Avenza Systems has released MAPublisher 9.3 (www.avenza.com/mapublisher) for Adobe Illustrator. This latest update is fully compatible with the recently released Adobe Illustrator Creative Cloud. It also adds the ability to export a document to web tiles to make it easier to create online maps without extensive web programming knowledge.   MAPublisher for Adobe Illustrator is map production software for creating cartographic-quality maps from GIS data. Its tools leverage the superior graphics design capabilities of Adobe Illustrator to manipulate GIS data to produce maps.   MAPublisher 9.3 for Adobe Illustrator is available free to all MAPublisher users with an active maintenance subscription and as an upgrade for non-maintenance users at US$599. New licenses are US$1399. MAPublisher FME Auto and MAPublisher LabelPro are also available as add-ons to MAPublisher 9.3 at prices starting at US$399 per license. Academic, floating and volume pricing are also available. Prices include one...

InfoLogic (http://www.mathmagic.com/) has released MathMagic Personal Edition 8.6, an update of their multi-purpose mathematical equation editor for Mac OS X 10.6 or higher. The upgrade supports SVG saving, more frame types and templates, and comes with more math fonts. MathMagic Personal is a standalone equation editor for mathematical equations and scientific symbols. It's available for US$69 (academic licenses are $49). The software is available in a fully functional trial version for up to 50 equations.

WideStep Security Software has announced Elite Keylogger for Mac OS X, now available in a free edition. The free version has all the features that the Pro version (US$49) does, except that it's not invisible and it doesn't track passwords. Elite Keylogger for Mac records every key typed on your Mac desktop or MacBook keyboard. This includes emails, chat messages, and usernames and non-keychain passwords. Items copied to the clipboard are also recorded, and screenshots can also be taken. Reports can be sent to any location via email. Elite Keylogger requires Mac OS X 10.6.8 or later. For more info go to http://www.widestep-keyloggers.com .

iFixIt, the web site dedicating to "helping everyone fix everything," is celebrating its 10th anniversary. As part of the celebration, the site has a new look. What's more, iFixIt is giving everyone 10% off everything in their store. You can use the coupon code 10YEARS for Mac, iPod, iPhone, iPad and game control parts and tools. For more info go to www.ifixit.com .

Recently, you may have received an Amber Alert on your phone -- and it was very loud, and very different from any other alerts that you may have experienced the past. These new types of alerts are called "Wireless Emergency Alerts". These WEAs, according to FEMA, "are emergency messages sent by authorized government alerting authorities through your mobile carrier. They include: - Extreme weather, and other threatening emergencies in your area - AMBER Alerts - Presidential Alerts during a national emergency WEA will look like a text message. The WEA message will show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take, and the agency issuing the alert. The message will be no more than 90 characters. You do not have to register for these alerts, but they are complementary. This service is offered for free by wireless carriers. WEA messages will not count towards texting limits on your wireless plan. You can opt-out of receiving WEA messages for imminent threats and/...

Powerocks has rolled out the new Rose Stone power bank to charge smartphones and other devices on the go. Rose Stone provides 6000mAh of power in a compact package for four full emergency charges for cell phones, tablets and other mobile devices. The power bank features two USB ports (5V/1A input), so you can charge two devices at the same time when away from a power source or outlet. It works with iPhones, Blackberrys, Androids, and HTC phones. The Rose Stone also charges Bluetooth headsets, cameras, GPS devices, tablets, and more (depending on device charge requirements).  Measuring 4 x 1 x 1.5 inches and weighing five ounces, it fits in a pocket, purse, or bag. The Powerocks Rose Stone 6000mAh costs US$69.99 and is available at www.powerocksusa.com, www.powerocks.com, and www.amazon.com .

Native Instruments has released the updated TraktorKontrol X1, a new version of its compact decks and effects controller. New features include touch-sensitive Browse and Loop encoders, 7-segment displays and LEDs for visual feedback, and a multi-purpose touch strip for added tactile control. When combined with TraktorPro, the X1 MK2 delivers plug-and-play physical control over two track decks and two freely assignable TraktorFX units -- with or without the use of turntables or CDJs. The TraktorKontrol X1 MK2 is now available in stores worldwide and at the NI Online Shop for US$229. All X1 customers receive a personal $50 e-voucher delivered by email upon registration of the X1 hardware. For more info go to www.native-instruments.com/traktorkontrolx1 .

Manhattan Edit Workshop (MEWShop), the authorized digital training destination for post-production and content creators, has announced new dates for DaVinci Resolve workshops, which will be taught by Warren Eagles, professional color grader and co-founder of the International Colorist Academy (ICA). Touted as the color grading system of choice for many of Hollywood’s blockbuster production studios, DaVinci Resolve 10 was announced earlier this year. EWShop will provide workshops for both beginners and those with a bit more experience. In "ICA 101: An Introduction to Colorist Strategies with DaVinci Resolve," students will learn the basics of the system. For those who wish to expand upon this foundation, there's "ICA 201: Resolve Workflow." For details go to www.mewshop.com .

Sample Logic has announced Impakt, a suite of over 850 morphed concert percussion instruments and multis. The collection of instruments ranges from marimbas and xylophones, chimes and bells to transfigured timpani, gongs, bass drums, cymbals, and a variety of world percussion instruments. Impakt also includes a complementary set of traditional concert percussion instruments. All sounds were recorded on the Scoring Stage at Skywalker Sound under the direction of percussionist Jim Wunderlich and System Blue. The result is a library that contains both traditional instruments and an evocative collection of morphed cinematic instruments, transitions, atmospheres, leads,impacts, and tempo-synced rhythms. Impakt requires Kontakt 5 Player 5.1 or higher (a free download) or a full version of Kontakt 5.1 or higher (sold separately). Mac system requirements are Mac OS X 10.7 or higher. Impakt will be available on Aug. 15 via direct download at www.samplelogic.com . It has a manufacturer's...

Following recent reports of third-party iPhone power adapters that were malfunctioning, Apple has introduced a take-back program for the adapters, reports "Macworld" (http://tinyurl.com/mjw6jjj) Here's Apple's info on the program: " "Recent reports have suggested that some counterfeit and third party adapters may not be designed properly and could result in safety issues. While not all third party adapters have an issue, we are announcing a USB Power Adapter Takeback Program to enable customers to acquire properly designed adapters. "Customer safety is a top priority at Apple. That’s why all of our products -- including USB power adapters for iPhone, iPad, and iPod -- undergo rigorous testing for safety and reliability and are designed to meet government safety standards around the world. "Starting August 16, 2013, if you have concerns about any of your USB power adapters, you can drop them off at an Apple Retail Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. We will ensure that...

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 (Jason) Wudi of JAMF Software. (Jason) was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on Apple's announcements, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.

Noise Industries has added Text Panels from SquidFX to its family of plugins available in FxFactory. Designed exclusively for Final Cut Pro X, Text Panels is a set of title and lower thirds effects. Offering five customizable background shapes to start with, editors can customize titles in a variety of ways, and can even import in their own images or videos to use as in the background. Text Panels costs US$49 in FxFactory. For more information, visit Noise Industries online (http://tinyurl.com/n75sczb).

ECBC has announced their their new collection of rolling luggage. The collection consists of two styles. Features include a battery back-up pack compatible with most devices, so there's no need searching the airport for a plug. In addition, they include ECBC’s FastPass system for a quicker time through security. ECBC’s Exclusive Luggage Collection is available today for pre-order. You can use promo code "luggage30" at http://www.ec-bc.com/luggage-pre-order/ to receive 30% off and free shipping if you purchase by Aug. 11. Orders will be shipped the week of August 12. Prices range from US$349 to $399.

Patent disputes in the U.S. could change "significantly," with the International Trade Commission (ITC) playing a less important role, following a veto from President Barack Obama's administration in the ongoing Apple-Samsung litigation, notes "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com). The Obama administration vetoed a decision by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to ban the import of certain Apple products to the U.S. on the grounds they infringed a Samsung. The ban was ordered in June by the ITC and was to take effect today. The veto against the ban was announced by Michael Froman, US Trade Representative, on Saturday. A statement accompanying the presidential ruling made over the weekend declared that the ITC should take "public interest" into account in its decisions, which will guide future judgements from the commission. In a note to clients, Wells Fargo analyst Maynard Um said that, while the ITC has, in the past, been a way for companies to secure a relatively quick...

MOSO has announced version 1.3.5 of the Xmplify XML Editor (http://xmplifyapp.com). It's a XML editor built specifically for Mac OS X 10.6 and higher and provides a fully XML-aware editing environment with DTD and XML Schema-based auto-completion. Version 1.3.5 includes a new Resources window, plus fixes and other improvements. Xmplify is available for US$59; both volume and educational discounts are available. Version 1.3.5 is a free upgrade for Xmplify 1.x users.

The Department of Justice and 33 state attorneys general have submitted to the court a proposed remedy to address Apple's illegal conduct, following the July 10, 2013, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York decision finding that Apple conspired to fix the prices of e-books in the United States. The proposed relief "is intended to halt Apple’s anticompetitive conduct, restore lost competition and prevent a recurrence of the illegal activities."   "The court found that Apple’s illegal conduct deprived consumers of the benefits of e-book price competition and forced them to pay substantially higher prices," says Bill Baer, Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. "Under the department’s proposed order, Apple’s illegal conduct will cease and Apple and its senior executives will be prevented from conspiring to thwart competition in the future."   The department’s proposal, if approved by the court, will require Apple to...

Econ Technologies has updated ChronoSync to version 4.4, an update of the automated synchronization and backup application for Mac OS X (10.6 and higher) that can synchronize, backup, and create bootable backups. Version 4.4 adds InterConneX connectivity. InterConneX is the completely new file management and file sharing app for the iPad. With InterConneX you can create a repository of files so that you can store and organize files and folders in one location on an iPad just like on a Mac. In addition to managing and storing files, InterConneX allows you to share your files and folders between other iPads running InterConneX and Macs running ChronoSync or ChronoAgent. For new users the cost is US$40. A demo is available for download from the Econ Technologies web site (http://www.econtechnologies.com).

Apple has bought Passif Semiconductor, a Silicon Valley-based wireless chip developer, reports Jessica Lessin (http://tinyurl.com/mp29ehf), quoting unnamed "people briefed on the deal. "It isn’t clear how much Apple paid," Lessin -- a former writer for "The Wall Street Journal" says. "The people said Apple tried to buy Passif a few years earlier for a price in the mid-tens-of-millions of dollars. Presumably it would be higher now." Apple, of course, had nothing to say on the matter beyond, "Apple buys small technology companies from time to time."

V-MODA has announced the availability of two new accessories designed to add versatility to high end headphones. Both cost US$30 each. The BoomPro (pictured) is a professional grade microphone for gaming, Skype, and podcasting. It's designed to enhance voice clarity and background noise reduction. The BoomPro's bendable SteelFlex arm allows you to position and hold the mic in place for optimal ergonomics, while the Control Clip clips onto your shirt adding volume controls and a mute button. The CoilPro is an extended play cable that reaches up to 12 inches in length for the DJ booth, music instrument or extra room to roam around home. The cable features Kevlar reinforcement inside and is built to withstand over 1.2 million bends for the long haul, according to the folks at V-MODA.

The USB 3.0 Promoter Group has announced the completion of the USB 3.1 Specification, which adds enhancements to enable SuperSpeed USB to operate at up to 10 Gbps. This latest release of the specification is available for download from the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) website (www.usb.org). SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps uses a more efficient data encoding and will deliver more than twice the effective data through-put performance of existing SuperSpeed USB over enhanced, fully backward compatible USB connectors and cables, according to Brad Saunders, USB 3.0 Promotor Group chairman. Compatibility is assured with existing USB 3.0 software stacks and device class protocols as well as with existing 5 Gbps hubs and devices and USB 2.0 products. Developers interested in implementing the new USB 3.1 Specification have the opportunity to learn technical details during three developer conferences currently being planned. The international conferences planned in Europe and Asia will offer more...

Twocanoes Software has announced Winclone 4.2, an update to the application that lets Mac users image and migrate Windows installed in Boot Camp. The new version adds language support..   Winclone 4.2 costs US$29.99 for an individual license (up to two computers), $99.99 for the pro version (unlimited computers by a single administrator), and $499.99 for a site license (unlimited computers by any employee or contractor). Winclone Pro with Support and Winclone Site License with Support are also available. All software editions are available through the Twocanoes website (http://twocanoes.com). Version 4.2 is a free update for registered users of version 4.0. Twocanoes offers a support package that includes two years of technical support and maintenance, including access to priority technical support and all minor and major upgrades. Winclone requires Mac OS X 10.7 or higher, Windows 7 or higher, and a Boot Camp partition.

Booq has unveiled the Viper courier, a laptop bag with a minimalist design coupled with "intelligent pocket-ability." It fits 13 to 15 inch laptops. Organically dyed and water-repelling, the Viper courier’s exterior was fabricated using a natural fiber developed exclusively for this series. The bag zips open to feature an interior lined with nylon fabric and a padded notebook compartment designed to keep your laptop protected and scratch-free. The Viper courier has tuck-away carrying handles and a removable seatbelt nylon shoulder strap. It's available at www.booqbags.com for US$99.95 for the 13-inch version and $109.95 for the 15-inch model.

Etón Corp. has announced additions to the Boost mobile charging line including the new Boost 4200, Boost 8400 and BoostTurbine 4000 for on-the-go portable power to mobile devices. The new BoostTurbine 4000 joins the BoostTurbine family, which the company claims is the world’s only rechargeable battery packs with emergency back-up capability via a hand-crank power generator. The BoostTurbine 4000 doubles the previous battery capacity of existing BoostTurbine products to provide two full charges to most smart phones' plus it boasts a 5V/2.1A USB port that can charge tablets, smartphones and other USB devices. In one minute, the hand crank power generator can produce enough power for about four minutes of talk time and a few critical texts, according to the folks at Etón Corp. BoostTurbine 4000 is made of tough but lightweight aluminum is compact enough to fit in your pocket. The Boost 4200 and 8400 products sport a slim design and the unique feature of shaking to check the battery...

Adobe has announced the availability of Lightroom 5.2 and Camera Raw 8.2 Release Candidates on Adobe Labs. The release candidates correct issues reported in Lightroom 5.0 and Camera Raw 8.1, including refinements to the Spot Healing Brush, Local Adjustment Brush and Noise Reduction tools. In addition, raw file format support is added for a number of cameras, such as the Canon EOS 70D, Fujifilm X-M1 and Sony DSC-RX1R. The Lightroom 5.2 release candidate is available as a free update for Lightroom 5 customers. Camera Raw 8.2 is available as a free update for both Photoshop CC and Photoshop CS6. Note that Camera Raw 8.2 for CS6 only includes updated camera and lens profile support as part of the recent camera raw policy change.  For more information, visit http://labs.adobe.com .