Disney CEO loads up on Apple stock
Disney CEO Bob Iger, who is on Apple's Board of Directors, has purchased US$1 million worth of Apple shares, an SEC filing (http://macte.ch/Nhet3) reveals.
What makes it "really interesting," according to "Business Insider" ("Reuters" (http://macte.ch/U9vP0) is that Iger exercised a million options on Disney stock last week, netting $17.9 million. "When an insider, like a board member, buys stock on the open market, it's usually considered a bullish sign," the article adds.
Iger also bought $1 million worth of shares a year ago at prices around $375 a share, shortly after joining Apple's board.
NTSB drops the BlackBerry for the iPhone
The National Transportation Safety Board, which investigates plane crashes, has become the latest federal agency to drop its BlackBerry smartphones in favor of iPhones for reliability, reports "U.S.A. Today" (http://macte.ch/FnbOx). It joins agencies such as the Defense Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Transportation Security Administration that have made the switch.
The NTSB, whose investigators respond immediately to plane crashes and other transportation disasters, says it's switching to Apple's iPhone 5 because BlackBerrys "have been failing both at inopportune times and at an unacceptable rate." "The NTSB requires effective, reliable and stable communication capabilities to carry out its primary investigative mission and to ensure employee safety in remote locations," the agency said in a Nov. 13 government filing about its smartphone service to justify the switch, notes "U.S.A. Today."
U.S. kids look forward to an 'iHoliday'
When it comes to devices, kids’ holiday wish lists are simple this year. The most-wanted gifts are predominantly from one company -- Apple. According to a recent Nielsen study (www.nielsen.com), Apple’s popularity leading up to the holiday season continues a trend seen over the last couple of years, with American kids aged 6-12 generally more interested in the latest iOS offerings than other consumer electronics and gaming devices.
Approximately half the children surveyed expressed interest in the full-sized iPad (up from 44% last year), and 36% in the new iPad mini. The iPod touch and iPhone are also coveted devices among these young consumers (36% and 33%, respectively).
Kids are also likely to ask for dedicated gaming hardware this holiday, with 39% excited to own Nintendo’s just-released console offering, Wii U, and 29% indicating they want a device from that company’s portable DS family. Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Sony’s PlayStation 3 also proved appealing, with approximately...
Launch of Russian iTunes Store delayed
The launch of the Apple iTunes online music store in Russia planned for October and rescheduled for mid-November has been delayed indefinitely, reports "RIA Novosti," quoting two unnamed "sources familiar with Apple’s plans."
US tech giant Apple had previously held negotiations with several Russian retailers on the sale of iTunes gift cards but the planned launch of the store was so far delayed, the article adds. You can read more at http://en.rian.ru/business/20121120/177612204.html .
WD expands desktop hard drive line-up with 4TB capacity
WD has announced its highest performance, highest capacity desktop hard drive: the WD Black 4 B, 3.5-inch, 7200 RPM drive. It's shipping immediately.
WD Black hard drives combine 7200 RPM spin speed, 64 MB cache, dual stage actuator technology, SATA 6 gigabits per second (Gb/s) interface, and an integrated dual processor to deliver ultimate performance in a maximum-capacity drive, says Matt Rutledge, vice president of WD's client storage group.
With Dual actuator technology, a head positioning system with two actuators improves positional accuracy over the data track(s). The primary actuator provides coarse displacement using conventional electromagnetic actuator principles. The secondary actuator uses piezoelectric motion to fine tune the head positioning to a higher degree of accuracy.
WD's IntelliSeek technology calculates optimum seek speeds to lower power consumption, noise and vibration.With StableTrac technology, the motor shaft is secured at both ends to reduce system-...
Nokia's HERE Maps arrive for iOS
Last week Nokia (www.nokia.com) announced HERE, which it describes as "the first location cloud to deliver the world's best maps and location experiences across multiple screens and operating systems." And it's arrived on iOS.
"People want great maps, and with HERE we can bring together Nokia's location offering to deliver people a better way to explore, discover and share their world," says Nokia President and CEO Stephen Elop. "Additionally, with HERE we can extend our 20 years of location expertise to new devices and operating systems that reach beyond Nokia. As a result, we believe that more people benefit from and contribute to our leading mapping and location service."
To further extend its location services, Nokia has launched a maps application for iOS under the HERE brand. Based on HTML5, it will include offline capabilities, voice-guided walk navigation, and public transport directions. The application is scheduled to be available for free download from Apple's App Store in...
iFrogz introduces Vue case for the iPhone
iFrogz has introduced the Vue case for the Apple iPhone line. The US$29.99 Vue is available through ZAGG Inc’s online store at iFrogz.com and at select Target locations.
The iFrogz Vue is a customizable case for the iPhone that lets users combine their favorite pictures, prints or designs to create a personalized, scrapbook-style case. Its clear, durable case will not collect dust or lint going in and out of a purse or pocket, according to the folks at iFrogz. The Vue includes the case itself, a camera hole punch and template for creating individual designs, and sample patterns to help creative iPhone owners show off their individual styles.
Former Apple, NeXT PR person named Bited Communications CEO
Andy Cunningham, marketing and communications veteran and president of Bite Communications North America, will assume the role of CEO of Bite Communications (www.bitecommunications.com) as of Jan. 1, 2013. She's a former Apple and NeXT employee.
In her new role, Cunningham will lead the 250-strong, 14-office agency to grow the company and augment its global public relations services with marketing communications, creative and content, and digital and technology products to create a world-class global integrated marketing and communications services firm.
One of the highlights of Cunningham’s career includes driving Apple’s PR during its early years, and working with Steve Jobs on the launch of the original Mac and his NeXT and Pixar ventures. Her work during that time was recently featured in Walter Isaacson’s bestselling biography of Apple founder, Steve Jobs.
With 14 locations around the world, Bite Communications, a Next Fifteen Group company, is an integrated marketing...
DayCase lets you change Your iPhone case every day
Under the Rainbow Media (http://undertherainbowmedia.com) has launched the DayCase for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5. Users select one durable polycarbonate clear back case and then choose from predesigned or custom Insert Collections that fit into each case.
Whenever the user wants to change the look of their case all they need to do is select a new insert. One key feature of the DayCase is the ability for users to design and upload their own creations.
The DayCase is currently offered for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5. Users have tw0 different case options.
DayCase Bundles begin at US$19.95. The bundle includes one case plus one set of Predesigned Inserts. Additional Predesigned Insert Collections are $4.95 for a set of three inserts. Custom Inserts are $9.95 for a set of three inserts.
Ferrari by Logic3 drives out new speaker dock, headphones
Ferrari by Logic3 has announced its expansion into the U.S. with the debut of the Cavallino T350 Headphones and Scuderia FS1 Bluetooth Speaker Dock.
The Cavallino T350 Headphones (US$399) offers superior sound quality with 40mm drivers incorporated into a close-back design and Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) technology to reduce unwanted ambient noise, says Logic3 CEO Ashvin Patel. Inspired by Ferrari’s GT road cars, where power and performance are united with quality of details, the T350 Headphones combine the highest quality components with exact engineering for the upmost performance imaginable, he adds.
The ear cups and headband are trimmed in leather and boast machined crafted metal arms. The T350 Headphones are available in black and tan, come with a carrying case and an anti-tangle, in-line remote cable for Apple, Android, Blackberry and Windows devices.
Inspired by the Scuderia Ferrari racing team and the GT car’s innovative lines, creases and curves, the Scuderia FS1...
iPhone, meet the rotary phone
Pyle -- manufacturers of home, car and pro audio equipment -- has unveiled its Retro Home Telephone Collection for smartphones, including the iPhone. The collection ranges in pricing from US$89.99 to $109.99 and is available at Pyleaudio.com .
Designed to resemble old-fashion rotary phones, the Retro Collection features buttons for answering landline and smartphone calls. Users can switch between the two devices.
These classically designed rotary desktop telephones (PRT55I, PRT35I, PRT15I , PRT25I) are handcrafted from real wood and adorned with brushed copper parts. They work with landlines allowing for normal telephone functions, as well as smartphones. The collection is compatible with all 3.5mm jack mobile phones and tablets.
B-lock iPhone case allows parents to block the Home button
Toddler Lock Designs (www.thetoddlerapp.com/) has announced the immediate availability of The b-lock Case for the iPhone.
Designed to allow youngsters to play games and view pictures on an iPhone without risk of accidentally leaving their chosen app, the US$14.99 case offers parents a way to block the smartphone's Home button at any time. An additional pack of three spare Home Button Guards can also be purchased in black or white at a cost of $8.
It's built from polycarbonate and available in a variety of colors. The b-lock Case features a Home Button Guard that can be detached from the rear of the case and placed over the iPhone's Home button to completely disable it when the phone is being used by a child.
Toddler Lock Designs also offers the the Toddler Lock App, a free download from the Apple App Store. It allows children to view pictures and videos on an iPhone without being able to zoom or delete,
Shade 13 Professional for Mac OS X released
Mirye Software (www.mirye.net) has released the Shade 13 product line of professional 3D modeling, rendering and animation tools. It's an integrated solution for 3D artists, designers and film makers.
New features include Advanced FBX Support, Vertex and Edge Beveling Tools, Shade Replicators, Render History and more. It also includes the Shade 3D for Unity. It's based on the full version of Shade, but provides specific features for game developers, especially those using Unity 3D to develop games for Mac OS X, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android.
The Shade 13 product line includes Basic (US$99), Standard ($349) and Professional ($749) versions on Mac OS X and Windows. A 30-day trial license is available. Academic and volume purchase versions will be announced shortly. Shade 3D for Unity for Mac OS X is immediately available for download through the Mac App Store, with both Mac OS X and Windows versions available in the future through Mirye Software.
Noteboom Productions releases video tutorial on Mountain Lion
Noteboom Productions (www.noteboomproductions.com) has announced Tutor for OS X Mountain Lion. Their latest video tutorial is now available on the Mac App Store for US$4.99 in the Productivity category.
In Tutor for OS X Mountain Lion, the user watches videos to learn how to use OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion.. The video tutorial is designed for both the new Mac user and Mac users new to Mountain Lion. The tutorial consists of 49 video chapters on various subject.
It includes a note feature where users can take notes. You can now take notes as you're watching the tutorial. Notes can be emailed or printed at any time.
Tutor for OS X Mountain Lion 1.0 is $4.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category.
128bit Technologies releases 702 fonts
You can now download 702 font designs from 128bit Technologies. This collection includes 54 original font families, with a total of 702 fonts in all.
Each font is in OpenType font format and can be used for any personal and business project on both Mac and PC computers. International character support is standard for every premium font.
Premium Fonts (www.macappware.com) includes: 702 total fonts (with more emailed to you regularly if you purchase the subscription) and 54 unique font families. The price includes a 10-computer, commercial use license.
The Premium Fonts Lifetime Subscription includes all current Premium Fonts, plus every new font released in the future (about 10-15 unique font families every few months). Premium Fonts supports Mac OS X 10.1 and later, and Windows XP and later. Premium Fonts is now available for purchase for US$99; the Lifetime Subscription can be purchased for $149.
iZotope releases Trash 2 audio distortion device
iZotope has announced Trash 2, a new audio mangling and distortion device. Completely rewritten from the ground up from the original Trash, it has an entirely new sonic architecture, new features, optimized performance, better sound quality, and support for modern hosts and formats.
Trash 2 adds such new features as 20 new distortion algorithms, fresh filter modules, 50 new impulse responses, multiband waveshaping, 64-bit and AAX support and more.
"For Trash 2, we wanted to increase the level of freedom in the features that Trash 1 users loved best." says iZotope Product Manager Jack Cote. "Now you can have even more influence over your sound, whether you're loading your own impulse responses, creating new filter combinations, or designing and editing your own multiband waveshapes. With Trash 2, it's a new era of personalized distortion."
He says with Trash 2 you can:
° Distort in ways you never dreamed with the Trash module’s 60+ distortion algorithms, perfect for transforming your...
Jumsoft launches presentation themes for PowerPoint for Mac
Jumsoft has released Presentation Themes. The brand new pack for Microsoft PowerPoint for Mac has been adapted from Jumsoft's themes for Keynote and contains 30 high-quality, smoothly customizable designs.
The new collection caters to users of PowerPoint for Mac who wish to create presentations "full of style and impression," according to the folks at Jumsoft. Each theme contains 20 master slides, a mix of bullet text, and media-oriented layouts. All media slides feature placeholders to crop a placed image, chart, or video into a custom shape.
Most objects in Presentation Themes can be recolored, reshaped, moved, or removed. Users can type or paste their own text, add and remove text boxes, and change fonts. Photos or videos can be dragged onto slides to replace the placeholders. All of the themes are available in three sizes: standard (4:3) and two widescreen options (16:9 and 16:10).
Users can purchase Presentation Themes in the Mac App Store for US$49.99; they require Mac OS X 10....
Mac OS X software updates for Nov. 21
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
St. Clair Software (www.stclairsoft.com) has released Default Folder X 4.5.1, an update to their file navigation utility. The upgrade addresses compatibility issues with Mac OS 10.8, Parallels Desktop, iWork, Pro Tools and more.
The Alice Dev Team (www.alicedev.com) has announced USBMate 1.1, an update of the utility that optimizes and accelerates the operation of USB Flash drives, external hard disks, and Flash memory cards. The upgrade makes the software compatible with large, external USB-drives.
Juicy Cocktail (www.juicycocktail.com) has rolled out memories 1.8, an update to its diary/journal application that allows users to create customized, daily text entries with embedded images, sound, and video The upgrade adds support for Retina-display Macs, sync via iCloud, and Notification Center reminders.
CS Odessa (www.csodessa.com) has introduced a new ConceptDraw Key Customer Loyalty Program. This program is intended for organizations...
Next MacBUS meeting to be end-of-year party
The next meeting of The Macintosh Business Users Society of Greater Philadelphia (http://www.macbus.org/) will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 27, at 7 p.m.
This month's meeting will be the annual year-end party and networking event. Food will be provided. At the meeting, you'll be given the opportunity to take a few minutes to introduce yourself to the group. A general Mac troubleshooting Q&A session will also be held. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions and invite friends or coworkers who may find the meeting beneficial.
MacBUS was the first user group in the United States to focus on the business and professional uses of the Macintosh operating system. The group of approximately 75 members meets this month at:
Giant Food Store
315 York Road 2nd Floor Conference room
Willow Grove, Pennsylvania 19090
Meetings are usually held on the last Tuesday evening of each calendar month. To inquire about presenting, or to suggest a meeting topic, please contact the MacBUS board at...
Analyst: Apple to sell 4.8 million Macs during the holiday...
In a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com) -- Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster says Apple will sell 4.8 million Macs during the holiday quarter. That's down 7% year-over-year.
Munster bases the figures on data from the NPD research group (www.npd.com). The figures suggest Mac sales were down 40% when compared to September. That's a normal seasonal trend as back-to-school sales end, Munster said.
A year ago, Apple set a new record by selling 5.2 million Macs in the December 2011 quarter. That represented a 26% increase from the same period in 2010.
Apple posts OS X 10.8.2 Supplement Update
Apple has released OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.2 Supplement Update 2.0 for 2012 Macs. It addresses an issue with the Keychain in OS X.
You can obtain the update via the Mac App Store. Or you can go to http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1611?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US .
Analyst predicts iTV, iPad mini with Retina display, more for...
In a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (www.appleinsider.com) -- Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster says the long-rumored Apple-branded HDTV (the so-called "iTV") will be one of three of four core product launches from the company next year.
He expects Apple to launch a television set in time for the holiday 2013 shopping season with screen sizes between 42 and 55 inches. The price? Between US$1,500 and $2,000.
"We expect the beauty of the design to be a feature, but the most important feature will be the ability to use the TV as the main interface for the living room across multiple devices," Munster says. "We believe the TV will include Siri and FaceTime. The biggest item unlikely to come with the TV will be unbundled channels."
The analyst also expects Apple to unveil an iPad mini with a Retina display in early 2013 and an iPhone 5S in September. What's more, Munster forecasts a revamped Apple TV (the set-top box, not a television set) with a TV app store arriving...
Apple announces 'Black Friday' specials
Apple has sent out an email announcing special "Black Friday" (the Friday after Thanksgiving) prices. You can learn more at http://macte.ch/Rhw51 .
Here's what Apple says in its email: "Shopping event prices are solely available on November 23, 2012, from 12:01 am to 11:59 pm PST, are subject to change, and do not include taxes. Promotional pricing cannot be combined with any other offers. Not all sale products are available in all Apple Retail Stores. Product specifications are subject to change. Sale prices are limited to stock on hand and while supplies last. Black Friday discount prices available for end users only. Not available to distributors, dealers or resellers."
Apple planning Hong Kong data center
Citing three unnamed sources, the Chinese-language "Hong Kong Economic Times" says -- as reported by "Wired" (www.wired.com) that Apple is planning to open a data center in Hong Kong.
This would be Apple’s first data center outside the U.S. Currently, the company serves up iCloud and other online services from massive computing facilities in Cupertino, California, at its headquarters; Newark, California, just north of Cupertino; and Maiden, North Carolina. It’s also developing additional facilities in Prineville, Oregon, and Reno, Nevada.
ITC to review Apple, Samsung patent decision
The U.S. International Trade Commission will review a judge's decision which found that Apple did not violate patents owned by Samsung Electronics in making the iPod touch, iPhone and iPad, reports "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/ZI7t5).
An administrative law judge at the ITC had said in a preliminary ruling in September that Apple was innocent of violating the patents. The ITC, which could have opted to simply uphold the judge's decision, said that it would take up the matter. If Apple is found to infringe, its devices can be banned for sale in the United States, notes "Reuters." A final decision is due in January.
In the preliminary ruling in September, ITC Judge Thomas Pender found Samsung in violation of four Apple patents, including intellectual property for touch-screen technology. 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-...
The President and the Apple CEO have a little talk
President Barack Obama reached out to a number of business leaders including Apple CEO Tim Cook last week about the Unites States' "fiscal cliff," reports "CNN" (http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/).
A White House official told "CNN" that the President spoke with the CEOs of four Fortune 500 companies over the weekend after gathering a dozen CEOs of other major American companies at the White House on Wednesday. Obama's conversations were part of his "outreach on the need to find a balanced deficit-reduction solution that protects the middle class and continues to move our economy forward."
Analyst: iPads to dominate tablet downloads for next five years
In a new report Strategy Analytics (www.strategyanalytics.com) says the iPad will continue to dominate the tablet market for the next five years, owning 56% in 2017, thanks in part to the introduction of the iPad mini.
What's more, the research group predicts that between 2008 and 2017 paid app downloads will generate more than US$57 billion globally. However, paid apps begin to decline as free apps come to represent more than 91% of all downloads by 2017, notes Strategy Analytics.
As the percentage of free app downloads continues to grow, the average selling price of all downloaded apps (free and paid) will drop to just eight cents for smartphone apps by 2017. The decline in revenue and increase in app store maintenance costs -- including app approval personnel, marketing, and other maintenance costs -- may force app stores to consider new revenue streams or higher revenue splits, says Strategy Analytics.
Elgato EyeTV Mobile, DyleT Mobile TV Bring live TV to iOS...
Elgato -- which makes TV and video solutions for the Mac, PC, iPhone and iPad -- and Dyle mobile TV (www.dyle.tv) -- a live broadcast service from the Mobile Content Venture (MCV) -- has announced the EyeTV Mobile accessory, a Dyle mobile TV compatible TV tuner for iOS devices that will turn iPad, iPod touch and iPhone devices into portable TV’s.
The accessory connects to iOS devices directly via the dock connector to bring live TV to consumers. The compact ATSC-Mobile tuner receives mobile TV signals from a miniature antenna for use on-the-go, or a rod antenna, which provides broader range at home or in the office. Consumers can access live TV with the free EyeTV Mobile app, which provides a full range of TV viewing features including pause/ resume capabilities and access to detailed program guide (EPG) information.
The EyeTV Mobile accessory connects to a consumer’s iOS dock connector and enables consumers to enjoy live news, sports, and entertainment programming from participating...
CM4 shipping Q Card case for the iPhone 5
CM4 is shipping the Q Card Case for the iPhone 5. It's a durable case with a built-in wallet sleeve for up to three cards and cash.
This updated version of the Q Card Case is the thinnest yet and comes in CM4’s Black Onyx and Pacific Green, as well as two new colors: Red Rouge and Mahogany Brown. The iPhone 5 version was specially crafted to fit the new Lightning dock adapter so that users can continue to use their 30-pin accessories.
The Q Card Case comes with a one-year warranty. It's available at cm4.com and Amazon.com for US$39.99.
Enolsoft Free YouTube Downloader HD comes to Mac OS X
Enolsoft Co. (www.enolsoft.com) has released Free YouTube Downloader HD, its free YouTube video downloading app for Mac users to batch grad and save online YouTube videos, HD videos and HTML 5 videos.
To use you drag-n-drop the YouTube video URLs to the app's interface. The added YouTube videos then will be downloaded automatically.
The Enolsoft YouTube Downloader HD for Mac is, as mentioned, free. Users can also pay US$29 to upgrade to Enolsoft YouTube Converter HD to transfer downloaded video to a smartphone, tablet, or portable media player.
Authentec sells Embedded Security Solutions division
Authentic, the fingerprint and secure solutions specialists that Apple agreed to buy in July, is selling its Embedded Security Solutions (ESS) division to a company called Inside Secure, reports "NFC World" (http://macte.ch/VGhtx).
"The sale suggests that Apple's interest in acquiring Authentec lies with the company's innovative combined fingerprint and NFC solution, which is not part of the division being acquired by Inside Secure, and will lead to renewed speculation that Apple will include NFC in future iPhones and other devices," the article adds.
This summer agreed to buy AuthenTec (www.authentec.com), a maker of fingerprint sensor chips used in personal computers, for US$8 per share, in a deal valued at about $356 million. Here's the company's official description of itself:
"AuthenTec encryption technology, fingerprint sensors and identity management software are deployed by the leading mobile device, networking and computing companies, content and service providers, and...
SCSC releases Scannerz Lite for Mac OS X
Software and Computer System Company (SCSC) has released Scannerz Lite (http://macte.ch/Gy0hy) for Mac OS X. It works with Mac OS X 10.5 or higher and costs US$7.95.
Scannerz Lite is a simpler version of the Scannerz app. It employs the same advanced hard drive analysis algorithms used by the fully featured Scannerz, but has a simpler user interface. The tool is intended to be used by people that want an inexpensive product that can thoroughly test their drive and system, quickly and easily, according to SCSC.
SunLeaf Pro is new iPad solar charger
Designed with the iPad 3 in mind, the new 15-watt SunLeaf Pro is the a solar charger to keep your gadget charged when you're on the go. It costs US$179.99 and includes one charger, one USB voltage controller, and a "Quick Start Guide."
Portable and lightweight, the folding design allows for maximum power when expanded while still folding up to be just one-eighth the expanded size, according to the folks at SunLeaf. The synthetic fabric is water proof; inside the fabric are six solar panels producing 15 watts of power.
The SunLeaf Pro can provide power to your other USB gadgets as well. Its USB port is universal and works with most USB gear. For more info go to http://thesunleaf.com/products/ipad-solar-charger .
IvySkin introduces military grade cases for the iPhone 5
IvySkin (www.ivyskin.com) has released a line of new military grade cases for the iPhone 5: the Wrangle, Reception, SmartCase, TurtleBack and XyloGlass.
The US$49.99 Wrangler (pictured) is built on a shatter-resistant polycarbonate frame clad in shock-absorbing Polysilicon, It's IvySkin's most protective case, designed to protect against dirt, sand, wind, rain, shock, vibration and other environmental factors. A built-in Tempered Glass screen protector covers the Multi-Touch display while hinged plugs seal ports and controls.
The $19.99 Reception sports a protective polycarbonate case to protect the back, coupled with an ultra clear screen protector guarding the touchscreen. It includes both front and back anti-scratch screen guard protectors.
The $89.99 SmartCase features a patented design battery pack and Touch-Thru glass screen case. It offers a sleek appearance, flowing curves and non-slip grips.
The $24.99 TurtleBack Case boasts a dome shaped design. Its turtleback-shaped and...
Chronos announces iScrapbook 4 for Mac OS X
Chronos has announced the release of iScrapbook 4, a major upgrade to its digital scrapbooking software for Mac OS X (10.7.4 and higher). iScrapbook 4 is the biggest upgrade to iScrapbook that Chronos has ever released.
It sports an overhauled user interface for a more modern look and improved efficiency. It also adds the ability to: add text along the path of any shape; add customizable reflections to any graphic, shape or text box; add movies to scrapbook pages; add audio to scrapbook pages; do social network sharing (Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, etc.); save a scrapbook page as desktop wallpaper; email or send a scrapbook page as a message; adds an integrated Layers pane; and more.
A fully functional 30 day trial version can be downloaded from Chronos' web site at (www.chronosnet.com). iScrapbook costs US$49.99 and is available directly from Chronos. A family pack is also available for $89.99.
Registered iScrapbook 1.x, 2.x, and 3.x customers can upgrade to version 4 for $29.99....
Ladybugs 2 alights on the Mac, iPad
Mac Games and More has announced Ladybugs 2 v.1.0, a new release of their kids' game for Mac OS X and iPad. It's available for US$0.99 at the Mac App Store and the Apple App Store.
Here's how the game is described: "Ladybugs 2 engages very small children with colorful images and interactive puzzles. The app, designed for easy game play, facilitates color recognition, hand-eye coordination and more. In this game for iPad and Mac, kids race against other ladybugs, frolic around garden mazes, rescue baby ladybugs and help ladybugs safely find the right color house and avoid cloudy days.
"There are five different activities in the game: 1) Tangled Maze: Guide your ladybug through a maze and find the exit; 2) Color Trouble: Bring the ladybug to its matching color home; 3) Ladybug Race: Race against a blue ladybug; 4) Baby Game: Pick up a baby ladybug and together return home; 5) Cloud Game: Find your way home and avoid the clouds above you.
"Since it is designed for small children, the...
Callis Software releases pdfGoHTML
Callas software (www.callasssoftware.com) has released pdfGoHTML, a free Adobe Acrobat plug-in for converting tagged PDF files into HTML supporting the ISO PDF/UA standard for universally accessible PDF documents and forms.
One click on the plug-in button converts the tagged PDF into HTML that's opened in the default browser. In the resulting HTML different views can be selected to examine the tagging structure.
Callas pdfGoHTML works in Acrobat 9, 10 and 11 on both Mac and Windows. It can be downloaded at the Callas Software web site and tried out with the attached tagged PDF files.
Mac OS X software updates for Nov. 20
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Avenza Systems (www.avenza.com) -- producers of the PDF Maps app for iOS and geospatial plugins for Adobe Creative Suite, including Geographic Imager for Adobe Photoshop -- has released MAPublisher 9.1 for Adobe Illustrator, which includes a number of enhancements. MAP Web Author now has the ability to export HTML5 web maps (in addition to the already available Flash output), which are suitable for mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones. In addition, the MAPublisher LabelPro extension has been updated to include the ability to use label filters and expressions for even more detailed labeling as well as a redesigned and more flexible user interface.
Nuance Communications (www.nuance.com) has announced Dragon Dictate for Mac 3.0.1, an update of the voice recognition software. It's a maintenance update with some bug fixes.
Noodlesoft has rolled out Hazel 3 (www.noodlesoft.com/hazel.php) for Mac OS X. The update of the automated...
Company claims iCloud infringes its patents
Another day, another lawsuit. A company called Innovative Automation has filed a lawsuit against Apple, claiming the company's iCloud service infringes on two of its patents, reports "The MacObserver" (www.macobserver.com).
Both patents are for a "method and system for supplying products from pre-stored digital data in response to demands transmitted via a computer network." Innovative Automation has also filed a suit against Amazon over the company's Cloud Player service, notes "The MacObserver."
Apple in sixth place in latest 'Greener Electronics'...
In the latest "Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics," the environmental group (www.greenpeace.org) says Apple has dropped to sixth place with a score of 4.5 out of 10.
Here's what Greenpeace says about Apple: "Apple receives half marks in Sustainable Operations. Apple does not score high on the e-waste criteria, losing points for lacking a robust take-back programme in India. However it continues to score points for its global take-back programme, reporting that 2010 global recycling exceeded its 70% goal (as a percentage of sales 7 years ago), a level that it is confident it will maintain through 2015. Together with HP, Apple is a top scorer for policies and practices regarding conflict minerals, but fails in developing a paper procurement policy banning suppliers involved in deforestation and illegal logging.
"Apple scores poorly on the Energy criteria; though Apple states that greenhouse (GHG) emissions data of its operations are externally verified, it has not provided details...
Samsung wants to see Apple/HTC settlement details
Samsung has asked a California court to compel Apple to produce a copy of its settlement and patent license agreement with HTC, claiming the document is relevant to its own patent dispute with Apple, reports "PC World" (http://macte.ch/7S5e1).
Apple's willingness to license patents in the suit may undermine its claim of irreparable harm and demonstrate that monetary remedies are adequate, Samsung said in a filing on Friday. On Nov. 12, it was announced that Apple and HTC have reached a global settlement that includes the dismissal of all current lawsuits and a ten-year license agreement. The license extends to current and future patents held by both parties. The terms of the settlement are confidential.
AC/DC rocks onto iTunes
Columbia Records and Apple have annoucned that AC/DC’s entire catalog is now available digitally for the first time exclusively on the iTunes Store worldwide (www.itunes.com).
From their 1976 debut, "High Voltage" to "Back In Black" and "Black Ice," every one of AC/DC’s 16 studio albums, along with four live albums and three compilation albums, are available for the first time ever on the iTunes Store. All tracks are Mastered for iTunes, and fans have the ability to download full albums or simply purchase their favorite individual songs.
Fans can also choose from two specially packaged digital compilations: "The Complete Collection," the complete iTunes-exclusive AC/DC catalog for US$149.99; and The Collection, which includes all 16 studio albums, for $99.99.
Packard Children’s Hospital providing iPads for young patients
In what could be a first for emergency departments in the Bay Area, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital is announcing that their Pediatric Emergency Department at Stanford Hospital & Clinics now provides an Apple favorite for its patients.
Potentially painful procedures are a little less scary with the addition of iPads in every one of the department’s nine rooms, each loaded with Apps designed in-house to entertain, inform and make an emergency trip to the hospital a whole lot less stressful.
Bernard Dannenberg, MD, director of pediatric emergency medicine at Packard Children’s, said that distracting his patients from the stress of their procedure with the iPad’s movies, music, games and books has a tangible medical benefit.
"When the iPad came out in 2010, it was immediately clear to me," says Dannenberg, who is also the brainchild behind the custom-designed apps. "I believe one iPad is worth 10 milligrams of morphine."
Parents who have come to the emergency department recently...
Tim Cook one of Fortune's 'business persons of the...
Apple CEO Tim Cook places second on Fortune's "2012 Businessperson of the Year" list. Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon, placed first on the list.
Here's what Fortune has to say about Cook: "Despite a shuffling of executive management, Tim Cook's first full-year as CEO was chock-full of milestones: Apple's stock soared to an all-time high of $705.07 per share, and its latest iPhone sold more than 5 million units during its first weekend on sale -- a company record."
You can read more at http://money.cnn.com/gallery/news/companies/2012/11/16/business-person-o... .
Apple's Dan Riccio sells off almost $11 million in stock
Dan Riccio, senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, sold off nearly US$11 million in company stock last week, reports "CNET." The sales included 19,726 shares, with another 1,000 that are given away as a charitable donation.
Riccio along Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Mac Software Engineering, were given 75,000 shares of company stock as part of promotions in September, worth a little more than $50 million at the time. However the first batch of 25,000 shares of that stock cannot be traded until next December, notes "CNET."
Read more at http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57551430-37/apple-hardware-chief-sells... .
Griffin shipping PowerJolt SE, a Lightning accessory
Griffin Technology (www.griffintechnology.com) is shipping the PowerJolt SE, their first Lightning accessory for Apple's new 8-pint dock connector. The US$24.99 accessory brings Lightning charging to the car.
The PowerJolt SE provides a solution for consumers looking to charge and protect their devices. Sporting a low-profile 12 volt accessory outlet and a 10 watt charging circuit, it charges new iOS devices quickly and safely, according to Scott Naylor, director of Product Development at Griffin Technology.
A durable coiled cable with Apple’s Lightning connector stretches up to four feet and an LED power indicator light glows white when the PowerJolt SE is properly connected and ready to charge. With its built-in, self-resetting SmartFuse, PowerJolt SE guards against power fluctuations as it charges. It can be purchased immediately at store.griffintechnology.com/powerjolt-se-car-charger-lightning-connector .
Musubo unearths the Mummy for the iPhone 5
Musubo (www.musubo.com.hk) has announced the retail availability of the Mummy case for iPhone 5. it envelopes the smartphone in a soft touch TPU casing.
The Mummy wraps around the device and provides unlimited access to all ports and buttons. The case’s sleek woven design protects the iPhone 5 from dust, dirt and the elements.
The Mummy boasts a premium gloss finish in several color options including black, chartreuse, neon magenta, purple and white. It comes in Musubo’s eco-friendly packaging made from 100% recyclable materials. The case slips into your pocket, comes with a foldable video stand and is available on Amazon.com for $29.99.
RE:Vision Effects releases RE:Match
RE:Vision Effects has released RE:Match for Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere Pro. It's designed to take intuitive color and texture matching to a whole new level by addressing common problems on multicam and stereo shoots, according to the folks at RE:Vision Effects.
RE:Match is a set of plug-ins to match one view of video or film to another so that it looks as if it was shot with the same camera and settings. It "assumes" that both image sequences are taken roughly at the same location, but perhaps weren't shot at the same time or from the same point-of-view.
For general multicam shoots RE:Match matches, as best it can, one sequence's overall color appearance to match that of another. For stereo pairs, RE:Match can further refine the overall color match by taking into account that the two views are captured at the same time with a relatively small distance between the views.
In addition, the software is able to propagate color changes into areas that are present in only one...
The Fall Trilogy -- Chapter 1: Separation comes to the Mac App...
Coladia says The Fall Trilogy -- Chapter 1: Separation is now available at the Mac App Store. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher.
Here's how the game is described: "The Fall Trilogy is a mouse-driven series of adventure and puzzle games. After waking up in a mysterious temple, you realize you have lost your memory, and must find a way out. Can you find your way out of the temple and discover your past life? Many support systems will satisfy casual and regulars players.
The Fall Trilogy -- Chapter 1: Separation costs US$9.90. It's available at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fall-trilogy-chapter-1-separation/id5694... .
iLuv introduces Lightning power, sync cables
iLuv Creative Technology (www.iLuv.com) has announced a car charger and new sync cable for Apple’s Lightning pin connector that's on the iPhone 5 and the latest iPods and iPads. Pricing ranges from US$29.99 to $49.99.
Since Apple changed its pin from the 30-pin connector it had used for years to the new Lightning pin, consumers now have to find new cables and power accessories in order to optimize their mobile devices. iLuv’s new premium car charger and sync cable will make consumers’ mobile lives easier, says Felix Kim, senior manager of Business Development at iLuv.
The EnergySeal Micro-Size Car Charger is a six-foot long car charger for the new Lightning connector. The micro-size car adapter fits a variety of car DC jack orientations and locations. The coiled cord is tangle-resistant.
The Premium Coiled Charge/Sync Cable allows you to charge and sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod at the same time. Compatible with most USB chargers, the coiled cord is also tangle-resistant and six...
