LogMeIn offers service to manage access from mobile devices
LogMeIn -- the developer behind the mobile remote access app, LogMeIn Ignition -- has unveiled a new service that helps organizations enable and manage secure access to corporate computers and data from personal devices entering the workplace.
Starting with the iPad and iPhone, the new service pairs access to applications, files and important data with control of users and their mobile devices. As a result, organizations can implement policies to control what’s being accessed, by whom, and from what device, while providing device owners with mobile access benefits far beyond simple email and calendar functions, says Andrew Burton, LogMeIn vice president of Access & Management.
A preview of the access control service is now available with general availability to follow. The preview is currently restricted to iOS endpoint devices but control over access from other platforms, including desktop computers and Android, is in the works.
Delivered through LogMeIn’s management suite,...
AViiQ portable charging station ships
AViiQ (http://www.AViiQ.com) has released the US$79.99 AViiQ Portable Charging Station, a travel sleeve that charges three USB devices at the same time using only one power outlet.
It sports multiple internal and external pockets to keep device-specific cables neat and organized. Small enough to fit in a purse, laptop bag or backpack, the travel sleeve measures 10 x 5 x 1.5 inches and weighs less than one pound.
KeyCue revved for Lion
Ergonis Software (http://www.ergonis.com) has released KeyCue 5.4, an update of the keyboard shortcut "cheat sheet." The new version is Lion compatible.
KeyCue uses the same key symbols that are used throughout Mac OS X, but some of these are obscure and need an explanation, especially for users who are new to the Mac. Switchers will particularly appreciate the new legend, according to the folks at Ergonis. Like the shortcut table itself, the legend is compact and context-sensitive.
KeyCue 5.4 requires Mac OS X 10.4 or higher. The upgrade to KeyCue 5.4 is free for anyone who has purchased KeyCue in the last two years. For new users the cost is US$29 for a single user license.
HoudahSpot 3.4 improves Lion compatibility
Houdah Software (http://www.houdah.com/) has updated HoudahSpot, their Spotlight front end for Mac OS X, to version 3.4. The upgrade improves Lion compatibility and brings refinements to many aspects of the product.
HoudahSpot's tagging feature is based upon the OpenMeta technology, so is compatible with a growing number of third party tagging applications. The HoudahSpot Tray lists favorite tags as well as tags recently used by HoudahSpot or another OpenMeta tagging solution. Drag a file to a tag to assign it that tag. Drag a file to the file well to be presented with a window to enter any number of tags. Select tags and double-click to start a search. Hold down the option key while double-clicking to match any of the selected tags.
HoudahSpot works with Mac OS X 10.5 and higher. It costs US$30 for a single-user license.
Web Help Desk announces support for Lion
Web Help Desk says its Web Help Desk, an ITSM solution, fully supports Mac OS X 10.7 Lion.
The Web Help Desk was the first service management solution to fully support Mac OS X on both the server and the client side, says Terry Siddall, vice president at Web Help Desk. The software's centralized approach to ITSM simplifies the management of IT services in a heterogenous environment, and provides portability across platforms when needed, he adds.
Mac OS X 10.7 Lion is supported across all Web Help Desk editions, including the Professional Edition, Lite Edition, and the Free Help Desk Software Edition. For more info go to http://www.webhelpdesk.com/ .
ITC: Mac OS X violates patents held by S3 Graphics
Mac OS X violates patents held by S3 Graphics, while the platform for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad tablet doesn’t, the U.S. International Trade Commission said in a July 1 ruling made public Tuesday -- as reported by "Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/qeuac).
The operating system on the Mac infringes two S3 patents related to graphics chips, Judge James Gildea said. S3 Graphics makes image compression technology. If Gildea’s decision is upheld in a review by the full six-member commission, the ITC can ban U.S. imports of some Macs.
Macs that have Nvidia graphics processing units have an implied license to the patents, the judge said. Gildea found that two other S3 patents were invalid, as were aspects of the two patents found to be infringed, notes "Bloomberg."
The iPhone and iPad are no longer under threat of a ban from the S3 case. The two devices accounted for about 46 percent of Apple’s revenue last fiscal year, according to data compiled by "Bloomberg."
Kobo developing HTML5 reading app for iOS devices
Following recent Apple App Store policy changes imposed by Apple, Kobo (http://www.kobo.com), which specializes in eReading, says development is underway on an HTML5 eReading web app.
Kobo is dedicated to an open-platform experience and believes that consumers "should have the freedom to read on any device, at anytime, anyplace in the world," says CEO Michael Serbinis. With the new HTML5 web app, Kobo remains committed to open solutions and extends eReading capabilities to a platform that can be quickly enhanced and updated with the latest eReading features and functionality, he adds.
Kobo's HTML5 app will not replace the company's existing apps, but extend its read-across-any-device strategy to reach a broader set of users and add additional value for their current customer base. Serbinis says that, over the past weeks, Kobo has worked with Apple to create a solution that would benefit the iOS eReading community within Apple's new App Store guidelines.
Unfortunately, Apple has...
OWC announces 16GB RAM upgrade for new Mac minis
Other World Computing says, through its in-house MaxRAM testing lab, the first 12GB and 16GB Memory (RAM) upgrade kits available for the new mid-2011 Mac mini models announced by Apple last week.
These new OWC MaxRAM Kits, estimated to start shipping in seven days, join two existing and most memory upgrade sizes -- 4GB and 8GB -- available for immediate ordering starting at US$37.99.
For more info on OWC Memory upgrades up to 16GB for the new Mac mini, visit: http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Apple_Mac_mini/DDR3_1333 . For info on internal drive upgrades up to 1.0TB, internal OWC Mercury SSD upgrades up to 480GB, and other accessories go to http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/mac-mini/ .
Grandview for Mac OS X offers full-screen interface for writing
Dark Heartfelt Software has released Grandview 1.0 for Mac OS X 10.5 through 10.7 Lion. It's a hot-key activated, full-screen interface for writing.
By pressing a hotkey from any application on Mac, you can quickly enter a full-screen writing experience. Grandview appears in a flash, displaying words as large as possible as they're typed. The contents are then saved to your clipboard for immediate pasting.
Grandview doesn't have an interface like normal software. It's more of an "insta-face" and doesn't even need to sit in your lower dock, according to the folks at Dark Heartfelt Software.
Grandview 1.0 is available to try for free today at Dark Heartfelt's website (http://www.darkheartfelt.com/grandview). It's also available in the Mac App Store for US$3.99.
Apple shares cross $400 mark
Apple shares crossed the US$400 mark on Tuesday morning for the first time and set an all-time high. The stock was last trading at $401.62, up 0.7% from the previous close.
The shares have gained more than 6% since the company reported strong earnings growth for the June quarter last week. Apple shares are up about 25% since the first of the year, notes "MarketWatch" (http://macte.ch/22rFU).
Apple adds three suppliers for upcoming iPad 3
Apple has added three new Taiwan-based suppliers for its upcoming iPad 3, according to "DigiTimes" (http://macte.ch/SizDZ): Novatek Microelectronics, Richtek Technology, Capella Microsystems (Taiwan) and Integrated Memory Logic (iML).
iML is believed to have landed orders of its integrated programmable gamma/Vcom buffer solutions from the iPad 3 supply chain. Other IC solutions that have been, or are likely to be, added to the iPad 3 supply chain include Novatek's LCD driver ICs, Capella's ambient light sensors and Richtek's integrated power management ICs, says "DigiTimes."
Depending on which report you believe, the next generation of the Apple tablet will launch late this year or in the first quarter of 2010.
HTC willing to make a deal with Apple
HTC, the Taiwanese smartphone maker butting heads with Apple in a patent battle, says it’s willing to negotiate with the iPhone maker after both sides scored victories at the U.S. International Trade Commission, reports "Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/ZoSmP).
“We have to sit down and figure it out,” Winston Yung, chief financial officer of the Taoyuan, Taiwan-based company, told "Bloomberg" by phone. “We’re open to having discussions.”
On July 6 HTC announced an US$300 million deal to buy S3 Graphics, less than a week after that company won an ITC ruling against Apple over two patents. In a July 15 initial determination, the same commission ruled in Apple’s favor on two other patents.
Regarding the latter, the US trade commission said that HTC was guilty of violating two Apple patents when it produced mobile phones based on the Android operating system. Apple had filed a complaint against HTC for infringing ten of their patents.
However, the findings are preliminary and are subject to...
Griffen releases StompBox for iOS devices
Griffin Technology has released the StompBox, a programmable multi-functional foot controller for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch that enables virtual guitar effects.
Designed to work with any instrument that takes a 1/4-inch jack such as a guitar, bass guitar, electric violin and keyboard, StompBox was created to work with Frontier Design’s iShred LIVE app. The combination of StompBox and iShred LIVE allows musicians to switch effects with their feet, without taking their hands off the instruments.
StompBox is packaged with the Griffin GuitarConnect cable to enable simultaneous connection to instruments, headphones and an iOS device. Using iShred LIVE, the individual foot switches can be assigned to control different effects within the app, turning your device into an effects rig.
StompBox isn't just for musicians. Its programmable controls also work with Qscript, Griffin’s US$7.99 teleprompter app for the iPad. Using StompBox with Qscript you can control text scrolling and other...
Zero1.tv introduces VooMote One for the iPhone, iPod touch
Zero1.tv, a provider of user interfaces for home entertainment solutions. has introduced the VooMote One. This device, when paired with a free app available at the Apple App Store, converts your iPhone and/or iPod touch into a "smart" universal remote control.
The VooMote One slides onto your iOS device, while still allowing full control of the iPhone or iPod touch. Once the device is connected and the app loaded, it instantly transforms your iPhone or iPod touch into a fully functional universal remote for your TVs, DVD players, stereo systems, consumer electronics and more.
With VooMote One you can utilize the “One View” feature, which allows the user to create personalized and multiple device remote control layouts. This lets you, for example, lower the volume on the stereo while pressing play on your favorite DVD in a matter of seconds. By also using the “One Touch” feature you can create an entire chain of commands with a single click. With the press of one button you could turn...
Line 6 unveils MIDI Mobilizer for iPhone, iPad
Line 6 (http://line6.com) has introduced the US$69.99 MIDI Mobilizer II, its latest portable MIDI interface that connects all classic and modern MIDI equipment to an iPhone and iPad.
Descended from the first-generation MIDI Mobilizer, MIDI Mobilizer II is compatible with CoreMIDI. This allows users to connect their MIDI gear to the latest crop of music apps like GarageBand for iPad and other music creation and education apps from developers all over the world, says Chris Grigg, Line 6 mobile products manager.
MIDI Mobilizer II plus MIDI Memo Recorder, a free app available at the Apple App Store, allow users to record, play and back up any MIDI data. MIDI Memo Recorder features a streamlined interface for storage and recall of MIDI recordings, patches and more. Users can back up and transfer MIDI data into replacement keyboards, classic and modern MIDI equipment and a variety of Line 6 guitar amplifiers and multi-effect processors.
MIDI recordings can also be opened in any digital...
Sanho releases HyperThink HDMI cable
Sanho Corp. has released HyperThin, which it says is the world's thinnest, most compact and most flexible HDMI cable. It works with Apple TV, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Mac mini and other HDMI capable portable electronics.
The HyperThink fits in small pockets and connects flexibly in tight spaces. It's capable of full HD 1080p and beyond, up to 8K resolution. It supports the latest HDMI 1.4, 3DTV and 7.1 channel digital surround audio specifications. The HyperThin supports more than 15.8Gps HD bandwidth, 240Hz video image refresh rate and 48-bit color .
It's available at hyperthin.com in two different lengths: 0.8 meter (US$19.95) and 2.5 meters ($39.95). The HyperThin comes in two different colors: black and white.
iCurrency Plus now supports precious, industrial metals
Limited Securities has announced the support for precious and industrial metals in iCurrency Plus (http://www.limitedsecurities.com), for Mac OS X and iOS. The app tracks and evaluates currency exchange rates and now extends its supports to these metals.
iCurrency Plus also provides trends, graphs and a currency conversion calculator. The software sends push notifications to your iOS device for critical changes in the currencies or metals of your choice.
It requires iOS 3.0 (for the iPad and iPhone versions) and Mac OS X 10.6.6 or higher (for the Mac OS X version). iCurrency Plus costs US$1.99 and is available worldwide exclusively through the Apple App Store and the Mac App Store in the Finance category.
iMovie '11 the focus of next MacBUS meeting
The next meeting of The Macintosh Business Users Society of Greater Philadelphia (http://www.macbus.org/) will be held on Tuesday, July 26, at 6:30 pm.
This month's meeting will feature a presentation by MacBUS member, Dale Fletcher. He will showcase what's new in iMovie '11. Features such as movie trailers, audio editing, one step effects, the people finder, and sports and news themes will be highlighted.
A general Mac troubleshooting Q&A session will also be held. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions and invite friends or coworkers who may find the meeting beneficial.
MacBUS was the first user group in the United States to focus on the business and professional uses of the Macintosh operating system. The group of approximately 75 members meets this month at:
CBS Room
Dorrance Hamilton Hall
University of the Arts
320 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Meetings are usually held on the last Tuesday evening of each calendar month. To inquire about presenting,...
Drobo supports Lion Time Machine
Drobo is one of the first NAS vendors to support Lion Time Machine.
The DroboFS, B800fs and DroboPro FS users running Mac OS X Lion (OS X 10.7) must update the product's firmware to be compatible with Time Machine on OS X 10.7 Lion. The firmware release is available for download at http://www.drobo.com/support/updates.php .
Comm-Unity Networking Systems announces Lion compatibility
Comm-Unity Networking Systems is kicking off the FileMaker Developers Conference early by offering all FileMaker Pro plug-in orders (even upgrade orders) at 25% off the normal price. The company says that all FileMaker Pro plug-ins have been tested with OS X 10.7 Lion and there are no known issues.
CNS is also offering their FMP Ref and CNS Barcode iOS apps at discounted prices. These discounts will be available now through the end of August. FileMaker DevCon Attendees: drop by the CNS Plug-ins booth for an additional discount. You can browse all CNS Plug-ins and iOS Apps at http://www.cnsplug-ins.com/ .
Apple releases Supplemental Updates for Snow Leopard
Apple has released a "supplemental update" for Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard"). Mac OS X 10.6.8 Supplemental Update (http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1429) is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.8 and resolve issues with:
° Transferring personal data, settings, and compatible applications from a Mac running Mac OS X Snow Leopard to a new Mac running Mac OS X Lion;
° Certain network printers that pause print jobs immediately and fail to complete;
° System audio that stops working when using HDMI or optical audio out.
Mac OS X 10.6.8 Server Supplemental Update (http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1430) is recommended for all servers currently running Snow Leopard Server. This update includes specific fixes for server-side performance issues.
Barnes & Noble to offer more than 175 digital periodicals...
Barnes & Noble, the world’s largest bookseller, says that in the coming days NOOK for iPad customers will be able to access one of the largest selections of digital periodicals,including more than 175 full-color, interactive magazines and leading newspapers.
NOOK Kids for iPad app users can access more than 550 engaging, interactive children’s picture books through that newly updated app. All NOOK iPad, iPhone and iPod touch customers can continue to enjoy their Barnes & Noble digital libraries through the newly updated free reading applications.
NOOK for iPad will soon be updated to offer the interactive magazine experience first available on the award-winning NOOK Color. Optimized for high-resolution displays, iPad users will have access to popular daily, weekly and monthly periodicals, including Esquire, Maxim, Forbes, Food Network Magazine, Newsweek, Popular Science, ESPN The Magazine, Elle, O, the Oprah Magazine, Parenting: Early Years, The Washington Post, USA TODAY,...
Apple releases iOS 4.3.5
Apple has released iOS 4.3.5, which fixes “a security vulnerability with certificate validation." To update to the latest operating system, plug your iOS device into iTunes and follow the prompts.
Actually, the 4.3.5 update applies to the iPad and iPad 2, the third- and fourth-generation iPod touch, the iPhone 3GS, and the iPhone 4 (GSM model). Version 4.2.10 is for those using a CDMA (Verizon) iPhone 4.
Freeverse discontinues some titles
Freeverse (http://www.freeverse.com) has discontinued some of its gaming titles now that Mac OS X Lion is prowling.
"We here at Freeverse have been focusing on creating fantastic mobile games like Fantastic Fish, Skee-Ball and Flick Fishing," the company says in an online note. "Of course with said focus on mobile games, some of our Mac titles have not gotten the attention that we would have liked to provide them. Rather than leaving our customers with a sub-par experience running certain titles under OS X Lion, and in light of phasing out our GameSmith service later this summer, we've made the hard decision to discontinue some titles."
Those titles are Airburst, Burning Monkey Casino, Burning Monkey Mahjong
Burning Monkey Puzzle Lab, Burning Monkey Solitaire, Enigma
Periscope, Squabble, ToySight, 3D Bridge, 3D Crazy 8s, Euchre Deluxe, Hearts Deluxe, Pitch-Setback, Spades Deluxe, CrossCards and X-Words Deluxe.
Two unauthorized Apple stores shut down in China
Chinese authorities shut two unauthorized Apple stores in Kunming for operating without business licenses, a newspaper run by the southwestern city’s government reported, reports "Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/AClYE).
Investigators also examined three other stores that used Apple’s logo without the company’s permission, though they were found to have operating permits, according to the Dushi Shibao newspaper report posted today on the Kunming government’s website. The findings were part of a probe into more than 300 electronics vendors in the city, according to the report, notes "Bloomberg."
Firetask launches free Cloud syncing on Mac OS X, iOS
Gerald Aquila has announced Firetask 1.5, an update to his project-oriented GTD task management application for Mac OS X 10.6 or higher.
Firetask lets you focus on the most important due and next tasks across all projects by combining concepts from GTD with practical elements of classical task management such as due dates and priorities. New app versions of Firetask for Mac, iPad and iPhone/iPod touch launch a new free cloud-syncing service in the form of a public beta, Lion support and more.
Firetask 1.5 costs US$39.99 and is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category. Firetask for iPad and Firetask for iPhone/iPod touch are available through the Apple App Store for $9.99 and $5.99 respectively. A free 15-day trial version of Firetask for Mac can be downloaded for free from the Firetask website (http://www.firetask.com).
FileWave announces Lion support
FileWave (http://www.filewave.com) has announced support for Lion. System administrators can now easily manage their deployments to Mac OS X 10.7 systems, while maintaining complete post deployment control of all files in any installation.
Lion clients can be managed directly alongside of other OS X clients, Microsoft Windows clients, and iOS devices. FileWave designs industry leading software deployment, management, and inventory tools. The FileWave and Inventory suites allow IT administrators to control their software and hardware in complex, multi-platform environments.
Quicken users should export data before moving to Lion
Before updating to Mac OS X Lion, users of all versions of Quicken for Mac (prior to Quicken Essentials) MUST export their data so that they may import it to new software, whether Essentials, iBank 4, or any other app, according to the folks at Intuit (http://www.quicken.com).
Updating to Lion without extricating one's Quicken data first will mean that it is trapped in an app that won't launch. Quicken is personal finance software.
RemoteSight roars onto Lion
BenSoftware (http://www.bensoftware.com/) has released RemoteSight 1.0.3, an update to their network video and audio streaming software. The new version is Lion ready.
RemoteSight can stream video from a variety of devices, such as the built-in iSight cameras included on most Macs. Designed to operate as part of a video surveillance system, the app integrates with SecuritySpy, multi-camera video surveillance software for the Mac to provide video and audio feeds from any computer attached to a network.
RemoteSight can also be used as a standalone application for remotely monitoring anything happening on or around a particular computer, or for adding live images to websites. It effectively turns the computer's camera into a network camera that can be viewed using a web browser such as Safari or FireFox.
RemoteSight 1.0.3 can be downloaded and tested free of charge for 30 days before purchasing. Single user and site licenses are available for approximately US$27 and $270, respectively.
Lion-ready WebDesign adds Inspector feature
Rage Software has released WebDesign 3.5 (http://www.ragesw.com/products/webdesign.html), an update to the web development software for Mac OS X. The new version includes a new Inspector feature with live side-by-side preview that automatically locates the HTML source code for easy editing. It's also fully compatible with Lion.
WebDesign sports over 40 HTML wizards. Features include live side-by-side web page previews, auto code completion as you type, integrated HTML help, and much more.
WebDesign is compatible with Mac OS X 10.5 and higher. It costs US$59.95.
Freeway 5.6 is Lion ready
Softpress Systems has released Freeway 5.6, a free update to its web design family, Freeway Express and Freeway Pro. Fully Lion compatible, the update contains a range of new social media features, a simple PayPal button creation tool and several other enhancements and improvements.
Joe Billings, product manager, Softpress Systems, says the update lets you create PayPal Buy Now, Add to Cart, View Cart and Donation buttons for your sites. It requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher.
Freeway 5.6 is a free update for registered users of Freeway 5.5, and is available to new users from the Softpress store: Express (US$69) and Pro (US$229). Freeway Express can also be purchased on the Mac App Store for $29. Those who qualify for education, senior or non-profit discounts will receive a coupon for a full 20% off any listed Freeway price. To apply for this, or to find out about discounts on multi-seat installations, contact Softpress online (http://www.softpress.com/).
Dragon Dictate for Mac now supports Word 2011
Nuance Communications (http://www.nuance.com/) has unveiled Dragon Dictate for Mac 2.5, a new release of the speech recognition software for the Mac.
Building on the improved accuracy, faster performance, and powerful new voice commands introduced in Dragon Dictate 2.0, Dragon Dictate for Mac 2.5 adds new features that make it easier to create documents, send emails, surf the Web, share social status and interact with many Mac applications, according to the folks at Nuance. For the first time, Dragon Dictate users can combine dictation and voice commands with mouse and keyboard entry within Microsoft Word 2011, making it easier to create and edit documents.
Dragon Dictate 2.5 also takes advantage of the recently introduced Dragon Remote Mic App, a free iOS app on the Apple App Store that makes it possible to use an iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad as a wireless microphone for Dragon via a Wi-Fi network connection.
Dragon Dictate 2.5 for Mac is available immediately starting at US$179.99...
Disk Alarm for Mac now with multi-volume and e-mail alerts
Pomcast.biz has announces Disk Alarm 1.1.2 (http://diskalarm.com), an update to its disk monitoring utility for Mac OS X. The upgrade adds the ability to not only check the main boot volume but any external volumes or a Time Machine Disk.
Disk Alarm will let you know in advance how much free space is available for your Mac to run smoothly. It alerts you whenever any of the volumes reaches the space left you specified. The menu bar item now allows you to display the sum of the available free space.
Disk Alarm requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or higher and is compatible with Lion. Disk Alarm 1.1.2 is normally US$3.99, but is being offered (for a limited time) at 50% of the price. Disk Alarm is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Utilities category. Coupon Codes available for app review on request. We would also be very happy to organize a contest for your readers/listeners to win App Store Promo Codes. Screenshots are available as PSDs per request.
Adobe unveils Photoshop & You experience in San Francisco
Adobe has kicked off the Photoshop & You experience (http://www.photoshop.com/events/550sutter) at 550 Sutter Street in San Francisco. Open to the public through Aug. 6, Photoshop & You is a place for visitors to explore the world of digital imaging with photographers, teachers, industry influencers and the Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop Elements teams.
“The Photoshop & You experience is a celebration of the iconic Photoshop brand and all things related to digital imaging,” says Winston Hendrickson, vice president of Digital Imaging products, Adobe. “We’re bringing our customers and fans a tangible way to learn from and engage with like-minded imaging enthusiasts. Photoshop & You promises to be a gathering place of imagination, activities, shared learning and inspiration.”
The Photoshop & You calendar is packed with product “how-to” sessions, photowalks through San Francisco’s neighborhoods and opportunities for visitors to...
MS Office issues running Lion
Posted by Greg Mills
Most significant Apple Apps were updated to run on Macs running Lion. Perhaps the most serious lapse was that Microsoft Office has some pretty serious problems that weren't fixed prior to Lion being launched. Despite a long lead-in period through the Apple Developer program Microsoft's Apple division allowed its most important Mac software title to go obsolete.
See; http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9218618/Microsoft_spells_out_Offi...
Apparently, most of the problems are related to major business related features such as the Communicator app crashing when launched. Outlook, the email client in Office can't import files from Mac OS X 7 Mail client. Microsoft admits they don't even have a plan yet to fix these problems.
Apple eyeing Grand Central store in Big Apple
Apple has inked a 10-year deal with the New York Metro Transit Authority to open its largest store in the world in Grand Central Terminal, reports the “New York Post” (http://macte.ch/gfurc).
The 23,000-square-foot store will take up Grand Central's north and northeast balconies, displacing Charlie Palmer's Metrazur restaurant, according to MTA documents. Apple will initially pay rent of $800,000 a year, nearly half a million more than Metrazur paid; after 10 years, the rent will balloon to more than $1 million annually, says the “Post.”
The company will also pay to refurbish the space. The MTA is estimating that the deal will bring it a minimum of US$5 million in profits.
Improved Adaptive Spelling in Lion's Mail App
Posted by Greg Mills
One of the ways Apple delights users with its software is that we commonly find thoughtful features that Apple hasn't even mentioned in support literature. As dyslexic as an old oak tree, misspelled words don't jump out at me the first time around when I proof read.
One of the cool features of the Apple iOS is adaptive spelling. When using iPad or iPhone and you are typing and misspell a word, the adaptive spelling feature will suggest a correctly spelled word and insert it. Since it is so easy to fumble with the tiny touch screen keyboard on iPhone, adaptive spelling was introduced in the first iPhone. It has been improved since that time.
Well, that works great if the word the program suggested is what you meant to use. Sometimes, the suggested and automatically inserted word is not only wrong, it is a hysterically funny wrong word. For me, the feature works about 90% of the time, but the rest of the time the results are embarrassing. When you are...
WWDC Interview: AEC Software
While in San Francisco, TUAW and MacTech Magazine teamed up to speak to developers at Apple's WWDC 2011 about the keynote and how Apple's new technologies will help them and their customers. In the weeks following the event, we'll bring you those videos on TUAW, MacTech and MacNews.
If you aren't currently a reader of MacTech Magazine, check out the special WWDC free trial subscription offer for MacTech Magazine here.
This video features Neil Ticktin (Editor-in-Chief, MacTech Magazine and MacNews) and Dennis Bilowus of AEC Software at WWDC. Dennis was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on the announcements on WWDC, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.
Apple's product lines seeing 'booming demand'
"Booming demand" for Apple's iPhone, iPad and Mac product lines has made Apple the fastest-growing major retailer in terms of sales growth in the U.S. In the first three months of 2011, Apple's U.S. sales rose by $4.6 billion, an 80% increase from a year ago, reports "USA Today" (http://macte.ch/EfN3t).
That increase accounted for one-fifth of all sales growth by publicly traded retailers in the U.S., according to a recent analysis of sales trends by retail sales expert David Berman. Apple's sales are "mind-boggling," says Berman, whose quarterly DeeBee Index is closely watched by the retail industry. Berman's New York hedge fund, Durban Capital, owns shares of Apple.
"People don't realize how much money has been diverted to Apple," he told "USA Today."
IMSTA FESTA 2011 coming to the Big Apple Sept. 24
On Saturday Sept. 24, IMSTA FESTA comes back to New York for the second year running after an inaugural event in 2010. This year’s focus will be on The Future of Music Technology showcasing what’s hot and what’s next for music makers around the world.
IMSTA FESTA brings a collection of the top audio technology companies together in an environment where they can interact with music makers face-to-face. It's a free event.
Doors open at 11 am and the event runs until 7 pm. It's open to anyone interested in the art of music making. Visitors must register on-line at http://www.imsta.org . Early registration is recommended.
Rumors of a cheaper iPhone
Posted by Greg Mills
Rumors of a second, smaller, cheaper iPhone have been making the rounds for a while now. There are some rumors the cheaper iPhone might be the older 3Gs. There are compelling reasons for Apple to add another cheaper model of the hot selling iPhone to their product line. Those reasons are market share and Android specifically. See:
http://www.news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-20080342-94/apple-to-sell-contract-free-$350-iphone-report-says/
There are top end smartphones, like iPhone where the customer pays a portion of the cost of the phone and the carrier pays the remainder. There are the freebie phones with a two year contract. Then the third option is the prepay market, you buy the phone outright and just pay for service, in advance.
My wife has an AT&T prepay deal where she buys a $100 card each year and loads a cheapo cell phone for emergency use. She has a cell phone for what works out to be about $10 a month. There isn't much money in that for the...
Paint music and sound effects with AcoustiGrid for iPad
Software Logix has announced AcoustiGrid 1.0 for the iPad. It's an US$1.99 music and sound effect synthesizer that's available at the Apple App Store.
With AcoustiGrid, you can create music and sound effects by painting notes on a grid. You can change instruments and apply effects such as pitch bend, reverberation and echo. You can save and share your creations with other AcoustiGrid users. You can record your audio to multiple file formats and share them with your friends.
AcoustiGrid is designed for anyone to be able to create music loops and effects. For example, you can create a background soundtrack for a movie or sound effects for a video game.
Turn your iOS device into a network camera with Camster Pro 2
Procypher Corp. has released an iPhone app that turns your iOS device into a real-live network camera. No network set-up is required; just press a button and view your iPhone cam from anywhere in the world.
Camster Pro 2! Network Camera -- available for US$19.99 at the Apple App Store -- can be viewed by one or more iOS devices or web browsers simultaneously. Also, you can record in camera and viewer mode for up to 48 continuous hours. You can install Camster Pro 2! Network Camera on multiple devices for viewing and recording multiple network cameras at your home or business.
Viewer mode works on all devices running iOS 3.0 and up including the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad; no camera is required. Camera mode works on all devices with a camera running iOS 4.0 and up including iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
iFixit Tear Downs of new MacBook Air, Mac mini
iFixIt has announced it has completed teardowns of both the new MacBook Air and the new Mac mini.
Comments from each model include:
"Although today is an exciting day for Apple, it's a sad day for consumer repair. Apple decided that this "svelte and sexy" MacBook Air will replace the "simple and serviceable" white plastic MacBook. So while your backpacks will be significantly lighter, future repairability and upgradability will suffer tremendously. Unlike the plastic MacBook, the Air has a proprietary SSD, soldered (non-upgradeable) RAM, and replacing the LCD panel on it is incredibly challenging. Hence it received the same dismal 4 out of 10 repairability score as the previous-gen Air."
"This year's Mini is a great example of "less is more." Apple has done away with the optical drive and replaced it with some good old-fashioned emptiness. We found that hole (as well as the empty extra SATA connection on the logic board) to be perfect for adding a secondary hard drive -- essentially...
Lion Downloads Top One Million in First Day
Apple announced today that on its first day, over one million users bought and downloaded Mac OS X Lion. Available through the Mac App Store for $29.99 (US), users are buying Lion "faster than any other OS release in Apple's history."
"Lion is off to a great start, user reviews and industry reaction have been fantastic," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "Lion is a huge step forward, it's not only packed with innovative features but it's incredibly easy for users to update their Macs to the best OS we've ever made."
Lion introduces more than 250 new features to the Mac, including Multi-Touch gestures; system-wide support for full screen apps; Mission Control, an innovative view of everything running on your Mac; the Mac App Store, the best place to find and explore great software; Launchpad, a new home for all your apps; and a completely redesigned Mail app.
http://www.apple.com/macosx/
Kodak offers to sell 1000 digital imaging patents to Apple
Posted by Greg Mills
It seems everyone but Apple want to spend the giant nest egg that Apple has built up. One interesting candidate is a company with a very familiar name. Kodak has offered to sell 1000 patents on digital photography. Apple is in the market to buy patents at least. Some think Kodak, valued at about US$650,000,000 is an interesting purchase for Apple. See: http://seekingalpha.com/article/280701-why-apple-should-buy-kodak-s-pate...
Kodak has been losing money despite its best efforts to convert from film to digital photography. While the company isn't making money, there might be an interesting concept of buying the company, striping it of patents and selling the shell that is left. Someone might pay some pretty good money for the name and brand Kodak which would reduce the cost of the patents Kodak owns to chump change for Apple.
The article I cited above has merit and makes sense in the current legal climate in smartphones. Patents are like poker chips and...
Lion Roars with Tech Reviewers
Posted by Greg Mills
The reviews all seem very positive about Apple's new Lion OS. Pouge, Mossberg and other luminary tech writers all seem to have just about nothing but praise for Lion and Apple having the guts to innovate. Dvorak, so far seems to have nothing evil to say about Lion, which speaks wonders about it.
A number of reviewers were temporarily frustrated over the reversal of directions in the user interface where swiping a window up and down works differently. In Snow leopard two fingers swiped down the touch pad caused the window to go up not down as in Lion.
The reversal of that most common gesture speaks to the merging of the iOS and Mac OS X systems culture. Apple sees the future and it is mobile computing. Having been trained for a couple of years to swipe up the touch pad to go down the screen, it is taking a while to remember the new user interface. If you imagine your entire laptop as a touch screen the iPad way of scrolling is also the Lion approach....
PoweryBase releases NotifyMe for Mac OS X
PoweryBase has introduced NotifyMe 1.0 (http://notifymecloud.com) for Mac OS X, a quick reminder solution for simple or recurring time-specific tasks. It's available on the Mac App Store for US$15.99.
NotifyMe on Mac OS X synchronizes automatically with iPhone or iPad apps via "the cloud." Reminders can be accessed or delivered wherever the user is located at a particular moment. Customizable Growl notifications are used to trigger alerts and notifications on user's desktop.
You can manage and receive reminders anywhere, on the desktop or on the go. For example, a user can create a reminder on a Mac and receive it on his iPhone (or vice versa) thanks to live cloud synchronization and push notifications.
Analyst: Apple should get into the TV set, home automation biz
As reported by "CNET" (http://macte.ch/jVq36): UBS Investment Research analyst Maynard Um has delivered a report telling how Apple could expand its market cap by delving into such new services in the coming years as the TV set business and an expanded version of its tech support offerings.
Um suggests that Apple's in a good position to boost its market cap by anywhere from US$50 billion to $100 billion by getting into the business of making and selling connected TV sets. The group cites growth in both the flat-panel TV market, as well as Internet-connected set-top boxes.
Whatever Apple would be creating would be a mix of those two that heavily leverages the company's existing media services, the analyst says. Um suggests that Apple could expand its Genius Bar support services with a paid element to help a customer get the company's TV set up.
"What we envision of Genius Bar is similar to the Geek Squad, which is fairly well known in the U.S. as Best Buy's service department to...
Cocoon Sleeve available at Apple Stores
Cocoon Innovations (http://www.cocoonbags.com) has released the Cocoon Sleeve at Apple stores across the country. Lined with the shock resistant textile Defleixon, it fits and protects both a 13-inch MacBook/MacBook Pro and an iPad.
The Cocoon Sleeve sports an adjustable, removable, padded shoulder strap. An elastic hand strap and roller bag strap located on the back of the Sleeve can secure onto most roller bag handles. The Sleeve is available in black and red, each with a dark grey interior for US$69.99.
