TimeCache update for Mac OS X updated to version 8.0.13
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 8.0.13. The update squishes some 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 8.0.13 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.
Apple releases Xcode 4.0.2
Apple has released Xcode 4.0.2 (http://macte.ch/14CEo), an update of the developer tool for creating apps for the Mac, iPhone and iPad. Xcode 4 is available to members of the Mac and iOS Developer Programs from the Apple Developer website.
Version 4.0.2 offers improved Assistant editor logic when switching among different file types and fixes some bugs. It requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later and is a 4.25GB download.
Apple hires data center guru from Microsoft
Kevin Timmons, who helped build the data centers that power Microsoft’s global cloud computing operation, has left the company and is expected to take a leadership position at Apple, reports "Data Center Knowledge" (http://macte.ch/TvKmz). The move "strongly hints that Apple is stepping up its plans for an expansion of its data center infrastructure beyond its huge new facility in North Carolina," the article adds.
Timmons went to work for Microsoft in mid-2009. He helped oversee the completion of data centers in Northlake, Illinois, and Dublin, Ireland. He then moved to streamline the company’s data center design and cost structure.
Apple doesn’t talk about its data centers. But if it is looking for an executive to “think different” about data centers, Apple may have found its man in Timmons, says "Data Center Knowledge."
“Challenge everything you know about a traditional data center,” Timmons said in a March 2010 presentation at DataCenterDynamics New York. “From the walls to the...
Apple updates Safari, iOS 4.3.2
Apple has released Safari 5.0.5, Security Update for 2011-002 for Snow Leopard and iOS 4.3.2.
The first two can be obtained via the Software Updates component of Mac OS X's Systems Preferences app. Safari 5.0.5 is recommended for all Safari users and includes the latest security updates. It requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or higher and is a 52.59MB download.
Snow Leopard’s Security Update 2011-002 is recommended for all users and improves the security of Mac OS X, according to Apple. Previous security updates have been incorporated into this security update. It requires Mac OS X 10.6.7 or higher and is a 4.43MB download.
iOS 4.3.2 -- for the iPhone 4 and 3GS, iPad and iPad 2, and iPod touch (generations three and four) -- fixes a FaceTime issue and a glitch that prevented some international users from connecting to 3G networks using the iPad Wi-Fi + 3G. To download and install the update connect your device to your Mac or PC and click Check for Updates in iTunes.
Apple dominates as physician mobile use grows 45%
Android devices may have a market-share edge among consumers, but among physicians and other healthcare providers, Apple’s iPhone and iPad still hold a commanding lead over all competing platforms, including Android, RIM and Palm, according to a new analysis by Bulletin Healthcare (http://www.BulletinHealthcare.com).
The analysis, based on the reading habits of more than 550,000 healthcare providers, including more than 400,000 physicians who subscribe to Bulletin Healthcare’s daily email briefings, focused on mobile device usage between June 1, 2010 and Feb. 28, 2011. Reaching the members of two-dozen leading medical associations each day, Bulletin Healthcare has a combined audience of roughly half of the practicing physicians in the U.S.,
Examining the proportion of briefings accessed on mobile devices, the analysis indicates that mobile consumption of medical news climbed by 45% between June and February. The result is that almost 3-in-10 healthcare professionals now access the...
Mac continues to gain US market share
Once again, the Mac has increased its US market share, according to the latest results from both the Gartner (http://www.gartner.com) IDC (http://www.idc.com) research group. The former has Apple will 9.3% of the US computer market share; the latter says Apple has 8.5%.
Remember: these stats don't include iPad sales. Neither research group counts the tablet in their personal computer sales even though the iPad is obviously a tablet computer.
According to Gartner, Mac shipments totaled approximately 1.5 million units in the first quarter of 2011, up from 1.3 million in the first quarter of 2010. That's year-over-year growth of 18.9%.
This places Apple fifth on the list of Gartner's US computer vendors. It trails HP (26.2% market share with -3.5% year-over-year growth), Dell (22.3%, -12.1% year-over-year growth), Acer (11.3%, -24.9% year-over-year growth) and Toshiba (10.4%, 10.9% year-over-year growth).
Gartner says Apple maintained strong shipment growth, even after the holiday...
Intel's Ivy Bridge chips to directly support USB 3.0
Intel says its silicon will support USB 3.0 in 2012 and urged developers to target both USB and its new "Thunderbolt" technology, reports "CNET" (http://macte.ch/af0vy).
"Intel is going to support USB 3.0 in the 2012 client platform. We're going to support Thunderbolt capability. We believe they're complementary," said Kirk Skaugen, a vice president at the Intel Architecture Group, speaking at Intel's developer conference in Beijing.
Currently, Intel has support for USB 3.0 only in select desktop motherboards. And those boards don't use an Intel chip but a separate part from NEC to implement USB 3.0, notes "CNET."
However, Intel's 2012 Ivy Bridge technology will put USB 3.0 directly into the Intel chips that will accompany the main Ivy Bridge processor, making USB 3.0 available universally across all types of computing devices.
So will future Macs sport USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt? Probably. Although further down the line I think it's a safe bet to see Thunderbolt replacing USB 3.0 and...
Verizon iPhone spurs month-over-month iOS growth
In the March "Mobile Mix Report" (http://macte.ch/UreTp) from Millennial Media, the Verizon iPhone helped spur an 11% month-over-month growth for iOS, and the influx of new tablet devices contributed to a 21% month-over-month growth for connected devices as a category.
"With the recent release of the iPad 2 and the upcoming release of the BlackBerry Playbook -- we anticipate connected devices will continue to grow," says Mack McKelvey, senior vice president of marketing for Millennial Media, a mobile advertising platform.
Android remained the leading smartphone OS on the platform's network for the fourth consecutive month with a 48% impression share. However, iOS apps represented a 47% share in the Application Platform Mix of the March "Mobile Mix Report."
-- Dennis Sellers
DropSync is new syncing tool for the Mac
Mudflat Software has released DropSync (http://www.mudflatsoftware.com/dropsync.html), a syncing tool for Mac OS X 10.5 or higher. It's available on the Mac App Store in the Utilities section for US$10 until the end of August.
Dropsync is designed to make it easy to keep folders in sync between computers, hard drives and remote servers. It's targeted to web development, offsite back-ups, and keeping files in sync between work and home.
DropSync is based around pairs of folder trees rather than a flat list of folder pairs. While this alternate mental model takes some getting used to, the payoff is that managing folders for syncing becomes much more dynamic, according to the folks at Mudflat Software. DropSync can always infer the partner for any folder, so adding new folders to sync is just a click, or dropped folder away.
DropSync is also one of the few syncing applications that makes accessing remote computers via ssh a first class citizen, says Mudflat Software. Users can enter...
Equinux announces Mac Designer for the Mac
Equinux has announced Mail Designer. This new Mac App allows users to create individual mail designs for newsletters, offers, invitations or personal emails that can be sent to customers, colleagues or any larger group of recipients.
Each Mail Design can be saved as a template and sent through Apple Mail. To keep things simple, a variety of predefined layout blocks including headlines, text objects and multicolumn layouts can be dragged, dropped and rearranged, says equinux CEO Till Schadde. Numerous textures and background patterns are also included.
Artists, agents and businesses can integrate their own cooperate designs into Mail templates and integrate dynamic content. Mail Designer includes graphics, text-objects and dynamic and customizable text and image placeholders. With tools, rulers and guides, users can create customer newsletters, and each mail design can be saved as a template that can be used repeatedly.
Mac users who already use Stationery Pack, Stationery Pack 2 or...
Smasher 2 offers automated font preventive maintenance
Insider Software has announces Smasher 2, offering Mac users automatic preventive font maintenance, previewing and font integrity verification. It requires Mac OS X 10.4 or higher.
The app works unattended to eliminate corruption of font caches and temporary files, so fonts always appear and print correctly. Smasher 2's new interface and functionality includes an all-new font validation and verification engine, font previewing, a one-step, drag and drop importer and more.
Smasher's set-it-and-forget-it functionality eliminates cache-related problems on an automatic, ongoing basis, according to the folks at Insider Software. Like a virus checker, it runs regularly to clean and maintain the integrity of your Mac and ensure that you start with pristine font, print and preference caches every time you use your computer.
Smasher offers support for OpenType, Mac TrueType, Windows TrueType and Mac Type1 Postscript fonts. Font archiving creates a backup copy of your fonts to a zip file or...
Robokill clamors onto the Mac App Store
Malicious robots have nowhere to hide, as Wandake launches Robokill -- Rescue Titan Prime (http://www.wandake.com/robokill/) on 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: "The new version keeps the incredibly popular Survival mode featured in the iOS version of the game, and builds in new mouse and keyboard controls to deliver a level of precision never before seen. This may well be the definitive edition of the game hardcore fans have been waiting for.
"We're very pleased to be able to offer Robokill to Mac users," said Bruce Brodie, Director of Games at Wandake. "This game is just too much fun to be confined to mobile devices, so now we're unleashing it on the Mac as well. We apologize to bosses and significant others as their employees and loved ones are completely sucked into the experience."
"Robokill is an action-packed shooter which tasks players with carefully navigating room after room filled with baddies,...
TextSoap 7 adds Universal Menu, more
Unmarked Software celebrates 13 years of Mac software development this week with the release of TextSoap 7, an upgrade to their Mac OS X productivity tool designed to help people who work with other people's text. The new system-wide menu -- the Universal Menu -- provides TextSoap features to virtually any application that supports copy and paste, greatly expanding integration options.
TextSoap 7 -- now a 64-bit application -- also brings interface changes designed to streamline efforts of people who process other people's documents, emails, web pages and more. The new release also adds more control in matching and changing both text and a variety of text attributes.
The TextSoap upgrade expands on its existing batch file support via Automator and adds a new Batch File Cleaning option within the application. The new feature enables users to quickly batch process a whole collection of files in a few quick steps within the application, according to the folks at Unmarked Software....
White iPhone due in the next few weeks?
Apple will begin selling a white model of the iPhone 4 in the next few weeks after a 10- month delay, according to "Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/eXKny), quoting "three people familiar with the plans."
The new version will be available from AT&T. and Verizon Wireless by the end of April, said one of the people. The release was stalled as Apple resolved manufacturing challenges, including paint that peeled under heat, one person told "Bloomberg."
ComboApp expands into the Mac App Store
ComboApp (http://comboapp.com) is releasing Mac compatible versions of their most popular business and finance learning systems at the Mac App Store.
ComboApp business apps now available at the store are: Business Essentials Guide, Legal Environments of Business, Marketing Process Guide, Real Estate: Investing, Small Business Guide, Smart Investment Training, Business Education Pro, Sales Management Training, Profiting from Financial Statements and Modern Supervision. Each are available for US$39.99.
Flash Decompiler Trillix available in the Mac App Store
Eltima Software says Flash Decompiler Trillix 4.2 (http://mac.eltima.com/swftofla-converter.html) is now available in the Mac App Store. It requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later.
The Flash decompilation tool helps when decompiling Flash movies and converting them back to their source FLA format or Flex project files. It also allows exporting SWF elements to various formats. Over 50 options are available to extract sounds, images, videos, shapes, frames, morphs, fonts, texts, buttons, sprites and ActionScripts.
The first two days after Flash Decompiler Trillix becomes available in the Mac App Store, all Mac App Store users can purchase it for US$19.99. The regular price for Flash Decompiler Trillix in the Mac App Store is $79.99.
LightSpeed releases mobile hardware kit upgrade
Xsilva Systems, makers of unified retail point of sale tools sold under the LightSpeed brand, has announced upgrades to the hardware kit for its mobile point of sale platform, LightSpeed Mobile. LightSpeed Mobile Hardware Kits will now ship with Linēa-pro 4 for the four generation iPod touch or Linēa-pro 4 for the iPhone 4 from Infinite Peripherals.
LightSpeed Mobile is the mobile retail extension to the LightSpeed Point of Sale system for Mac that transforms the way retailers sell to their customers. The application, when paired with a hardware kit that consists of a supported iOS mobile device and a sled that adds a 1D barcode scanner and magnetic stripe reader, offers retailers an alternative to traditional retail systems.
Retailers using LightSpeed Mobile can now use either the fourth-generation iPod touch or the iPhone 4 as their hardware of choice. The first generation of the Linēa-pro sled, the same hardware used in Apple’s retail stores, was compatible only with the second and...
Mac a Montreal offers on-site Apple solutions for home, office...
Mac a Montreal (http://www.macamontreal.com/en/), a member of the Apple Consultants Network headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, is expanding its services to include a wide range of on-site and remote services to business and home users looking to install, configure, and make better use of their Apple equipment.
The company says Mac a Montreal consultants will set you up from beginning to end, including the transfer of your existing data from your older machines and will identify opportunities for improving your business and work flow through technology. In addition to managing their growing client base, Mac a Montreal is approved by Apple in Cupertino to work hand in hand with all official Apple retail stores in the Montreal area (Carrefour Laval, Sainte-Catherine, and Fairview) to provide a range of expertise in the design and implementation of Apple solutions.
Tablets vital; laptops to remain largest segment of mobile market
Mobile computer shipment momentum is slowing, from 30% year-over-year growth in 2010, to 27% in 2011, when the market will reach 277.7 million units, according to the DisplaySearch Quarterly Mobile PC Shipment and Forecast Report" (http://www.displaysearch.com).
Decline in mini-note shipments and emerging regions is slowing growth, but notebook and tablet growth in mature markets is buoying the overall market, according to the research group. Shipment growth is expected to slow in the short term as compared to previous forecasts but pick up longer term, as emerging markets return to contributing at the high rates they have seen over the last several years.
Shipments into mature markets are expected to rise in the short to medium term with increasing demand from tablet computer shipments and a commercial market computer refresh cycle, says DisplaySearch. Shipments into North American are expected to reach 91 million units in 2011 and 108.6 million units in 2012.
“Two of the main...
Apple looking for cloud systems software engineer
A new Apple job posting (http://macte.ch/SgsQZ) shows the company is looking for a cloud systems software engineer.
Candidates must have a BS or MS in Computer Science or equivalent industry experience. Apple also wants someone with experience in Java, NoSQL databases such as MongoDB or Cassandra, Linux and Hadoop.
Here's Apple's take on the position: "Consider joining a small team writing the software which forms the foundation for some of our most exciting new products and services. We are looking for an extremely capable engineer who has a strong background in web services development, and who has built high-performance, scalable and extensible systems. In this highly visible position, the successful candidate will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to define and implement some of the core backend
In EquiTrend study, Apple ranks fifth in Mobile Phones category
Verizon was named the Mobile Networks Brand of the Year among consumers according to the 2011 Harris Poll EquiTrend study. That's not surprisingly, but, amazingly, Apple only ranks fifth in the Mobile Phones category.
In the Mobile Networks category, Verizon is highest ranked for the second-year running over archrival AT&T. Harris Interactive announced their Technology Brands of the Year in four other major categories: Mobile Phones (Motorola), Consumer Electronics (Sony), Computer Hardware (HP), and Gaming (Nintendo). Overall, awards are given in each of 46 different categories.
"Since the change in the portability of phone numbers, switching mobile phones and mobile networks is significantly easier," says Jeni Lee Chapman, executive vice president of Brand and Communications Consulting with Harris Interactive. "Verizon's strong brand equity can have a large impact when consumers have a choice."
Motorola, buoyed by strong familiarity and a significant improvement over last year,...
Apple debuts Final Cut Pro 7
Sadly, it didn't even warrant a press release, but Apple has debuted Final Cut Pro 7 this week at the Final Cut Pro User Group Supermeet at the NAB 2011 show in Las Vegas. It will ship in June for US$299 at the Mac App Store.
That's a drastic price reduction from $999 for previous versions. The new version of the professional video editing application will include 64-bit support, OpenCL support, a revamped interface and more.
New versions of the Apple ProRes codec in Final Cut Pro 7 let you edit faster and at higher quality across a wide variety of workflows, according to Apple. The family now includes ProRes 422 (Proxy), ProRes 422 (LT) and ProRes 4444, in addition to the original ProRes 422 and ProRes 422 (HQ).
Choose ProRes 422 (Proxy) for offline editing or use ProRes 422 (LT) for projects that require reduced file sizes at broadcast quality, such as news, sports, and events. At the other end of the scale, ProRes 4444 is designed for compositing and digital workflows that...
Intel to release Thunderbolt developer kits
Intel says developer kits for Thunderbolt will be available this quarter, which could lead to the quick availability of a wider range of products based on the interconnect technology, says "IDG" (http://macte.ch/sO9Bs).
Thunderbolt was first announced on Feb. 24 and is currently being offered only by Apple in its new MacBook Pro laptops, which were launched on the same day. Thunderbolt is a new high-speed computer connection technology that brings together high-speed data transfer and high-definition (HD) display on to a single cable.
Running at 10Gbps, Thunderbolt technology can transfer a full-length HD movie in less than 30 seconds, according to Mooly Eden, general manager, PC Client Group, Intel. This Intel-developed technology is coming to market through a technical collaboration with Apple.
The vision for Thunderbolt technology (formerly codenamed “Light Peak”) is to move media faster, simplify connections between devices, and foster new and exciting ways to build and use...
iPhone, iPad maker looking at Brazilian investment
iPhone and iPad maker Foxconn Technology Group is considering investing US$12 billion in Brazil, "a move that could help Apple and other tech companies expand in the world's eighth largest economy," reports "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/F59hQ).
Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff said on Tuesday her government is studying Foxconn's investment plan, the latest move by the manufacturer to expand its manufacturing operations beyond the booming southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, the article adds. Rising labour costs have forced many companies to set up operations in cheaper parts of China, but a Foxconn move into Brazil would help tech companies sidestep hefty import tariffs on products they sell in the South American country, notes "Reuters."
The move is possible within the next five to six years. The Brazilian government is forming a working group to look at issues raised, according to Rousseff.
The Magic Bar coming to the Mac in June
Mobee's inductive charger for Magic Mouse, The Magic Charger, was a hit so the company has announced an unobtrusive device for the recharge the Apple Bluetooth Keyboard: the Magic Bar.
The Magic Bar is the described as the world's first inductive charger for the Apple Bluetooth Keyboard and Magic Trackpad. Including a specific cylindrical battery pack, an aluminum-made base station and a micro-USB cable, it will be available at the end of June. Pricing hasn't been announced.
FontExplorer X Pro 3.0 available for the Mac
Monotype Imaging Holdings, a provider of text imaging solutions, and its subsidiary, Linotype, have introduced version 3.0 of FontExplorer X Pro (http://www.fontexplorerx.com/) or the Mac.
New capabilities include a transparent font slideshow feature, which allows users to place text over an existing document in a preview window and change the desired fonts automatically. A new “character toolbox” capability displays information on the languages supported by a particular font, in addition to specific characters available.
Other new features include the ability to compare fonts relating to their ink and paper consumption during printouts. An “ad-hoc groups” function facilitates a simpler approach to organizing fonts. Users can also choose a selection of fonts that can be organized into a group or intelligent set. In addition, support for French has been included in FontExplorer X Pro 3.0.
Updates of new plug-ins that support programs such as the Adobe Creative Suite applications are...
Raidon releases new storage solution
Radion (http://www.raidon.com.tw) has launched the GR6610-5S-U5, a five-bay storage solution offering RAID 6 functionality that provides sustained performance via a mini-SAS interface and can be populated with 3.5-inch SATA HDDs.
The GR6610-5S-U5 is designed for data intensive workflows and security environments. This SAS RAID solution has with a built-in RAID controller and 512MB of internal cache memory under the hood. Supporting up to 10TB of usable capacity in RAID 0 (when populated with 5 X 2TB drives), the GR6610-5S-U5 offers the flexibility of multiple RAID levels of 0, 1, 0+1, 3, 5, 6, 10 and JBOD.
The GR6610-5S-U5 is a direct attached storage solution featuring a mini-SAS interface offers speeds in excess of 300 MB/s, and supports multi-access. It features LCD management and a web GUI [graphical user interface] to remotely manage maintenance and configuration. The GR6610-5S-U5 is also built with an internal 200W power supply. Contact Raidon for pricing options.
Eye-Fi launches Eye-Fi Mobile X2
Eye-Fi (http://www.eye.fi) has launched the Eye-Fi Mobile X2, a new 8GB wireless memory card empowering cameras around the world with immediate uploading capabilities.
The Eye-Fi Mobile X2 provides instant uploads anywhere by wirelessly connecting the camera to a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, and is available later this week for US$79.99. Also, later this week, Eye-Fi will be releasing its Direct Mode and accompanying iOS and Android apps as free upgrades to its line of Eye-Fi X2 cards.
With Direct Mode, users can enjoy the best of the devices they already own, namely the quality of digital cameras and the ubiquitous connectivity of their mobile devices, says Jef Holove, CEO of Eye-Fi. The Eye-Fi card can now establish a direct connection to the mobile device by creating its own Wi-Fi network anywhere users capture memories, even if that is miles from a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Eye-Fi Mobile X2 will be available for pre-orders immediately on Amazon.com, and available at...
New book looks at media handling on the iPad, iPad 2
TidBits has published "Take Control of Media on Your iPad, Second Edition" (US$15) by Jeff Carlson.
The author covers the basics, so even new iPad users can get up to speed quickly. For those who want to go further, Carlson expands their media universe, helping them explore a variety of options, whether they want to read ebooks, enjoy music or audiobooks, watch video, or view photos. The ebook also helps readers integrate their iPad with an Apple TV, and it has tips that will help iPad 2 owners take better photos with that device's cameras.
Carlson is the managing editor of TidBITS, a columnist for the "Seattle Times," a frequent contributor to "Macworld," and the author of best-selling books on the Mac, video editing, digital photography, and, in earlier incarnations, Web design and Palm organizers. For more info about the book, including table of contents, author bios, and cover graphic, go to http://oreilly.com/catalog/9781615421312 .
Microsoft releases Office for Mac updates
Microsoft has released the Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac 12.2.9 Update. (333MB) It has also released the Microsoft Entourage 2008 for Mac, Web Services Edition installer. (64MB) The update requires that the Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac Service Pack 1 (12.1.0) or later be installed first.
According to the update’s description this update improves stability and addresses vulnerabilities that an attacker can use to execute malicious code. For more info go to http://macte.ch/PVbNa .
New AJA Hi5-Fiber and FiDO SI/optical fiber mini-converters...
AJA Video Systems (http://www.aja.com) is debuting five new Mini-Converters among the company's product introductions at the National Association of Broadcasters Conference, April 11-14 in Las Vegas.
The manufacturer of professional video interface and conversion solutions is showcasing the new Hi5-Fiber Mini-Converter and four new models of the FiDO family of SDI/Optical Fiber Mini-Converters. Hi5-Fiber converts HD/SD-SDI over a single mode 1310 nm ST-style Fiber Optic cable to drive HDMI monitors.
It supports embedded 8-channel audio in the HDMI output, allowing for a single cable audio/video connection and also provides 2-channel RCA-style audio outputs for separate audio monitoring. HDMI 1.2 capability is standard with no user-configuration required.
FiDO (Fiber Digital Optical) is a family of nine SDI/Optical Fiber converters that enable the transport of SDI, HD-SDI and 3G SDI over distances of up to 10km. Designed for outdoor or indoor use, FiDO converters pass the complete SDI...
Delegate for the iPhone, iPad, Mac updated
App4mac (http://www.app4mac.com) has released Delegate 2, an update of the to-do list manager for the Mac, iPhone and iPad. Delegate allows users to share a to-do list on the Internet for remote access from any location and is compliant to the GTD (Getting Things Done) method.
Version 2 for Mac OS X (10.6 and higher) offers a global view of all opened lists. It also improves the sharing of a list, user feedback and the user interface. Version 2 for the iPhone and iPad offers a global view of all opened lists. It also improves remote access of a list, user feedback and the user interface.
There are two versions of Delegate for Mac. The lite version of Delegate is free. The pro version costs US$29.99, is available at the Mac App Store and allows you to share a to-do list on the Internet. When a list is shared on-line, you can access it from any Mac, iPhone or iPad running the Delegate application. Users of version 1.x for Mac can receive the new pro version for free.
The iPhone/iPad...
PopChar X upgrade focuses on metrics, font size
Ergonis Software has released PopChar X 5.2 (http://www.ergonis.com), an update of the tool for finding and typing special characters. The upgrade focuses on metrics and font size.
The most prominent change is a new slider at the bottom of the PopChar window that allows you to customize the display size of individual fonts in addition to the global setting in PopChar's preferences. The new slider is designed for fonts with small and light characters that you want to appear in a larger size.
PopChar 5.2 also contains fine-tuned adjustments for many popular fonts. The program "knows" about 70-plus fonts with unusual metrics and avoids large white areas around characters, which results in larger characters that are easier to read. Beyond that, PopChar 5.2 solves some known issues and reduces the CPU load when running in the background.
PopChar X costs US$46 for a single-user license; however, version 5.2 is a free update for for anyone who purchased PopChar in the last two years. For...
Cocktail for Snow Leopard shaken to version 4.9
Maintain has released Cocktail 4.9 (Snow Leopard Edition), the latest maintenance update of Cocktail (http://www.maintain.se/c) for users running Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard").
Cocktail 4.9 (Snow Leopard Edition) requires Mac OS X/Mac OS X Server 10.6 or later and is tested for compatibility with Mac OS X/Mac OS X Server 10.6.7. Cocktail (Leopard Edition) for Mac OS X 10.5 and Cocktail (Tiger Edition) for Mac OS X 10.4 are available for download from the Maintain website.
Cocktail is a general purpose utility for Mac OS X that offers a variety of practical features designed to simplify the use of advanced UNIX function. A single user license costs US$14.95.
Bria for Mac OS X, Windows updated to version 3.2
CounterPath has updated their enterprise grade desktop and laptop softphone, Bria (http://macte.ch/wfd6Y) ,with the release of Bria 3.2 for Mac OS X and Windows operating systems.
The update includes user requested functionalities and new option, including a richer user interface, wider ranging presence capabilities and enhanced contact and account integration. Bria users can pull in and communicate with contacts from different sources and accounts, including local and company directories, Microsoft Outlook, XMPP, XCAP and WebDav servers. Contacts can be merged into a single view with all of their information from different sources in one place.
The latest update enable Bria users call or IM a contact with a single click, as well as expand or collapse their list to show more or less information about each contact. With version 3.2, the software now enables organizations to create their own chat rooms, providing employees and authorized external users, such as...
PDFpenPro automates PDF creation from sites with AppleScript
SmileOnMyMac has updated PDFPen (http://www.smileonmymac.com/PDFpen/download.html), its PDF editing and form-filling tool for Mac OS X, to version 5.2.3. The software now has AppleScript capability for creating PDFs from HTML. The update also features fixes and improvements in both PDFpen and PDFpenPro.
The changes in PDFpen 5.2.3 have also been made in PDFpenPro 5.2.3, the pro version that can also convert websites into PDFs, create fillable PDF forms, and construct document table of contents.
PDFpen costs US$59.95, and PDFpenPro is $99.95. Family pack licenses, which cover up to five computers in one household, are $74.95 for PDFpen and $129.95 for PDFpenPro. Upgrades from earlier versions of either application are $25, and free to users who purchased after Feb. 14, 2010. Upgrades from any version of PDFpen to PDFpenPro 5.0 are $40.
PDFpen 5.2.3 and PDFpen Pro 5.2.3 require Mac OS X 10.6 or later. Demo versions are available for download.
Simple Help Editor updated to version 4.1.4
The PandaWare Company has updated Simple Help Editor, its cross-platform help authoring application, to version 4.1.4. Changes include additional support for users managing content in version control systems, and for users producing Help books for applications bound for sale in Apple's Mac App Store. There are also a number of interface improvements and bug fixes.
Mac and Windows users can use Simple Help Editor to create software help systems that display in Apple Help Viewer, Windows' HTML Help viewer, a Web browser, or in a proprietary help window (for applications created with Real Software's REALbasic).
Simple Help Editor is available as a Mac OS X Universal Binary application (for Mac OS X 10.4 or higher) and a Windows 2000 or higher application. Both can be downloaded from The PandaWare Company's web site (http://www.pandaware.com/download.html#simplehelp).
Unregistered copies work in demo mode for up to 30 days. The cost is US$50 for a single-platform license and $85 for a...
G-Tech announces new products, Thunderbolt support
G-Technology has announced new products for SD, HD, 2K, or 4K post production workflows for Apple Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro CS and more at this week's NAB show.
The G-DRIVE duro portable drive is designed for your MacBook, MacBook Pro or MacBook Air has a shock-resistant exterior that helps protect it. Pre-formatted for Macs, the G-DRIVE duro portable drive is FireWire 800 and USB 2.0 equipped, bus-powered and Time Machine ready. Offered in 500GB and 750GB capacities, the G-DRIVE duro portable drive will be available in June at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$149.99 for the 500GB model and $179.99 for the 750GB version.
Also, G-Technology is now serving up eight, new premium solutions that feature Hitachi 3TB, 7,200 RPM hard drives. The drives include the 3TB G-DRIVE ($449.99), the 3TB RAID 1 G-SAFE ($699.99), and the 6TB RAID 0 G-RAID ($749.99), which all feature Hitachi’s Deskstar hard drives.
G-Technology’s four-bay RAID solutions include the 12TB G-SPEED...
TriCaster 850 Extreme gets Apple mobile device support
NewTek (http://www.newtek.com) says its new TriCaster 850 Extreme provides out-of-the-box, the ability to work directly with video and audio from any Apple AirPlay-enabled device and app. With instant wireless support for two simultaneous AirPlay sources, devices such as an iPad, iPod, iPhone and Mac can serve as direct inputs to the TriCaster 850 Extreme.
AirPlay is a feature for streaming music, video and photos wirelessly from iPad, iPhone and iPod touch to the Apple TV. The wireless technology is being integrated into speaker docks, AV receivers, and stereo systems from companies such as Bowers & Wilkins and Denon.
"By supporting Apple AirPlay with the TriCaster, we allow anyone with an iOS device to wirelessly transmit media directly to an input on the TriCaster 850 Extreme," says NewTek Chief Technology Officer Andrew Cross. "Rather than create a custom app that links to the TriCaster, we have ensured that we work with all Apps that support the Apple AirPlay protocols. This...
Analyst: Apple planning new video service, possible iTV
Apple is getting ready to launch a "a new far reaching cloud-based service" focused on video, Jefferies analyst Peter Misek says in a note to clients, as reported by "Business Insider" (http://macte.ch/d8H1k).
Misek says Apple will use its new massive data center in North Carolina to offer an advanced web-based video subscription product that rivals Netflix.
This will allow Apple to take advantage of its iOS lock-in and increase device sales, he adds. According to "Business Insider," here are the highlights of the analyst's report:
° In addition to North Carolina, Apple may be considering building a other data centers elsewhere in the U.S. and then in Europe. These "super data centers" are going to be used to deliver video to Apple devices.
° Supporting his overall video theory, Misek says, "We find it notable that the content companies, citing a lack of domain license, asked Cablevision to remove channels from its iPad app. We believe these same companies are negotiating some sort...
Apple among 100 defendants named in new lawsuits
Another day, another lawsuit. Walker Digital (http://www.walkerdigital.com) has filed suit in Delaware "to stop the unauthorized use of its intellectual property rights and to recover its substantial investment in innovation." In total, 15 suits have been filed against more than 100 defendants, including Apple, Microsoft, eBay, Amazon, Facebook, Wal-Mart, Groupon, Sony and Google.
Walker Digital Chairman Jay S. Walker is the founder of priceline.com, Synapse and other companies. He's also the lead inventor on a majority of the company’s patents and applications.
“Filing these lawsuits is not a step we sought or preferred,” says Walker Digital’s CEO Jon Ellenthal. “We have reached out to a wide range of companies that are engaging in commercial activities that clearly depend on inventions created and owned by Walker Digital. Unfortunately, many of these companies have refused to engage in meaningful negotiations that acknowledge the market value they derive from the use of our...
Analyst: Apple sold seven million iPads, 3.6 million Macs
Apple is, as usual, expected to beat expectations in its upcoming quarterly earnings call, with RBC Capital Markets Analyst Mike Abramsky forecasting sales of seven million iPads and 17 million iPhones in the second quarter of fiscal 2011.
As noted by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com), he tells clients in a note that he expects Apple to beat Wall Street forecasts for iPad 2 sales, with the second-generation device reaching between two and three million units moved in the quarter. In all, he sees seven million iPads being sold in the second quarter of fiscal 2011.
The second quarter of fiscal 2011 saw the launch of the CDMA Verizon iPhone 4, which Abramsky believes was a strong seller in the three-month span. He has estimated that Apple sold about two million of the Verizon iPhone in the quarter.
The analyst has also called for Apple to report sales of 3.6 million Macs. Abramsky thinks Apple sold about 700,000 of the MacBook Air during the last quarter.
Analyst: CDMA-version of the iPhone could net Apple $6 billion
Apple could see as much as US$6 billion from sales of the CDMA-version of the iPhone on Verizon, and another $3 billion in CDMA iPhone sales overseas in 2012, analyst Mark Moskowitz of J.P. Morgan Research tells clients in a note, as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com).
He said Apple's pursuit of Verizon first was a sound approach, given that Verizon represents a "major piece" of the global CDMA opportunity. Next Mosokowitz thinks Apple will go after China, India, Japan and South Korea next because of their high penetration rates of smartphone usage and the increased purchasing power of their growing consumer bases.
The analyst predicts Apple will sell 10 million iPhones through Verizon in 2012, amounting to roughly $6 billion in revenues. In the overseas CDMA market, the analyst projects a 10% market share in 2012, resulting in approximately $3 billion in revenues.
Solarflare announces Mac OS X support
Solarflare has announced support for Mac OS X. This will bring the high performance of Solarflare SFN5500 10GbE server adapters to the Mac OS X video production environment, as well as to other Mac OS-based work groups, the company says.
Solarflare will showcase its 10GbE server adapters at the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) Show in Arista Networks' booth SL11205, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, April 11-14. The company will support Mac OS X 10.6 and above with its Solarflare Midrange and Enterprise SFN5500 family of dual- and single-port 10GbE server adapters.
Now, video content creation firms using Macs will be able to leverage fully 10 Gigabit networking. Content developers will be able to use Apple's graphics hardware to create animated user interfaces and visualizations that simultaneously layer different media types, such as text, 2D graphics, OpenGL rendering and QuickTime video, all in real-time over 10GbE networks.
Solarflare's SFN5500 server adapters feature...
AJA previews Thunderbolt-enabled products at NAB
At this week's NAB show in Las Vegas, AJA Video Systems (http://www.aja.com) is previewing products-in-development featuring the Thunderbolt technology for new high-framerate 2K 3D, 4K and 5K workflows, and portable HD connectivity.
Thunderbolt technology is based HD/SD I/O with the recently introduced MacBook Pro line. Developed by Intel and brought to market with technical collaboration from Apple, Thunderbolt technology is designed to provide simple, yet powerful one-cable plug-in connectivity for 3G, HD/SD-SDI and HDMI workflows. Codenamed "Phaser", AJA's upcoming product supports HDMI 1.3a input and HDMI 1.4 output for stereo playback, provides 10-bit up/down/cross-conversions, with RS422 device control and professional reference/LTC I/O, in a highly portable design
Codenamed "Riker," AJA's multi-format I/O technology for everything from SD to 5K workflows, is designed to address rapidly changing I/O and processing requirements via its modular architecture. Riker offers an...
Korean portals unhappy with Apple, Google
Korean portals Naver and Daum are considering filing a complaint with the Fair Trade Commission against Apple and Google for allowing only Google and a few other chosen portals on their smartphones, reports "The Korea Herald" (http://macte.ch/tGyFC), quoting industry sources. Spokespeople at Naver and Daum said the complaints would most likely be filed this week.
Currently, Google, Yahoo and Bing are the only search engines carried by smartphones powered by iOS and Android operating systems. Naver and Daum believe the limited choice is unfair and boosted Google’s mobile market share up to 20% in Korea, which sharply contrasts with its 5% share in the online market, says "The Herald."
Harman unveils new JBL On Air Wireless AirPlay speaker dock
Harman International Industries has announced the new JBL On Air Wireless AirPlay speaker dock. With AirPlay technology built in, the JBL On Air Wireless lets you play music from your iTunes library on a Mac or a PC, and from an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch device over your existing Wi-Fi network.
Users will enjoy album artwork and song information on the bright color display, and can use the included remote control to play and pause music, as well as navigate to next and previous tracks, says David Slump, president, Harman Consumer Division. AirPlay requires iTunes 10.1 or later and iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with iOS 4.2 or later.
Three advanced JBL transducers deliver rich, full-spectrum sound uniformly across a wide-listening area, says Slump. Distinct stereo imaging is often less than ideal with desktop sound systems, but the JBL On Air Wireless dock’s unique HALO (horizontal acoustic level optimization) design delivers clean, powerful sound that JBL products are known for, he...
AJA releases 4K Mode for KONA 3G
At this weeks' NAB show in Las Vegas, AJA Video Systems (http://www.aja.com) has announced the new 4K Mode for the KONA 3G capture card. Available with new version 9.0 driver software for KONA 3G, the 4K Mode supports true 4K playout and monitoring.
The KONA 3G is a multi-format SD/HD/Dual Link/3G and 2K video I/O solution for professional video and audio applications. KONA 3G offers 4K playback in both YCbCr and RGB, at resolutions up to 4096x2160. When 4K playout is selected, the four SDI connectors on the KONA 3G are remapped as outputs for driving four quadrants of a 4K display.
4K Mode for KONA 3G is available now via the free version 9.0 driver software for KONA 3G (Mac); a PC supported version will be available at a later date. The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the KONA 3G is US$1,995, and the optional breakout box, the K3G-Box, is $395.
Carbon is new Bluetooth headset made of carbon fiber
Bluetrek (http://www.bluetrek.com) has released the US$69.99 Carbon, which it says is world’s first Bluetooth headset made of carbon fiber.
This new Bluetooth headset is equipped with the best in class audio enhancement technology for both the user and the receiver to assure crystal clear conversations for both parties, according to the folks at Bluetrek. In addition, the patented mechanism embedded in the carbon fiber tube allows extended talk time, yet reduces weight to less than six grams while retaining a slender aesthetic to the ear piece, warranting long time wear with superb comfort, they add.
Bluetrek will showcase this new product during the spring edition of The Hong Kong Electronics and Global Sources Fair from April 12 to 17.
Collins Russian-English Dictionaries available for Mac OS X, iOS
Paragon Software Group, a software developer for mobile devices and desktop computers, and Collins Language, a language learning and dictionary publisher, have announced the availability of Collins Gem Russian Dictionary, Collins Russian Pocket Dictionary and Collins Russian Dictionary for Mac OS X, Windows, iOS, Android and Java ME systems.
The three bilingual Russian-English multifunctional "talking" dictionaries are part of a licensing partnership to bring Collins reference materials to all types of mobile computing platforms. The applications will be available to demo at the London Book Fair, Stand Y750 in the Digital Zone.
Collins Russian dictionary features include:
° A morphology module, which helps users look up words in any grammatical form to assist in regular and irregular verb conjugation, and uses of irregular plurals;
° Accessible definitions, even when a word includes prefixes or suffixes;
° Audio pronunciations recorded by native speakers;
° A flash card quiz, which...
