Parallels Desktop 7, Mobile now Retina display ready
Parallels says both Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac and Parallels Mobile have been updated to support Apple’s Retina display on the newly released MacBook Pro and latest iPad.
"Apple makes amazing devices and, just as we’ve come to expect, they raised the bar again with the Retina display," says Kim Johnston, vice president of marketing for Desktop Virtualization and Mac at Parallels. “With this latest update to Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac, we empower our customers to take advantage of the visually stunning displays and amazing pixel density, even when using Windows apps on their Macs and accessing them on iPads with Parallels Mobile."
Parallels Desktop 7 for Mac lets you run multiple operating systems including Windows 7, Windows 8 Release Preview, Windows 7, Chrome OS and Ubuntu. Parallels Desktop for Mac will be updated to provide support for final versions of Mountain Lion and Windows 8 after they become available.
With the Parallels Mobile app for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch,...
'Rescue Me' released on iTunes, to benefit campaign to...
Daughtry has teamed up with the Justice League and DC Entertainment to release the newly recorded acoustic rendition of the band’s original song "Rescue Me" to benefit the "We Can be Heroes" campaign to end hunger in the Horn of Africa.
On sale today and available exclusively on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/rescue-me-benefiting-we-can/id543709698?ls, all net proceeds from “Rescue Me” go directly to provide relief in the region.
"You don’t need to be a super hero to help make a difference and be part of the greater good," says lead singer Chris Daughtry. "The people in the Horn of Africa need us and every little bit helps, it’s as easy as downloading a song. If you’ve ever wanted to be super hero -- now’s your chance."
"Rescue Me,"from Daughtry’s 19 Recordings/RCA Records gold-certified release Break The Spell, debuted today exclusively on iTunes with all net proceeds from this new release being donated to the campaign. This debut follows on the heels of the DC...
Analyst: Mac sales hurting due to iPad cannibalization
In a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- BMO Capital analyst Keith Bachman said he expects Apple to post a "significant miss"for its fourth fiscal quarter of 2012 as Mac sales continue to be cannibalized by the company's iPad tablet line.
Despite raising sales estimates for both the iPhone and iPad, he said the June quarter and upcoming final fiscal quarter of 2012 will be "challenging" for Apple as the tech company Apple could see an US$5.5 billion miss from the $38.5 billion consensus for the company's fourth fiscal quarter ending in September if its third quarter performance is in line with the current $37.5 billion forecast, according to historical patterns and outlooks.
Bachman says his Mac sales estimate is expected to drop 1.6 million units over the same six quarter period. He dropped his Mac sales estimate from 18.65 million units to 18.22 million for 2012 and sees that decline carrying over into 2013 which slipped to 20.18 million...
T-Mobile may carry the iPhone in 2013
T-Mobile USA, the nation’s fourth-largest wireless carrier, may use parent Deutsche Telekom AG’s (DTE) sales agreement with Apple to sell the iPhone in 2013, Sanford C. Bernstein analyst Craig Moffett said in a note to clients -- as reported by "Bloomberg Businesweek" (http://macte.ch/BtcNi).
Apple and Deutsche Telekom are "increasingly likely" to reach an agreement for T-Mobile to sell iPhones in the U.S. next year, Moffett said. Without the iPhone, T-Mobile has struggled to keep lucrative contract customers, notes "Bloomberg Businessweek."
The carrier lost 510,000 monthly subscribers in the first quarter while AT&T and Verizon Wireless together added 688,000 post-paid customers. More than half of the smartphones sold at AT&T and Verizon in the first quarter were iPhones, according to "Bloomberg Businessweek."
Apple issues statement on EPEAT withdrawal
Apple has issued a statement on why it withdrew its Mac line-up withdrew from the EPEAT certification process.
In a statement to "The Loop" (http://macte.ch/y5E4z) Apple spokesperson Kristin Huguet said: "Apple takes a comprehensive approach to measuring our environmental impact and all of our products meet the strictest energy efficiency standards backed by the US government, Energy Star 5.2. We also lead the industry by reporting each product’s greenhouse gas emissions on our website, and Apple products are superior in other important environmental areas not measured by EPEAT, such as removal of toxic materials."
Earlier this week, it was announced that Apple had asked EPEAT (http://www.epeat.net), a government-backed, environmental rating that helps identify greener computers and other electronic equipment, to remove 39 desktops, laptops and monitors from the body's list of environmentally friendly devices including legacy models that already hold the certification, according to "...
Sophos discovers multi-platform, backdoor malware
A multi-platform,backdoor malware has been discovered, and it not only affects Windows users, but Mac and Linux users, as well, according to the folks at Sophos. Being a multi-platform attack, this malware has the potential to affect a higher number of people, and is something that anyone with an OS should be aware of, the security specialis company says.
"Visiting a hacked webpage, triggers a JAR (Java Archive) file which will ask permission to do its business -- secretly determining if you are running Windows, Mac OS X or Linux," says Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant with Sophos. "Once it has found out which operating system you are running, the Java class file will download the appropriate flavor of malware, with the intention of opening a backdoor that will give hackers remote access to your computer."
For more info go to http://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2012/07/11/backdoor-malware/ .
Kingston Digital ships next gen USB flash drive for consumers
Kingston Digital (http://www.kingston.com) has announced the second-generation of its DataTraveler Locker+ secure USB Flash drive for consumers. The new, lower priced DataTraveler Locker+ G2 works interchangeably between Mac OS X and Windows systems and all data is secured with hardware-based encryption.
Users simply setup a password upon first use for access. The plug 'n ply drive works with with no extra software or partitions needed. The DataTraveler Locker+ G2 also features a password manager that allows users to store names and passwords for up to 20 accounts. The metal casing also features a key loop for easy attachment to a backpack, briefcase or purse.
The DataTraveler Locker+ G2 is available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB capacities for US$21, $37 and $82, respectively. It's backed by a five-year warranty and free technical support.
Edifier unveils Prisma Bluetooth speaker system
Edifier has debuted the Prisma Bluetooth speaker system. Currently available for purchase at http://www.edifier.us.com/shop-edifier for US$129.99, it offers wireless Bluetooth connectivity and is available in white, black and silver.
The Prisma Bluetooth features a built-in Bluetooth receiver that can sync with any Bluetooth enabled device to wirelessly stream music up to 30 feet. It's also equipped with two auxiliary input ports: one located on the subwoofer and the other on the remote.
The remote control features a headphone-out port. Master volume on the remote and a separate bass adjustment dial on the subwoofer control the 48 watt RMS speaker system.
Griffin Technology releases MIDIConnect for iOS
Griffin Technology (http://www.GriffinTechnology.com) has released MIDIConnect, an US$79.99 MIDI in and out interface for the iPod touch, iPhone and iPad. It offers musicians a compact and portable solution to create and edit music on the go, says Ethan Opelt, line manager of Griffin’s Audio category.
MIDIConnect adds a MIDI input and output to iOS devices. It allows you to plug MIDI keyboards and other MIDI-capable devices into an iPad, iPod touch or iPhone. You can play your MIDI instrument straight into GarageBand or other MIDI-capable apps, or download MIDI Controller apps to use the MIDI out port and your touchscreen in performance, as a MIDI controller.
Both MIDI in and out ports are industry-standard 5-pin DIN connectors, compatible with most commonly available MIDI cables and connectors. The MIDIConnect will be on display at Summer NAMM in Nashville from July 12-14.
Canon releases new PIXMA photo all-in-one printers
Canon U.S.A. (http://www.usa.canon.com/) has announced three Photo All-In-One (AIO) printers -- the PIXMA MG4220 Wireless, PIXMA MG3220 Wireless and PIXMA MG2220. A new feature for these print, copy and scan printers is My Image Garden software, which combines various tools to help consumers organize memorable photos and create new photo projects by unlocking images stored on computers.
There is also a new Facebook application, Print Your Days, allowing users to access and customize their photos stored on the social networking site. Through the support of Wi-Fi connectivity, the Canon PIXMA MG4220 and PIXMA MG3220 Wireless AIO printers allow users to print from almost anywhere.
The PIXMA MG4220 model provides access to the Canon PIXMA Cloud Link for printing of images and documents stored online. As part of this feature, the printer supports Google Cloud Print for printing from Gmail and Google Docs on a mobile device and from the Google Chrome browser for Mac, Windows, Linux, and...
WD designs first hard drives for SOHO NAS systems
WD has debuted WD Red NAS hard drives (http://macte.ch/KSQig), a line of SATA hard drives specifically designed for home and small office NAS (network attached storage) systems with one to five drive bays. Compatibility-tested with top NAS box manufacturers and optimized for power and performance, WD Red hard drives are now shipping in 3.5-inch 1 TB, 2 TB and 3 TB capacities.
The WD Red line features NASware technology and is designed to improve reliability and system performance, reduce customer downtime and to simplify the integration process, according to Melyssa Banda, senior director of product marketing for WD. This new product line addresses the unique environment of NAS and the growing demand for affordable, reliable and compatible storage that reduces customer total cost of ownership, she adds.
WD Red hard drives also feature 3D Active Balance Plus, an enhanced balance control technology, which improves the overall drive performance and reliability. In an exclusive for WD Red...
iPhone case has built-in, removable USB drive
Ego & company is shipping the Hybrid Series USB Case for the Phone 4/4S. It comes in seven different colors and can be mix and matched with the six color options of the slide-in USB drive available in 4GB, 8GB or 16GB storage capacities.
The folks at Ego & company say the case is designed for on-the-go iPhone users who want convenient access to their favorite photos, music, videos, documents and more without taking up valuable space on their mobile device. These iPhone cases and included USBs are available in Blue (4GB), Pink (4GB), Yellow (8GB), Light Green (8GB), Red (16GB) and Black (16GB).
Online buyers can mix and match the colors of the case and USB drive or they can keep the look uniform with one solid color choice. In-store buyers will be able to purchase Grey cases with the option to select the USB drive color. The 4GB, 8GB and 16GB cases are available now for US$34.95, $39.95 and $49.95, respectively, at http://www.egoncompany.com .
Wacom releases new Cintiqs pen displays
Tailored around the increasing demands of creative professionals, Wacom announces two new members of the Cintiq family of interactive pen displays: the Cintiq 24HD touch and Cintiq 22HD.
As with the Cintiq 24HD, they feature widescreen HD displays and ultra-wide viewing angles. With them, Wacom has introduced the combination of a precision pen and natural multi-touch, says says Don Varga, Professional Products Brand director, Wacom.
The Cintiq 24HD touch (pictured) combines Wacom's multi-touch with its pen technology. It closely replicates the experience of working with two hands when using traditional materials such as paints, markers and clay while giving the artist powerful capabilities that only exist in today's creative software applications, says Varga.
Professionals with color-critical workflows, such as photographers, graphic designers, video and film editors as well as animators and game developers will benefit from the Cintiq 24HD's life-like color quality which displays...
Epson announces five new flatbed scanners
Epson America (http://www.epson.com) has announced five professional flatbed document scanners. The large format EPSON WorkForce DS-70000, DS-60000 and DS-50000, and the letter size WorkForce DS-7500 and DS-6500 offer high quality output, one-pass duplex scanning, large capacity paper feeders, and high duty cycles.
The WorkForce DS-70000 and DS-60000 large format scanners deliver fast two-sided scans from 2.7 x 4.7 inches up to 11.7 x 100 inches, and include an 200-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF). The WorkForce DS-50000 provides scans for business cards to oversized documents, such as drawings or maps.
Epson's new flatbed scanners allow users to scan directly to popular cloud services, and leverage networking capabilities using an optional network module (sold separately) to support up to 100 workstations with full scanner functionality for increased productivity. Epson also offers an optional network module compatible with each of the new scanners, allowing users to scan to...
CasaTunes Air plays multiple AirPlay streams simultaneously
CasaTunes, which specializes in streaming multi-room music solutions, has announced CasaTunes 4 with CasaTunes Air -- an "intelligent" multi-room switch for Apple AirPlay.
CasaTunes Air (http:/www.CasaTunes.com/Air) works with existing systems to combine wired and wireless solutions into one multi-room audio experience throughout the home. This multi-room music solution can send music to Airplay speakers and receive music from Airplay-enabled devices.
"CasaTunes Air is ideal for retrofit installations and to extend existing systems where customers have maxed out their wired solution but are still looking to add music in more rooms," says David Krinker, CEO of CasaTunes. "Wireless solutions are also preferred in smaller installations where customers can grow their systems over time."
With CasaTunes Air customers can stream music from one or more of their iPod touch, iPhone and iPad devices, all at the same time, to any wired, wireless or combination of wired and wireless speakers in...
FileMaker Design Studio Scheduled for October in New York City
The Craft of FileMaker (http://fmcraft.com/) will be hosting their next Design Studio for FileMaker Pro Developers Oct. 24-26 n New York City. For more info and to register go to http://fmcraft.com/#register_now .
This three day training will be led by veteran FileMaker Developer's Conference Speaker, Don Levan, president of Vanguard Custom Software and Founder of the Craft of FileMaker. Attendees of The Design Studio will learn to design applications, conduct design research, Prototype and Test Designs, identify and use design patterns, and more.
Microspot releases Home Design Libraries for MacDraft 6
Microspot has announced the Home Designer Libraries, a new selection of libraries for use with MacDraft.
MacDraft Professional is a powerful 2D CAD, drafting, technical illustration and architectural drawing package for the Mac. The new Home Designer Libraries provide four ready-made libraries for use in home design. They're designed to speed up and simplify the drawing process for architects, builders and contractors.
The complete list of libraries are Plan, Sectional & Elevation Components, Complete Home Additions Plans, Common Home Design Libraries and Complete Sectional & Elevation Drawings. The Home Design Libraries are compatible with version 6 of MacDraft Professional and are available from the Microspot website.
The latest version of MacDraft Professional has a retail price of US$349; the Personal Edition is $129. The Libraries themselves are also now available on the Microspot web store (http://www.microspot.com/). The Common Home Design Libraries are $79, the...
RationalPlan for Mac OS X gets new design
Stand By Soft has announced RationalPlan 4.0, an update to its project management suite for Mac OS X. The upgrade comes with a new design, a modern look and a more pleasant color scheme for the eye.
The main feature of RationalPlan is an embedded Project Guide that will get project managers through each step of the planning process, says Gabriel Toader, CEO at Stand By Soft. Version 4.0 comes with a major change in the file format. Although still compatible with the old .xrp file type the new version is using now two other formats .srp for the Single product and .mrp for the Multi product.
The integration with Microsoft Project was also improved so the data exchange between the two applications is done with less data loss. At the same time RationalPlan is now also available in Portuguese language.
This major upgrade is free for the clients that purchased their licenses within one year before the 4.0 release date. Clients older than one year can upgrade to the new version by paying US...
Mac OS X software updates for July 11
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Zevrix Solutions (http://www.zevrix.com) has announced Deliver Express 2.3, a feature update to its solution to send and share files across the Internet and local networks automatically. The new version adds support for file delivery to Google Storage servers.
GroupLogic (http://www.grouplogic.com) has released newest version of its secure enterprise file sharing and syncing software: activEcho 2.5.The upgrade sports new storage administration, security/compliance, scalability/deployment and end user improvements.
KnewSense has rolled out Mac App Blocker 1.5 for OS X, an update to their Utility that enables users to block access to applications by placing them on a Blocked App list that's password protected. It allows the user to share their computer or leave it unattended, while being assured that sensitive apps and documents can't be opened.
Apple encouraging developers to get apps ready for Mountain Lion
Now that the "golden master" of Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion has been sent to developers, Apple is encouraging developers to get their apps ready for the next rev of the operating system.
The company has sent an email to developers reminding them that Mountain Lion-ready apps are being reviewed by the Mac App Store team, according to "AppleBitch" (http://www.applebitch.com). Mountain Lion is due before the end of the month; it will be available for US$29 at the Mac App Store.
Dropbox doubles data storage, keeps pricing the same
Dropbox (http://www.dropgox.com) has doubled the storage that comes with the company’s Pro plan. Dropbox is a service that lets people store and share data.
Currently, the company currently offers Pro 50 and Pro 100 plans that give users 50GB and 100GB of online storage. However, both plans will double the storage (100GB and 200GB) for the same price: US$9.99 per month (or $99 per year) and $19.99 per month (or $199 annually), respectively.
Dropbox is also adding a 500GB Pro option. Pricing for it hasn't been announced.
'Golden master' of Mountain Lion released to...
According to various sources, a "golden master" of Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion has been released to developers. This is usually the last developer release before end user availability.
At June's Worldwide Developer Conference, Apple said Mountain Lion would prowl in late July. It will be priced at US$29 and be available exclusively through the Mac App Store.
San Francisco city officials stopping Mac purchases
San Francisco city officials are moving to block purchases of Mac desktops and laptops, by all municipal agencies, after the company removed a green electronics certification from its products, reports "The Wall Street Journal" (http://macte.ch/Vc1Nt).
Officials with the San Francisco Department of Environment told the "Journal" that they would send out letters over the next two weeks,informing all 50 of the city’s agencies that Apple laptops and desktops "will no longer qualify"for purchase with city funds. The move comes after Apple removed its laptops and notebooks from a voluntary registry of green electronics, called EPEAT. The standard, created jointly by manufacturers, including Apple, government agencies, and activist groups, requires that electronics products be designed for ease in recycling and higher energy efficiency, notes the "Journal."
EPEAT CEO Robert Frisbee said an Apple representative requested that the company's already-cleared products be taken down from the...
Analyst: Apple has $74 billion 'parked' overseas
In a note to clients -- as reported by "Barron's" (http://macte.ch/D1ahh) -- Moody Investor's Service analyst Richard Lane says the “surging” pile of cash of U.S. tech companies that's "parked overseas" reached $227.5 billion out of a total $457 billion at the end of the March quarter. And Apple is among the top "hoarders" with $74 billion -- up from $64 billion in December and just $35 billion at the end of 2010.
Lane refers to SEC filings and Moody’s estimates. "Barron's" says Microsoft is second after Apple, with $50 billion overseas, Cisco System is third with $42.3 billion, Oracle is fourth with $25.1 billion, and Qualcomm is fifth with $16.5 billion.
Google may pay $22.5 million fine for bypassing Safari privacy...
Google is nearing a deal to pay US$22.5 million to settle charges related to its surreptitious bypassing of the privacy settings of millions of Apple users, reports "The Wall Street Journal" (http://macte.ch/bzOmw), quoting unnamed "officials briefed on the settlement terms."
The fine is expected to be the largest penalty ever levied on a single company by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. It offers the latest sign of the FTC's stepped-up approach to policing online privacy violations, coming just six months after "The Wall Street Journal" reported on Google's practices.
The consumer protection group, Consumer Watchdog, filed a complaint in February with the FTC after Stanford Researcher Jonathan Mayer revealed what the Internet giant was doing.
"Google hacked past a key privacy setting on iPhones and iPads and other devices using Apple's Safari browser, placed tracking cookies on them and then lied, saying the settings were still effective," says John M. Simpson, Consumer Watchdog's...
FileMaker 12 platform certification testing now available
FileMaker, Inc. (http://www.filemaker.com) has announced the immediate availability of certification for the FileMaker 12 platform, a key qualification for developing professional FileMaker solutions for desktop, iOS and the web. FileMaker 12 Certification is the official credential offered by FileMaker, Inc.
"Being a certified developer demonstrates to clients, peers and management that you’ve achieved the knowledge, experience and skills required to develop custom FileMaker solutions, including those used on iOS devices," says Ryan Rosenberg, vice president, marketing and services, FileMaker, Inc. "Whether you’re an independent consultant or are the in-house developer for your company, FileMaker 12 Certification allows you to expand your skill set and become a more well-rounded developer and stay up-to-date on the latest FileMaker technologies."
With FileMaker 12 Certification, developers can be recognized as a FileMaker 12 Certified Developer who has the essential knowledge...
New iPad arrives in China on Friday, July 20
Apple says the new iPad will arrive in China on Friday, July 20. The Wi-Fi models will be available in black or white for a suggested retail price of US$499 for the 16GB model, $599 for the 32GB model and $699 for the 64GB model.
The iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular models will be available for a suggested retail price of $629 for the 16GB model, $729 for the 32GB model and $829for the 64GB model. In China the new iPad will be available through the Apple Online Store (http://www.apple.com), select Apple Authorized Resellers and by reservation from Apple retail stores.
Reservation requests will be accepted daily from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. beginning Thursday, July 19 for pick up the following day. Additionally, the iPad 2 is available starting at 399.
'TidBITS' releases 'Take Control of iBooks Author...
TidBITS Publishing has released "Take Control of iBooks Author" (US$15), a 150-page ebook for Mac users who plan, produce, and publish a Multi-Touch book for the iPad with Apple's free iBooks Author application.
Written by digital-textbook pioneer Michael E. Cohen, this ebook explains how to plan a Multi-Touch book project to fit the capabilities and assumptions made by iBooks Author. Cohen provides step-by-step instructions for producing an ebook by customizing the available layouts and arranging text and media. Finally, he discusses how to publish an ebook, whether for distribution on Apple's iBookstore or through some other means.
"Take Control of iBooks Author" is available in PDF, EPUB, and Mobi formats so it can be viewed on any computer or ebook reading device. A free companion ebook, "Take Control of Getting Ready for iBooks Author," is available as a Multi-Touch book and can be read only on the iPad.
"Take Control of Getting Ready for iBooks Author contains about 40 pages of...
LA Post | Production Conference to be held at Digital Video Expo
Future Media Concepts (FMC), a digital media training organization, has announced the LA Post | Production Conference, a training opportunity for professionals in the TV, video, motion graphics, and new media industries.
Produced in cooperation with NewBay Media, the conference will take place at Digital Video Expo, held Sept. 19-21 in Pasadena, California. The range of sessions over three days covers every aspect of the content creation process.
Conference attendees can choose from tracks on Apple, Adobe, or Avid software, as well as digital video production techniques for videographers who do everything from shoot to finish.
Each track opens with a training session on the nonlinear editing system of the attendees' choice, taking the editing knowledge that most attendees already possess and adapting it for a new tool. From there, sessions branch out to offer an array of different topics and disciplines.
More info about the sessions and the instructors at the expo is available at...
New features of FileMaker 12 to be topic at next MacBUS meeting
The next meeting of The Macintosh Business Users Society of Greater Philadelphia (http://www.macbus.org/) will be held on Tuesday, July 31, at 7 p.m.
This month's meeting will feature a presentation by Colin Keefe, project manager for IT Solutions Consulting. He will demonstrate new features in FileMaker 12. In addition to Keefe's presentation, this month's meeting will serve as the annual MacBUS indoor picnic, and food will be served. Members will be given the opportunity to take a few minutes to introduce themselves to the group, explain what they do for a living, hobbies, what they have done in the past, etc..
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:...
Mac OS X software updates for July 10
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps:
Scorpion Research (http://www.ScorpionResearch.com/) has announced version 2.30 of Scorpion BarCode, its BarCode creation software for Mac OS X. The upgrade is optimized for the upcoming Mountain Lion.
24U Software (http://www.24usoftware.com/) has released 24U SimpleFile Plug-In 2.0, an update of their file management plug-in for FileMaker Pro 12. The upgrade brings network volume mounting, RTF file support, and picture converting functions.
24U Software has also updated SimpleDialog Plug-in, a FileMaker Pro 12 plug-in, to version 4.1. The new version adds extended support for styled text in dialogs, improved performance, bug fixes and minor improvements.
DZED Systems has rolled out Dragonframe 3.0.4 for OS X (http://www.dragonframe.com), an update to their stop motion animation software with lip-sync, automated lighting via DMX, 3D stereoscopic capture, and camera motion control. The new version offers support for the latest DSLRs...
Trial Xtreme 2 Winter available on the Mac App Store
Trial Xtreme 2 Winter is now available at the Mac App Store. It requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or higher and costs US$4.99.
Here's how the game is described: "Trial Xtreme 2 Winter employs cutting-edge technology, realistic physics engine and star grabbing that tests the players’ bike control and abilities. The game also features high-end graphics that bring the game to life with 30 action-packed levels set in a wintery setting of icy trails and snow-capped mountains."
Apple rumors: iOS 6 beta, iPad minis, Apple Maps
Here are the latest Apple rumors from the blogosphere:
"Late last month, Wired covered the emergence of a cottage industry of businesses selling access to iOS developer betas prior to their official launch. Apple offers these developer betas to registered iOS developers. The fee for such a registration is $99/year. Some enterprising individuals have turned around and started selling their 100 possible device slots to users looking to install the iOS betas prior to their official launch." -- "MacRumors" (http://www.macrumors.com)
"Adding to already mounting rumors circulating about a smaller format iPad a new report claims that the device will be assembled in Apple manufacturing partner Foxconn's Brazil factory starting in September for a holiday release." -- "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com)
"Since Apple unveiled its new in-house Maps app for iOS 6, we have discovered bits and pieces of what it has planned for the final release this fall. Apple already showed off Yelp...
WWDC 2012 Interview: Matrox
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 Charles Aimyot of Matrox Electronic Systems at WWDC. Charles was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on the announcements on WWDC, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.
Digital song sales rise 6% in first half of 2012
U.S. album sales for the first half of 2012 slumped after seeing growth last year, while digital track sales rose, according to music sales figures released by Nielsen SoundScan -- as reported by "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/Tr31X).
At mid-year 2012, album sales were down 3% from 2011 at 150.5 million units sold over the last six months. However, digital song sales rose 6% with 698 million tracks downloaded since January. Overall music figures for physical and digital album and single sales showed a 4%t increase, with 853.2 million sold so far in 2012.
"While retail sales continue to face challenges related to broader market trends, digital sales gains are expected to achieve another record-breaking year," said David Bakula, senior vice president of client development at Nielsen, in a statement.
Analyst: sales among Apple electronics suppliers down in June
In a note to clients -- as reported by "CNNMoney" -- Topeka analyst Brian White, who tracks the performance of a collection of Taiwanese electronics suppliers as a "barometer" of Apple's future performance, says, with only one company in his "Apple Monitor" not yet reporting, sales among these suppliers were down 13% month -over-month in June, compared with an average 1% increase over the past seven Junes.
For the June quarter, sales among these suppliers were down 8% sequentially, well below the 8% uptick in the same quarter over the past five years but still above the guidance Apple offered in April, which according to White called for a 13% decline. For more info go to http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2012/07/09/sales-at-apples-taiwanese-supplie... .
Louisiana school system to give iPads to middle, high school...
The Ascension Parish school system in Donaldson, Louisiana, could become one of the first districts in the state to hand a personal computing device to each of its middle and high school students.
"The Advocate" reports (http://bit.ly/LY7HB5 ) the school district is expanding its "1 to 1" technology program for the 2012-13 school year. It will provide an estimated 1,800 iPad tablets to sixth- and ninth-grade students. Those students will join the approximately 2,000 students who already are using MacBook laptops.
Mountain Lion won't download on unsupported Macs
Like Mac OS X Lion, Mac OS X Mountain Lion will be available via the Mac App Store. However, unlike Lion, the Mac App Store will assess your Mac’s suitability for the Mountain Lion before it lets you download, and pay, for it, according to "512 Pixels" (http://512pixels.net/mountain-lion-requirements/).
Mountain Lion requires OS X 10.6.8 or later, 2GB RAM and 8GB available space on your Mac. The following Macs are supported: iMac (from mid 2007 model); MacBook (from late 2008); MacBook Pro (from late 2007); Xserve (from early 2009); MacBook Air (from late 2008); Mac mini (from early 2009) and Mac Pro (from early 2008).
Analyst: iPhone market share in China grows to 17.3%
Even without availability on China Mobile, China's largest mobile provider, the iPhone's market share in China has grown form 9.9 percent a year ago to 17.3% in the June quarter, Needham & Company analyst Charlie Wolf said in a note to clients, as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com).
Needham & Company's quarterly report on the smartphone industry was issued today and identified the "big news" of the quarter as the emergence of China as the leading smartphone market. Smartphone shipments in China grew 164% year-over-year to 33.1 million units in the June quarter, topping the 25 million units sold in the U.S.
Among mobile operating systems, Apple's iOS took a 17.3% share according to data from Gartner. Much of its growth from 9.9% a year ago stems from the launch of the iPhone on China Telecom this year.
Analyst: iPad mini could sell six million units in holiday...
If Apple were to sell an iPad mini (a smaller version of the iPad) for US$299 this holiday season, it could sell as many as six million units, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said in a note to clients, as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com).
He think the iPad mini could sport 16GB of storage. Munster predicts such a device would cannibalize 10% of existing iPad sales, but also takeaway 30% of total Android tablet sales in the December quarter.
"We believe this implies that Apple could sell 4-6 million smaller iPads in the December quarter, assuming a holiday launch," Munster wrote in a note to investors on Monday. "If the launch occurs in (the fourth quarter), we believe the smaller iPad would add about 1% to revenue and (earnings per share) in December."
Apple places 55th in Fortune Global 500
Apple has placed 55th in the latest Fortune Global 500; that's up 86 places from the previous ranking. According to "Fortune," Apple boasts US$108.249 billion in revenue, with a profit of $25.922 billion.
The company has also achieved $116.371 billion in assets, and $76.615 billion in stockholder equity, per "Fortune." The top 10 on the Fortune Global 500 list are: Royal Dutch Shell, Exxon Mobile, Wal-Mart, BP, Sinopec Group, China National Petroleum, State Gride, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and Toyota.
The Fortune Global 500 is a ranking of the top 500 corporations worldwide as measured by revenue. The list is compiled and published annually by Fortune magazine.
Judge: Galaxy tablets aren't 'cool' enough to be...
Samsung has won a legal ruling after an U.K. judge said the Galaxy tablets aren't "cool" enough to be confused with Apple's iPad, reports "Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/DxdmG).
The design for three Galaxy tablets doesn’t infringe Apple’s registered design,, and consumers aren’t likely to get the tablet computers mixed up, Judge Colin Birss said in a London court. He said the Galaxy tablets "do not have the same understated and extreme simplicity which is possessed by the Apple design," and added that "they are not as cool."
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.
AT&T U-verse expands iPhone/iPad options
The iPhone and iPad is quickly becoming an integral part of TV watching, and AT&T U-verse TV (http://www.att.com) customers now have access to several new features and content that bring their TV and wireless experiences together, including:
° An expanded lineup of on demand premium and TV content available through the U-verse App for iPhone and iPod touch and AT&T U-verse App for iPad at no extra charge, including HBO, Cinemax, HBO, STARZ, ENCORE, MOVIEPLEX and Music Choice videos.
° The ability to link your iPad to your U-verse TV receiver with the AT&T U-verse App to access up to the minute sports companion content and scores from various leagues for today's games, a review of yesterday's games, and to see who is playing tomorrow.
° The ability to now share information about what you are watching with friends on Facebook, and now, on Twitter through the AT&T U-verse App for iPad.
° The ability to use your iPhone or iPod touch to control your U-verse TV with an U-...
AKVIS announces SmartMask 4.0
AKVIS (http://www.akvis.com) has announced SmartMask 4.0, an update of its image area selection tool for the Mac and Windows. A Home license for two computers costs US$90. A demo is available for download.
SmartMask helps in selecting a specific area of an image. Version 4.0 includes tools for masking objects on images and removing backgrounds as well as for selecting various types of objects, both with soft and sharp edges. With a few mouse clicks SmartMask helps select fluff, hair, fur, tree branches, glass, or a transparent veil as well as remove unwanted color shades left on the cutout object by the environment.
Version 4.0 introduces two modes of image processing that intelligently help you make the selection you want. Auto mode offers an algorithm for automatic recognition of areas; Manual mode includes a set of brushes to touch up the results where needed.
Apple sued over noise reduction patent
Another day, another lawsuit. Noise Free Wireless, a small Silicon Valley company, is suing s suing Apple, alleging the computer maker infringed its patent for noise-reduction technology for cell phones, notes the IDG News Service (http://macte.ch/fMkVZ).
Noise Free Wireless said it presented its technology at several meetings at Apple's Cupertino, California, headquarters and provided it with detailed technical information prior to Apple filing its own patent for a similar technology, the article adds The technology has gone on to be used in the iPhone 4 and 4S and all three iPad models, it said.
The case centers on U.S. patent 7,742,790, which was filed by Noise Free in May 2007 and awarded to the company in June 2010. The patent covers a method for reducing or cancelling environmental noise, such as wind, from a voice transmission on a cell phone.
Apple no longer registering products with EPEAT
Apple has asked EPEAT (http://www.epeat.net), a government-backed, environmental rating that helps identify greener computers and other electronic equipment, to remove 39 desktops, laptops and monitors from the body's list of environmentally friendly devices including legacy models that already hold the certification, reports "CIO Journal" (http://macte.ch/Sdych).
EPEAT CEO Robert Frisbee said an Apple representative requested that the company's already-cleared products be taken down from the registry which carries a list of electronic devices certified to be recyclable, energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
In order to meet the standards, recyclers need to be able to easily disassemble products, with common tools, to separate toxic components, like batteries, notes "CIO Journal." The standards were created jointly by manufacturers, including Apple, advocacy groups and government agencies. Frisbee says an Apple staff member told him at the end of June that the company no...
Samsung can resume Galaxy Nexus smartphone sales -- for now
An U.S. appeals court says Samsung can resume sales of its Galaxy Nexus smartphone at least until next week, reports "Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/3zqeP).
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit today issued a temporary stay of the ban on the smartphone until Apple responds on July 12. Notice of the order was posted on the court’s website.
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.
WWDC 2012 Interview: iSpeech
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 Yaron Oren of iSpeech at WWDC. Yaron was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on the announcements on WWDC, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.
Apple responds to correct App Store binaries
Apple public relations has contacted several news organizations to alert them that what it described as a "temporary issue" that affected "a small number of users" had been "rectified," reports "AllThingsDigital."
“The issue has been rectified and we don’t expect it to occur again,” Apple representatives told "The Loop." “Users who experienced an issue launching an app caused by this server bug can delete the affected app and re-download it.”
Read more at http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2012/07/06/marco-arment-the-hero-of-apples-a... and http://www.loopinsight.com/2012/07/05/apple-responds-to-app-store-downlo... .
HTC profits cut in half
HTC Corp. saw its profits more than halve in the second quarter after European sales disappointed and phones destined for the U.S. market were held up by customs inspections, reports "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/EzPVG).
HTC was battered in the second half last year by the popularity of the iPhone and Galaxy models, the article adds. HTC CEO Peter Chou said in an interview last month that the company will launch other new models in the second half of this year. However, some analysts predict HTC will be upstaged by strong sales of the Galaxy S III and the latest iPhone, which is expected to launch in the fourth quarter.
"In the high-end market, there are Samsung and Apple. In the low-end market, even though HTC wants to gain traction in China, its phones are price uncompetitive," KGI Securities analyst Richard Ko, told "Reuters." "HTC's scale and margin are a lot lower compared to Samsung and Apple. It will see much pressure in the short to medium term."
