ZAGG has introduced a new version of its invisibleShield line, the invisibleShield Extreme, a thin, clear film that protects the screens of smartphones, such as the new iPhone 5. According to Kent Wuthrich, executive vice president of marketing for ZAGG, it differs from other products in the invisibleShield portfolio by offering advanced shock absorption and superior break protection. By installing the Extreme on a compatible mobile device, consumers can worry less about broken screens as a result of dropping their smartphone or tablet, he says. The invisibleShield Extreme is created from the same ultra-durable polyurethane as the original invisibleShield, but now includes a new, premium, shock resistant layer. It's available for US$29.99, which includes a lifetime warranty, at Best Buy retail locations nationwide and zagg.com .

Griffin Technology (www.griffintechnology.com) has announced new iPhone cases. Leading the line-up of iPhone 5 accessories are the best-selling Survivor and Protector collections. The Survivor Military-Duty Case is Griffin’s most protective case available, designed to meet or exceed US Department of Defense Standard 810F. Survivor is built on a shatter-resistant polycarbonate frame and clad in shock-absorbing silicone. The new Survivor for iPhone 5 will be available in a variety of colors for US$49.99. Protectors is a slim and compact case made with thick silicone to absorb everyday abuse. The smooth case wraps around the iPhone with custom cutouts for access to the Lightning connector, camera and controls. Protector for iPhone 5 will soon be available in fluoro fire, fluoro orange, black, pink, red, turquoise, olive, gray and purple for $19.99. The thin Reveal adds just over a millimeter in thickness to your new iPhone. A one-piece design shields the smartphone from the outside...

Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps: Lemke Software (www.lemkesoft.com) has announced GraphicConverter 8.3, an update to its image utility for Mac OS X. It now supports 64-bit and 32-bit Intel-based Macs and adds support for the OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion notification center. Macphun has updated ColorStrokes, which lets you recolor images and add color to black & white photos, to version 2.1. The upgrade adds Retina display support, a new coloring algorithm for faster processing, more precise color control and performance improvements. Uncomplex gmbh has released Mailplane 2.5.8 (ww.mailplaneapp.com), a new version of the Google Mail client for Mac OS X. The upgrade adds a Swedish translation and fixes some bugs. CrispSofties (www.crispsofties.com/) has updated its iPod.iTunes music synchronization tool to version 4.8.4. The upgrade is ready for iTunes 10.7.

Apple didn't violate patents owned by Samsung Electronics in making the iPod touch, iPhone and iPad, a judge at the International Trade Commission said in a preliminary ruling on Friday, as reported by "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/17F8M). ITC Judge James Gildea said on Friday that Apple didn't violate the four patents in the case. Samsung had accused Apple of infringement in a complaint filed in mid-2011. The full commission is due to decide whether to uphold or overturn its internal judge's decision in January, 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.

You knew it would happen, didn't you? The iPhone 5 and the Lightning port adapter have already sold out at the Apple online store. Both are now pushed back 2-3 weeks. It took under two hours for Apple to sell out of the first batch of its latest smartphone. Pre-orders have already slipped to two weeks in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Germany, and Australia. You may -- if you're lucky -- be able to get one sooner by ordering through AT&T, Verizon or Sprint. The iPhone 5 features a new Lightning connector that, according to Apple, is smaller, smarter and more durable than the previous connector. Adapters are available to connect the iPhone 5 to legacy 30-pin accessories.There are three adaptor models available in the U.S.: a $39 version with a 0.2-meter cable, a $29 model that's like a big 30-pin plug, and the regular $19 Lightning-to-USB adaptor.

Pubblog has released PixSteward (http://pixsteward.com), a Flickr backup and database for the Mac. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher and costs US$24.95. PixSteward lets users download their Flickr photostreams to their Mac, along with any titles, tags, descriptions, geographic info and EXIF data they've entered online. With the software's relational database, users can find, sort, and export single images or multi-picture sets from their Flickr archive even when they aren't connected to the Internet. According to the folks at Pubblog, PixSteward is especially helpful for Flickr Pro users or those who need to manage multiple Flickr accounts. With Flickr Pro accounts, PixSteward downloads and stores the original images from Flickr -- JPEGs, GIFs and PNGs -- so artwork containing transparency or vector paths (Photoshop JPEG) is preserved.

Tablets are transforming the way content is consumed and challenging the usage patterns for personal computers, according to the J.D. Power and Associates "2012 U.S. Tablet Satisfaction Study." The inaugural "Tablet Satisfaction Study" finds that tablet owners spend 7.5 hours per week browsing the Internet, watching videos, listening to music, and reading books on their device, compared with spending 9.6 hours per week on a personal computer for the same activities. Overall satisfaction is 857 (on a 1,000-point scale) among owners who view three or more hours of video per week on their tablet, which is 45 points higher than among those who do not. In addition, those who spend three or more hours viewing video content are more likely to purchase another tablet from their current manufacturer in the future than are those who do not watch as much video content (90% vs. 81%, respectively).   "As tablet computing, multimedia, display, and application offerings continue to evolve, their...

Wrapsol has introduce the Wrapsol Ultra Xtreme for the Apple iPhone 5. It's a transparent film that protects the smartphone from impacts, scratches and accidental dings and scrapes. Like all Wrapsol protective films, it's engineered to preserve the iPhone 5’s display, form factor and performance quality. Made in USA from polyurethane, Wrapsol Ultra Xtreme maintains optimal screen clarity, vibrancy, sharpness and touch sensitivity, and features a simple (100% dry) instant-application process that clears air bubbles for the perfect finish, says Igor Muravyov, Wrapsol’s chief marketing officer. Wrapsol Ultra Xtreme screen protectors are engineered specifically to fit with all popular cases so customers can enjoy dependable protection that works great on its own or when combined with a traditional case that further personalizes their iPhone 5, he adds. It's available for pre-order now at wrapsol.com. It costs US$S14.95 for the screen-only version and $29.95 for a complete front and back...

Creapptor SA has announced Passdock, a pass generator for Passbook. Passbook is the native application in iOS 6 that involves the presence of a digital wallet where people can order and pay for items and services using digital documents and cards. With the pass created by Passdock you can streamline the processes of identification, according to the folks at Creapptor SA. For example, you can avoid the enervating files at check-in, in public administrations and in many other sectors. What's more, Passbook and the Passdock service opens up scenarios where promotional campaigns are much less expensive, in addition to being more targeted and personalized, according to the folks at Creapptor SA. Passdock is free and available worldwide exclusively through the Passdock website (http://passdock.com).

XtremeMac (www.xtrememac.com) has debuted five cases for the iPhone 5. The US$79.99 XtremeMac Sportwrap LED is an armband-styled case designed for the active user. Made of moisture wicking mesh, the adjustable armband fits most arm sizes and helps protect the iPhone device from moisture while keeping it securely in place while you’re moving. An integrated LED lights provide safety while running, walking or biking at night. The two-piece design allows for users to separate the electronic components from the arm band to allow for cleaning. The $24.99 XtremeMac Sportwrap is a lightweight sport band for the new iPhone and iPod touch devices. It features a design to keep your device securely in place, as well as many of the same features as the XtremeMac Sportwrap LED band, but without the lights. The $24.99 XtremeMac Microshield Stand transforms the case into a viewing stand for your device. The integrated stand can be extended to prop up your iPhone for watching videos or FaceTime...

Acase has announced the availability of two iPhone 5 case: the ultra-slim slide in Citta and dual layer protective SuperLeggera PRO. The former is designed to complement the iPhone 5’s clean and sleek look while simplifying installation with a non-scratch slide-in design. It contours to the iPhone 5’s borders, securely hugging its corners and sides while offering protection. In addition, an interlocking diamond textured back provides visual depth and increases grip. The SuperLeggera PRO combines the durability of polycarbonate plastic and the flexible molding and shock absorbing capability of silicon to provide protection. It measures less than half an inch thick, utilizes a special protective coating for increased brightness and durability, and possesses a custom designed silicon jacket that integrates headphone jack and charging port covers to prevent dust from entering. Both the Citta and SuperLeggera PRO for iPhone 5 are now available at Amazon and http://www.apluscase.com.tw/ for...

Valor Communication has released their Skullcap and Spiderbite Hybrid Protector Cases, featuring a dual-layered design. The cases are the latest in Valor's line of mobile phone accessories, designed by artists. Each case features a highly stylized, durable exterior that latches securely to a rubberized base. The Skullcap and Spiderbite Hybrid Protector Cases are lightweight, retain a slim profile, and are purportedly easy to install. The Skullcap and Spiderbite Hybrid Protector Cases are currently available for iPhone 4/4S with an iPhone 5 model in development. For more information about the Skullcap and Spiderbite Hybrid Protector Cases, visit skullcap.mybat.com and spiderbite.mybat.com .

Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps: The PandaWare Company (www.pandaware.com) has released a free maintenance update for TimeCache, its Macintosh time billing application for professionals. Version 9.0.2 improves display of time totals for some edge cases, and fixes a problem that could affect users on Mac OS X (Lion and higher). DEVONtechnologies (www.devontechnologies.com) has Enhanced the new scanning feature in all editions of DEVONthink 2.4.2, adds support for OS X 10.8's Calendar and Reminders applications, and improves the first launch experience with a new assistant. All editions including DEVONnote also receive bug fixes. ARTIS Software and The Iconfactory have given us xScope 3.5, an update of the suite of screen design tools. The new version includes new graphics and Retina display support.

Apple will begin accepting online pre-orders of the iPhone 5 beginning at 12:01 a.m. PDT on Sept. 14, reports "Wired" (www.wired.com). Apple’s carrier partners Sprint and Verizon have also confirmed that pre-orders will begin on early Friday morning. Sprint will begin pre-orders at 12:01 a.m. PDT Sept. 14, while Verizon will throw open its online doors a full minute earlier at 12 a.m. PDT Sept. 14. AT&T has yet to confirm when it will begin selling the phone online, but in the past has offered pre-orders in tandem with Apple, notes "Wired."

While in San Francisco, TUAW and MacTech Magazine teamed up to speak to developers at Apple's WWDC 2012 about the keynote and how Apple's new technologies will help them and their customers. In the weeks following the event, we'll bring you those videos on TUAW, MacTech and MacNews. If you aren't currently a reader of MacTech Magazine, check out the special WWDC free MacTech on iPad issues for MacTech Magazine here. This video features Neil Ticktin (Editor-in-Chief, MacTech Magazine) and Paul Carnine of Telestream at WWDC. Paul was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on the announcements on WWDC, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.

Apple has posted the keynote video from yesterday's special media event. You can find it at http://www.apple.com/apple-events/september-2012/ . At the event, overseen by CEO Tim Cook, Apple introduced the iPhone 5 and new iPad touches and iPad nanos. The company also offered glimpses of the upcoming iOS6 and the new iTunes.

Perimeter E-Security, a provider of cloud security services, says their cloud-based SaaS Web Security solution now supports Mac OSX. The solution allows organizations to enforce acceptable use policies, reduce security risks and curb abuse of network bandwidth. Filtering Web traffic and protecting against Internet threats, the solution complements Perimeter’s Network Security suite, providing a single, comprehensive service that simplifies how organizations secure their networks for Mac and PC users wherever they are, eliminating the need for costly on-premise equipment and support, according to Andrew Jaquith, chief technology officer, Perimeter E-Security. "In the age of bring-your-own-device (BYOD), organizations are subject to new threats that further tax their security resources. Apple, long a consumer focused brand, has become the most valuable company in history. Enterprises can no longer afford to ignore Mac security," he says. "Historically, Macs represented only a small...

Kensington has announced 14 new accessories for the iPhone 5. These products will be available soon for pre-order online at Kensington.com and Amazon.com. They include: ° Kensington Thin Grip Case (US$19.99) -- This is a lightweight case with a flexible Thin Grip case that grips and protects your iPhone on the move while still allowing easy access to all controls, touchscreen and ports. ° Kensington Aluminum Finish Case ($19.99) -- This is a lightweight aluminum finish case -- pictured in the top photo -- that protects your iPhone on the move while still allowing access to all controls, touchscreen and ports. ° Kensington Back Case with SoftTouch ($19.99) -- This case has a sturdy shell that covers the back of your phone to ensure protection from scratches on the move while still allowing access to all controls, touchscreen and ports. ° Kensington Soft Case ($14.99) -- The case cushions your iPhone from bumps and bruises with a layer of soft, shock-absorbing rubber. The Soft Case...

British Audio Company RHA is officially launching its range of "Made for iPod/ iPhone/iPad" headphones in the U.S. The company says the new in-ear MA450i and on-ear SA950i headphones incorporate optimized drivers and RHA’s signature flat response "to produce clear, rich audio that delivers balanced sound with textured bass and outstanding clarity through the mid and high frequencies." The in-ear MA450i and on-ear SA950i include an in-line three button remote and mic which control calls, music and volume on your Apple device. In addition, the headphones come equipped with fabric braided cables, gold plated connections and a three-year international warranty. The noise isolating in-ear MA450i (US$49.95) is a high specification earphone machined from solid, aircraft-grade aluminium. 10mm drivers are housed within aerophonically designed earphones. The MA450i comes packaged with seven sets of dual density eartips and a 1.5m fabric braided cable equipped with an Apple-specified three...

Geekorize has ventured into the just-revealed world of the iPhone 5, offering an assortment of accessories including iPhone 5 cases, skins and sports bands, which will begin shipping on the new phone’s sell date. The items include: ° iPhone 5 decal skins -- Decal Girl’s thin self-adhesive skins hyper-personalize Apple smartphones by extending the design around the iPhone 5 and even on to the screen itself with a digital copy of the artwork. They're designed to protect against scratches and are available in a variety of styles that reflect pop culture, impressionistic art, Warhol-esque finishes and more. ° iPhone 5 cases that range from a leather finish to hardshell, and are available in a series of colors including black, white, pink, blue, translucent, crystal finish and more. Some models feature a cord management pocket to ensure that cords never get separated from their phones again. ° Aluminum bumpers -- Luardi’s Bumper for the iPhone 5 sports metallic finish coverings in black,...

Kony Solutions (www.kony.com), a mobile and multi-channel application platform provider, has announced support for the Apple iOS 6 operating system and iPhone 5 that were announced Wednesdy, as well as support for Apple’s Pass Kit APIs [application programming interfaces] and Passbook features. Passbook is the new location-aware ticketing and coupon application in iOS 6. "Our customers include some of the world’s largest enterprises and we help them deliver billions of user sessions each year. As a result, it is critical for us to ensure their mobile applications continue to work flawlessly on any device, running any operating system," says Sri Ramanathan, Kony’s chief technical officer. "With the KonyOne Platform, enterprises can immediately take advantage of all the new features and functionality within iOS 6, deliver a high-quality experience to their mobile users, and avoid the headaches of having to hand-code their mobile apps to adjust for each new OS." Apps built on the KonyOne...

Cygnett (www.cygnett.com) has announced a range of cases for the iPhone 5. According to "We created a diverse range of cases for the year's most popular electronic device," said Sophie Swann, Cygnett's creative & marketing director, they include: ° For the fashion conscious: the UrbanShield, Lavish and FlipWallet. The UrbanShield (pictured) comes in two forms: Brushed Aluminum (US$24.99) and genuine Carbon Fiber ($29.99). The Lavish is a slick leather flip case with a secure magnetic closure ($39.99). The FlipWallet ($39.99) is a minimalist microfiber folio case with stylish cash and card pockets designed to keep all your valuables secure. ° For the art enthusiast: The ICON Art Series. The ICON Art Series is a collaboration with some of the world's leading artists: Aboriginal artist Ronnie Tjampitjinpa, Scarygirl creator Nathan Jurevicius and New York's famed street artists Tats Cru. Each case has an exclusive design and costs $29.99. ° For the rough and tumble: the WorkMate and...

JSC RCS LT has conjured up Magic Mind 1.0, its new white noise and brainwave entrainment app developed exclusively for Mac OS X (10.7) or higher. It costs US$6.99, has Retina display support and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Health & Fitness category. Magic Mind serves as a personalized assistant in relaxation, sleep, meditation, mind training and stress relief. To achieve these goals, it uses atmospheric music, ambience sounds and isochronic tones. Separate volume controls for each sound makes sure that every Magic Mind user will be able to create a perfect sound environment for relaxation, sleep, etc., according to the folks at JSC RCS LT. Available sessions varies from 15 minutes to 50 minutes. To make the sessions more personal app users can choose from 28 background sounds, which include thunder, crickets, birds and many other. Users can custom mix sounds and adjust the volume of each individual sound. Every relaxation session starts with a...

Marware (www.marware.com) has announced its lineup of iPhone 5 cases, shells and accessories. The new products are available now for pre-order and include the SportShell Convertible, rEvolution, Stash, MicroShell, C.E.O. Prestige Plus, FlipVue and Zoey Marware’s signature, US$49.99 SportShell Convertible (pictured) features a patented four-in-one design that transforms into a shell case, belt clip, stand or armband for the ultimate in versatility, functionality and protection. Available in black or white, it includes an armband for exercising with color accents that match the case. The belt clip rotates 360 degrees and locks to stand your iPhone in multiple hands-free viewing angles. The customizable rEvolution ($34.99) features a patent-pending three-piece design that mimics the look of the new iPhone. Offering complete protection for all ports and buttons, the rEvolution is completely interchangeable with top, bottom and center pieces in a range of colors and textures. The Stash ($...