Logitech Solar Keyboard works with Macs, iPads, iPhones
Logitech (http://www.logitech.com) has expanded its solar offering with the new Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K760 for the Mac, iPad and iPhone. This new keyboard adds Bluetooth connectivity with "easy-switching" capability.
It allows you to simultaneously pair multiple devices and quickly switch among them with the push of a button, according to Denis Pavillard, vice president of experience design at Logitech. The Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K760 sports onboard cells that are powered by light for charging.
With its Bluetooth connection, you can pair your keyboard to as many as three devices and switch among them without having to reconnect. This means you can move from typing on your Mac to your iPad to your iPhone -- and back again -- with the push of a button.
The Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K760 features a slim, minimalist design and Mac-specific keys, including Command, Brightness, Eject and more. The concave key design gives you more comfortable and quiet typing,...
Mummy's Treasure is new physics puzzler for Mac OS X
FizzPow Games has introduced Mummy's Treasure 1.0 for Mac OS X Lion. It's a physics puzzler set inside the Pharaoh's Tomb.
Here's how the game is described: "Players must solve increasingly difficult gravity puzzles involving stacked cubes on platforms. The goal is to keep all gold and treasure pieces on the screen, while eliminating all mummy and skeleton pieces. All blocks are subject to Newton's laws, falling and colliding. Platforms, stones, and mummies are removed with a click, challenging players to predict the results.
"The first few of the 40 free puzzles are fairly straightforward, but the remaining puzzles require either trial and error to discover the steps leading to the solution, or deep analysis of the consequences of removing any block. Ingenious and absorbing, difficult looking puzzles sometimes have simple solutions, and each puzzle is rated from par 2 to par 6, depending on the minimum number of steps to achieve the solution. Scoring is based on a combination of...
Deal Spotlight: Hands Off! for OS X
Today's special deal is Hands Off! for OS X. It's being offered for US$19.99; the regular price is $49.99 To take advantage of this special pricing go to http://mupromo.com/deal/12874/6603 .
Hands Off! is an application to monitor and control the access of applications to your network and disks. There have been some very public threats to Mac users in recent weeks and it is absolutely critical to be able to monitor the normally unnoticeable activities and make informed decisions regarding the transfer of your private information, avoiding confidential information leakage.
Glooko launches the Glooko IR adapter
Glooko (http://www.glooko.com), makers of a diabetes logbook solution, and Roche Diabetes Care, makers of ACCU-CHEK blood glucose monitoring systems, insulin pumps and information management solutions, have announced their co-promotion of the Glooko Logbook solution in the U.S.
With the introduction of the Glooko IR Adapter, ACCU-CHEK customers who prefer to manage their diabetes on their iPhone or iPod touch can now use the Glooko MeterSync Cable and the Glooko Logbook app. With the Glooko products, not only can ACCU-CHEK users download their blood glucose readings from their meter, but they can also add notes and view the information anytime, anywhere on their mobile devices to help them monitor their blood glucose values.
The new Glooko IR Adapter connects to the Glooko MeterSync Cable to download blood glucose readings from ACCU-CHEK meters into the Glooko Logbook app on the consumer's iPhone and iPod touch. The Glooko IR Adapter is compatible with the following ACCU-CHEK...
Mac OS X software updates for May 31
Here are the latest incremental updates for Mac OS X apps.
Adobe has released Lightroom 4.1 and Camera Raw 7.1 final releases on Adobe.com. The final updates provide: new High Dynamic Range (HDR) tone-mapping support; new fringe correction controls for chromatic aberration; and add raw file support for more cameras.
iFunia Studio (http://www.ifunia.com) has announced version 3.7.0 of its Mac DVD Ripper Family and Mac Video Converter family. The Mac product family helps consumers to convert DVDs and multimedia files to files compatible with many popular mobile and personal multimedia devices. Version 3.7.0 features a new output resolution of 1080p for new iPad and Apple TV, supports for the Multilingual interface languages, and a lot of big fixes.
Singular Software (http://www.singularsoftware.com/) has announced the download-availability of a simplified integration between its PluralEyes software and the latest Adobe Premiere Pro CS6. Connector links the workflows of PluralEyes and...
Apple denies that the 'Kindle revolutionized book...
Apple has responded (http://macte.ch/ae31l) to the electronic books antitrust in which it's involved. Among other things the filing says:
"Apple admits that eBook sales have increased rapidly since November 2007,
when Amazon released the Kindle, but denies that the Kindle 'revolutionized the book publishing industry.' Apple lacks sufficient information and belief to admit or deny whether there are 'major' economic advantages to eBook technology or whether eBook distribution costs are 'massively' lower than those associated with 'brick-and-mortar publishing.' Apple admits that there are costs associated with print books that are not present with eBooks. Apple specifically denies that it 'decided free market competition should not be allowed to work'."
Furthermore, "Apple admits that publicly and privately in their individual discussions with Apple, representatives of each of the publishers separately expressed varying degrees of unhappiness with Amazon’s tactics, including its pricing...
Foxconn may double minimum monthly salary of workers
Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Foxconn -- which makes, among other things, iPad and iPhones, for Apple -- will double the minimum monthly salary of its workers in mainland China by the end of next year, reports "Want Daily" (http://macte.ch/WFzvQ).
Earlier this month in Shanghai, Foxconn chairman and president Terry Gou announced that the company's salaries in China will exceed the minimum wage in Taiwan by the end of the year. Apparently, this means salary increases from 2,200 yuan (US$350) to 4,000 yuan ($630).
Sources now claim that Gou declared at a function on May 16 that simply catching up to Taiwanese wages is not enough, and that monthly salaries for workers in China should be doubled to 4,400 yuan ($690) by the end of 2013, according to "Want Daily." If true, it would be Foxconn's fourth announced salary hike in China in the last two years.
Apple purportedly buys Italian start-up Redmatica
Apple has reportedly bought Redmatica (http://www.redmatica.com) an Italian start-up that specializes in digital music-editing apps, reports the Italian blog, "Fanpage" -- as translated by "TechCrunch" (http://macte.ch/wSmda). Redmatica's products include:
° Keymap Pro -- an instrument building, editing and sound design tool;
° AutoSampler -- a tool for capturing audio on your hardware and software;
° ProManager -- a tool for managing sampled libraries;
° GBSSampleManager -- software that lets you manage, create and editor your sampler instruments for GaragePad on OS X or iOS.
Analyst: a 'little iPad cannibalization' of Macs not a...
In a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster says a "little cannibalization" of the Mac market by the iPad isn't necessarily a bad thing.
He thinks that that the total tablet market will exceed that of the computer market in terms of units over the next 10 years. And that will benefit Apple since the iPad looks to remain top dog in the tablet market for the foreseeable future.
What's more, Munster points out that with Mac sales continuing to grow and outpace the rest of the personal computer market, Apple hasn't been worried about "cannibalization" of the Mac by the iPad. Combined iPad and Mac sales are currently around $62 billion. Assuming "aggressive cannibalization" of the Mac by the iPad in the years to come, Munster sees the combined segments doubling in sales to $119 billion by 2015.
In calendar year 2012, Munster predicts that Apple will sell 66 million iPads. Though about 100 million tablets will be...
Tim Cook on the Apple TV, 'iTV," Macs, more
Yesterday Apple CEO Tim Cook kicked off "D10: All Things Digital" (http://allthingsd.com/category/conferences/), the tenth annual gathering of high-tech elite billed as "conversations with the most influential figures in media and technology." Here are the highlights of his comments:
° The Apple TV is doing well, though still a "hobby." Last year Apple sold 2.8 million of the set-top boxes; so far in 2011, the company has already sold 2.7. He wouldn't comment on the rumored "iTV" except to say that Apple continues to look into the television arena, which needs improving.
° Tablets won't replace the personal computer for every task, but will replace it for some.
° Concerning the Mac: "we're never going to make the most personal computers," but "we're going to make the best."
° Apple will "double down" on security to make sure its product secrets aren't launched, but will be more "transparent" when it comes to environmental concerns and factory conditions.
° Steve Jobs' death was the...
Southern Stars announces Venus Transit Challenge
On June 5, 2012, Venus will pass in front of the Sun for the last time until 2117. Southern Stars, makers of the SkySafari astronomy apps, challenges anyone with an iOS or Android mobile device to capture this one-in-a-lifetime event -- and to enter to win a brand-new iPod touch, Android tablet, or iPad!
To win the content, contestants must purchase a copy of SkySafari (Basic, Plus, or Pro version) for iOS or Android between now and June 5. Contestants may predict the Venus transit using SkySafari, or with free tools and apps available on http://www.transitofvenus.org, http://www.transitofvenus.nl, and tov2012.esri.com .
When the transit happens, contestants should take a picture of it with their mobile device. Contestants should email their pictures, and their SkySafari purchase receipts from the iTunes Store or Google Play, to venus@southernstars.com before June 7.
It doesn't matter how contestants take a picture of the transit, as long as they do so with their mobile device. They...
Image Effector is new effects, filter tool for OS X
Appsoft Studio (http://www.appsoftstudio.com) has released Image Effector for Mac OS X, an application for enhancing images with various effects or filters.
Application includes some well-known classical filters, such as Sepia or Motion Blur, as well as some other useful and exotic effects. In addition, various tools like cropping or text inspector are available in Image Effector. Enhanced photos can be shared with friends or family and used for the personal projects.
Image Effector requires Mac OS X Lion. It costs US$2.99 USD and is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Graphic & Design category.
NuForce releases Cube speaker system
NuForce (http://www.nuforce.com) has released the Cube mobile speaker. It's an US$119, two-inch tall unit that combines a portable speaker, headphone amplifier, and USB Digital Audio Converter (DAC) all in one.
"I've never been satisfied with the sound of other portable speakers on the market," says NuForce CEO Jason Lim. "So we made it our mission to create one that not only sounded great, but looked great. Plus, we equipped it with an audiophile-grade DAC and headphone amp. After months of R&D and critical listening, we think Cube provides the clarity, power and detail in a portable speaker that our customers have been asking for."
The Cube’s USB digital-to-analog converter (DAC) accepts digital music directly from the computer and bypasses the computer's on-board DAC, which are often low-quality and result in compromised sound, to offer a major improvement over the sound quality, he adds.
iPhone camera case has built-in, sliding polarizing filter
The upcoming Trygger Camera Case for the iPhone will sport a built-in Polarizing Filter makes even better pictures.
Managing light outside is especially troubling for even the most skilled photographers. A sunny sky, or reflections off of shiny surfaces including water can create overexposed blown out images, or reduced color saturation. Professional photographers have relied on polarizing filters to clean up noisy light and reflections for decades. Next to a tripod, a polarizing filter is the most frequently purchased accessory in the photographers' bag. The Trygger Camera Case brings that same polarizing filter and functionality to your iPhone camera.
Trygger's approach is to build a filter right into a sliding back of an iPhone case. This makes it ready to use whenever and wherever your photo opportunity presents itself. For outside photos, slide it into position, adjust the setting and shoot. For most inside shots, slide it out of the way.
Made of top, optical-grade glass, the...
Quark announces PressRun support for Creative Suite 6
Quark (http://www.quark.com) says that PressRun, the cloud-based digital publishing solution that delivers innovative digital tablet experiences, is now compatible with Adobe InDesign CS6, in addition to InDesign CS5 and CS5.5.
PressRun uses HTML5, the next-generation Web language, to create compelling apps for the iPad and iPhone, as well as for Android smartphones and tablets, including the Amazon Kindle Fire, according to Shaun Barriball, vice president of Mobile Products for Quark. Designers can create content with InDesign, login and upload content to PressRun from within InDesign, and preview and test content on their device or through a Web browser.
Design and extended teams can collaborate in real-time to create, test, and preview content and advertising through PressRun’s Web-based user interface. Quark has also announced its acquisition of Mobile IQ, the creators of PressRun.
SeedCode releases free tool for learning SQL in FileMaker 12
SeedCode (http://www.seedcode.com) has released SQL Explorer, which lets you write SQL Queries using a wizard made up of FileMaker dialogs you probably already know.
You can write queries against your own tables, then copy and paste the resulting queries right into your FileMaker 12 files with all the correct calculation syntax, or export the query results to Excel for ad hoc reporting.
SQL explorer is completely unlocked for you to modify and extend. This means you can create and save your own library of queries.
iLuv shipping Mac adapters, cables
iLuv Creative Technology (http://www.i-luv.com) is now shipping their line of premium Mac adapters and cables that debuted in January at the 2012 International CES in Las Vegas.
"With our line of Mac cables and adapters shipping, we are able to provide MacBook users a way to take full advantage of the built-in features of their Macs," says Brian Yang, vice president of Sales and Marketing at iLuv. "Our Mac adapters and cables do more than provide additional connectivity -- they have been specifically designed to expand the functionality of your MacBook while keeping with the aesthetic familiar to Mac users."
The Mac adapters and cable line up is designed to be OS-agnostic, plug-and-play and multi-functional, all with the brushed aluminum look and feel made to compliment the design of the Mac. The line of adapters and cables provides tools for everything from converting signal to different formats, to transmitting without signal loss, to adding more ports as data hubs to any computer...
Skinit launches line of consumer electronic cases, covers
Skinit (http://www.skinit.com/) has introduced an accessory line of cases, covers and screen protectors for an additional level of tailored security that bundles with its skin product line.
The cases can be personalized with a variety of design choices, just like for skins. Through the Customizer tool, consumers can upload any image and create custom protective cases that fit portable consumer electronics from mobile phones to laptops.
Skinit offers the iPhone 4/4S Infinity Case, a customizable case series with interchangeable Switchplates that can be swapped out on-the-fly. It's a two-part protective case that locks-in interchangeable Switchplates. Users can purchase Switchplates, which can be decorated with thousands of designs from the Skinit library, to express their own individual style. Users can also upload any image to the Skinit Customizer, creating a custom Switchplate from personal photographs and designs of their choosing.
Skinit will also launch a series of decorated...
McGuffey software now available on the Mac
LiteracySoft.com has made available Mac and PC compatible versions of Phonics and Reading With McGuffey, an iOS app for teaching beginning literacy skills to students with a variety of needs.
The app is designed to be simple to use for children as well as adults who have literacy problems. The latest version includes multi-user support, performance and interface improvements.
Phonics and Reading With McGuffey are based on McGuffey's classic literature. You can try the first 10 lessons free. You can register to unlock the rest of the 52 lessons at http://literacysoft.com/solutions/phonics-and-reading . On the Mac you'll need Mac OS X 10.6 or higher.
Active matrix small/medium displays see growth in 2011
Active matrix small/medium displays, key components for a range of devices such as mobile phones, digital still cameras, portable and automotive navigation devices, e-book readers and tablet computers, recorded worldwide shipments of two billion units in 2011, representing a 6% increase over 2010.
However, according to the "NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly Small/Medium Shipment and Forecast Report," revenue from small/medium displays reached US$28 billion, a 29% year-over-year (Y/Y) increase. The strong revenue growth reflects a shift to higher performance displays with higher prices.
The leading growth area for active matrix small/medium displays was in mobile phones, driven largely by the growing demand for smart phones. Shipments of active matrix displays for mobile phones grew from 1.4 billion units in 2010 to 1.5 billion in 2011. However, the growing popularity of smart phone devices cannibalized shipments for digital still cameras and portable media players (PMPs) in 2011, as...
Daylite 4.0 for OS X gets new interface, more
Daylite 4.0 (http://www.marketcircle.com), the newest version of Marketcircle's Mac productivity management software, sports a simplified interface and a reduced learning curve.
The upgrade also offers the ability to view family or personal calendars inside Daylite, drag and drop re-ordering of tasks that can also now be assigned to specific stages in pipelines, external meeting invites, and more. According to the folks at Marketcircle, using Daylite on mobile devices is now even better with built in CalDAV and CardDAV servers, which allow you to use the Contacts and Calendar apps on iOS to enable Caller ID and Siri integration on your iPhone.
A completely new Daylite Mail Assistant for Apple Mail now works in both conversation view and in full screen mode and as well. It provides quick access to task and appointment creation or tagging keywords.
Previously Marketcircle had licenses for each separate component; now every license of Daylite includes apps for Mac and iPhone and iPad,...
Deal Spotlight: StockMarketEye for OS X
Today's special deal is StockMarketEye for OS X. It's being offered for US$19.99; the regular price is $39.99 To take advantage of this special pricing go to http://mupromo.com/deal/12872/6603 .
StockMarketEye is an investment tracking tool designed to help you keep an eye on your investments and the stock market. You can: track the performance of your 401(k) and other investments with portfolios; see how your investments are performing with tools such as portfolio charts and CAGR; and more.
360Works release MirrorSync tool for FileMaker databases
360Works has released MirrorSync, a data replication tool that syncs an offline database running on FileMaker Go or FileMaker Pro with a multi-user database hosted by FileMaker Server.
Mobile users can carry an offline copy of their database with them on their iOS device and sync up with the server any time. Home or remote users can work on a fast local copy of their database and then sync their laptop or desktop computer with FileMaker Server, which caches their data and solves WAN performance problems.
With MirrorSync, no plug-ins are required. Syncing is done with native FileMaker scripting and web viewers. Just send a copy of the database to anybody with FileMaker Pro, and they're ready to sync.
No scripting is required. MirrorSync dynamically writes all the scripts for you
360Works' MirrorSync works with both FileMaker 11 and 12, and can run on an iPad, iPhone, iPod touch or computer running Mac OS X or Windows. After installing MirrorSync on your FileMaker Server and running...
Buffalo announces the TeraStation 5000 series
Buffalo Technology has announced the TeraStation 5000 series of high performance network storage solutions. The 5000 series currently consists of the two-drive TeraStation 5200 and the four-drive TeraStation 5400.
The TeraStation 5000 series is equipped with the Intel Atom D2550 dual-core processor and offers an array of business class features including iSCSI, replication and failover support and SoleraTec Phoenix RSM, a video surveillance asset management solution. It's also packed with business class features such as surveillance video management, Active Directory support, disk quota support, share level replication, failover support, dual gigabit Ethernet ports, hot-swap hard drives, iSCSI targeting and USB 3.0 accessory support.
The TeraStation 5400 TS5400D features four pre-populated drive bays with capacities up to 12 TB and supports a variety of data protection options including RAID 0/1/5/6/10 and JBOD for a balanced mix of redundancy and performance. TeraStation 5400 will...
Centrify offers active directory-based solution
Centrify Corp. (http://www.centrify.com) -- a provider of security and compliance solutions that centrally control, secure and audit access to cross-platform systems, mobile devices and applications using Active Directory -- has announced the general availability of Centrify DirectControl for Mobile.
Leveraging the new Centrify Cloud Service, the offering addresses BYOD concerns by enabling enterprises to centrally secure and manage smart phones and tablets, including iPads and Android devices, using existing Active Directory infrastructure, skill sets and processes. It's free and has no limit on the number of devices supported.
Centrify’s DirectControl for Mobile and Centrify Express for Mobile are generally available starting today. Visit http://www.centrify.com/mobile to download the free Centrify Express for Mobile or to obtain more information. Pricing for DirectControl for Mobile, which includes technical support and access to feature updates, starts at $36 per device per...
Mac OS X software updates for May 30
Here are the latest incremental updates for Mac OS X apps.
Ergonis Software (http://www.ergonis.com) has released Typinator 5.1, a new version of their popular text expander. The upgrade offers interactive input fields.
Zevrix Solutions (http://www.zevrix.com) has announced Package Central 1.6, a compatibility update to its file packaging workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign. The new version adds compatibility to the recently released InDesign CS6.
Lightworks (http://www.lightworksdesign.com) says the latest release of Bricscad from Bricsys incorporates the Lightworks Artisan product. Bricscad is a DWG-alternative CAD platform that enables DWG-based applications to serve the growing markets of AEC, civil engineering, GIS, and mechanical CAD.
Cognito Software (http://www.cognito.co.nz/products/) has introduced mobile access in the latest update of MoneyWorks Datacentre, the server version of its cross-platform accounting software. The technology allows authorized users of...
Analyst: Apple will announce iTV 2-6 months before it goes on...
In a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White thinks Apple will announce its own HDTV (the rumored "iTV") 2-6 months before it goes on sale.
Why? To give developers head-start to create software for the television before it becomes available for consumers to purchase.
White said if Apple could capture 2% of the LCD TV market, it would represent $10 billion in sales for the company. He sees that adding between US$1.50 and $2.00 in earnings per share for Apple.
iGR: consumers willing to pay a bit more for an iPhone
An iGR survey suggests consumers intending to buy an iPhone would pay more than they would for an Android smartphone, reports "eWeek" (http://macte.ch/I2HsT).
Smartphone sales in May accounted for 71% of overall mobile handset sales, with basic phones representing just 28% of sales, according to data from iGR (https://igr-inc.com), a market strategy consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile communications industry. The survey also found users intending on purchasing an iPhone are willing to pay US$11 more for the device compared with Google Android-based smartphone.
On average consumers were willing to pay $135.90 for an Apple iPhone. That compares to $124.65 for an Android device, according the iGR survey.
Apple 2012 WWDC to kick off with a keynote
The 2012 Apple Worldwide Developer Conference will kick off with a keynote at 10 am (Pacific), Monday, June 11, at the Moscone West in San Francisco. No word on who the speaker -- or, more likely, the speakers -- will be.
WWDC will run June 11-15. This year’s five-day conference, developers will learn about the future of iOS and OS X, according to Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. WWDC will also feature more than 100 technical sessions presented by Apple engineers as well as the popular Apple Design Awards, a showcase of the most outstanding apps from the past year, he adds.
"We have a great WWDC planned this year and can’t wait to share the latest news about iOS and OS X Mountain Lion with developers," Schiller says. "The iOS platform has created an entirely new industry with fantastic opportunities for developers across the country and around the world."
Developers will be able to explore the latest innovations, features and capabilities of iOS...
Tim Cook to kick off D10: All Things Digital
Apple CEO Tim Cook will kick off "D10: All Things Digital" (http://allthingsd.com/category/conferences/), the tenth annual gathering of high-tech elite billed as "conversations with the most influential figures in media and technology."
He'll appear tonight at 6 pm (Pacific). It will be Cook’s first appearance at D, as well as his first time being onstage at an event not run by Apple or for investors since he was named CEO last August.
Jonathan Ive tops "Wired 100" list
Jonathan Ive, Apple's senior vice president of Industrial Design, who was knighted at Buckingham Palace last week, tops the annual "Wired 100," a list that names the key figures in the UK’s technology industry, reports "The Telegraph" (http://macte.ch/YH2HN).
He moves up from the seventh spot in 2011. Ive replaces last year's winner, Facebook's top European executive, Joanna Shields, in the top position.
Analyst: new laptops this quarter, new iPhone in the fall
In a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- RBC Capital Markets analyst Amit Daryanani predicts Apple will revamp its MacBook later this quarter and release a new iPhone in September or October.
The investment bank reiterated its Outperform rating and an US$700 price target for shares of Apple. The firm believes Apple stock could hit $700 within the next 6-12 months, citing new MacBooks, an upcoming iPhone and a potential "iTV" connected television as catalysts.
Apple employees to get raises earlier than expected
In a video sent directly to Apple Store employees, newly appointed Senior Vice President of Apple Retail John Browett has promised a three month advance on employee salary raises. Apple Store, reports "9to5Mac" (http://www.9to5mac.com).
Employees were previously scheduled to see their raises on Sept. 30. Now the raises are slated for June 30.
As for Browett himself, he'll receive shares worth at least US$56 million to be awarded over five years, according to "Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/SMuJ0). The VP will receive the shares in addition to his annual salary.
Speedy is new 'power bar' for the Mac
Apimac has announced Speedy for Mac, an utility that lets you launch everything you need for your everyday work such as documents, folders, apps and sites. It requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later, costs US$9.99 and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Utilities category.
Speedy also offers tools to improve your work as such as multiple text Clipboard capability, workflows handling and keyboard shortcuts creation. Just choose the needed text item from the Recent Clipboard menu, and it's ready to paste anywhere.
According to the folks at Apimac, Speedy has two modes. One is "a comfortable strip that is always on top of other windows," the other is "a cute bunny that sits on the menu bar, ready to answer your every call."
With Speedy, you can hide or quit all running applications at once; create a folder establishing the name and the location of it before to create it; eject all removable and external disks at once; open a web page regardless of how many other windows...
ClearDisk 1.0 for OS X clears useless stuff off your hard disk
Nektony has introduced ClearDisk 1.0, a new Mac OS X utility designed to clear the hard disk of useless files that make Macs run low on disk space. It costs US$1.99 and is available exclusively through the App Store in the Utilities category.
ClearDisk analyses the state of particular system folders which tend to clog up. It enables the user to clean up the disk space quickly by removing obsolete files. ClearDisk inspects the file categories that are commonly used for storage of unnecessary stuff on Macs.
The app takes the user through three steps: scan the disk to identify the useless files; select files to be deleted; and remove unnecessary files. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher.
Desktop Curtain 3.0 for OS X includes default curtain image
Many Tricks has released version 3.0 of Desktop Curtain, their Mac OS X solution for hiding desktop clutter. The upgrade includes a new default curtain image and a revamped user interface. In addition, there are new features, including:
° A new application isolation mode that automatically keeps the curtain image behind the frontmost application's windows.
° At any time, the frontmost window can be isolated by pressing a user-definable keyboard shortcut.
° The current desktop image can be used as the curtain image.
° Clicking on the curtain will activate Finder when the curtain is covering the Desktop.
° The curtain image is now translucent, meaning the color can be easily changed via the OS X color wheel.
° New entries on the contextual menu let users change the level at which the curtain appears -- or even hide it entirely.
Desktop Curtain 3.0 is a free upgrade for owners of any previous version of the program, and retails for US$5. It's available at the Mac App Store and from the...
ZooGue unveils new travel bag, pouch for the iPad
ZooGue (http://www.zoogue.com) has announced the US$14.95 Padded Zipper Pouch and $24.99 Padded Zipper Travel Bag for the iPad.
Made of nylon material the Padded Zipper Pouch is small enough to fit in a briefcase or school backpack, yet large enough to carry as added protection for the iPad. For those who may want the extra advantage of carrying their tablet, the Travel Bag provides handles.
Espionage 3 data security software hits the Mac App Store
Tao Effect has released Espionage 3.0, an update of its folder encryption product, on the Mac App Store. It requires Lion.
Espionage provides users with a means to protect their files from unwanted access through stronger cryptography and plausible deniability. Version 3.0 has been rewritten and redesigned from the ground up. It introduces enhanced security measures, including support for plausible deniability.
During the launch week it's on sale at half-price for US$9.99. Tao Effect is also announcing a "quasi-permanent" price drop on the previous version of its software, Espionage 2, which is now $9.99; previously it was $34.95.
LicenseSupport for OS X update adds interface enhancements
Excel Software (http://www.excelsoftware.com) has updated LicenseSupport for Mac OS X -- which consists of a desktop application used by a customer support person and an application programming interface to the Safe Activation server -- to version 2.0.
Safe Activation is an online activation service that works with software protection and licensing tools including QuickLicense, DocProtect, AppProtect and LicenseSupport. LicenseSupport 2.0 adds enhancements to the programming interface for the new Safe Activation Service 3.
A software vendor can use LicenseSupport to manage customer licenses for protected applications and documents. With modest technical skills, a customer support person can provide an activation code, reset a license, block an activated license before issuing a refund or change the number of allowed activations for a serial number, according to the folks at Excel Software.
LicenseSupport can be used directly with a customer running a protected application or...
Mac business users can now make remote deposits to Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company says it's the first major financial services company to natively support Macs for remote deposit capture.
The new service is available to all Wells Fargo Commercial Electronic Office (CEO) Desktop Deposit users who connect Panini scanners with iMac, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, and Mac Pro computers. Installation of a plug-in is only needed to begin scanning deposits.
"Wells Fargo supports the technology our customers use in the workplace and wherever they go," says Katie Knight, who heads the CEO Desktop Deposit service for Wells Fargo. "Apple is growing its business market substantially, and we’ve partnered with Panini to support Macs for remote deposit capture to ensure we are meeting the changing needs of our customers."
The CEO Desktop Deposit service, a proprietary Web-based remote deposit service doesn't require a software download. It allows businesses to make deposits from any business location at any time, whether or not a physical bank...
Wizsoft brews up Music Pub 1.0 for Mac OS X
Wizsoft has introduced Music Pub 1.0, its new music player for Mac OS X 10.6 or later. It costs US$4.99 and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Music category.
Here's how Wizsoft describes the app: "Music Pub enables you to control almost everything you can do with iTunes. Music Pub looks like a glass of cool beer, making you feel like quenching your thirst. It can recall your entire playlist in your iTunes Library. And users can easily share what they are listening to though their Twitter account."
Deal Spotlight: Slink for OS X
Today's special deal is Slink for OS X. It's being offered for US$22.49 for a family pack and $12.49 for a single user license; the regular prices are $44.99 and $24.99, respectively. To take advantage of this special pricing go to http://mupromo.com/deal/12870/6603 and http://mupromo.com/deal/12880/6603
Slink offers a secure way to remotely connect to your home network. All shared services on your home network automatically appear in the Finder, iTunes, iPhoto, and other applications, just as they do at home. With Slink you are always connected to your home network. The promo also includes a free upgrade to Slink 2.0 when it's released.
MagicanSoft releases Magican for OS X
MagicanSoft has released Magican 1.0 for Mac OS X. It's a freeware system monitor designed to help users speed up their Mac.
It can be used to clean a Mac to increase disk and system space, monitor system status in real time, remind you to update installed software, remove unused apps and more. Magican can also be used to check battery status, network info and CPU usage.
Mac OS X software updates for May 29
Here are the latest incremental updates for Mac OS X apps.
Zevrix Solutions (http://www.zevrix.com) has announced Package Central 1.6, a compatibility update to its file packaging workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign. The new version adds compatibility to the recently released InDesign CS6.
Tricky Duck has released RocketDocs 1.1 for Mac OS X, an upgrade to their Utility designed as a lightweight Google Docs Client. It allows users to work with Google Docs and Google Apps in an application accessible from the Dock or Menu Bar. RocketDocs 1.1 -- available in the Mac App Store -- is a maintenance update.
SweetP Productions has cooked up Cookie 3.0.2, an update to their cookie and browser history management utility for Mac OS X (10.6.6 and higher). Available at the Mac App Store, the new version offers French localization and various bug fixes.
Tagtraum Industries has served up version 3.5.5 of beaTunes (http://www.beatunes.com/), an iTunes add-on for Mac and Windows systems...
Memorial Day Weekend Sale: MacTech on iPad Bundle Subscription
It's been a long time coming, but the iPad version of MacTech is finally ready ... and the response has been terrific! Not only can anyone download the MacTech Magazine on iPad app free of charge at iPad application and even get our January issue at no cost.
In addition, new and renewing print subscribers get the iPad subscription bundled with their print subscription at no additional cost.
Readers can purchase iPad issues for just $4.95 each, and can subscribe to 3 months of MacTech on iPad for $10.99 from within the app. This is a savings compare to the print newsstand price of $8.95 per issue.
For the long memorial weekend, and through May 31st, you can get a special bundle pricing that's your best deal yet!
Just $29.95 for one year in the U.S. , including the corresponding iPad issues -- you'll get both print and iPad. And, your iPad issues will not only be for all of your new year, but for renewing subscribers, all of the remaining issues on your current subscription...
Relaxed and Get a Great Deal for the Long Weekend
MacTech Events are already a fantastic value: great speakers, great sessions, opportunities to speak with sponsors and events that help bring the tech community together … all while learning skills that will help you become a better consultant and grow your business.
Register now and get the Early Bird pricing, saving you $200 off the on-site price.
This weekend, to add even more value, MacTech is having a Memorial Day sale: bundling a subscription of MacTech Magazine when you register for any MacTech event. You'll get both the print and the iPad version of the magazine with this bundle.
This is over $50 extra value added to your registration.
MacTech Boot Camp is for all consultants serving small business, systems integrators, home office, Enterprise, Education and more. Learn best practices, backup strategies, troubleshooting, and better ways to expand your consulting business.
MacTech InDepth is a deep dive on a single topic for the entire day. Learn best practices about network...
Apple still the leading manufacturer on Millennial Media...
Mobile ad network Millennial Media (http://www.millennialmedia.com) says its latest figures Apple remained the leading manufacturer on our platform and the iPhone was the leading individual phone. The report also notes that:
° Android was the leading OS on our platform with 49% of the total impressions (and 14 of the top 20 phones).
° Samsung was the second leading manufacturer, and had four of the top 20 mobile phones on the MM platform.
° "Non-Phone Connected Devices" (tablets, MP3 players, e-readers, etc.) increased 33% quarter-over-quarter and made up 20% of all impressions on the Millennial Media platform.
° Gaming was the top app category on the platform and grew 10% quarter-over-quarter.
° Mobile video views increased 958% year-over-year.
Apple tops Hedge Fund Tend Monitor report
Goldman Sachs is out with its "Q1 2012 Hedge Fund Trend Monitor report" -- and Apple tops the list, reports "Market Folly" (http://macte.ch/fAPdv). It's a list of the 50 stocks that are the most important to hedge funds.
Apple had a clear lead with 106 funds listing it in their top 10. Trailing Apple in the top 10 are Google, Express Scripts, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Citigroup, General Motors, Priceline.com, JPMorgan Chase and Liberty Media.
Tim Cook declines US$75 million dividend
In a Thursday SEC filing -- as reported by "AllThingsD" (http://macte.ch/66OjA), Apple announced plans to award an US $2.65-a-share quarterly dividend on restricted stock units held by its employees. However, CEO Tim Cook is declining it.
From Apple’s 8K:“At Mr. Cook’s request, none of his restricted stock units will participate in dividend equivalents. Assuming a quarterly dividend of $2.65 per share over the vesting periods of his 1.125 million outstanding restricted stock units, Mr. Cook will forego approximately $75 million in dividend equivalent value.”
Analyst gives reasons why Apple shares will hit $1,000
In a note to clients -- as noted by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster tells why he thinks Apple shares will hit US$1.000 in the next couple of years. Among those reasons:
° Continued innovation in the company's 2012 product roadmap;
° A blowout next-generation iPhone launch;
° An Apple television arriving in 2013 (the rumored "iTV");;
° Little change to carrier subsidies for the next two to three years;
° Sustained gross margins above 40% and the China opportunity.
° Meaningful updates to the Mac line.
Regarding the latter, Munster thinks Mac updates should arrive within the next six weeks with enhanced Retina Displays and Intel's Ivy Bridge chips. Since it's Apple's "first meaningful Mac update in over a year," the analyst expects the refresh to "reaccelerate" Mac sales.
