TextExpander for Mac OS X adds backup, restore options
SmileOnMyMac (http://www.smileonmymac.com) has updated TextExpander, a Mac OS X utility that lets users define abbreviations for frequently-used text strings and images, to version 3.2. The update adds backup and restore options.
Users can keep multiple backup files from which to restore snippets in case of data loss. Backup can be made automatic. Restore options have been added to the File menu.
The update also adds new keyboard shortcuts for use when searching snippets. Pressing Return twice will expand the top result in the search results. Any of the top nine search results can be expanded with a key combination of Command and the number corresponding to the desired snippet's place on the list of results, i.e. Command + 1 through Command + 9.
The regular cost of TextExpander is US$34.95 for a single user license or $44.95 for a five-pack family license. A 30-day fully-functioning demo of TextExpander can be downloaded at the SmileOnMyMac web site. Upgrades to TextExpander 3.x from...
Norman warns of new vulnerability in Firefox browser
Norman ASA (http://www.norman.com), a security company offering products protecting government and enterprise networks and consumer desktops, says its its researchers have identified new Trojan malware that infected the Nobel Peace Prize site early Tuesday. The new Trojan was transmitted through a vulnerability in Firefox 3.5 and 3.6.
The Norman Malware Detection Team in Oslo found that the attack was enabled by a zero-day vulnerability in the popular Firefox web browser and recommend all Internet users be cautious when surfing the Net. If a user visited the Nobel Prize site while the attack was active early Tuesday using Firefox 3.5 or 3.6, the malware might be installed on the user's computer without warning.
The malware would then attempt to connect to two Internet addresses, both which point to a server in Taiwan. If the connection was successful, the attacker would have access to the infected computer. This Trojan could be active on other web sites.
AppDelete for Mac OS X updated to version 3.1.4
Reggie Ashworth has updated AppDelete (http://reggie.ashworth.googlepages.com/appdelete), an application deleting app for Mac OS X, to version 3.1.4. It's a maintenance update.
Via drag 'n drop, AppDelete will delete any chosen app with all of its associated items that belong to that application. You'll no longer have to hunt through their system to find and delete these items manually.
You can drag any item that can be uninstalled onto AppDelete: applications, widgets, preference panes, plug-ins, screensavers, etc. You can also activate AppDelete in many ways: dragging items onto main window, onto dock icon, selecting in menu, right-clicking using AppDelete workflow, and throwing items in the trash. When the preview screen appears you can uncheck any items you would like to exclude. You also have several choices: delete the items, log only the items, or archive (copy) the items to a .zip file for safekeeping or reinstall at a later date.
The items you delete will be moved to the...
Planon IWMS system enabled for the Mac
The Planon Group (http://www.planonsoftware.com), a global provider of Integrated Workplace Management Solution (IWMS) software, has launched software release designed to optimize workplace use and employee performance while reducing costs.
The 2011 version of Planon’s software offers a range of new functionality, including dvanced AutoCAD integration. It's also enabled for the Mac.
What's more, Planon 2011 offers organizations a way to achieve internal and external compliance mandates and contractual obligations with streamlined, unified invoice processing and cash flow management resulting in less mistakes and administration and maximized contract value, says Pierre Guelen, founder and CEO, Planon Group. Additionally, the latest version offers a wide array of financial forecasting, scenario planning, strategic decision-making and activity planning tools and reports. Contact the Planon Group for pricing.
BBEdit for Mac OS X gets HTML5 support
Bare Bones Software (http://www.barebones.com) has released BBEdit 9.6, an update to its strength HTML and text editor. The upgrade adds HTML5 support.
A refined Translate command simplifies the process of converting documents between HTML and plain text, according to Rich Siegel, founder and CEO of Bare Bones Software. BBEdit 9.6 also includes support for directory-specific settings and a new command-line option for creating projects.
The update is available free of charge to all registered BBEdit 9 customers. For new users it has a suggested retail price of US$125. Any registered owner of BBEdit prior to version 9.x can upgrade for US$30.
Security loophole found in iOS 4.1
A security loophole in iOS 4.1 (as well as the 4.2 beta, apparently) allows unauthorized access to the iPhone’s contacts, phone functionality, emails and MMS, reports "SlashGear" (http://www.slashgear.com/ios-exploit-bypasses-iphone-lockscreen-for-phon...?).
Spotted by forum members at "MacRumors" (http://www.macrumors.com), the exploit apparently works this week: from the iPhone 4 lockscreen, hit “Emergency Call”, type in a random number and initiate the call, and then press the sleep key as soon as the end-call button appears on-screen. That automatically takes you to the handset’s contact list.
From that list, it’s possible to browse all the contacts, as well as share their details via email or MMS (though not access the general inbox of either), notes "SlashGear." From that email, you can also browse the photo gallery (as if choosing an attachment).
Chinese workers become ill while working on Apple products
Workers in southern China, who say they were assembling Apple laptops and iPhones, have become seriously ill after using a dangerous chemical, reports "ABC News" (http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/10/26/3048024.htm).
The Number Five People's Hospital in Suzhou has been treating workers who breathed in vapors from the chemical n-hexane, the article adds. According to the workers, the chemical was being used in the production of Apple products and has left them unable to walk.
The ABC's Foreign Correspondent snuck into the Number Five People's Hospital to visit a group of women who were working in a very small, badly ventilated factory. They say they were using n-hexane to glue and polish the logos on Apple products.
"ABC News" says Apple wouldn't confirm it had sourced products from companies based in China, but said it had tightened its requirements regarding workplace safety at its suppliers.
Adobe announces new Digital Publishing Suite
At MAX, Adobe’s annual worldwide conference, Adobe announced the Adobe Digital Publishing Suite (http://adobe.com/digitalpublishing), providing publishers a set of turnkey hosted services and viewer technology to create, publish, optimize and sell digital content direct to consumers, through content retailers or leading mobile marketplaces.
Built on the foundation of Adobe Creative Suite and Adobe InDesign CS5 software, the Digital Publishing Suite enables the design and delivery of innovative publisher-branded reading experiences, paired with flexible commerce models and support for deep analytics reporting, says David Wadhwani, senior vice president and general manager for Creative and Interactive Solutions, Adobe.
Using InDesign CS5, PDF, HTML5 and the Digital Publishing Suite, publishers will be able to author both fixed and adaptive layouts, natively build new levels of interactivity directly in InDesign, distribute and monetize their digital editions, and optimize their...
Google sued for violating privacy rights
A class action lawsuit filed Monday challenges Google's alleged practice of illegally sharing the search queries of its users with third-parties.
In 2006, Google successfully fought a subpoena filed by the Department of Justice that sought to compel the release of search queries. Google argued: "[S]earch query content can disclose identities and personally identifiable information . . ." It further stated that it "will keep private whatever information users communicate absent a compelling reason."
The lawsuit, which was filed in federal court in San Jose, Calif., is brought by Paloma Gaos of the San Francisco Bay Area. Gaos is represented by Kassra Nassiri of Nassiri & Jung and Michael Aschenbrener of Edelson McGuire. The class action seeks monetary relief for those whose search queries were wrongly shared, and injunctive relief to prevent continued privacy abuses.
"Because of its dominance in the search business, Google, more than any other company, presents a great risk to...
Office 2011 for the Mac now available
Microsoft Office 2011 has been released. It will come in two editions: the Mac Home and Student version and a Mac Home and Business offering.
The former includes the Word word-processing. The price is US$119 for a single license and $149 for a family pack that allows for installs on three Macs.
Microsoft Office for Mac Home and Business 2011 includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Messenger, along with Outlook for the Mac. Outlook replaces Entourage as Office’s mail client and is one of the centerpiece changes of the 2011 edition of the productivity suite. The Home and Office edition will cost $199 for a single license and $279 for a multi-pack that allows two installs on two machines.
The MacBu previewed Office 2011 for Mac at February's Macworld Conference & Trade Show. Based on user feedback, the upgrade is designed to simplify how people work together, according to the MacBU. The suite has new connections to Microsoft services so you can work together more effectively, an...
'Back to the Future' game coming to the Mac in...
Telltale Games has announced the platforms, release month and pricing for Back to the Future: The Game. The Mac and PC versions are expected to burst out of the time space continuum in December, followed shortly by the arrival of the game on PlayStation 3 system and iPad.
The PC and Mac versions of Back to the Future: The Game are now available to pre-order for US$24.95 at http://www.backtothefuturegame.com. The pre-order special includes Telltale Games Puzzle Agent, a $9.95 value, available for download immediately after placing your order order. For each pre-order of the series on the Mac and PC from Telltale Games.com, the company will donate $1 to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Here's how the game is described: "Picking up shortly after the events of the third Back to the Future film, Marty and Doc embark on a completely new cinematic time-travel adventure. The story unfolds across five exciting episodes, with a new installment releasing each month....
Adobe posts Lightroom, Camera Raw updates
Adobe says the Lightroom 3.3 and Camera Raw 6.3 Release Candidates, along with a new Adobe Lens Profile Downloader, are available for immediate download on Adobe Labs.
The Release Candidates bring raw file support to new camera models, including Nikon D7000 and Canon Powershot S95, as well as lens profiles for 21 new Nikon lenses and four new Canon lenses. The Lens Profile Downloader 1.0 -- a free companion application to Lightroom 3, Photoshop CS5 and Camera Raw 6 -- allows customers to search, download, rate and comment on over 300 lens correction profiles provided by the community. Photographers can create custom profiles for their own lenses and share them with the user community by downloading the Lens Profile Creator also available on Adobe Labs.
Lightroom is a digital photography workflow solution. The Photoshop Camera Raw plug-in provides access to raw image formats produced by many leading digital cameras.
The Lightroom 3.3 Release Candidate is available as a free download...
OWC upgrades Turnkey Upgrade Program for mid-2010 iMacs
Other World Computing (http://www.macsales.com) says its OWC Turnkey Upgrade Installation Program for the mid-2010 iMac 27-inch now offers the ability to have OWC professionally install up to three OWC Mercury Extreme Pro Solid State Drives for up to a total of 1.44TB SSD highest performance capacity while retaining use of the internal optical drive, adding a larger capacity 2TB hard drive, and/or adding the first offered eSATA port option for an iMac.
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 renowned warranty coverage. The upgrades involve a four-step process:
° Start by adding the only available eSATA port offered for the iMac for $169. Or add an OWC Mercury Extreme Pro SSD up to 480GB in capacity from $319.
° Start from options for additional OWC Mercury Pro SSDs (allowing for up to three total).
° ...
Mophie offers workbook for the iPad
Mophie (http://www.mophie.com) has released the workbook, its second iPad accessory. The workbook is mophie’s first protective case for the Apple tablet, providing an adjustable folio for the device.
The US$59.95, form-fitting case provides iPad users with adjustability and a variety of viewing angles for comfortable typing and screen viewing. The design and flexibility allows the case to act as a stand for the iPad, says Ross Howe, vice president of business development, mophie.
The workbook comes in five color combinations: black with black strap; white with grey strap; orange with black strap; chocolate with cyan strap; and cement with yellow strap. The exterior is easy to clean, yet stands up to the elements of the world, according to Hoew. The soft interior fabric ensures the iPad is cradled snugly inside.
The workbook's pass-through design enables full access to all ports and controls, allowing users to simultaneously charge and sync the iPad without having to remove it from the...
Avenza releases Geographic Imager 3.2 for Adobe Photoshop
Avenza Systems has released Geographic Imager 3.2, which adds geospatial functionality to Adobe Photoshop. Along with support for Adobe CS5 and Mac OS 64-bit, it includes the ability to create and export geospatial PDF documents and terrain shading functionality.
In addition to allowing the use of Adobe Photoshop and its native imaging functions such as cropping, transparencies and layer adjustments, Geographic Imager adds the ability to import and recognize common industry raster image formats, automatically mosaic and tile images, reproject and transform images, georeference images based on ground control points and export images with all spatial information intact.
Geographic Imager 3.2 for Adobe Photoshop is available now as a free upgrade for all Geographic Imager customers with a valid maintenance subscription and as an upgrade for non-maintenance members at US$319. New licenses are $699 for a single-user fixed commercial license. Prices include one year of maintenance....
Chinon AVi is iPod docking/charging station with 7-inch LCD...
Chinon (http://www.chinonusa.com) has released the Chinon AVi, an US$179.99 iPod docking/charging station featuring a 7-inch LCD monitor to display movies, music videos, and TV shows purchased at the iTunes Store.
Fashioned after the American "boom box" the AVi also plays iTunes music and standard MP3 music on its dual speakers. Plus, it comes with an ATSC digital TV tuner for picking up Over-The-Air TV signals to view local channels for free. Users can also showcase their digital photos on the LCD.
The AVi's retro frame is complimented by a modern rubberized black finish, silver trim, and large controls. The AVi package comes with a wireless remote control, TV antenna, AC/DC adapter, AV cables, and aux-in cable.
StarTech offers Mini DisplayPort adapters
StarTech.com (http://www.startech.com/) has announced the availability of their new line of Mini DisplayPort adapters, which are designed to allow users to overcome compatibility issues between laptop and desktop computers equipped with a Mini DisplayPort output port and monitors/displays that only support older video connections such as DVI, HDMI and VGA.
StarTech.com’s new Mini DisplayPort Adapter product line includes the following:
° Mini DisplayPort to VGA (US$29.99), which lets you connect a VGA monitor, TV or projector to a computer with a Mini DisplayPort output (video only);
° Mini DisplayPort to HDMI ($28.99), which lets you connect an HDMI TV or monitor to a laptop/desktop with a Mini DisplayPort output; adapter supports audio as provided by source, requires audio-capable display (e.g. HDTV, monitor with built-on speaker etc,);
° Mini DisplayPort to DVI ($28.99), which lets you make a digital video connection between a computer with a Mini DisplayPort video output and a...
Apple products top UK children's holiday wish list
According to a survey in the UK, almost a quarter of children have put an Apple product at the top of their Christmas list, reports the "Telegraph" (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/8084305/Children-want-gadgets-not-toys-f...). The survey, by battery manufacturer Duracell, polled over 2,000 kids and found that top "toy" on the wishlist was an iPhone 4.
Approximately 39% of children quizzed wanted Apple gadgets this year, with 17% of five to eight- year-olds, 50% of nine to 12-year-olds and 66% of 13 to 16-year-olds all putting Apple items -- including iPads and iPod touches -- at the top of their lists. The top 10 toys for Christmas 2010, according to the report are:
1) iPhone 4 (14%)
2) iPod touch (13%)
3) iPad (12%)
4) Kinect for Xbox (6%)
5) Zhu Zhu Pet Hamsters / Kung Zhu Hamsters (5%)
6) Flip Video Camera (4%)
7) Toy Story 3 Jet Pack Buzz Lightyear (4%)
8) PlayStation Move (4%)
9) LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4 Video Game (3%)
10 Barbie Video Girl (3%)
Apple, Google, Facebook, others counterattack Paul Allen lawsuit
Apple last week joined forces with Google, Facebook, Yahoo and others in an effort to dismiss patent infringement charges brought by billionaire Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, reports Computerworld.
In August it was announced that a tech licensing company controlled by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen was suing 11 companies, including Apple, for violating patents on “fundamental web technologies” developed by Interval Research, the now-defunct Silicon Valley lab that Allen created with Xerox PARC veteran David Liddle in the 1990s.
In addition to Apple, Facebook, Office Depot, Yahoo, YouTube, Netflix and eBay were targeted. Not surprisingly, Microsoft wasn't on the list.
A total of four Interval Research patents were cited in the complaint, which seeks unspecified monetary damages for alleged patent infringement. In a statement, Allen’s firm calls the patents at issue in the suit “fundamental to the ways that leading e-commerce and search companies operate today," says "TechFlash."...
New Apple data center could launch 'any day now'
The new Apple data center in Maiden, North Carolina is expected to begin operations “any day now,” according to local officials, reports "Data Center Knowledge" (http://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2010/10/24/video-the-fully-o...).
Even as Apple begins to ramp up production at the 500,000 square foot iDataCenter, there are rumors circulating that Apple may be planning to build a second 500,000 square foot facility on the site, the article adds. The facility -- not counting the rumored expansions -- is expected to employ at least 50 full-time employees.
The North Carolina state legislation requires that the average wage exceed the wage standard of the county in which it’s located. A data center will typically contract locally for services such as server maintenance and repair, building and HVAC maintenance, landscaping and security -- expenditures that could range from $5 million to $6 million annually in the region and create up to 250 jobs.
The North Carolina Department...
Adobe extends AIR applications across screens
At Adobe MAX, Adobe’s worldwide developer conference, Adobe announced Adobe AIR 2.5 software for televisions, tablets, smartphones and desktop operating systems. A key element of the Adobe Flash Platform, AIR enables developers to leverage existing code to create and deliver standalone applications across devices and platforms.
Adobe AIR now supports smartphones and tablets based on iOS, BlackBerry Tablet OS, Android, iOS, and desktops including Mac, Windows and Linux operating systems. In addition, Samsung will be the first television manufacturer to integrate support for Adobe AIR 2.5 in Samsung SmartTVs while Acer, HTC, Motorola, RIM, Samsung and others are expected to ship the runtime pre-installed on a variety of devices including tablets and smartphones later this year and early 2011.
Adobe also announced previews of developer tools that make the process of multiscreen development more streamlined. With new releases of Flash Platform tools, including an AIR 2.5 software...
Red Pill is new image editor for the Mac
Times for Fun has released Red Pill (http://www.timesforfun.de/Red_Pill.html), a new image editor for Mac OS X 10.5 and higher. It offers a dozen tools and purportedly handles big images a as fast as Photoshop.
Features included: tools like magic wand, paint brush, paint bucket and clone stamp; a transform, adjust filter; paste into command; float/anchor selection; unlimited undo; the ability to resize, rotate and flip and image; a quick save command; a file manager; batch processing; and smart fill.
A trial version is available for download. Registration is approximately US$24. Red Pill is Universal Binary so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs.
Long Island model suing for 'stolen' sexy photos
Another day, another lawsuit. An aspiring Long Island model is suing Apple and app maker Samba Studios for "turning her into an Internet tart," reports the "New York Post" (http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/net_babe_sues_over_hot_pics_DxNMeRTG9...).
Rebecca Battino claims she was surprised when sexy self-portraits she took as a 16-year-old (she's now 19) popped up in an online app from Samba Studios dubbed "eXtreme Cam Girls." The shots were swiped from iPhone on her Mac, she says, so she's accusing Apple and Samba Studios of copyright infringement.
The steamy shots were swiped from her computer, Battino claims in a $1 million Manhattan federal-court lawsuit that accuses Apple and app-maker Samba Studios of copyright infringement.
eXtreme Cam Girls has been removed from the iTunes store. But Battino is unhappy that she hasn't received any compensation, says the "New York Post."
CrumplePop brings adjustable Lower Thirds to Final Cut Pro
CrumplePop (http://www.crumplepop.com/) has released LowerThirds, an US$69 tool for creating adjustable lower thirds in Final Cut Pro. It allows editors to add lower thirds to any FCP project by dragging and dropping.
CrumplePop LowerThirds automatically adjusts in size to fit whatever text you type in, eliminating repetitive resizing and dramatically improving workflow. With the software, you type in some text -- a name or title, for instance -- and a background box grows to match the size of your text. Then drag in color swatches, photos, or video to create almost any look for your lower third.
CrumplePop LowerThirds is based on Apple's Master Template architecture, so busy editors can use LowerThirds right inside of Final Cut Pro. It comes with 10 intro/outro animation styles and 15 high resolution ProResLT video backgrounds.
CrumplePop LowerThirds also includes a collection of contemporary color palettes, gradients, and high-resolution ProResLT animated backgrounds that you can...
Boris Continuum Complete 7 AVX for Avid DS available
Boris FX (http://www.borisfx.com) says Boris Continuum Complete 7 AVX for Avid DS (BCC 7 AVX for DS) is now available.
BCC 7 AVX for DS brings over 180 filters to Avid DS. New features include a video noise reduction tool, a new OpenGL particle engine, new on-screen overlay control widgets for streamlined workflow, and support for Boris AAF Transfer.
Boris Continuum Complete 7 AVX for Avid DS is available immediately through the Boris FX worldwide reseller channel and direct through the Boris FX web site at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$2,495. It's a free upgrade for BCC 6 AVX for DS users. Owners of previous versions of BCC AVX for DS may upgrade for $599.
SecuritySpy for Mac OS X gets full screen mode, more
Ben Bird has updated SecuritySpy (http://www.bensoftware.com/ss/index.html), a multi-camera video surveillance application for Mac OS X, to version 2.0.9. The upgrade includes a full-screen mode, support for more network cameras and bug fixes.
SecuritySpy's remote viewing feature lets you access your surveillance system over the Internet or over a local network using a web browser. Pricing starts at US$50 for one camera. A 30-day demo is available for download. SecuritySpy is a Universal Binary app, so runs natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs.
ActionSoft updates Midnight Mansion 2: The Haunted Hills
ActionSoft has updated Midnight Mansion 2: The Haunted Hills (http://www.actionsoft.com/games/midnightmansion2/), to version 1.0.2. This version fixes problems in various mansions, including one in Jasperlone Mountains Hard that would prevent the game from being able to be completed on Hard difficulty.
Here's how the game is described: "Jack Malone is back, in his biggest adventure yet! Join Jack in his quest for treasure as he explores underground caverns, mad scientist laboratories, spooky graveyards, old abandoned castles, and more!
"Outwit new enemies and solve new puzzles as you explore over 880 rooms in the built-in mansions. And when you're done, try out the two bonus mansions for even more fun! And as always, a level builder is included so you can create your mansions, or play mansions others have made.
"Midnight Mansion 2 is a classic 2D platformer based on the highly successful Midnight Mansion. Reminiscent of games such as Dark Castle and Montezuma's Revenge, its simple...
MacUpdate Desktop updated to version 5.0.5
MacUpdate Desktop (http://www.macupdate.com), an application that helps you keep third party applications updated, has been revved to version 5.0.5.The upgrade adds automatic background checking of your apps and continues to improve upon the auto-download and install features.
MacUpdate Desktop lets you keep all your Mac software up-to-date. It offers automatic software updates to every application, widget, screen saver, and preference pane. It searches and matches more than 30,000 pieces of Mac software
MacUpdate Desktop 5.0 sports a redesigned user interface and one-click updating. You can download and install updates with a single click. There's also now update verification; you can confirm which updates were installed successfully.
In MacUpdate Desktop 5.0, you can archive older versions in case you need to revert to a previous release of an updated item. You can also organize your apps and sync Watch Lists to macupdate.com for email notifications and more
MacUpdate Desktop 5...
First app in the PFiddle Collection available
Fiddlesoft has released version 1.0.0 of Applidude (http://pfiddlesoft.com/pfiddles/), the first application in the PFiddle Collection. It floats over your screen and reminds you which application is currently active.
Applidude costs US$4.95. A full-featured, 30-day demo is available for download.
The next application in the PFiddle Collection is almost ready. It's Waccy Accy. a game based on Apple's Accessibility API (application programming interface).. You fill in the blanks on the game board by moving the mouse pointer over text elements on the screen containing the missing letters in your user name.
MixTape for Mac OS X updated to version 1.1.5 -
Atomic Droplet (http://atomicdroplet.com/) has released MixTape 1.1.5, an update for its mixing application for Mac OS X 10.4.11 and higher. This update removes the requirement to create an publishing account prior to purchase.
It takes the music users already have (from iTunes) and gives them an environment where beat matched mixes can be created without the complexity associated with audio workstations or DJ apps. The resulting mixes can be published either back into iTunes or directly onto the web.
Music is drag and dropped from iTunes into MixTape's library where a beat detection algorithm finds the base tempo and strips of lockable beats called "timing tabs." The main user interface is a timeline where music can be: dragged to its desired play location; have it's in and out points set with drag handles; and create "snap to grid" regions using the timing tabs. This "snap to grid" behavior ensures two or more pieces of music can be played at exactly the same speed and with their...
Nvidia unveils 3D software for computers/HDTVs
Okay, Apple, take note: Nvidia has unveiled 3DTV Play software that will let users connect 3D notebooks and desktops running its 3D Vision technology to 3D high-definition TVs for a “big-screen entertainment experience,” the company says.
According to "InformationWeek" (http://www.informationweek.com/news/software/hosted/showArticle.jhtml?ar...), any compatible Nvidia GeForce graphics processing unit (GPU)-powered system running the 3DTV Play software can be connected to an HDMI 1.4 3D HD TV, letting users view 3D photos and videos on a larger screen. They will also be able to play some 500 games in 3D -- more than any other platform -- according to Nvidia.
When the compatible video playback software is employed, users can also watch Blu-ray 3D movies in full 1080 stereoscopic 3D, along with HD digital surround sound with an HDMI connection to a compatible audio/video receiver, notes "InformationWeek." A new line of Dell XPS laptops rolled out Friday come bundled with the Nvidia 3DTV...
Analyst: Apple's failure to pay dividends keeps some...
According to Toni Sacconaghi at Bernstein & Co., Apple’s failure to pay a dividend is preventing some investors from buying shares, reports "Silicon Alley Insider" (http://www.businessinsider.com/the-apple-investor-oct-22-2010-10).
About 10% to 15% of the investors he speaks with avoid Apple because they only buy firms with payouts or they’re concerned Apple will use the cash for an acquisition. However, "Silicon Alley Insider" says Sacconaghi's talking to the wrong investors "as the stock has increased 5x the past 5 years versus an 11% gain in the S&P 500, with little signs of stopping."
Blabbelon introduces integrated Suite of voice products
Blabbelon (http://blabbelon.com/, games developer and creator of voice systems has announced the release of its desktop client products for both Mac OS X and Windows. The company simultaneously released its 2.0 update of its browser-based voice software, with integration between the three products.
Earlier this year, the company announced the approval of its iPhone app in the Apple App Store. All four products share a common proprietary core application programming interface that lets users stay in touch regardless of desktop, web, or mobile access. All products remain free-of-charge for unlimited users.
The Blabbelon iPhone app is available now and can be downloaded for free.
Analyst: MacBook Air shipments to hit 700,000
MacBook Air shipments in the fourth quarter of 2010 are expected to reach about 700,000 units, accounting for more than 17% share of the company's 4.1 million Mac shipments, while the 11.6-inch model will account for 60% of the total MacBook Air sales due to its low price, according a Chinese-language Commercial Times report citing vice president of Concord Securities research department, Mingchi Kuo -- as noted by "DigiTimes" (http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20101022PB200.html).
Kuo pointed out that the new MacBook Air notebooks paired with the company's upcoming new operating system Mac OS X Lion next year should be able to attract more consumers to purchase the machine as their second computer choice, while Taiwan-based supply chain players including notebook maker Quanta Computer, chassis maker Catcher Technology, panel maker AU Optronics (AUO) and cooling module maker Auras Technology will all benefit from the new device, the article adds.
Jobs, President Obama talk jobs
President Barack Obama discussed job creation and American competitiveness during a meeting with Apple CEO Steve Jobs in California on Thursday, reports "Fox News" (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/10/22/obama-talks-jobs-apples-steve...).White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said the pair met at the Westin hotel in San Francisco.
"They discussed American competitiveness and education, especially reforms such as the president's Race to the Top initiative," Gibbs said in a statement. "They then talked about energy independence and ways to increase job creation."
Jobs is a major donor to Democratic causes, having contributed US$50,000 to the Democratic National Committee in 2000 and $26,700 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in 2006, per Federal Election Commission records.
Apple addresses FaceTime beta issue
Along with Apple’s FaceTime beta release came a new iTunes Store account security flaw. Now Apple has offered a fix.
According to "Cocoa Touch Apps" (http://cocoatouchapps.com/2010/10/apple-fixes-facetime-security-flaw-ser...), while people were "poking around" in the FaceTime beta, they noticed that they could easily access their iTunes Store accounts right from the app. In doing so, they’re able to update their account settings without re-entering the iTunes Store password. To make matters worse, the application automatically saves your username and password even if you sign out
"Cocoa Touch Apps" says this is Apple's "easy ... yet annoying fix":
Go to your User Folder / Library / Preferences and delete com.apple.FaceTime.plist
That will reset the settings for the app and clear out your password.
Jobs comments on Java-Mac OS X situation
Apple's announcement that they would be ceasing future development of their version of Java for the Mac understandably worried Java developers.
Apple has posted developer documentation (http://developer.apple.com/library/mac/#releasenotes/Java/JavaSnowLeopar...) that said:
"As of the release of Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 3, the Java runtime ported by Apple and that ships with Mac OS X is deprecated. Developers should not rely on the Apple-supplied Java runtime being present in future versions of Mac OS X.
"The Java runtime shipping in Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, and Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, will continue to be supported and maintained through the standard support cycles of those products."
Now "Mac Rumors" (http://www.macrumors.com) reports that one concerned Java developer from Portico Systems emailed Steve Jobs asking about Apple's future plans for the Java programming language and platform on Mac OS X. Jobs' reply was:
"Sun (now Oracle) supplies Java for all other platforms....
Apple denies discrimination against Korean iPhone users
Apple would be willing to improve its customer service policy for Korean iPhone users if a directly operated branch in Korea is established, Farrel Farhoudi, a senior director for the IT company's iPhone service, said in a parliamentary audit on Thursday -- as reported by "The Chosunilbo" (http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/10/22/2010102200910.html).
Grand National Party lawmaker Kwon Teak-ky raised the issue of different after-sales service policies between China and Korea and suggested it is discriminatory. Farhoudi replied that the regulations in China are different from those of Korea as there are directly operated Apple stores in China but none here, so the company's responsibilities are different., says "The Chosunilbo."
Audioengine introduces N22 desktop audio amplifier
Audioengine has released Audioengine N22 Premium Desktop Audio Amplifier. The N22 is a compact integrated stereo power amplifier and headphone amp that you can connect to your iPod, computer, and speakers or headphones for a great-sounding personal stereo system.
For example, you can connect it to your Mac or PC with no software to install or settings to change. You can pair the N22 amp with the Audioengine P4 passives or your favorite speakers for a high-end mini desktop hi-fi music system, according to the folks at Audioengine. You can connect a subwoofer via the variable line output and charge your iPod via the USB power port. Two audio inputs are standard so you can plug in your computer, iPod or stereo directly.
The vertical design of the N22 with its integrated stand allows the 22 watt/per channel stereo class A/B amplifiers to run cool through passive convection without a fan or heatsink. The N22 fits easily on your desk and doesn't take up much space.
For headphone enthusiasts...
'iFixIt' tears down the new MacBook Air
The new MacBook Air is an exercise of proprietary engineering, according to the gang at "iFixit," who recently took the new teeny laptop apart. You can find the teardown at http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/MacBook-Air-11-Inch-Model-A1370-Teardown/... .
According to "iFixIt," while you can easily access everything once you remove the proprietary screws, you can't really replace any component with an off-the-shelf part, unless you source it from Apple or someone involved in Apple-based repair. Most components -- RAM included -- are soldered to the logic board, preventing them from being replaced. We definitely recommend users to buy the 4GB RAM version of the Air, as the paltry 2GB already borders on obsolete by today's standards.
The one standout in this proprietary sea is the 64GB SSD. It's not locked down like the rest of the components, although it is a very slim and unusual form factor (for a hard drive). It's attached to the logic board with what appears to be a new mini-SATA (mSATA...
'AppleScriptObj C Explored' is available
Often overlooked in Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard") are the dramatic updates to AppleScript, specifically the new AppleScript/Objective-C support for the creation of AppleScript applications and applets.
Starting with Snow Leopard, AppleScript can now call any of the Cocoa routines and methods directly in application scripts, providing access to the full of the power of the Cocoa frameworks. In addition, AppleScript applications now fully integrate all Cocoa interface elements using outlets and actions, or Cocoa bindings, that link directly to AppleScript properties and handlers.
Adoption of ASOC (AppleScript/Objective-C) has been constrained by the lack of good documentation -- until now. AppleScript expert Shane Stanley, has written AppleScriptObjC Explored, an in-depth guide to creating AppleScript Objective-C applications. The guide includes both thorough documentation (in PDF format) and numerous example Xcode projects. For more info go to http://www.macosxautomation.com/...
Info needed on farming/agricultural software for the Mac
Our next Category Review will look at farming/agricultural software for the Mac. If you use or know of such goodies, drop me a line (dsellers@applecentral.com) no later than Wednesday, Oct. 27. We had intended to run a column on copywriting software for the Mac -- but we found none.
Category Reviews appear on Friday and round-up Mac solutions for specific industries and areas as dentistry, engineering, sales, etc. Also, if you have a particular migration topic you'd like us to cover, drop me a line, as well.
VanDyke Software releases SecureCRT 6.6 client for Mac OS X
VanDyke Software has released SecureCRT 6.6, a secure terminal client for Mac OS X and Windows. It's the first Mac version of the software.
SecureCRT is a terminal client that helps network administrators manage secure remote access and securely “tunnel” e-mail, web, and corporate application data. Three trends evolving over several years drove VanDyke’s development of SecureCRT for Mac OS X, says Jeff P. Van Dyke, president and founder of VanDyke Software. According to a survey commissioned by the company and executed by Amplitude Research, network administrators ranked “securing remote access” their top priority for four years running (since 2006).
Meanwhile, in 2008, Yankee Group released findings that 80% of senior IT execs surveyed had Macs in their organization, increasing from 47% in 2006. Additionally, since 2005, inquiries from network administrators about a secure terminal emulator for Macs had doubled each year.
SecureCRT is designed to help network administrators to...
Clio launches Apple in Law Firms Survey
Clio has launched the inaugural Clio Apple in Law Firms Survey. All legal professionals and law students from all law firms and law schools are invited to participate in the survey, regardless of size and location.
The survey aims to determine to what extent lawyers and law students are now using Apple and Mac products, and whether there is clear evidence of an increasing trend of the legal industry “going Mac” in the future. Available online at http://macsurvey.questionpro.com/ , the Clio Mac Survey will remain open until Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 5pm Eastern.
The tabulated results will be presented by Clio President Jack Newton at MILOfest, a conference for Mac-using attorneys being held on November 11-13 at the Disney World Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida. Clio will also be giving away a free iPad to a randomly selected survey respondent.
iPresentee triples Mail Stationery Collection, offers free...
iPresentee (ttp://www.ipresentee.com) has released Mail Stationery 2.0 templates to be used with Apple's Mail software. It's an US$30 collection of 160 templates.
The new release retains 60 templates from the previous release and adds 100 new Mail Stationery templates for Mail. Also, iPresentee is offering a number of Mail Stationery templates for free.
New Mail Stationery templates comes with an installer to make sure the templates end up in the right place and would be displayed in Apple Mail New Message Stationery menu automatically. They require Mac OS X 10.5 or later.
Equinux introduces new Stationary Pack Business Edition
Small businesses and offices can now send Stationery emails suited for a variety of purposes, whether a special offer, invoice or newsletter with the Stationery Pack Business Edition from equinux (http://www.equinux.com).
It's a collection of over 200 templates. Featuring 12 unique design lines with 17 layout variations for each, Business Edition is equipped to cover many common business scenarios.
Each layout gives users the option to create Stationery emails in the style they want. You can add company logos, digitized signatures and photos in portrait and landscape format. There are text areas for headlines, message content, legal disclaimers and footers.
Stationery Pack Business Edition is available in English, German and French. Licenses start at US$59.95 at the equinux online store. Discounted volume licenses are also available. Stationery Pack Business Edition will soon be available as boxed version at selected Apple Retailers.
MiRow is set of plug-ins for Front Row
FireCore has released MiRow (http://ww.firecore.com/mirow), a set of plug-ins for Apple's Mac OS X app, Front Row. The solution lets you:
° Enable additional media formats such as AVI, MP4, MKV and more without having to leave Front Row;
° Stream media from sites like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, BBC and more;
° Automatically download cover art and other metadata for your media files;
° Find new artists by accessing Last.fm radio stations, artist bios and slideshows;
° Use an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad to take control with the Remote HD app;
MiRow normally costs US$24.95, but it's available now for pre-order for $19.95.
New video course offers Core Data for Mac OS X training
You can learn how to develop with Apple's Core Data for OS X , iPhone and iPad in a new, 11-hour video training course presented by Marcus Zarra and Steve Scott. The course is made up of 28 chapters three of which can be viewed in full on the course page of the iDeveloper TV web site (http://ideveloper.tv).
Whether you are targeting Mac OS X or the iPhone/iPad, it is likely your application is going to need to access and persist data. Core Data helps you avoid dealing with complex SQL API's or having to handle XML by presenting you with an elegant object oriented way to access your data, says Zarra.
He's the owner of Zarra Studios and the creator of seSales and iWeb Buddy as well as being a co-author of "Cocoa Is My Girlfriend" a blog covering all aspects of Cocoa development. He's been using Core Data since its original release in OS X 10.4 Tiger and has released numerous applications and papers covering all of the topics of Core Data.
Coladia releases Dracula 3 -- the Path of the Dragon for Mac OS...
Adventure game publisher Coladia and Anuman Interactive have announced that Dracula 3 -- the Path of the Dragon (http://www.coladia.com/en/17490/games/mac/dracula_3_the_path_of_the_dragon) is now available for Mac OS X. Following in the same vein as The Secrets of Da Vinci -- The Forbidden Manuscript, Dracula 3 -- the Path of the Dragon is an historical adventure game in which players have to solve a series of riddles and puzzles inspired by the world of Bram Stoker.
Here's how the game is described: "Mgr Arno Moriani, the 'devil's advocate,' is carrying out a canonization process, investigating in the interwar years a potential candidate for beatification in Transylvania. His investigation is quickly wrapped up. The strange stigmata on the corpse are not the hallmark of some divine power. In fact, the villagers see it as the "mark" of Count Dracula. The bishop decides to carry out his own investi gation to determine once and for all whether the vampire truly exists. But the reality...
Apple now has 18% of smartphone marketshare
According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics (http://www.strategyanalytics.com), global smartphone shipments grew an impressive 78% annually to reach a record 77 million units in the third quarter of 2010, Apple was the star performer, as it overtook RIM and closed the gap on Nokia.
“Global smartphone shipments grew an impressive 78% annually to reach a record 77 million units in Q3 2010," says Tom Kang, director at Strategy Analytics. "Apple was the star performer during the quarter, as it captured a record 18% marketshare, overtook RIM and closed the gap on Nokia.”
Neil Mawston, Director at Strategy Analytics, adds: “Global smartphone shipments grew 78% from a year earlier, the industry’s fastest rate since the mid-2000s. However, the surging volumes are placing heavy demands on component suppliers and moderate shortages of select components are emerging ahead of the the holiday season.”
Other findings from the research include:
° Nokia shipped record smartphone volumes...
