com/ .
Luxi turns your iPhone into a light meter
Luxi is a new, small diffusion dome that fits over your iPhone’s front-facing camera. When attached and used with a light meter app, it can help you determine the best settings for your DSLR or other camera.
Incident light meters, like Luxi, measure the amount of light falling on the subject you are photographing, not the light reflected by the subject. Their readings are independent of the subject's reflectance and can't be "fooled" by tricky lighting situations like back-lit subjects (e.g. sunset portraits).
The Luxi is available for the iPhone 4/4S and 5. It retails for US$24.95 and is available online at www.esdevices.com.
Zevrix Output Factory updated to version 14.11
Zevrix Solutions (http://zevrix.com) has announced Output Factory 1.4.11, an update to its professional output automation solution for Adobe InDesign. The new version lets users save output page range within individual workflows and improves reliability of exporting to EPS and SWF formats.
With Output Factory, users can output hundreds of documents or just single files with full control over batch printing, layer versioning, automatic preflighting, file delivery, and more. All they need to do is select the desired InDesign files and adjust workflow settings.
Output Factory can be purchased from the Zevrix website for US$169.95; a "lite" version costs $119.95), as well as from authorized resellers and Adobe Exchange.
A demo is available for download. BatchOutput users can upgrade to Output Factory for $4.97. Output Factory is available for Mac OS X 10.5-10.8 on Intel-based Macs and works with Adobe InDesign CS3-CS6.
Roccat Kone XTD now Mac compatible
Roccat is expanding the compatibility of the Kone XTD max customization gaming mouse to Mac gamers.
"The number of Mac gamers continues to grow, and the release of the Mac driver for the Kone XTD is just our first step towards more widespread support for the operating system’s user base," says René Korte, Roccat founder and CEO.
The 8,200 DPI Pro-Aim R3 laser sensor in the Kone XTD offers superb tracking, transmitting even the fastest mouse movements with no lag, he adds. Every click delivers pronounced feedback.
The Kone XTD features Easy-Shift[+] technology, which lets you set two functions for each mouse button and the scroll wheel. The included Roccat driver software lets you program and fine tune a multitude of settings – and gives you sound feedback with most changes.
The Kone XTD also features a customizable lighting system that adds to the mood of every gaming session. Flanking its sides are two shimmering light rails powered by four independent multi-color LEDs that you...
iOS 7 interactive book available for iPad, OS X Mavericks
Stopframe Ltd has introduced "Interactive Guide to iOS 7," their latest eBook available for iPad and OS X Mavericks in the iBookstore.
This latest tome by author T A Rudderham is packed with interactive galleries, videos, audio and high-resolution imagery. It's designed to teach readers about every new feature of iOS 7, the history behind its creation, and how the design compares with earlier iterations of iOS. The books provides detailed walk-through guides behind every app and setting.
The Interactive Guide to iOS 7 costs US$3.99. It's available worldwide exclusively through the iBookstore in the Computers category (http://tinyurl.com/mhkq76m).
Phiaton unveils the Fusion MS 430 headphone
Phiaton Corporation, a manufacturer of high-performance personal audio products, has unveiled the latest over-ear headphones to join the M-Series: the Fusion MS 430.
The headphones feature aluminum and red accents along with Phiaton’s signature carbon graphite fiber design. In addition to creating a unique style, the carbon graphite material is lightweight and extremely durable, encased in a high polymer enclosure that delivers improved resonance, with deep rich bass, a full-bodied midrange, and sparkling high notes, says James Baik, President of Phiaton.
The Fusion MS 430 boasts 40mm drivers with an optimized vibration system and oversized Neodymium magnets. The "fold and go" makes them compact and portable.
The Fusion MS 430 costs US$179 and will be available Oct. 1. For more info go to www.phiaton.com .
Jumsoft updates all toolboxes for Pages and Keynote
Jumsoft (www.jumsoft.com) has released a new batch of fresh designs for Pages and Keynote on Mac OS X. A number of new themes and illustrations has been added to Toolbox for Pages, Toolbox for Keynote, their iOS versions, and the universal Toolbox for iWork bundle.
The designs are ideal for creating and illustrating brochures, newsletters, slide presentations, and various other types of content. Toolbox for Pages and Toolbox for Keynote are free downloads that offer a way to view and purchase Jumsoft's product sets for Apple's Pages and Keynote applications.
In total, the two collections contain tens of Keynote themes and layouts, hundreds of document templates for Pages, and thousands of clipart images, doodles, badges, maps, flags, etc. Users can purchase these by piece, by category, or by set. In addition, the first item in each category can be downloaded at no charge. These applications are also available for iOS users.
Toolbox for iWork is a bundle application that covers all...
Maintain serves up Cocktail 6.8 (Mountain Lion Edition)
Maintain has released Cocktail 6.8 (Mountain Lion Edition), the latest maintenance update for users running OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion.
Cocktail is a general purpose utility for OS X that lets users clean, repair and optimize their Mac. This version contains improvements to the Pilot scheduler, addresses compatibility issues with the latest versions of Firefox and Google Chrome and adds OS X 10.8.5 compatibility. The update is highly recommended to all users of Cocktail (Mountain Lion Edition).
Cocktail 6.8 (Mountain Lion Edition) requires OS X Mountain Lion or OS X Mountain Lion Server (10.8). Cocktail (Lion Edition) for OS X 10.7, Cocktail (Snow Leopard Edition) for OS X 10.6 and Cocktail (Leopard Edition) for OS X 10.5 are available for download from the Maintain website.
Cocktail costs US$14 for a single user license and is available for purchase from the Maintain website (http://maintain.se/cocktail). The license is valid for Mountain Lion, Lion and Snow Leopard and editions of...
DistributorX rolls out Enfocus PitStop 12
DistributorX (www.distributorx.com) has released Enfocus PitStop 12. PitStop Pro 12 and PitStop Server 12. They include new editing tools that let users edit and correct images and blends without having to leave PitStop Pro and go into an external editor. Once changes are made to images, users can immediately preview the results.
PitStop Pro 12 can even edit images that can't easily be edited in any other way, such as those that include spot color, duotone, tritone and other Device-N color spaces. Image adjustments can be applied to single images, multiple images, or all images within a PDF file. Edits to image color curves can be recorded as Actions and can be used for automatic correction. Unsharp Masking and Brightness/Contrast are also available as Actions for automatic adjustment of images. These Actions can be incorporated into Action Lists and can be used in both PitStop Pro and PitStop Server.
The new PitStop Server 12 now uses the industry standard Adobe transparency...
Apple revs Xcode to version 5.0
Apple has served up an update (version 5.0) to its free Xcode developer tool for OS X and iOS for iOS and OS X.
The upgrade adds support for iOS 7 features and adds a 64-bit compiler to simplify transition from the current 32-bit architecture. It includes software developer kits for OS X Mountain Lion and iOS 7.
There's also an automatic configuration tool that enables services such as iCloud and Game Center to be enabled from a single click. Xcode 5.0 is available at the Mac App Store and requires Mac OS X 10.8.4 or higher.
Apple releases iOS 7
Apple has released iOS 7. It's a free software update for the iPhone 4 and later, iPad 2 and later, iPad mini and iPod touch (fifth generation). (Some features may not be available on all products.)
There are two ways to upgrade. You can grab iOS 7 from your iOS device itself by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Or you can attach your iDevice to your computer and update from iTunes.
Native Instruments introduces Lazer Dice expansion for Maschine
Native Instruments has released Lazer Dice, a new Maschine Expansion for producers of future bass and related genres. Blending synth-heavy electronic and deep south hip-hop, the Expansion features "custom drum sounds and patterns created to reflect the rugged beats and skittering rhythms of the genre."
Native Instruments’ synthesis expertise provides the future bass synth leads with new Massive presets. Special Kits deliver new possibilities for live improvisation. Lazer Dice is available for Maschine and Maschine Mikro; a compact version is also available for iMaschine.
Lazer Dice’s 47 drum kits include rough 808 sub-bass kicks, pitched snare rolls, time-stretched hats, and deep bass drops. It provides 50 new Massive presets.
Lazer Dice is available at the NI Online Shop for US$49. A compact version of Lazer Dice is also available for iMaschine at the Apple App Store. For more info go to www.native-instruments.com/lazerdice .
Akvis announces Autumn Frame Pack for ArtSuite
Akvis has announced a new frame pack for Akvis ArtSuite software for Mac OS X and Windows. The program allows users to decorate their photos with frames and effects.
Extra frame packs can be installed to the program to increase its functionality. The new Autumn Pack (US$12) includes 50 hand-painted frames. With the release of the new product the "four seasons" collection for ArtSuite is complete.
Akvis ArtSuite, available as a standalone program and plugin for image editors, for Mac OS X and Windows, helps to decorate pictures with frames and effects. The program contains templates and a variety of texture sample
Now 11 themed packs are available for use in ArtSuite: Baby Pack, Wedding Pack, Travel Pack, Sports Pack, Fantasy Pack, St.Valentine Pack, Christmas Pack, Winter Pack, Spring Pack, Summer Pack, and the new Autumn Pack; each is offered for a pretty modest price. What's more,, the Free Pack, a collection of lovely designs for any occasion, is available for download without...
ASUSTOR rolls out new NAS devices for personal, home users
ASUSTOR, a provider of network storage solutions, has launched its brand new AS 2 series network attached storage (NAS) targeted at personal and home users. Pricing starts at US$248; the NAS devices work with Mac OS X 10.6 and higher.
The series is further divided into 2 sub-series: the AS-20XT series (AS-202T/AS-204T) designed to give users the essentials for creating a personal cloud and the AS-20XTE series (AS-202TE/AS-204TE) designed to give users both personal cloud and digital entertainment functionality. The two series not only was designed to meet the needs of consumers but is also a great entry level product for users who are using a NAS for the first time, says Allen Yen, sales director at ASUSTOR.
The AS-20XT series comes equipped with 512MB of DDR3 memory and boasts read and write speeds of 104+ MB/s and 74+ MB/s, respectively. Furthermore, the AS-20XT series offers a variety of cloud storage functions that allow users to set up their own backup server, file server, video...
Sound Grinder Pro for OS X gets a Cocoa user interface, more
Monkey Tools (http://www.monkey-tools.com/) has updated Sound Grinder Pro, its batch processing tool for Mac OS X, to version 3.5. The new version includes Cocoa user interface, an enhanced volume slider, enhanced Broadcast WAVE functionality, improved MPEG 4 support and more.
Now, the volume slider has a current output gain display and the ability to use key commands to reset to unity. Additional MPEG 4 support provides enhanced handling of malformed files. Selecting Broadcast WAVE now ensures the Broadcast Extension is written to the file even if exporting metadata is turned off. This new version also includes enhancements to QuickTime support and other updates for increased stability.
Sound Grinder requires OS X 10.5 or greater and costs US$39 for new users. Version 3.5 is a free update to current users of version 3.0 and greater. Demos are available for download on the Monkey Tools website .
