PhotoMarks is new photo watermarking app
PhotoMarks is a new photo watermarking program for that Mac and PC with a companion iOS app for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. It enables photographers, web designers, business people, and families to protect their copyrighted images.
The desktop version has a wizard-like interface with previews available for every step of the process. The iOS version has a beautifully designed interface, completely optimized for touch-screen devices and with support for multi-touch gestures.
PhotoMarks can completely customize the appearance of text and logo marks, as well as perform additional edits like resize, rename, auto rotate, or decorate photos with graphical frames, all in the same session. It works by editing photos in batch mode and takes advantage of multi-core processors for speeding up the process. Settings can be saved as profiles to be easily reused later.
The Mac version requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher and costs US$29.95. A demo is available for download at www.bitscoffee.com/...
D-Link gaming router available for pre-order
D-Link has announced the pre-order availability of its D-Link Gaming Router with Qualcomm StreamBoost technology (DGL-5500). It will begin shipping Aug. 1; you can pre-order at at newegg.com for US$199.
The D-Link Gaming Router offers AC1300 wireless speeds with traffic shaping and bandwidth management coupled with four gigabit Ethernet ports.
"The Gaming Router represents the ultimate in high-performance connectivity to give power users the ability and control they need to do what they love online without the concern or interruption of buffering and lag," says Daniel Kelley, vice president of marketing, D-Link Systems. "Today’s action role-playing games and MMOs are more competitive than ever and with limited bandwidth coming into the home, gamers need to ensure they’re making the most of their connectivity to maintain an advantage. With Qualcomm StreamBoost technology, the new Gaming Router is designed to do just that -- shape the network traffic to help gamers do more and lag less...
Apple issues statement concerning NSA, FBI tapping into servers
Apple has issued a statement regarding reports that the National Security Agency and the FBI are tapping directly into the central servers of nine leading U.S. Internet companies, including Apple, to obtain data. Apple's statement reads:
"Two weeks ago, when technology companies were accused of indiscriminately sharing customer data with government agencies, Apple issued a clear response: We first heard of the government’s 'Prism' program when news organizations asked us about it on June 6. We do not provide any government agency with direct access to our servers, and any government agency requesting customer content must get a court order.
"Like several other companies, we have asked the U.S. government for permission to report how many requests we receive related to national security and how we handle them. We have been authorized to share some of that data, and we are providing it here in the interest of transparency.
"From December 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013, Apple received between...
Power Manager gets on-demand scheduling tasks
DssW has released Power Manager 4.1.4 for Mac OS X. This release adds new on-demand scheduling tasks and addresses bugs.
Power Manager is an automation and energy saving solution for Mac OS X. It boasts a range of energy saving events, including the ability to run applications and scripts to a schedule.
For more information, and to download a 30-day demo version of Power Manager, go to http://www.dssw.co.uk/powermanager/ . Registration is approximately US$53 and $398 for Power Manager Professional.
System requirements are Mac OS X 10.6 or later for Power Manager, and Mac OS X 10.6 for Power Manager Professional. Version 4.1.4 is free for users of Power Manager 4.x. Existing users can update using Power Manager's automatic software update.
Microsoft releases Office Mobile for iPhone
Microsoft has announced Office Mobile for iPhone. It's available at no extra charge from the Apple App Store for Office 365 Home Premium and Office 365 ProPlus subscribers.
Similar to Microsoft's free Office Mobile for Windows Phone that ships with every handset, the iPhone app enables great Office content viewing and on-the-go content editing capabilities. After signing in to an Office 365 account, you can access, view and edit Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents from anywhere.
And, according to Microsoft, you can "count on Office Mobile to keep all your content and formatting intact so the document still looks great when you're back on your PC or Mac." For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/lms3xsq .
VPN Tracker 7 for OS X gets Network Scanner, more
Equinux (http://www.equinux.com) has released VPN Tracker 7.0, the newest version of its IPSec-based VPN client for Mac OS X. Key features of VPN Tracker 7 are Network Scanner, Accounting and an even easier rollout and license management.
VPN Tracker simplifies the roll-out of VPN software through a licensing and deployment system, according to equinux CEO Till Schadde. The Mail based software distribution automatically creates a special disk images that includes the correct edition of VPN Tracker, a pre-configured Secure Desktop and VPN Connection as well as the software-license. The software distribution is based on a voucher-system that makes licensing VPN Tracker child's play.
VPN Tracker is available in three editions. Existing VPN Tracker customers can purchase an upgrade to VPN Tracker 7 starting at US$49.90. Full versions start at $99.90. VPN Tracker Protection Plan members can upgrade to VPN Tracker 7 free of charge.
RaySupreme 1.1 for OS X gets 10 new modeling tools, more
BrainDistrict (http://www.braindistrict.com) has rolled out RaySupreme 1.1, an update of the 3D modeling and rendering program for Mac OS X, Windows and Linux systems. The upgrade sports: up to 10 new modeling tools; viewport background references; true point and spot lights; a revamped render dialog; global cut/copy/paste functionality for geometry; new OBJ Export functionality; and render quality improvements.
RaySupreme enables users to create 3D work by simply typing English text. People who are not experienced in 3D can quickly and easily create complex scenes and environments, according to Ritchie Lopez of BrainDistrict. This new approach to 3D graphics is called Text-to-3D.
RaySupreme includes: primitive objects, polygonal modeling, lathe, extrude, Boolean operations, smoothing, materials, and more. The rendering engine includes final gathering for global illumination, caustics, photon mapping, time-based lighting, procedural sky, simulated effects such as sun, stars, fog and...
Artboard for Mac OS X introduces social sharing
Mapdiva has updated Artboard (http://mapdiva.com/artboard), their vector drawing software for Mac OS X, to version 1.8. It's available exclusively on the Mac App Store in the Graphics & Design category.
The update introduces social sharing of drawings, new power-features, and enhanced performance. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 and costs US$25.99.
Artboard includes over 1,700 styles and fully editable clip art, including speech bubbles, buttons, maps and flags, people factory, and home planning, plus a library to store your own creations. The software features a style generator and stacked styles, providing a range of effects. It takes advantage of a Core Image-supported graphics card. A demo version, tutorials and more can be found at the Mapdiva web site.
Keyboard Maestro for Mac OS X revved to version 6.0
Stairways Software (http://www.stairways.com) has released Keyboard Maestro 6.0, a new version of its productivity enhancer for Mac OS X. The update includes the following: Macro Syncing Across Macs, Plug-In Actions, Styled Text, Control over Safari and Chrome, New Icons, Icon Chooser/Creator, and a Macro Debugger.
It also adds control flow such as While loops and If/Then/Else statements, as well as permanently stored variables and a complete calculation engine. Version 5 also includes an extensible library of pre-made macros, with a variety of macros that you can build upon. Also new is undo/redo support and revisions, so you can try out new macros with confidence.
Using Keyboard Maestro's macros you can: control applications, windows, or menus; insert text; open documents, applications or URLs; execute scripts; control the system or iTunes; and more, all with the touch of a key, click of the mouse, periodically or at specific times, when an application is launched or running, or...
ITC recommends import ban against Android-based Samsung devices
The International Trade Commission (ITC) staff has rejected Google's public interest arguments and recommends an import ban against Samsung, according to "FOSS Patents" (http://tinyurl.com/lsbdgof).
An Administrative Law Judge had found Samsung to infringe four Apple patents (three utility patents, one design patent), the article adds. His findings are now being reviewed by the Commission, the six-member decision-making body at the top of the U.S. trade agency.
"Some of the submissions discourage an exclusion order (import ban) against Android-based Samsung devices, while many just warn against the impact of an order that, due to insufficient clarity, might lead in seizures of non-infringing Samsung products by U.S. customs officers," Florian Mueller writes for "FOSS Patents."
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-...
P.I.S.D. releases Title Bout Championship Boxing 2013 for Mac OS...
P.I.S.D. has released its boxing simulation, Title Bout Championship Boxing (TBCB) 2013, for the Mac. The game features thousands of real boxers, with the ability to re-stage classic bouts or create "What if?" scenarios, such as pitting Sugar Ray Robinson against Marvin Hagler. TBCB can even be used to forecast upcoming fights.
Here's how the game is described: "Title Bout Championship Boxing also features Top Ten lists, complete statistics, revised and multiple ranking systems, full editing capabilities, and much more. Trainers, corner men, and referees are all part of the simulation, adding an extra dimension of realism.
"Title Bout Championship Boxing 2013 adds many new features, including: enhanced radio-style commentary; more realistic crowd noises; pseudo-animated fighters who throw punches, clinch, and get knocked down; ring girls who parade between rounds; organisational rankings; the ability to import multiple images of each fighter, as well as pictures of famous boxing...
WhereCloud Releases its AppCoreKit Framework
WhereCloud, a mobile development studio, has released its AppCoreKit iOS application framework as an open source project to help iOS developers transition to Apple's newly announced iOS 7 mobile operating system.
The framework is the result of WhereCloud's experience building great apps in a variety of business domains. The framework is already powering more than 50 applications currently available on the Apple App Store.
"We've packaged great implementations of the most common design patterns right into AppCoreKit, so you don't have to reinvent the wheel every time you sit down and start a new iOS project," says WhereCloud Chief Technical Officer Fred Brunel.
The framework and a number of high quality samples are already available on GitHub. iOS developers can quickly start evaluating and integrating the framework in new applications they are building, says Brunel. For more info go to http://www.appcorekit.net .
fScan Home Edition for Mac OS X adds support for more scanners
Elevated Software Development has updated fScanX Home Edition (http://tinyurl.com/ylnqlfq), their scanning solution for Mac OS X, to version 1.7.6. It adds support for new scanners
fScanX Home Edition was developed specifically to provide native Mac OS X support for high-speed Fujitsu scanners. The app's command-line utility gives developers the ability to control the user interface completely.
fScan X 1.7.6 requires Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher. It's available at the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/maf53fq) for US$39.99.
Enterprise Mobile launches consulting, managed services for Mac...
Enterprise Mobile, a business unit of Intermec Technologies, says it has added managed services support for the Mac OS X platform. Enterprise Mobile works with enterprise customers to plan, execute, support, and manage mobile device deployments, including smartphones, rugged handhelds, and tablets.
The steady strength of the bring-your-own-device trend has prompted more enterprise technology leaders to evaluate the use of personal devices at work. Along with the proliferation of iPhones, enterprise IT organizations are dealing with rising demand among employees to swap company-issued Windows PCs for Apple Macs.
In a 2012 survey, one leading analyst firm found that more than 60 percent of businesses reported plans to allow for a greater use of Macs over the next several years. This will amplify the need for provisioning, configuration, and support requirements specific to Mac environments, as well as depot capabilities for replacing lost or broken devices, says Bill Pratt, general...
ECBC introduces K7 Color Collection of laptop backpacks
ECBC has announced the K7 Color Collection of laptop backpacks. This collection of lightweight laptop, backpack and messenger bags are now available in a variety of stylish colors including berry, linen, green, blue and black.
Constructed of "Outdoor Industry Tested" 1000d Kodra material, these water-resistant coated K7 backpack and messenger bags are abrasion-resistant, and come in multiple sizes for added versatility. Each bag includes a high density foam compartment for laptop protection, a zip-away water bottle pocket and water resistant zippers. The collection is on sale starting at US$119.99 from EC-BC.com .
Klayman sues Apple, Obama, NSA and others for privacy abuse
Having already filed an US$3 billion dollar class action with regard to the alleged government privacy abuse by the Obama administration and Verizon, Larry Klayman, founder of Judicial Watch and now Freedom Watch, and a former Justice Department prosecutor, filed a new US$20 billion dollar companion class action suit in DC federal court today.
Like the prior class action suit concerning Verizon, this new case names President Obama, Attorney General Eric Holder, the heads of the NSA and the 12 other companies (including Apple) who have collaborated with the government in violating the privacy and other constitutional rights of American citizens.
The companies named in the suit which are tied to the government's PRISM- NSA scheme are: Apple, Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Skype, YouTube, PalTalk, AOL, and Yahoo. Larry Klayman issued the following statement in the wake of filing this new class action:
"This and the Verizon class action will serve to unify all...
EditShare announces expanded Ark Tape library options
EditShare has announced the expansion of its Ark Tape library product offering. EditShare Ark Tape is a media backup and archiving solution that integrates with the company’s high-performance shared storage and asset management solutions.
Powered by HP's LTO technology, the new Ark Tape libraries are available in 2U/24-slot and 4U/48-slot configurations, and offer a choice of storage capacity and interfaces. The units support LTO-6 or LTO-5 tape drives with SAS or Fibre Channel connectivity. For more information on the EditShare Ark product line including the Disk and Tape, go to http://tinyurl.com/kwg3reg .
ATTO announces support for new Apple products
ATTO Technology has confirmed continued commitment to the newly announced line of product updates from Apple, including OS X Mavericks, the radically redesigned Mac Pro, and the updated MacBook Air.
As a pioneer in Thunderbolt enabled solutions, ATTO has worked closely with Apple to provide connectivity to high-performance Fibre Channel and SAS/SATA storage, as well as 10Gb/s Ethernet networks in their ThunderLink Desklink line, supporting Apple’s full range of platforms, says Timothy J. Klein, president and CEO at ATTO Technology. For more info go to www.attotech.com .
Sonicmoov opens pre-registration for closed beta of Herlock game...
Sonicmoov has opened pre-registration for the closed beta version of Herlock, a JavaScript based cross-platform game engine. It's a development environment that supports simultaneous development of iOS and Android native apps.
Herlock provides an ideal environment for game development due to its ability to employ OpenGL with JavaScript, making it possible to perform high-speed rendering easily, according to the folks at Sonicmoov. Development time can be greatly reduced by eliminating the need to develop in each platform's language.
Fast development flow, they add.
You can gain access to the closed beta version by registering your e-mail address using the pre-registration form (http://herlock.do/en/). Sonicmoov will contact you via the e-mail address provided, regarding launch dates for the closed beta version.
FileMaker Technical Network welcomes 50,000th member
The FileMaker Technical Network -- a community for anyone who creates custom solutions for iPad, iPhone, desktops and the web with the FileMaker product line -- has reached 50,000 members. The FileMaker Technical Network offers free technical resources for FileMaker developers and users, all at no charge to members.
Geared to help members hone their FileMaker solutions and skills, membership in the FileMaker Technical Network includes: access to hundreds of downloadable scripts; calculations and functions; how-to articles; technical briefs and white papers; members-only webinars; development resources for FileMaker Go for iPad and iPhone; and access to an online developer forum for sharing FileMaker tips, ideas and expertise. Members can search for content on specific topics in English, French, Italian, Japanese and German.
Continuously updated with fresh content, additions in the past 90 days include new technical briefs and integration guides, webinars and multiple session...
Gefen releases DVI ELR Lite
Professionals requiring high resolution video extension in the workspace now have a new option for DVI extension. Gefen has announced the availability of its US$479 DVI ELR (Extra Long Range) Lite extender.
This new extender provides a less expensive option for many applications in smaller venues that don’t require the full 100 meter distance while maintaining the same level of quality. Distances up to 230 feet (70m) can be reached using one CAT-6 cable, and distances up to 200 feet (60m) can be reached using a single CAT-5 cable. The DVI ELR Lite Extender supports resolutions up to 1920x1200. ELR technology from Gefen uses HDBaseT to extend high resolution data using industry standard, unshielded cable.
Installation requires a connection of the computer or video source to the sender unit, and the extended display to the receiver unit. One CAT-5 cable connects sender to receiver, delivering high resolution video with zero delay. Sender and receiver modules have a small footprint...
Righteous Kill comes to the Mac
A thriller adventure, Righteous Kill has launched on the Mac App Store, courtesy of G5 Entertainment and Starz Media. You can try the game for free and unlock the full version for US$2.99 through June 13 (it's regularly $4.99).
Here's how the game is described: "The game is a hidden object mystery inspired by the film of the same name. You are a police detective in NY and have been just assigned to Vigilante Unit, a squad created to apprehend people who decide to take the law into their own hands. Your first case puts you on the trail of a husband who's suspected of trying to kill the people responsible for murdering his wife and daughter.
"It's up to you to find this man before he commits any more heinous crimes and bring him to justice. Follow the twists of the story and find out the truth about the killer. Search over 70 locations through 15 animated levels, play forensic based mini-games, find all the clues and stop the creep before he has another opportunity to kill!
"Righteous...
WaterField Design's CitySlicker case fits new MacBook Airs
WaterField Designs has announced the US$129 CitySlicker, a protective case that complements the MacBook Air's thin, light body and features lightweight layers of padded lining, neoprene, and impact-resistant plastic.
Measuring just an inch-and-a-half wide, the CitySlicker MacBook Air Case keeps the laptop snug in lightweight layers of padded lining, neoprene, and impact-resistant plastic. The black ballistic nylon exterior sports a supple leather flap that snaps into place. Customers can choose from a variety of leather colors. Small, stretchy pockets underneath the flap and a backside, semi-opaque pocket with self-locking zippers keep accessories organized. Options include adding a handle, a strap, or both.
What's more, WaterField offers nine additional sleeves and bags for Apple's newly-upgraded 11- and 13-inch MacBook Air models. For more info go to http://www.sfbags.com/ .
PipelineFX releases Qube! 6.5 for OS X, Windows, Linux
PipelineFX (www.pipelinefx.com), creator of render farm management software for digital media creation, has released Qube! 6.5 for Mac OS X, Windows and Linux systems. It includes new tools for job tagging, configuration, and reporting; the upgrade also sports improvements to Smart Farming functionality.
"In this time of industry turmoil, understanding the real economics of visual effects has become more important than ever," says Richard Lewis, CEO of PipelineFX. "Tools like cost accounting and the ability to Smart Farm actionable intelligence from your render pipeline offer proven methods for accurately assessing and correcting inefficiencies."
Qube! 6.5 now works with Autodesk 2014 products, and supports Maxwell Cooperative Rendering with "resume rendering" support. Customers currently on subscription can download version 6.5 immediately from the PipelineFX web site.
CS Odessa announces flowcharts solution for ConceptDraw PRO
CS Odessa (www.conceptdraw.com) has unveiled its newest solution for ConceptDraw PRO v9. The Cross-Functional Flowcharts Solution contains new tools for producing detailed process diagrams that can model business processes across any number of resources.
Cross-functional flowcharts are a standard diagramming technique. The new CS Odessa solution is designed to give user the tools to represent a process. Once a process is accurately represented, users can assess to see which parts of the process should be changed in order to boost efficiency.
The Cross-Functional Flowcharts Solution is a no-charge upgrade to ConceptDraw PRO v9 and is the latest addition to the ConceptDraw Solution Park. ConceptDraw PRO v9 retails for US$199, and competitive upgrade pricing is available upon request.
ConceptDraw PRO v9 is a cross-platform vector diagramming tool for business and office productivity. It works with Mac OS X and Windows.
iResizer for OS X revved to version 2.3
TeoreX has updated iResizer -- an utility designed to intellectually resize pictures and remove undesired objects, persons or empty space from photographs by "folding" photos -- to version 2.3. The update sports a one-click approach to the process thanks to smart analysis of the image and unique "folding" algorithms.
iResizer 2.3 virtually "folds" the image so that some parts of the frame overlap others, making them "invisible." This allows users to, effectively, shorten a space between objects or persons, hide unwanted pieces of the composition, exclude certain persons from the photo and more.
In addition to concertina folding of pictures, iResizer offers other image resizing tools. It's available for Mac OS X 10.7 or higher and costs US$19.99 for new users. Learn more at http://www.iresizer.com/ .
Epson announces new Expression Home XP-410 Small-in-One
Epson America has introduced a new addition to its Expression line – the Expression Home XP-410 Small-in-One for families and students. Designed as a complete wireless solution, it's a compact, sub-$100 device.
The Home XP-410 is Wi-Fi Cerfified n1, Wi-Fi Direct and Epson Connect™ for mobile printing from an iPad, iPhone, or Android tablet or smartphone.
The Expression XP-410 sports a 2.5-inch color LCD and touch panel and provides computer-free photo editing using built-in card slots. It comes with bonus templates for printing lined school paper, graph paper, calendar pages, and custom note paper with personal photos, all without a computer.
The Epson Expression Home XP-410 Small-in-One will be available in June through major retailer stores nationwide and Epson’s retail site (www.epsonstore.com).
iOS 7 Tutorials available today at iOS Guides
iOS Guides -- a provider of tutorials, Q&As and news for the iPad and iPhone -- has introduced iOS 7 tutorials.
Found within a new iOS 7 section, the tutorials reveal how to use Apples latest iOS update. They reveal new features such as Control Centre, how to use Spotlight search and more. Also available are detailed comparison features that reveal the design changes between every icon and app. Learn more at http://www.iosguides.net/ .
Pet Doc is new pet-raising simulation game for OS X
Runesoft has introduced Pet Doc 1.0, its brand new pet-raising simulation game for Mac OS X (10.4 or higher). It costs US$14.99 and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Games category (http://tinyurl.com/kankmna).
Here's how the game is described: "Grow your own vet clinic to a thriving business and become every animal's best friend. In Pet Doc, players have to nurse cats, horses, dogs, birds, guinea pigs and rabbits back to full health. Build new kennels; expand existing buildings to provide more services. Nurse all the animals back to health in over 20 cases and more.
"Sometimes it might become necessary to accommodate the animals and take care of them for a couple of days, so that they get well again. You can build extra stables and accomodations for them. Playing with the pets and bear company are among your daily duties as well as feeding them, cleaning up and the daily treatment of your little patients. But although working with these lovely pets is a lot of...
Templates for MS Word Mix for OS X available
Infinite Loop Apps is expanding its assortment with anew product for users of Microsoft Word. Templates for MS Word Mix 1.0 offers a new look for your MS Word documents.
The application includes a collection of 60 document templates for commercial and personal use. The templates contain multiple layouts; currently there are more than 140 layouts.
Designs are sorted into 10 categories, including: Brochures, Business Cards, Calendars , Cards & Invitations, Envelopes, Flyers, Forms, Letters, Newsletters and Reports. The Templates for MS Word Mix gives you a selection of designs ranging from modern to retro, vintage. Also, specific documents like Newsletters, Reports or Brochures have different layouts.
All the objects used in the MS Word Templates Mix can be moved, resized, removed. All templates are available in the A4 and US Letter sizes, except for items like envelopes and business cards that come in the specific size.
MS Word Mix requires Microsoft Office 2008 or later and OS X...
Alien Skin Software ships Exposure 5
Alien Skin Software has shipped Exposure 5, the new version of its flagship photography effects software. Exposure 5 enables digital photographers to achieve accurate film simulation, using a wide range of creative effects in a simple interface, according to Terence Tay, designer of the software.
It can be used as a plug-in with host software or as a stand-alone program. The new version brings creative tools of traditional film photography to the world of digital, such as the look of discontinued films, darkroom tricks, and lo-fi camera quirks. Classic films like Kodachrome, Polaroid and even Panatomic-X are also simulated. Hundreds of preset effects can be applied. Exposure 5 includes both Color and black-and-white processing so there’s no need to switch between tools.
The entire user interface has been redesigned. Exposure 5 includes many new textures for a greater variety of vintage and "lo-fi" looks. There are now separate controls for adding borders, dust & scratches, and...
Monotype releases FontExplorer X Pro 4.0 for Macs
Monotype Imaging Holdings -- a provider of typefaces, technology and expertise for creative applications and consumer devices -- has introduced version 4.0 of its FontExplorer X Pro font management solution for the Mac.
The upgrade adds support for Web fonts, OpenType features and Monotype’s SkyFonts technology. It's available separately or as part of Monotype’s top-level Fonts.com Web Fonts subscription plans. Customers are able to take advantage of capabilities for selecting, accessing and managing large numbers of fonts.
Fonts.com Web Fonts Master and Professional subscribers are provided access to version 4.0 for the Mac and version 2.4 for Windows systems, which includes the capability to connect with SkyFonts technology. FontExplorer X Pro for the Mac may be purchased separately for US$89 through the fontexplorerx.com store.
Customers using FontExplorer X Pro Mac 2.0 or later can upgrade to version 4.0 for $39. FontExplorer X Pro licenses purchased on or after March 1, 2013 may...
Kdan Mobile launches Mac file management solution
Kdan Mobile has launched a new file management system, PDF Reader 1.0, for the Mac. It includes a proprietary reading engine, a full-fledged file tagging system and a set of editing tools.
PDF Reader is designed to complemented the pre-installed Preview on Macintosh computers. It provides an interface to help users organize, categorize, edit and transfer files. It can be used as a PDF file manager, annotation marker, and page editor.
PDF Reader requires Mac OS X 10.7 or later. It costs US$19.99 and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category (http://tinyurl.com/l3gf9q6).
Native Instruments announces Traktor Kontrol Z1
Native Instruments has announced Traktor Kontrol Z1, a professional mixer and audio interface that connects to both the Traktor DJ App for iPad and iPhone, 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 to club-ready levels. It also offers Traktor Pro 2 DJs a portable mixing interface.
Traktor Kontrol Z1 connects to iPad, iPad mini, iPhone or iPod touch with an included 30-pin connector. Using the Z1 with a fourth gen iPad, iPad mini, iPhone 5 or fifth gen iPod touch requires an Apple Lightning to 30-pin Adapter, which must be purchased separately from Apple.
Traktor Kontrol Z1 is available at retailers and at the NI Online Shop for US$199; a $50 e-voucher will also be sent to users upon registration of the included Traktor LE software.
The Traktor DJ App for iPad is available for $19.99 from the Apple App Store....
Intel announces Solid-State Drive Data Center S3500 series
Intel has announced the Intel Solid-State Drive DC S3500 Series, its latest solid-state drive (SSD) for data centers and cloud computing.
Designed for read-intensive applications such as Web hosting, cloud computing and data center virtualization, the Intel DC S3500 Series is designed as a replacement for traditional hard disk drives (HDD). Intel SSDs, including the Intel SSD DC S3500 Series, enable transformational improvements in cloud infrastructure, fostering new and enriching Web experiences, says Rob Crooke, Intel corporate vice president and general manager for the Non-Volatile Memory Solutions Group.
"Intel SSDs have enabled our chip designers to gain up to 27% performance throughput in our massive design distributed computing environment," adds Kim Stevenson, chief information officer at Intel. "In fact, we are increasing our deployment of Intel SSDs in our data centers from 10,000 units to 40,000 by the end of this year to enable our global design team to help bring...
Apple announces 2013 Design Award Winners
Apple announced the winners of the 2013 Design Awards at this week's Worldwide Developer Conference. They "recognize the apps that raise the bar in design, technology, and innovation."
The winners are WWF Together, Procreate, Badland, Yahoo! Weather, Letterpress, Ridiculous Fishing, Sky Gamblers, Coda 2, Evernote, Finish., and mosaic.io. You can learn all about them at http://tinyurl.com/phvy3tm .
AirPort Utility 6.3 for Mac released
Apple has released AirPort Utility 6.3 for Mac. You can use AirPort Utility to set up and manage your 802.11n and 802.11ac AirPort base stations, including AirPort Express, Extreme, and Time Capsule.
AirPort Utility 6.3 allows you to configure and manage the new AirPort Extreme and AirPort Time Capsule with 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and includes enhanced remote management capabilities. Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/m69fen7 .
'MacObserver' posts close-up photo of the new Mac Pro
"The MacObserver" has posted a close-up photo of the new Mac Pro. You can see it at http://tinyurl.com/m3v9obs .
The upcoming, totally revamped professional Mac desktop was unveiled on Monday at the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference. It will be released later this year. Pricing hasn't been announced.
ConceptDraw PRO and ConceptDraw Solution Park get new additions
CS Odessa (www.conceptdraw.com) has announced a new Workflow Diagrams Solution for ConceptDraw PRO v9, the new templates and libraries provide a new set of tools and features for ConceptDraw PRO to allow users to accurately diagram workflow scenarios.
The new Workflow Diagrams solution makes it easy to represent the transferring of data, documents, and tasks during performance of a work process, according to the folks at CS Odessa. A workflow diagram is a specialized type of flowchart.
ConceptDraw PRO is compatible with Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows. It retails for US$199.
Syncro Soft updates Oxygen XML Editor to version 15.0
Syncro Soft, the developer of the Oxygen XML suite of products, has announced the immediate availability of version 15.0 of its Oxygen XML Editor, Oxygen XML Author and Oxygen XML Developer products containing a set of tools supporting all the XML related technologies.
oXygen XML Editor 15.0 streamlines the development of web services with major improvements to its WSDL editing support which now features intelligent search and refactoring actions, hierarchy and dependencies views, context-aware editing assistance and support for generating documentation, according to the folks at Syncro Soft. There are also improvements in working with XML databases and in the validation support. For the complete list of new features go to http://tinyurl.com/58mkop .
Oxygen XML Editor is available immediately in three editions. A 30-day demo version can be downloaded at http://tinyurl.com/mdqhbng ..
Apple announces iTunes Radio
Apple has announced iTunes Radio, a free Internet radio service featuring over 200 stations and a catalog of music from the iTunes Store.
When you tune into iTunes Radio on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, PC or Apple TV, you’ll have access to stations inspired by the music you already listen to, Featured Stations curated by Apple and genre-focused stations that are personalized just for you. iTunes Radio evolves based on the music you play and download.
The more you use iTunes Radio and iTunes, the more it knows what you like to listen to and the more personalized your experience becomes. iTunes Radio also gives you access to exclusive “first listen” premieres from top selling artists, Siri® integration, plus the ability to tag or buy anything you hear with just one click.
"iTunes Radio is an incredible way to listen to personalized radio stations which have been created just for you," says Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. "It’s the music...
Apple unveils iOS 7
Apple today unveiled iOS 7, the most significant iOS update since the original iPhone, featuring a new user interface. iOS 7 is completely redesigned with subtle motion, an elegant color palette and distinct, functional layers that make it feel more alive.
The typography has been refined for a cleaner, simpler look, and the use of translucency and motion makes even simple tasks more engaging. iOS 7 has hundreds of great new features, including Control Center, Notification Center, improved Multitasking, AirDrop, enhanced Photos, Safari, Siri and introduces iTunes Radio, a free Internet radio service based on the music you listen to on iTunes®.
"iOS 7 is the most significant iOS update since the original iPhone," says Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. "To create it, we brought together a team with a broad range of expertise from design to engineering. With what we’ve been able to achieve together, we see iOS 7 as an exciting new beginning."
"There...
Apple brings all day battery life to the MacBook Air
Apple has updated the MacBook Air with all day battery life, fourth generation Intel Core processors with faster graphics, 802.11ac Wi-Fi and flash storage that is up to 45% faster than the previous generation.
11-inch models featuring double the storage and 13-inch models start at a new lower price of $1,099. Apple today also introduced completely redesigned AirPort Extreme and AirPort Time Capsule base stations featuring 802.11ac Wi-Fi for up to three times faster performance.
"MacBook Air is the industry leader for thin and light notebooks, and now with longer battery life, we’ve set the bar even higher," said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "With faster flash, more powerful graphics and up to 12 hours of battery life, the new MacBook Air packs even more performance into the portable and durable design our customers love."
The new MacBook Air features power-efficient fourth generation Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors that give the 13-inch...
Apple releases Developer Preview of OS X Mavericks
Apple today released a developer preview of OS X Mavericks, the 10th major release of the operating system. With more than 200 new features, OS X Mavericks brings Maps and iBooks to the Mac, introduces Finder Tags and Tabs, enhances multi-display support for power users, delivers new core technologies for breakthrough power efficiency and performance, and includes an all new version of Safari.
The preview release of OS X Mavericks is available to Mac Developer Program members starting today. Mac users will be able to download Mavericks from the Mac App Store this fall.
"The Mac has consistently outpaced the PC industry and OS X continues to be the most innovative and easy to use operating system in the world," says Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering."OS X Mavericks is our best version yet and features new Maps and iBooks apps, Finder Tags and Tabs, enhanced multi-display support, performance and energy saving features, and an all new Safari."
Maps...
Apple announces new Mac Pro
Apple today showed a sneak peek into the future of the pro desktop with a first look at the next generation Mac Pro. Designed around a unified thermal core, the Mac Pro introduces a completely new pro desktop architecture and design that is optimized for performance inside and out.
With next generation Xeon processors, dual workstation-class GPUs, Thunderbolt 2, PCIe-based flash storage, and ultra-fast ECC memory, the new 9.9-inch tall Mac Pro packs an amazing amount of power into an incredibly small package.
"With the latest Xeon processors, dual FirePro GPUs, ECC memory, PCIe-based flash and Thunderbolt 2, all built around a revolutionary thermal core, the next generation Mac Pro is the most radical Mac yet," says Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "All this performance and expandability is packed into a dramatic new design that’s one-eighth the volume, and best of all, it will be assembled here in the USA."
The next generation Mac Pro is...
Apple to provide live video streaming of WWDC keynote
Apple will broadcast its WWDC 2013 keynote address using HTTP Live Streaming, which is based on open standards.
Viewing requires Safari on iOS 4.2 or later on any iPhone, iPad, iPad mini or iPod touch; Safari 4 or later on Mac OS X 10.6 or later. Streaming via Apple TV requires a second or third generation Apple TV with software 5.0.2 or later. The live webcast will begin at 10 a.m. (Pacific) at www.apple.com.
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 available
Adobe has announced the availability of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 for Mac OS X and Windows. The product is available as an individual license or as part of Adobe Creative Cloud.
Designed for both photography enthusiasts and professionals alike, Lightroom 5 adds critical photo editing capabilities and creates groundbreaking workflows, according to Winston Hendrickson, vice president of products, Creative Media Solutions, Adobe. Lightroom 5 was initially released as a free, public beta in April 2013.
Lightroom 5 adds new editing tools to help photographers create better images faster. The Advanced Healing Brush enables customers to fix irregularly shaped imperfections such as dust spots, splotches, and other distractions with the precision and flexibility of a fine brush, according to Hendrickson. The Upright tool analyzes each image to automatically straighten objects such as buildings and level horizons. Radial Gradients offer customers the control to make photo subjects stand...
CoreCode updates SMARTReporter for Mac OS X to version 3.1
CoreCode has released SMARTReporter 3.1 (http://www.corecode.at/), an update to its flagship offering for Mac users.
SMARTReporter is an application that warns of some hard disk failures before they actually happen. Version 3.1 includes new features like the ability to define arbitrary Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology, or S.M.A.R.T., attribute thresholds as well as bug fixes, performance and usability improvements.
SMARTReporter costs US$4.99, requires Mac OS X 10.6.8 and is available at Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/mwfmzjw). Version 3.1 is a free update for registered users.
KnowledgeMiner for Mac OS X renamed Insights
KnowledgeMiner Software (http://www.knowledgeminer.eu) says KnowledgeMiner free for Mac OS X has been renamed Insights and upgraded to version 1.6.
Insights 1.6 takes its new name from the app's ability to bring conventional data mining to a new level of sophistication and applicability, according to Frank Lemke, founder and president of KnowledgeMiner Software. Users in nearly any field can now analyze noisy data sets and build models, which can help predict future behavior, he adds.
Insights 1.6 is free and available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Business category (http://tinyurl.com/l9svyy5). It requires Mac OS X 10.8.3 or later.
Blackmagic Design announces new low price for UltraStudio 4K
Blackmagic Design today announced a lower price on its UltraStudio 4K: US$995. UltraStudio 4K is a Thunderbolt capture and playback solution.
It features 6G-SDI and HDMI 4K video connections so it can work in Ultra HD and 4K video formats. UltraStudio 4K is a single rack unit design with a wide range of rear connectors. The front panel is a machined aluminum design that features an integrated color LCD.
UltraStudio 4K is designed for desktop as well as rack mount use. It can take advantage of Thunderbolt cables that can be up to 30 meters away from the host computer.
