BMO Capital analyst predicts 156 million iPhones sold in fiscal...
BMO Capital analyst Keith Bachman told clients in a note -- as reported by "Barron's" (http://macte.ch/po7xu) -- that he's raised his price target from US$545 to $590 after lifting his estimate for iPhone unit sales this quarter and for the full year to reflect the addition of carriers offering the device, including China Telecom where the phone will go on sale March 9.
For the second fiscal quarter that ends in March, Bachman estimates Apple may sell 29 million units; that's up from a prior 28 million unit estimate. For the year, he’s modeling 120 million units, up from 118.5 million. Bachman also raised his estimate for fiscal 2013, to 156.3 million iPhones sold from a prior 153.5 million.
Apple wins German appeals court ruling involving Motorola
Apple has won a German appeals court ruling temporarily blocking the enforcement of a patent verdict obtained by Motorola Mobility in December, reports "Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/HS2Uf).
Motorola Mobility, which forced Apple to remove some iPad and iPhone models from its German online store for a short period, can’t enforce the verdict during an appeal, the article adds. The ruling was issued after Apple revised license-agreement terms it offered Motorola Mobility, the court told "Bloomberg" in an e-mailed statement.
"At the current state of the proceedings, it is to be assumed that Motorola Mobility would violate its duties under antitrust rules if it continues to ask Apple to stop the sales," the court said.
This is part of an ongoing battle between the two companies. Apple has previously alleged that Motorola infringes 24 of its patents (21 of them with Android-based phones, the remaining three with set-top boxes and DVRs), while Motorola previously asserted 18 patents against a...
Apple posts Wi-Fi Update 1.0 for iMacs
Apple has posted Wi-Fi Update 1.0 for for late 2009 and newer iMacs. You can obtain it via the Software Update component of Mac OS X's Systems Preferences app.
Wi-Fi Update 1.0 fixes a problem where the iMac doesn’t automatically reconnect to wireless networks after waking from sleep when running OS X 10.7.x ("Lion"). The update requires OS X 10.7.3 and is 25.81MB.
Instant is new photography app for Mac OS X
ThinkTime Creations has introduced Instant 1.0, its new photography app for Mac OS X (10.6 or later). It costs US$6.99 (for a limited time) and is available at the Mac App Store in the Photography category.
Instant is designed to bring the fun of Polaroid instant camera to your Mac thanks to an interface and workflow that mimics a real classic Polaroid instant camera. The software ships with 28 preset vintage style filters with adjustable effects, some of which are specially designed to mimic real Polaroid photo effects. Handwriting style text can also be added on top of the Polaroid classic border.
Instant lets users "re-shoot" their digital photo by drag 'n dropping it on to its "camera body". An "undeveloped" film framed with Polaroid classic border will slide out from the bottom of the camera. Slowly the film will "dry" and the "developed" photo will surface eventually, just like the workflow of the real Polaroid camera.
AudiOffice enhances communication capabilities of iOS devices
Invoxia has introduced the US$299 AudiOffice (http://www.invoxia.com/) for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, though it's particularly suited to the Apple smartphone. Sporting a Cortex A8 processor, the device "optimizes the IOS telephony ability."
According to the folks at Invoxia, the AudiOffice is dedicated to business professionals who use IOS devices when they are in and out of the office. It allows you to use an iPhone in conference mode or while listening to music.
The AudiOffice boasts four wide-bandwidth speakers as well as two digital microphones. It automatically pairs via Bluetooth to the IOS devices. You can also connect any devices using Bluetooth or USB.
SunLeaf Solar launches Solar Charger for iPad/iPhone
SunLeaf Solar has introduced the USS$165 SunLeaf Pro (http://macte.ch/s9VfQ), an USB-based solar charger that plugs into an electronic gadget like the iPad or iPhone and can fold up to an eighth of its size.
In ideal conditions, the SunLeaf Pro is purportedly capable of fully charging an iPad in under seven hours. An iPhone would charge fully in under three hours.
The optional battery allows you to store energy so you can use your iPad during the day and recharge at night. Although it was designed for the iPad, all electronics that charge through a USB port are compatible with the SunLeaf Pro thanks to the included USB voltage controller.
Mac OS X software updates for Feb. 27
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps.
Maintain (http://maintain.se/cocktail) has announced Cocktail 5.1.3 (Lion Edition), the latest maintenance update of Cocktail for users running OS X Lion. Cocktail is a general purpose utility for OS X that lets you clean, repair and optimize your Mac. Version 5.1.3 adds compatibility with the latest versions of supported web browsers and addresses several issues identified in the previous release.
SoftRAID has released SoftRAID 4.3, an update of its RAID solution for Mac OS X. The new version is compatible with the developers release of OS X 10.8 ("Mountain Lion").
Mapdiva has rolled out Artboard 1.4 (http://www.mapdiva.com/artboard/), an update to their vector drawing software for OS X Lion. Version 1.4 makes it easier to design logos, posters, technical drawings and more.
Jumsoft (http://www.jumsoft.com) has served up Bill Engine 1.1, an update to their invoicing application for the Mac. The upgrade offers an improved invoice...
AT&T must pay iPhone user for reducing download speeds
Southern California judge has awarded US$850 to an iPhone user because AT&T Inc. reduced his download speeds in an attempt to manage usage on its network, reports the "Associated Press" (http://macte.ch/vFvr8).
Pro-tem Judge Russell Nadel found in favor of Matt Spaccarelli in Ventura Superior Court in Simi Valley. Spaccarelli filed a small claims case against AT&T last month, arguing the communications giant unfairly slows speeds on his iPhone 4's unlimited data plan.
The "Associated Press" notes that Nadel's ruling could pave the way for others to follow suit. AT&T has some 17 million customers with "unlimited data" plans that can be subject to throttling.
Apple adds 'Mastered for iTunes' section to the iTunes...
Apple has added a new section called "Mastered for iTunes" (http://www.apple.com/itunes/mastered-for-itunes/) to the iTunes Store, which lets you "experience music as the artist and sound engineer intended."
Mastered for iTunes albums are mastered specifically with the iTunes format in mind, ensuring the delivery of the music to listeners with increased audio fidelity, more closely replicating what the artists, recording engineers, and producers intended.
Currently, the iTunes Store is offering only about 100 albums labeled "Mastered for iTunes." Apple’s changes come after years of complaints by musicians, including Neil Young, that sound quality suffers from the compression used by digital services to reduce a file’s size, notes the "New York Times" (http://macte.ch/6CSHB). Apple isn’t charging extra for the mastered collections. Of course, some customers will probably re-purchase some music o hear the enhancements.
iOS regains market lead from Android in ad impressions
InMobi (http://www.inmobi.com), an independent mobile ad network, released its "Mobile Insights Report: North American Edition, January 2012." It shows that IOS has regained its market lead from Android.
InMobi's report is based on data from InMobi’s network, which serves over 93.4 billion monthly mobile advertising impressions across the globe. The report highlights the continued growth of mobile advertising in North America, as the InMobi network grew by 82% or 25.2 billion monthly impressions in just 90 days.
The January 2012 report unveils that iOS has passed Android by 2.6% share and regained the number one market position, after running in second place for most of last year. The top three handsets in January 2012 were Apple devices (the iPhone 4, iPad 1 and iPod touch), and Apple’s share of impressions increased to 35%.
Proview sues Apple in the U.S. in iPad name battle
Proview Technology, a China-based tech firm trying to stop Apple from using the iPad name in Proview's home base, has launched an attack on Apple in the U.S. filing a lawsuit in California that accuses it of employing deception when it bought the trademark.
"A unit of Proview International Holdings Ltd, a major computer monitor maker that fell on hard times during the global financial crisis, is already suing Apple in multiple Chinese jurisdictions and requesting that sales of iPads be suspended across the country," notes "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/u8Md5).
Last week, Proview filed a lawsuit in Santa Clara County that brings their legal dispute to Silicon Valley. The legal brouhaha has now gone international.
Apple has threatened to take legal action against the Chinese tech firm known as Provide Techonlogy for inflaming an ongoing dispute over the iPad trademark. Apple says that the company's founder and its lawyers have made misleading statements that could damage the U.S. tech...
Apple has to shut off 'pushed' email in Germany
Following a recent loss in Germany's Mannheim Regional Court, Apple has told German iPhone customers that e-mail can no longer be "pushed" to their phones through their iCloud or MobileMe services.
“Due to recent patent litigation by Motorola Mobility, iCloud and MobileMe users are currently unable to have iCloud and MobileMe email pushed to their iOS devices while located within the borders of Germany,” the company said on a support page (http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4208?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US). "Affected customers will still receive iCloud and MobileMe email, but new messages will be downloaded to their devices when the Mail app is opened, or when their device periodically fetches new messages as configured in iOS Settings. Push email service on desktop computers, laptop computers, and the web is unaffected, as is service from other providers such as Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync."
Pending Apple's appeal, which could take months, iPhone users in Germany will have to...
Apple buys Chomp, an app search platform
Apple has bought the app search and discovery platform Chomp, reports "TechCrunch" (http://macte.ch/ffwWc). Specifics on the deal haven't been revealed.
Chomp's proprietary algorithm learns the functions and topics of apps, so you can search based on what apps do, not just what they’re called. You can try searching for "puzzle games," "kids games," "expense trackers," "tip calculators" or "chat" to start finding the type of apps you're looking for.
Chomp for iPhone was launched January 2010. It's a free download in the Apple App Store. Chomp for Android was launched in February 2011 and is a free download on the Android Market.
Apple posts several firmware updates
Apple has released firmware updates for 2011 models of the iMac, Mac mini, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, iMac, and Mac mini.
The updates improve stability, fix unspecified issues, and address some network booting issues. You can obtain the firmware updates by using the Software Updates component of the Mac OS X System Preferences app.
NuForce's Air DAC system supports wireless audio streaming
NuForce's (http://www.nuforce.com/) has announced the Air DAC Wireless System for personal audio streaming. The company says it gives users the ability to wirelessly transmit their music from a computer without latency and interference, while preserving CD-quality sound.
The Air DAC wireless system is a combination wireless transmitter (NuForce iTX for Apple devices or uTX for computer USB) and a radio receiver (Air DAC) that operates in the 2.4GHz radio band. The NuForce Air DAC wireless receiver and any device outfitted with an appropriate matching TX transmitter can be combined to form a wireless audio network.
The NuForce wireless transmitter and receiver set not only permits users to get exceptional wireless sound, it also allows users to send it to multiple devices in just about any room in a house. Each transmitter can send audio to four receivers, and each receiver can connect to as many as four transmitters.
Setup doesn’t require Wi-Fi routers or IP addresses. Just...
iPad user generates 3x the data traffic that iPhone subscriber...
Bytemobile (http://www.bytemobile.com) -- which specializes in video optimization and "smart capacity" solutions for mobile network operators -- has published the findings of its "Mobile Analytics Report -- February 2012." Among other things it looks at iPd and iPhone data usage.
The new report reveals that the average volume of video traffic on mobile networks has risen by 10 percentage points since this time last year -- up to 50% from 40%. In certain networks, video traffic is up to 69% of total traffic. Also, while the average subscriber uses YouTube and Facebook for roughly the same amount of time -- about nine minutes per session -- YouTube generates a staggering 350 times more traffic.
According to Bytemobile’s report, an iPad user generates three times the data traffic that an iPhone subscriber does. Also of note, mobile social networking is taking off, as smartphone users spend an average of 4.57 minutes per session on Twitter, 8.51 minutes per session on YouTube and 9.06...
Fogra certifies HELIOS WebShare UB2 for color proofing monitors
Fogra Graphic Technology Research Association has certified HELIOS WebShare UB2 in combination with the Eizo ColorEdge CG245W and CG275W color proofing monitors for producing soft proofs in compliance with FOGRA39 conditions.
The new FograCert 25486 confirms that the HELIOS UB2 web solution fulfills the requirements of the FograCert Softproofing System with three Eizo ColorEdge monitor configurations to "achieve high-quality visual matches between a display and a reference." HELIOS' fast and secure managed file transfer and browser-based remote collaboration for print preview and markup accelerates print industry soft proof workflows while enabling pre-press providers, as well as small and large commercial printers and their customers, to save time and money.
The Fogra certification includes HELIOS WebShare in use with HELIOS PrintPreview UB2. The combination enables secure managed file transfer and remote collaboration to generates soft proofs simulating the FOGRA39 printing...
Securifi announces touch screen, Wi-iFi router
Tech startup Securifih has announced what it says is world's first touch screen wireless router, Almond (http://www.securifi.com/almond). Pricing hasn't been announced, but it's expected to be under USS$70.
Due in North America this spring, it houses a 320 x 240 pixel, 2.8-inch full-color touch screen display for handling all router setup and maintenance. It removes the need for operating through a Mac or PC entirely, says Securifi CEO Rammohan Malasani.
"We set out to design a full-featured WiFi access point the average person can set up and enjoy in a minute or two," he says. "The falling cost of touch screen technology has finally made it possible. Users of Securifi's Almond router will never have to memorize -- or even write down -- its IP address."
You can secure the router with a password you can display as ordinary text. The result of this is that those who forget how they arrived at an exotic password like tlpWENT2m (short for "this little piggy went to market") can simply...
JPR: tablets have changed the nature of the computer market
Jon Peddie Research (http://www.jonpeddie.com), the industry's research and consulting firm for graphics and multimedia, has announced estimated graphics chip shipments and suppliers’ market share for the fourth quarter of 2011 (Q4’11).
They found that shipments during the fourth quarter of 2011 behaved according to past years with regard to seasonality, the new seasonality that has developed since the economic crash of 2008. Prior to that shift, Q4 was a seasonally up quarter. Since 2008 it’s been a seasonally low to down quarter -- and this year it was down the most since 2008. Much of it was blamed on the floods in Thailand, but general economic malaise still permeates the industry, according to JPR.
The firm's forecast for the coming years has been modified since the last report, and is less aggressive on both desktops and notebooks; tablets have changed the nature of the computer market. This quarter, Intel celebrated its eighth quarter of shipping its Embedded Processor Graphics...
Mac OS X software updates for Feb. 24
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps.
Brigadoon Software (http://www.brigadoonsoftware.com) has released MacPhoneHome 3.5, which offers several new security and communication upgrades required by recent changes in Internet protocol. MacPhoneHome is stand-alone computer tracking and recovery software.
Reggie Ashworth has announced VidConvert 1.2.1 (http://www.reggieashworth.com/vidconvert), an update to his video converter for Mac OS X. The upgrade offers support for adding DVDs directly, support for the Apple ProRes format and more.
DigiDNAs has rolled out DiskAid 5.1 (http://www.digidna.net/products/diskaid) for Mac OS X. The folks at DigiDNAs say it's the first application to offer access to iPhone apps using iCloud Document Storage. DiskAid's new navigation pane contains a new section called "iCloud," where all apps using iCloud storage will be displayed.
Zevrix Solutions (http://www.zevrix.com) has served up Output Factory 1.1, a feature update to its solution to...
Apple agrees on majority voting for Board of Directors
At its annual shareholders meeting, Apple (reluctantly) agreed to adopt majority voting on the board of directors.
Shareholders voted in favor of the measure in 2011, but Apple's leadership nixed the idea. The adoption of the measure is probably due to pressure by Calpers, the US' biggest public pension fund that owns 0.26% of Apple (that's a stake worth $1.4 billion). The renewed measure was sponsored by the California Public Employees’ Retirement System.
Before the change, shareholders in the world’s largest listed company could only withhold their vote in favor of the election of a director, rather than vote against, notes the "Financial Times" (http://macte.ch/U4xgp). If a director was unopposed, only one vote in favour was required to retain the post, irrespective of how many votes were withheld.
Apple also asked shareholders to re-elect William Campbell, Tim Cook, Millard Drexler, Al Gore, Robert Iger, Andrea Jung, Arthur Levinson, and Ronald Sugar to the company’s Board of...
Canalys: Android apps are two expensive
The Canalys research group (http://www.canalys.com) has released the results of a recent App Interrogator survey of the top paid-for and free apps from the leading consumer app stores to clients of its App Store Analysis service.
The survey reveals that the top paid-for Android apps are priced dramatically higher than those on iOS for the iPhone. In the US, to purchase the top 100 paid-for apps in the Android Market would cost US$374.37 -- an average of $3.74 per app -- more than 2.5 times the cost of the top 100 paid-for iPhone apps. The top 100 iPhone apps would cost $147, or $1.47 on average per app.
A narrower focus on just the top 10 or 20 downloaded paid-for app listings reveals the same striking disparity in pricing. The top 10 or 20 Android paid-for apps cost, on average, $3.47 or $4.09 each respectively, compared with $0.99 or $1.04 respectively for the top 10 or 20 iOS paid-for apps. A similar picture was also seen in all five countries surveyed (Germany, India, Singapore,...
T-Mobile: not carrying the iPhone hurt us
T-Mobile USA (http://www.t-mobile.com) has announced earnings results for the fourth quarter of 2011, revealing a net loss of over 800,000 contract subscribers during the quarter. And it says the lack of an iPhone is part of the problem.
"In 2011, T-Mobile USA showed solid financial performance with a remarkable adjusted OIBDA turn-around in the second half of the year, despite nine challenging months during the pending acquisition. We further increased our 4G data speed to 42 Mbps, expanded our sales channels, launched 25 new 4G handsets and significantly improved our operational efficiency. As a result, adjusted OIBDA rose again year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2011 and branded data ARPU grew 20 percent year-on-year as smartphone adoption accelerated,” says CEO Philipp Humm. "However, not carrying the iPhone led to a significant increase in contract deactivations in the fourth quarter of 2011. In 2012 and 2013, T-Mobile USA will invest to get the business back to growth,...
Intego uncovers Flashback Mac trojan horse
Intego says it's uncovered a Flashback Mac trojan horse that's using "novel techniques to infect Macs."
"Since then, we have discovered a number of samples of this latest variant, Flashback.G, and have seen evidence that many Mac users have been infected by this malware," says Intego.
This new variant of the Flashback Trojan horse uses three methods to infect Macs. The malware first tries to install itself using one of two Java vulnerabilities. If this is successful, users will be infected with no intervention. If these vulnerabilities aren't available -- if the Macs have Java up to date -- then it attempts a third method of installation, trying to fool users through a social engineering trick. The applet displays a self-signed certificate, claiming to be issued by Apple. Most users won’t understand what this means, and click on Continue to allow the installation to continue, says Intego.
For more info, including Intego's recommended means of protection, go to http://blog.intego.com/...
Study: iPad will take 60% of tablet computer market this year
With talks and anticipation of Apple’s iPad 3 launch soon, the 2012 tablet computer market share battle is just about to commence. According to the research conducted by the WitsView and DRAMeXchange, the panel and NAND flash division of TrendForce (http://www.trendforce.com), the total sales of tablet computers in 2012 will likely amount to 94 million units, a 53.1% increase compared to 62 million units in 2011.
The study says Apple will continue maintaining its dominant position like it did over the past two years; iPad will take up 60% market share, a total of 59 million units. TrendForce says Apple’s high tablet market share can be attributed to its tablet competitors failing to catch up with iPad’s advancements.
Although various Android phones carve up a certain amount of market share, iPad’s domination remains unshaken. iPad 3 will further secure its leading status with its solid hardware-software integration and high resolution display, which will give iPad a leg up on other...
Apple responds to ABC report on Foxconn conditions
Apple has responded to ABC News’ Bill Weir exclusive report on the conditions inside Foxconn, Apple’s main Chinese manufacturer.
For the first time, Apple allowed a journalist onto its production line to witness the labor conditions inside Foxconn. Since ABC News’ original report, Apple, Foxconn and the Fair Labor Association have sent statements explaining a few sentences in the original report, reports "WTMA."
Apple, regarding Zhou Xiao Ying’s claim that she carves the aluminum shavings from 6,000 iPad logos per day, had this to say: "In manufacturing parlance this is called deburring. Her line processes 3,000 units per shift, with two shifts per day for a total of 6,000. A single operator at Ms. Zhou’s station would deburr 3,000 iPads in a shift."
Apple clarified that Zhou Xiao Ying couldn’t have been working a second shift since it would be impossible if she worked 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., then worked 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., and then worked her next day’s shift. Apple says Ying likely...
Court: Apple can still sell iPads in Shanghai
A Shanghai court has rejected a request in a trademark case to stop Apple selling the iPad in the city, reports "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/qOUMU).
The Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Court denied a request by Proview Technology (Shenzhen), a Chinese tech firm, for the injunction and agreed to Apple's request that the trademark infringement case be suspended pending a ruling in a separate case in a higher court.
The decision, announced on Thursday, gives Apple some leeway in a larger battle over the iPad trademark in China, notes "Reuters." This is part of the ongoing battle between Apple and Proview.
Proview Technology says it's open to talks, according to the "Associated Press" (http://macte.ch/hJ56T). However, Apple has shown no interest in such a settlement , the video report adds.
Apple has threatened to take legal action against the Chinese tech firm for inflaming an ongoing dispute over the iPad trademark. Apple says that the company's founder and its lawyers have made...
Apple had smartphone value market share of 38% in 2011
Preliminary data from Berg Insight (http://www.berginsight.com) -- show that sales of high-end smartphones equipped with dual-core application processors reached 60 million units worldwide in 2011.
The first smartphones with dual-core processors were unveiled at the beginning of 2011 with sales starting in February 2011. One year later, at the upcoming Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, several handset vendors are expected to announce their first smartphones with quad-core processors. As quad-core processors gradually find their way into high-end devices, adoption of dual-core processors will accelerate in the mid-range smartphone segment, according to Berg Insight.
Total smartphone sales grew 59% to 470 million units worldwide in 2011. High-end smartphones with unsubsidized retail prices above US$500 and low-cost devices priced at around $125 contributed to most of the growth in the smartphone category in 2011. Sales of high-end devices doubled from about 75 million units in 2010...
Apple maintains top mobile computer share
Apple shipped nearly 23.4 million mobile computers in the fourth quarter of 2011 (Q4’11), up 128% year-over-year (Y/Y), and over 62.8 million mobile computers in 2011, up 132% Y/Y according to preliminary results from the latest "NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly Mobile PC Shipment and Forecast Report" (http://www.npdgroup.com).
Nearly 80% of Apple’s mobile shipments were iPads, more than 18.7 million shipped in the quarter, up 156% Y/Y, and 48.4 million units for the year, up 183% Y/Y. Overall mobile computer shipments grew 12% Q/Q and 44% Y/Y, reaching 88 million units in Q4’11. This was driven by continuing strong demand for tablets.
Tablet shipment growth was 42% Q/Q (quarter-over-quarter) and 210% Y/Y, reaching 31.7 million units in Q4’11. Notebook shipments were flat Q/Q but up nearly 11% Y/Y, reaching 56.3 million units. As expected, consumer mobile computer adoption was focused on tablets, holding up demand in notebooks.
"Mobile computer brands read the writing on the wall in the...
Defocus Effects For FCP, Motion and AE released by PHYX
Noise Industries has introduced PHYX Defocus (US$49) to its line of plug-ins available on FxFactory 3. PHYX Defocus effects (http://www.phyxware.com/Defocus.html) simulate depth of field, bokeh, tilt-shift, rack-focus and more.
The GPU-accelerated suite is compatible with Final Cut Pro X and 7, Motion 5 and After Effects. Feature highlights include chroma aberration, fast defocus to simulate "bokeh" or out-of-focus lens effects, pan/tilt as well as two vignette Vision effects options and more.
Satechi Divoon stand available for smartphones, tablets
Satechi (http://www.Satechi.net) has released the US$29.99 Divoom iFit-2, a speaker stand for smartphones and tablets. It delivers high fidelity audio and doubles as a stand for the iPad 2, iPhone 4S, BlackBerry, Motorola Xoom, Galaxy Tab, HTC Evo and more.
The six-watt speaker delivers portable sound and can connect to any device with a 3.5mm jack. The iFit-2 features an opening for a 30-pin connector. Equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the iFit-2 delivers up to seven hours of playtime.
Native Instruments releases Evolve
Native Instruments has released Evolve, a Kontakt-based instrument created by sound design house Heavyocity, the team behind Damage and the Evolve Mutations series.
Evolve offers a resource for cinematic sound design that brings together a selection of sounds, rhythms and FX designed specifically for film composers and sound designers. With approximately 6GB of sample content, Evolve provides a resource for cinematic sounds, textures and ambiences. A variety of styles are included in the instrument, ranging from beats for dramatic tension, atonal stings for added suspense, or serene melodic lines for intricate tonal sequences.
Evolve is available for a suggested price of US$229 from authorized dealers and at the NI Online Shop (http://www.native-instruments.com/Evolve). An upgrade for owners of Evolve Mutations 1 or 2, or the bundle, is available for $119 at the NI Online Shop.
backStage pro II for the iPad now shipping
Scosche (http://www.scoshe.com) is now shipping the US$149.99 backStage pro II, a headrest mount for iPad 2. The mount secures an iPad 2 to the back of any headrest so passengers can enjoy handsfree viewing of movies, apps and more.
The backStage pro II has been crash test approved to ensure that it will remain securely attached to a headrest during and an accident and its rugged aluminum construction will keep an iPad 2 safe and sound, according to Kas Alves, Executive vice president of Scosche Industries.
backStage pro II tilts for optimal viewing angles, and easily detaches for theft prevention, he adds. The included charger plugs directly into the headrest mount and provides a continuous charge to the iPad 2. Users can connect wireless IR headphones for private listening and the mount also provides a USB port that supports flash drives for viewing images.
iWeb Themes Park presents collection of 160 templates
iWeb Themes Park (http://www.iwebthemespark.com/Home.html) has announced a new collection of themes for iWeb, Apple's entry level web site design tool. The new package containing 160 templates.
There are five new themes: Grey Wave, Oak, Yellow Blue, Company and Cardboard. The themes can be used for creating individual websites.
To use iWeb themes from iWeb Themes Park requires a Mac running iWeb from iLife '09 or later. The iWeb Themes Box of 160 themes is available for US$29.99. Single template prices start at $11.99. Six iWeb themes are offered for free.
Final Effects Complete 6 AVX released for Avid Composer 6
Boris FX (http://www.borisfx.com) has announced Final Effects Complete 6 AVX (FEC 6 AVX), which brings 110-plus designer effects and transitions to Avid Media Composer 6, Symphony 6, and NewsCutter 10.
The release features new transitions, audio-driven effects creation, and a new Compare Mode feature that enables editors to compare the filtered result with the unfiltered source via either a side-by-side view or a live split-screen view. Each Final Effects Complete AVX filter has been re-engineered for 64-bit operating system.
FEC 6 AVX is available immediately through the Boris FX worldwide reseller channel and direct from the Boris FX website (http://www.borisfx.com) for a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$895 USD. For a limited time, owners of Boris Continuum Complete 8 AVX can add FEC 6 AVX for a MSRP of $100. A 14-day demo version of FEC 6 AVX is also available for download.
Mac OS X software updates for Feb. 23
Here are the latest updates for Mac OS X apps.
Smile has released PDFpen 5.7.1 (http://www.smilesoftware.com/), an update to its PDF editor for Mac OS X. The update is signed with a Gatekeeper-friendly Developer ID from Apple, which is necessary for the OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion) beta. The update also includes numerous minor fixes and improvements.
Reggie Ashworth has announced AppDelete Lite 3.2.4, an update to his Mac application deletion utility via the Mac App Store. Among other things, the latest version is optimized for Lion.
Eurocomp has introduced Timing 1.2 (http://timingapp.com), an update to its time tracking application for OS X. It's a maintenance upgrade.
Apple, other firms onboard with California privacy principles
Attorney General Kamala Harris has announced an agreement committing the leading operators of mobile application platforms to improve privacy protections for millions of consumers around the globe who access the Internet through applications ("apps") on their smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices.
Harris forged the agreement with six companies whose platforms comprise the majority of the mobile apps market: Apple, Amazon, Google, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft and Research In Motion. These platforms have agreed to privacy principles designed to bring the industry in line with a California law requiring mobile apps that collect personal information to have a privacy policy. The majority of mobile apps sold today do not contain a privacy policy.
"Your personal privacy should not be the cost of using mobile apps, but all too often it is," Harris says. "This agreement strengthens the privacy protections of California consumers and of millions of people around the globe who use...
Brandywine sues Apple for, yep, patent infringement
Another day, another lawsuit. Apple is being sued by Brandywine Communications Technologies over multimedia voicemail in its iPhone and iPad products, reports "Gigaom" (http://macte.ch/seqwf).
In the complaint filed in the U.S. district court for the middle district of Florida Tuesday, Brandywine claims that Apple is infringing on two patents it owns related to mobile voicemail. The patents cover a "simultaneous voice/data answering machine."
Verizon, who sued Brandywine last week for patent infringement, calls the company a "a patent holding company that is in the business of enforcing patent rights through the filing of various lawsuits" -- in other words, a patent troll. "Gigaom" notes that this would put Brandywine in the same category as Lodsys and NTP, two patent holding companies that went after Apple and several other mobile device makers in recent years over both in-app purchase technology and wireless email delivery methods.
Windows 8 to be the focus of 2012 MVP Nation
If you are looking for your first real look at Windows 8, our friends at SMB Nation have the first event to do so.
SMB Nation -- a publishing and events company targeted at the small and medium business (SMB) channel partner/reseller/consulting/VAR community -- will hold its 2012 MVP Nation conference March 2-3 in Redmond, Washington (http://mvp.smbnation.com/) at the Microsoft Conference Center.
The conference is Nation 2012 will focus on the upcoming Windows 8 (server, mobile, tablet, desktop) with 10 sessions. There will be additional sessions on community building activities.
MVP Nation offers the opportunity to learn directly from Microsoft MVPs in a deeply technical environment. The event will allow attendees to create their Windows 8 road map.
“After our first MVP Nation last year in Seattle, we’re back with a focused two-day deep dive on everything Windows 8,” says SMB Nation founder Harry Brelsford. “The primary emphasis will be on server-side topics along with content on...
Apple’s free cash flow = $62 billion in 'excess cash'...
In a note to clients -- as reported by "Barron's" (http://macte.ch/MzvRK) -- Credit Suisse analyst Kulbinder Garcha says he's raised his Apple stock price target from US$550 to $600, saying his “deep dive” into Apple’s free cash flow could allow for $62 billion in “excess cash” onshore (as opposed to cash held overseas) over the next four years, providing for -- if Apple took that route -- a dividend and buybacks.
"This is sufficient to fund a dividend of greater than $10 per share or a 2.1% yield (in line with the S&P) as well as leave $22.5 billion for cumulative buybacks over 2012-2015 on a sustainable basis," says Garcha.
"Barron's" says he uses a "payout ratio" of 20% for a theoretical dividend, which is half the S&P long-term average. A 2.1% dividend yield would be much higher than the 0.6% average yield of tech companies, the article adds.
"Furthermore, our analysis is conservative as it assumes no further major product introductions, discounts offshore cash completely...
Microsoft joins Apple in antitrust suit against Motorola...
Microsoft has joined Apple in filing an antitrust suit against Motorola Mobility in the European Union for allegedly abusing its standard-essential patents, reports "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com).
Microsoft's formal competition complaint was filed this week. It asserts that Motorola Mobility is attempting to illegally block sales of Windows PCs, Xbox game consoles and other products by leveraging patents that are obligated to be offered with fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) licensing, notes "AppleInsider."
On Feb. 11 it was announced that Apple sued Motorola Mobility in a U.S. court on Friday in an attempt to stop Motorola from asserting some patent claims against Apple in Germany, reports "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/lJ1tH).
The suit, filed in a San Diego federal court, argues that Motorola's German lawsuit against Apple breaches terms of a patent licensing agreement between Motorola and Qualcomm. This is part of an ongoing battle between the two companies...
Apple: Proview has no right to the iPad name
Apple says Proview Technology, a China-based tech firm, had no ability to produce or sell its own device under the same name, reports "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/2wuKo).
"Proview has no product, no markets, no customers and no suppliers. It has nothing," Hu Jinnan, a partner at Guangdong Shendadi law firm, which is representing Apple in the case, told the Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Court. "Apple has huge sales in China. Its fans line up to buy Apple products. The ban, if executed, would not only hurt Apple sales, but it would also hurt China's national interest."
The Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Court has not said when it will issue its decision. However, Roger Xie, a partner at Grandall Legal Group representing Proview, said it should be soon, notes "Reuters." If the ruling goes against the company, Apple can appeal.
Apple says that Proview's founder and its lawyers have made misleading statements that could damage the U.S. tech giant's business in China, reports
"PCWorld...
Did Foxconn hide underage workers during FLA investigation?
Workers at Apple partner Foxconn have alleged that their employer transferred underage employees to other departments or did not schedule them to work overtime in order to avoid discovery during recent inspections by the Fair Labor Association (FLA) according to one non-governmental organization.
Students & Scholars Against Corporate Misbehavior (SACOM) project officer Debby Sze Wan Chan relayed the claims in a recent interview with "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com). SACOM is a Hong Kong-based NGO that was formed in 2005 and has been researching labor rights violations in the electronics industry since 2007.
Chan told "AppleInsider" that she had heard from two Foxconn workers in Zhenghou last week that the manufacturer was "prepared for the inspection" by the Fair Labor Association that had been commissioned by Apple and began last week. All underage workers, between 16-17 years old, were not assigned any overtime work and some of them were even sent to other...
SanDisk announces high performance, X100 solid state drive
SanDisk Corp. (http://www.sandisk.com) has announced the SanDisk X100 solid state drive (SSD) for client computing markets. It's available in capacities up to 512GB and utilizes multi-level cell (MLC) technology, a SATA 6Gb/s high-performance interface, multi-streaming features and tiered caching technology.
The drive offers up to 500/420 megabyte per second (MB/sec)2 sequential read/write speeds, and enables a user to copy a 4GB high-definition movie in less than 10 seconds, according to Kevin Conley, senior vice president and general manager, client storage solutions, SanDisk. In addition to the standard 2.5-inch form factor, the X100 SSD also comes in mSATA and customized thin form factors to address the ultra-thin laptop market. SanDisk offers a wide variety of configuration options, including standalone and dual drive caching solutions.
SanDisk also announced today the SanDisk Extreme SSD, a high-performance drive for consumers who want to improve the performance and extend the...
Altec Lansing rolls out inAir 5000 Wireless AirPlay Speaker
Altec Lansing has released the inAir 5000 Wireless AirPlay Speaker (MA5000) that allows users of iTunes, iPad, iPhone and iPod touch to stream music wirelessly over their Wi-Fi network to any room in the house.
The inAir 5000 is the first in a new series of AirPlay-enabled audio networking product. AirPlay is an Apple feature for streaming music, video and photos wirelessly from iOS and OS X to the Apple TV and other AirPlay-enabled devices.
The new inAir 5000 is designed as a companion for an iPad, iPhone and iPod touch as well as computers running iTunes, according to Brendon Stead, co-president, Altec Lansing. Using the Altec Lansing inAir Guide App (free at the Apple App Store), users can quickly and easily setup their new speaker system, he says. What's more, when using iTunes on a Mac or PC, users can play music to multiple inAir 5000 speakers throughout the home or office.
The inAir 5000's dual 3-inch mid-range drivers are constructed of Kevlar to deliver true vocals and mid-...
Apple to build new data center in Oregon
Apple has confirmed to NewsChannel 21 (http://www.ktvz.com/news/30511354/detail.html) in Oregon that it plans to build a data center at a 160-acre parcel in Prineville it just bought from Crook County for US$5.6 million.
A statutory warranty deed for the property off Baldwin Court was filed last week with the Crook County clerk’s office, a public document finally breaking the official silence over a long-term courtship with a company formerly known only as “Project Maverick," the article adds. Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet told NewsChannel 21 Tuesday that they purchased the land for a data center, but offered no details.
Oregon's mild climate and relatively low power costs are part of the draw, "but tax breaks are the big attraction," according to "The Oregonian" (http://macte.ch/6KABp) Rural "enterprise zones" spare computers and other equipment from the property taxes that other businesses pay. The exemption could be worth several million dollars or more to Apple, depending on...
Beatles' ringtones available exclusively on iTunes
Beatles fans can now purchase ringtones for the band's 27 UK and US #1 hits, exclusively on iTunes.
The 27 chart-toppers are also showcased on "The Beatles 1." The album made its digital debut in September 2011, exclusively on the iTunes Store (http://www.itunes.com/thebeatles), bowing at number one on several iTunes top albums charts around the world, including the US, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, Mexico, Sweden, Spain, New Zealand, and Greece.
WeddingLan introduces wedding planning app for Mac OS X
WeddingLan for Mac OS X is a new tool to help arrange and execute a wedding. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher, costs US$19.99, and is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category.
WeddingLan has nine essential functions; Contacts, Invitations, RSVP's, Attendees, Gifts, Checklist, Budget, Vendors and Events. You can track every aspect of your wedding in one file, which can be updated whenever new information arrives.
OWC Mercury Elite Pro now offers up to 8TB capacity
Other World Computing (http://www.macsales.com) has expanded the storage capacity of its OWC Mercury Elite Pro single bay and dual bay desktop storage solution line to 8TB.
By utilizing a 3.5-inch, 4TB SATA 6Gb/s hard drive, OWC's Mercury Elite Pro storage solutions deliver 33% more storage/back-up capacity per drive over current 3TB hard drives, the company says. With up to a "quad interface" of FireWire 800, FireWire 400, USB 2.0, and eSATA connections, the Mercury Elite Pro line offers plug and play, data transfer speeds up to 300MB/s with Mac and PC computers.
The OWC Mercury Elite Pro line of 4.0TB hard drive-based storage solutions are available in three configurations:
° 4TB Mercury Elite Pro with "combo interface" (FireWire 400 and USB 2.0), US$429.99;
° 4TB Mercury Elite Pro with "quad interface" (FireWire 800, FireWire 400, USB 2.0, eSATA), $469.99;
° 8TB Mercury Elite Pro Dual RAID 0 (4.0TB x 2) with "quad interface" (FireWire 800, FireWire 400, USB 2.0, eSATA), $869.99....
Seal Shields 'waterproof' an iPhone, iPad
Seal Shield (http://www.SealShield.com/) has introduced what it says is the world's first iPhone and iPad waterproofing solution with antimicrobial product protection. Seal Shields™ are form-fitting, polyurethane covers that make iPhones and iPads 100% waterproof, washable and disinfectable, according to Seal Shield CEO Bradley Whitchurch.
Seal Shields tightly wrap an iPhone or iPad in a protective shield, making the device impervious to contamination, he adds. They're "invisible" preserving the original Apple design.
Though they were developed to help prevent infections in healthcare, Seal Shields are also ideal for the slopes, the beach, or the boat, says Whitchurch. They make iPhones and iPads 100% waterproof, allowing their use under water, including camera and video functions, he adds.
Additionally, Seal Shields contain an antimicrobial fungistatic agent designed to protect the product and keep it cleaner, greener and fresher by inhibiting the growth of microbial bacteria, mold...
