Ergonis Software (http://www.ergonis.com) has released KeyCue 5.2, an update of the keyboard shortcut "cheat sheet." The upgrade comes with a number of enhancements and fixes, including improved compatibility with FileMaker Pro 11 and Keyboard Maestro. KeyCue detects and displays an instant overview of all shortcuts. Until now, KeyCue could show only keyboard shortcuts that are visible in a program's regular menus. Version 5 also comes with a new technique for easy installation and update and offers further improvements, like an option to specify on which display the shortcut table shall appear. KeyCue 5.2 requires Mac OS X 10.4 or higher. It's Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. The upgrade to KeyCue 4.5 is free for anyone who has purchased KeyCue in the last two years. For new users the cost is US$29 for a single user license. Instead of purchasing KeyCue by itself, customers can get the Macility Productivity Bundle that also contains two of the company...

BorisFX (http://www.borisfx.com) says a new Boris Continuum Unit, Morph, is now available. The Boris Continuum Morph Unit allows Adobe After Effects artists to generate real-time static or animated image warps, animated image morphs between a pair of still images, and animated video morphs from video clips. The Boris Continuum Morph Unit is available at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$199. It supports Adobe After Effects CS5, CS4, and CS3 under 64-bit and 32-bit operating systems. Customers who purchase the Boris Continuum Morph Unit or any other Boris Continuum Unit may credit the price of the Unit towards the full Boris Continuum Complete plug-in suite. For more information, visit the Boris FX web site.

CS Odessa has introduced ConceptDraw Office 2.0, which now gives business professionals single-click access to integrated solutions for project management, brainstorming, report writing, and much more. The latest ConceptDraw Office suite release is being launched in tandem with the new ConceptDraw Solution Park online resource center. Central to the US$499 ConceptDraw Office 2.0 suite is the new ConceptDraw Solution Browser. Through the browser, users can view available solutions on ConceptDraw Solution Park and click on the solution they want. ConceptDraw Solution Browser then automatically loads any software, templates and guides supporting the chosen solution. Version 2.0 also enhances integration of the suite’s ConceptDraw MindMap for mind mapping and brainstorming, ConceptDraw Project project management software, and ConceptDraw Pro for business diagramming and scoreboard development and display. For example, a user can brainstorm in ConceptDraw MindMap and then click once to...

AT&T is now the worst-rated cell-phone service carrier according to a new survey of "Consumer Reports" readers. ANd U.S. Cellular, a regional carrier that provides service in 26 states, beat out the long-standing top provider Verizon Wireless with outstanding marks for value, voice service and customer support.  The full article also features carrier ratings in 23 metropolitan markets and is in the January 2011 issue of "Consumer Reports" and at http://www.ConsumerReports.org . In this year’s version of an annual "Consumer Reports" survey on cell-phone carriers, more than 58,000 ConsumerReports.org subscribers weighed in about their service and customer support experiences with contract and no-contract providers.  AT&T was the only carrier whose scores for overall satisfaction dropped significantly since last year. Verizon Wireless remains among the better performers, but Sprint has pulled even with the carrier in overall satisfaction. The carrier actually even scored better...

The PandaWare Company (http://www.pandaware.com) has announced an update to its PWStyleHTMLField. In addition to giving REALbasic developers a solution for converting styled text into HTML, the version 1.0.6 update allows embedding images in HTML email messages, and offers built-in Undo functionality. There are also improvements for editing text in Windows and for displaying multi-byte text. Developers can download a free compiled demo application that demonstrates the capabilities of PWStyleHTMLField. The application, available in both Macintosh and Windows versions, includes complete documentation for the PWStyleHTMLField and its associated classes. It's available at http://pandaware.com/RB/pwhtmlfield.html . Developers can also request a time-limited demo project for testing in their own Real Studio or REALbasic projects. Licenses for using PWStyleHTMLField in compiled applications are US$50.

Unified Color Technologies, which specializes in high dynamic range imaging (HDR), has released HDR Express, a tool specifically designed to meet the requirements of professional photographers and photo enthusiasts who are new to HDR software. On the Mac platform, it's compatible with Mac OS X 10.5.8 and higher. With HDR Express, Unified Color has automated some of the most complex aspects of HDR photography and replaced the traditional HDR workflow with an alternative for creating the most realistic HDR renderings possible making this once-complicated process accessible to even the most novice user, according to Unified Color Technologies CEO Alfred Zee. The software automates key aspects of the HDR production process, such as tone mapping and halo elimination. After merging the multiple exposures required for the HDR process into a 32-bit image, the user interface presents an animated exposure range preview of the HDR image along with five tone mapping preset options. For the...

Tee-Boy has announced WeatherSnoop 2.0 (http://www.weathersnoop.com) for Mac OS X 10.5.8 and higher. Designed to procure, analyze and publish weather data, the app interfaces with a variety of personal and professional weather stations as well as Internet-based data sources. Version 2.0 features graphing capabilities for analysis and trending of weather values, and adds support for the Peet Brothers ULTIMETER 100/800/2000/2100 weather station and the RainWise MKIIICC-LR computer interface. You can select the value and the range to view your data with just a click of the mouse. Also featured in WeatherSnoop 2.0 is support for two professional weather stations: the Peet Bros. ULTIMETER 100/800/2000/2100 and the RainWise MKIIICC-LR computer interface. WeatherSnoop is available for US$59.99 (USD), with a Lite version available for $19.99. A demo is available for download.

It's been a few days, so it's time for another iPhone-at-Verizon rumor. According to a report to clients from Kaufman Brothers analyst Shaw Wu -- as reported by "Fortune" (http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2010/12/06/Report-apple-has-cut-a-sweet-deal...), Apple got the terms it wanted from Verizon for the version of the iPhone expected to be released by the carrier in early 2011. Citing industry and supply channel checks, Wu writes that he is "picking up that iPhone economics to Apple are likely to be favorable, similar to that offered by AT&T." "This is important, as many, including ourselves, have been concerned that VZ iPhone economics could be less favorable given the strength of Android and higher cost of components, particularly those associated with CDMA," the analyst says.  

Appletell (http://www.appletell.com/apple/comment/appletell-exclusive-mac-app-store...), quoting an "insider source," says Apple is targeting a Monday, Dec. 13, launch of the Mac App Store. Craig Federighi, vice president of engineering for OS X, demoed Lion at the Back to the Mac event in October. The Mac App Store brings the Apple App Store experience to Mac OS X, making discovering, installing and updating Mac apps easier than ever, he said. Like on the iPad, you purchase apps using your iTunes account and they download and install in just one step. The Mac App Store will be available for Mac OS X 10.6, and will be built into next year's Mac OS X Lion.

The Plugin Site (http://www.thepluginsite.com) released version 2 of its FocalBlade plug-in for Mac OS X. It's a sharpening plug-in for Photoshop and other compatible applications. FocalBlade 2 also reduces noise and produces blur, soft focus and special effects. It supports one, two and three pass sharpening workflows, incorporates modes for various tasks and experience levels offering interactive explanations for each feature. FocalBlade even batch process images with the help of actions or scripts. FocalBlade 2 purportedly renders 10 to 100 times faster than version 1 (depending on the used settings and CPU). It supports multiple sharpening workflows and various output devices. FocalBlade 2 is now fully scripting aware and supports smart filtering in Photoshop CS4 and CS5. FocalBlade 2 achieves better sharpening effects with less artifacts through improved edge masking and halo reduction. It now allows sharpening radiuses of up to 32 pixels. To further reduce sharpening problems...

Tension Software has updated Password Repository ("http://www.pomola.com/products_passwordrepository/passwordrepository.html), a Mac OS X password storage utility, to version 2.12.2. The upgrade improves the category dialog editor, now it correctly scrolls on new created row. It also improves field editor, now it correctly select the first field creating the first row in a new document. Password Repository lets you save all your passwords in documents protecting them on disk using a single password. Data is encrypted using strong and bullet proof algorithms, and the password protecting a document is not saved in any place. Password Repository costs US$30, though version 2.12.2 is a free update for registered users of version 2.0. The software is Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. It requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher.

Runtime Revolution (http://www.runrev.com) has introduced what it says is the fastest way to create applications for iPhone and iPad with its LiveCode Deployment Pack for iOS. The new LiveCode for iOS lets software developers create applications for deployment to the Apple App Store using a tool that works across every major computing platform -- mobile, Web, Mac, PC, Linux and server. The new iOS Deployment Pack is a part of the LiveCode development platform, which includes individual solutions for desktop and web development, multiple users and other requirements.   As a cross-platform development solution, LiveCode for iOS allows developers to use the same code to deploy to multiple mobile platforms, while taking advantage of the many OS-specific features on each device, says RunRev CEO Kevin Miller. LiveCode pricing begins at US$99 for a one-seat, personal use license, including LiveCode development for iPhone/iPad. Commercial iOS development packs begin at $499. Additional...

Ticonderga Securities analyst Brian White said in a note to clients -- as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com) -- that suppliers tell him that mobile digital TV and miniature embedded pico projectors are poised to become major selling features in future smartphones such as the iPhone 5. "Watching local TV stations on a smartphone could be an attractive option for some consumers," White says. "Additionally, an embedded pico projector allows users to project a slide presentation or video on a wall or other surface in large size, which makes sense for the iPhone 5 in our view, as Apple seeks to expand the features in the next-generation iPhone." In addition, the analyst says he could see the features also appearing in a future hardware update to the iPad, allowing users to have an "even richer experience."

Apple and the publishing industry haven’t been able to come to terms over magazine app subscriptions for the iPad. According to "All Things D" (http://mediamemo.allthingsd.com/20101203/apple-publishers-still-miles-ap...), publishers want the ability to sell the subscriptions themselves, or at least the opportunity to hang on to subscribers’ personal data, but Apple CEO Steve Jobs is opposed to that. The article -- quoting "publishing sources" -- says here’s what Apple is offering publishers, according to publishing sources: ° The ability to sell app subscriptions through iTunes. ° Seventy percent of the revenue from each sale. ° The ability to offer an opt-in form for subscribers that would ask them for a limited amount of information: name, mailing address, email address.

XILS Lab (http://www.xils-lab.com/) has launched the PolyKB mk II, the recreation of a very polyphonic synthesizer released in the 80's. The PolyKB II is a polyphonic subtractive synthesizer based on two waveform morphing, aliasing free oscillators and a self oscillating four poles low pass filter. The oscillators take a large part of the sound of this synthesizer while the filter recreating a standard analog chip of the 80's (with the help of very complete modulation sections), allows the PolyKB II to create "incredibly warm sounds from gorgeous basses to slowly evolving pads, through aggressive leads and thin crystal keyboards as well as a huge range of incredible special effects that all sound designers will love to use," according to the folks at XILS Lab. Through Dec. 19, the new PolyKB II Synthesizer will be sold at introductory price of US$89 (it's normally $199) or as part of the "Ultimate XILS-Lab bundle" sold during the same period at $189 (normally $398). The PolyKB II is...

Other World Computing (http://www.macsales.com) says its OWC Turnkey Upgrade Installation Program for the mid-2010, 27-inch now offers iMac owners the option to upgrade the hard drive to a 3.0TB model. That's a 50% storage capacity increase over the 2.0TB factory option. This new storage capacity option joins existing upgrade program choices: ° Adding up to three OWC Mercury Extreme Pro SSDs for up to a total of 1.44TB capacity; up to 5.5X higher than the factory SSD option; ° Adding the first offered eSATA port option for an iMac, and/or adding up to 16GB RAM with savings up to 81% versus factory options. The turnkey professional installation service program offers multiple configuration options starting at US$169 with a 48-business hours or less installation turnaround and includes complete shipping options along with OWC’s warranty coverage.

Following Thursday night’s seeding of a new build of Mac OS X 10.6.6, Apple updated its Developer News site (http://developer.apple.com/news/) with a few tips for developers to consider before trying to submit their Mac apps for approval. "MacStories" (http://www.macstories.net/mac/apple-confirms-no-demos-in-the-mac-app-store/) notes that, among these tips Apple has confirmed that demos, trial versions and beta software is off limits for the Mac App Store . The company says: "Your website is the best place to provide demos, trial versions, or betas of your software for customers to explore. The apps you submit to be reviewed for the Mac App Store should be fully functional, retail versions of your apps." Craig Federighi, vice president of engineering for OS X, demoed Lion at the Back to the Mac event in October. The Mac App Store brings the Apple App Store experience to Mac OS X, making discovering, installing and updating Mac apps easier than ever, he said. Like on the iPad, you...

TrendNet (http://www.trendnet.com) has released the US$69.99 300Mbps Wireless N Media Bridge, model TEW-640MB, which is designed to provide a high performance wireless connection for all networked media center devices. The 300Mbps Wireless N Media Bridge connects a Ethernet-ready gaming console, network television, receiver, media controller, and DVR to a lag-free high-speed wireless n network, says Sonny Su, technology director of Trendnet. There's no need to place your media center near a hardwired Internet connection-cut the cables and experience the high definition connection quality of the Wireless N Media Bridge, he adds. Users who have a router with a WPS button require practically no setup. Power up the TEW-640MB, press the WPS button on your router, then the WPS button on the TEW-640MB, and it's connected to your router and the Internet. Finally, network media center devices to the four Ethernet ports on the back of the TEW-640MB for instant Internet access. Su says advanced...

DVDxDV Pro (http://www.dvdxdv.com/) has been updated to version 3.0.4. The new version provides instant access to any part of a DVD movie with its new expandable timeline view. Version 3.0.4 provides instant access to any part of a DVD movie with its new expandable timeline view. With a resolution expandable to a single second, this timeline can pin point scenes on a DVD for extraction. Use the timeline to mark the beginning and ending of an important scene such as a the blowing out of the candles at child's birthday party and extract this scene to a Quicktime movie. DVDxDV Pro rips unencrypted standard definition DVDs into QuickTime video files. It can convert DVDs into High Definition 1080i video for use in Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere and iMovie HD. In addition to editing systems, DVDxDV Pro supports conversion to the MP4 format for use in the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Apple TV. DVDxDV Pro will convert to any QuicktTme compatible codec, as...

PowerProduction Software has updated StoryBoard Quick -- software for visually planning media projects -- to version 6, adding new screenwriting software imports including support for Final Draft fdx format. "This version offers new and more artwork, simplicity and speed to every task," says Jeff Walsh, vice president of Product Management at PowerProduction Software. "By streamlining the digital workflow for the professionals, and enabling beginning videographers to plan projects, StoryBoard Quick 6 brings new vitality to the essential process of storyboarding for pre-production.” StoryBoard Quick integrates with screenwriting applications such as Final Draft, Screenwriter , Montage, Storyist, etc. and batched image imports. It's designed for pre-production planning for projects and lets you compose your shots using the ready-made art as well as enabling the layering and compositing of integrated artwork with imported photos. Other new features in version 6 include import from...

Mophie (http://www.mophie.com) has announced the the juice pack plus, an US$99.95 enhanced capacity iPhone 4 battery case that will purportedly more than double the time iPhone users have to rock, talk and surf. The plus is mophie’s second rechargeable external battery case designed for the iPhone 4, and has a 2,000 mAh battery capacity, the largest of any juice pack case produced to date. In keeping with mophie’s award-winning juice pack design, the juice pack plus is ultra-thin and light-weight, providing protection and now even more power for the iPhone 4 while adding only 1mm of thickness when compared to the original juice pack air design, says Susan Schedel, vice president of sales and marketing for mophie. The juice pack plus boasts a 2,000 mAh charging capacity, offering iPhone 4 power users with more than double the battery life on-the-go. It features enhanced design elements including a dual injected rubber grip for extra hold, says Schedel.

DVDxDV Pro (http://www.dvdxdv.com/) has been updated to version 3.0.4. The new version provides instant access to any part of a DVD movie with its new expandable timeline view. Version 3.0.4 provides instant access to any part of a DVD movie with its new expandable timeline view. With a resolution expandable to a single second, this timeline can pin point scenes on a DVD for extraction. Use the timeline to mark the beginning and ending of an important scene such as a the blowing out of the candles at child's birthday party and extract this scene to a Quicktime movie. DVDxDV Pro rips unencrypted standard definition DVDs into QuickTime video files. It can convert DVDs into High Definition 1080i video for use in Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere and iMovie HD. In addition to editing systems, DVDxDV Pro supports conversion to the MP4 format for use in the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Apple TV. DVDxDV Pro will convert to any QuicktTme compatible codec, as...

Apple has "quietly discontinued" its compact wired keyboard, and only offers the full-size wired option on its store, reports "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com). You can still get the wireless version of the compact keyboard. Apple still sells its full-size wired keyboard with numeric keypad for US$49. It also sells the wireless keyboard, without a numeric keypad, for $69. While the wired compact keyboard is no longer available from Apple's store, it can still be purchased through Amazon for $46.99, notes "AppleInsider."

No Starch Press has released "My New iPad, Second Edition" by Wallace Wang. The 384-page, US$24.95 book is for "new iPad owners in need of guidance." The book shows readers how to do useful and entertaining things with their iPad, like surf the Internet, send email, listen to music, take notes, read ebooks, and play with photos. This second edition has been updated with a chapter on troubleshooting and revised to cover the new features introduced in iOS 4.x, including multitasking, folders, printing, and much more. Wang s the author of several computer books, including "My New Mac," "My New iPhone" and "Steal This Computer Book" (all No Starch Press). He's also a successful stand-up comic who has appeared on A&E's "Evening at the Improv" and performs regularly at the Riviera Comedy Club in Las Vegas, Nevada.