Stellar Data Recovery releases Stellar Drive Monitor
Stellar Data Recovery has released Stellar Drive Monitor, a scanning, monitoring and backup utility for the Mac that constantly runs in the background.
Stellar Drive Monitor scans and monitors your drive to identify possible problems and issue warnings. The software also performs a surface scan to identify bad sectors and can read SMART attributes for an overall health assessment of your drive.
The utility is available in a try-before-you-buy version with almost all its features available for 30 days. Stellar Drive Monitor's single user license is available for US$29. For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/by8a535 .
Apple rumors for Feb. 6
Here are the latest Apple-related rumors from the blog-o-sphere:
"Image files hidden in the iPad's iOS 6.1 firmware add support to the longstanding rumors that Apple may soon launch a Pandora-like "iRadio" service. The images show a radio tower icon, a plus button, the word "buy" in the filename, and may apply to an online internet service or even a future FM tuner in Apple's tablet." -- "The MacObserver" (www.macobserver.com)
"The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Tuesday granted Apple a patent for an invention that integrates a touch sensor array with a solar panel, allowing for portable device to be both power-efficient and compact." -- "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com)
"Apple appears to be inching closer to opening an online store in Russia to manage direct sales to customers, adding one more store to its growing portfolio of localized operations: the company has posted a job ad for a Russian Chat Team Manager, specifically for an Apple Online Store in Russia." -- "...
There'll be more than one 'iPhone' in Brazil
The Brazilian Institute for Industrial Property (INPI) has nixed Apple's request to retain exclusive legal rights to the word "iPhone," reports "Forbes" (www.forbes.com/fdc/welcome_mjx.shtml).
Gradiente, a Brazilian electronics company, had first requested to trademark "iPhone" as their brand back in 2000 before Apple’s smartphone was unveiled. INPI gave Gradiente that exclusivity in 2008 for their G-Gradiente iPhone, which runs the Android operating system.
Makslane Rodrigues releases Game Editor creation app
Makslane Rodrigues (http://game-editor.com) has released Game Editor, a free, open source game creation application that lets you design and create interactive games for the Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Windows Mobile, Pocket PC, and Android markets.
Game Editor requires no investment or royalty fees. It lets you design and develop 2D arcade, puzzle, board, role-playing, shoot-em-up, jump and run, and side-scroller games. A power scripting language is included. Because Game Editor is distributed under the GPL v3 license, advanced programmers can modify the game creation source code and create games with unique features.
Makslane Rodrigues' online forums include a range of game design information to get you started. Game Editor lets you see and change the source code of the game creation software, giving you insights into C/C++ programming. It also lets you prototype your new game.
In addition to moving objects, you can play sounds and run animations. After you've created your game,...
IGG Software revs iBank to version 4.7
IGG Software (www.iggsoftware.com) has rung up version 4.7 of iBank, its Quicken alternative. The new version offers:
° Fast transaction entry and dynamic editing options in a two-line register and more;
° Instant reports;
° Investment tracking;
° Enhanced envelope budgeting;
° A set-up assistant for transferring data from Mac and PC versions of Quicken, MS Money, or other finance programs.
In addition to its new set-up assistant for importing Quicken Essentials account data, iBank 4.7 adds Direct Connect support for holders of Vanguard investment accounts. While this data could previously be imported via Web Downloads from iBank’s built-in browser, Vanguard customers can now import their transactions directly.
iBank 4.7 is available immediately via the IGG website and has been submitted to the Mac App Store. IGG offers 30-day free trial downloads of iBank, unlimited free support (including Live Chat) and a 90-day guarantee on direct purchases from the IGG web store.
The retail...
Logitech rolls out Ultrathin Keyboard for the iPad mini
Logitech (www.logitech.com) has announced the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard mini, a slim protective keyboard cover for the iPad mini. It's due later this month and will have a suggested retail price of US$79.99.
Attaching with the click of integrated magnets, the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard mini has a slim aluminum cover designed to match the iPad mini and bring protection to it with minimal weight. When you’re ready to use it, flip the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard mini around to reveal its built-in Bluetooth EasyType keyboard, which offers a traditional typing layout in a small seven-inch form factor.
The keyboard also sports iPad mini function shortcut keys for commonly used commands. Plus, it doubles as a hands-free view stand so you can use your iPad mini without having to hold it.
The Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard mini has an instant On/Off feature. The keyboard itself has a three-month battery life (based on usage of two hours per day).
Apple updates OS X Server app to version 2.21
Apple has updated its OS X Server app for Mountain Lion to version 2.21. It improves the speed of downloading Mac App Store software, adds Time Machine service monitoring, brings Retina display support for the Wiki Server, adds the ability to use Active Directory groups in Profile Manager and more.
OS X Server lets Mountain Lion users turn the OS into a server OS utilizing a suite of utilities included in the application. The US$20 app is available at the Mac App Store. The 2.21 update is available via the Software Update component of the Mac OS X Systems Preferences app.
Sauce Labs launches service for testing iOS apps in the Cloud
Sauce Labs (https://saucelabs.com), a leading provider of cloud-based web application testing solutions for software developers, has announced a new service, based on the open source project Appium, for automating the testing of applications for iOS devices.
The new service provides a cloud-based, automated testing platform for both native iOS apps and mobile web hybrid apps. In building its Appium on Sauce, the company has contributed to the open source Appium project, based on the Node.js platform. Appium currently features support for native and mobile web automation on iOS, and Android support is planned.
The Appium on Sauce service is available immediately for select Sauce Labs customers with new users being added by invite only. Full general availability is expected in the coming weeks as the company scales its infrastructure. For more info go to www.saucelabs.com/appium .
Reggie Ashworth releases VidConvert 1.4.1
Reggie Ashworth has announced VidConvert 1.4.1, an update to his video converter for Mac OS X. The upgrade fixes some localization bugs along with other miscellaneous bug fixes.
VidConvert is a video converter designed to make converting your videos simple and easy. The software will convert just about any type of video into one of the many popular formats of today.
VidConvert requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher. It costs US$7.99 for a single user license. A demo is available for download at the product web site (http://www.reggieashworth.com/vidconvert).
Apple rumors for Feb. 5
Here are the latest Apple-related rumors from the blog-o-sphere:
"Apple is recruiting for two Senior Software Engineers for the iLife development team and is looking for individuals who will be able to help “re-imagine how user interfaces should be built and work”. The positions, posted today and yesterday, are based in in the California Campus and seem to be focused upon reinvigorating the UI for the iLife suite, which incorporates iPhoto, iMovie and GarageBand." -- "AppleBitch" (www.applebitch.com)
"With construction of Apple's $304 million Austin, Tex. complex underway, one website has reportedly come across new build plans for the site, revealing additional details about the campus' layout." -- "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com)
"iPad mini shipping times have today been reduced to just 1-3 business days at the Apple online store, which is the shortest wait the device has seen since it made its debut back in November. The new timescale currently applies only to the U.S. and...
Court: Apple, others didn't break California law
Apple and other online retailers didn't break California law by requiring consumers to provide their address and phone numbers as a condition of accepting credit card payments, the state's high court has ruled, reports "Reuters" (http://tinyurl.com/ajge3xd)
The California Supreme Court, in a split decision, said state privacy protections for credit cards don't apply to online purchases that are downloaded electronically. The ruling comes after the same court in 2011 said that those privacy protections do apply to brick and mortar retailers, finding that they could not request a customer's ZIP code during a credit card transaction, notes "Reuters."
Appeals court denies Apple's 'fast-track' appeal...
A U.S. appeals court has rejected Apple's request to fast-track its bid for a sales ban on several Samsung phones, ruling the iPhone maker could not argue its case to the full appeals court right away," reports "Reuters" (http://tinyurl.com/agx3kec)
A lower court judge had rejected Apple's bid for a permanent injunction following a jury trial last year. In its ruling on Monday, the Federal U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., said a three-judge panel will first consider Apple's appeal, and the full appeals court would not decide whether to hear the case until after that, notes "Reuters."
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.
evasiOn jailbreak released for iOS 6.x
A group of iOS hackers who call themselves the Evad3rs team has released a usable jailbreak for the iPhone 5, as well as any other iOS device capable of running iOS 6.0 or 6.1, with the exception of the Apple TV (third generation), reports "TechCrunch" (http://tinyurl.com/agkc7se).
The evasiOn jailbreak works on Mac, Windows and Linux systems. You can find it at http://www.evasi0n.com .
Cricket Coach is new cricket simulation game for the Mac
Rockingham Software has released Cricket Coach, a cricket simulation game fr the Mac.
Cricket Coach lets cricket fans manage their favorite teams through their favorite competitions. The game sports a detailed player database and strategic options. Both international cricket and domestic cricket are included.
A fully featured trial version is available from the game's website (/www.cricketcoachgame.com). Registration is US$32.99.
SchwanSongs announces Whirlwind WordSearch for OS X
SchwanSongs Software has announced WhirlWind WordSearch 1.0, a word-search puzzle maker for Mac OS X 10.6 or higher. It costs US$9.99 and is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Education category (http://tinyurl.com/bj4hls7).
WhirlWind WordSearch is tailored to create professional-looking word-search puzzles aimed at beginners or advanced puzzle solvers. Using the software, the user can generate many puzzles from their own word sets, choose the difficulty and the size of the puzzle, and choose from a wide variety of built-in shapes.
Flying Pig updates Edouard for OS X to version 1.2
Flying Pig has released Edouard 1.2, an update to its business management system for Mac OS X. The upgrade introduces new accounting features, new export schemes, a new template picker, new statistics reports and more.
Designed for small and medium-sized businesses, Edouard supports classic business needs such as inventory management, contacts, purchases, sales, production, accountancy and more. Version 1.2 also adds support for Retina displays.
Edouard 1.2 is available for existing customers who purchased it outside the Mac App Store as an automatic and free update. It's been submitted to Apple reviewing staff and will be available soon exclusively on the Mac App Store for US$799.
Due to legal entity changes in the Mac App Store administration and technical reasons directly related to Apple policies on the Mac App Store for such situations, the free update, existing customers are entitled to won't work, according to the folks at Flying Pig. Existing Mac App Store customers should...
Apple allows Java back on the Mac
Apple has issued an update to Java, returning it to the Mac, reports "Macworld UK" (http://tinyurl.com/au2maq7). Apple had barred Java from running on Macs due to security issues.
On Jan. 31, Apple blocked Java 7 Update 11 by adding it to the banned list in XProtect. Java quickly released an update -- which Apple promptly banned, again for security reasons. On Feb. 1 Oracle released yet another updated version of Java 7, which Apple seems to have okayed.
You can download it for the Mac at http://tinyurl.com/ahf6mjk . It requires Mac OS X 10.7.3 or later and a 64-bit browser.
Foxconn to allow union elections for the first time
Foxconn, the manufacturer of iPhone and iPad, among other products, will allow workers to elect union representatives for the first time, reports "The Telegraph" (http://tinyurl.com/aqop3qp).
The firm said it would hold elections for a chairman and 20 members of its Federation of Labour Unions Committee every five years. Taiwan-based Foxconn employs around 1.2 million workers across China. The move comes in response to pressure on Foxconn from Apple and its own workers over pay and conditions, notes "The Telegraph."
Wedding Planner for OS X revved to version 1.0.5
Rbcafe (www.rbcafe.com) has announced Wedding Planner 1.0.5 for Mac OS X, an update to its lifestyle app that allows users to plan and budget all aspects of their upcoming wedding.
It has separate categories for the Bride, Groom, Administration, Decoration, Miscellaneous, Invitations, Flowers, Honeymoon, Music, Photography, Venue, Theme, and Caterer. Wedding Planner includes separate tools for Budget, Ideas, and Notes, and Preferences.
The app employs custom 3D graphics as icons and buttons. From the Preparations window, users can choose any of the above categories by clicking its icon. From the Tool window, users can select any tool by its icon.
Each of the 13 Preparations Categories has its own page, where planners can add appropriate items and each item's budget. There are also check boxes for completed tasks and the date, plus a a section for notes. Automatically, the multi-colored bar graph in the Budget window includes the total expenditures in each Category. Also in the Budget...
Cineversity introduces tutorials on 3D animation filmmaking
MAXON (www.maxon.com) -- a developer of professional 3D modeling, painting, animation and rendering solutions -- has announced the availability of the new 3D filmmaking tutorial series for users of Cineversity, MAXON USA’s online education and training resource.
Created by Dr.-Ing.V.Sassmannshausen, JET Production Notes is a collection of instructional videos and tutorials documenting the entire 3D animation filmmaking process from conception to execution. The series is aimed at motion graphics artists, independent filmmakers and those collaborating in large film studio production teams and use MAXON CINEMA 4D.
JET Production Notes is comprised of four sections with a focus on topics ranging from cinematography, integration, speed modeling and more. In addition, there are three additional series focused on animation techniques, lighting and industrial modeling. The entire collection will be released over the next few weeks, one new section each week, starting today.
Semiconductor industry posts near-record sales tota
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), representing U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and design, announced that worldwide semiconductor sales for 2012 reached US$291.6 billion, the industry’s third-highest yearly total ever -- but a decrease of 2.7% from the record total of $299.5 billion set in 2011.
Total sales for the year narrowly beat expectations from the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization’s industry forecast. Global sales for the month of December 2012 hit $24.7 billion, a decline of 3% from the previous month when sales were $25.5 billion. Fourth quarter sales of $74.2 billion were 3.8% higher than the total of $71.5 billion from the fourth quarter of 2011. All monthly sales numbers represent a three-month moving average.
"Despite substantial macroeconomic challenges, the global semiconductor industry outperformed forecasts and posted one of its highest yearly sales totals in 2012," says Brian Toohey, president and CEO, Semiconductor...
Wacom announces DTH-2242 pen, touch display
Wacom has announced the DTH-2242, a 21.5-inch, interactive pen and touch display for the healthcare and presentation marketks.
The DTH-2242's direct pen-on-screen input is designed to allow users to interact and communicate more effectively with their patients as well as other medical personnel. For example, during discussions with patients or medical colleagues, healthcare professionals can add notes or draw pictures.
The 21.5-inch IPS LCD panel sports 1920x1080 and has five user-customizable ExpressKeys, located on the display's bezel. They provide access to commonly used shortcuts and functions. Additionally, there are USB ports on either side of the DTH-2242.
The pen can be tethered to the unit and stored in the dedicated pen compartment. A security slot has been designed into the product to prevent theft. The LCD panel of the DTH-2242 features anti-glare properties and is scratch resistant. The integrated stand can be adjusted to support inclination angles from 15 to 72 degrees...
FTC staff report recommends ways to improve mobile privacy...
The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s chief privacy agency, issued a staff report recommending ways that key players in the rapidly expanding mobile marketplace can better inform consumers about their data practices.
The report makes recommendations for critical players in the mobile marketplace: mobile platforms (operating system providers, such as Amazon, Apple, BlackBerry, Google, and Microsoft), application (app) developers, advertising networks and analytics companies, and app developer trade associations. Most of the recommendations involve making sure that consumers get timely, easy-to-understand disclosures about what data they collect and how the data is used.
"The mobile world is expanding and innovating at breathtaking speed, allowing consumers to do things that would have been hard to imagine only a few years ago," says FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz. "These best practices will help to safeguard consumer privacy and build trust in the mobile marketplace, ensuring that...
Oracle releases another update of Java 7
Oracle has released an updated version of Java 7 to address security vulnerabilities. You can download it for the Mac at http://tinyurl.com/ahf6mjk . It requires Mac OS X 10.7.3 or later and a 64-bit browser.
Yesterday it was disclosed that Java 7 Update had been blocked by Apple via its XProtect anti-malware feature in Mac OS X. Oracle released the update in January to address a security vulnerability.
Apple execs, Turkish prez meet to discuss education initiative
According to "MacRumors" (www.macrumors.com) Apple executives including vice president for education John Couch have met with Turkish president Abdullah Gül today to discuss several issues, including an iPad education initiative.
The US$4.5 billion program, if actually green-lighted, would provide as many as 15 million tablets to Turkish schoolchildren, the article adds. Also discussed was the layout of the older Turkish "F-keyboard" on iOS devices, which has several keys located in the wrong positions.
Dukane announces new DLP projectors
Dukane (www.dukane.com) has announced new DLP projectors: the Dukane 8420 (2500 lumens) and the 8421 (3000 lumens).
The 8420 and 8421 DLP projectors boast XGA performance. They offer 2500:1 contrast ratio. Performance versatility is enhanced by HDMI terminals, which accommodate many types of AV devices. Dukane’s Intelligent Eco Mode saves energy.
iPhone now has 12% of mainland China smartphone market
Mainland China smartphone shipments grew 64% annually to reach 53 million units in the fourth quarter of 2012, according to the Strategy Analytics research group (www.strategyanalytics.com).
Android phones accounted for a record 86% share of all smartphones shipped in China this quarter. Apple iOS followed with 12% share. That's up from 7.5% a year ago.
Apple in talks to bring HBO Go to the Apple TV?
Apple is negotiating to bring HBO Go to the Apple TV, reports "Bloomberg" (http://tinyurl.com/akeqfac), quoting two, unnamed "people familiar with the matter."
HBO GO is a free online service available to HBO subscribers that delivers HBO programming to your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android, Kindle Fire, Xbox 360, Roku player, Samsung smart TV, or computer. It includes over 1,400 titles of HBO programming.
If Apple does add HBO Go, it would join services such as Netflix and Hulu Plus on Apple's set-top box. Apple TV would let Time Warner, which already offers HBO Go for Roku and Microsoft’s Xbox, deliver another option to consumers who are increasingly shunning broadcasts in favor of on-demand viewing and streaming video over the Internet," notes "Bloomberg."
Apple rumors for Feb. 1
Here are the latest Apple-related rumors from the blog-o-sphere:
"The next full-sized iPad will adopt the same GF2 DITO display technology that Apple introduced in the iPad mini, sources claim. The new thin-film process will allow Apple to make significant reductions to the thickness and weight of the forthcoming fifth-generation iPad." -- "The Mac Observer" (www.macobserver.com)
"Apple has posted a pair of new job listings in the last week that suggest the company will be making further use of plastics in future products, supporting rumors that have circulated about the company producing a lower-cost iPhone that would prominently feature plastic in the body of the device. The job listings themselves suggest Apple is looking more for engineers that can help it push forward in "non-traditional" ways of using, shaping and controlling the material on behalf of suppliers as well as itself." -- "MacNN" (www.macnn.com)
"Because Apple lets users upgrade to the latest version of iOS on all...
Court bans Apple appeal in patent fight against Samsung
A U.S. appeals court has rejected Apple's request to revive its bid for a sales ban on Samsung's Galaxy Nexus smartphone, reports "Reuters" (http://tinyurl.com/ap57os8).
Apple had asked the full Federal Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., to revisit a decision in October by a three-judge panel of the same court. The panel rejected Apple's request to impose a sales ban on Samsung's Nexus smartphone ahead of a trial set for March 2014.
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.
Softpress releases Freeway 6
Softpress has announced the immediate availability of Freeway 6 Pro and Express, the latest in their line of visual web-design applications.
New features in this version include HTML5 and CSS3 output, automatic form handling and visitor comments, along with other improvements and enhancements. Both Pro and Express versions now output HTML5 as standard, allowing users to add mobile-friendly multimedia to their sites. Pro users have the ability to use new HTML5 element types and form controls.
Along with added CSS3 styling, modernized code-generation, greater control over the appearance of form items, built-in form-processing, visitor comments, new social media sharing buttons, enhanced CSS layouts for creating flexible and fluid layouts, improved mobile support, and more, this new version is not one to be missed.
A full list of Freeway Pro and Express features can be found on the Softpress website (www.softpress.com). The software requires Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher.
Freeway Pro is...
Apple to quit selling Mac Pros in Europe
Apple has issued a notice to European distributors indicating that it will halt sales of the Mac Pro in Europe and select other countries as of March 1 due to new regulatory requirements going into effect on that date, notes "MacRumors" (www.macrumors.com).
The move will affect all European Union countries, as well as EU candidate countries and the four European Free Trade Association countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Here's what Apple's note says: "As of March 1, 2013, Apple will no longer sell Mac Pro in EU, EU candidate and EFTA countries because these systems are not compliant with Amendment 1 of regulation IEC 60950-1, Second Edition which becomes effective on this date. Apple resellers can continue to sell any remaining inventory of Mac Pro after March 1.
Apple will take final orders for Mac Pro from resellers up until February 18th for shipment before March 1, 2013. Countries outside of the EU are not impacted and Mac Pro will continue to be...
SCSC updates Scannerz Lite for OS X
SCSC (www.scsc-online.com) has released an update for Scannerz Lite. Scannerz Lite differs from Scannerz in that it is intended to be used primarily for testing and evaluating the hard drive.
Just like its big brother Scannerz, Scannerz Lite now offers full support for all CoreStorage related components, including full volume encryption under File Vault 2, Fusion Drives, multiple drive and volume spanning under a single logical volume, as well as full support for Apple RAID. For more info go to http:// .
There's no price change in the product line. The cost of Scannerz Lite is US$17.95, Scannerz with FSE-Lite is $34.95 and Scannerz is $44.95.
Business Card Shop for Mac OS X gets new user interface
Chronos (www.chronosnet.com) has announced Business Card Shop 4.5, an update to its business card software. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher.
The new version sports an overhauled user interface and includes over 10 new features to make designing and printing business cards faster and easier than ever. Current Business Card Shop 4.x customers can update to Business Card Shop 4.5 for free. Customers who own earlier versions of SOHO Business Cards can upgrade to Business Card Shop 4.5 for US$25.
A fully functional 30 day trial version can be downloaded from Chronos' web site. For new users the price is $39.99; a family pack is also available for $69.99.
Cheetah 3D 6.2 for OS X gets ADB unwrapping support
MW3D-Solutions has announced Cheetah3D 6.2 (http://www.cheetah3d.com), an update to its 3D modeling solution. The upgrade adds support for ABF unwrapping, improves loop/ring selection, improves support for Retina displays and fixes bugs.
Cheetah3D requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher. It costs US$99 for a single-user license. Customers may upgrade from Cheetah3D 1.x - 5.x for $69.
Chimp Studios releases Print Selection for OS X
Chimp Studios has released Print Selection 1.0 for Mac OS X. It's an app designed to save ink, paper and time.
Accessible from the menu bar, the dock, or the Services menu, Print Selection provides a solution for users seeking to print snippets from webpages, emails, and documents. The printing utility can either display a window where users can edit snippets before printing or immediately show the standard print dialog. The OS X Services integration allows Print Selection to serve users even when it is not running.
Print Selection requires Mac OS X 10.7 or later. It costs US$1.99 and is available through the Mac App Store in the Utility category. For more info go to www.chimpstudios.com/printselection.html .
ProjectWizards announces Merlin 2 websharing bundle
ProjectWizards has announced the Merlin 2 Websharing Bundle. It combines a Merlin for Mac OS X license and the Merlin for Web Browsers module.
Users will be able to leverage the power of the professional project management software for Mac OS X and share projects with Mac, Windows, and Linux users via Web access. The Web Browser Module ensures that Merlin projects are always up-to-date and synchronized with each other. The bundle is available for February and March for US$260.
The bundle requires Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later and any of the following web browsers (or higher versions): Safari 3, Firefox 3, Internet Explorer 7, Chrome 17 or Opera 11. For more info go to http://projectwizards.net/bundle .
Apple blocks Java 7 Update 11 in Mac OS X
The Java 7 Update 11 has been blocked by Apple via its XProtect anti-malware feature in Mac OS X, notes "AppleInsider' (www.appleinsider.com).
Oracle released Java 7 Update 11 earlier this month to address a security vulnerability. Now that Apple has disabled it, Mac users can't run Java on their systems.
Mac OS X software updates for Jan. 31
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Apple has rolled out three SMC updates. Each addresses an unexpected shutdown issue on MacBooks containing batteries with over one thousand charge cycles. The updates are available now for the non-Retina MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and legacy MacBook via the Software Updates component of the Mac OS X Systems Preferences app.
CS Odessa (www.conceptdraw.com) has announced a new version of ConceptDraw Note Exchange Solution. The new version provides integration with Evernote Windows and Mac Client.
MacAppware (www.macappware.com) has released MacOptimizer 1.3, an update to its disk utility application. It can help you clean, repair and organize your Mac. Speed up your Mac, fix common problems on your computer, and organize your Mac desktop. Version 1.3 includes the ability to clean font caches, verify checksums for disk images, as well as fixes several minor bugs.
publicspace.net has launched A Better Finder Rename 9.18, an update to the...
Apple rumors for Jan. 31
Here are the latest Apple-related rumors from the blog-o-sphere:
"Slightly smaller Apple TV 3,2 (A1469) contains A5X SoC, BCM4334 combo" -- "AnandTech" (http://tinyurl.com/as3joe9)
"The facility Apple is establishing in Shanghai is actually a supply chain management center, not for research and development, a source tells Tencent. Apple is allegedly hiring supply chain management experts for the project. Tencent moreover claims that Apple China's marketing department has denied the Shanghai facility being for R&D, and stated that CEO Tim Cook didn't promise an R&D complex while he was in the country earlier this month." -- "MacNN" (www.macnn.com)
Voice-changing software comes to the Mac
Screaming Bee (www.screamingbee.com/mac/) has released a new voice-changing product that runs on Mac OS X 10.6 or higher. MorphVOX Mac costs US3$9.95 and provides voice modification to online games, instant messaging, and the multimedia studio.
Online players can sound like the character they play. Additional voice, sound, and background packs provide even more content for the program. The software can be integrated with VoIP solutions such as Skype or Google Voice allowing customers to modify their voice during any call.
MorphVOX Mac can also morph an existing audio file or record a voice directly to file. The software supports many audio formats native to the Mac environment including AIFF, AAC, MP3 and more.
MorphVOX Mac also provides management of the growing list of voices and sound effects with the MorphVOX Content Manager. This allows customers to browse, download and install new content directly within MorphVOX Mac. In addition, users can tweak any of the current voices to...
New standard editions of onOne photographic software released
onOne Software has released Standard Editions of Perfect B&W, Perfect Effects 4, Perfect Portrait 2, and Perfect Mask 5.2.
Designed for photographers of all skill levels to enhance, stylize, and improve images, these Standard Editions work as standalone applications. They allow for direct photo editing without the need for additional software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, or Apple Aperture.
Photos open directly through the Standard Edition browser. One-click effects, presets, or automated adjustments may be applied to create new looks, solve problems, or act as starting points for creative inspiration, according to Craig Keudell, president of onOne Software. Each product includes the best tools that address specific digital photography needs and assist with the creation of the most popular and sought-after looks seen today, he adds.
Perfect B&W converts images to black and white and offers dozens of presets that replicate both traditional and...
Winter Wolves unleashes Heileen 3: Sea Maidens
Winter Wolves has released Heileen 3: Sea Maidens. It's an expansion of the standard game Heileen 3.
It adds four new female characters to date, each one with her own personality, life goals, and associated ending images, increasing the original number of romanceable characters to eight. The game has been updated with several new scenes added to the original game story, which now consists of over 180,000 words of text. New additional scenes show the player's progresses through the 14 unique job careers, and at same time reveal more of some secondary characters' past.
The expansion and the standard game are now an unique installer, and you can choose to purchase both versions or only one. You can download the demo and buy the game from Winter Wolves website at www.winterwolves.com .The game uses a one-time online activation so there are no extra downloads required.
SilhouetteFX LLC releases Silhouette V5
SilhouetteFX has released version 5 of Silhouette, its stereo roto, paint and keying software. The upgrade sports a new raster/vector hybrid paint system, semi-automatic 2D to 3D conversion, a fresh look at shape-based warping and morphing, and the inclusion of planar tracking technology from Imagineer System's mocha Pro.
An option available at an additional cost of $3,995 (for a limited time; it's regularly $5,995), a S3D node for Silhouette 5 facilitates 2D to 3D conversion and stereoscopic processing in six ways. Silhouette’s roto tools have become depth-enabled (in the S3D option). Every shape has a depth that can be keyframed.
New roto tools such as ramps, hallways, tunnels and more have been added. Depth maps can be built semi-automatically from both mono (non-stereo) as well as stereoscopic images. Existing stereoscopic content can be depth analyzed and re-rendered for different display sizes taking into account the 3D geometry of the target display.
Parallax and convergence...
KeyCue teaches Avid Technology's Pro Tools keyboard...
Ergonis Software has published extended shortcut descriptions for Avid Technology's Pro Tools. The descriptions can be imported in KeyCue 6 to reveal 189 hidden keyboard shortcuts in Pro Tools.
KeyCue is a tool for learning and remembering keyboard shortcuts. Whenever the command key is kept pressed for a while, KeyCue displays a table with all keyboard shortcuts available in the currently active application. Similar add-ons are available for InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and more.
The shortcut descriptions mentioned in this release are not functional as stand-alone tools, but require a licensed version of KeyCue 6.0 or newer. KeyCue 6 requires Mac OS X version 10.5.8 or newer and is fully compatible with OS X Lion. KeyCue can be purchased on the Ergonis Software website (www.ergonis.com/). See the company's web site for information about purchases, including enterprise licenses, volume discounts, and upgrade pricing offers.
Nattress has released two new transition effects
Noise Industries, developer of visual effects tools for the post-production and broadcast markets, has introduced two new transition plug-ins from Nattress to FxFactory for Final Cut Pro X, Motion, After Effects and Premiere Pro.
A package of four bouncy effects, Bounce Transitions lets editors bounce footage on and off the screen using realistic motion algorithms for natural bounce or spring movement. It costs US$29 and is available at http://www.nattress.com/?q=Bounce .
Nattress Shatter Transitions lets you create transitions based on either breaking apart the outgoing video or bringing together the incoming video. It costs $49 and is available at http://www.nattress.com/?q=Shatter .
Monotype launches Typecast web design app
Monotype Imaging Holdings (www.monotype.com) -- a provider of typefaces, technology and expertise for creative applications and consumer devices -- has announced the commercial launch of its Typecast application, a browser-based tool for designing Web pages with Web fonts. It launches commercially after a year and a half in private and public beta programs.
Web designers are able to combine, compare and style Web fonts without performing screen captures in third-party applications or through hand coding. Users can visually style text directly within the browser. As designers work, Typecast software generates production-ready HTML and CSS code behind the scenes. When designers are ready to start building their sites, they can export that HTML and CSS, plus generate embedded code that will serve their project’s typefaces to their site.
Designers can set styles such as font size, line spacing and coloring, and also apply OpenType features such as ligatures, small caps, fractions,...
Judge says Samsung didn't willfully violate Apple patents
Judge Lucy Koh, the federal judge presiding over two Apple v. Samsung lawsuits in the Northern District of California, has entered four more post-trial orders. The biggest news is that, unlike the fury, she found that Samsung's infringement of Apple's patents wasn't willful.
As reported by "FOSS Patents" (http://www.fosspatents.com) the judge:
° Reversed the finding that Samsung's acts of patent infringement were willful (because Samsung had reasons to believe that what it was doing was legal) and overruled the jury with respect to a patent exhaustion question (which has no effect because the related patent was not deemed infringed by Apple), but otherwise upheld the jury's liability findings against Samsung, denying further modifications as well as a new trial;
° Denied Apple any damages enhancements for willful infringement (which could have resulted in a tripling of parts of the award); she also denied enhancements of trade dress damages on other grounds;
° Declined to overrule the...
Judge says Apple patents not invalid due to 'indefiniteness...
U.S. District Court Judge Lucy Koh has ruled that neither an Apple utility patent nor four design patents are invalid due to indefiniteness, reports "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com).
The issue of indefiniteness was first entered during the Apple v. Samsung trial over Apple's U.S. Patent No. 7,864,163, otherwise known as the "tap to zoom" patent, when Samsung took issue with the term “substantially centered.”
In the patent language, Apple refers to graphical assets being "substantially centered" on a portable device's display. Samsung argued that the term was indefinite and thus the patent should be invalidated, notes "AppleInsider." Koh disagreed and denied the invalidation by citing a number of federal court cases that set precedent pertaining to the term "substantially."
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-...
MacTech Releases Comprehensive Virtualization "Treatise...
The large suite of over 3000 tests was performed comparing the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, MacBook Pro Retina, iMac and Mac Pro. The purpose of the testing and the article are to answer the questions about a variety of different kinds of performance for the different virtualization solutions available, as well as the differences between Windows 7 and 8 in virtual machines, graphics, gaming, and more.
"MacTech Labs has been doing product evaluations and testing for over 20 years," says said Neil Ticktin, publisher/editor-in-chief of MacTech Magazine. "Our focus is to help consultants and IT pros not only in making tough decisions, but with real-world and how-to answers. In this case, we wanted to help people decide which product has the best performance for them ranging from speed to operations to battery life, and more. Which virtualization solution to use is a complex decision including which Macs to use, whether to run Windows 7 or 8, virtual machine memory, gaming, Retina and small...
