The Thule Group enters the Apple market
The Thule Group -- previously best known for its roof racks, cargo boxes and bike carriers -- is now offering Apple-specific cases and backpacks that withstand the abuse of everyday adventures, thus supporting an active lifestyle.
"The new Thule carry solutions for Mac laptops and iPads epitomize the strength that the Thule brand has built over the years," says CEO Magnus Welander. "Thule has evolved from manufacturing car- related products only into becoming more of a lifestyle brand that is not only present during the transport but also on the way to and from the car, bike, plane, or boat. We see it as a natural development to respond to contemporary consumer needs, and we are now ready to let our expertise in safe, functional and stylish design move even closer to the everyday adventures that so many of today’s consumers indulge in."
The company makes backpacks and sleeves for all sizes of the MacBook Pro (11-inch, 13-inch and 15-inch), plus a backpack that accommodates both the 17...
Some Ohio social workers get iPads
“Operation iPad” was approved by the Hamilton County (Ohio) Commissioners lsat week. This will allow Jobs and Family Services to purchase 187 iPads for its social workers reports "WCPO" (http://macte.ch/OgYP1).
They hope the US$330,000 purchase will make their workers more efficient and assist them in better helping kids, the article adds. This will be a major upgrade from their current desktops that kept Hamilton County Job and Family Service workers
“In an agency hit with severe budget cuts and an upgrade in technology will help them save time along with providing real-time information updates with the goal of helping to protecting at-risk children,” Hamilton County Commission President Greg Hartmann told "WCPO."
Final Cut to be one focus of Government Video Expo
NewBay Media, a leading publisher of digital content creation media, announced today details of its conference program for Government Video Expo, coming to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., from Nov. 29 through Dec. 1.
The event’s Digital Media D.C. Conference, produced by Future Media Concepts, will present classes in eight main tracks over three full days of sessions. In 50 unique presentations, the conference will focus on the latest techniques and practices for editors, motion graphics designers, new media professionals and video producers. Tracks and session topics include:
° Final Cut Pro Workshop -- A two-day program that includes Rethinking Your Editing Style, From Expert to Master: Advanced Techniques, Creating Dynamic Titles, Working with Color Tools, and Mastering the Workflow.
° Adobe Creative Suite -- Two days of classes addressing Getting Started with After Effects, Editing with Premiere Pro, Color Correction, An Introduction to Typography...
Avid introduces Media Composer 6
Avid has announced new versions of its flagship video editing systems -- Media Composer version 6, NewsCutter version 10 and Symphony version 6.
Media Composer version 6, Symphony version 6 and NewsCutter version 10 are rebuilt from the core on an entirely new open, 64-bit architecture. With this version, Avid is also introducing a sleeker user interface.
In addition, these systems include support for third-party hardware, AVCHD and RED Epic support with Avid Media Access (AMA), an Avid DNxHD 444 codec, and support for Avid Artist Color. Users can also incorporate Avid’s high-performance hardware video accelerator, Avid Nitris DX into high-profile film or TV workflows through its availability as a standalone hardware purchase at a new, reduced price. Nitris DX is available with one or two Avid DNxHD or AVC-Intra chips and supports full resolution and full frame stereoscopic workflows.
New versions of Media Composer, Symphony and NewsCutter software will be available on Nov. 15....
Jewels of Nile explodes onto the Mac App Store
Selectsoft has released Jewels of Nile, a match-3 game, on the the Mac App Store. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher and costs US$4.99.
Here's how the game is described: "Capture the mythical jewels of Anuket, goddess of the Nile River, before they disappear forever. Use your incredible scarab shooter to move left, right, and even up and down for fantastic never-before-seen shooting angles.
"Developed by Selectsoft in partnership with Teyon, Jewels of the Nile features a special shooter, amazing power-ups, accelerated graphics and over 1000 action-packed levels. The gameplay combines match-3 strategy with arcade-style shooting as players try to capture jeweled spheres descending along a twisting river. The classic gameplay is enhanced by easy-to-use controls and a unique u-shaped pattern shooter. Move left, right, and up and down to adjust your aim and choose the best location to launch your attack. Test your skills as the pathway fills and the targets get trickier to hit."
Prison Mayhem available at the Macgamestore
99 Games' Prison Mayhem is now available at the Macgamestore (http://www.macgamestore.com). It costs US$6.99.
Here's how the game is described; "Devastated on discovering the shameful truth about his family’s Mafia background, Bluto’s choice to follow the righteous path against all odds takes him to the Prison. Help him be the ultimate Prison guard in this exciting Time Management game!
"Take over the most deadly Prisons in the country and make them crime free! Maintain order in the Prison and make sure your rules are followed. Supervise the behavior of Thugs, Drug dealers, Burglars and various other inmates. Use your force to search your prison for contraband and get rid of them.
"The manhunt is on! Do all you can to make sure no prisoners escape on your watch. When prisoners lose their patience, they’ll flee before you even know it. Manage the prisoners coming in with the alarming increase in crime rate and keep your state safe. Help Bluto as he reforms criminals and makes them...
InfoByte releases digital fingerprint calculator for Mac OS X
InfoByte Software has released a multi-platform digital fingerprint calculator. It's compatible with Mac OS X 10.4 and higher.
DigiPrint brings simplicity of creating and verifying the fingerprints (hashes) of any file on your computer system. The application supports MD5, SHA1, SHA256, SHA384, SHA512, RIPEMD128, RIPEMD160, CRC16, CRC32 and ADLER32 hash algorithms.
It also provides the capability of HMAC (Hash-based Message Authentication Code). This is a specific construction for calculating a message authentication code (MAC) involving a cryptographic hash function in combination with a secret key. As with any MAC, it may be used to simultaneously verify both the data integrity and the authenticity of a message. DigiPrint also supports HMAC-MD5, HMAC-SHA1, HMAC-SHA256, HMAC-SHA384 and HMAC-SHA512.
From a file security and integrity perspective, the fingerprint of a file is a coded string of binary digits (generated by a mathematical algorithm) that uniquely identifies a data file...
'Xcode Tools Sensei' updated for Xcode 4.2
Me and Mark Publishing says the electronic version of Mark Szymczyk’s book "Xcode Tools Sensei" has been updated for Xcode 4.2. Xcode is Apple's set of developer tools.
The new material in this update includes storyboarding for iOS applications, OpenGL ES frame capture, and automatic reference counting. More information about the book, including a sample chapter, is available at
http://www.meandmark.com/xcodebook.html . In addition to covering Xcode and Interface Builder, the book covers Instruments, OpenGL tools, and command-line tools.
World Clock Deluxe for Mac OS X ticks To Version 4.7.8
MaBaSoft (http://www.mabasoft.net) has updated its World Clock Deluxe time tool to version 4.7.8. The upgrade -- free to registered users of version 4.x -- adds 24 new cities, updates daylight-saving time information for Cuba, Fiji, Ukraine, and the Brazilian State of Bahia, and addresses minor compatibility issues with Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion").
With World Clock Deluxe you can display multiple clocks in a horizontal or vertical palette, in the menu bar and in the Dock, show Coordinated Universal Time and Internet Time, assign labels and colors to clocks, calculate date and time conversions across different time zones and show the current weather all over the world. The software is Universal Binary and runs in English, German, Dutch, French and Italian.
World Clock Deluxe requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later and runs natively on both PowerPC-based and Intel-based Macs. It costs US$19.
MacX DVD Ripper Pro updated to version 3.5.0
MacXDVD Software (http://www.macxdvd.com/) has released MacX DVD Ripper Pro 3.5, an update to their Mac DVD ripper software solution. The upgrade supports the iPhone 4S, iPad 2, Android, HTC, Samsung, XOOM, Galaxy Tab, and more.
You can use MacX DVD Ripper Pro to "rip" a DVD to any format or device of your choice. The software costs US$34.95 for a single-user license. A demo is available for download.
TimeCache for Mac OS X gets new customization options
The PandaWare Company (http://www.pandaware.com) has updated TimeCache -- its time and expense billing app for Mac OS X 10.3.9 and higher -- to version 8.0.15. The upgrade adds more customization options, fixes a problem with computer activity tracking in Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion"), and fixes some other obscure bugs.
TimeCache offers support for timed or manual entries, retainer billing, customizable invoices and reports, printing options, and flexible data entry options. It also offers tracking of all a user's computer activity, the ability to save fine-grained details with time and expense entries, can use Apple Address Book entries for client contact information, can produce charts of billable time and expenses, and can import from and export to iCal calendars.
Licenses for TimeCache are US$70 per user. Version 8.0.15 is a free update for registered users of version 8.x. Registered TimeCache 7 users can purchase an upgrade to version 8 for $40. A demo is available for download.
Blackmagic Design announces Avid Media Composer 6 support
Blackmagic Design (http://www.blackmagic-design.com) has announced Desktop Video 9.0, a software update with capture and playback for the Avid Media Composer 6 family of software including Avid Symphony and Avid NewsCutter, for both Mac OS X and Windows 7.
Desktop Video 9.0 is available for download now and free of charge for all Blackmagic Design customers. This update includes support for all current DeckLink, Multibridge, Intensity and UltraStudio models.
Desktop Video 9.0 is certified by Avid for Avid Media Composer 6, Avid Symphony, Avid NewsCutter. It offers uncompressed and DNxHD capture and playback in Avid Media Composer 6 and real time effects in Avid Media Composer 6. Desktop Video 9.0 also supports dual stream 3D workflow capturing left and right eye to separate files in Avid Media Composer 6.
Apple opens its checkbook to keep its exec talent around
Apple has given its deep bench of executive talent 60 million reasons to stick around for another five years.
Securities and Exchange Commission filings reveal the company has granted an estimated US$60 million in stock options each to a group of senior executives in the wake of co-founder Steve Jobs' death, reports "The San Jose Business Journal" (http://macte.ch/rZQvL). The grants vest between 2013 and 2016
Chief Financial Officer Peter Oppenheimer, software chief Scott Forstall, hardware chief Bob Mansfield, marketing chief Phil Schiller, General Counsel Bruce Sewell and operations manager Jeff Williams all got 150,000 in restricted stock units.
Eddy Cue, senior vice president for Internet software, got 100,000 stock units. He got another 100,000 in September when he was promoted to his current post. CEO Tim Cook was given one million stock options worth an estimated $400 million after he took over for Jobs in August.
"The Business Journal" says it isn't known whether design chief...
Apple #4 among mobile subscribers, #2 among smartphone companies
For the three-month average period ending in September, 234 million Americans age 13 and older used mobile devices. Device manufacturer Samsung ranked as the top original equipment manufacturer with 25.3% of U.S. mobile subscribers, followed by LG with 20.6% share and Motorola with 13.8 percent share, according to comScore (http://www.comscore.com), a company that "measures the digital world."
Apple strengthened its position at #4 with 10.2 % share of mobile subscribers (up 1.3 percentage points), while RIM rounded out the top five with 7.1% share. Apple's 10.2% is up from 8.9% for the three-month period ending in June.
Approximately 87.4 million people in the U.S. owned smartphones during the three months ending in September, up 12% from the preceding three month period, notes comScore. Google Android ranked as the top smartphone platform with 44.8% market share, up 4.6 percentage points from the prior three-month period.
Apple secured the #2 position, growing 0.8 percentage points...
Apple voted biggest influence on video games industry
Forget PlayStation, the Internet or Mario, it seems Apple has had the biggest impact on the world of video games according to a survey of 1,000 people working within the industry itself.
Apple founder and all round IT visionary Steve Jobs was voted most influential person with 26% f the overall vote (and 46% of the top five winners’ vote). And Apple’s hero gaming device -- the iPhone -- received one in six (17%) of the votes to take the most influential product moniker. The survey was carried out by the London Games Conference.
"In just over three years the iPhone and the App Store have transformed what consumers expect of games, and how the industry makes and sells them -- today, download games have come to the fore," says Michael French, editor in chief, "MCV," a trade magazine of the video games industry. "Steve Jobs, the iPhone’s driving force, was the ultimate independent developer -- uncompromising in his vision, with unquestionable influence, and hugely artistic and commercial...
Analyst: Apple has 52% of handset industry's profits
In a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- Canaccord Genuity analyst Michael Walkley note that Apple is estimated to have taken in 52% of the handset industry's operating profits last quarter, despite only having a 4.2% global handset market share.
That's a 5% increase from the third quarter of 2010, when Apple's share of industry operating profits was 47 percent. In fact, Apple's growth in profit share came even as Apple lost market share, notes Walkley. The iPhone dipped from a 5.4% market share to its current 4.2%t as Samsung is estimated to have led the industry in smartphone shipments for the quarter, though its profits shrank.
EU investigating Samsung's patent complaints against Apple
The European Union's top antitrust authority has launched an investigation into Samsung's use of patents to block sales of Apple products, reports "Computerworld" (http://macte.ch/zClvO).
Samsung has sued Apple in five E.U. countries alleging infringement of its patents on 3G mobile technology. The European Commission will now consider whether the South Korean company is abusing the principle of fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) licensing in these cases.
If the Commission finds that Samsung is guilty of antitrust infringements, it could force Samsung to drop its legal cases against Apple in Europe, with possible repercussions on other cases worldwide, notes "Computerworld." The Commission also has the power to impose fines, the article adds.
CBS said no to ad-based Apple TV deal
In a call with analysts and the press regarding the company's latest financial results, CBS CEO Les Moonves said the network turned down an ad-based Apple TV deal, reports "GigaOm" (http://macte.ch/QpLAw).
Apple has long been rumored to be working on a subscription streaming service that would aggregate content from multiple TV networks and compete against more traditional cable and satellite services. That project has yet to see the light of day as Apple apparently hasn't convinced enough content providers to join. But no one had publicly confirmed that such an offering was actually in the works until now.
The decision not to join the effort follows CBS’s philosophy of getting paid upfront licensing fees for syndication of its content online, as opposed to partnering on revenue-sharing agreements, note "GigaOm." Unlike ABC, Fox and NBC, CBS has never participated in the Hulu venture.
Apple VP of security says adios
John Theriault, Apple's vice president of global security, has left the company following the controversial lost iPhone 4S investigation earlier this year, reports "9to5Mac" (http://www.9to5Mac.com).
The brouhaha began when an Apple employee reportedly lost a prototype of the upcoming iPhone 4S. Apple reps purportedly visited the home of the device’s purported finder and offered him cash for the return of the phone. Then Apple security officials reportedly posed as police officers in their search of this prototype iPhone, and the San Francisco Police Department are apparently investigating the situation.
Theriault, former vice president of Global Security for Pfizer, joined Apple in 2007. Prior to joining Pfizer, he spent 26 years in the FBI.
VirnetX sues Apple for patent infringement
Another day, another lawsuit. VirnetX is suing Apple for -- what else? -- patent infringement.
The lawsuit -- filed in the US District Court in the Eastern District of Texas -- alleges that Apple violated its US patent (number 7188180) for "method for establishing secure communication link between computers for virtual private network," reports "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com).
The invention describes a technique "for establishing a secure communication link between a first computer and a second computer over a computer network." This is accomplished by establishing a "secure communication mode of communication" at a first computer without the need for the user to enter any cryptographic information."
VirnetX's claims the iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPad 2, iPod touch, and Macs that run Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion") infringe up the patent, which was published in 2007.
-- Dennis Sellers
MoboMath brings handwritten math input to Mac OS X
Enventra (http://www.enventra.com/) has announced MoboMath 2.0, a handwritten equation editor for Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later.
Designed and developed expressly for the Mac environment, users create math expressions for their favorite applications in their own handwriting using a graphics tablet, trackpad, or mouse. MoboMath then translates their handwritten input into formatted equations that can be copied to a user's target application for calculation, graphing, and more.
The software directly supports Microsoft Word, Mathematica, Maple, MathMagic, MathType, and products like iWork that use MathType as an equation editor. With MoboMath's MathML, TeX, and image support, users can also create expressions for a broad range of other standards-based applications.
Special introductory pricing is in effect through Nov. 19 For a limited time, MoboMath 2.0 is US$14.99 and available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category.
iPad scores highest in app store ranking
Strategy Analytics (http://www.strategyanalytics.com) has introduced the "App Store Competitive Index" (ASCI) from its App Ecosystem Opportunities (AEO) service, which gauges how truly competitive app storefronts are for new apps and developers. Although iPad scored the highest, it bested by only 10% the least competitive store (the Android store), says the research group.
I assume Strategy Analytics means the iPad section of the Apple App Store. There isn't an iPad app store per se.
"The App Store Competitive Index is a way for storefronts to gauge how successful they are exposing users to new and innovative apps," says Josh Martin, Director of Apps Research at Strategy Analytics. "As of today most storefronts are failing spectacularly. Improving discoverability and increasing competitiveness could be a useful tool to woo developers away from less competitive storefronts and improve the app ecosystem for all."
-- Dennis Sellers
Tom Bihn introduces Cadet briefcase for Apple laptops, iPad
Tom Bihn (http://www.tombihn.com/) has introduced the Cadet, a laptop briefcase designed for Apple laptops -- including the 15-inch MacBook Pro, 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air and the iPad 2.
The Cadet is designed to carry your laptop or iPad, a few files or magazines, power supplies, pens, notebooks, and other small accessories. It's a checkpoint friendly laptop bag: using two clips, the botton edge of the Cadet Cache attaches to two vertical pieces of webbing sewn into the Cadet.
The Cadet is available in two sizes: 15/13 and 11/iPad. Both sizes feature a removable protective laptop sleeve (called the Cadet Cache) in sizes designed specifically to fit Apple laptops and the iPad: the 15/13 size fits both the 15-inch and 13-inch MacBook Pro, the 13-inch MacBook, and the 13-inch MacBook Air, while the 11/iPad size fits the 11-inch MacBook Air and the iPad/iPad 2. In addition to a laptop, the Cadet can also fit an iPad or iPad 2 with or without a protective case or sleeve.
The Cadet...
Brother expands compact scanner line
Brother International Corp. (http://www.brother.com) has expanded its compact scanner line-up with the addition of the DSmobile DS-700D with duplex color scanning capabilities.
The new scanner joins the DS-600, and provides monochrome and color scanning options. The enhanced DSmobile product line addresses the needs of small to mid-size businesses by helping to cost-effectively increase productivity by enabling busy office workers the ability to convert a large variety of hard-copy documents to electronic files for easy storage and organization, says Steve Feldstein, director of marketing for Brother Laser and Scanner products.
The DS-700D -- which has an estimated street price of US$199.99 - boasts high-speed duplex scanning, which enables users toscan two-sided documents in a single pass. It can also scan all types of media -- from paper documents and business cards, to thicker laminated materials such as insurance cards, driver licenses or ID cards.
The DS-600 and new DS-700D...
SQLabs announces cubeSQL for database management
SQLabs (http://www.sqlabs.com/) has announced cubeSQL, a high performance, relational database management system built on top of the sqlite database engine.
It's designed for developers who want to convert a single user database solution to a multiuser project and for companies looking for an an "easy to maintain" database management system. cubeSQL runs on Mac (OS X 10.5 and higher), Windows, Linux and it can be embedded into any iOS and Cocoa application.
cubeSQL is fast and has a small footprint, according to the folks at SQLabs. It can be easily accessed with any JSON client, with PHP, with the native C SDK, with a Windows DLL and with an highly optimized REAL Studio plugin.
cubeSQL Freeware Edition is free and enables developers and small offices to use an application based on cubeSQL without paying any fee. A commercial license with support for more than five concurrent connections starts at $299.
Architect is new iPad stylus
Arctic has announced the US$22.99 Architect Stylus, suitable for use on the iPad, Kindle Fire, and all other capacitive touch screen devices. It's a stylus with a cap that serves a dual purpose.
It protects the silicon rubber tip from the elements; it also offers lets the user wear it anyway he/she wants. The Architect is crafted from aircraft grade aluminum. The anodized cylindrical body paired with the stylized black loop provides a harmonious contrast and projects a subtle, yet refined image, according to the Arctic team.
Matrix update for Mac OS X expands on icon visualization
Appfluence has updated Matrix (http://www.appfluence.com/pmrmac), the Mac version of their productivity software, to version 1.3.2. The upgrade expands on icon visualization.
Priority Matrix is designed to help users spend their effort on tasks with the highest return-on-investment. Featuring drag-n-drop and free cloud sync, the app lets you organize your activities by criticality and immediacy.
The folks at Appfluence say they've focused on making the fastest possible way to add items by creating a set of keyboard shortcuts, so that users can add items after items without reaching back for the mouse. A video showing Priority Matrix in use can be seen at http://www.appfluence.com/video .
Priority Matrix requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later, costs US$19.99, and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category.
Apple Motion 5 tutorial video course available
Infinite Skills has announced Apple Motion 5 Tutorial Video Course. Designed to teach practical compositing and effects techniques for post-production workflows, this 10-hour training video DVD includes realtime walkthroughs on compositing, chroma keying, text effects and more.
Available as a DVD-ROM or instant download, the complete course comes with 93 lessons and usable project files that correspond with the lessons onscreen. It's narrated by A/V expert and Apple-certified professional Matt Schalk.
The course retails for US$99.95 on DVD-ROM and instant download formats from the Motion tutorial page. The tutorial page also features free lessons from the course. For more info go to http://www.infiniteskills.com/training/learning-apple-motion-5.html .
Graphic Node's Pages Template Pack grows to 400 pieces
Graphic Node (http://www.graphicnode.com) has announced an addition to its collection of Pages templates. Pages is Apple's US$19.95 word processing/document creation app.
In addition to 250 layouts from the previous version, the updated selection contains 150 new templates. The Pages Templates pack includes 400 templates. All photo layouts feature media placeholders, allowing users to crop a placed image neatly into a custom shape.
The upgraded package covers the range of template types introduced in the earlier versions (including Brochure, Business Card, Greeting, Flyer, and Invitation) as well as new ones: Bookmark, CD/DVD Jewel Case, Certificate, Diploma, Labels, Magazine Cover, Menu, and Playing Cards. Most of the 400 templates included are available for printing on both A4 paper, the standard size prevalent in most countries in the world, and US Letter, the most common paper format in the United States and Canada.
Users can view samples of the themes and purchase Pages...
SweetP serves up Cookie 2.1.3 for Mac OS X
SweetP Productions has announced Cookie 2.1.3 (http://www.sweetpproductions.com), an update to their cookie and browser history management utility for Mac OS X (10.6.6 and higher). It's a maintenance update that fixes a memory leak. Cookie is available at the Mac App Store for US$14.99.
Cookie is designed to help you to manage exactly who can access information about your online activities. It scans your computer for all types of cookies, from all the top browsers, and can be configured to remove all unwanted tracking-advertising cookies.
Data can be stored on your computer without you even knowing in a multitude of different formats: cookies, Flash cookies, databases and local storage. Cookie scans your computer for all types of cookies.
VidConvert optimized for Lion
Reggie Ashworth has updated VidConvert, his video converter for Mac OS X, to version 1.1.4. The upgrade is optimized for Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion") and sports an all-new "logic" to give the best quality and file size at the fastest speed.
VidConvert It will convert just about any type of video into one of the a variety of formats, allowing you to create videos for your iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV. To use you add a file, select a format and a quality, and click convert. Optionally you can change your save folder from the main window.
For advanced users you can select the Advanced quality if you choose to allow such options as custom Frame Rate, Bit Rate, etc. But for most users simply choosing Normal or High quality should be sufficient. After your conversion is finished simply add more files or quit VidConvert and the job is done.
Supported formats include iPhone, iPod, iPad, QuickTime, .mp4, MPEG-1 and 2, DivX, Xvid, and audio only formats such as .mp4 and .m4a. VidConvert can add...
DiscLabel for Mac OS X gets new position inspector
SmileOnMyMac (http://www.smileonmymac.com) has updated DiscLabel, its CD/DVD label design software, to version 6.4. The update adds a new position inspector that allows users to specify exact placement of objects in their CD/DVD label designs. In addition, users can now import track data that contains irregular characters.
DiscLabel costs US$35.95 for new users. The DiscLabel Family Pack, for up to five computers in one household, is $44.95 and an office pack is $99.95. DiscLabel 6.4 requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later. A fully-functional demo version is available at the SmileOnMyMac web site. Version 6.4 is a free upgrade for registered users of version 6.x.
Strata Design 3D CXi hits the Mac App Store
Strata says Strata Design 3D CXi 7.0.1, their professional 3D modeling and animation software, is now available on the Mac App Store in the Graphics & Design category. It costs US$499.
Strata Design 3D CXi provides tools for a designer to produce 3D models, renderings and animations. The seventh version is fully compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion").
The toolset and user interface parallel the Adobe Creative Suite. The program is a valuable addition to any creative designer's toolbox and is perfect for interactive and motion design, product and packaging design, graphic design and illustration, and environmental design, says Strata President Ken Bringhurst.
Strata offers an Adobe Connection add-in to Design 3D CXi from their own online store (http://www.strata.com). This add-on provides six plug-ins for Adobe Photoshop Extended, offering improved workflow with the image editor, in addition to import filters for Adobe Illustrator Files, PDF and U3D formats. For more information,...
DEVONtechnologies updates products
DEVONtechnologies (http://www.devontechnologies.com/) has released updates for all editions of its smart research assistant DEVONagent, all editions of its document and information manager DEVONthink, the smart note pad DEVONnote, and the iOS companion to DEVONthink and DEVONnote: DEVONthink To Go.
What's more, DEVONtechnologies has released a new freeware app: Grid,, available from the Mac App Store. It moves, resizes, and aligns windows to an invisible grid with a single keystroke.
All Mac apps require Mac OS X 10.5 or later and, with the exceptions of DEVONagent Express and Lite, can be downloaded as free trial versions from DEVONtechnologies' web site. DEVONthink and DEVONnote can be test-driven for free for 150 hours of non-continuous runtime until they need to be properly licensed, DEVONagent Pro for 30 hours.
Samsung takes top spot as smartphone market grows 42.6%
The worldwide smartphone market grew 42.6% year over year in the third quarter of 2011 (3Q11), despite a slowdown within key mature markets, according to the IDC research group (http://www.idc.com). Apple slipped to second place among smartphone vendors.
Samsung became the new leader in the worldwide smartphone market, with total smartphone shipments topping the 20 million unit mark for the first time in the company's history. Apple,after taking the number one spot last quarter from Nokia, slipped to the number two spot worldwide.
But even after relying on the iPhone 4 for five quarters and the iPhone 3G S for nine, demand for the iPhone remained strong enough for Apple to realize double-digit growth year over year. Now that Apple has launched its iPhone 4S and re-priced its older models in multiple countries, Apple stands poised to challenge Samsung for the leadership position
Vendors shipped 118.1 million units in 3Q11 compared to 82.8 million units in the 3Q10, according to IDC....
Batman: Arkham Asylum comes to the Mac
Feral Interactive has today released the Mac version of the action adventure Batman: Arkham Asylum, making it available both in a retail product as well as online through digital download partners and the Mac App Store.
Developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment with DC Entertainment for game consoles and PC, Batman: Arkham Asylum features an original story by Paul Dini, Batman writer and five-time Emmy Award-winner. In the game, Batman finds himself trapped inside the confines of Gotham’s psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane, Arkham Asylum.
The Joker has set a trap for The Dark Knight and has conspired with the deranged inmates to destroy Gotham. Gamers will move in the shadows, instigate fear amongst their enemies and confront The Joker and Gotham City’s most notorious villains including Harley Quinn, Bane, Killer Croc, Poison Ivy and Scarecrow, who have taken over the asylum. The game puts players right in the action as they...
Sprint looking into iPhone 4S speed issues
Sprint says it's looking into reports of problems with iPhone 4S download speeds on its network, but the carrier has yet to consistently reproduce the issue, notes "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com).
Not long after Sprint began carrying Apple's best-selling smartphone last month, customers began reporting connection issues and slow speeds. As of Wednesday evening, a support discussion on Sprint's website has received 1,291 replies and more than 240,000 views, notes "AppleInsider."
Sprint's head of product development Fared Adib tells "CNET" that "we're taking the reports of problems from a small number of customers seriously" but that "there's nothing of significance to report yet." Read more at http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-20129291-94/sprint-were-taking-the-ipho... .
Nielsen: iPhone has 28% of the US smartphone market
According to the third quarter Nielsen survey (http://www.nielsen.com) of the smartphone market, 43% of Americans now own smartphones, up five percentage points in the past six months.
Android has 43% of the smartphone market and the iPhone has 28%, according to the research group. The phones held those exact percentages in Nielsen's last survey three months ago.
Nielsen says that while 43% of all US mobile phone subscribers own a smartphone, described as "a mobile phone with a powerful operating system," the vast majority of those under the age of 44 now have smartphones. In fact, 62% of mobile adults aged 25-34 report owning smartphones. And among those 18-24 and 35-44 years old the smartphone penetration rate is hovering near 54%.
Other groups show slightly lower penetration rates. Around 40% of 12-17 year-old teens and 40% of 45-54 year-olds reported owning a smartphone, as opposed to a more basic feature phone.
After younger adults, the segment with the second fastest-growing...
Apple goes after iPhone porn domain names
Apple has filed a complaint with World Intellectual Property Forum over seven domain names that include the term “iPhone” and forward to a mobile porn service, reports "DomainName" (http://domainnamewire.com/).
The seven domains (NSFW) are iphonecamforce.com, iphonecam4s.com, iphoneporn4s.com, iphonesex4s.com, iphonexxxforce.com, iphone4s.com and porn4iphones.com. All of the domain names are using Moniker’s privacy service to shield their whois records.
myIncome is new income tracking app for Lion
Michael S. Swan has introduced myIncome 1.0 for Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion"). It's an US$39.99 lightweight, income tracking application available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Finance category.
myIcome is designed especially for those who don't work the same number of hours every week and/or work for a variety of employers. The software tracks whether or not users have been paid correctly for the hours they've worked. Featuring an integrated budgeting function, income can be viewed by: type, employer, event/job, totals per employer, and estimated gross and net.
Launching myIncome displays just one window from which all views and functions can be selected. In the left column, the user can choose from five different views: Income, Income Types, Employers, Budget, and Overview. Excepting the last, all views include a large display section in the center that includes column headings, while the appropriate input fields are located in the right column.
RunRev announces LiveCode Game Academy
RunRev has announced at the MacTech Conference its new LiveCode Game Academy, whereby both new and experienced developers will learn to create mobile games in just seven weeks.
The academy will run online weekly from Dec. 3 to Jan. 31 with a two-week break over the holidays. It's a free, no obligation program. Information and registration details are available online at http://www.runrev.com/academy .
LiveCode was designed to give software and mobile app developers the easiest way to create applications for any platform or purpose, according to the folks at RunRev. It's a cross-platform solution that enables shared code across multiple platforms and devices.
In addition to LiveCode for mobile devices, deployment packs include Mac OS X desktops, Windows desktops, Linux desktops, and web browsers such as Safari, Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. LiveCode pricing begins at US$99 for a one-seat, personal use license, with additional pricing options for various commercial and...
Libratone debuts AirPlay-enabled sound systems
Libratone, a brand known in Europe for its high-end sound systems, makes its U.S. debut with the launch of two AirPlay-enabled options: the Libratone Live and Libratone Lounge.
Apple's AirPlay allows users to stream songs from their iTunes music libraries on a Mac or PC, as well as music stored on their iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, through their Wi-Fi networks. The Libratone Lounge system is designed to make every corner of the room the ideal spot for sound while the Libratone Live allows for versatility due to its smaller size, says Soeren Louis Pedersen, chief sales officer of Libratone.
"Another attractive feature is the gorgeous design of both systems, which is heightened with quality hand-picked materials including Italian cashmere, chrome, wood and selected acoustic materials," he adds. "Libratone Live and Lounge allow you to experience big sound with minimalistic design without clumsy, clunky speakers. One is all you need.
Liberation is a reoccurring theme for Libratone as...
NewerTech announces NuStand mini XL Acrylic Riser for Mac mini
Newer Technology (http://www.newertech.com) has announced the US$49.95 NuStand mini XL riser. The solid, single-piece acrylic riser safely elevates a display over a Mac mini or levels the height of a smaller, secondary monitor connected to a 27" iMac.
The NuStand mini XL’s 3.5-inch clearance raises a LCD (up to 30 inches) or CRT (up to 22 inches) over a Mac mini to an ergonomically proper viewing height. Its open-design offers access to all ports and if applicable, the mini's optical drive slot.
Although the NuStand mini XL is designed for the Mac mini, it offers a display solution for 27-inch iMac owners wanting to use a smaller, secondary monitor. In addition to leveling the height between displays, the NuStand mini XL also provides the ideal location for an Apple Wireless Keyboard, an external hard drive solution, and other low-profile devices, according to the folks at Newer Technology.
Soundfreaq launches wireless speaker with DubSub technology
Soundfreaq (http://www.soundfreaq.com/) has launched the US$399 Sound Stack, the company’s latest and largest hi-fi wireless speaker. Sound Stack is the third Bluetooth home speaker in the Soundfreaq line.
It features DubSub, a 2.2 speaker configuration pairing two full-range drivers with two active subwoofers. It also sports custom-engineered Kevlar-reinforced drivers, a tuned triple-ported housing and Soundfreaq’s proprietary UQ3 spatial sound enhancement.
As with all Soundfreaq products, Sound Stack allows users to stream music wirelessly from any Bluetooth compatible device including the iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android and Blackberry. It also features docking and charging for iPad, iPhone and iPod devices as well as a universal USB-charging port.
Not just for music, Sound Stack’s exceptional audio enhances the entertainment experience for movies, TV shows, videos, games, and apps from any smart device, says Matthew Paprocki, co-founder and creative director of Soundfreaq. With...
Logitech introduces Mini Boombox
Logitech (http://www.logitech.com) has unveiled the Logitech Mini Boombox, an US$99.99, compact sound system for music, movies, games and calls that pairs with smartphones, tablets and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
It features a specially designed acoustic chamber that lets you enjoy great sound with enhanced bass, and the handy speakerphone with built-in mic gives you clear calls in the office, in the car or in the back yard, says Azmat Ali, vice president of tablets and mobile for Logitech. The Mini Boombox pairs with smartphones, tablets and other devices that support Bluetooth Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), and works with phones that support Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP 1.5).
It features an internal battery that charges over USB and it purportedly stays powered for up to 10 hours, depending on usage and environmental settings. The Mini Boombox also sports a backlit touch control panel.
Speakal introduces new docking station/speaker system
Speakal (http://www.speakal.com) has introduced the iKurv, a starship-like iPod/iPhone docking station/speaker system.
It sports a built-in digital amplifier that delivers 20 watts of sound with "glamorous" accent lighting that provides a cool space-like glow that can be adjusted to four brightness levels using the remote. The iKurv is currently available in black, with multiple colors (pink, blue, white, yellow and green) coming soon. It's priced at US$79.99 for a limited time; the regular price is $89.89.
Lightweight at around one pound, the iKurv also charges your iPod while playing music and lets you add drama to your movies or gaming -- just connect it to a TV, gaming console, or other music source to amplify sound with its r amplification system. iKurv’s universal cradle plays all iPhones and iPods (including iOS4, iPhone 3, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4S) with frequencies from 90Hz-20KHz for a total output of 20 Watts of sound.
XtremeMac Luna Voyager II available
XtremeMac (http://www.xtrememac.com) is shipping the $69.99 Luna Voyager II, a low profile, FM dual alarm clock and personal audio system for the iPod, iPhone or iPad.
The Luna Voyager II delivers four watts of power and dual speakers. Users can choose to set alarms directly from the Apple device with the free Luna Voyager app -- available at the Apple App Store -- or manually on the dock itself.
Dual independent alarm settings allow two users to wake to iPod, FM radio or chime. Additionally, the Luna Voyager II features a battery backup to ensure users will never miss an alarm.
Qmadix introduces twin tablet charging kit
Qmadix has announced the USB Twin Tablet Charging Kit that provides 20W (4.2 amps) of power and allows users to simultaneously charge two separate iPads.
The vehicle charging kit includes a USB Twin Tablet Charging Hub made from heat resistant polycarbonate and offers advanced smart circuitry to prevent overheating, according to Greg Keushgerian, executive vice president of sales and marketing, Qmadix. Each port delivers 2.1 amps of power to properly charge your Apple device. The kit includes a USB Charging-Data Sync Cable featuring the approved 30-pin connector made for the iPod, iPhone and iPad.
The USB Twin Tablet Charging Kit is available at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$39.99. It will be offered at retailers such as hhgregg, Fry’s Electronics, Micro-Center, Macmall.com and Qmadix.com.
Better Finder Rename for Mac OS X upgraded to version 8.92
PublicSpace.net (http://www.publicspace.net) has released A Better Finder Rename 8.89, the latest version of its contextual menu plug-in that allows users to rename multiple files. The upgrade adds the ability to run in full screen mode on Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion").
The renaming engine leverages all the latest Mac OS X technologies by using a 64-bit multi-threaded garbage collected architecture based around Leopard's Core Data database system. A Better Finder Rename sports an instant preview feature.
The tool features capture time and date extraction (EXIF JPEG and most RAW formats) for digital photographers, ID3 tag extraction for music lovers, regular expression support, plain-text file import for renaming from databases and many other features.
A Better Finder Rename is US$19.95 shareware for a single user license. Family, business and enterprise licensing is also available. Customers may chose to include a "forever upgrade" with their purchase. A Better Finder Rename requires Mac OS...
Flexiglass for Mac OS X gets Quick Layouts improvements
Nulana has updated Flexiglass (http://nulana.com/flexiglass), an application for management of Mac OS X windows, to version 1.5.1. The upgrade adds improvements for Quick Layouts and fixes several issues.
With Flexiglass, windows can be moved, resized, maximized and closed with a mouse, trackpad multi-touch gestures, and keyboard shortcuts. Application settings can be modified to move and resize, real zoom and quick layouts to suit user needs and preferences.
Flexiglass requires an Intel-based Mac running Mac OS X 10.5 or higher and costs US$7.99. A demo is available for download.
