Previews of Sente 6.6 for Mac and iPad available
Third Street Software has announced the availability of preview releases of Sente 6.6 for Mac and iPad. It's an update to the academic reference manager.
New features include a complete overhaul of the library synchronization engine to make it easier to keep reference libraries synchronized across multiple Macs and iPads. Sente 6.6 also now supports Find-in-PDF on both platforms and there is a new, streamlined PDF annotation interface on the iPad.
Sente 6.6 for Mac is available at http://tinyurl.com/bsk4fqf . The iPad is available in the Apple App Store. The final release of Sente 6.6 will be available later this month.
MTEL sues Apple for patent infringement
A company called Mobile Telecommunications (MTEL) is suing Apple, claiming its Messages services violates seven of its patents, reports "Patently Apple" (http://tinyurl.com/dy68yus).
The lawsuit concerns iMessage, Airport Express, Airport Extreme, Time Capsule and devices such as the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. According to the formal complaint, Apple has directly infringed and will continue to directly infringe claims of the 5,809,428 Patent by making, using, selling, offering for sell, and/or importing in the United States mobile devices using iOS and networks that provide Apple's iMessage communication service and other messaging services.
MAXON announces new live 3D pipeline between CINEMA 4D, Adobe...
MAXON -- a leading developer of professional 3D modeling, painting, animation and rendering solutions -- has revealed at NAB 2013 the first step in its strategic alliance with Adobe, aimed at delivering a new level of integration between its 3D application, CINEMA 4D, and Adobe After Effects.
The recently revealed next release of Adobe’s industry leading software will include two MAXON technologies directly within the new Adobe After Effects: CINEWARE and CINEMA 4D Lite. CINEWARE: The New Live 3D Pipeline between CINEMA 4D and After Effects, which eliminates intermediate rendering between applications, is made possible by CINEWARE, which establishes a bridge between the two applications.
CINEMA 4D Lite: Also included in the next version of After Effects is a taste of CINEMA 4D's workflow and toolset. This limited version of CINEMA 4D gives artists access to a selection of the software’s functionality. Since CINEMA 4D Lite launches directly from within After Effects, the availability...
NAB: EditShare to show new project sharing integration
At NAB 2013, EditShare (www.editshare.com) announced it has added support for a new content panel on all EditShare Shared Storage systems to its list of new features and integration.
The new panel integrates EditShare's advanced project-sharing/project-locking capability directly inside Adobe Premiere Pro. With this new feature, editors can more easily store and share their project files in a common central location and know that only one editor at a time can open a Premiere Project file with "write" access.
Subsequent users are restricted to "read only" access until the first user with "write" access gives up that privilege. EditShare prevents multiple users from obtaining "write" access simultaneously and thus promotes a collaborative workflow that eliminates accidental overwrites.
Support for Adobe Premiere Pro Panels on EditShare Shared Storage systems is the first step in plans for even tighter integration between EditShare solutions and Adobe video products, says Andy Liebman,...
Phlo for Mac OS X lets you search your favorite websites
From the makers of Localscope, the popular location browser app for the iPhone, comes Phlo for the Mac, a tool for searching your favorite websites.
With a few keystrokes, it lets you jump right to the search results for anything that you need to lookup on a site of your choice. Phlo also lets you customize preferred sites or search engines from which to search.
Phlo can be summoned with a configurable global hotkey from anywhere on the Mac. To search, a user has to type the search phrase and then hit Tab to choose the website that he'd like to search in. Phlo filters the websites and search engines as the user types and automatically bubbles up the most used sites. For example, a user can type "The Hobbit" and then choose the site "IMDb" to search from and the results will be displayed on their default web browser.
Phlo requires Mac OS X 10.8 or later. It's available for US$3.99 exclusively on the Mac App Store in the Productivity category (http://tinyurl.com/cq5lcdu).
NAB: Dalet showcases Dalet Cube graphics suite
Dalet Digital Media Systems (www.dalet.com) -- a developer of Media Asset Management (MAM) solutions, software and services for broadcasters -- is featuring Dalet Cube, a 3D graphics solution for news production at NAB 2013.
This IT-based offering is available as an optional package that integrates natively with Dalet News Suite and Dalet News Pack. The modular suite incorporates tools to create a production workflow for graphics creation and playout. Graphics artists can use the Cube Designer to construct multilayered 3D animations that project the style and individual look of different programs and channels.
Design models from Adobe After Effects and other software programs can also be imported. Both Dalet News Suite and Dalet News Pack are open to integration with third-party systems, including graphics systems other than Dalet Cube.
TextWrangler for Mac OS X updated to version 4.5.1
Bare Bones Software (www.barebones.com) has announced TextWrangler 4.5.1, an update to its general purpose text editor for Mac OS X. The upgrade includes various refinements and fixes for specific reported issues.
TextWrangler requires Mac OS X 10.6.8 or later, and is fully compatible with Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion. It's a free download.
DEA: encrypted iMessages 'impossible to intercept'
An internal document from the Drug Enforcement Administration complains that messages sent with iMessage, Apple's encrypted chat service, are "impossible to intercept," even with a warrant, reports "CNET" (http://tinyurl.com/bm7jfve)
An internal DEO document seen by "CNET" discusses a February 2013 criminal investigation and warns that because of the use of encryption, "it is impossible to intercept iMessages between two Apple devices" even with a court order approved by a federal judge. When Apple introduced iMessage in mid-2011, the company said it would use "secure end-to-end encryption." It has became the most popular encrypted chat program in history, according to "CNET."
Scrambler for Mac OS X revved to version 1.2.2
Coding Turtle has announced Scrambler 1.2.2, an update to their encryption app for the Mac.
The app allows users to encrypt their files and folders before sending them to other Macs over untrusted email, instant messaging or cloud-based services. Scrambler resides in the menu bar -- providing a small icon in the upper-right area of the screen. To encrypt, users drag files or folders on Scrambler's icon and type in a password via a small and non-intrusive pop-up window. Version 1.2.2 is a minor bug fix release.
Scrambler is available on the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/d6y5qxk) for US$2.99. It is also available as a shareware product from the developer's website (https://codingturtle.com/scrambler), where a free and fully functional five-day trial can be found.
Monotype announces typefaces for e-Reading experiences
Monotype Imaging Holdings -- a provider of typefaces, technology and expertise for creative applications and consumer devices -- has released a collection of typefaces designed for digital reading environments, including e-books, Web content, mobile applications, digital publications and online newspapers.
Device manufacturers, digital publishers and Web designers can now turn to a selection that includes some of the most popular text faces used in print -- designed and tuned for readability on e-readers, tablets, smartphones and other Web-enabled devices. Monotype’s initial collection includes multiple weights of nine typeface families, designated for digital publishing: Amasis eText, Monotype Baskerville eText, PMN Caecilia eText, ITC Galliard eText, Malabar eText, Neue Helvetica eText, Palatino eText, Sabon eText and Ysobel eText
The new typefaces can be integrated in a number of ways. They may be embedded in consumer devices for use as system fonts that can be custom-tuned for...
MLSwitcher for OS X updated to version 2.0
Bluezbox Software has announced MLSwitcher 2.0, an update to their improved input language manager for Mac OS X.
It's designed to make life easier for those who have to input text in several languages or share their time between Mac OS X and Windows. Version 2.0 includes new combos for cycling through layouts and minor bug fixes.
MLSwitcher requires Mac OS X 10.7 or later. It costs US$2.99 and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Utilities category (http://tinyurl.com/bopdpf6).
AutoMailer ready for Mountain Lion
Tension Software has released AutoMailer 1.4.for Mac OS X 10.6 or higher. AutoMailer is available for US$20 and can be downloaded at http://www.pomola.com/products_automailer/automailer.html . Version 1.1 is a free update for registered users and has been optimized for Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion.
AutoMailer allows you to send serialized emails to multiple users with a button click, starting from data imported from a text file and merging the data with a template email you can create. It merges data from the internal database with an email template creating for any recipient a personalized and custom email. AutoMailer doesn’t requires scripting or coding.
All the settings, data and email templates can be saved inside documents and retrieved and reused at any time. AutoMailer offers a preview of any email to prepare. The user has the option to send just a selection, checked records or all the record in the imported data
Serialized sending is performed in a separate thread, and is...
LifeProof to offer Water Protection Program for iPhones, iPads
LifeProof is offering a Total Water Protection Program for the Apple iPhone and iPad to anyone who purchases a LifeProof case on its website. The first of its kind available in the case market, this optional program offers a one-time repair or replacement of the device for up to one full year if it sustains accidental water damage in a LifeProof case.
LifeProof cases are water proof down to 6.6 feet, as well as dirt proof, snow proof and shock proof. The LifeProof Total Water Protection Program will offer consumers even greater peace of mind, says Gary Rayner, CEO of LifeProof.
The program is available as on option when purchasing a case on the LifeProof website at www.lifeproof.com.
The program in limited to one-time use and includes a nominal upfront fee and a service fee.! It also requires the case be used in accordance with all of the provided instructions. For full terms and conditions, visit www.lifeproof.com/twpp .
Spotdox for Mac OS X lets you expand your Dropbox
The new Spotdox is the "missing link" for Dropbox. It allows users to use their phone to not only browse their entire Dropbox but see all the files on their computer (Mac OS X only) back at the office, home or even hotel room.
Effectively this makes a Dropbox account behave like its the size of an entire computer, says Tom Andersen, one of the founders of Spotdox.
"The free Dropbox account limits you to just a few GB of space, and while a paid account increases that limit, there is no way for Dropbox to offer multi - terabyte access," he adds. "With Spotdox, you can access your entire Mac, and all the drives on it. You can pick any of the millions of files on your MacBook to share with others, or simply add to your Dropbox. In many ways this is like having a huge multi terabyte Dropbox account."
Your computer can be accessed from your iPhone, Android device, or web browser. With no extra passwords to remember (other than your Dropbox one), usage and installation is simple, Andersen...
Apple responds to latest Samsung assertion
Apple has responded to Samsung's claim that the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office has rejected multiple claims of Apple's "overscroll bounce" patent, claiming the re-examination isn't finished, reports "Macworld UK" (http://tinyurl.com/chl2cnw)
The article says Apple may also appeal to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, and if unsuccessful, may seek judicial review in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit or the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Earlier this week Samsung said in a filing to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, San Jose division that a Final Office Action by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) was relevant to the dispute before the court between Apple and Samsung, because it "finally" rejects multiple claims of U.S. Patent no. 7,469,381.
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...
Moving Tales releases free browser-based interactive story...
Moving Tales has released "Elly's Lost & Found Sounds" as a free browser based interactive story for Macs and PCs.
Written and illustrated by best selling author Jacqueline O Rogers, like its iBook precedent, "Elly Online" brings together an "enchanting story, original sounds, music, animation, and magical interactivity," according to the folks at Moving Tales. Through this test of free and open distribution, Moving Tales is exploring the meaning and value of stories in today's hyper-connected and abundant content world and what role creators like Moving Tales play in it.
Creating a browser based interactive story experience was a new challenge for the company, who are renowned for their iOS Apps and Ebooks, including the critically acclaimed and best selling "The Pedlar Lady of Gushing Cross".
"Elly is a wonderfully compelling character, full of curiosity and insight. We're bringing Elly to life on-line as a completely accessible interactive experience, no middle men," says...
Adobe releases Lightroom 4.4, Camera Raw 7.4
Adobe has announced the availability of Lightroom 4.4 and Camera Raw 7.4 final releases as downloads.
The releases provide bug fixes reported in previous releases, including a correction to the demosaic algorithms for Fujifilm cameras with the X-Trans sensor, such as the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and X-E1. In addition, these releases add raw file support for 25 cameras.
The Lightroom 4.4 final release is available as a free download for Lightroom 4 customers on Adobe.com and through the update mechanism in Lightroom 4. The Photoshop Camera Raw 7.4 final release is available for Photoshop CS6 customers through the update mechanism within Photoshop CS6.
Forget Computers announces Device Scout 2.0 for Mac...
Forget Computers and 55 Minutes have launched Device Scout 2.0 under the Robot Cloud brand. Device Scout's simple yet intelligent web interface brings critical information to Mac network administrators.
Device Scout (http://devicescout.com) is an add-on to any JAMF Software Server (or JSS). It collects data from a JSS then organizes and presents this information in an easy-to-read manner.
Device Scout also adds a layer of data intelligence as it provides insight into the massive quantity of data collected by the JSS. Device Scout is designed for those Mac IT administrators who manage a JSS.
Device Scout is available as a standalone SaaS subscription and as part of Forget Computers’ Robot Cloud solution. Robot Cloud is a buildout of the JSS framework with additional, custom tools that enable IT administrators to work smarter when managing their Mac and iOS devices. Robot Cloud's time-saving features focus on providing Mac and iOS management tools to organizations with 1 to 100 Apple...
Saperion readies new version of ECM Suite
In May Saperion (www.Saperion.com) will start deliveries of version 7.5 of its ECM Suite. Saperion ECM Together will be the company's first cloud-based file and sharing solution.
E-Mail Lifecycle Management (ELM) uses tagging to archive e-mails and also supports Exchange Web Services. The Saperion Web Client contains new functions and Saperion ECM Consolidation Services permits direct access to third-party electronic archives.
Saperion ECM Together is a digital archive in the cloud for corporate documents. This product is designed to securely store business-critical data while simultaneously enabling access from virtually any location.
Saperion ECM Together is designed to make it easy to integrate users into business processes, access important records, and collaborate with others on documents. In addition to the cloud-based SaaS solution, Saperion offers another version for internal, on-premise installation that integrates seamlessly into Saperion ECM installations.
Instead of MAPI...
CNS Image Plug-In for Filemaker revved to version 1.6
Comm-Unity Networking Systems has released CNS Image 1.6, an update of the FileMaker Pro plug-in for working with images stored in container fields or on your hard drive. The big change in the FileMaker Pro plug-in is an update to the latest version of ImageMagick bringing in almost two years of improvements to the image manipulation library.
With this plug-in you can: do custom imports and exports; change image formats; stretch, crop, resize, rotate, and flip images; and apply filters like blur, contrast, brightness, emboss and the like to images. Version 1.5 is a complete rewrite of the plug-in, which fixes several issues and brings with it a Server Edition for using with FileMaker Server.
CNS Image is available immediately at http://cnsimage.cnsplug-ins.com/ for both Mac OS X and Windows. a demo is available for download. Version 1.6 is a free upgrade for anyone with a 1.x.x license. For new users the cost is US$65 for a single-user license.
Matrox announces new 10Gbps KVM extension and switching solution
Matrox Graphics says Matrox Avio KVM extenders are compatible with APCON IntellaPatch Series 3000 XE network switches, supporting 10 Gbps and forming the world's highest-bandwidth KVM extension and switching solution.
With this new digital matrix switch solution, enterprises will benefit from superior performance through 10Gbps link connectivity, says Caroline Injoyan, business development manager, Matrox Graphics. Cabling complexity and cost is also minimized due to single-cable-per-desktop configurations and leading switch-to-desktop density, she adds.
Avio takes advantage of the full bandwidth available in 10Gbps SFP+ transceivers to transmit two uncompressed HD video signals, USB keyboard and mouse, USB 2.0 devices, and stereo analog audio over a single fiber-optic duplex LC-LC cable. Once each workstation is connected to its own port on the IntellaPatch XE switch, administrators can use the APCON software interface to route a workstation or server to a remote location. The...
NAB: Dalet features new Dalet Brio Video Server I/O combinations
Dalet Digital Media Systems is announcing new configurations for the Dalet Brio servers that offer broadcasters tremendous flexibility for all types of ingest, production and playout workflows at NAB 2013, which will be held in Las Vegas April 8-11.
The Brio servers can now be scaled to a maximum of 12 ports in a single server, through a four-port extension board. When combined with the range of Dalet or third-party tools, the Dalet Brio servers provide even greater versatility with more improvements for workflows in news, sports, studio production and MAM, says Raoul Cospen, director of marketing and business development, Dalet.
Dalet Brio units are designed to ingest and playout broadcast quality video in SD and HD formats. These servers are built on IT-standard components and delivered in a compact 2RU chassis with a choice of inputs and outputs (up to 12 simultaneous channels) and storage combinations (local or direct connection to SAN). The "Ingest Once, Write Many" feature of...
Route1 releases MobiKEY for iPad
Route1 -- a digital security and identity management company whose customers include the U.S. Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Energy and the Government of Canada -- has released MobiKEY technology for the iPad.
MobiKEY is a desktop, secure remote access technology that integrates multi-factor authentication and identity management in a mobile computing environment. MobiKEY subscribers will now be able to use MobiKEY on an iPad running iOS 5 and higher.
The MobiKEY technology includes the use of both Route1’s universal identity management and service delivery platform and MobiKEY application software. For more info go to www.route1.com/store/index.php .
Pilot's Path available for Mac OS X
Pilot's Path, an old school top down view helicopter flying game by Happymagenta, is now available in the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/cyu2ojv) for Mac OS X 10.7 or higher. It costs US$0.99.
It's one of a very few games that was specially crafted to make use of an extra iOS device as a remote controller. Pilot's Path creates a real console gaming experience when played on a big screen when a second iOS device is used as a remote wireless joystick controller via Wi-Fi, says Alexander Novoselov, the co-founder and CEO of Happymagenta.
The search and rescue, gather and trade gameplay guides a player through the story of a former USAF pilot, which, dishonorably discharged after an accident with an expensive military plane, makes his way back to the sky doing missions for criminal underground bosses.
Novoselov says connecting a remote wireless joystick is easy as tapping a "Remote" button in the game. The process is fully automatic and requires neither a shaman dancing nor any extra...
Sonnet announces Echo 15 Thunderbolt Dock
Sonnet has announced the Echo 15 Thunderbolt Dock, a fully featured docking station for Mac and Windows computers with Thunderbolt ports.
Sonnet's latest Thunderbolt technology product features 15 ports: four USB 3.0, one Gigabit Ethernet, one FireWire 800, one headphone, one microphone, one speaker, one audio in, one pass-through Thunderbolt (for either another Thunderbolt device or an external display), two eSATA, and two internal SATA (one port for included optical disc drive and one 6 Gb/s port for a user-installable 2.5-inch SSD or 3.5-inch hard drive). In addition, the Echo 15 Thunderbolt Dock includes an 8x DVD±RW drive, or optionally, a Blu-ray BD-ROM/8x DVD±RW drive with Blu-ray player software for OS X.
The Echo 15 Thunderbolt Dock with DVD Drive (part number ECHO-TBD-CD-0TB) has a suggested retail price of US$399.95. The Echo 15 Thunderbolt Dock with Blu-ray Drive (part number ECHO-TBD-BL-0TB) has a suggested retail price of $449.95. The Echo 15 Thunderbolt Dock with DVD...
Portfolio Server updated to version 11
Extensis has announced the availability of Portfolio Server 11, its latest Digital Asset Management (DAM) solution.
The upgrade sports new features such as a brand-able web client and Amazon Electric Compute Cloud (EC2) support. Portfolio Server 11 lets users adapt the solution to their specific needs and run-it-anywhere, according to Davin Kluttz, director of Product Strategy at Extensis. Additionally, the DAM server includes robust iPad and video capabilities, offering instant access to digital media with streaming HD video playback and video conversion for tablets, mobile devices and the web.
Portfolio Server 11starts at an estimated retail price of US$1,999. Competitive upgrades are available for a variety of products, including Final Cut Pro Server. Existing Portfolio Server users with a current annual service agreement (ASA) will receive product upgrades free of charge, and upgrade pricing is also available for existing Portfolio Standalone, Portfolio Server and Portfolio Studio...
Fotor is new photo editor for the Mac
Photography software developer, Everimaging, has released Fotor, new photo editing software for Mac and Windows systems. It contains editing tools to adjust exposure, brightness, contrast, white balance, and saturation, sharpen/blur, add a vignette, or crop, straighten and rotate.
Fotor also includes 13 one-tap enhance configurations, over 60 effects and 30 styles of frames, an advanced tilt-shift editor, conversion functionality for RAW files, full support for retina displays, built-in social network sharing capability, high-resolution file saving and more.
Fotor is available on the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/cojolxj) for free. For more info go to www.fotor.com .
Three Apple patent claims reinstated
The US Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) has reinstated three claims in an Apple patent it had earlier said it was minded to reject -- but not the claim involved in Apple's US$1.05 billion dollar lawsuit against Samsung, according to documents filed by Samsung with a Californian court on Monday, reports "InfoWorld" (http://tinyurl.com/c6hajh6).
The USPTO reexamined the validity of the patent at the request of an unnamed party. Apple's "list scrolling and document translation, scaling, and rotation on a touchscreen display" patent describes a way to show an area beyond a document edge, indicating the end of a scrollable document on a touch-screen device. When a user reaches this edge and stops scrolling, the screen snaps back to the nearest display area that was left. The patent is also known as the "rubber banding" or "overscroll bounce" patent, notes "InfoWorld."
This is all part of the ongoing, global legal battle. Apple and Samsung have filed more than 30 lawsuits against each...
Apple to announced second fiscal quarter results on April 23
Apple will hold its quarterly conference call and announce its fiscal second-quarter earnings on Tuesday, April 23, starting at approximately 2 pm Pacific. This will be the first earnings report since Apple announced it has moved to what it says is a more accurate system for reporting revenue and expenses.
The call will be streamed live on Apple's website. You can listen in if you have iTunes.
Apple says it's improved services in China
Following weeks of scrutiny over its warranty policies in China, Apple CEO Tim Cook says it has improved services in the region. The info came in the form of a note posted in Chinese on Apple's Chinese site.
According to "CNET" (http://tinyurl.com/c6zzsfm), in the letter, Cook apologized for a lack of communication on the matter, and said that the company is implementing improvements in three areas of its warranty policy and related services:
° A new repair policy for the iPhone 4 and 4S that provides a new phone exchange or new parts replacement for a year after purchase, and extends warranties on those devices repaired within the last year.
° New warranty explanation pages on Apple's Chinese site.
° More training and policing of Apple Authorized Service Providers who are doing repairs.
The company also pointed to its online feedback form for anything that falls outside those changes, notes "CNET."
Macworld/iWorld Expo 2014 to be held in March
Next year’s Macworld/iWorld Expo will now take place March 27 through March 29, 2014, reports "Macworld" (http://macte.ch/Y0C7s).
It had previously been slated for the first three days of February. The rescheduled event will move from Moscone West to Moscone North in San Francisco, as well.
Samsung: we could end up owing Apple even more money
Last month Judge Lucy Koh ordered a new trial to determine the proper damage award for 14 of the 28 Samsung devices found by a jury last summer to have infringed Apple patents. However, Samsung now says that a retrial could end with them owing more than the original settlement of US$1.05 billion, reports "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-unlock technology of its iPhone and iPad devices. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/ctt8ztq .
Chinese film studio sues Apple
Apple told "The South China Morning Post" that it would not comment or a make response to an ongoing litigation. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/c7oxx66 .
A state-owned Chinese animation studio has filed suit against Apple in a Beijing court, claiming the Cupertino-based tech company sold its movies in the iTunes store without approval, according to "The Hollywood Reporter" (http://tinyurl.com/cdx8mjd).
Shanghai Animation Film Studio is backed by the Chinese government and is seen as a leading player in the nascent Chinese animation space. It's seeking a little over half a million dollars in damages in the suit, the article adds.
The "South China Morning Post" says a senior executive at the Shanghai-based studio confirmed that the litigation had been filed with the Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People's Court, which accepted the case. Apple declined to comment.
Resize Sense for Mac OS X resized to version 1.5
VeprIT has introduced Resize Sense 1.5, an update of its batch image resizer for Mac OS X.
Featuring various resizing options, Resize Sense is designed to save the user time on repetitive tasks by supporting custom presets, and can even be used to apply multiple presets to every image simultaneously. In addition, the software allows users to manually adjust the crop individually for every image, and even straighten them.
Resize Sense 1.5 sports a redesigned Image View with zooming support and other improvements. Resized images can be saved by dragging them to Finder. Resized image can be dragged to another application supporting image dropping.
Also in version 1.5, a resized image can be copied to the system clipboard and pasted in another application supporting image pasting. Images can be reordered in the browser. Combined with saving with sequence numbers, this can be used to reorder saved images
The crop & straighten settings in version 1.5 can be copied between images of...
Tidy Up for Mac OS X gets new interface, more
Hyperbolic Software (http://www.hyperbolicsoftware.com/) has announced Tidy Up 3.0, the latest version of the duplicate finder and disk tidying utility. The upgrade features a new interface and more.
Tidy Up locates duplicate items using a wide range of criteria including owner application, time created or modified, name, label, extension and content. Version 3.0 features include: the ability to search for duplicate folders by content; a priority option; the ability to compare only the representation data of the images; results shown as a grid or list; pre-definite smart baskets that show the files by kind; and more.
Version 3.0 of Tidy Up requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or greater. For a limited time, it's on sale for 23% off its regular price of $39.
Boot Runner for the Mac runs to version 1.3
Twocanoes Software has announced Boot Runner 1.3, an update to its startup control solution for dual-boot Macs. The tool provides complete start-up management and control, including a customizable selection screen and Finder menu boot selector.
Boot Runner allows administrators to manage the startup process locally or through network policies. Version 1.3 introduces a new maintenance feature for scheduling startup for a specified boot volume.
Boot Runner requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher. 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. For more info go to http://twocanoes.com/boot-runner .
PDFpen for Mac OS X upgraded to version 6.0.1
Smile (www.smilesoftware.com) has announced PDFpen 6.0.1, the latest version of its all-purpose PDF editing tool. The upgrade of PDFpen enables Microsoft Word export when running on OS X 10.7 Lion, and includes several essential fixes to PDFpen 6.0.
The changes in PDFpen 6.0.1 have also been made in PDFpenPro 6.0.1, the pro version that can also convert websites into PDFs, create fillable PDF forms, automatically create form fields in non-interactive PDF forms, construct document table of contents, and set document permission settings that restrict saving, printing, and copying.
PDFpen 6 works with PDFpen for iPad and PDFpen for iPhone, allowing editing across devices when used with iCloud or Dropbox storage. Users who wish to use iCloud must purchase PDFpen 6 from the Mac App Store. (Apple restricts iCloud access to applications purchased via the Mac App Store.)
PDFpen retails for US$59.95, and PDFpenPro for $99.95. Family Pack licenses, which cover up to five computers in one...
DIT Station new, portable on-set data/playback workstation
DIT Station has introduced the DIT Station Rogue4, the newest version of the company's portable and compact on-set data management and playback workstation.
The Rogue4 is purportedly faster than ever before, with Sonnet Technologies' built-in Thunderbolt expansion, media ingest, and storage solutions offering performance up to 900 MB/s. Sonnet and DIT Station will demonstrate the DIT Station Rogue4 in the Sonnet Technologies booth SL10924 at the 2013 NAB Show.
Housed in a military-grade case with custom ventilation, the new DIT Station Rogue4 provides a fast PCIe and Thunderbolt backbone for a range of on-site digital intermediate (DI) tasks. The Rogue4 works exclusively on the 15-inch MacBook Pro Retina platform, integrating multiple Sonnet Echo Express Thunderbolt-to-PCIe Expansion Chassis with video I/O cards for tasks such as transcoding and playout. Multiple Sonnet Tempo SSD Pro 6Gb PCIe adapter cards, each holding two 2.5-inch SSDs, provide high-performance onboard Thunderbolt...
Apple plans marketing campaign for Final Cut Pro X
In 2011, a major revamping Final Cut Pro editing software was roundly criticized as being a "downgrade" of the pro video editing software. After seven updates to the product, Apple is launching a marketing effort for Final Cut Pro X, according to the "Los Angeles Times" (http://tinyurl.com/cxjbdbl).
The campaign is timed to coincide with the National Association of Broadcasters convention (NAB) that starts April 6 in Las Vegas. Apple plans to begin posting three stories on its website aimed at changing the minds of folks who felt burned by Final Cut Pro X by demonstrating how sophisticated users have embraced the software. The stories will also feature Tsui Hark, one of the biggest names in Hong Kong cinema, and TV Azteca, which produces thousands of telenovela episodes every year, notes the "LA Times."
Also, Apple has released updates for Final Cut Pro X, Motion, and Compressor. You can find them at the Mac App Store.
Upgrade to QuarkXPress 9 from any version for $349
Quark has announced an extension of the upgrade policy that allows QuarkXPress users on any version -- from 3 to 8 -- to upgrade to QuarkXPress 9 for US$349.
The $349 upgrade price represents a $500 savings for users who choose to upgrade before June 30, 2013. After June 30, 2013, only users on version 8 can upgrade to QuarkXPress 9 for $349. Any users of versions 3 to 7 will need to purchase a full license for $849. For more information about QuarkXPress 9, go to http://www.quark.com/Products/QuarkXPress/ .
To upgrade from any version of QuarkXPress to version 9 for $349, users must have a valid, registered, and activated serial number for QuarkXPress.
Upgrades can be purchased through Quark Authorized Resellers, the Quark Store, and Quark Customer Service. For more information, go to www.quark.com/upgrade .
MacBook Pro Retina Display Screen Protector available
Tru Protection has released new screen protectors for the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pros with Retina displays. They're designed to protect your device from scratches, dust and dirt and reduce screen glare.
Priced at US$29.95, the anti-glare screen protector uses a special matte finish that purportedly reduces glare for easier viewing. They come with one anti-glare screen protector. For more info go to www.TruProtection.com .
M2W posts MPEG2 Works 5 Advanced
MPEG2 Works (www.mpeg2works.com) -- a Mac OS X tool for video formats re-conversion, encoding and manipulation -- has been revved to version 5. The upgrade sports faster conversion and encoding, a redesigned interface and a rewriting of all sections.
MPEG2 Works 5 is available at the product web site. It costs US$25 and requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher.
MathMagic Pro for InDesign adds new symbol fonts, more
InfoLogic has released MathMagic Pro 8.5 (http://www.mathmagic.com/) for Adobe InDesign, an update of the equation editor for Mac OS X. It's a standalone multi-purpose equation editor for mathematical equations and scientific symbols.
MathMagic Pro also comes with InDesign plug-ins to let InDesign use MathMagic as an equation editor within InDesign. Version 8.5 adds new symbol fonts, direct drawing option for vertical and horizontal Fences, new plug-ins for InDesign CS5~CS6 for batch applying of StyleSets, and more.
MathMagic Pro Edition 8.5 is available for US$499 ($299.00 for academic licenses). A demo is available for download.
ChronoSync for Mac OS X updated to version 4.3.7
Econ Technologies has updated ChronoSync to version 4.3.7 ,which contains several new features and fixes. ChronoSync is the automated synchronization and backup application for Mac OS X that can synchronize, backup, and create bootable backups.
Version 4.3.7 adds the capability to specify a login domain when entering a username in network volume Target Options. It adds logic to overcome the situation where the OS would not immediately detect that a mounted SMB volume had become disconnected. ChronoSync 4.3.7 changes the way it collects file and folder information from NAS volumes to prevent overloading and hanging certain NAS devices.
All existing ChronoSync users update for free. For new users the cost is US$40. A demo is available for download from the Econ Technologies web site (http://www.econtechnologies.com).
Native Instruments releases Komplete 9, Komplete 9 Ultimate
Native Instruments has announced the latest generation of its two Komplete software bundles.
Komplete 9 includes 33 instruments and effects with six new additions, including the new Monark monosynth, plus the completely re-designed Battery 4 drum sampler. Komplete 9 Ultimate includes all 65 current Komplete Instruments and Effects at the time of release and over 370GB of content.
Each bundle now also features studio effects. Notably, Komplete 9 and Komplete 9 Ultimate are available for the same prices as their predecessors. Komplete 9 and Komplete 9 Ultimate are available in stores and via the NI Online Shop (www.native-instruments.com/Komplete)
Komplete 9 is available now at a suggested retail price of US$559; Komplete 9 Ultimate is available for a suggested retail price of $1,099. Updates for owners of Komplete 2 through 8 are available from $149.
Shanghai firm sues Apple for patent infringement
An Shanghai firm is suing Apple, claiming that Siri -- Apple's voice-activated "personal assistant" -- infringes on its patents, reports "Shanghai Daily" (http://tinyurl.com/cws4q98).
"Siri is very similar to Xiaoi, a chat robot system we have been developing since 2003," says Mei Li, a spokeswoman of Shanghai Zhi Zhen which filed the lawsuit. She says her company applied for patent rights for Xiaoi in 2004 in China and the patent right went into effect in 2006.
The Shanghai No.1 Intermediate People's Court will hold a pre-hearing at 2 pm Wednesday to let Apple and Shanghai Zhi Zhen Internet Technology exchange evidence, according to "Shanghai Daily."
OfficeTimes for Mac OS X updated
OfficeTimes (http://officetime.net) has released an update of OfficeTime, its time and expense tracking software for Mac OS X.
This new version is designed to enable companies to provide greater detail and accountability with their billing. OfficeTime users can produce invoices which show the start and end time of activities, enabling clients to see greater detail on when certain tasks were performed.
OfficeTime can be purchased at OfficeTime.net for US$47. There are iPhone and iPad versions available in the Apple App Store for $7.99. Unlike web-based time-tracking applications, OfficeTime does not require a monthly subscription fee.
Korg introduces its latest additions to the Kaoss synthesizer...
Korg (http://www.korg.com) has debuted the latest additions to its Kaoss family: the KP3+ Dynamic Effect/Sampler and the Kaossilator Pro+ Dynamic Phase Synthesizer/Loop Recorder.
Like all of Korg’s Kaoss products, these new tools offer creative musical possibilities and intuitive control over multiple parameters with a X-Y touchpad interface that responds to the touch or swipe of a finger. The Korg KP3+ and Kaossilator Pro+ will both be available next month for a street price of $US349.99 and $399.99, respectively.
The KP3+ features instantaneous touchpad-based control over 150 effects programs that include the original KP3 effects, sounds and features, plus 22 all-new, diverse effect programs for everything from various EDM genres to rock and beyond. The KP3+ offers high resolution sampling from a wide variety of sources via mic and line inputs.
Seim Effects introduces ColorFlow for Aperture
Seim Effects Photo Tools has introduced ColorFlow, its newest creative preset collection engineered by photographer Gavin Seim.
These new color-only presets have been created specifically for photographers who use Apple Aperture software in their digital photography workflow. Aperture is Apple's software for professional photographers.
The ColorFlow presets collection organizes more than 60 presets across five categories of color tools: Essential Color, Color Story, Film Inspired, Hollywood Cinema and Color Toners. For even greater control, users can mix and blend color effects for a desired mood or visual theme.
Seim Effects' ColorFlow preset collection for Aperture (version 3 and newer) is now available. Until April 10, there's an introductory price of US$39 (a $10 discount). To purchase or for more information plus a Virtual Demo and to view an informative video about the Seim ColorFlow preset collection, go to http://seimeffects.com/colorflow/ .
PLX announces the Yaba X portable speaker, guitar amplifier
PLX Devices has released Yaba X, a portable speaker and guitar amplifier specifically engineered to turn any surface into a speaker. It utilizes the surface as an extension of the speaker itself.
The pocket-sized Yaba X is made from cast zinc. It measures only a few inches and is still able to deliver room-filling sound equal to the performance of speakers 10 times its size, according to Paul Lowchareonkul, Yaba’s inventor. With a core composed of neodymium magnets, Yaba X is powered by three lithium polymer batteries capable of playing your music for up to eight hours on a single charge
Yaba X is exclusively offered through Kickstarter as a special promotion. It's available in blue, red, black, white and a fifth color that will be selected by backers. Yaba X will retail for US$99.99, however, exclusively through Kickstarter, backers can receive the Yaba X for as low as $39. For more info go to www.plxdevices.com .
