PocketCAS comes to the Mac
EuroComp has announced that its mathematics software, PocketCAS for iPhone and iPad, is now also available for Mac OS X (10.8 or higher).
PocketCAS is an advanced computer algebra system. It's targeted at scientists, engineers, teachers and students.
PocketCAS is being discounted by 50% for a limited time. Features include Linear Algebra functions for matrices and vectors, 2D & 3D Plots, and more.
PocketCAS lite 3.4 is free and PocketCAS pro 3.4 is discounted to US$4.99 for a limited time. Both applications are available worldwide exclusively through the Apple App Store (for the iPhone and iPad) and the Mac App Store (for Mac OS X) in the Education category. For more info go to http://pocketcas.com .
SEC closes its review of Apple's finances
Four months after opening its review of Apple’s finances, the Securities and Exchange Commission has closed it, having found nothing untoward about the company’s handling of its overseas cash and related tax policies, reports "AllThingsD" (http://tinyurl.com/ljsrzlz).
The SEC has completed its review of the company’s fiscal 2012 annual report and plans no action at this time. "Evidently, there’s no need to, as the agency has found Apple’s disclosures to be sufficient, particularly now that it has agreed to provide investors with more information about its foreign cash, tax policies, and plans for reinvestment of foreign earnings," says "AllThingsD. "In the SEC’s eyes, Apple accounts for taxes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles."
World Clock Deluxe for OS X ticks to version 4.11.1
MaBaSoft (http://www.mabasoft.net) has released World Clock Deluxe 4.11.1, an update of its Mac OS X tool for companies and organizations regularly communicating with people across the world, for frequent travelers, and for home users having family or friends in other countries or time zones.
Daylight-Saving Time information for Morocco, Western Sahara, and the Brazilian State of Tocantins has been updated. Morocco and Western Sahara decided to extend Daylight-Saving Time to Oct. 27 and, from next year. will observe DST from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. Tocantins canceled Daylight-Saving Time after a one-year trial.
With World Clock Deluxe you can display multiple clocks in a configurable horizontal or vertical palette, in the menu bar, and in the Dock, and show the time in over 1,600 cities and 200 time zones, including Greenwich Mean Time and Coordinated Universal Time. The app also lets you calculate time conversions between different cities or time...
Psykopaint for Mac OS X gets a complete design overhaul
Psykosoft (www.psykosof.net) has updated Psykopaint for Mac OS X to version 1.2.1. The app gets a complete design overhaul.
Psykopaint is a painting application with a twist: it allows you to paint while the colors are selected automatically based on a photo. It features six different brushes with 72 built-in presets and more. Version 1.2.1 also introduces support for Retina Display, an improved mad cannon brush, fixes canvas zoom issues and more.
Psykopaint requires Mac OS X 10.6 or later. It costs US$29.99 and is available at the Mac App Store in the Graphics & Design category (http://tinyurl.com/pmzdt3a). For more info go to www.psykopaint.com .
NuMac announces optical disc burning solution for new Mac Pro
NuMac has announced an optical disc burning solution for Apple's upcoming Mac Pro. The NMBDR6x supports the reading and writing of Blu-ray discs, DVDs, and CDs.
It stands less than two inches tall from top to bottom, and features a round, low-profile aluminum enclosure designed to sit beneath the Mac Pro. The slot load design has no tray to get in the way or break off. Both Power and data are sent via the single USB cable.
The NMBDR6x features quad layer burning support for Blu-ray discs. This technology allows the burning of discs up to 128GB in capacity. 6x BDR burning (25GB & 50GB discs) and 4x burning for BDXL (100GB & 128GB discs). DVDs and CDs burn quickly and accurately on the NMBDR6x as well.
The NMBDR6x features plug and play compatibility with OS X 10.6 or later. It's available now for US$149. Go to http://numac.co for more info.
2.9 million Adobe consumer accounts hacked
In a post on its company blog (http://tinyurl.com/phl6fhj), Adobe says that it's been hacked and that the data of approximately 2.9 users has been compromised.
"Our investigation currently indicates that the attackers accessed Adobe customer IDs and encrypted passwords on our systems," says Adobe. " We also believe the attackers removed from our systems certain information relating to 2.9 million Adobe customers, including customer names, encrypted credit or debit card numbers, expiration dates, and other information relating to customer orders. At this time, we do not believe the attackers removed decrypted credit or debit card numbers from our systems. We deeply regret that this incident occurred. We’re working diligently internally, as well as with external partners and law enforcement, to address the incident."
The company says it is:
° Resetting relevant customer passwords to help prevent unauthorized access to Adobe ID accounts.
° Notifying customers whose credit or debit card...
Apple reportedly buys a startup named Cue
Apple has reportedly purchased Cue, the company behind an iOS personal assistant app. Why? To compete with Google Now, according to "The Inquirer" (http://tinyurl.com/lpjzhyj)
The app collated information from emails, contacts and calendars, and prepared "an overview of your upcoming events by linking together related phone numbers, addresses, tickets, invitations, receipts, files, and more." Google Now is a personal assistant available within the Google Search mobile app for iOS and Android devices. It uses a natural language user interface to answer questions, make reservations, and perform actions by delegating requests to a set of web services.
QNAP launches SAS-enabled Turbo NAS
QNAP Systems has launched five business-class, SAS-enabled Turbo NAS models, including TS-EC1679U-SAS-RP and TS-EC1279U-SAS-RP which support both SAS and SATA 6Gbps hard drives, and the 2.5-inch high-density SS-EC2479U-SAS-RP, SS-EC1879U-SAS-RP and SS-EC1279U-SAS-RP.
The support of SAS hard drives increases disk input/output performance and offers high reliability for data transmission and storage, according to the folks at QNAP. The new models offer storage expansion port(s), allowing capacity expansion with QNAP RAID expansion enclosures to fulfill mission-critical storage needs of small and medium businesses, with persistent throughput to balance resource-demanding applications.
The SAS hard drives are Mac, Windows and Linux/UNIX compatible. For more info go to www.qnap.com .
SEGA Superstars Tennis coming to the Mac on Oct. 17
Feral Interactive says SEGA Superstars Tennis for the Mac will be released on Oct. 17. Developed by Sumo Digital Ltd., published by SEGA for consoles and inspired by two decades of SEGA history, SEGA Superstars Tennis sees 16 fan-favorite characters serving up extreme arcade tennis.
Here's how the game is described: "SEGA Superstars Tennis lets Sonic and the gang loose on courts inspired by SEGA’s iconic gameworlds, from a funky disco space station to an outrageous samba party. Every one of the 16 SEGA characters is equipped with a game-changing special move such as Sonic’s super speed, Dr. Eggman’s devastating bomb clusters and AiAi’s banana-shaped curve shots.
"Players can hone their skills in quick matches or take on the grand challenge of Planet Superstars mode, a series of tournaments and mini games which include smashing zombies with well-aimed shots, making paintball graffiti and knocking giant monkey balls into a goal.
"SEGA Superstars Tennis supports shared-screen multiplayer...
Apple releases Mountain Lion, iTunes updates
Apple has released OS X Mountain Lion and iTunes updates.
OS X 10.8.5 Supplemental Update 1.0 fixes a glitch that prevented some applications from recognizing the FaceTime HD camera on the 2013 MacBook Air. It also fixes some problems with OS X's sleep mode and some USB Bluetooth adapters not working.
iTunes 11.1.1 improves stability and fixes problems with iTunes Extras not displaying correctly and deleted podcasts. You can obtain the updates via the Software Updates component of the Mac OS X Systems Preferences app.
Bare Bones releases Yojimbo for the Mac, iPad
Bare Bones Software has released Yojimbo 4.0.1, an update of the information organizer for Mac OS X, and Yojimbo for iPad 1.1, the companion app for taking Yojimbo 4 content anywhere using an Apple tablet.
Yojimbo 4.0.1 and Yojimbo for iPad 1.1 are both maintenance updates that include fixes for specific reported issues. The iPad update also includes enhancements and refinements in iOS 7.
The Yojimbo 4.0.1 update is free of charge to all Yojimbo 4 customers. All registered Yojimbo customers may download the update free of charge from the Bare Bones Software web site (www.barebones.com). The iPad update is available free at the Apple App Store.
Motrr Galileo robotic platform for the iPhone available next...
Motrr has announced pre-order availability of the Galileo Bluetooth and Galileo 30-pin for the iPhone. Galileo, an iOS-controlled robotic platform, will go on sale next month.
With applications in areas of photography, cinematography, social networking, video conferencing, baby monitoring, remote learning, and more, Galileo gives iOS devices "endless" possibilities of remote-controlled motion, says Jasper Eisenberg, marketing manager at Motrr. Using Galileo, your iPhone, and the Sphere app you can capture spherical panoramas.
You can also set pan and tilt controls for Galileo locally to create time-lapse sequences. With a second smartphone, tablet, or web browser, you can control Galileo remotely to monitor your home with one-way video, or participate in a two-way video calling experience. Swipe your finger on your device and Galileo responds, orienting itself in any direction.
With the Motrr Software Development Kit, app developers can integratie Galileo motion controls into their...
Zepp Labs unveils iOS-compatible sports platform
Zepp Labs, which specializes in motion capture technology and mobile sports applications, has created what it says is the world’s first multi-sport sensor and the first three apps on the new Zepp Sports Platform: Zepp Baseball, Zepp Golf and Zepp Tennis.
"For the first time in history, players and coaches can now capture and analyze 3D swing data on their smartphone or tablet and discover ways to improve their game," says Jason Fass, chief executive officer of Zepp Labs. "We see a tremendous opportunity to improve the way we practice, play and experience sports by providing meaningful and actionable data in a beautiful design with an easy-to-use interface."
The Zepp 3D motion sensor was designed with the athlete in mind. It's approximately an inch square, less than half an inch thick and weighs 6.3 grams. It's constructed of a rubber exterior and shock-resistant core.
Each sensor contains an ARM processor, multiple motion sensors, storage for up to 200,000 swings (200,000 tennis...
Lodsys loses case against Kaspersky
Kaspersky, which makes antivirus and Internet security software, has won its case against patent troll Lodsys.
Lodsys decided over the weekend to dismiss its case against Kaspersky with prejudice. "Instead of facing a jury, Lodsys will slink away instead" as "it was an unconditional surrender., reports "ArsTechnica" (http://tinyurl.com/morup5j).
In 2011 Lodsys sues some iOS developers for using in-app purchasing systems that it claims violates patents it owns. The patent holding firm targeted small iOS developers with notices of patent infringement for providing in-app purchase and/or Apple App Store purchase links within their apps. Apple came to the defense of the developers.
Also, Martha Stewart recently sued Lodsys after the patent troll demanded a $20,000 settlement for Stewart's allegedly infringing iPad apps.
ClassicWeather is a new, free weather app for Mac OS X
Demodit has introduced ClassicWeather for Mac. It's a free Mac version of its iPhone/iPad weather app.
ClassicWeather displays compact widgets with forecasts for multiple cities. Tabbed buttons change the view to informative text and graphics, reporting the weather today, the summary for the next days, hourly weather for next days, and a description in text.
The weather widgets of the app represent weather information for selectable cities. ClassicWeather also supports iOS like swipe gestures.
ClassicWeather works with OS X 10.7 or later. It's available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Weather category (http://tinyurl.com/o8u6mzc). A Premium version is available as an in-app purchase for US$1.99.
iLuv shipping first Lightning connector alarm clock speaker dock
iLuv Creative Technology is shipping TimeShaker, the latest addition to the company's line of alarm clock docking stations. The company says it's the first alarm clock in iLuv’s line to feature Apple’s Lightning connector.
The dock features iLuv’s "bed shaker," which allows users to hear and feel their alarm, making oversleeping a thing of the past. This dual alarm clock speaker enables users to set two separate alarms and offers multiple alarm options, including iPhone/iPod music, FM radio, buzzer and bed shaker.
TimeShaker’s detachable shaker fits under a pillow and vibrates to wake heavy sleepers, the hearing impaired and anyone who shares a room. The dock features an Apple Lightning connector for playing and charging the iPhone 5/5s/5c and iPods in Apple’s Lightning line.
TimeShaker’s LCD display includes a 10-level dimmer for setting your ideal brightness level. The TimeSync button allows users to automatically sync the time on the display from their iPhone or iPod.
It also...
Samsung execs were told of secret Apple-Nokia patent license
On Wednesday, Magistrate Judge Paul S. Grewal of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California talked of sanctions against Samsung for violation of a protective order, reports "FOSS Patents" (http://tinyurl.com/nm3hqfe).
It seems that Samsung execs were told the terms of a secret Apple-Nokia patent license, a legal no-no. The court is still trying to find out more about how the information was improperly disclosed, but it already knows a lot about what happened. Sanctions loom large, according to "FOSS Patents."
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.
pdfToolbox revved to version 7.0
Callas Software has updated pdfToolbox, which verifies any PDF and addresses production issues through intelligent corrections, to version 7.0.
This new version is a significant step forward in making PDF quality control and production workflows more accurate, according to the folks at Callas. The core PDF and font libraries in pdfToolbox have received a major update to improve speed and reliability of processing troublesome PDF files.
The more compact and adjustable preflight report improves clear communication with customers, and the operator checkpoints allow manual intervention in automated workflows. For more info, including pricing, go to http://tinyurl.com/pb237fp .
Snapheal for Mac OS X gets enhanced plug-in performance, more
Macphun has released Snapheal 1.1, an update of its photo app for Mac OS X (10.6 or later). The new version brings enhanced plug-in performance, faster erasing and improved retouching.
Snapheal performs complex image edits, object cloning, removals and more in a matter of clicks and minutes, according to the folks at Macphun. Its Erasing tool features three different algorithms; each should be used for specific editing purposes. There's also a Clone&Stamp tool for touch-ups and fixes.
In fact, Snapheal offers 20 different tools, including saturation, gamma, contrast, noise reduction. It also provides: The ability to adjust shadows and highlights; crop and rotate photo; control sharpen; set color temperature; and more.
Snapheal features built in video tutorials. The app handles practically all file formats, including TIFF and RAW; plus, it supports a resolution of up to 32 megapixels. You can import images from Aperture and iPhoto albums plus export the creation to iPhoto, share on...
WeatherSnoop for the Mac breezes to version 3
Tee-Boy has announced WeatherSnoop 3 for Mac OS X Lion and higher. Designed to procure, analyze and publish weather data, the app interfaces with a variety of personal and professional weather stations as well as Internet-based data sources.
With WeatherSnoop, you can watch your weather come to life with rendered instruments and gauges that show temperature, wind, rain, and more. Version 3 includes support for multiple stations through Site Documents, which allow users to obtain data from more than one station at a time.
New reporting features also allow uses to obtain highs and lows for varying periods of time, going all the way back through their weather history. Also, weather station support has been honed and improved.
WeatherSnoop 3 supports a wide range of weather stations, including the Davis Vantage Pro, Davis Vantage Vue, Ambient Weather WS-1080/WS-2080, Peet Brothers ULTIMETER 100/800/2000/2100 and the RainWise CC-3000. It costs US$59.99, with a "lite" version available...
VSD Viewer for Mac OS X updated to version 4.0
Nektony has announced VSD Viewer 4.0 for Mac OS X. The new version adds the ability to display the shape date of the MS Visio objects.
VSD Viewer allows Mac users to open vsd files created with Visio 2000- 2013, a file extension for a vector graphics format developed and owned by MS Visio. Opening a Visio drawing on Mac with VSD Viewer is as simple as drag and dropping the file to its application window.
VSD Viewer requires Mac OS X 10.8 or later. It costs US$14.99 and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Business category. For more info go to http://nektony.com .
WD introduces new My Cloud storage devices
WD has introduced its new My Cloud family of personal cloud solutions. They provide a complete solution for users to organize, centralize and secure the digital content from all of their computers and mobile devices and access those files from any device, from anywhere in the world, says Jim Welsh, executive vice president and general manager of WD's branded products and consumer electronic groups
By simply connecting a My Cloud personal cloud drive to the Internet, consumers get the anywhere, any-device access they can get from the public cloud, without having to pay monthly fees or giving up control of their personal data, he adds. Using the My Cloud drive, which is Mac and Windows compatible, users can share files, stream media and access content anywhere with no monthly fees and feel secure in the knowledge that their cloud resides in their own home under their exclusive control, says Welsh.
My Cloud is available in 2TB, 3TB, and 4TB capacities, providing bountiful storage...
DEVONtechnologies updates its web research assistant to 3.5.2
DEVONtechnologies has released maintenance updates for all editions of DEVONagent, its Internet research assistant for OS X.
DEVONagent is designed to help you search more efficiently on the web. It searches multiple sources for relevant results, and gives you power tools for your research. Both DEVONagent Pro (US$49.95) and Express ($4.95) 3.5.2 come with an updated "Tube" scanner which scans webpages for embedded media. The update also fixes known issues and improves overall performance and reliability.
The update is recommended for all users and can be downloaded free from the DEVONtechnologies website (www.devontechnologies.com) or obtained through the App Store.
All editions of DEVONagent require an Intel-based Mac and OS X 10.6.8 or later. In the Mac App Store DEVONagent Pro and Express require OS X 10.8 or later. All apps can be downloaded from DEVONtechnologies online and, the commercial apps can be test-driven free of charge before they need to be properly licensed. All...
Purchase FileMaker Pro 12 or FM Pro 12 Advanced and get a free...
FileMaker Inc. has announced a "Buy One FileMaker, Give One Free," a limited-time offer that allows those who purchase FileMaker Pro 12 (US$299) or FileMaker Pro 12 Advanced ($499) to receive a second downloadable copy for free.
Participants can use the free copy within their organizations or give it to a friend, colleague, client or charity. FileMaker Pro 12 and FileMaker Pro 12 Advanced let you create and use custom business solutions that run on Macs, iPads, iPhones, Windows systems, and the web. Both products offer built-in themes, Starter Solutions and design tools.
Buyers will also receive the FileMaker Training Series. It offers a way to master the essentials of the FileMaker 12 product line with self-paced learning materials, at no additional cost.
The offer applies only to FileMaker Pro 12 or FileMaker Pro 12 Advanced and is limited to one gift request per person, per household and per company between now and Oct. 23. The promotion is valid for the downloadable versions of...
Maintain serves up Cocktail 6.8.1 (Mountain Lion Edition)
Maintain has released Cocktail 6.8.1 (Mountain Lion Edition), the latest maintenance update for users running OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion. This version contains improvements to the Pilot scheduler, addresses an issue in which Cocktail may crash at startup and fixes compatibility issues with QuarkXPress 10.
Cocktail is a general purpose utility for OS X that lets users clean, repair and optimize their Mac. This version resolves a number of issues discovered in the previous release and addresses minor compatibility issues with OS X 10.8.4 and Safari 6.0.5.
Cocktail 6.8.1 (Mountain Lion Edition) requires OS X Mountain Lion or OS X Mountain Lion Server (10.8). Cocktail (Lion Edition) for OS X 10.7, Cocktail (Snow Leopard Edition) for OS X 10.6 and Cocktail (Leopard Edition) for OS X 10.5 are available for download from the Maintain website.
Cocktail costs US$19 for a single user license and is available for purchase from the Maintain website (http://maintain.se/cocktail). The license is valid...
MergeMill Pro update automates data extraction steps
Cross Culture has released Mergemill Pro 4.6, an update of their app for cleansing and de-duplicating data. The upgrade automates many of the data extraction and processing steps in data mining.
Mergemill Pro takes diverse sources of data -- such as databases, web pages, e-mails and more -- and merges them with templates to produce the desired output, from web pages to customized e-mails. The program features data-processing capabilities such as data filters, multi-level data sorting, BASIC scripting, and multiple search-and-replace actions.
Mergemill Pro supports Unicode and other text encodings, and has project scheduling and auto-run functionality. Users can control output in templates through scripting with tags for content insertion, arithmetic expressions, looping, branching, statistic calculations and for marking text blocks for variable assignment or special output actions.
Mergemill Pro 4.6 is available for Macs running OS X 10.5 or higher. It can be purchased online from...
With version 5.5, Undercover meets Mavericks
Orbicule has released Undercover 5.5, a new version of Undercover that was designed for the OS X Mavericks. The update also adds Debriefings with monthly notifications about the Mac's Undercover status and including tips on how to improve recovery chances.
Version 5.5 has the ability to track a stolen Mac in real-time: the web interface allows users to instantly snap and view mugshots of the thief whenever their stolen Mac is online. The same goes for screenshots and location information, allowing users and law enforcement to follow stolen Macs live.
In addition, Undercover 5.5 has keylogging, revealing everything a thief is typing on the stolen Mac, including his Facebook or Twitter account names, social security numbers, contact information, etc. Orbicule has also introduced Debriefings. These monthly notifications inform the user about the protection status of his Mac and include personalized tips and tricks on how to increase the recovery chances even more. Current recovery rates...
Apple posts firmware updates for the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air
Apple has released Apple released firmware updates for the MacBook Pro (mid 2012) and MacBook Air (mid 2012 and mid 2013).
The updates address an issue with battery performance. You can find them at the Mac App Store under Updates in Mountain Lion, or under Software Update in Lion.
Epson debuts Expression Photo XP-950 wide-format printer
Epson America has announced the Epson Expression Photo XP-950 Small-in-One, which allows you to print photos up to 11 x 17 inches.
It boasts a compact design and users Claria Photo HD six-color inks. What's more you can print from a computer, tablet or smartphone from just about any location thanks to Epson Connect. The Photo XP-950 works with Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Certified and Ethernet.
The Expression XP-950 prints 4 x 6 inch photos in as fast as 10 seconds. Other features include: direct CD/DVD printing; a dedicated photo tray; a rear paper feed for card stock, envelopes and more; automatic two-sided printing; copying and scanning; a 3.5-inch LCD with gesture navigation; a fold-over scan lid to hold photos and documents in place; and an auto-extend output paper tray.
The Expression Photo XP-950 costs US$349.99. For more information, go to www.epson.com .
eMedia Music to expand its Guitar Lab DVD series
eMedia Music Corp., publisher of a series of music tutorial CD-ROMs and DVDs, in partnership with TrueFire, has released three new titles in the Guitar Lab line of guitar instruction DVDs: The 50 Modal Licks You Must Know, 50 Melodic Rock Licks You Must Know, and 50 Radio Rock Licks You Must Know DVDs.
They will be available at retail stores nationwide and online (www.eMediaMusic.com) at an estimated retail price of US$24.95 each. The Guitar Lab DVD Series includes 24 titles for beginner to advanced guitar and bass instruction. All DVDs feature PIP (Picture in Picture) video, a manual, standard notation, tab, power tab files, practice rhythm tracks, and additional bonus material.
Native Instruments announces Maschine Studio, Maschine 2.0
Native Instruments has announced Maschine Studio and Maschine 2.0, updates of the company's flagship groove production studio and next generation of Maschine software.
Considerably bigger than the original hardware, Maschine Studio provides expanded tactile control and new high resolution color displays. As with the Maschine and Maschine Mikro Maschine Studio is an integrated solution combining the latest software technology with a hardware-based workflow.
Maschine 2.0 features such enhancements as a new mixer page and dynamic drum synth plug-ins. They're designed to deliver more power and speed to all three Maschine production studios.
Maschine Studio (US$999) will be available at the NI Online Shop starting Nov. 1. Maschine 2.0 is included with Maschine Studio and all Maschine and Maschine Mikro products shipping on or after Nov. 1. For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/lueznpl .
MobileMe's 20GB of free storage coming to an end
Users of Apple's former MobileMe service who move to iCloud, Apple's new service, will see, as Apple warned, a downgrade in storage.
Apple is no longer offering 20GB of storage as it did with MobileMe. iCloud only provides 5GB for free. The company does offer extra storage plans: an additional 10GB of storage for US$20/year, 20GB for $40/year, or 50GB for $100/year.
If you're currently over the free 5GB limit, such features as iCloud Backup, Documents in the Cloud, and iCloud Mail will quit working until you bring your account under the 5GB limit.
Chronos announces Business Card Shop 5
Chronos has announced Business Card Shop 5, an update to its business card software for OS X (10.4 or higher). The new version makes it easier to share cards, edit individual faces of double-sided and folding cards, and browse templates, according to the folks at Chronos.
You can now share a business card via Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, email, messaging, or AirDrop. You can use a business card as an email signature; Business Card Shop 5 supports Apple's Mail app. The upgrade adds 10 signature card templates and a Template Chooser for previewing templates or creating a blank card. The Template Chooser shows the back side of double-sided cards
Business Card Shop 5 adds the ability to save a document as a template so it shows up in the Template Chooser. It also adds the ability to edit individual faces/sides of double-sided, folding, and tent cards and adds 36 double-sided templates (22 horizontal and 14 vertical).
Fold lines are now displayed on folding & tent cards when editing....
LinkOptimizer for InDesign Improves ICC Color Profile Handling
Zevrix Solutions (www.zevrix.com) has announced LinkOptimizer 4.8.4, a maintenance update to its workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign. The new version ensures that all installed ICC profiles are available to the users for automatic color conversion of InDesign image links.
LinkOptimizer allows users to reduce the size of InDesign links and speed up processing by eliminating excess image data. It performs essential image adjustments; converts image formats; and more. LinkOptimizer works automatically with Photoshop to eliminate the excess image data of InDesign links, perform essential image adjustments and convert image formats.
LinkOptimizer can be purchased from the Zevrix website for US$259.95 USD (there's a "lite" version for $179.95) as well as from authorized resellers. A demo is available for download. The update is free for LinkOptimizer 4.x users and $98.78 to upgrade from previous versions. LinkOptimizer is available for Mac OS X 10.5 and higher and works with...
Paragon Software portal designed help with consumer device data...
Paragon Software Group (PSG) has launched a portal hosting a selection of free or inexpensive tools for users of multiple devices seeking to solve incompatibility issues on consumer electronics.
Users of computers, smartphones, audio and video equipment, TV sets, DVD players, digital cameras, and camcorders increasingly need to interchange data content between various incompatible systems. To solve the interoperability issue, Paragon Software has developed eight essential tools (seven drivers and a converter) to guarantee full high-performance read/write access to volumes of the most popular file systems (NTFS, HFS+, Ext2/Ext3/Ext4, etc.) under various platforms (Mac OS X, Android, Windows,Linux) where these file systems normally are not supported.
Paragon Software’s cross-platform tools are based on the company’s Universal File System Driver (UFSD) technology and enable any device to communicate and share files regardless of its operating system. The portal is available at http...
Apple takes top spot in Interbrand Best Global Brands report
For the first time in the history of Interbrand’s Best Global Brands report (www.interbrand.com), there is a new #1 brand: Apple. Interbrand, a brand consultancy, publishes Best Global Brands on an annual basis, identifying and examining the top 100 most valuable global brands.
With Apple claiming the top position this year, Google jumps to #2 and Coca-Cola, the brand that held the #1 position for 13 consecutive years, moves to #3. This year, the total value of all 100 Best Global Brands is USD $1.5 trillion -- an 8.4% record increase over the total value of the 100 Best Global Brands in 2012.
Apple has appeared on Interbrand’s Best Global Brands ranking since 2000, when the ranking debuted. In 2000, Apple ranked #36 and had a brand value of USD $6.6 billion. Today, Apple’s brand value is USD $98.3 billion– almost 15 times the amount of its brand value in 2000. Apple’s meteoric rise in brand value can be attributed to the way it has created a seamless omnichannel experience for...
Apple's Lightning connector could be banned in Europe
A European Parliament's consumer protection committee has voted to standardize smartphone connectors in a move to reduce waste. As a result it;s possible that Apple will have to abandon the Lightning connector at the base of the iPad and iPhone that is used for charging, according to "MacWorld UK" (http://tinyurl.com/n28jktj)
Brussels is attempting to make every mobile use the same charging standard. The microUSB standard seems the most likely winner based on the fact that in 2009 the European standards agency chose it to be the universal port for smartphones, and hence most of Apple's smartphone competition now use microUSB connectors, notes "MacWorld UK."
Patent troll Lodys gets a small win in legal case against Apple...
Patent troll company, Lodsys, has won at least a small court victory. U.S. District Judge Rodeny Gilstrap, the East Texas judge overseeing Lodsys' systematic patent attack on app developers, has refused to even consider Apple's motion in the case, reports "ArsTechnica" (http://tinyurl.com/pxhffe2). Instead, he allowed the patent-holding company to settle all its cases -- and then dismissed Apple's motion as moot.
By doing so, Gilstrap "has enabled Lodsys to threaten developers for months, and perhaps even years, to come," says "ArsTechnica." In 2011 Lodsys sued some iOS developers for using in-app purchasing systems that it claims violates patents it owns. The patent holding firm targeted small iOS developers with notices of patent infringement for providing in-app purchase and/or Apple App Store purchase links within their apps.
Apple's legal department came to the defense of iOS app developers with a letter to Lodsys regarding its patent dispute with app developers. In the letter...
German court rules an Apple iPhone patent invalid
As a result of a difference between jurisdictions in the U.S. and Germany, the Munich-based Bundespatentgericht (Federal Patent Court of Germany) has sided with Samsung and Google's Motorola Mobility in declaring an Apple iPhone patent, EP2059868 on a "portable electronic device for photo management" within Germany's borders, invalid, notes "FOSS Patents."
Why? Because a video of the original January 2007 iPhone presentation already showed the famous bounce-back effect in the photo gallery, which is what this patent is all about. The court also rejected various amended claims proposed by Apple, which were an attempt to distinguish the patent from what was shown in the video, because it found them to be, at best, obvious over the Steve Jobs video, which Google's lawyers from the Quinn Emanuel firm submitted to the court in April 2013, ,the article adds. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/l9ks4x6 .
Marked 2 released for Mac OS X
Brett Terpstra has released Marked 2 for OS X. The utility allows you to preview your Markdown as you write in your favorite text editor.
It tracks your file changes and updates the preview as you go, automatically scrolling to the point in the file where you're currently working. Marked 2 brings Scrivener support and now supports everything from clipboard previews to MarsEdit blog post previews.
Marked 2 is available for US$11.99. For a limited time, Marked is available as part of the "Cheaper By The Dozen" bundle from Paddle. For $34.99 you can get a variety of quality Mac apps, including Marked 2, Raskin, Habits and more. For more info go to http://marked2app.com .
Akvis Artwork for Mac OS X gets new Share feature
Akvis has released Akvis ArtWork 8.0, an update of its photo to painting software for Mac OS X (10.4 and higher) and Windows.
Version 8.0 offers the new Share feature that lets posting pictures from the program to social networks. The plugin is compatible with Photoshop CC and PaintShop Pro X6.
A Home license for Akvis ArtWork costs US $72. A demo is available for download at http://tinyurl.com/2wo2844 .
Drawing with Carl comes to the Mac
Tayasui's children's app, Drawing with Carl, is now available for Mac OS X (10.6 or later). It's available at the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/qctzqx9) and costs US$4.99.
It's a Mac version of the iPad app. With Drawing with Carl's variety of drawing tools you can: write your name with letter stickers; draw mustaches or funny eyes; add stickers of Carl and his friends to your pictures; and share your creations by email. Images are automatically Saved in the Pictures folder.
MacPractice releases 64 bit MacPractice 4.4
MacPractice, a developer of Mac OS and iOS native software for doctors for use on Macs, iPads and iPhones, has released the 64-bit MacPractice 4.4 to all new purchasers of MacPractice MD, DDS, DC and 20/20.
Among other the new capabilities of 4.4, MacPractice is introducing Time Clock, and Inventory tracking. Inventory works with bar code readers and integrates with the practice’s fee schedules and patient ledgers. MacPractice 4.4 provides doctors with new revenue cycle management tools, enhanced insurance verification, supplementary Internet backup, more digital imaging integrations, new third party cloud EMR/EHR options, and expanded Internet connectivity for providers as well as their patients.
MacPractice 4.4 requires Mac OS 10.8 and interoperates with MacPractice Patient Check In, MacPractice Clipboard and MacPractice iEHR apps for iPad and MacPractice Interface for iPhone. For more info go to www.macpractice.com .
Tolis Group serves up Argest solutions for storage, management,...
TOLIS Group has released end-to-end solutions for the media and entertainment industry that provide a single source solution for the ingest, storage, management, and archival of media assets.
Combining connectivity from Sonnet Technologies and ATTO, storage from Seagate and Samsung, asset management from Square Box, tape technologies from HP, and archival from DAX and TOLIS Group, TOLIS Group's ArGest solutions provide a single source for all components required to manage and archive assets -- from standalone videographers to large studios supporting multiple projects and long term archival, says Tim Jones, TOLIS Group president and CTO.
By combining TOLIS Group's existing ArGest disk and tape storage technologies with CatDV and DAX Broadcast Archive, TOLIS Group is able to provide hard drive and SSD storage, LTO standalone and library tape solutions and all of the software required to manage and archive an organization's deluge of digital content, he adds. Solutions range from a...
Apple releases iOS 7.0.2
Apple has released iOS 7.0.2. It's a security and maintenance that fixes a problem with Lock screen issues in which someone could bypass the iOS password protection.
It also reintroduces a Greek keyboard option for passcode entry. iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners can download it through iTunes or as an over-the-air update. For more info go to http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5957 .
Genius releases Energy Mouse
Genius has announced the Energy Mouse, a device that serves as both a power bank and a fully functional mouse in one package. With this device, business people, travelers and students can recharge their electronic devices, such as smartphones, when on-the-go, and negates the need to carry a separate power bank.
The Energy Mouse is equipped with a 2700mAh battery, and a separate battery reserve is used to power the mouse. The built-in lithium-ion battery can be charged with the included USB cable.
The Energy Mouse's 2.4 Ghz wireless technology has a range of up to 30 feet. The USB pico receiver can be left in the USB port, adding more portability. When not in use the pico receiver can be stored under the mouse.
The Energy Mouse is compatible with Mac OS X 10.4 and higher and is available in metallic blue, metallic red, silver or pink for the suggested retail price of USS$34.99. for more info go to www.geniusnet.com .
Symantec wants MobileMe users to move to Norton Zone
On Monday, Sept. 30, MobileMe members will lose the 20GB bonus iCloud space. Symantec is inviting MobileMe users to move their storage to Norton Zone, Symantec’s cloud file-sharing service to receive 50GB of free storage.
To take advantage of the offer, MobileMe users should complete the following steps:
° Forward Norton the email from MobileMe that informed you the product is being cancelled. Send it to nortonzone@symantec.com, as well as provide the email address to use for your Norton Zone account.
° Sign up for Norton Zone 5GB free account at https://www.nortonzone.com/ .
° In October, Norton will email you an unique activation key URL that will turn your 5GB account into a 55GB account.
Apple raises prices on some Mac mini models
Apple has "quietly raised the price on Mac mini systems in a variety of non-US markets for no clear reason," reports "MacNN." Though the adjustment may possibly be to bring prices in line with currency changes in other countries, the costs have been hiked higher in every region where the changes have taken place, the article says.
Affected countries include Brazil, Malaysia and Australia. The price differences vary, but the listed Mac minis aren't updates of the tiny desktop Mac, but the same models that hav been on sale for months. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/k6mwqjr .
Theme Inn launches a new illustration set for MS Office
Theme Inn, a graphic design company specializing in creating high-quality templates for Microsoft Office for Mac, has expanded its range with the release of Stills for Microsoft Office.
The new pack of clip art items, photos, and 3D images for Office includes a total of 1,633 items. The set contains six image categories: Clipart; Objects 3D; Photos; Photo Items; People Clipart; and Traffic Signs. Their content ranges from cartoons of humans and office stationery to photos of original textures and patterns.
Most of the images have a transparent background, which allows placing images on top of different patterns. The PNG format allows adjusting tint, brightness, and other image parameters. The People Clipart images are also available in PDF and can therefore be resized without losing image quality. Although the app is designed to be used with MS Office for Mac, the images can also be used in iWork and various graphics programs.
The Stills for MS Office set is available on the Mac App...
Enolsoft updates YouTube Converter HD for the Mac
This article has been removed at the request of Google.
