Franchise Hockey Manager for Mac OS X revved to version 1.62
OOTP Developments has launched Franchise Hockey Manager version 1.62, a major update to the customizable hockey management game for Mac OS X and Windows.
The new version offers: revamped training, scouting, and staff/personnel systems; four new leagues: two starts for the current season, one with Opening Night rosters and one with post-trading deadline rosters; and more.
FHM costs US$39.99. Go to http://tinyurl.com/m22xm75 for more info.
Boot Camp in 2013 Mac Pros doesn't support Windows 7
Apple's Mac Pro only supports installations of Windows 8 or later with Boot Camp, according to an updated Apple Support document that lists versions of Windows compatible with the 2013 Mac Pro.
Boot Camp is software included with Mac OS X that lets you run compatible versions of Windows on an Intel-based Mac. The 2013 Mac Pro is the first Mac that does not include support for Windows 7 with Boot Camp 5. Read more at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5634 .
Apple adds ACC Sports Channel to the Apple TV line-up
As noted by AppleInsider.com, Apple has added an ACC [Atlantic Coast Conference] Sports Channel to the Apple TV line-up. It offers game highlights and feature programming related to NCAA March Madness.
The new channel features access to "Campus Insiders," a digital college sports network, as well as the ability to view "Most Recent" content, and a "Search" pane. Content can also be viewed based on schools in the conference, while a list of "Must See Moments" from the ACC are also available through the application.
Microsoft has announced OneNote for Mac
Microsoft has announced OneNote for Mac. It's the first Mac version of the tool to jot down your ideas, capture your collection of web clippings and research, plan your trips and events, check your to-dos and shopping lists and share your notes with friends and co-workers.
OneNote for Mac is compatible with Mac OSX 10.9 and above. You can download it for free from the Mac App Store. You can also visit http://www.onenote.com to access all the different OneNote apps including a few OneNote services available that are designed to enhance your web capturing experience on OneNote for Mac.
For example, along with a Mac version, Microsoft is releasing a OneNote clipper browser plug-in for Safari, Firefox, Chrome, and Internet Explorer that allows users to save clippings from webpages. This feature is being extended to third-party apps via a new cloud API [application programming interface] that provides developers with the ability to integrate OneNote clipping into their apps.
Version 6.8.6 of Cocktail (Mountain Lion Edition) served up
Maintain has released Cocktail 6.8.5 (Mountain Lion Edition), the latest maintenance update for users running OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion. This version adds ability to change OS X's notification banner duration.
It also contains improvements on the "Delete localization files" procedure and addresses compatibility issues with Opera Next. Cocktail is a general purpose utility for OS X that lets users clean, repair and optimize their Mac.
Cocktail 6.8.5 (Mountain Lion Edition) requires OS X Mountain Lion or OS X Mountain Lion Server (10.8). Cocktail (Lion Edition) for OS X 10.7, Cocktail (Snow Leopard Edition) for OS X 10.6 and Cocktail (Leopard Edition) for OS X 10.5 are available for download from the Maintain website.
Cocktail costs US$19 for a single user license and is available for purchase from the Maintain website (http://maintain.se/cocktail).
Transcend releases memory modules for the new Mac Pro
Transcend Information, Inc. has launched 16GB and 32GB DDR3 Registered DIMM (RDIMM) modules aimed at maximizing memory in Apple's Mac Pro 2013 systems.
With four user-upgradeable memory slots available, Transcend’s latest high-performance DDR3 RDIMMs can boost Mac Pro 2013 Intel Xeon E5 3.5GHz 6-Core, 3.0GHz 8-Core, and 2.7GHz 12-Core models to 64GB, 96GB, and even 128GB total memory capacity. Angus Wu, director of Research and Development at Transcend, says the RDIMMs guarantee 100% compatibility with the new Mac Pro, requiring little effort to install in the easy access design and push-up release system of the Mac Pro.
Go to http://tinyurl.com/ldwapg7 for more info.
Security researchers hack Safari and, well, all other browsers
Security researchers demonstrated zero-day exploits against Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox and Adobe Flash Player during the second day of the Pwn2Own hacking competition Thursday, racking up total prizes of $450,000, reports "PC World" (http://tinyurl.com/kvshedy).
For Safari, the team used two different exploit vectors. One vulnerability was a heap overflow in WebKit that enabled arbitrary code execution. The team then used this opening to use another exploit to bypass the application sandbox and run code as if it was user privileged.
A team from French vulnerability research firm Vupen hacked Google Chrome by exploiting a use-after-free vulnerability that affects both the WebKit and Blink rendering engines. The researchers then successfully bypassed Chrome’s sandbox protection to execute arbitrary code on the underlying system. On Wednesday, the first day of the contest that takes place every year at the CanSecWest security conference in...
Eclipse announces TD-M1 speaker system
Eclipse has announced the TD-M1 speaker system, which the company says "delivers ultra-fidelity sound in a system designed for today’s connected lifestyle." It's due to ship March 31 and will be available in black and white.
The U$1,300 TD-M1 uses the same award-winning technology employed in Eclipse’s US$10,000 TD-712 speaker, while combining wireless convenience and connectivity with compact size. Its Class-D digital amp that powers the special, crossover-less driver mounted in the Eclipse’s enclosure.
The Eclipse TD-M1 is designed to work with high-resolution sound sources. A built-in 192kHz/24 bit input interface is capable of handling 6.5 times the amount of data on a CD. Eclipse engineers developed a 192kHz/24 bit-compatible, non-oversampling D-to-A converter (NOS-DAC) for clearer sound.
The TD-M1 uses Apple's AirPlay for wireless playback. CD-quality (44.1kHz/16 bit) lossless audio can be streamed through Apple devices like the iPhone, iPad and Mac, directly connected without...
Default Folder 4.6.4 for Mac OS X delivers compatibility fixes...
St. Clair Software has released Default Folder X 4.6.4, an update to their Mac OS X utility.
The software enhances the file dialogs in all Mac OS X applications. Its custom keyboard shortcuts put your favorite and recent folders at your fingertips. It provides fast navigation to your files, convenient previews, integrated Spotlight tagging, and more. Version 4.6.4 delivers compatibility fixes for a number of popular applications.
Default Folder X requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher. Version 4.6.4 is a free update for existing version 4 users. Go to the St. Clair Software web site (http://tinyurl.com/2gm24v) for more info.
1Password for Mac OS X revved to version 4.2
Agile Web Solutions has updated 1Password (http://1password.com), a password manager for Mac OS X, to version 4.2. The upgrade offers improved URL matching for more reliable auto-filling of forms on websites and added support for viewing secure notes in 1Password mini.
It provides improved autosave, adds the ability to choose which vault to use when saving new logins, lets users resume editing items after 1Password locks or is quit, added support for renaming tags in the sidebar. Not enough? It also give you improved data syncing and the ability to restore from a backup on first launch,.
1Password 4.2 is compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 and higher. It's a free upgrade for users of version 4.x. For new users the cost is US$49.95 for a single-user license. The app is available at the Agile web site and the Mac App Store.
Titanfall may be coming to the Mac
Respawn Entertainment (www.respawn.com) may be bringing its Titanfall game to the Mac, reports "iMore" (http://tinyurl.com/mvc4xup). It's now available for Windows, the Xbox, and Xbox One.
Titanfall is a first-person action gameplay centered on the dynamic between elite assault pilots and agile, heavily-armored, 24-foot titans. The action is varied, featuring parkour-style wall running, double jumps and the ability to hijack titans. The freedom to shift back and forth between pilot and titan allows players to change tactics on the fly, attacking or escaping depending on the situation and extending the action vertically to new heights.
Workspaces designed to help your organize your Mac OS X Desktop
Workspaces is a new, US$7.50 Mac OS X app designed to help you better organize files and folders in a visual manner on your Mac Desktop. It works as another layer on top of the regular OS X Desktop/Spaces paradigm.
SaneDesk allows you to assign specific icons to be visible and positioned when a workspace is selected. Each SaneDesk workspace can have a separate background.
The app supposedly doesn't modify, move or copy your desktop files and folders. As soon as you exit SaneDesk, all files and folders will be visible again, no matter to what workspace they were assigned. Go to http://www.sanedeskapp.com/ for more info.
Twelve South introduces the Rutledge BookBook for the MacBook
Twelve South has unveiled its first MacBook case in almost three years: the Rutledge BookBook Case. It's a premium genuine-leather case.
Each cover is hand-finished with a new color layering technique that makes every Rutledge truly a one-of-a-kind work of art. It also shelters the MacBook between two hardback book covers and a rigid spine.
The Rutledge fits all current MacBooks, including a version made just for the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display. The new Rutledge BookBook is available for US $99.99 at twelvesouth.com.
United Airlines offers new personal device entertainment system
Starting this April, United Airlines is rolling out a new personal device entertainment system onboard select aircraft.
With this new service, sponsored by the MileagePlus Explorer Card, you can choose from over 150 movies and nearly 200 TV shows and watch them free of charge on your personal device such as an iPhone or iPad. The free entertainment will be made available through the airlines' own iOS app, which can be downloaded for free.
Most planes will be equipped with the new system soon. United says it have it installed on most domestic aircraft by the end of 2014. The airline will begin on Airbus A319, Airbus A320, Boeing 747-400 and select 777-200 aircraft, followed by additional fleets. In the end, all United-operated flights will have some form of entertainment.
Petition launched to stop use of hazardous chemicals in making...
Green America, a D.C.-based non-profit group, and "The Nation" magazine launched a campaign Wednesday intended to persuade consumers to boycott Apple products unless the company makes changes in its production and supply chain operations, reports "PC World" (ttp://tinyurl.com/k9xua7g).
You can find their petition at http://www.bad-apple.org. It protests the use of benzene and n-hexane in the production of iPhones.
The petition says it would would cost just US$1 per smartphone for Apple to substitute out the chemicals. Green America and "The Nation" also wants the company to create a healthcare fund to pay for the care of workers who have fallen sick working on its products, allegedly due to poisoning from those two chemicals, and to generally improve working conditions.
Apple files appeals in patent trial judgement
Apple has filed a notice of cross-appeal in regards to the final judgement in the first Apple vs. Samsung patent trial held in California, according to "AppleInsider" (http://tinyurl.com/m2cpkoj).
Its a response to California District Court Judge Lucy Koh's final judgment of 2012's Apple v. Samsung trial, which was handed down last week,.Apple is appealing all interlocutory orders and decisions having to do with the case.
Apple's appeal applies to the Aug. 24, 2012 trial decision, Judge Koh's order on the retrial for vacated damages and the court's order denying a renewed motion for a permanent injunction against 23 Samsung devices, among other rulings.
Apple changes the iPhone return window from 30 days to 14 days
Apple has reduced the return window for the iPhone from 30 days to 14 days, as noted by "electronista" (http://tinyurl.com/nr9etxm).
"For iPhone returns, you may return your undamaged iPhone with its included accessories within 14 days of purchase for a full refund," according to Apple.
The change brings the company's iPhone policies in line with its other products, as well as the iPhone policies of US carriers. You can read more at http://tinyurl.com/ol4kn6q .
Kool Tools: PortraitPro 12 for Mac OS X
Anthropics Technology has launched PortraitPro 12, an update of the retouching software with face relighting technology for "truly natural enhancement." It runs on Mac OS X and Windows.
PortraitPro 12 includes new face relighting technology, so you can now literally show your subject in their best light. It has an enhanced capability to slim faces and take off the weight off that the camera puts on.
Version 12 incorporates Anthropics' latest skin enhancer that retains natural skin texture when removing blemishes. The brush also detects edges automatically making it fast to use.
What's more, PortraitPro can improve the appearance of hair. Hair can be thickened and made smooth. It can be recolored, or highlights added, all by moving sliders.
PortraitPro 12 can detect the age and gender of faces in the photograph so that the the most appropriate enhancements can automatically be applied to men, women and children. The latest version is also four times faster than its predecessor....
PortraitPro 12 released for Mac, Windows
Anthropics Technology has launched PortraitPro 12, an update of the retouching software with face relighting technology for "truly natural enhancement." It runs on Mac OS X and Windows.
PortraitPro 12 includes new face relighting technology. It has an enhanced ability to slim faces. Version 12 incorporates Anthropic's latest skin enhancer that retains natural skin texture when removing blemishes. The new version can also purportedly uniquely detect the age and gender of faces in the photograph so that the the most appropriate enhancements can automatically be applied to men, women and children.
PortraitPro 12 on the Mac requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher. The normal price is $159.90; however, it's being offered for $79.95 for a limited time. Go to http://www.portraitprofessional.com for more info.
Bridge Comm releases PDF Assistant 1.4 for Mac OS X
Bridge Comm has released PDF Assistant 1.4, an update of their PDF document viewer and annotator for Mac OS X 10.7 or later. It's also a maintenance upgrade.
Specifically designed for students and those who work y with PDF documentation, PDF Assistant allows users to annotate and export highlights and notes (including images) for further processing. Users can choose to view their PDF documents in the traditional vertical scrolling mode or in book mode. All PDF documents can be shared via iCloud.
PDF Assistant 1.4 costs US$9.99. A demo is available at http://macpdfviewer.com/wp/
Xojo announces Xojo Cloud for deployment of web apps
Xojo, Inc. has announced the availability of their one-click cloud deployment solution for web applications, Xojo Cloud. Xojo Cloud is available for exclusive use with apps developed in Xojo, the multi-platform development environment.
Once ready to deploy, developers click a button in Xojo that automatically connects to Xojo Cloud and launches their web browser with the application running. What's more, Xojo Cloud comes with industrial-strength security .
To offer this solution, Xojo has worked with Rackspace, the open cloud company, which delivers hybrid cloud services to customers worldwide. With nine data centers across four continents, Rackspace is able to provide service to Xojo developers in different parts of the world.
Xojo Cloud is now available from the Xojo store. Xojo 2014 Release 1, also shipping today, is required for Xojo Cloud deployment and is available for download at http://www.xojo.com/download. Xojo Cloud Hosting plans start at US$49/month for 512MB...
Echo Express SEL delivers Thunderbolt 2 for low profile PCI...
Sonnet has announced the Echo Express SEL, the latest addition to the Echo Express line of Thunderbolt 2-to-PCIe expansion systems. It enables the use of a variety of high-performance PCI Express (PCIe) cards — originally designed for use in desktop computers — with any Mac with a Thunderbolt port.
The new model is the smallest and quietest Echo chassis yet, and supports one low-profile PCIe card, according to the folks at Sonnet. The Echo Express SEL incorporates ultra-fast Thunderbolt 2 technology, which delivers twice the bandwidth of Thunderbolt and provides sufficient throughput to support many of the most demanding PCIe cards.
The new expansion chassis is suited for use with high-bandwidth networking cards, host bus adapters, and storage interface cards, allowing them to connect with Thunderbolt-enabled iMac, Mac mini, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro computers, as well as Mac Pro computers that lack PCIe expansion slots. Plus, the Echo Express SEL's dual Thunderbolt 2 ports not...
LaCie ships new portable external storage solution
LaCie has released what it says is the fastest portable external storage solution ever: the LaCie Little Big Disk, featuring Thunderbolt 2. It delivers speeds up to 1,375 MB/s and fits in a laptop bag.
Thanks to its two Thunderbolt 2 ports, the LaCie Little Big Disk can be daisy chained with other devices. Professionals can daisy chain up to five LaCie Little Big Disks plus a 4K display, and connect them to a computer via a single cable.
The new Little Big Disk, featuring Thunderbolt 2, is available in 1TB SSD capacity through the LaCie Online Store and LaCie Resellers starting at US$1,299. Thunderbolt 2 is compatible with the same cables and connectors as first–generation Thunderbolt. Go to www.lacie.com for more info.
Hitman: Absolution — Elite Edition coming to the Mac this spring
Feral Interactive says the stealth-action game Hitman: Absolution - Elite Edition will be released on the Mac this spring. Developed by Io-Interactive and published by Square Enix for PC and consoles, Hitman: Absolution — Elite Edition brings Hitman’s Agent 47 to the Mac platform for the first time.
Here's how the game is described: "Agent 47, a genetically-engineered contract killer, has taken on a very personal assignment: protecting a vulnerable girl with whom he shares an unhappy connection. Hunted by the police, marked for death by his former employers and locked in conflict with a ruthless arms dealer, 47 must use his enhanced instincts and deadly skills to eliminate his enemies and save the girl.
"As Agent 47, players will become the ultimate assassin as they master superhuman reflexes, creative stealth techniques and a powerful arsenal of weapons to pull off both clean kills and dramatic executions. While using disguises and distractions to remain undetected, resourceful...
Noteboom Productions introduces Tutor for Keynote
Noteboom Productions has introduced Tutor for Keynote, their latest video tutorial, now available on the Mac App Store for US$4.99.
With Tutor for Keynote, the user watches videos to learn how to use Apple's latest version of Keynote for the Mac. The video tutorial consists of 67 video chapters on various subjects. Each video chapter covers a specific feature and averages five minutes in length for easy comprehension.
Tutor for Keynote is at an introductory price of $4.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Reference category. Go to http://tinyurl.com/ky34bxl for more info.
Samsung appeals California district court's judgement
Samsung has appealed a California district court's final judgment of the original Apple vs. Samsung patent trial and dropped declared standard-essential patents from a second upcoming case slated to begin at the end of the month, reports "FOSS Patents" (http://tinyurl.com/qx83tbf).
The company is appealing presiding Judge Lucy Koh's ruling that awarded Apple $929 million as a result of Samsung's infringement of multiple patents. Florian Mueller of "FOSS Patents" says the ruling is now ripe for appeal after the conclusion of a November retrial over vacated damages due to juror error and a December appeal from Apple over a denied injunction against 23 Samsung devices. And "presumably it won't take long before Apple will also appeal the unfavorable parts of that ruling," he adds.
This is all part of the ongoing, global legal battle. Apple and Samsung have filed more than 30 lawsuits against each other across four continents. For example, Apple alleges that Samsung copied the slide-to-...
LinkOptimizer for Adobe InDesign improves transparency handling...
Zevrix Solutions has announced LinkOptimizer 4.8.11, a maintenance update to its workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign. LinkOptimizer allows to reduce the size of InDesign links and speed up processing by eliminating excess image data.
It also performs image adjustments such as color conversion and sharpening, converts file formats and more. The new version preserve transparency when converting image formats to TIFF and addresses some monochrome image issues on German systems.
LinkOptimizer can be purchased from the Zevrix website (http://www.zevrix.com) for US$259.95, 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 10.5-10.9 and works with Adobe InDesign and Photoshop CS3-CC.
DiskStation Manger gets revamped interface
Synology has introduced DiskStation Manager (DSM) 5.0, the latest NAS operating system that runs on DiskStations and RackStations. It sports a new interface and several new features.
Synology DSM 5.0 is free to download for users who own a DiskStation or RackStation x10 series and onward. Go to www.synology.com for more info.
Meadows Publishing Solutions releases AutoPrice software for...
Meadows Publishing Solutions has releasedAutoPrice for Adobe InDesign CS7 Creative Cloud, supporting both Mac and Windows-based platforms. It's a tool for linking text and graphics in any type of database to Adobe InDesign documents.
As the name implies, AutoPrice is engineered to automate the process of inserting, updating and versioning prices for catalogs, retail flyers and similar publications. It is also designed for updating timetables, phone lists or any other type of information that can be referenced from a database or spreadsheet file.
AutoPrice is now available for InDesign Creative Cloud, as well as previous versions of the application. For more information go to http://www.meadowsps.com .
Apple releases firmware update for the Apple TV
Apple has posted a firmware update for the Apple TV. It allows users to hide some of the channels directly from the home screen.
After updating, users can hide icons by holding the select button, causing icons on the screen to "jiggle." Once activated, users can press the play/pause button on their remote to bring up a menu that allows users to hide the icon. After a channel has been hidden, users can reactivate it through the Settings application.
Before, it was only possible to change visible apps by blocking them through the Parental Controls menu. The new firmware can be downloaded via the Apple TV Software Update system.
Apple posts iOS 7.1
Apple has released iOS 7.1, which adds, among other things, support for CarPlay, an automobile-oriented interface gives iDevice users a way to make calls, use Maps, listen to music and access messages with just a word or a touch.
You can also now control how long Siri listens to you. There are also improvements to Touch ID fingerprint recognition, bug fixes, and more.
To download the update, go to Settings on your iDevice. Select General and tap Software Update.
shinywhitebox announces upcoming iShowU Studio 1.0 for Mac OS X
shinywhitebox says iShowU Studio 1.0 for OS X has been scheduled for release late this month. The screen casting solution is designed to provide easy post-recording editing and publishing of captured footage.
Aimed at the consumer and beginner prosumer market, iShowU Studio shares several of the same features of the popular iShowU HD and iShowU Pro, including ease-of-use, camera capture, keyboard/mouse compositing, and upload services, according to the folks at shinywhitebox. It also includes a color correction pipeline from import through to export, hardware accelerated H264 recording for Mavericks and other tools.
iShowU Studio will be available in late March for $89.95 and work with Mac OS X 10.9 or higher. Go to http://tinyurl.com/lozmqsh for more info.
GlucoAide is new Mac software for diabetics
ToThePoint Software has announced GlucoAide, an application built especially for Mac users with diabetics. With GlucoAide, you can track your meter readings in either mmol/L or mg/dL.
Data entry has been designed to be quick and easy. Results can be graphed by separate test time intervals and as a daily average over any span of days. Because GlucoAide isn't restricted to any proprietary brand of meter it can be used regardless of the type of meter you have.
Results can be graphed by separate test time intervals and as a daily average over any span of days. Users can select which days to graph and print the results out to share with health professionals. Data can be also be printed in table form for sharing with health professionals. In addition data can be saved in PDF format.
The program allows people with diabetes to keep food and exercise logs along with a journal. GlucoAide can store links to diabetes related resources such as websites, documents, folders, email addresses, etc....
TRENDnet ships AC1900 wireless router
TRENDnet has released the AC1900 Dual Band Wireless Router, model TEW-818DRU. Powered by a 1GHz processor, radio amplifiers for extended wireless coverage, and Gigabit Wireless AC networking speeds, it's designed to "provide the optimum wireless experience in a busy connected home," according to the folks at TRENDnet.
The TEW-818DRU creates two wireless networks: an "ultimate performance" 1.3 Gigabits per second (Gbps) Wireless AC network, to connect all Wireless AC devices over the fastest wireless speeds available, and an "extreme performance" 600 Megabits per second (Mbps) Wireless N band, to connect everyday wireless devices such as tablets, smart phones, and computers.
Beamforming technology directs the highest wireless signal strength to each user's specific location. On the wired side, the router features all Gigabit Ethernet ports. It also offers one USB 2.0 port and a 5Gbps USB 3.0 port, to network high performance USB 3.0 storage devices and other peripherals.
The wireless...
Maintain serves up Cocktail 7.2.1 (Mavericks Edition)
Maintain has served up Cocktail 7.2.1 (Mavericks Edition), the latest maintenance update for users running OS X Mavericks.
Cocktail is a general purpose utility for OS X that lets users clean, repair and optimize their Macs. Cocktail's features are arranged into five categories that helps you manage various aspects of your computer. This version contains improvements on the "Delete localization files" procedure and adds Notification Center integration as well as OS X 10.9.2 compatibility.
Cocktail 7.2.1 (Mavericks Edition) requires OS X Mavericks 10.9 to run. Cocktail (Mountain Lion Edition) for OS X 10.8, Cocktail (Lion Edition) for OS X 10.7 and Cocktail (Snow Leopard Edition) for OS X 10.6 are available for download from Maintain website (http://www.maintain.se). Cocktail costs US $19 for a single user license.
Apple awards top execs nearly 36,000 restricted stock units each
Apple awarded top executive leadership nearly 36,000 restricted stock units each, which at current prices would net over US$19 million, per U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, as noted by "AppleInsider" (http://tinyurl.com/l8hb9py).
In the identical filings, six Apple executives were awarded 35,780 RSUs each, the bulk of which are scheduled to vest in three intervals through 2018. As it has in the past, the company is likely issuing the restricted units as an incentive to keep production levels high, notes "AppleInsider."
Apple reportedly avoided taxes on $8 billion in profits in...
An investigative report says Apple successfully avoided taxes on profits of $8 billion in Australia, reports the "Australian Financial Review" — as noted by "AppleInsider" (http://tinyurl.com/k5mwexv).
According to the report, Apple Sales International, the Irish-based entity in charge of Apple's international tax dealings, has never filed financial returns with the Companies Registrations Office in Dublin. However, the company reported over $100 billion in profit over the last five years while paying less than 50 cents in tax on every $1,000 of income.
Photo Slideshow for Mac OS X gets better iPhoto support
iFunia Studio has released Photo Slideshow 2.2.0, an update of the Mac tool for combining digital pictures, and music into home movies and DVD slideshows complete with captions and transitional effects, and sharing via YouTube, on mobile devices, or on the big screen with a DVD. New features in this version include better support for loading iPhoto resources, totally redesigned App icon, and enhanced program stability.
The output video/DVD slideshow can be shared on TV, YouTube, Facebook, iPhone, iPad, etc. Also intelligent management of Timeline and Storyboard is applied in Photo Slideshow for Mac, which makes it easier for consumers to edit and control slideshow time, according to Derek Lee, product manager of iFunia Studio.
Photo Slideshow for Mac is available now through the iFunia website. The retail price of iFunia Photo Slideshow for Mac is $39.95. To get more information or to obtain a free trial version, go to http://tinyurl.com/mlsmm49 .
Washing Machine for Mac OS X updated with improved scan speed
Intego, a provider of security products and performance utilities built exclusively for Mac users, has released version 10.8.2 of Washing Machine 2014 for Mac OS X. The new release has been updated to improve scan speed by ignoring Time Machine backups. It also includes an enhanced scanning user interface.
Washing Machine 2014 seeks out and removes large, unneeded files, frees up hard disk space, speeds up the operating system, organizes the dock and desktop, and lets users create Smart Folders for quick access to frequently used files.
The software is compatible with OS X 10.6 or higher including Mavericks. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for Washing Machine 2014 starts at US$29.99. For more info go to www.macwashingmachine.com .
IGG Software rings up iBank 5.1
IGG Software has released iBank 5.1, an upgrade to its money management program for Mac OS X 10.8 or higher. The app provides improved bank connectivity, enhanced reports, better bill pay, and superior transaction management among scores of new features and fixes.
iBank 5.1 is available from the IGG online store (www.iggsoftware.com) for US$59.99 for new users. It's a free upgrade for users of version 5.0.
For optional, automatic updating of transactions, users of iBank 5.1 have the opportunity to try Direct Access for free during a 30-day trial.
Maintaining the service costs as little as 11 cents a day: just $4.99 per month, or $39.99 for an annual subscription. That data can be synced with iBank for iPad 2 directly from the desktop app over local Wi-Fi or via WebDAV server.
Miraizon releases DNxHD and ProRes Codec Components for QuickTime
Miraizon has released DNxHD and ProRes Codec components for QuickTime. The DNxHD (VC-3) and ProRes codecs have both enjoyed increasing popularity among video editors.
Unfortunately, support for the two codecs is uneven across computer platorms and editing systems, making it often difficult for editors to collaborate and exchange files. This patchy support situation also poses problems for archiving projects if an organization decides to switch editing platforms or computer systems.
With Miraizon's DNxHD and ProRes compatible codec components, video editors can select the best codec for the job while maintaining their preferred editing system and computer platform. The Miraizon components offer identical functionality and identical compression and decompression capabilities for both Mac and Windows users.
Because QuickTime components are system resources, those same capabilities become available to all installed QuickTime-compatible applications. More info and pricing can be found at...
Registration now open for MacAdmins Conference
"Early bird" registration is now open for the 2014 MacAdmins Conference. It's an East Coast conference for anyone who deploys and manages Macs and iOS devices.
Early bird registration pricing is the same as last year. It's US$400 for the conference only (July 9-11) or $550 for the conference and a pre-conference workshop (July 8-11).
This year's conference will be home to over 50 sessions on Mac and iOS administration topics, five new pre-conference workshops, and three evening events. The workshops will cover: "D&D - Deployment and Delivery," "iOS and Mobile Device Management," "More Shell Scripting than Necessary," "Python and Git for System Admins," and "Mac Admin Fundamentals."
The MacAdmins Conference is held at Pennsylvania State University. Go to www.myharmony.com/smartkeyboard for more info. Go to http://macadmins.psu.edu .
Contour Design rolls out the RollerMouse
Contour Design has introduced the RollerMouse, which uses the company’s proprietary 7SENSES tracking technology and a Phillips twin-eye laser sensor inside the polished aluminum rollerbar to provide "a perfect internal environment to interpret cursor movement."
The rollerbar glides effortlessly and precisely over a frictionless bearing surface with pinpoint accuracy, according to the folks at Contour Designs. For users whose jobs demand a great deal of repetitive scrolling, the integral center button offers an automatic scrolling feature that makes scrolling less tedious and more accurate, they add.
Additionally, all controls are centrally located including the single click buttons for copy and paste. The RollerMouse is available in a variety of models. Go to www.rollermouse.com for more info.
Retrospect 11 for Mac OS X includes block level incremental...
Retrospect has announced new versions of Retrospect Backup & Recovery Software for Mac OS X. Retrospect 11 includes block level incremental backup technology for smaller, faster backups, a new high-level dashboard, and detailed email reporting.
Retrospect 11 for Mac is available immediately from Retrospect resellers or www.retrospect.com as an electronic download. Boxed product will be available from resellers at the end of March. Retrospect is available in six languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese.
Pricing for Retrospect ranges from US$119 for Retrospect Desktop, which protect a single non-server computer and up to five additional networked computers, up to $2,199 for Retrospect Multi Server, which protects as many Mac, Windows, and Linux servers and PCs as your bandwidth and storage capacity will allow.
Upgrades range from $69 to $1,299. Individuals and organizations that purchased a Retrospect license on or after Feb. 1, 2014 will receive an email...
Nuance unveils Dragon Dictate for Mac 4
Nuance Communications has announced Dragon Dictate for Mac, version 4. It's an update of the personalized voice recognition software. The upgrade has improved accuracy with new and improved speech recognition technology, and now features the ability to transcribe text from any single speaker’s pre-recorded audio file, combining both voice recognition and transcription offerings into one powerful product.
As a pure 64-bit application, Dragon Dictate for Mac, version 4, now enables higher performance and improved memory management capabilities over previous versions, says Peter Mahoney, chief marketing officer, Nuance. In addition, Dragon Dictate for Mac lets you control your Gmail inbox within the Safari or Firefox browser with a few simple voice commands.
Dragon Dictate provides Full Text Control in Gmail, so you can mix your talking and typing and still be able to edit, correct and format your text using voice commands. The software also supports Full Text Control in Apple Pages...
Anime Studio 10 updated with new Bone Constraint feature, more
Smith Micro Software's Productivity and Graphics Group has released Anime Studio Pro 10 and Anime Studio Debut 10, an update of the animation software that allows artists of all ages and skill levels to craft 2D animations
To celebrate the 10th edition of Anime Studio, Smith Micro has teamed up with Wacom Technology, makers of digital interface solutions, for a giveaway with no purchase necessary. From March 4 to April 4, users can enter for the chance to win a Wacom Cintiq Companion grand prize or a Intuos Pro Medium or Intuos Medium tablet for second and third place prizes. As well, award-winning animator Victor Paredes has created an exclusive animation clip with Anime Studio 10, highlighting the various ways users can utilize preloaded content available immediately in the software.
The latest version features include rigging options to help set up more complex characters, says Fahim Niaz, senior product manager for Smith Micro Software. The independent angle constraints allows...
SecuritySpy for Mac OS X adds support for more cameras
Bensoftware has announced SecuritySpy 3.3, an update to the multi-camera video surveillance software for the Mac.
SecuritySpy sports features such as motion detection, real-time compression of multiple camera feeds, and network video and audio streaming. New features in this version include support for BlackMagic video hardware, the latest Apple FaceTime cameras, and several new network cameras.
Pricing depends on the number of cameras used with the unlimited camera version costing US$1,100. SecuritySpy requires OS X 10.5 or higher. A 30-day fully-featured trial of SecuritySpy is available at the Bensoftware web site (http://www.bensoftware.com/).
Apple's Peter Oppenheimer to retire at the end of September
Apple has announced that Peter Oppenheimer (pictured), Apple’s senior vice president and chief financial officer, will retire at the end of September. Luca Maestri, Apple’s vice president of finance and corporate controller, will succeed him as CFO reporting to CEO Tim Cook. Oppenheimer will transition the CFO role to Maestri in June and the balance of his responsibilities over the remaining time.
"Peter has served as our CFO for the past decade as Apple’s annual revenue grew from $8 billion to $171 billion and our global footprint expanded dramatically. His guidance, leadership and expertise have been instrumental to Apple’s success, not only as our CFO but also in many areas beyond finance, as he frequently took on additional activities to assist across the company. His contributions and integrity as our CFO create a new benchmark for public company CFOs," said Cook in a press release. "Peter is also a dear friend I always knew I could count on. Although I am sad to see him leave, I...
EDGE Memory announces diskGO Sonic USB 3.0 Flash Drive
EDGE Memory has released the diskGO Sonic USB 3.0 flash drive as part of their new portable SSD line. It's powered by a SandForce SSD controller and is available in 60GB, 120GB and 240GB versions. A 480GB version is in the works.
The diskGO Sonic is equipped with USB 3.0 and is encased in aluminum. ach drive is covered by a two-year warranty and is Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux compatible.
Pricing starts at US$72. Go to www.edgememory.com for more info.
SCSC releases Scannerz 1.7 for the Mac
Software and Computer System Company has rolled out Scannerz Version 1.7 for Mac OS X. The tool employs hard drive analysis algorithms to repair and maintain your hard drives.
Version 1.7 includes a Diagnostics Mode, which can automatically detect and analyze drive and system problems. It can catch data corruption caused by bad cables and faulty interface circuitry, catch system bus and memory problems and more.
The update is free for all registered users of Scannerz. For new users the cost is US$49.95. Go to http://www.scsc-online.com for more info.
