MacNews Latest News
TweetFollow Us on Twitter

MacNews Latest News

May 13
Big changes reportedly coming to AppleCare

Last week Apple informed its tech staff that major changes to the AppleCare and AppleCare+ service programs will be enacted starting this fall, "with a broadening of current policies likely to cut costs and make the service more attractive to consumers," according to "AppleInsider."

The article says there will be changes to the way repairs for iPhones will be handled. In addition, employees will have access to advanced diagnostics tools that can remotely assess hardware issues and relay the data directly to technicians, according to "AppleInsider." Finally, Apple will reportedly reconfigure its paid AppleCare service as a subscription model, or introduce a new tier, which will be attached to a customer rather than a specific product.

The new in-house repairs are to be rolled out across the U.S., with international support coming online soon thereafter. Apple expects to save nearly $1 billion per year with the change in policy. Read more at...

| Read more »
May 13
oneSafe, the password manager app, is now on the Mac

Lunabee Pte has released the Mac version of their password manager app, oneSafe. Along with the iOS version, it allows users to sync their sensitive information across all their devices using iCloud.

oneSafe for Mac also boasts features such as automatic backup, the ability to drag and drop files into the app, a high encryption level (AES 256), over 100 card templates for entry and retrieval of information, double protection categories and more. It requires Mac OS X 10.8 or higher.

oneSafe 1.0 for Mac OS X costs US$12.99. It's available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category (http://tinyurl.com/ccubhrz).

| Read more »
May 13
Foundry376 releases Spark Inspector for iOS developers

Foundry376 has announced Spark Inspector, a tool that brings realtime introspection to the world of iOS development. It's available for download immediately (www.sparkinspector.com/).

Here's how the folks at Foundry376 described Spark Inspector: "Apple provides great developer tools, but interface bugs can be tricky to uncover. The Spark Inspector changes the game with an entirely new debugging perspective: a stunning, three-dimensional view of an app's interface that updates in real-time as it runs. Pan and zoom around your interface to reveal how layouts are structured, and unearth bugs quickly using Spark's powerful display options. Fine-tuning views?

"The Spark Inspector mimics Interface Builder, and allows you to preview adjustments to your app's views in real-time. Make runtime modifications to everything from button frames to CALayer shadows and transforms, right from the Inspector's...

| Read more »
May 13
Remoter for Mac OS X upgraded to version 1.4

Remoter Labs has announced Remoter 1.4 for Mac OS X (10.6 and higher), an update of the productivity app that allows users to remotely control Macs via Screen Sharing, and Windows or Linux PCs using the VNC or RDP standards. The new version sports an updated icon, font smoothing support, a session editor option and more.

Remoter offers one of the fastest implementations of the VNC and RDP protocols on the Mac platform, according to the folks at Remote Labs. It uses Bonjour for set-up. Features include sound redirection, RDP, Telnet and SSH, which also allows for secure VNC/RDP over SSH.

Port-forwarding and/or dynamic DNS is no longer needed in order to establish connections from outside the computer's network. Servers can be sorted by name, type or usage, and a search box allows to easily find the desired server.

Wake-on-LAN support is also built-in. When the server session is setup using Bonjour or NetBIOS, the MAC address is automatically populated....

| Read more »
May 10
Judge upholds Apple's request for a peak at Google's...

Judge Paul S. Grewal has upheld Apple’s request that Google reveal its search methodology for collecting Android documentation for the iPhone maker’s upcoming patent infringement trial against Samsung, reports the "Wall Street Cheat Sheet" (http://tinyurl.com/c6qhjvg)

The judge dismissed Google’s claims that Apple was overreaching, by compelling the Internet search giant to reveal the search terms and methods it is using to compile the requested Android documentation, the article adds. Google argued that Apple’s pretrial information request was unduly burdening the company, but the judge disagreed with this perspective.

| Read more »
May 10
Apple posts Thunderbolt Firmware Update 1.2

Apple has released Thunderbolt Firmware Update 1.2 (http://tinyurl.com/ctyjsoe). It provides stability fixes for Thunderbolt and Target Disk Mode.

It's a 1.22MB download and requires Mac OS X 10.8.3 or higher. When your computer restarts a gray screen will appear with a status bar to indicate the progress of the update. Don't disturb or shut off the power on your computer during this update. Note: Your computer must be plugged into AC power for the update to install.

| Read more »
May 10
QuickerTek releases new Quicky Jr 3 WiFi adapter

QuickerTek has released the Quicky Junior 3 USB wireless network adaptor designed for the MacBook user that needs a "little extra boost in power, but doesn't need a full blown system enhancement."

It's the third generation in Quicky Junior line. The company says it's improved in both the physical and electronic arenas.

Redesigned with the antenna actually folding into the body, the Quicky Junior 3 adds capability to use the 802.11 a 5.8Ghz band wireless specification. After the initial installation simply plug it in to any available USB port and start using your network.

Priced at US$79.95, the Quicky Junior 3 comes with a small USB a/b/g/n remote stand adaptor. For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/br7z7ts .

| Read more »
May 10
HoudahGeo for the Mac revved to version 3.4

Houdah Software (http://www.houdah.com/) has updated HoudahGeo, a geocoding solution for the Mac, to version 3.4. The new version can load track logs from QR codes created by the gps4cam iPhone application, can now infer camera clock settings when given the exact time a photo was taken and more.

HoudahGeo costs US$29 for a single-user license for new users. Version 2.8 is a free update for registered users. HoudahGeo requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher.

| Read more »
May 10
TopXNotes for Mac OS X updated to version 1.7.5

Tropical Software's TopXNotes (http://www.tropic4.com/) note manager for the Mac has been updated to version 1.7.5. The upgrade offers performance enhancements and bug fixes.

TopXNotes will now keep your notes synchronized between TopXNotes for Mac and TopXNotes Touch for the iPhone and iPod touch. Version 1.7.2 includes a new Preference for setting vertical and horizontal text margins and a new Preference to choose manual or automatic note delete.

TopXNotes 1.7.5 requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later. It costs US$39.99 and is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category and at the Tropical Software (http://www.tropic4.com).

| Read more »
May 10
Together 3.0 for Mac OS X adds thumbnails, tax expose, more

Reinvented Software (http://reinventedsoftware.com/) has announced Together 3.0 for Mac OS X. The new version adds thumbnails, tab expose, stationery, history, autosave and versions, along with improved favorites, previews and Shelf, all wrapped up in a smart new design. Also, exclusive to the Mac App Store version, Together 3 can now sync libraries with iCloud.

Together 3 requires Mac OS X 10.8 or later and is available with iCloud support from the Mac App Store, or without iCloud as a 15-day trial from the Reinvented Software web site. Version 3.0 is a paid upgrade for all previous versions of Together.

A full license will cost US$39.99 and an upgrade (not available from the Mac App Store) is $19.99, with free upgrades for anyone for purchased Together 2.x from the Reinvented Software web site within three months of version 3.0's release. For 15 days after Together 3's launch, the...

| Read more »
May 09
Sonnet releases enhanced xMac mini Server

Sonnet has introduced an upgrade of its xMac mini Server, a Thunderbolt-to-PCI Express (PCIe) expansion system and 1U rackmount enclosure for a Mac mini with a Thunderbolt port.

The xMac mini Server accommodates one full-length, full-height PCIe card and one half-length, half-height (low-profile) card. The updated xMac mini Server now supports a double-width PCIe card's daughter card and includes BNC connector mounting holes on the enclosure's rear panel. In addition, the length of the xMac mini Server is now just 15.8 inches.

The enhanced xMac mini Server (part number XMAC-MS) is now available at a suggested retail price of US$1,295. The xMac mini Server 2H (part number XMAC-MS-2H) is also available now for $1,295. The xMac mini Server Quiet Fan Module (part number XMFAN-Q) is available for $79.95. More information on these products and compatible PCIe expansion cards is available at http://...

| Read more »
May 09
Apple I computer to be auctioned on May 25

Last November Auction Team Breker of Cologne, Germany, made international news for selling an original 1976 Apple I computer for the world record price of US$640,000

On May 25, collectors and Apple-aficionados will have the chance to buy another of the six surviving Apple I computers still in working order. You can find more details at http://www.breker.com/ReadMore/ .

| Read more »
May 09
Goal Zero rolls out solar recharger for laptops

Goal Zero has released the US$399.95 Sherpa 50 Solar Recharging Kit for tablets and laptops. It can purportedly extend the life of a laptop by two hours or a tablet by 15 hours.

The Sherpa 50 weighs less than a bottle of water, fits in a backpack or briefcase, and refuels from the sun in five hours with the Nomad 13 Solar Panel, or a wall outlet or car adapter in two hours.

The Sherpa 50 Recharger features a variety of outputs, including USB and DC ports with an option for AC power (110V or 220V) through the Sherpa Inverter (sold separately.) One of the most unique aspects of the Sherpa 50 is its “Power Port” that enables you to power laptops directly from the recharger, eliminating the need for an AC inverter as well as the computer’s bulky AC powering cable, says Joe Atkin, president and CEO of Goal Zero.

Instead, directly plug your laptop into the Power Port on the Sherpa 50 with one of Goal Zero’s Laptop Charging Kits. For more info go to says Joe Atkin,...

| Read more »
May 09
ArcSoft releases Photo+ for Mac OS X

ArcSoft has released Photo+, a new photo viewer for Mac OS X that pulls directly from any folder or drive. It's normally US$9.99, but it's being offered at a limited time for $1.99.

By dragging or selecting a single image, Photo+ automatically displays every image from the same folder. You can browse and display thousands of photos . You can rotate portrait oriented photos when importing.

Photo+ provides fundamental editing tools such as crop, rotate and zoom are built in. It allows you to set up a full screen photo slideshow with music and 10-plus transitions

With Photo+, you can use a track-pad with multi-touch and finger gestures, or a standard mouse. The software is compatible with over 35 formats, including RAW files and animated GIF.

Photo+ is available at http://www.arcsoft.com/photoplus/ or the Mac App Store (...

| Read more »
May 09
DYMO introduces label maker with wireless networking

DYMO has launched the USS$95 LabelManager Wireless PnP, the first DYMO label maker with wireless networking that enables multiple users to share printing capabilities.

It has built-in wireless networking to enable easy sharing and on-demand printing for an entire office of users, says Julie Hibbard, marketing director at DYMO. It also sports customized labels with any fonts and graphics through Mac or PC connections, and labels with clear graphics, bar codes and logos at 300-dpi resolution.

The LabelManager Wireless PnP is compatible with Mac OS X 10.5 or higher and Microsoft Windows Vista/7/8.XP. The multi-label printing capability comes with an automatic label cutter that creates a variety of DYMO D1 labels. For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/c6hxa2g .

| Read more »
May 09
iPhone shipments soar in China

Apple retook its spot as China's fifth largest smartphone vendor in the first quarter, as the country's market grew to triple the size of the U.S.'s, reports "PCWorld" (http://tinyurl.com/cjj9xhj)

Apple had an 8% share of the smartphone market, while Samsung continued to lead all vendors with a 20%share, according to research firm Canalys. Trailing behind Samsung were Yulong Computer Telecommunication Scientific, Huawei, and Lenovo.

In last year's third and fourth quarter, Apple fell to the sixth spot. But iPhone 5 sales, along with price cuts to older iPhone models, propelled the company's smartphone shipments in China's intensely competitive market, Nicole Peng, an analyst with Canalys, told "PC World."

| Read more »
May 09
Absolute Software launches Computrace MTM for iOS devices

Absolute Software Corp. has launched Computrace Mobile Theft Management (MTM), which the company says is the "first and only" iOS loss management and theft recovery service on the market for the enterprise.  

Computrace MTM allows organizations to safeguard the iPad and iPad mini devices in their deployment. Based upon the same investigative techniques used by the Absolute Investigations and Recovery Services team for Absolute Computrace theft recoveries, customers now have the infrastructure and support to prevent and respond to iOS loss and theft, says John Livingston, CEO of Absolute Software.

The Computrace MTM service provides two components: loss prevention and theft recovery. The loss prevention program provides customers with the tools to implement best practices within their organization and amongst users to ensure these iOS devices are handled responsibly, according to Livingston.

The theft recovery component is an extension of the loss management...

| Read more »
May 09
AKVIS Refocus 3.5 sees improves image processing speed

AKVIS (www.akvis.com) has released AKVIS Refocus 3.5 for Mac and Windows systems. The software improves sharpness of out of focus images. Version 3.5 offers an advanced algorithm with the improved image processing speed for Tilt-Shift and Iris Blur modes.

AKVIS Refocus works in three modes. Refocus mode makes blurred photos sharper. You can re-focus the entire image or only selected parts. 


Tilt-Shift mode allows leaving a sharp strip in the image, adding gradual blur at the edges, with smooth transitions between the regions and with bokeh effects. This mode gives the objects on the photo a "toy" look. It blurs the outer parts and makes the objects appear as if they are miniature models.

Iris Blur mode creates shallow depth-of-field effect, blurring the background while keeping the subject in focus. In contrast to the previous mode, this one lets you specify the shape of the sharp area (ellipse,...

| Read more »
May 09
Event-Driven Process Chain Diagrams available for ConceptDraw...

The new Event-Driven Process Chain Diagrams Solution extends ConceptDraw PRO 9 software with EPC (Event-driven Process Chain) templates, samples, and vector shape library for the drawing of EPC diagrams.

An EPC diagram is a systematic visualization of business events and functions. The libraries are designed to support alternate and matching implementation of designated processes. Using EPC flowcharts is a widely-accepted technique to depict and optimize business processes.

The Event-driven Process Chain Diagrams Solution is the first addition to the new Business Process section of ConceptDraw Solution Park. It's a plug-in for ConceptDraw PRO 9. For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/blvxlqh .

| Read more »
May 09
Blacklining Plug-in for InDesign CS6 shipping

ThePowerXChange and XChange UK have announced that Blacklining for Adobe InDesign CS6 is now shipping.

In conjunction with the release, two promotions are available that offer users huge savings for a limited time. New, full versions of Blacklining are "Buy One Get One Free, so users save up to US$760. Additionally, users can upgrade from any prior version of Blacklining for $460 and receive a free upgrade for a second license.

Blacklining means including marks within text that highlights or shows the changes that have been made. If a run of text or word or letter is deleted it will be marked as "struck-through" -- that is a line through the center of it in a bold format or color that shows it as being struck out. New text that is inserted will be marked as underlined, again in bold or colored so that it is apparent to the reader that it is a new insert. The Blacklining plug-in allows users to retain a complete audit trail of all changes made to the text of an...

| Read more »
May 09
Embarcadero introduces embedded SQL database for iOS

Embarcadero Technologies, a provider of software solutions for application and database development, has announced InterBase ToGo for iOS, an embeddable, high performance, secure and scalable relational database.

Designed for developers who are looking to embed a low cost, zero-admin, lightweight database into their multi-device applications, InterBase ToGo is available for Mac OS X, Windows, and, now iOS. In addition, Embarcadero is also announcing a new, free version of InterBase, called IBLite, an embeddable database for iOS that can be freely deployed.
 
Designed for ISVs, enterprises and app development shops, InterBase ToGo provides a common relational database across iOS, Mac OS X and Windows. The goal is to improve development efficiencies and speed to market. InterBase ToGo also uniquely delivers automatic, end-to-end encryption and powerful transaction support on mobile devices, says Michael Swindell senior vice-president of Products for Embarcadero...

| Read more »
May 08
MMScript FileMaker Pro plug-in updated to version 1.1.3

Comm-Unity Networking Systems has released MMScript 1.1.3, a maintenance release of the FileMaker plug-in to trigger and schedule scripts. It's compatible with FileMaker Pro 8.5 on Mac OS X and Windows.

MMScript allows you to create a whole calendar of events. You can trigger a script in the present or at any time in the future. For example, you can set up a script to trigger in five minutes or five days.

MMScript is available immediately at http://mmscript.cnsplug-ins.com/ for both Mac OS X and Windows. You can download a demo copy of the plug-in to test it out before purchasing.

A single-user license of MMScript is US$35. You can find a purchase link on the website. There are several other price points and information for educational/non-profit institutions on the purchase page for the plug-in.

If you own an existing license for MMScript 1.0.x, this is a free...

| Read more »
May 08
Native Instruments releases Kaoz Theory Expansion for iMaschine

Native Instruments has launched a new range of iMaschine Expansions with the release of Kaoz Theory. It's created by DJ and producer Kerri "Kaoz" Chandler.

These new iMaschine Expansions will be created in collaboration with artists from different genres, and will be available for iMaschine only. However, users can export their iMaschine projects to the Maschine software for further editing and arranging. Native Instruments will continue to release compact iMaschine versions of their iMaschine Expansions.

Kaoz Theory is available for iMaschine for US$0.99. For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/c5h8rpy .

| Read more »
May 08
Apple wants a peek at Android source code

Apple wants a U.S. judge to force Google to turn over documents related to its Android operating system, according to "Bloomberg" (http://tinyurl.com/cgpvzeb)

The article says Apple told U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul S. Grewal in San Jose, California, that Google is improperly withholding information about what terms it’s using to find the documents Apple has requested in pretrial information sharing. Apple says the Android OS is used in all of Samsung’s allegedly infringing products and "provides much of the accused functionality" in Apple’s claims.

This is all part of the ongoing, global legal battle. Apple and Samsung have filed more than 30 lawsuits against each other across four continents. For example, Apple alleges that Samsung copied the slide-to-unlock technology of its iPhone and iPad devices.

| Read more »
May 08
Newer Technology adds optical drive choices to miniStack MAX

Newer Technology (NewerTech) says its miniStack MAX, is now available in DVD/CD only read/write optical drive models for those computer users that don’t require the Blu-ray functionality other miniStack MAX models provide.

As the only four-in-one external drive, optical drive, SD card reader and USB powered hub solution on the market, the miniStack MAX supports multiple interfaces for plug and play storage of entire music, photo and video libraries, as well as burning backups via the internal optical drive, with new and legacy Macs or PCs.

OWC is offering a limited time rebate offer on both versions of Roxio Toast 11 Titanium with savings of up to US$110 off retail prices with sales of the miniStack MaX. Toast 11 Titanium is a versatile multimedia application that lets users read, burn, capture, copy, convert and share digital media. With the purchase of any of the new miniStack MAX models, including the 0GB enclosure kits, this ultimate media toolkit is available...

| Read more »
 
AAPL
$439.66
Apple Inc.
+0.00
GOOG
$906.97
Google Inc.
+0.00
MSFT
$34.85
Microsoft Corpora
-0.23
MacNews Search:
Community Search:
view counter

view counter
view counter
view counter
view counter
view counter
view counter
view counter
dockXtender
view counter

Blitz Brigade Review
Blitz Brigade Review By Andrew Stevens on May 21st, 2013 Our Rating: :: CHAMPION KILLERUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Blitz Brigade is an enjoyable first-person shooter where players fight online in multiple gameplay modes, taunting their way to victory.   | Read more »
gMusic Submits Update To Bring Google’s...
gMusic Submits Update To Bring Google’s All Access Streaming Music Service To iOS Posted by Andrew Stevens on May 21st, 2013 [ permalink ] gMusic: A Google Mus | Read more »
CandyMeleon Review
CandyMeleon Review By Blake Grundman on May 21st, 2013 Our Rating: :: SWEETLY ADDICTIVEUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Who could say no to a Chameleon that is this cute? Feed his sweet tooth and you will see just how fun it can be!   | Read more »
Fire & Forget: The Final Assault Rev...
Fire & Forget: The Final Assault Review By Rob Rich on May 21st, 2013 Our Rating: :: MY CAR IS FIGHTUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Fire & Forget: The Final Assault is one crazy post-apocalyptic ride.   | Read more »
Appy Geek Updates With Enhanced Design a...
Appy Geek Updates With Enhanced Design and Customizable Home Screen Posted by Andrew Stevens on May 21st, 2013 [ permalink ] | Read more »
What’s the Deal with rymdkapsel?
rymdkapsel made a bit of a splash when it was released on the PlayStation Vita a few weeks ago. And in another couple of months this excessively minimal and abstract strategic base building “sim” will be making its way on to the App Store for everyone’s enjoyment. Martin Jonasson, rymdkapsel’s creator, was kind enough to tell us a bit about where... | Read more »
Star Command Getting Exploding Ships, Sp...
Star Command Getting Exploding Ships, Spreading Fires, and Away Teams In Future Updates Posted by Andrew Stevens on May 21st, 2013 [ permalink ] | Read more »
Catch a Ninja Review
Catch a Ninja Review By Jordan Minor on May 21st, 2013 Our Rating: :: CATCH AND RELEASEiPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad It turns out ninjas aren’t that much tougher than fruit.   | Read more »
The Portable Podcast, Episode 186
On This Episode: Carter and Kurt Bieg of Simple Machine talk about his studio’s new release, Tomb Breaker, how it spawned from a nearly-complete prototype of another game, and how it fits in with his other titles, Circadia and Twirdie. Break into those tombs! Episode Cast: Host: Carter Dotson Guest: Kurt Bieg, Simple Machine Music: | Read more »
Flickr Upgrades Its Free Users To 1 Tera...
Flickr Upgrades Its Free Users To 1 Terabyte Of Photo And Video Storage Posted by Andrew Stevens on May 21st, 2013 [ permalink ] | Read more »
All contents are Copyright 1984-2010 by Xplain Corporation. All rights reserved. Theme designed by Icreon.