Apple offers slight upgrade to MacBook Air line
Apple has updated its MacBook Air line. The laptop has been refreshed with 1.4GHz dual-core Haswell Intel Core i5 processors with Turbo Boost up to 2.7GHz. That's up from the 1.3GHz processor with Turbo Boost up to 2.6GHz. Also, there's an US$100 price drop across the line-up.
The 128GB and 256GB 11-inch models are now $899 and $1,099, respectively. The 13-inch models are $999 and $1,199 for 128 and 256GB of storage. Build-to-order options include a 1.7 GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor with up to 8GB of RAM on both the 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Airs.
LinkOptimizer 4.9.5 for Adobe InDesign improves image conversion
Zevrix Solutions (www.zevrix.com) has announced LinkOptimizer 4.9.5, a maintenance update to its workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign.
LinkOptimizer lets you reduce the size of InDesign links and speed up processing by eliminating excess image data, performing essential image adjustments and converting file formats. The new version delivers processing improvements and addresses some issues that could affect the users of recently released version 4.9 which introduced a core engine upgrade.
LinkOptimizer can be purchased from the Zevrix website for US$259.95 (there's a "lite" version for $179.95) as well as from authorized resellers. A demo is available for download. The update is free for LinkOptimizer 4.x users and $130 to upgrade from previous versions. LinkOptimizer is available for Mac OS X 10.6-10.9 and works with Adobe InDesign and Photoshop CS3-CC.
SCSC releases high performance version of Scannerz for Mac OS X
Software and Computer System Company (SCSC) has released a new, high performance version (1.8) of Scannerz for Mac OS X. It will purportedly allow for much higher testing speeds, particularly for users of SSDs, RAID units, and other high performance devices, as well as those using the newly released Mac Pros.
All versions of Scannerz come bundled with FSE or FSE-Lite, Phoenix, and Performance Probe. FSE and FSE-Lite are file system event monitors that can track excessive file system activity and identify possibly rogue processes. Phoenix is an operating system extraction tool that can be used to create emergency boot volumes and perform basic cloning operations. Performance Probe monitors system activity, CPU usage, and memory usage, and may be of use isolating processes that are too resource intensive.
Current users of the product will be notified by the company in the next few days for update instructions. The update will be free for all current users of fully featured versions of...
Excel Software ships DocProtect 4 for Mac OS X
Excel Software has shopped Doc Protect 4 for Mac OS X (10.7 or later) and Windows. It's an update of the application that allows an author to protect popular file types to ensure the docs are only viewable on licensed computers.
Version 4 can protect an EPUB file by embedding a reader and licensing process in the protected document. Other enhancements include improved PDF protection that supports the latest versions of Adobe Reader.
In addition to delivering a protected document as a Mac or Windows application, DocProtect 4 supports a new delivery vehicle, the SafeWebApp viewer. DocProtect can generate a protected file that's activated for a specific device and viewed within SafeWebApp running on a variety of platforms.
SafeWebApp is free and runs on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Android platforms. DocProtect 4 costs US$495 for a single user license on either Mac or Windows — or $795 for both platforms. It includes royalty-free runtime distribution rights for unlimited documents or...
Epson previews the WorkForce DS-40
Epson has announced the WorkForce DS-40, its first wireless, portable document scanner. Weighing just over a pound, it supports scanning directly to a Mac, PC or mobile devices, as well as offering scan-to-cloud capabilities.
Regarding the latter, the WorkForce DS-40 can scan to GoogleDrive, Evernote, OneNote, and more. Since it's powered by a battery or USB source, you can take the scanner on the road.
The WorkForce DS-40 allows you to scan documents up to 8.5 x 36 inches to receipts, business cards, or rigid ID cards. It boasts correction tools such as auto-sizing, enhancing text quality, correct image skew, and removing punch holes. Its TWAIN driver makes it compatible with most third-party software.
The WorkForce DS-40 will be available this summer at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$179.99 at major resellers, office retailers, and directly at Epson.com. Go to http://tinyurl.com/m5ozlhn for more info.
Security updates available for Adobe Flash Player
Adobe has released security updates for Adobe Flash Player 13.0.0.201 and earlier versions for Macintosh, Adobe Flash Flayer 13.0.0.182 and earlier versions for Windows, and Adobe Flash Player 11.2.202.350 and earlier versions for Linux. These updates address vulnerabilities that could potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system.
Adobe is aware of reports that an exploit for CVE-2014-0515 exists in the wild, and is being used to target Flash Player users on the Windows platform. Adobe recommends users update their product installations to the latest versions. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/lgel9nq .
SyncMate 5 offers OS X Mavericks support and background sync
The SyncMate Team has announced SyncMate 5, a new version of their all-in-one sync tool for the Mac. It's now compatible with Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks.
In version 5, the SyncMate Team has added background syncing and device mounting, which are performed no matter if the app's main window is open or not. Quick access to connection settings was also added, including AutoSync and mounting devices as Mac storages.
SyncMate keeps data in sync between Macs and multiple devices (iOS gadgets, Android devices, other Macs, MTP devices, and more). Users can read and manage SMS and call history, as well as send a SMS directly from their Mac.
SyncMate 5 is compatible with Mac OS X 10.8 and higher. All registered users of previous versions of SyncMate can upgrade with a 50% discount. Other users can purchase SyncMate Expert 5 for US$39.95. Go to http://sync-mac.com/ for more info.
Facebook's impressive mobile line-up
When Facebook filed for its initial public offering in early 2012, the company named the ongoing transition to mobile as one of the biggest risks to its future success. If the transition to mobile was indeed the biggest challenge in Mark Zuckerberg's young career as CEO of a billion-dollar company, he managed it admirably well.
Not only does Facebook generate more than half of its revenue on mobile devices, the company also owns three of the hottest apps in the world. First there's Facebook, which passed one billion mobile users in the first quarter of 2014. Than there's Instagram, which has more than 200 million users and is immensely popular with tech-savvy Millennials. And finally, there's Facebook's most recent acquisition: WhatsApp, which just reported that it passed 500 million active users.
With a mobile line-up like this, Facebook appears to be in a position that all but guarantees sustained success in the mobile landscape. The accompanying chart is courtesy of Statistica.com.
Power App introduces RamDisk for Mac OS X
Power App has introduced RamDisk for Mac OS X. It's a new utility that can purportedly speed up a Mac by 40 times and increase the life of a Solid State Drive.
RamDisk creates a virtual drive using the Mac's RAM. This virtual drive can be treated like any drive for a Mac. Files and apps can be installed and run on that drive. An image of this drive is stored on the SSD or hard disk of the Mac when it's shut down. It's re-read at the next start-up.
RamDisk requires Mac OS X 10.6 or newer. It costs US$8.99 and is available at the Power App web site (http://www.powerapp.ch).
FlipBook Creator for Mac OS X converts PDF files into flip books
Flippagemaker Software has unveiled FlipBook Creator, a tool designed to enhance ebook creation on a Mac. It converts normal PDF files into HMTL 5 and Flash flip books.
According to the folks at Flippagemaker, FlipBook Creator is capable of rendering PDF publications into full, interactive 3D flipbooks. The books can be read on Mac and iOS devices.
Flippagemaker is offering FlipBook Creator at a 50% discount off its retail price of US$99 to students and educations for a limited time. Go to http://tinyurl.com/mm9mku5Y for more info.
Streamer Pro lets users use iPhones with hearing aids
Oticon, a manufacturer of hearing solutions, has launched an upgraded Streamer Pro that lets folks who use Oticom wireless hearing instruments connect to an iPhone via the company's ConnectLine app.
The Streamer Pro is worn around the neck and acts as an intermediary device to connect Bluetooth-enbled devices to Oticom hearing instruments. The upgraded Streamer Pro and ConnectLine app work with all the company's hearing acids purchased since 2007.
When the Streamer Pro is paired with the ConnectLine app — a free download at the Apple App Store — it provides functionality that lets users switch to a variety of input sources with just a few taps. Volume can be adjusted individually for each source.
Users can move from listening to music to making audio and FaceTime calls. They can also connect to the entire integrated ConnectLine system, which allows them to stream audio from TV, landline and office phones, personal microphones, and, more directly, to their hearing apps.
The...
World Clock Deluxe for Mac OS X ticks to version 4.12
MaBaSoft (http://www.mabasoft.net) has released World Clock Deluxe 4.12, an update of its Mac OS X tool for companies and organizations regularly communicating with people across the world, for frequent travelers, and for home users having family or friends in other countries or time zones.
In version 4.12 software update has been extensively revised, displays release notes, and lets you automatically download and install updates of cities, time zones, and DST rules. - Several enhancements have been added to the report displayed by World Clock Deluxe after updating cities, time zones, and DST rules. The report now tags used cities and time zones and lets you list them first and sort cities by country.
With World Clock Deluxe you can display multiple clocks in a configurable horizontal or vertical palette, in the menu bar, and in the Dock, and show the time in over 1,600 cities and 200 time zones, including Greenwich Mean Time and Coordinated Universal Time. The app also lets you...
Password Repository for Mac OS X gets interface improvements
Tension Software (http://www.tensionsoftware.com) has updated Password Repository, a app for managing passwords on your Mac, to version 3.2. The upgrade adds interface and layout changes and improvements, improved lock and auto lock features, and more.
Password Repository lets manage an unlimited numbers of documents containing as many password records (records + related data) you like. Any document you create is protected by a "master password"with an AES-256 encryption algorithm.
Password Repository for OS X is compatible with the similar version for iOS on iTunes and any document created with Password Repository 3 on a Mac, can be transferred via iTunes and used on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad without any changes.
Password Repository requires Mac OS X 10.8 or higher. It costs US$20 and is available from Tension Software and at the Mac App Store.
Mobile accounts for more than half of Facebook's revenue
In the first quarter of 2014, mobile ads generated US$1.3 billion in revenue, accounting for 59% of Facebook's ad revenue and 53% of the company's total revenue. Even more impressively, mobile ads accounted for more than 90% of the company's revenue growth compared to last year's first quarter.
So apparently Facebook's mobile ad business has evolved to become the company's primary growth driver Growing a multi-billion dollar ad business out of thin air in less than two years is a pretty impressive achievement, one that Facebook's shareholders will surely appreciate.
Growing a multi-billion dollar ad business out of thin air in less than two years is a pretty impressive achievement, one that Facebook's shareholders will surely appreciate. Today's chart is furnished courtesy of Statista (http://tinyurl.com/ldt5ezu).
CuteDJ for the Mac adds an advanced searching option
CuteDJPro has rolled the latest version of CuteDJ, its DJ mixing software. The upgrade has an advanced searching option that allows user to search using spaces or filter by bpm, year, key.
The new version also comes with better harmonic mixing that supports the key in circle of Fifths or attuned formats. It also has re-implemented MIDI buffering system for key stability upgrading.
The software is available for Mac OS X and Windows for US$129. Go to http://www.cutedjpro.com/ for more info
Wx weather app updated for OS X, iOS devices
Hunter Research and Technology has rolled out a trio of updates its Wx weather app (http://www.hrtapps.com/wxmac/) that displays current conditions, forecasts, warnings, and radar for U.S. locations using XML data from the National Weather Service. It's available for the Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
Wx helps users set up locations on an embedded map, guiding them to choose nearby NWS observation sites, nearby NEXRAD radar, and nearby city- and county-based alert zones. The app sets up a seven-day summary "point" forecast customized for the specific latitude and longitude of the location, and a 7-day "pro" forecast that graphs temperature (actual and apparent), dew point, relative humidity, cloud cover, wind speed, wind direction, gust speed, 12-hour probability of precipitation, 6-hour liquid precipitation amount, and six-hour snow amount.
Wx also lets users set up weather maps for quick reference. Users can choose from over 40 default NWS maps and images, or provide the URL for any map of...
LinkOptimizer for Adobe InDesign gets 4.9 maintenance upgrade
Zevrix Solutions (www.zevrix.com) has released LinkOptimizer 4.9, a major maintenance update to its workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign.
LinkOptimizer allows users to reduce the size of InDesign links and speed up processing by eliminating excess image data. It also performs image color conversion and sharpening, converts file formats and more. The new version introduces a major upgrade to the app's core engine, which allows LinkOptimizer to support latest advanced technologies and future system releases.
LinkOptimizer can be purchased from Zevrix for US$259.95 (there's a "lite" version for $179.95) as well as from authorized resellers. A demo isavailable for download. The 4.9 update is free for LinkOptimizer 4.x users.
AutoMailer for OS X revved to version 2.1
Tension Software (www.tensionsoftware.com) has updated AutoMailer, its app that lets you merge data from a database with email templates and send them to multiple addresses, to version 2.1.
The app lets you prepare and send an unlimited amount of emails with a single click. In version 2.1, the import function now has the ability to auto-detect the file encode format. There are new file encode formats for text file to import, nine accepted formats such as (UTF8, ASCII, UTF16, UTF32, OLD MAC OS 9) and others. There are also interface change and improvements.
AutoMailer requires Mac OS X 10.8 or higher. It costs US$25 and is available from the Tension Software web site and the Mac App Store.
TS Calc for Mac OS X gets improved layout, interface
Tension Software (http://www.tensionsoftware.com) has updated TS Calc, a Mac OS X document-based application for solving mathematical models, to version 1.4. The upgrade sports an improved layout and interface, enhanced import features, and more.
A TS Calc document contains a series of equations and a list of variables and constants used by the equations. When the document is set up, the user can insert the input value and see the output generated by the TS Calc document using the equations to solve the problem.
TS Calc requires Mac OS X 10.8 or higher. It costs US$15.
Mobile is the new media star
A recent report published by eMarketer finds that time spent on digital media use among US adults surpassed time spent with TV for the first time in the last year. This trend is driven by the increasing proliferation of mobile devices in the United States.
In 2014, time spent on smartphones and tablets in the US will jump to 23.2%. Startlingly, mobile has become so popular that classical online media usage is shrinking since 2012. Today's chart is furnished by Statistica.com.
TownCraft game comes to the Mac, iOS
Flat Earth Games has announced TownCraft, a crafting/building exploration game. It's available for the Mac at the Mac App Store, and for iDevices at the Apple App Store. The price is US$9.99 and $4.99, respectively.
Here's how the game is described: "TownCraft is a simple yet addictive building and crafting game that's easy to get into, non-violent, and engages one's desire to discover, create and explore. Set in medieval times, players are alone in the wilderness and must start a new town to become the toast of the kingdoms. Gamers begin by crafting the most basic of tools, tying a sharpened stone to a small piece of wood as a hatchet and, before long, their town will be teeming with travellers from all across the land. They'll buy wares at the local shops, come to check out the sights, have some food, and drink at the tavern players build. Fish, farm, forage, mine, mill, and explore the bizarre and distinctive world of TownCraft."
Go to http://www.flatearthgames.com.au for more...
Apple expands capital return program to over $130 billion
Apple says its Board of Directors has authorized another increase to the company’s program to return capital to shareholders. Apple expects to utilize a total of over US$130 billion of cash under the expanded program by the end of calendar 2015.
As part of the program, the Board has increased its share repurchase authorization to $90 billion from the $60 billion level announced last year. Apple expects to continue to utilize about $1 billion annually to net-share-settle vesting restricted stock units.
Additionally, the Board has approved an increase to the company’s quarterly dividend of approximately 8% and has declared a dividend of $3.29 per common share, payable on May 15, 2014, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 12, 2014. The company also plans to increase its dividend on an annual basis. With annual payments of $11 billion, Apple is among the largest dividend payers in the world.
From August 2012 through March 2014, Apple has spent $66 billion in...
Apple reports second quarter fiscal results
Apple has announced financial results for its fiscal 2014 second quarter that ended March 29. The company posted quarterly revenue of US$45.6 billion and quarterly net profit of $10.2 billion, or $11.62 per diluted share.
These results compare to revenue of $43.6 billion and net profit of $9.5 billion, or $10.09 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 39.3% compared to 37.5 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 66 percent of the quarter’s revenue.
“We’re very proud of our quarterly results, especially our strong iPhone sales and record revenue from services,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook in a press statement. “We’re eagerly looking forward to introducing more new products and services that only Apple could bring to market.”
“We generated $13.5 billion in cash flow from operations and returned almost $21 billion in cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the March quarter,” said Chief Financial Officer Peter...
VisionTek announces mSATA mini enclosure
VisionTek Products has announced the VisionTek mSATA mini Enclosure. The USB 3.0 bus-powered device is a plug and play solution for re-tasking an existing mSATA Solid State Drive after upgrading the SSD in a notebook or for adding a new mSATA SSD to create a portable external drive.
Smaller than a business card and weighing 0.30 ounces, the mSATA mini Enclosure sports a USB 3.0/2.0 interface and a bus-powered design. An AC adapter isn't needed. It comes in a scratch-resistant aluminum housing.
The mSATA mini Enclosure works with Mac OS X and higher. It has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$29.99. Go to www.visiontekproducts.com for more info.
Revi Charger is new battery, phone cable/charger
Revi Charger is a new, credit card-sized back-up battery and phone cable/charger. Its 2.5mm frame packs a 550 mAh battery.
About the thickness of two credit cards, the Revi Charger fits into a wallet. With its flexible, built-in cable design, there's no need to carry extra cables.
The Revi Charger can simultaneously charge its own battery and a smart phone when plugged into a USB port. It comes in micro USB and Lightning cable versions. It's available for pre-order at www.ReviCharger.com with pricing starting at US$25.
Prong delivers power solution/case for the iPhone
Prong has announced the PWR Case for the iPhone 5/5s. It's a combination case and power solution.
The PWR Case includes a detachable backup battery and integrated plugs for charging in any outlet. The battery can be removed and recharged without any additional accessories while you still use your Apple smartphone in the inner, protective bumper.
The Prong PWR Case — available in black, white, blue-grey and white-pink — will ship this summer. The presage price is US$60. Go to www.prong.com for more info.
Movavi introduces audio converter for OS X
Movavi has introduced Movavi Audio Converter for Mac OS X. It offers support for just about every type of music file, including Apple Audio and multi-channel tracks.
Movavi Audio Converter also provides encoding, editing, audio extraction from video, track merging, and more. It's designed specifically for music lovers and provides a toolkit for managing digital music collections.
A free seven-day trial version of Movavi Audio Converter is available at http://www.movavi.com/audioconvertermac. A non-activated version converts only a half of audio files. A lifetime license for personal use is US$39.99. The app is also available on the Mac App Store for a special price of $19.99.
eMedia Music expands their Guitar Lab DVD series
eMedia Music, a publisher of music tutorial CDs and DVDs, will release three new titles in its Guitar Lab line of guitar instruction DVDs this month.
The 50 Essential Bebop Licks, 50 Soul Jazz Licks, and 50 Right Hand Techniques You Must Know DVDs will be available April 30. They'll cost US$24.95 each.
The Guitar Lab DVD series includes over 30 titles from beginner to advanced guitar and bass instruction. All feature Picture-in-Picture videos, a manual, standard notation, tab, Guitar Pro 6 files, practice rhythm tracks, and addition bonus material. Go to eMediaMusic.com for more info.
CS Odessa announces baseball addition to ConceptDraw Solution...
CS Odessa (www.conceptdraw.com) has announced a new ConceptDraw Solution Park addition for ConceptDraw PRO v9.5 and greater. Introduced is a new set libraries that provide a complete baseball description solution.
The new addition to ConceptDraw Solution Park is a free item for current users of ConceptDraw PRO. The Baseball Solution includes a collection of templates, samples, and libraries of vector stencils, icons and clipart that support many professional ways to show and demonstrate baseball strategy.
ConceptDraw PRO is compatible with Mac OS X and Windows. It retails for US$199. It's also included in ConceptDraw Office v2, which retails for $499.
onOne announces Perfect Photo Suite 8.5
onOne Software has announced Perfect Photo Suite 8.5, an update of its photo editor. It works as a plug-in with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, and Apple Aperture, as well as a stand-alone app.
The app includes eight integrated applications, each one targeted to a specific phot-processing task. Version 8.5 includes speed and productivity enhancements to Perfect Photo Suite's Browse module, improved performance with the Perfect Eraser tool, and enhanced masking support in Perfect Effects and Perfect Layers.
Perfect Photo Suite 8.5 will be available in mid-May\. Existing owners of Perfect Photo Suite 8 are eligible for a free update. New users may purchase the Premium Edition for US$179.95 or the Lightroom & Aperture Edition for only $99.95. The Standard Edition, a standalone application, is available for $79.95.
Owners of earlier versions of the Perfect Photo Suite can upgrade to the Premium Edition for $99.95 or the Lightroom & Aperture Edition for $79.95. For more...
Briefly 1.5 for Mac adds Color Sorting for Photos
Matthias Gansrigler has released an upgrade to Briefly, his photo/video app for Mac. The software takes photos and optional sound files as input from the user and creates still motion videos from them.
Version 1.5 can sort photos by color, resulting in a nice gradient effect in the video as well as support for more than one soundtrack or soundtrack looping, among other improvements, Gansrigler says. Also, the reduction of black borders can be disabled to show photos in their entirety.
Briefly is available exclusively on the Mac App Store for US$14.99. A 15-day demo can be downloaded from the Eternal Storms Software website (http://eternalstorms.at/).
Barcode Basics for the Mac revved to version 2.0
Barcode Basics for Mac OS X has been revved to version 2. The app offers barcode creation features.
The later version adds additional codes (Code 39 and Code 128). The software supports pro features such as bar width reduction and truncation.
Barcode Basics 2.0 requires Mac OS X 10.8 or higher and costs US$9.99. It's available at the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/n2eczys).
Apple posts Security Update for Mac OS X
Apple has rolled out Security Update 2014-002 for Mac OS X Lion, Mountain Lion, and Mavericks. Apple says it improves security.
Security Update 2014-002 also includes Safari 7.0.3. You can obtain it via the Updates section of the Mac App Store.
WaterField Design introduces 15-inch Rough Rider Leather...
WaterField Designs has added a 15-inch Rough Rider Leather Messenger bag to their line-up. After releasing the 13-inch version, the company says it had a "ton" of requests for a 15-inch model.
The Rough Rider is constructed of naturally tanned, full-grain leather. Its strap compresses bag contents to maintain a slim profile. The laptop bag rests against your body, helping ease back fatigue, says WaterField CEO Gary WaterField.
The main compartment can house a laptop, files, chargers and other necessities. There are two deep, waxed canvas pockets in the main compartment. Plus, there are two lined pockets under the flap for storing items like an iPhone or iPad mini.
The 15-inch Rough Rider Leather Messenger costs US$355; the 13-inched is $335. Go to www.sfbags.com for more info.
Apple releases iOS 7.11, Apple TV update
Apple has posted iOS 7.1.1, a new version of its operating system for iDevices such as the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
According to Apple, the upgrade improves Touch IDC fingerprint recognition, keyboard responsiveness, and resolves and issue with using Bluetooth keyboards with VoiceOver enabled. The updates is available by connecting your iDevice to your computer and updating via iTunes. Or you can go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Apple has also released Apple TV Update 6.11 for the second and third generations of the set-top device. The update is designed to maintain compatibility and interoperability with iOS 7.1.1. To download it go to you can go to Settings > General > Software Update > Update Software on your Apple TV.
Duet lets you keep track of your iPhone
Innova Technology has released the Duet, a new Bluetooth device designed to help you keep track of your smartphone. It automatically alerts you when your phone gets outsides of a 32-foot range of the device.
The Duet is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. It's a small tag that attaches to your keychain, bag, wallet — or slips into your pocket. You can also press a button on the device to ring your phone.
The Duet works both ways. Thanks to an app that you can download from the Apple App store, the Duet goes beyond a range of 32 feet from the phone that's with you, the phone will sound a notification that the Duet is missing. You can track up to ten Duets from one phone.
The device normally costs US$19. However, it's being offered at an "early bird" price of $17 for the first 200 buyers. Go to www.theduet.co for more info.
The Internet won't save U.S. newspapers
Recently, the Newspaper Association of America published the advertising revenue of American newspapers for 2013. Unsurprisingly, the numbers are still dropping.
Daily and Sunday newspapers generated 17.3 billion U.S. dollars with print ads. That's an 8.6% decrease compared with the year before. Digital advertising saw a 1.5% upturn, reaching 3.42 billion U.S. dollars — not enough by far to close the gap with print. Today's chart is courtesy of Statistica (http://tinyurl.com/nyewtjc).
TP-LINK announces N600 Entertainment Adapter
TP-LINK has announced the N600 Universal Wireless Dual Band Entertainment Adapter (TL-WA890EA), which connects any Ethernet-enabled device to your wireless home network.
Providing 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz frequency or 300Mbps on the 5.0GHz frequency, the TL-WA890EA has bandwidth for smooth HD video and music streaming and online gaming, according to the folks at TP-Link. It simultaneously connects up to four devices to your Wi-Fi network with the four built-in Fast Ethernet ports.
The TL-WA890EA has a built-in WPS button for the setup process. Users that prefer more customization may use its web-based management page. After setup, it will remain connected to your wireless network.
The N600 Universal Wireless Dual Band Entertainment Adapter is now available at a manufacturer's retail price of US$59.99. Go to www.tp-link.com for more info.
Apple to end .mac and .me AIM chatting in Snow Leopard June 30
If you're a long-time user of Apple’s cloud-based services, and have been using your Apple ID ending in mac.com or me.com to chat over the AIM network, starting June 30, you'll have to be running Mac OS X 10.7.2 or later, reports "MacIssues" (http://tinyurl.com/m26vn4a).
When Apple introduced its .Mac and subsequent .Me cloud-based services, it included cross-compatibility with AOL’s AIM service. This meant that when using iChat, you could log in with your .mac or .me username and be able to connect with AIM users.
Apple says that (http://tinyurl.com/myjkjtk) to "ensure a secure and reliable experience," customers using a mac.com or me.com ID to login to the AIM service via iChat must upgrade their Mac to OS X version 10.7.2 or later by June 30 to continue using the AIM service.
iChat functionality including text messaging via AIM, video chat, and screen sharing will no longer be available when used with a mac.com or me.com ID on systems running 10.7.1 or earlier after June 30.
Marketcircle releases Daylite 5 for the Mac, iPhone, iPad
Marketcircle has released Daylite 5 for the Mac, iPhone, and iPad. It's an update of the productivity and CRM app that helps small businesses management relationships and commitments all in one place.
Daylite 5 for Mac adds an Insight View, a new visual summary of your contacts, opportunities, and projects that allow you to see and explore your data. Its charts offer a new way to look at and interact with your data, as well as offering insight and helping answer questions about your business.
Timeline has been added to Daylite 5 for Mac to enhance the ability to review and access business relationships. You can see the duration of the relationship, as well as the amount of interaction over time. Plus, you can jump to a particular point in time to find a specific email or appointment.
Other new features in Daylite 5 for Mac include repeating tasks, folders in the sidebar, the ability to edit contact info from within Mail, and advanced filtering options.
Daylite 5 for iOS has been...
Malware campaign infecting jailbroke iPhones
A malware campaign is infecting jailbroken iPhones and iPads to steal Apple account credentials from SSL encrypted traffic, reports "Macworld." The threat was discovered after some users reported on Reddit hat they experienced crashes in some applications as a result of a mysterious MobileSubstrate add-on called Unflod, the article adds.
MobileSubstrate, now called Cydia Substrate, is a framework for jailbroken devices that allows developers to create modifications for iOS. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/l3mqwwq .
WinZip introduces WinZip Mac 3
WinZip has introduced WinZip Mac 3, a file sharing app that lets you manage, protect, and share files across email and the cloud. It offers direct support for Dropbox and Google Drive, file protection, and a Zip engine.
WinZip Mac 3 is available at the Mac App Store and directly from WinZip (www.winzip.com/mac). It requires Mac OS X 10. 7 or higher and costs US$29.99.
DAQ Plot arrives on the Mac App Store
VVI has announced the available of DAQ Plot on the Mac App Store. The app users the DLP-I)8-G data acquisition hardware to measure up to eight voltage signals.
The software and hardware are useful for lab settings on Macs as the combination permits each experimenter to have their individual signal recording station. It uses the built-in drivers on the Mac.
DAQ had been used for over a decade at many commercial labs, universities, industries, and by consultants. It's used for for everything from quick experiments to 24/7 power utility company monitoring. Go to www.vvi.com for more info.
Out of the Park Baseball 15 comes to the Mac, PC, Linux systems
Out of the Park Developments has released Out of the Park Baseball 15 for Mac, PC, and Linux platforms. It costs US$39.99 and is available at the Mac App Store.
New features include: support for 3D ballparks, as well as 3D in-game ball flight; seven real international leagues, including Japan, Korea, and Taiwan; a new ratings system; a revamped interface; and more.
Apple TV gets three new channels
Apple has launched three new channels on its Apple TV set-top box: A&E, History, and Lifetime. No updates are needed to access the new channels; they simply now appear in your channel listings.
The channels offer a preview of shows such as "Duck Dynasty," "Pawn Stars," "Storage Wars" and "Project Runaway." However, you'll need to be a cable or satellite TV subscriber to access full content.
SupaSounds serves up free Sound FX kits
SupaSounds has announced a Free SFX kit offering from their sound library. For a limited time, SupaSounds will provide game developers with all of their SFX kits at no cost.
The library lists hundreds of royalty free music tracks with regularly planned updates. Most of the tracks are 30 second (or longer) sound loops that are optimized for continuous looping.
All are MP3 files encoded at the highest possibly quality, according to the folks at SupaSounds. Go to supasounds.net for more info.
DX Toolbox upgrade for Mac OS X adds Ionosonde Plot Window
Black Cat Systems has released DX Toolbox version 4.3.0, an update of the Mac OS X compatible radio propagation/conditions analysis and forecasting tool for amateur radio operators, shortwave listeners, and other radio enthusiasts.
This version adds the Ionosonde Plot Window. This window lets you see graphs of foF2, foES and hmF2 ionosonde data from a number of sites around the world. This data is useful in determining the current real time Maximum Usable Frequency (MUF) for shortwave radio propagation.
DX Toolbox sells for US$24.99. A feature complete demo is available at http://www.blackcatsystems.com/software/dxtoolbox.html.
Easy Markdown for Mac OS X gets maintenance upgrade
Tension Software (www.tensionsoftware.com) has updated Easy Markdown, a Mac OS X app for creating text following markdown rules, to version 1.3.1. The new version improves the opening of files encoded in various formats.
The software allows you to create web pages without coding. Text written in Markdown is plain text that automatically translates in a web page coded in HTML.
Easy Markdown requires Mac OS X 10.8 or higher. It costs US$3.99 and is available at the Mac App Store.
ooVoo 5.0 now available at the Mac App Store
ooVoo has released ooVoo 5.0 on the Mac App Store. The app is a integrated video and messaging tool.
Version 5.0 sports a sleeker interface design that offers high-def, one-on-one calling; 12-way group video calls, voice calls, and screen sharing. This release also introduces an in-app purchase option for ooVoo Premium, which provides an ad-free version of the free app.
ooVoo 5.0 is localized in 12 languages. The app is available in versions for Mac OS X, Windows, iOS, and Android. Go to http://www.oovoo.com/home.aspx for more info.
DEVONtechnologies updates all editions of DEVONthink
DEVONtechnologies has released updates for all editions of its information and knowledge manager DEVONthink. Updates are also available for its notebook app DEVONnote and its smart Internet research assistant DEVONagent. The updates are free and recommended for all users.
All editions of DEVONthink, DEVONnote, and DEVONagent require an Intel-based Mac and OS X 10.6.8 or later (in the Mac App Store: OS X 10.8.3 or later). They can be downloaded from www.devontechnologies.com and be test-driven for free before they need to be licensed. DEVONthink Personal, DEVONnote, and all editions of DEVONagent are also available in the Mac App Store.
