Study: 4% of US households own tablet computers
The Nielsen Company (http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/online_mobile/connected-devices-does...) recently surveyed more than 5,000 consumers who already own a tablet computer, eReader, netbook, media/games player, or smartphone to get a better sense of who is using these devices and how they are using them. Among the insights:
° Four percent of U.S. households now own tablet computers.
° The iPad trumps the iPhone for “print” and video viewing.
° A majority of iPad owners have already downloaded and paid for content
Apple issues Mac App Store Review Guidelines
Apple has issued an initial outline of what developers will need to do to get their apps listed in the upcoming Mac App Store, reports "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com).
"The App Store has revolutionized the way mobile apps are developed and distributed," Apple writes in the Mac App Store Review Guidelines document. "With over 300,000 apps and 7 billion downloads, it has been a huge hit with developers and users around the world. Now we are thrilled to be opening our new Mac App Store to the hundreds of thousands of Mac developers and tens of millions of Mac users around the world."
The guidelines further note, "to ensure that apps are reliable, perform as advertised, and free of offensive material, we will review every app on the Mac App Store based on a set of Mac App Store Review Guidelines that we are ready to share with you. These guidelines are designed to help you create and prepare your apps so they will sail through our approval process."
Apple lists a series of...
Plantiffs amend iPad overheating lawsuit
Three iPad owners who sued Apple this summer because their tablets overheated have added Apple's TV and web commercials to their complaints, reports "Computerworld" (http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9192219/Hot_iPad_lawsuit_turns_Ap...). Court documents show that Jacob Balthazar, Claudia Keller and John Browning amended their original federal complaint to cite iPad ads as key in their decision to buy the Apple tablet.
"Apple released a commercial depicting use of the iPad in various places, including outdoor locations such as a sidewalk cafe, front steps of a building, and on a grassy lawn, among others," the new complaint stated. "Apple also posted a commercial on its website depicting the iPad being used in a variety of ways, including outdoors while affixed to the dashboard of a car and the gas tank of a motorcycle."
In July Balthazar, Keller and Browning sued Apple over claims that its iPad easily overheats, then suddenly switches itself off. In a complaint filed with an...
Apple adds 2.8GHz Core i7 option for MacBook Pros
Apple has added 2.8GHz, Intel Core i7 processor options for its 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pros. Customers can now choose to upgrade their notebooks with 2.8GHz Core i7 CPUs, which are now available for both notebook sizes.
Upgrading the 17-inch MacBook Pro to the 2.8GHz adds US$400 to the basic price. It's a $200 upgrade for 15-inch MacBook Pro customers.
AT&T activates 5.2 million iPhones in third quarter
AT&T has reported third-quarter results highlighted by growth in consolidated revenues, strong sales of integrated devices, gains in IP-based and strategic business services, and disciplined execution on cost initiatives. And it activated 5.2 million iPhones in the quarter.
For the quarter ending Sept. 30, AT&T's consolidated revenues totaled US$31.6 billion, up $847 million, or 2.8%, versus the year-earlier quarter, marking the company's third consecutive quarter with a year-over-year revenue increase. Versus the second quarter of this year, consolidated revenues were up $773 million, or 2.5%.
Compared with results for the third quarter of 2009, operating expenses were $26.1 billion versus $25.4 billion; operating income was $5.5 billion, up from $5.4 billion; and AT&T's operating income margin was stable at 17.3%, compared to 17.5 percent.
iPhone activations, spurred by the iPhone 4's release, were up 62.5% from the previous quarter.
Apple posts Java, ProKit updates
Apple has posted updates for Java for Mac OS X and ProKit. You can obtain the updates via the Software Update component of Mac OS X's Systems Preferences app.
Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 3 delivers improved compatibility, security, and reliability by updating Java SE 6 to 1.6.0_22.
Java for Mac OS X 10..5 Update 8 delivers improved compatibility, security, and reliability by updating J2SE 5.0 to 1.5.0_26, and updating Java SE 6 to 1.6.0_22 for 64-bit capable Intel-based Macs. J2SE 1.4.2 is no longer being updated to fix bugs or security issues and remains disabled by default in this update.
ProKit 6.0 (Snow Leopard) fixes issues with user interface software that is shared by Apple's professional applications. This update is recommended for all users of Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Pro, Motion, Soundtrack Pro, DVD Studio Pro, Aperture, Final Cut Express, Soundtrack, Logic Studio, Logic Pro, MainStage, WaveBurner and Logic Express.
Aperture update adds iLife '11 support
Apple has released Aperture 3.1, which adds iLife '11 support. It also improves overall stability and performance and includes a number of specific bug fixes.
You can obtain it via the Software Update component of Mac OS X's Systems Preferences app. It's a 357.55MD download and requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later.
Aperture is Apple's software for professional photographers. It costs US$199, though version 3.1 is a free update for registered users of version 3.x.
Apple releases MacBook Air software update 1.0
Apple has posted the MacBook Air (Late 2010) Software Update 1.0. It resolves an issue where a MacBook Air (Late 2010) computer -- unveiled on Thursday -- may become unresponsive while playing back movie trailers in iMovie.
The update also addresses an issue where the computer may become unresponsive after waking from sleep when an external display is connected and also contains general graphics performance updates. To download and install the MacBook Air (Late 2010) Software Update 1.0, open Software Update by choosing the Apple menu, then choose Software Update.
AT&T introduces pay-as-you-go data packages for laptops
AT&T (http://www.att.com) has launched AT&T DataConnect Pass Global -- a lineup of international pay-as-you-go data packages now available on AT&T-certified laptops and netbooks. The announcement expands AT&T's portfolio of pay-as-you-go data services, providing domestic and now international data passes designed to meet individual needs and budgets without a long-term commitment.
Designed for international business travelers and vacationers alike, the passes provide data coverage in more than 100 countries, including Canada, Mexico, countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Available in 30-day session increments, packages can help travelers better manage their data usage abroad and at rates significantly lower than pay-per-use service. Data packages include:
° DataConnect Pass Global 20MB for US$24.99;
° DataConnect Pass Global 50MB for $59.99;
° DataConnect Pass Global 100MB for $119.99;
° DataConnect Pass Global 200MB for $199.99
Data sessions may be purchased at...
MacTech Conference offers first chance to discuss Mac OS X Lion
MacTech Conference will be the first public opportunity to discuss Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion"), how to take advantage of the new App Store for Mac, and the impacts of Lion's new features (including Mission Control, Full Screen, Launchpad, Auto save and Apps resume).
As the first major industry event after Apple's announcements, attendees can talk through their options with industry experts and peers, form strategies for adoption and support, and more. The conference, for IT Pros and Mac developers, will be held Nov. 3-5 in Los Angeles.
"The MacTech Conference attendee list already reads like a who's who of the community with attendees registered from a majority of states in the U.S., and countries ranging from Sweden to Egypt to Japan. What better place to think through and talk about your options for supporting and taking advantage of Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion), the Mac App Store and more," says Neil Ticktin, editor-in-chief/publisher, "MacTech Magazine." "This in addition to our amazing line...
Panda Security launches Panda Antivirus for Mac
Panda Security has launched Panda Antivirus for Mac. This new solution delivers protection against malware affecting Mac OS and Mac OS X; it also prevents Mac users from transmitting malware to other users of Windows and Linux operating systems.
Panda Antivirus for Mac scans files and email, detecting and eliminating or blocking many types of threats, including viruses, Trojans, spyware, keyloggers, adware, hacking tools, botnets, dialers, scareware and other threats that have traditionally targeted Windows users.
"We are approaching a tipping point where it will soon be financially viable for cybercriminals to target their efforts at Mac users," says says Ivan Fermon, senior vice president of product management, Panda Security. "When Apple reaches 15% marketshare worldwide, which Panda expects will happen very soon, we predict that hackers will begin to aggressively target attacks against this platform. The rapid increase in use of Apple-powered devices -- iPhones, iPods, iPads...
WaterField Design announces cases for new MacBook Air
Well, that was quick. WaterField Designs (http://www.sfbags.com/) has already announced two new laptop SleeveCases and Suede Jacket Sleeves made specifically for Apple's just-announced MacBook Air 11.6-inch and 13.3-inch notebooks. Manufactured locally in San Francisco, these stylish, custom-fitted and protective Macbook Air cases will begin shipping by Oct. 29.
The form-fitted SleeveCase combines a ballistic nylon shell with a neoprene interior to absorb shock and cushion the MacBook Air against bumps and bruises. Users can customize the SleeveCase to suit their individual needs -- choosing either a horizontal or vertical orientation with an optional padded front flap, shoulder strap, and/or Piggyback accessories pouch. Trim options include a new distressed brown leather option or the grey-checkered Indium. You can toss the SleeveCase into another bag or sling it over your shoulder to travel light. It costs US$37 for the 11-inch model and $39 for the 13-inch model.
Those interested...
Mac OS X Lion to prowl in summer 2011
Apple gave a sneak peek of Mac OS X Lion, the eighth major release of the operating system, at today's "Back to the Mac" event. Shipping next summer, Lion is inspired by many of iPad’s software innovations.
The sneak peek highlighted just a few of Lion’s features, including the Mac App Store, a new way to discover, install and automatically update desktop apps; Launchpad, a new home for all of your Mac apps; system-wide support for full screen apps; and Mission Control, which unifies Exposé, Dashboard, Spaces and full screen apps into a new view of everything running on your Mac, and allows you to instantly navigate anywhere.
“Lion brings many of the best ideas from iPad back to the Mac, plus some fresh new ones like Mission Control that Mac users will really like,” says Apple CEO Steve Jobs. “Lion has a ton of new features, and we hope the few we had time to preview today will give users a good idea of where we are headed.”
Craig Federighi, vice president of engineering for OS X,...
The Mac gets some FaceTime
Apple has announced the public beta of FaceTime for Mac, an entirely new application that allows Mac users to video call iPhone 4 and iPod touch users as well as other Macs. It automatically uses your Address Book contacts so there’s no need to create special buddy lists, and it works with the built-in camera and mic on Mac notebooks, iMacs and Apple LED Cinema Displays.
“FaceTime makes video calling to or from mobile devices easy for the first time,” says Apple CEO Steve Jobs. “We’ve sold more than 19 million FaceTime-ready iPhone 4 and iPod touch devices in the past four months, and now those users can make FaceTime calls with tens of millions of Mac users.”
FaceTime for Mac requires Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard") and is easy to set up with an Apple ID. The public beta is available immediately as a free download at www.apple.com/mac/facetime .
iLife '11 sees upgraded iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand
Apple has introduced iLife ’11, which sees major upgrades to iPhoto, iMovie and GarageBand. iWeb hasn't received any new features, but it's still there, as is -- surprise -- iDVD.
iPhoto ’11 has a whole new look, with full screen modes for Faces, Places and Events. iMovie ’11 makes it easier than ever to edit videos and transform them into "theatrical trailers" for easy posting online. GarageBand ’11 introduces new ways to improve your playing and create great sounding songs with Flex Time and Groove Matching. Free with every new Mac, iLife ’11 is available as an US$49 upgrade for existing users.
“iLife is widely regarded as the best suite of ‘digital life’ applications in the world, and iLife ’11 makes them even better,” says Apple CEO Steve Jobs. “iLife now makes it easier than ever to create books and letterpress cards, make amazing movie trailers from your personal videos and post them online, and make your band sound far better or teach yourself piano or guitar.”
iPhoto ’11 --...
MacBook + iPad = new MacBook Air
At the "Back to the Mac" event, Apple CEO Steve Jobs asked what would you get if a MacBook and an iPad hooked up? The answer: the new MacBook Air, which Apple's head honcho described as the "future of laptops."
The new MacBook Air replaces mechanical hard disks and optical drives with Internet services and solid state flash storage. Jobs says this means it's faster (solid state flash storage is up to twice as fast as hard drive storage), more reliable (hard drive crashes are eliminated), and lighter and smaller (solid state flash storage is up to 90 percent smaller and lighter than hard drives).
Available in 11-inch and 13-inch models and weighing as little as 2.3 pounds, the new MacBook Air is Apple’s lightest and most portable notebook ever. MacBook Air uses the same solid state storage technology as the iPad to deliver instant-on responsiveness, up to seven hours of battery life and up to 30 days of standby time. Prices start at US$999.
“MacBook Air is the first of a new...
Apple COO offers 'State of the Mac' address
Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook gave a "State of the Mac" address at Wednesday's "Back to the Mac" event. He pointed out that the Mac has outgrown market for 4.5 years and, as of August, has a US consumer market share of 20.7%, per stats from the NPD Group.
"Mac share and units are rising much faster than industry," Cook says. "And we have a vibrant developer community. There are now 600,000 developers and that number is growing at 30,000 per month."
The COO also noted that the world loves the Mac. The Mac was number one in customer satisfaction in the 2010 ACSI (American Customer Satisfaction Index); it's the seventh year in a row the Apple computer has taken the top spot. "Consumer Reports" lists the Mac as number one in tech support. "PCWorld" says the Mac leads the pack in customer satisfaction and customer service. "PC Magazine" says our favorite computer platform is number one in reliability, customer satisfaction and customer service.
"Momentum for the Mac has never been...
Data Rescue 3 now 64-bit
Prosoft Engineering's Data Rescue 3 (http://www.prosoftengineering.com), the data rescue utility for Mac OS X, now runs natively as 64-bit on machines that support Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard").
"Prosoft is excited to add this improvement to Data Rescue 3," says says Greg Brewer, CEO of Prosoft Engineering. "Now that it runs natively as 64-bit it will run faster and be able to take full advantage of all the memory in your Mac, resulting in faster scanning and recovery times. Data Rescue 3 continues to lead the way as the best selling hard drive recovery software for the Mac platform. It has been used by hundreds of thousands of Mac users worldwide over the past decade. We are dedicated to providing the best data recovery software and helping our customers that are faced with the unfortunate situation of potential computer data loss."
Data Rescue is a hard drive and file recovery software for the Mac. It works even when your hard drive fails to mount or boot. The software doesn't...
Boxee Box to ship Nov. 10
D-Link and Boxee have announced the upcoming Boxee Box by D-Link will begin shipping on Nov.10 to customers who pre-order the Boxee Box through Amazon in the U.S. or Best Buy and Future Shop in Canada. The Boxee Box will be generally available through the company's network of retail and online distributors on November 17, 2010.
Manufacturer's suggested retail pricing for the US and Canada will be $229 with an average street price at about $199. Prices may vary in other regions.
The Boxee Box was first unveiled in December 2009 and is the first media device capable of playing most popular media file formats from a home network along with free and premium TV shows and movies, videos, music, and photos from the Internet, with support for full 1080p high-definition (HD) and 5.1 surround sound, says Rod St. Michel, vice president of consumer sales at D-Link. He says that with tens-of-thousands of movies, shows and apps available, the Boxee Box gives users unparalleled access to on-demand...
Class on Demand ships new Photoshop CS5 titles
Class on Demand has announced "Complete Training for Adobe Photoshop CS5"; the third of four recently released Class on Demand titles centered around the Adobe Creative Suite 5 (CS5) family.
Available in both DVD-ROM and streaming video delivery format through the exciting Class on Demand Online Learning Platform, it offers both novice and advanced users alike a look at the newest Photoshop workflow. The instructor is Sue Jenkins, an Adobe Certified Expert and web and graphic designer.
"Complete Training for Adobe Photoshop CS5" is broken down into seven segments, covering approximately seven hours of Photoshop features ranging from tools, to styles and adjustment layers, web graphics, retouching techniques, editorial techniques, and more. It's available via the Class on Demand website (http://www.classondemand.com) for US$99.95.
Civilization V coming to the Mac in time for the holidays
Aspyr Media will publish Sid Meier’s Civilization V for Mac, the latest entry from the flagship turn-based strategy franchise. Released in partnership with 2K Games, a wholly owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Sid Meier’s Civilization V is the newest addition to the Sid Meier’s Civilization franchise on the Mac.
Here's how the game is described: "Developed by Firaxis Games, Sid Meier’s Civilization V reinvigorates the classic turn-based strategy genre with an astonishing new engine built from the ground-up for this flagship edition of the Sid Meier’s Civilization franchise. Players are introduced to an entirely new combat system, deeper diplomatic interactions and a cavalcade of expanded features that deliver a fully immersive experience. Players build and defend their empire on their quest to become the greatest ruler the world has ever known. The Mac version is expected to be available this holiday season."
Pricing and system requirements haven't been announced...
Epson ships new projectors
Epson America (http://www.epson.com) announced the PowerLite 1750, 1760W, 1770W, and 1775W are now shipping. Introduced at InfoComm in June, these sleek new models weigh less than four pounds and at 1.7-inches tall, are as thin as a laptop.
Designed for mobile professionals and corporations, the PowerLite 1700-series offer reliable 3LCD image quality, high brightness and easy-to-use, hassle-free features, according to Heather Gareis, senior product manager, Projectors, Epson America.
The PowerLite 1750 (US$799) and 1760W ($899) offer 2600 lumens of color and white light output, and the PowerLite 1770W ($999) and 1775W ($1,199) offer 3000 lumens of color and white light output. The PowerLite 1750 features XGA resolution, while the PowerLite 1760W, 1770W and 1775W all feature WXGA resolution (16:10 aspect ratio) for use with widescreen laptops and DVD content.
Myithemes is new site for iLife, iWork themes
Myithemes (http://www.myithemes.com) has launched a new web site selling themes and templates for such Mac applications as iWeb, iMovie, iDVD, Garage Band, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Rapidweaver, Sandvox, and WordPress applications.
Similar in function to TemplateMonster and ThemeForest, the site offers all designers an opportunity to display and sell their work. Also available are an affiliate program with commissions on sales, and a membership subscription offering unlimited downloads.
Myithemes is made possible by a partnership between leading suppliers of themes and templates for Macintosh applications. Themes are priced from US$9.95 (USD) and up, and may be downloaded using PayPal. An annual membership subscription, allowing unlimited downloads for one year, is available for $49.95.
Learn 'How To Make iPhone Apps With No Programming...
Thinking Drone has released "How To Make iPhone Apps With No Programming Experience" ( http://www.createyouriphoneapp.com), an US$97 ebook that takes users by the hand and walks them through the entire process of developing, submitting and eventually marketing their own app for iPhone, iPod touch or iPad.
"How To Make iPhone Apps With No Programming Experience" includes these free bonuses: source code for a live application, details on how to make money from free apps, and a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) template.
USB Fever releases Power Pack with Click Stand for iPhone 4G
USB Fever has released the US$39.99 Power Pack with Click Stand for iPhone (http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=2043).
With this item, you can "wear" this battery on your iPhone 4G, you can sync your iPhone 4G with your Mac or PC, even when the battery is on. With this external battery, you no longer have to hassle with the external battery with an external battery or synchronization, say the USB Fever.
TranslateIt! for Mac OS X adds new Text Translation tool
TranslateIt! for Mac (http://www.mac.gettranslateit.com/) -- a multilingual dictionary that allows looking up words on the fly -- has been updated to version 12.9. The upgrade adds a new Text Translation tool.
Detachable cards now have blurred background and possibility to tune the background color. Version 12.9 also sports improved english words colorizer for plai ntext dictionaries.
With TranslateIt!, you hover the pointer over an unfamiliar word (in any Cocoa Aapplication), and you will see its translation in a pop-up window. It comes with several free dictionaries for a large number of languages. TranslateIt! supports translation from/to any language (corresponding dictionaries must be installed), English sounds (it contains over 17,000 English words pronunciations) and printing of flash cards.
The software also comes with a Words Quiz (a game for learning new words), a built-in DictBuilder utility for creating custom dictionaries and a multilingual user interface. TranslateIt!...
Encoding.com video format library now includes Ogg/Theora, WebM/...
Encoding.com (http://www.Encoding.com), a video encoding service provider, has announced the expansion of its video format library to include WebM and Ogg Theora. Along with existing support for H.264, Encoding.com now has encoding presets to support all popular Internet browsers.
Video content developers now have a one-stop service for converting videos to high-quality formats across all HTML5 browsers, including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Chrome, and Opera, and mobile devices including iPhone / iPad, Android, Blackberry, Nokia and Samsung, says Jeff Malkin, president of Encoding.com.
"While HTML5 delivers on the promise of viewing videos across the web without the need for browser plugins, there is no standardization of video codecs and containers across the various browsers and mobile devices," he says. "Content providers who want to maximize their viewership must therefore encode video to many different formats for ubiquitous coverage. Encoding.com has long provided an...
XanEdu, NYU Stern conduct iPad testing in MBA classes
XanEdu (http://www.xanedu.com), a provider of CoursePacks and custom textbooks, has partnered with New York University Stern School of Business to conduct its first program-wide test of iPads this fall. Instructors will use the XanEdu CoursePack Management System to publish materials that students will then be able to access on iPads.
Last month XanEdu announced its iPad CoursePack publishing program as part of the company's strategic technology plan. XanEdu's iPad app feature set will be driven by input from hundreds of students participating in XanEdu's fall 2010 class tests. Features include digital note taking, collaboration tools and integration into learning management systems on campus. Students will be asked to provide feedback through usage logs, surveys and focus groups.
As part of its commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the learning environment, NYU Stern's IT group was seeking new models that support its mission, says Kim Corfman, Vice Dean for MBA Programs. A...
Holiday consumer spending forecast looks good for Apple
This holiday season should be a good one for Apple. Spending on consumer electronics gifts will reach historic highs, despite an overall decline in gift spending, according to new research released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (http://www.CE.org/). And it's good news all around for Apple.
Consumer electronics will once again be the “hottest” gifts, both to give and to receive, this holiday season. Overall, consumers will spend US$750 on holiday gifts, down 2%t from last year. They will, however, spend more on CE gifts than ever before. Consumers will spend $232 on CE gifts, up 5% from last year and the highest level since CEA began tracking holiday spending.
Nearly a third of consumers’ total gift budgets will be allocated to CE. When it comes to spending, nearly half will buy a CE gift for children on their list, two in five will buy a CE gift for their spouse/significant other and 29% will buy CE for themselves.
“Giving electronics as a holiday gift, either to a...
Pre-orders taken for Grand Theft Auto: the Trilogy
Macgamestore (http://www.macgamestore.com) has begun taking pre-orders for Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy, for the Mac. The first 3D releases in the epic saga are here together in sequence: Grand Theft Auto 3, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
This limited edition packaging makes it "the ultimate collector's set of GTA games on Mac," say the gang at Macgamestore. The game is scheduled to ship on Nov. 22. Pre-order pricing is US$39.95.
Monotype Imaging debuts Fonts.com APIs, plug-ins
Monotype Imaging Holdings has introduced its Fonts.com Web Fonts API (application programming interface), which enables developers to integrate the Web Fonts solution in web applications, providing users with the ability to tap into Monotype Imaging’s Web font offering.
Also new are plug-ins for the open source WordPress, Drupal and Joomla! content management systems. Using any of these popular CMS offerings, users are able to create websites that support Fonts.com Web Fonts.
The Fonts.com Web Fonts API enables developers to integrate Web fonts into applications and cloud-based CMS products, which are designed to provide users with simplified methods for publishing Web content to web sites, says Chris Roberts, vice president of marketing at Monotype Imaging. Monotype Imaging’s new open source WordPress, Drupal and Joomla! plug-ins, all based on the company’s API, feature a WYSIWYG editor, which allows text to display in a chosen Web font while the user is typing.
In addition to...
Google accounts for 97% of all iPhone search traffic
Despite the hoopla surrounding Microsoft Bing's tighter integration with Facebook, Google hogs as much as 97% of all the search traffic on the iPhone, according to ad network Chitika, as reported by "eWeek" (http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Search-Engines/Googles-iPhone-Search-Traffic-as...).
Apple’s mobile Safari toolbar sends 49% of traffic to Google, while the Google homepage racks up about 42.24% of the traffic on the iPhone. The Google App accounts for 8.68%of Google’s iPhone traffic.
Chitika analyst Dan Ruby told "eWeek" that, counting the Google App and Safari to be different sources, Google controls the top two iPhone search engine spots on the popular mobile device.
Ad revenue from iPad users surges in MobileMe report
Advertising revenue generated from iPad users increased 316% in the third quarter of calendar 2010, as the number of advertisers also grew by 94% per the monthly "MobileMix" report for Sept. 2010 from advertiser Millennial Media, as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com).
Millennial Media says iPad impression growth in the third quarter increased 156 percent, while ad requests on the Apple tablet grew 63% month-over-month in September alone. The iPad is the second-largest "connected device" tracked by Millennial Media, trailing only the iPod touch.
The iPad surge helped Apple's iOS mobile operating system see a 10% overall increase in ad impressions for the third quarter of 2010, notes "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com). STill, iOS lagged behind rivals Android, which saw impressions grow 37% for the quarter, and RIM's BlackBerry, which increased 18%.
Study: Macs will increase enterprise market share by 57%
A survey of IT administrators conducted by The Enterprise Desktop Alliance (http://www.enterprisedesktopalliance.com) -- an organization to help IT departments integrate Macs into the corporate environment -- revealed that Macs will be the fastest growing systems in the enterprise through 2011.
End users are seeing the value of the increased productivity of the Mac and IT administrators are finding the tools to integrate them into their current management environment. Macs will climb from 3.3% of all systems in 2009 to 5.2% in 2011. In that same period, more than 25% of all net new systems added in the enterprise will be Macs, says the EDA.
Much of the growth in Macs will happen in organizations that already have Macs installed. The median percentage of Macs in those organizations will double from 5% to 10%. In addition 65% of the respondents had at least some Macs in their organization, and the number of organizations with a measurable proportion of Macs will grow to 70% by the end...
iPhone wins 'gadgetoral' votes in U.S. for cell phone...
By Andrew Eisner
The great state of California, home to Hollywood and the place Tony Bennett left his heart, casts its 83 votes for the iPhone. Meanwhile, New Jersey, the Garden State, home to Tony Soprano and Thomas Edison pledge their votes to Android. In this make believe world, electoral, or should we say "gadgetoral," votes are defined by how many smartphones of a particular type are represented in every state of the union.
In fact, if the government felt it needed to apportion the nation by smartphone ownership, it could use the findings from Retrevo's 2010 Gadget Census that looked at what gadgets people own and how they use them, including data on how many smartphones are represented per capita in each state.
iPhone states
Whether you're an iPhone owner looking for a state with more iPhone owners so you have more in common with them or you're looking to avoid them so you have a better chance of getting a connection from AT&T, states like California and Massachusetts...
iSuppli updates iPod forecast to 43.7 million units in 2011
Amid indications that iPad component availability is improving, iSuppli Corp. (http://www.isuppli.com) is raising its shipment forecast for the product to 13.8 million units in 2010, up from its July outlook of 12.9 million.
Apple in its earnings announcement for the fiscal fourth said it shipped 4.2 million iPads during the three-month period ending Sept. 25. The pronouncement indicates that Apple has been able to overcome limitations in component supply so that it can ramp up production.
“In its previous iPad forecasts, iSuppli noted that the only constraint on shipment growth now is production -- and not demand,” says Rhoda Alexander, director of monitor research for iSuppli. “The only factor limiting production is the availability of key iPad components, such as the Field Fringe Switching (FFS) LCD panels, projected capacitive touch screens and NAND flash. Despite ongoing yield issues, Apple's suppliers have steadily increased monthly production to meet Apple's demand. Production...
IceWarp Server 10.2 improves iPhone, iPad support
IceWarp (http://www.icewarp.com) has released IceWarp Server 10.2, the latest in the version 10 product line that started with the release of 10.0 in November.
This latest version has put the emphasis on improving the end user experience and giving today’s modern workforce the flexibility and agility they need to thrive in a competitive business environment, says Christopher Knott vice president of Support Operations for IceWarp. Some of the new features include:
° Improved WebDAV, iPhone and iPad support -- IceWarp now has full support the growing fleet of Apple devices: iCal on OS X 10.6 is now fully supported including access to shared calendars, invitations, free busy data and more. iPhone and iPad users can synchronize their calendars via CalDAV and contacts via CardDAV.
° Full time zone support -- users can specify the time zone when creating a calendar event, support for UTC/GMT, and location/city, even globally.
° Email delivery reports -- now users know exactly what happens...
Application Systems North America announces ContaxCRM Suite 2.0
Application Systems North America has made available, for the first time in North America, ContaxCRM Suite 2.0 (http://www.application-systems.co/contaxcrm/). It's compatible with Mac OS X 10.4 or higher and costs US$149.
ContaxCRM Suite 2.0, from Arten Science, allows individuals and companies to better manage their day-to-day contacts and relationships -- and build a more detailed contact history with clients, vendors and sales prospects.
Integration with Apple applications removes much of the administration around contact management, according to the folks at Arten Science. Apple Mail will automatically save both sent and received emails to an individual contact record held within ContaxCRM. iCal will also enable calendar events -- including setting alerts and to-do lists -- to be entered via ContaxCRM Suite's event management module.
Arten Science is planning to add iPhone and iPad integration with ContaxCRM Suite towards the end of 2010. This will be available as a free upgrade...
BatchOutput update improves spread exporting
Zevrix Solutions (http://www.zevrix.com) has released BatchOutput 3.9.5, an update to its professional solution to automate printing and exporting from Adobe InDesign. It's a maintenance upgrade that addresses an issue related to exporting InDesign documents as single spreads.
BatchOutput is designed to automate and simplify InDesign production workflows of service providers, printers, ad agencies and publishers. With BatchOutput, users only need to select the files to output and adjust the settings, and the rest will be done automatically.
BatchOutput 3.9.5 can be purchased for US$129.95. A demo is available for download. Upgrades to BatchOutput 3.9.5 are free for licensed users of version 3.x, and $47.98 for the users of earlier versions. Every order includes a free license of File Courier (a $19.95 value). BatchOutput is available for Mac OS X 10.4.2 and higher, a Universal Binary, and works with Adobe InDesign CS-CS5.
MacTech Conference first to show Mac-based planetary rovers
The MacTech Conference for IT Pros and Mac developers, Nov. 3-5, in Los Angeles, will have Mac-based planetary exploration rovers and a boat controlled by iPod touches on hand at the opening of the international conference. This is the first public display of these rovers outside a university or research setting.
Keynote speaker Andy Ihnatko will open MacTech Conference: a three-day, information-packed event will have sessions and activities throughout the day and evening. This fully immersive conference is packed with sessions from renown speakers and evening activities, including an exclusive trip to the Griffith Observatory, and the MacTech Bowl party.
Professor Wolfgang Fink, who came to the University of Arizona from Caltech last year, will be demonstrating the rover units on the first day of the conference prior to the conference's keynote by Ihnatko. The rovers, which can carry a payload of 40 pounds, and the boat are based on Mac minis and controlled by iOS devices such as...
Mixamo, DAZ 3D team up
DAZ 3D and Mixamo have announced an alliance that brings Mixamo's animations and real-time customization capabilities to the DAZ 3D character model portfolio. Users of DAZ 3D's latest generation human figures now have access to the entire Mixamo motion collection at http://www.mixamo.com .
Every Mixamo motion is guaranteed to work with any character created from the DAZ 3D human figures within DAZ Studio. The DAZ 3D/Mixamo modeling and animation pipeline improves productivity by up to 80% and reduces costs by up to 75%, says Dan Farr, CEO of DAZ Productions.
DAZ 3D community members can visit http://www.mixamo.com and see any motion applied to the DAZ 3D standard characters, Victoria and Michael (with the Kids forthcoming), in the Mixamo 3D viewer. They can also customize these motions, download and merge them back into their scenes.
Users can also discover and purchase Mixamo motions applied to the DAZ 3D characters by visiting the DAZ 3D storefront at http://www.daz3d.com, or with...
ImageFramer for Mac OS X gets new features, frames
Apparent Software has updated ImageFramer (http://www.apparentsoft.com/imageframer), their custom image framing utility for Mac OS X (10.5 and higher), to version 3.0 The update contains over 400 various frames -- and more are being added constantly.
ImageFramer 3 is a total redesign of ImageFramer 2, featuring features like combining multiple frames and mats, saving design templates and even an embedded frame editor that allows users to create their own frames from their graphics. The newly added frames are downloaded automatically for registered users. In addition, users of Pro version have access to hundreds of additional high-resolution frames from frame manufacturers with catalog numbers.
ImageFramer can apply photo-realistic frames to digital images, drawings or any original artwork. Users can add frames, watermarks, batch process several images at a time, as well as colorize or adjust hue, saturation and brightness of the frame.
A standard license of ImageFramer 3.0 costs $39....
Yojimbo for Mac OS X updated, iOS version debuts
Bare Bones Software (http://www.barebones.com) has released Yojimbo 3.0, an upgrade to the information organizer for Mac OS X. It supports synchronizing items to the new Yojimbo for iPad and includes direct scanning support for TWAIN-compatible devices.
The new version also includes fixes to reported issues and additional refinements. Yojimbo is an Universal Binary application that requires Mac OS X 10.5.7 or later, and is compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard"). Version 2.2.1 is a free update for registered 2.0x users.
For new users Yojimbo is available at a suggested retail price of US$39 for an individual license; $69 for a family-pack license for up to five people in a single household; or $29 for an educational license. All licenses provide for synchronization of multiple computers.
All registered Yojimbo 2 customers are eligible to receive a free upgrade to version 3.0. Any registered customer with Yojimbo 1.0 through 1.5.2 may purchase an upgrade to Yojimbo 3 for $20...
Harman Kardon announces third generation of SoundSticks
Harman Kardon (http://www.harmankardon.com) has announced the third generation of its SoundSticks speakers. They're available now for US$209.99. The three-piece desktop speaker system pairs with virtually any multimedia device.
According to the folks at Harman, Compared to its most recent predecessor, the SoundSticks II system, which was released in 2004, the refreshed SoundSticks III comes with significant upgrades, including a satellite power switch and improved audio cable with a new braided, discrete look. Also, the new speakers boast modern white lights and a "dramatic and elegant trim" designed to match the modern high-gloss black trim of Apple’s iMacs and MacBooks.
Adobe announces Digital School Collection for K-12
Adobe has announced the new Adobe Digital School Collection for K-12 students and educators, available for the first time for both Mac and Windows.
The bundle includes the recently announced Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 and Adobe Premiere Elements 9 software, as well as Adobe Acrobat X. Adobe Contribute CS5 and Adobe Soundbooth CS5 software are also included in the collection.
This new cross-platform solution is a multimedia toolkit for teaching and learning virtually any subject, according to Bob Regan, director of worldwide K-12, Adobe. The Adobe Digital School Collection provides students and teachers the ability to create multimedia projects with photos, videos and audio; publish websites, blogs and podcasts; and create ePortfolios.
To help get teachers up and running quickly, Adobe published ready‐to‐use lesson plans and tutorials. They are available free online at http://www.adobe.com/education/k12/adsc/ and on the Adobe Education Exchange online community at http://edexchange....
CaseCruzer releases PSC309 laptop, camera case
CaseCruzer (http://www.casecruzer.com) has released the PSC300, a compact laptop/camera case lined with polyethylene foam that helps maintain and regulate interior temperatures where Canon DSLR/SLR cameras, laptops, memory cards and other essentials are stored.
The foam base is also impervious to solvents and chemicals and resistant to UV and fungus. The case accommodates most laptop computer brands up to 17-inch. The exterior of the PSC300 is injection-molded with high-strength polypropylene copolymer resin. Molded-in hinges provide additional protection for the inevitable tumble or jolt.
The waterproof case is also dust tight , submersible and resistant to corrosion and severe impact. It's designed with an ambient pressure equalization valve and has an IP67 certification. It weighs only 13 lbs with foam.
The case has built-in wheels and an extendable pull handle. In its six-compartment, foam dividers snugly hold a Canon or Nikon camera body and up to four lenses in separate...
Apple number 65 on 'Newsweek' environmental ranking
Yesterday we noted that "Newsweek" has released its list (http://www.newsweek.com/2010/10/18/green-rankings-us-companies.html) of "green" U.S. companies and noted that "strangely" Apple isn't in the top 20.
However, Fabio M. Zambelli of "setteB.IT" (http://www.setteb.it/?p=9886), an Italian language web site for Mac users, points out that Apple places 65 on the list, making a big jump from 133 in 2009.
The "Newsweek" environmental ranking of the 500 largest publicly traded companies in America is measured by revenue, market capitalization, and number of employees. "NewsWeek" ranked the biggest publicly traded companies in developed and emerging world markets.
iHome releases wireless audio system for iOS devices
iHome (http://www.iHomeaudio.com) has released the US$199 iA100 Bluetooth Stereo System for iPad, iPhone and iPod w/ App Enhancement. It's designed to support the iPad and take advantage of its unique capabilities, says Evan Stein, vice president of Marketing, iHome.
By incorporating Bluetooth for wireless communication, Bongiovi Acoustics’DPS technology for enhanced sound, and app-enhanced functionality for use with iHome+Sleep and iHome+Radio, the iA100 provides users with superior audio quality and more features than any other docking alarm clock on the market, he says.
The iA100 is an app-enhanced, Bluetooth-enabled, FM radio alarm clock for iPad, iPhone and docking iPod models. By connecting your preferred device via Bluetooth secure simple pairing, the iA100 transforms into a wireless entertainment multi-tasker with a variety of features, including: a stand-alone speakerphone with echo cancellation, turning all Bluetooth enabled phones into a speakerphone for the home or...
MarkLogic announces MarkLogic Server 4.2
MarkLogic Corp. (http://www.marklogic.com) has announced a new version of its database, MarkLogic Server 4.2, which includes new features for enterprises to store, manage, and analyze unstructured information.
The new release includes MarkLogic Information Studio, which the folks at MarkLogic say is the industry’s first ETL (extract, transformation, and loading) tool for managing unstructured information as well as new features for availability and recovery including full database replication. With MarkLogic 4.2's Information Studio, customers can drag and drop files or point to a file directory to load into MarkLogic.
MarkLogic 4.2 also sports:
° XSLT support, which expands options that customers can employ to access and transform information in the software;
° Replication, which enables organizations to selectively replicate documents or parts of documents across databases;
° Database rollback, which enables immediately setting the database state at a specified point in time;
° ...
iSync plug-in now supports new Nokia cell phones
Nova media (http://www.novamedia.de/devices/isync) has released a new version of its iSync phone plug-in, adding compatibility with new cell phones, N8 and C7, from Nokia. The latest release also works with Nokia phones C5, 5235, 5233, 5232 as well as with Sony Ericsson phones J20, J10.
iSync synchronizes data from Address Book and iCal with a mobile phone and is part of Mac OS X. The nova media iSync phone plug-ins extend the number of mobile phones which could be used with iSync.
The iSync plug-in costs approximately US$11.84. One license of iSync allows you to synchronize with up to three cell phones.System requirements are Mac OS X 10.5.8 or higher.
