Just Mobile releases Gum++ backup battery
Just Mobile has launched the Just Mobile Gum++, a high-capacity backup battery for smartphones, tablets and USB-powered devices. It has a suggested retail price of US$89.95.
Available in a range of colors, the Gum++ is clad in a glossy, hard-wearing shell. Inside, a 6000mAh battery has enough capacity to recharge a smartphone up to three times, says Erich Huang, co-founder of Just Mobile. Its high- power USB output keeps charge times to a minimum.
You can refill the Gum++ from USB using the supplied cable. Its five LED indicators help you keep track of the remaining charge. For more info go to www.just-mobile.com .
Package Central now supports InDesign CC
Zevrix Solutions has announced updated Package Central (http://zevrix.com/PackageCentral.php), a document packaging workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign, to version 1.7. The new version adds support for InDesign CC featured as part of Creative Cloud.
Originally developed for a publisher in the United States, the software automates InDesign packaging by processing files from hotfolders. Package Central offloads packaging to a central system, leaving operator workstations free from the output process. The software offers font auto-activation, e-mail notifications, detailed logs and more.
Package Central can be purchased for US$299.95 from the Zevrix Solutions website, as well as from authorized resellers. A demo is available for download. Package Central runs on Mac OS X 10.5 or higher, is a Universal Binary, and works with Adobe InDesign CS3-CS5.5.
PDF Nomad adds more than 60 languages to its OCR engine
SintraWorks has updated PDF Nomad, a PDF editor for Mac OS X (10.7 and higher), to version 2.1. The upgrade adds more than 60 languages to its OCR engine, extends its PDF form creation widgets, makes text in annotations searchable and more.
PDF Nomad's features include simple text search and extraction, file merging, page splitting, form creation, markup and annotation, booklet/magazine creation and more. You can create and fill out PDF forms, mark-up text and annotate pages with rectangles, ovals, arrows, lines and more.
With PDF Nomad, you can resize whole documents to a different page size with a single command, or resize individual pages with drag and drop, shifting page contents as needed. You can export individual pages as bitmaps (jpg, png etc.) or create spoken audio files from the document's text.
PDF Nomad 2.1 is available as a single-user license for US$49.99 from the SintraWorks website today, the SintraWorks website (http://tinyurl.com/otysszw).
IP Camera Recorder for Mac 1.58 is released
DComplex has announced IP Camera Recorder 1.58, an update to its video surveillance software for Mac/iPhone users. The main addition in this version is support for more H.264 IP Camera models.
IP Camera Recorder allows users to monitor up to 20 IP cameras simultaneously on a Mac (running OS X 10.6 or higher), record video from the cameras, detect motion and more. The companion (free) iPhone/iPad app allows users to instantly review motion events, remotely watch live video, search and playback recorded video.
IP Camera Recorder 1.58 adds support for more H.264 IP camera models, including Acti, Avtech, Basler, Toshiba, Truen, Y-CAM and more. Existing IP Camera Recorder customers can upgrade their software to version 1.58 for free.
IP Camera Recorder 1.58 software for Mac OS X comes with free 30-day trial. It can be downloaded for free from the DComplex website (http://kb.dcomplex.com). Pricing depends on number of cameras. The price for one camera is US$39.99.
Plush comes to the Mac
Red Head Games has released its first Mac OS X game, Plush. It requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or higher.
Here's how the game is described: "Plush combines stuffed animal simulation with the imagination of a little girl to provide a unique puzzle experience. To successfully complete each level, the player must arrange the stuffed animals in such a way as to make them all 'happy' before bedtime. Each stuffed animal has it's own preferences (and physics), so this is easier said than done."
Plush 1.0.6 costs US$4.99. It's available at the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/qgmrh7t) and on GamersGate.com .
MCCI announces MBIM USB drivers for Mac OS X
MCCI Corp., a developer of USB drivers and firmware for the high-volume personal computer and portable device markets, has released Mobile Broadband Interface Model (MBIM) USB host function drivers for Mac OS X.
"MBIM is the new industry standard architecture for wireless broadband modems," says Terry Moore, CEO, MCCI. "It replaces AT commands with a modern message-based API. Data transfer is accelerated by replacing PPP data encapsulation with direct transport of IP packets, so the data going over USB matches the data going over the cellular network. Our MBIM drivers for Mac OS X let modem manufacturers use exactly the same firmware that they use for Windows platforms, increasing the throughput and decreasing the test and validation time."
The data-transport architecture used in MBIM was first developed for the USB NCM specification. The driver package, suitable for LTE-Advanced modems, supports high throughput, demonstrating up to 180 Mbps downlink and 50 Mbps uplink with a...
Native Instruments' Traktor Kontrol Z1 now available
Native Instruments has released Traktor Kontrol Z1, which it says is the world’s smallest professional mixer and audio interface for both Traktor DJ for iPhone and iPad, and Traktor Pro 2.
When combined with the Traktor DJ app, the Z1 adds headphone cue and dedicated faders, filter and effects controls, and 3-band EQ for each channel. The integrated audio interface boosts audio output. Traktor Kontrol Z1 also offers Traktor Pro 2 DJs a mobile mixing interface.
The Traktor Kontrol Z1 comes with software and license for Traktor LE 2 and connects to iPad and iPhone with an included 30-pin connector. Using the Z1 with iPad 4 and iPhone 5 or later requires a Lightning adapter sold separately.
Traktor Kontrol Z1 is available at retailers worldwide and at the NI Online Shop for US$199. For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/pzb3779 .
Boston University sues Apple
Boston University is suing Apple, claiming the company ripped off one of its computer engineering professor's patented electronic semiconductors, reports the "Boston Herald" (http://tinyurl.com/lxlb4up).
In a lawsuit filed yesterday in U.S. District Court of Massachusetts, the university alleges that a small electronic component patented by computer engineering professor Theodore D. Moustakas in 1997 is included in the iPhone 5, iPad, and MacBook Air. "Defendant’s acts of infringement have caused and will continue to cause substantial and irreparable damage to the University," BU alleges in its complaint.
Tech analyst Roger Kay of Endpoint Technologies Associates told the "Boston Herald" that he wouldn’t be surprised if a successful verdict or settlement netted BU in the realm of US$75 million. He said: "Courts can be irrational in these cases. You get these ridiculous judgments sometimes and they may think of Apple as a big, rich company that doesn’t deserve all that money.”
Senomix rolls out mobile time tracking tool
Senomix Software Inc. has released Senomix Timesheets for mobile devices, a networked time tracking system ready for use with iPad, Android, iPhone and other modern tablets and phones. It links with the company's Mac OS X and Windows applications.
Developed using the latest in WebSocket and HTML5 communication technologies, Senomix delivers a time tracking solution ready for use with a company's own office equipment whether employees are working in the office or on the road.
With all data automatically synchronized on an office's server the moment a user saves their time, employees can enter a full week's timesheet, or record information daily or hourly from their Android device or Apple iPhone or iPad as best fits their work habits. Linked with Senomix's desktop Mac and Windows applications, time tracking data is immediately available for reference by managers and accounts staff for client billing and project scheduling, providing a way to coordinate employee work wherever staff are...
Bretford introduces high capacity charging cart for the iPad,...
Bretford Manufacturing, an U.S. manufacturer of technology-enabled furniture for learning and business environments, has introduced its highest capacity charging cart for the iPad and iPad mini.
Designed to support Apple devices in education, business, healthcare and other professional environments, the Mobility Cart 42 for iPad and iPad mini can charge, store, secure and transport up to 42 iPad and iPad mini devices. The cart is being shown first at the ISTE Annual Conference and Expo 2013.
"We see iPad deployments on the rise in all types of organizations," says Dan Berger, product management team lead for Bretford Manufacturing. "More devices are needed now than just a few short years ago. With this new cart, up to 42 iPads can be charged simultaneously and kept secure for one large group or for sharing between smaller groups. We've increased capacity, and at the same time, increased the slot width to accommodate the most popular iPad cases."
All Bretford Mobility Carts,...
Eltima Software releases Airy for Mac OS X
Eltima Software has released Airy, a Mac OS X app for downloading videos from YouTube and extracting MP3 sounds from them. It requires Mac OS X 10.7 or higher and costs US$19.95.
Airy supports MP4, WebM, FLV, 3GP in various resolutions. If you need to extract the soundtrack from the initial video, enter the link in the Eltima Software app, choose MP3 format and click Download.
A free trial version of Airy allows five free downloads. For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/m7zl4jl .
Apotop announces AP-U6 USB 3.0 drive
Apotop has announced the AP-U6 USB 3.0 external storage drive. Thanks to its compact size and slim profile, it's designed as a cost-efficient way to expand the storage capacities of MacBook Air.
Due to MacBook Air notebooks having limited storage capacities, Apotop designed the AP-U6 to act as an integrated external storage device that goes unnoticed. Its aluminum body and silver color complement MacBook Airs, and its shape resembles the MacBook power connector.
Available in 32GB and 64GB models, is available at Newegg and Amazon with pricing starting at US$49.99. For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/m7zl4jl .
Netgear rolls out R6100 Wi-Fi Router
Netgear is expanding its family of next-generation 802.11ac wireless products with the US$99.99 R6100 WiFi Router. The R6100 is a dual band router that supports combined Wi-Fi speeds up to 1200 Mbps with Fast Ethernet wired connections.
It prepares your home network for new or upgraded devices that integrate 802.11ac WiFi support, such as the latest MacBook Air, says Sandeep Harpalani, Netgear's director of product marketing for core networking products. The R6100 offers improved performance and whole-home wireless coverage by incorporating simultaneous dual band WiFi technology. The 2.4 GHz band supports legacy devices while the less interference-prone 5GHz band is perfect for multiple HD media streaming and online gaming, says Harpalani.
What's more, the R6100 works with the free NETGEAR genie app and software for installation and network management, ensuring you a hassle-free transition to 802.11ac. For more info go to www.netgear.com/fastestwifi .
Apple to announce latest financial results on July 23
Apple will announce its latest financial results on Tuesday, July 23. Three months ago the company provided guidance for the third quarter of fiscal 2013 for revenue of between US$33.5 and $35.5 billion and gross margin between 36% and 37%.
Though the third-quarter earnings come after the announcements of this year's Worldwide Developers Conference, most of the products introduced there won't ship until next quarter, so the impact to Apple's bottom line may be minimal, notes "Macworld" (www.macworld.com).
Apple kicks off Back to School deals
Apple has kicked off its annual Back to School deals for educational buyers and includes iTunes Store, App Store and iBookstore gift cards.
According to Apple, you can "buy a Mac for college and get a $100 gift card to spend on apps and more -- and also save with education pricing. Or buy an iPad or iPhone and get a $50 card.
You can place your order on-line and choose free shipping. You can have your order shipped to you or pick it up at your local Apple retail store. To start shopping go to http://tinyurl.com/ma2mchr .
Landscaper's Companion for the Mac grows to version 1.5
InfiniteNIL Software (www.infinitenil.com) has updated Landscaper's Companion for Mac OS X to version 1.5. The upgrade gives users the ability to add their own plants to Landscaper's database of over 26,000 plants.
Landscaper's Companion was first introduced as an iOS app by Stevenson Software. Stevenson Software commissioned infiniteNIL to bring the app to the Mac. The Mac app has all the same features as the iOS version, such as a database of over 8,500 plants and over 9,000 images.
Plants can be browsed by 16 categories, marked as favorites, and searched for based on their name, color, type, sun, water, grow rate, size, and other characteristics. Most plants include cultivation information, common uses, and potential problems they may have. Users can add their own notes and images to each plant.
Landscaper's Companion requires Mac OS X 10.7 or higher. It costs US$34.99 and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Reference or Lifestyle category.
Batch Output Server now compatible with InDesign CC
Zevrix Solutions has updated BatchOutput Server (http://zevrix.com/BatchOutputServer.php), an output workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign, to version 4.9. The new version makes BatchOutput Server compatible with InDesign CC.
Under BatchOutput Server workflow, production artists and prepress operators simply submit files to hotfolders that reside on the network. BatchOutput Server automatically outputs the files from its dedicated station using hotfolder settings, and will auto-activate document fonts as well.
BatchOutput 4.9 can be purchased from the Zevrix Solutions web site for US$699.95, as well as from authorized resellers. A demo is available for download. BatchOutput 4.9 is available for Mac OS X 10.5 and higher, a Universal Binary, and works with Adobe InDesign CS-CS5.
Pyle makes a splash with the Sound Flow speaker
Pyle Audio has unveiled Sound Flow Bluetooth speaker. Portable and lightweight, the marine grade, shock resistant and waterproof speaker system withstands use in the most difficult environmental conditions, according to Pyle Audio President Abe Brach.
The speaker also connects to most qualified Bluetooth devices wirelessly. Its built-in lithium battery and USB charging cable create both indoor and outdoor functionality. The Sound Flow is available at www.PyleAudio.com for US$69.99.
Maintain serves up Cocktail 5.5.1 (Lion Edition)
Maintain has released Cocktail 5.5.1 (Lion Edition), the latest maintenance update for users running OS X Lion 10.7. This version contains improvements on the clear DNS cache procedure and addresses compatibility issues with Safari 6.0.5.
Cocktail is a general purpose utility for OS X that lets users clean, repair and optimize their Mac. This version adds the ability to change standby delay, the ability to disable shadow in window captures, the ability to show the Debug menu in App Store and Photo Booth, and compatibility with the latest versions of supported web browsers. It also provides improvements on the clear system caches procedure and updated network optimization presets.
Cocktail 5.5 (Lion Edition) requires OS X 10.7 and is tested for compatibility with OS X/OS X Server 10.7.5. It costs US$14 for a single user license. For more info go to http://maintain.se/cocktail .
Landscaper's Companion for the Mac grows to version 1.5
InfiniteNIL Software (www.infinitenil.com) has updated Landscaper's Companion for Mac OS X to version 1.5. The upgrade gives users the ability to add their own plants to Landscaper's database of over 26,000 plants.
Landscaper's Companion was first introduced as an iOS app by Stevenson Software. Stevenson Software commissioned infiniteNIL to bring the app to the Mac. The Mac app has all the same features as the iOS version, such as a database of over 8,500 plants and over 9,000 images.
Plants can be browsed by 16 categories, marked as favorites, and searched for based on their name, color, type, sun, water, grow rate, size, and other characteristics. Most plants include cultivation information, common uses, and potential problems they may have. Users can add their own notes and images to each plant.
Landscaper's Companion requires Mac OS X 10.7 or higher. It costs US$34.99 and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Reference or Lifestyle category.
Eternal Storms Software releases Briefly for Mac OS X
Eternal Storms Software has released Briefly 1.0 for Mac OS X. The app allows users to create still motion videos -- videos where photos are shown only for the fraction of a second -- with just a few clicks and share them on video services like YouTube and Vimeo.
Users can import photos from their hard drive, flickr or Instagram and add a soundtrack from their iTunes library. Briefly then does the rest. It can output video up to 1080p or it can choose the best resolution automatically or eliminate the occurrence of black borders around the photos.
Briefly requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher. It's available exclusively on the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/knv32t4) for the introductory price of US$$4.99 (the regular price is $7.99). A free 15-day trial is available at the Eternal Storms web site (http://eternalstorms.at).
Mac Mini Vault increases capacity
Mac Mini Vault says its seventh Mac mini colcation cabinet has gone online, increasing the current capacity to over 1,000 Mac minis.
Along with this new cabinet, a build out has begun to double capacity for Mac minis by 2015. To celebrate this achievement Mac Mini Vault is offering discounted promotional pricing. The Mac mini Enterprise colocation service includes features such as remote reboot control, network interface graphing, free hands-on support hours, and more. For more info go to http://www.macminivault.com .
Apple searched by French antitrust group
A 24-hour investigation of Apple, its major wholesalers and distributors took place in France last week, according to "Les Echos" -- as translated by "The Next Web" (http://tinyurl.com/m7s3zdl).
The financial newspaper says Autorite de la Concurrence, the French competition authority, has confirmed the searches took place but declined to offer any further comment. Documents were reportedly seized by investigators during the raids.
"Les Echos" suggests that the investigation might have been carried out over ongoing concerns with Apple’s alleged anti-competitive behavior. eBizcuss, then the largest Apple reseller in France, sued the technology giant in December 2011 for what it described as an unfair advantage over stock and new shipments.
HoudahGeo for the Mac gets Lightroom 5 support
Houdah Software (http://www.houdah.com/) has updated HoudahGeo, a geocoding solution for the Mac, to version 3.5. The new version adds support for Adobe Lightroom 5.
HoudahGeo costs US$29 for a single-user license for new users. A demo is available for dowload. HoudahGeo requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher.
Recosoft announces PDF2ID 4.0
Recosoft Corp. (www.recosoft.com) has announced PDF2ID Standard and Professional 4.0 for InDesign Creative Cloud. These apps are PDF-to-InDesign and XPS-to-InDesign conversion solutions.
PDF2ID converts PDF and Windows XPS files into editable InDesign files enhancing PDF and XPS file content reuse and recovery within InDesign. PDF2ID eliminates the requirement to acquire and install additional PDF and XPS data recovery tools.
PDF2ID works with Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher and is available in a variety of configurations. Go to http://www.recosoft.com/products/pdf2id for details.
IDC: May personal computer shipments reflect slow second quarter...
The personal computer (PC) market continued to suffer slow shipment growth in top countries across regions in May, according to the "International Data Corporation (IDC) Monthly PC Tracker."
April shipment growth had improved slightly from March in Latin America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), but May growth has come in slower than April for each of these markets except India and UK.
IDC's quarterly PC forecast from May projected worldwide PC shipment declines of -11.7% in the second quarter of 2012 (2Q13), -4.7% in the third quarter, and -1.6% in the fourth quarter, resulting in total annual growth of -7.8% for 2013. This follows a decline of -13.3% in the first quarter of 2013 and -4.0% for all of 2012. The results for May are behind pace for achieving the projected 2Q13 growth rates, although stronger June results could still make up most if not all of the difference.
"The expectation for the second quarter was not all that high, showing only minor improvement from the...
Free Fonts collection available on the Mac App Store
128bit Technologies has introduced its Free Fonts -- Commercial Use OpenType Fonts collection on the Mac App Store. All fonts are in OpenType font format and include a commercial use license to use in any home or business design project.
Forty-five free fonts are offered, with more added regularly. They're cross-platform compatible. Plus, the collection includes a custom font preview app to see how the fonts look when applied to text, before you save and install them.
Free Fonts support Mac OS X 10.6 (64-bit) and later. You can download them at http://tinyurl.com/ol7wyed .
Adobe to acquire Nelane
Adobe (www.adobe.com) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Neolane, which specializes in cross-channel campaign management technology, headquartered in Paris, France, for approximately US$600 million in cash.
Neolane integrates online and offline marketing data from across an enterprise -- performing audience segmentation and delivering marketing messages across channels. It offers a platform for automation and execution of campaigns across the Web, email, social, mobile, call center, direct mail and point of sale (POS). This enables marketers to deliver consistent customer experiences, personalized campaigns and increased ROI, says Brad Rencher, senior vice president and general manager of Adobe’s Digital Marketing business.
The transaction, which is expected to close in July, is subject to customary closing conditions. The potential financial impact to Adobe of this transaction is not reflected in financial targets previously provided by Adobe.
Batch Inpaint 2.0 for Mac OS X gets revamped interface, more
Batch Inpaint (http://tinyurl.com/ob292xw), the Mac OS X app for batch retouching of photos, has updated to version 2.0. The tool allows removing or retouching undesirable objects on the scene pretty much like its flagship cousin Inpaint does, and offers means to process multiple photos at once.
Version 2.0 features a new look with a revamped interface. Many of tools have been reworked. For example, the zoom function now centers the image to the mouse cursor. Batch Inpaint 2.0 also features several new selection tools (Lasso, Polygonal Lasso, Magic Wand).
Batch Inpaint is available for Max OS X 10.7 or higher. The price for a license is US$19.99.
Apple posts Canon Inkjet Printer Drivers 2.12
Apple has posted Canon Inkjet Printer Drivers 2.12 (http://support.apple.com/kb/DL899) for Mac OS X. They require Mac OS X 10.6.1 or later.
The update installs the latest software for your Canon Inkjet printer or scanner. It's a 46MB download.
Apple releases Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 4.07
Apple has released Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 4.07 (http://tinyurl.com/pvwprpb). It requires Mac OS X 10.7.5 or later.
This update adds RAW image compatibility for the following cameras to Aperture 3 and iPhoto '11: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G6; Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF6; and Sony Alpha SLT-A58. It's a 11MB download.
NoteSuite released for OS X, iOS
Theory.io has released NoteSuite for the Mac and iPad. They're integrated suites of note-taking tools with special introductory prices available through July 15, 2013.
According to the folks at Theory.io, NoteSuite breaks down the silos that keep different kinds of files separated on mobile devices. For example, NoteSuite for iPad allows users to take notes, manage to-dos, clip web pages, annotate, and read and search PDFs, and more.
NoteSuite stores users' data safely on their iPad or Mac, employing cloud services for syncing and backup. According to the folks at Theory.io, this ensures users' never pay extra to access notes offline, data will not vanish if a web service gets cancelled, access to notes will not be jeopardized by security concerns or lost Internet connections, and users' data can never get held hostage for higher fees.
NoteSuite for iPad, normally priced at US$4.99, is available at a special introductory price of $1.99 through July 15, and is a free upgrade for...
WD rolls out newArkeia netbook backup appliances
WD has unveiled the fourth generation of WD Arkeia network backup appliances, delivering an all-in-one backup and disaster recovery solution for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
The new line up consists of four rack-mount appliance models with larger internal disk capacities, faster processors, increased memory, and integrated solid state drives (SSDs) to shorten backup time and accelerate data recovery. The bundled WD Arkeia v10.1 software delivers new support for "seed and feed" technology to support hybrid cloud backups. This allows companies to move backups offsite via network replication rather than shipment of tapes, says Jim Welsh, executive vice president and general manager of WD's branded business unit.
WD Arkeia R120s and R220s, both with optional LTO4 tape drives, integrate dual-core Atom and quad-core Xeon processors, respectively. Existing appliances deliver disk capacities from 2 TB to 12 TB. For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/pca2rnd .
Letters from Nowhere 2 comes to the Mac App Store
Awem has released Letters from Nowhere 2, a hidden object game for Mac OS X 10.5 and higher.
Here's how the game is described: "In Letters from Nowhere 2™ Audrey continues the investigation of her husband Patrick's mysterious disappearance. When she finally gets the last letter it sends her to a sleepy town of Nowhere on another mysterious adventure. She has to gather strength again and proceed in her tangled investigation. New obstacles and cryptic black cats turn up in Audrey's way. Dramatic story, family curse riddle, and tons of hidden objects await the player in Letters from Nowhere 2."
Letters from Nowhere 2 is available on the developer's official web site (www.awem.com) and on the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/pjymtnp). A single-user license costs US$6.99.
Judge: Galaxy S4 can't be added to patent infringement case
Magistrate Judge Paul Grewal has denied Apple's request to at the Galaxy S4 smartphone to its patent infringement case against Samsung. The Judge denied the motion saying it would put too much of a strain on court resources, "which means we'll likely see yet another infringement case -- this time focused on the Galaxy S4 -- at some point in the future," according to "The MacObserver" (http://tinyurl.com/o3nkjg7).
Apple filed the motion as part of its second patent infringement lawsuit against Samsung that's scheduled for trial in spring 2014. Apple told Judge Grewal that the S4 infringes on its mobile device patents in the same way as devices.
This is all part of the ongoing, global legal battle. Apple and Samsung have filed more than 30 lawsuits against each other across four continents. For example, Apple alleges that Samsung copied the slide-to-unlock technology of its iPhone and iPad devices.
Actions for iPad adds Dropbox sync feature and more
Usefool has released Actions for iPad 1.0.5 (http://getactionapp.com), a tool for digital workers. Available for both Mac OS X and Windows, Actions transforms your iPad into a customizable remote controller for computer applications.
It was developed with the purpose of simplifying human-computer interaction and make it more engaging and direct, according to the folks at Usefool. Version 1.0.5 adds the ability to link your sets with DropBox, for an instantaneous automatic backup and quicker access to your sets for sharing.
Actions for iPad 1.0.5 costs US$3.99. It's available worldwide exclusively through the Apple App Store in the Productivity category.
Maintain serves up Cocktail 6.4.1 (Mountain Lion Edition)
Maintain has released Cocktail 6.5 (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 resolves a number of issues discovered in the previous release and addresses minor compatibility issues with OS X 10.8.4 and Safari 6.0.5.
Cocktail 6.5 (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 Cocktail. Cocktail (Leopard Edition) is distributed as freeware and doesn't require a license.
Apple wants the ITC to toss the iPhone, iPad import ban
Apple is urging the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to toss the recent iPhone and iPad import ban won by Samsung, reports "FOSS Patents" (http://tinyurl.com/qem2vt4).
Three weeks ago the ITC issued its final ruling on Samsung's complaint against Apple and entered a limited exclusion order (i.e., U.S. import ban) against older iPhones and iPads over a patent Samsung once declared essential to the 3G cellular telecommunications standard and promised to license to all comers on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms. After a series of FRAND-friendly rulings in different jurisdictions denying injunctive relief over standard-essential patents (SEPs), "it came as a surprise that the ITC granted Samsung's request for a ban," Florian Mueller writes for "FOSS Patents."
Apple's submission indicates that "USTR has decided to conduct a full review" and hopes that the ITC decision will be blocked, he adds. Naturally Samsung wants this import ban to enter into force.
This...
iLuv extends power, cable lines
iLuv Creative Technology has announced new power and cable accessories, complete with more Lightning products and colorful options.
The line includes everything from wall chargers and car adapters to auxiliary cords and USB cables. iLuv’s power and cable accessories are available at select iLuv retailers and have a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$9.99-$34.99. All products are also available at www.iLuv.com .
Remo introduces ZIP Free Edition for the Mac
Remo Software has introduces Remo ZIP Free Edition for Mac 1.0, its new compression utility that offers 10 levels of lossless file compression from "SuperFast" to "Best."
Offering multicore-enabled processing, the app provides compression/decompression of standard .zip files and Remo's .rzip files. The folks at Remo say the free app is superior to Apple's Archive Utility in speed and flexibility. A paid version (US$29.95) allows users to create .zip files larger than 4GB and add password protection and encryption.
Remo ZIP is compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 and higher. It's available at www.remosoftware.com/ .
fmSMS 3 rewritten for FileMaker Pro 12
Databuzz has announced fmSMS 3 (http://www.fmsms.com), an upgrade to their solution that lets users send and receive SMS/TXT messages from within FileMaker Pro. The new version has been rewritten for FileMaker Pro 12.
fmSMS allows users to send an SMS from FileMaker Pro to almost any mobile phone in the world via one of the supported SMS Gateways, reaching over 860 mobile networks in more than 220 countries. SMS offers a means of direct communication with customers, staff, suppliers, and students.
fmSMS 3 is available now from the fmSMS website. A 14-day trial version is available for both Mac OS X and Windows. Workgroup licenses start at US$495. fmSMS 3 is a free upgrade for owners of fmSMS 2.
Raskin for Mac OS X upgraded to version 1.8.3
Raskin Software (http://raskinformac.com/) has updated its self-titled Raskin application -- a zoomable single surface Finder alternative for the Mac -- to version 1.8.3. The upgrade sports minor bug fixes.
Raskin requires Mac OS X 10.6.3 or higher. It's available for 40% off its normal US$24.99 today at the Mac App Store or the Raskin Software web site (www.raskininformac.com). A 30-day demo is available for download at the latter. Raskin 1.8.3 is a free update for registered users.
MacTranslator updated to version 3.0
Excel Software (www.excelsoftware.com) has updated MacTranslator, which extracts data for usage in MacA&D, to version 3.0. The upgrade has enhancements for Objective-C in Xcode, Xojo, RealBasic, Java, Delphi and C++. Both tools increase capacity and add progress indicators to process large projects with thousands of code files, folders and namespaces.
MacTranslator supports dozens of programming languages and dialects. Models and dictionary information can be generated from legacy source code, class frameworks, open source and example projects. A single window provides a step-by-step process to quickly identify the code folders, language and options to document an unfamiliar project.
MacTranslator 3.0 costs US$495. It runs on Mac OS X 10.6 or later.
Akitio announces expansion of complete storage solutions
Akitio, a manufacturer of storage solutions, says it will now be offering complete storage solutions with pre-installed hard drives and solid state drives. Featuring the MyCloud product line and Thunderbolt series, Akitio’s storage solutions can be found at Akitio.com, Amazon.com and several online and retail outlets across the world.
Akitio’s MyCloud product line (pictured) was created to provide safe and secure network storage, plus enable users to share their digital content with family and friends. Users can stream content within their local network to any available UPnP-AV and DLNA compatible devices.
In addition, data can also be uploaded to the Gigabit network drive and shared from multiple workstations via SMB or FTP connection, similar to any traditional NAS system. Free iOS and Android apps allow for remote access.
Akitio’s Thunderbolt series includes the 256GB one-bay, bus-powered Thunderbolt storage solution, a follow-up to the company’s 120GB SSD solution. By...
PocketPro Padfolio case announced for Apple laptops
Digital Treasures has announced the PocketPro Padfolio case for the 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. It retails for US$49.95 and is available at www.digitaltreasures.com .
A padded pocket is designed to protect your laptop. A zipper ensures the pocket stays closed. The PocketPro Padfolio The case is made from koskin with a textured surface. The supple black material is enhanced by a pop of red at the opening as well as framed by red threads.
The left side of the PocketPro Padfolio Case has storage options, including five credit card slots. Additionally, there’s a large and small zippered pocket that can store small items such as paper clips, envelopes, notes and more. The right side of the PocketPro Padfolio Case accommodates a letter-sized writing pad and includes dual stylus/pen holders.
iLuv previews TimeShaker alarm clock speaker
iLuv Creative Technology has announced the TimeShaker, the newest addition to iLuv’s line of alarm clock docking stations. The first Lightning connector dock in the line, TimeShaker allows users to hear and feel their alarm.
This dual alarm clock speaker enables users to set two separate alarms and offers multiple alarm options, including iPhone/iPod music, FM radio, buzzer and bed shaker. TimeShaker’s detachable shaker fits under a pillow and vibrates to wake heavy sleepers, the hearing impaired and anyone who shares a room. The dock features an Apple Lightning connector, for playing and charging the iPhone 5 and iPods in Apple’s Lightning line.
The TimeShaker’s LCD display includes a 10-level dimmer for setting brightness levels. The TimeSync button allows users to automatically sync the time on the display from their iPhone or iPod. TimeShaker also features an auxiliary input port for a direct connection to other mobile devices.
The TimeShaker will have an suggested retail price...
RunRev, BYU team up for online coding course
RunRev has partnered with Brigham Young University to launch a new online coding course: "LiveCode University."
Billed as the easiest way in the world to learn programming, LiveCode University is based on a course that has been taught to "non-techie" humanities students at Brigham Young University for several years. Course topics include: introduction to programming; writing your first program; the LiveCode development environment; working with objects; working with images; interface design; variables and containers; constants and literals; arithmetic; commands and functions; concatenation; working with text; working with audio; and more.
For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/nw6faoz .
Paradiga Software updates its Valentina tools
Paradigma Software has released database and reports tool, Valentina Studio 5.3 and the enterprise reports and database server, Valentina Server 5.3, for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux.
Valentina Studio lets you manage, query and administer databases including MySQL, Postgre, SQLite and Valentina DB. Valentina DB 5.2 ADK allows developers to build applications with XCode /Cocoa, LiveCode, C/C++ and all major development environments and more. With Version 5.3:
° You can now find and replace within SQL Results.
° The Schema Editor shows groups with Related objects for selection on Diagrams.
° The Query Builder can now set an alias for tables.
° There are Undo/Redo operations for Query Builder.
° Query Builder can use Views to generate queries.
° You can directly copy records from tables to CSV or SQL.
° There are improved language highlights with PostgreSQL
Valentina Studio is free; Valentina Studio Pro adds SQLDIFF, Report Designer and other advanced features for US$199.Valentina...
PopChar for Mac OS X gets Font Info view, more
Ergonis Software (www.ergonis.com) has released PopChar X 6.3, an update of the Mac OS X tool for dealing with fonts and special characters. The new version enriches the recently introduced Font Info view with a clickable link that takes you directly to the storage location of the font file.
The available fonts may come from different source folders. The new PopChar feature helps to find a particular font, without hunting through many potential folders. When multiple versions of a certain fonts exist, PopChar can now tell exactly which of these versions is currently in use.
The new version also offers a new technique for dealing with transient clipboard contents to improve compatibility with clipboard utilities. It adds several user interface improvements for moving and closing the PopChar window. A number of further enhancements increase compatibility with Mountain Lion and third-party applications.
PopChar X 6.3 requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or higher. It can be purchased for...
Infovox iVox 3.2 provides German, Australian children voices
AssistiveWare and Acapela Group have released Infovox iVox 3.2 with German and Australian children's Text to Speech voices.
Infovox iVox provides 75 system-wide clear and pleasant voices in 26 languages to Mac OS X for blind and vision impaired users, for individuals who need audible feedback or reading support, for language learning and for those who just prefer listening to their computer. Infovox iVox users can enjoy the new voices with any Mac application.
The new Infovox iVox 3.2 voices will cost between US$20 and $70 dollars for use on up to two computers. Price varies by voice. A 30-day demo of each voice can be downloaded from within the Infovox Voice Manager. Infovox iVox 3.2 is a free update for existing customers. For more info go to /www.assistiveware.com .
