InPreflight Pro now compatible with InDesign CC
Zevrix Solutions (www.zevrix.com) has announced InPreflight Pro 2.11, a compatibility update to its document preparation solution for Adobe InDesign. The new version makes InPreflight Pro compatible with the recently released InDesign CC (a part of Creative Cloud).
InPreflight is an all-in-one solution to check InDesign documents, collect them for output and ship to final destination. It combines batch-packaging, quality control and graphic reports.
InPreflight Pro can be purchased from the Zevrix web site for US$99.95 (the Studio version is $59.95), as well as from authorized resellers and Adobe Exchange. A trial version is available for download.
Version 2.11 is a free update for licensed users of version 2, and $55.98 from earlier versions. InPreflight is available for Mac OS X 10.4.2-10.8 and works with Adobe InDesign CS3-CC. File delivery services require Deliver or Deliver Express, which InPreflight users can purchase from Zevrix at a discount.
CS Odessa offers aerospace, transport objects for ConceptDraw
CS Odessa has developed a new ConceptDraw Solution Park solution for ConceptDraw Pro 9 (www.conceptdraw.com). The new libraries provide a range of aerospace and transport objects that can be used to augment documentation and graphics that deal with the space and transportation industry.
The new addition to ConceptDraw Solution Park is a free item for current users of ConceptDraw Pro. The aerospace and transport solution is the first addition to the Illustration Area of ConceptDraw Solution Park, a collection of templates, samples, and libraries of vector stencils, icons and clipart that help professionally illustrate documents. ConceptDraw Pro is compatible with Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows and retails for US$199.
Samsung in talks to settle EU case against Apple
Samsung is in preliminary talks with the European Union regulator to settle charges it abused its market position by barring Apple from using an essential mobile phone patent, reports "Reuters" (http://tinyurl.com/ox39bvz).
The talks came after the European Commission, which acts as EU competition regulator, told Samsung in December that it was acting unfairly by seeking injunctions against Apple over use of the essential patents. Sources told "Reuters" that it was still too early to say if the discussions would result in a settlement. That would mean no finding of wrongdoing for Samsung and no fine, which could otherwise reach as much as $17.3 billion if the South Korean firm is found to be in breach of EU laws.
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.
LinkOptimizer 4.8 compatible with InDesign, Photoshop updates
Zevrix Solutions (www.zevrix.com) has announced LinkOptimizer 4.8, a feature update to its workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign. The new version makes LinkOptimizer compatible with recently released InDesign and Photoshop CC featured as part of Creative Cloud.
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 Adobe InDesign...
Lawn Road Fast Mask plug-in released for Final Cut Pro X
Noise Industries is now selling Lawn Road Fast Masks exclusively in its plug-in store FxFactory. The masking tool is compatible with Final Cut Pro X.
Editors can add masks in a variety of shapes using the fast shape selector with its shape slider. Users can add masks of any shape or size, as well as fine-tune and even color correct footage inside and outside masks with ease.
Lawn Road Fast Masks is available now exclusively from FxFactory for US$49. For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/mcupdm4 .
SeedCode launches GoMaps for iOS, Mac OS X
SeedCode has launched GoMaps, its unlocked template for FileMaker Go that lets users view records on an editable, interactive Google Map.
By pasting the map into their layout, users can add an optional Map view to List and Form views. Map boundaries and areas are customizable, as are map pin colors. Clicking any pin displays a large popover window, displaying any fields in the FileMaker Pro database, including photos. The app is also available for Mac OS X and Windows as ProMaps 1.0.
GoMaps version 0.67 for iOS is currently available directly from SeedCode for US299 per site license. Syncing on iOS requires GoZync licenses starting at $199, plus $49 per mobile device. ProMaps version 1.0 for OS X or Windows is currently available directly from SeedCode for $299 per site license.
A Maps Package, including both GoMaps and ProMaps, is available at the discounted price of $448. GoMaps and ProMaps are available as free, 30-day demo versions. For more info go to www.seedcode.com/gomaps .
Shade 3D 14 gets line offset tool, redesigned text tool, more
Mirye Software has released Shade 3D 14, the next generation of the professional 3D modeling, rendering and animation tools for Mac OS X 10.6 and higher. The new version sports a line offset tool, a redesigned text tool, and more.
Shade 3D ver 14 is available in professional, standard and basic versions. All levels use the same workflow. A free version of Shade optimized for modeling and animating 3d characters for game development, Shade 3D for Unity, is also available, with the Mac OS X version available through the Mac App Store and a Windows version available through Download.com and Mirye Software Store. For more info go to www.miryestore.com .
Bem Wireless introduces new portable, foldable projector
Bem Wireless has launched the Kickstand, a portable projector with an integrated kickstand. The foldable product can be tossed into a briefcase.
The projector can take a tiny image from your smartphone, iPad or USB drive, and project it up to 90 inches across in high-definition (720p) -- even on the ceiling, says Bryan Katzel, director of Marketing and Development for bem. The Kickstand boasts a unique patented mobile design complete with an anodized aluminum frame and bem’s signature soft touch finish, he adds.
There’s a hideaway directional swivel that allows for setup, and then folds back up for storage. An assimilated remote control also serves as a lens cover. On the back of the Kickstand you’ll find an HDMI port, USB port, and Auxiliary Audio Out for multiple connecting options.
The Kickstand is now available for pre-order on Kickstarter. It will retail for US$799.99, though you can get a reduced price by pre-ordering at http://tinyurl.com/lnzmp6d .
Bretford introduces new charging cart for the iPad and iPad mini
Bretford Manufacturing has introduced its highest capacity charging cart for the iPad and iPad mini. Designed to support Apple devices in education, business, healthcare and other professional environments, the Mobility Cart 42 for iPad and iPad mini (apple.bretford.com) can charge, store, secure and transport up to 42 iPad and iPad mini devices.
“We see iPad deployments on the rise in all types of organizations,” says Dan Berger, product management team lead for Bretford Manufacturing, Inc. “More devices are needed now than just a few short years ago. With this new cart, up to 42 iPads can be charged simultaneously and kept secure for one large group or for sharing between smaller groups. We’ve increased capacity, and at the same time, increased the slot width to accommodate the most popular iPad cases.”
All Bretford Mobility Carts, including the Mobility 42 for iPad and iPad mini, feature separate locking front and rear compartments, which allow customers to keep chargers locked...
TSMC to manufacture Apple’s A8 chips starting next month
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and its IC design service partner Global UniChip have secured a three-year agreement with Apple to supply foundry services for the next A-series chips built using 20nm, 16nm and 10nm process nodes, reports “DigiTimes,” quoting unnamed “industry sources.”
TSMC will start to manufacture Apple's A8 chips in small volume in July 2013, and substantially ramp up its 20nm production capacity after December, the article adds. The foundry will complete installing a batch of new 20nm fab equipment, which is capable of processing 50,000 wafers, in the first quarter of 2014, according to “DigiTimes.” Read more at http://tinyurl.com/myhf7cm .
Apple settles in-app purchase legal brouhaha
Parents of kids who racked up hundreds of even thousands of dollars in in-app purchases can now begin to seek compensation for their bills, notes “9to5Mac” (http://tinyurl.com/lcxnyjk).
The “Apple In-App Purchase Litigation Administrator” just sent out an email with information regarding the settlement and deadlines for submitting payment requests. Those with charges under $30 will receive an US$5 iTunes gift card. Cash refunds will be distributed to those with bills exceeding that amount.
SCSC releases Phoenix for Mac OS X
Software and Computer System Company has released Phoenix for Mac OS X. It's an operating system tool that allows the user to create emergency boot volumes, clone volumes, and convert a data disk into a bootable drive with a new OS installation.
"Phoenix creates two types of copies called a Phoenix Boot Volume and a standard volume copy," says Bill Wagner, the owner of the company. "The Phoenix Boot Volume is a unique type of copy because it extracts the core operating system from a users drive and installs only that on the target volume. What the end user ends up with appears to be a completely new OS installation that they can use to host testing and diagnostic software, perform other copies, perform maintenance and repair operations between different volumes, and in the case of emergencies, actually serve as installation media. The volume copy is really nothing more than a simple volume copy from one drive to another just like those available with other drive cloning tools."
SCSC...
John Mark Osborne announces Philosophy of Scripting FileMaker 12...
FileMaker author John Mark Osborne is teaching his intermediate and advanced scripting courses titled the Philosophy of Scripting. These two courses will be taught in a remote setting via GoToMeeting at half the normal cost.
Remote classes are taught twice a week for a total of four hours per week. This allows for better absorption of the material as well as the advantage of homework assignments, according to Osborne. The courses and times are:
° Philosophy of Scripting 101 (9/17/2013 to 10/23/2013);
° Philosophy of Scripting 201 (10/29/2013 to 11/20/2013);
° Philosophy of Scripting 101 & 201 (9/17/2013 to 11/20/2013).
The Philosophy of Scripting courses focus on the single area of scripting and moves from an intermediate to an advanced level over the course of five days. Calculations, relationships and interface design are also covered but only as they pertain to scripting.
To find out more information or register for a class, go to http://tinyurl.com/mp3j5nv .
Japanese court sides with Apple regarding 'rubberband...
A Tokyo court has Samsung infringes on Apple's patent for a "bounce-back" feature on earlier models of its smartphones, reports "Reuters" (http://tinyurl.com/kpag8b6).
The Japanese court's decision comes after the U.S. Patent and Trademark office judged in April that Apple's patent for the bounce-back feature was invalid, allowing older Samsung models that had a similar feature to remain on sale. The Tokyo court is scheduled to release more details on the ruling today.
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.
Fast Reports launches FastReport VCL 4.14 for faster report...
Fast Reports (www.fast-report.com) has releasedFastReport VCL 4.14, an add-on component that facilitates faster generation of reports.
The tool, created for developers who need ready-to-use components for efficient reporting, supports Lazarus Integrated Development Environment (IDE). FastReport VCL 4.14 is a band-oriented report generator. With its range of band types, it can be used to create various kinds of reports including Code-based, multi-page, multi-template, and interactive reports.
Cross-tabs can be used to create tabular reports from a single dataset such as a table or a query and involves complex row and column headers. FastReport VCL is a report designer, too, and includes a large set of tools for visually designing and modifying report templates. Pricing starts at US$79.
Earthdesk for Mac OS X rotates to version 6.2
Xeric Design has released version 6.2 of EarthDesk (http://www.xericdesign.com/earthdesk.php), the real-time dynamic desktop map for Mac OS X. The new version adds new map imagery.
EarthDesk replaces your static desktop with a photo-realistic image of the Earth showing current sun, moon and city illumination as well as real-time global cloud coverage (hurricanes, storms, and worldwide weather systems) on your desktop. It operates silently in the background, keeping your desktop updated while you work. Unlike a screen saver, which only appears when your system is idle, EarthDesk's dynamic desktop is continuously displayed as your desktop background (and optionally as a screen saver).
EarthDesk requires Mac OS X 10.6 or newer. Single user copies may be purchased for US$24.95. Upgrades are available for $12.95 for licensed users of version 5, and $17.95 for licensed users of versions 1, 2 , 3 and 4. Cloud access is available starting at $9.95 for a single user. A bundle including...
Lyn for Mac OS X gets new editing inspector with histogram, more
Mirko Viviani has released Lyn 1.3 for Mac OS X, an update to his lightweight image viewer and browser designed for photographers, graphic artists, and web designers. The upgrade introduces a new editing inspector with histogram, filters and effects, an integrated movie player and a camera import panel.
Lyn natively supports such popular image formats, as JPEG, TIFF, JPEG2000, PNG, TGA, RAW, HDR, OpenEXR, PPM, PFM, animated GIF, etc. The app accommodates images of virtually any size and supports multi-core processing and multiple monitors.
With its combined swap, tiling, and on-the-fly scaling technology, Lyn can load and display high-resolution, progressive images. In addition, the app supports single or multiple monitors, and Camera RAW and DNG files from most DSLRs.
Lyn requires Mac OS X 10.5.7 or later. It costs US$20 and is available directly from the Lyn website (http://www.lynapp.com/). A demo is available for download.
VSD Viewer for Mac OS X adds support for MS Viso 2007-2013
Nektony (http://nektony.com) has updated VSD Viewer for Mac OS X (10.8 and higher) to version 3.0. The update enables viewing of MS Visio 2007 - 2013 XML format drawings on a Mac.
Designed for anyone who use Visio drawings as a reference, 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 allows viewing of common document formatting.
VSD Viewer costs US$14.99 and is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Business category (http://tinyurl.com/mx5zeu7).
Default Folder 4.5.9 compatible with developer release of...
St. Clair Software has released Default Folder X 4.5.9, an update to their utility for Mac OS X. The new version is compatible with the developer release of Mavericks and fixes issues on Mac OS 10.8 and 10.7 as well.
Default Folder X enhances the file dialogs in all Mac OS X applications. Its custom keyboard shortcuts put your favorite and recent folders at your fingertips. It provides fast navigation to your files, convenient previews, integrated Spotlight tagging, and more.
Default Folder X 4.5.9 requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher. It's a free update for existing version 4 users. The price is $14.95 or users who bought licenses before June 1, 2007, and costs $34.95 for new users. For more info go to http://www.stclairsoft.com/DefaultFolderX/index.html .
Tropico: Gold Edition for the Mac coming July 25
Feral Interactive says the strategy game Tropico 4: Gold Edition will be released for the Mac on Thursday, July 25.
Developed by Haemimont Games and published by Kalypso Media for Windows and Xbox 360, Tropico 4: Gold Edition is the latest installment of the Tropico series to be launched on the Mac by Feral Interactive and follows the success of Tropico 3: Gold Edition.
Here's how the game is described: "ropico 4: Gold Edition is a witty combination of city builder and political simulator that continues the colorful career of 'El Presidente', the charismatic ruler of the Caribbean paradise of Tropico. As El Presidente, players will transform Tropico from insignificant banana republic to serious world power over the course of a 20-mission campaign that sees them grapple with picky first-world tourists, demanding political factions, unforeseen natural disasters and even a missile crisis."
Tropico 4: Gold Edition for the Mac will retail in North America for US$34.9 and will require Mac...
Micromat gets rewritten for 64-bit Macs
Micromat (www.micromat.com) has served up a new version (7) of TechTool Pro, its problem solving utility. The program is completely rewritten for 64-bit, next-generation Macs.
Version 7 is fully compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 and above, including the pre-release version of the new OS X system called Mavericks. It's also compatible with the new Macs introduced at last week's Apple Worldwide Developers Conference.
Of the new features included in version 7, the most significant is the new RAM test and SPD diagnostic, says Christian Pickman, product manager for TechTool Pro. With the wide availability of inexpensive memory modules, RAM problems are quite prevalent and can cause a variety of crashes, program errors and even data loss, he adds.
Pickman says this new feature took almost two years to develop and is one of the most advanced tests they've ever created. Besides helping the user to ascertain and locate faulty memory modules, the program also looks for mismatched memory, which can...
ZipZap releases ShareMate for Mac OS X
ZipZapMac has released ShareMate, a tool that allows Mac users to share files and folders with friends and colleagues around the world. It requires Mac OS X 10.6 or higher.
Instead of emailing files or uploading them to a service that the recipient has to join, with just two clicks you get a link that you can send via text, IM, email, or any other method. The recipient just clicks the link and gets the file through their browser.
ShareMate works with any digital file, including: documents, spreadsheets, presentations, audio, video, images, 3D models, animations, games, and data files.
ShareMate costs US$2.99 and is available on the Mac App Store (http://tinyurl.com/l86lszq) or at ZipZapMac.com .
equinux announces Mail Designer Pro for the Mac
equinux has released Mail Designer Pro, productivity software for Mac users that allows you to "responsive mail designs with style."
According to equinux CEO Till Schadde, Mail Designer Pro fits into newsletter design workflows. First you create a newsletter for desktop clients. Mail Designer Pro automatically creates a mobile-ready version that can be edited and optimized. What's more, the software also integrates collaborative features for teams working on newsletter designs.
Mail Designer Pro was developed for freelancers, agencies and companies. Team members working on a design can lend a document to each other, allowing teams to collaborate. Teamwork is also improved thanks to a commenting feature and an automatic change-log, says Schadde.
Mail Designer Pro supports sending test mails via your own email account. For larger campaigns, Mail Designer offers several delivery options: Designs can be uploaded directly to Campaign Monitor and MailChimp, and users of other online mail...
Island Tribe 3 available for the iPhone, iPad, Mac
Realore has announced Island Tribe 3 v.1.01, threequel in the popular time management series. The game is now available for free download from Tunes for iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Here's how the game is described: "The third installment in the Island Tribe series features improved graphics and game mechanics as well as a new story about another misfortunes that the settlers need to overcome. This time the story starts seemingly good. The islanders were lucky to return to their home island thanks to the Altar of Wishes.
"The threatening volcano became dormant, and they cheerfully started restoring the ruined villages. During the laborious process, the future Chief fell in love with a girl in the tribe. They decided to get married but the doors of the Ancient Temple turned out to be closed. In order to have a happily ever after, they needed to find the magic runes scattered all around the island. Nothing foreboded trouble, when the evil Sorcerer appeared out of nowhere, and stole the bride...
EarMaster ApS releases cloud edition of its flagship software
EarMaster ApS has released a Cloud Edition of their Mac OS X (10.5 and higher) compatible software EarMaster 6, a practice tool for ear training and sight-singing used by music students, schools, and professional musicians.
Released in November 2012, EarMaster 6 offered a list of improvements such as the addition of sight-singing exercises with voice input and real-time evaluation. This time around, the Cloud edition brings automatic cloud syncing of courses, assignments, results and user licenses to EarMaster 6.
The new Cloud syncing feature is designed to make it easy for music teachers to create exercises, home assignments or tests and push them swiftly to their students. Music students can do the assignments from home or at the school, and all their results are synced with the teacher’s computer over the Internet.
EarMaster 6 is Mac and Windows compatible. Pricing starts at US$149 for a 20-credit pack. A seven-day demo is available for download. For more info go to www.earmaster...
Red Crow Mysteries: Legion released for the Mac, iDevices
G5 Entertainment and Cateia Games are launching a dark hidden object adventure, Red Crow Mysteries: Legion on Mac OS X and iOS. The game is developed by Cateia Games.
Here's how the game is described: "You play a 'gifted' young girl who wakes to find "something" went horribly wrong. You're informed by your dead mother's ghost that you were gifted with special powers that should help you in your battle between good and evil. Now you'll be tested to prove you are strong enough to defeat Legion. You will need to explore dark and eerie locations to find clues, search for special items and solve tricky puzzles. Pass the ultimate test, defeat the impending threat and preserve the world as we know it."
"There are three game modes for your choice: easy, casual and adventure. Traditionally, an adventure mode is the most difficult – the hint recharges much more slowly, you cannot skip puzzles, you do not have lists of hidden items and active zones are not highlighted. Whether you are a newcomer...
Toshiba announces slimmer 7mm solid state hybrid drive
Toshiba’s Storage Products Business Unit of Toshiba America Electronic Components has announced the slim, 7mm MQ01ABFH solid state hybrid drive (SSHD) series.
Equipped with Toshiba’s NAND flash and available in 500GB and 320GB capacities, the MQ01ABFH series is the first Toshiba SSHD drive family in 7 mm. Toshiba now offers a lineup of 2.5-inch solid state hybrid drives with the previously announced 1TB and 750GB MQ01ABDH series 9.5mm SSHDs.
Toshiba’s new 500GB MQ01ABF050H model and 320GB MQ01ABF032H model will be featured in various notebook computers. Samples will be available June 28. For more information go to www.toshibastorage.com .
Text2Epub 1.1 for Mac OS X revved to version 1.1 Text2Epub 1.1...
Bluezbox Software (www.http://bluezbox.com) has announced Text2Epub 1.1 for Mac OS X, an update to its utility application that offers drag n' drop conversion of plain text documents into the EPUB file format. It's a maintenance upgrade.
Text2Epub is especially designed to accommodate eBook publishing. EPUB files are displayed on a variety of readers, computers, and mobile devices. The app offers conversion with user selectable meta-data, font, source encoding, book cover, and export to the iTunes eBook Library.
Text2Epub 1.1 costs US$2.99 and is available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Utilities category (http://tinyurl.com/lry5b2t). Review copies are available on request. Also available for $2.99 is Fb2Epub 1.1, which converts .fb2 text files to the EPUB format.
Hazel for OS X gets the ability to upload files to remote...
Noodlesoft has rolled out Hazel 3.1 (www.noodlesoft.com/hazel.php) for Mac OS X. The update adds the ability to upload files to remote servers and to match or extract text and data from file contents.
Other features include improved date matching/extraction, optional notes that can be attached to rules and additional options for moving and copying files. In addition, Hazel 3.1 provides numerous performance improvements and fixes.
Hazel is a housekeeper for your folders and files. Using Hazel's rule engine, you can create workflows that keep your files organized automatically. The app also features options for managing your Trash and includes an intuitive application uninstaller.
Hazel 3.1 requires Mac OS X 10.7 or later. A 14-day demo is available for download. This update is free for existing registered users. For new users the cost is US$28.
Output Factory for InDesign revved to version 1.4
Zevrix Solutions (http://zevrix.com) has announced Output Factory 1.4, an update to its professional output automation solution for Adobe InDesign. The new version makes Output Factory compatible with the recently announced InDesign CC, featured as part of Adobe Creative Cloud.
With Output Factory, users can output hundreds of documents or just single files with full control over batch printing, layer versioning, automatic preflighting, file delivery, and more. All they need to do is select the desired InDesign files and adjust workflow settings.
Output Factory can be purchased from the Zevrix website for US$169.95; a "lite" version costs $119.95), as well as from authorized resellers and Adobe Exchange. A demo is available for download. BatchOutput users can upgrade to Output Factory for 4.97. Output Factory is available for Mac OS X 10.5-10.8 on Intel-based Macs and works with Adobe InDesign CS3-CS6.
Education app developer calls for teachers' opinions
Education software developer, Vito Technology is launching its Solar Walk Educators Program, a collaboration project for educators and tech professionals aimed at exchange of experience and materials to enhance scientific classroom with new media.
Known for its Star Walk Astronomy Guide and 3D Solar System model apps for iOS, Vito Technology is calling for educators all over the world to voice their opinions in exchange for free inApps. A handy alternative to papier-mache balls, Solar Walk "gives your students a realistic look at the Solar System."
Solar Walk is an interactive 3D Solar System model with 10 planets (including a dwarf planet Pluto), 20 moons of the planets, 10 satellites orbiting the Earth, over 100 of the biggest stars, and hundreds of named places on the Moon, Mars, Earth and Venus. The Time Machine feature lets users speed up time backwards or forwards, moving planets and satellites according to their real trajectories.
Solar Walk Educators Program is an effort to...
Apple awarded $30 million iPad deal from LA Unified School...
Apple today announced it received the Los Angeles School Board of Education’s approval to begin a massive roll out of iPad to its students across the school district starting this fall. The US$30 million commitment for iPads is the first phase of a larger roll out for the country’s second-largest public school district.
"Education is in Apple’s DNA and we’re thrilled to work with Los Angeles Unified public schools on this major initiative as they plan to roll out iPads to every student across 47 campuses this fall," says Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "Schools around the world have embraced the engaging and interactive quality of iPad with nearly 10 million iPads already in schools today."
"The Board voted unanimously for Apple because iPad rated the best in quality, was the least expensive option and received the highest scoring by the review panel that included students and teachers," says Jaime Aquino, LAUSD Deputy Superintendent of...
New Parallels Desktop 8 update offers OS X Mavericks support
Parallels has released an update to Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac, the software for running Windows and Mac applications side-by-side on a Mac without rebooting. The new version includes experimental support for the latest developer preview of OS X Mavericks.
By updating to the latest build of Parallels Desktop (build 8.0.18494) and following instructions in the Parallels blog post, developers who are registered members of Apple’s Developer Program can run Parallels Desktop 8 on OS X Mavericks and run OS X Mavericks in a virtual machine in Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac.
Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac -- which also supports the desktop virtualization of Windows, Mountain Lion, Lion, Linux, Chrome OS and more -- enables software, mobile and web developers to test a variety of operating systems as guests, as well as well as develop and test applications on them without risking their development machines. Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/kqbpgux .
iFunia Studio releases Photo Slideshow for Mac
iFunia Studio has released Photo Slideshow for Mac, a tool for combining digital pictures, and music into home movies and DVD slideshows complete with captions and transitional effects, and sharing via YouTube, on mobile devices, or on the big screen with a DVD.
The output video/DVD slideshow can be shared on TV, YouTube, Facebook, iPhone, iPad, etc. Also intelligent management of Timeline and Storyboard is applied in Photo Slideshow for Mac, which makes it easier for consumers to edit and control slideshow time, according to Derek Lee, product manager of iFunia Studio.
Photo Slideshow for Mac is available now through the iFunia website. The retail price of iFunia Photo Slideshow for Mac is $39.95. To get more information or to obtain a free trial version, go to http://tinyurl.com/mlsmm49 .
HBO GO & WatchESPN come to the Apple TV
Apple has announced that HBO GO and WatchESPN are now available directly on Apple TV. The company also says that iTunes users have downloaded more than one billion TV episodes and 380 million movies from iTunes to date and are purchasing over 800,000 TV episodes and over 350,000 movies per day.
"HBO GO and WatchESPN are some of the most popular iOS apps and are sure to be huge hits on Apple TV," says Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. "We continue to offer Apple TV users great new programming options, combined with access to all of the incredible content they can purchase from the iTunes Store."
Apple TV users can choose from a selection of programming including over 60,000 movies and over 230,000 TV episodes, as well as the world’s largest collection of music on the iTunes Store. Apple TV also offers content from Hulu Plus, Netflix’s streaming catalog, live sports from MLB, NBA and NHL as well as Internet content from Vimeo, YouTube and Flickr...
Apple updates Configurator to version 1.1
Apple has updated Configurator -- a free tool designed to make it easy to mass configure and deploy iPhones, iPads and iPod touches in a school business or institution -- to version 1.1.
According to Apple, the upgrade offers" "significantly improved" reliability, scalability and performance, the ability to cancel scheduled or even in-progress operations, and bug fixes. Learn more at http://tinyurl.com/ls37e9e .
Output Factory for InDesign updated to version 1.4
Zevrix Solutions (http://zevrix.com) has announced Output Factory 1.4, an update to its professional output automation solution for Adobe InDesign. The new version makes Output Factory compatible with the recently announced InDesign CC, featured as part of Adobe Creative Cloud.
With Output Factory, users can output hundreds of documents or just single files with full control over batch printing, layer versioning, automatic preflighting, file delivery, and more. All they need to do is select the desired InDesign files and adjust workflow settings.
Output Factory can be purchased from the Zevrix website for US$169.95; a "lite" version costs $119.95), as well as from authorized resellers and Adobe Exchange. A demo is available for download. BatchOutput users can upgrade to Output Factory for 4.97. Output Factory is available for Mac OS X 10.5-10.8 on Intel-based Macs and works with Adobe InDesign CS3-CS6.
Maintain serves up Cocktail 5.5 (Lion Edition)
Maintain has released Cocktail 5.5 (Lion Edition), the latest maintenance update for users running OS X Lion 10.7.
Cocktail is a general purpose utility for OS X that lets users clean, repair and optimize their Mac. This version adds the ability to change standby delay, the ability to disable shadow in window captures, the ability to show the Debug menu in App Store and Photo Booth, and compatibility with the latest versions of supported web browsers. It also provides improvements on the clear system caches procedure and updated network optimization presets.
Cocktail 5.5 (Lion Edition) requires OS X 10.7 and is tested for compatibility with OS X/OS X Server 10.7.5. It costs US$14 for a single user license. For more info go to http://maintain.se/cocktail .
Apple releases Java update for Mac OS X
Apple has released Java updates for Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) and OS X 10.7 (Lion) and 10.8 (Mountain Lion). The update brings Java SE 6 to the most recent version.
This update uninstalls the Apple-provided Java applet plug-in from all web browsers. To use applets on a web page, click on the region labeled "Missing plug-in" to go download the latest version of the Java applet plug-in from Oracle. This update also removes the Java Preferences application, which is no longer required to configure applet settings.
You can obtain the updates via the Software Updates component of the Mac OS X Systems Preferences app.
WWDC Interview: TUAW and MacTech
While in San Francisco, TUAW and MacTech Magazine teamed up to speak to developers at Apple's WWDC 2013 about the keynote and how Apple's new technologies will help them and their customers. In the weeks to come, we'll bring you those videos on TUAW, MacTech and MacNews.
If you aren't currently a reader of MacTech Magazine, check out the special WWDC free MacTech on iPad issues for MacTech Magazine here.
This video features Neil Ticktin of MacTech Magazine and Victor Agreda, Jr. of TUAW at WWDC 2013. The two Editors-in-Chief discussed the announcements Apple made, and the reactions of developers to that announcement -- and in the end, how that will impact users.
File2Folder released for Mac OS X
Nikolai Nagornyi has announced File2Folder 1.0 for Mac OS X. It's an application that is designed to sort files.
File2Folder allows you to sort hundreds, or even thousands, of files with a single click. Users may move, copy, or delete files according to user rules. The interface features fast sorting.
File2Folder 1.0 costs US$5.99 and requires Mac OS X 10.7.3 or higher. It's available worldwide exclusively through the Mac App Store in the Utilities category (http://tinyurl.com/k2wrdzg).
iHome introduces first docks to handle both 8- and 30-pin...
iHome has introduced their new line of Lightning docks that are capable of charging and playing both 8-pin Lightning and 30-pin iPad, iPhone and iPod models.
The iDL45 Dual Charging Stereo FM Clock Radio with Lightning Dock and USB Charge/Play for iPad/iPhone/iPod transforms the iHome dock into an alarm clock speaker system fit for both the Lightning pin connector as well as the legacy 30-pin connector. A special universal USB port charges and plays all Apple devices, while the Lightning dock accepts the iPhone 5, iPad mini, fourth generation iPad, and the new iPods. The US$99.99 iDL45 (pictured) also contains an FM radio.
The iPL10 Dual Charging Stereo FM Clock Radio with Lightning Dock and USB Charge/Play for iPhone/iPod is a compact alternative to the iDL45. It sports an USB port for charging and playing both Lightning and 30-pin powered iPad, iPhone and iPod models. You can wake or sleep to your favorite iPhone or iPod tunes or FM radio stations through high fidelity drivers...
Keynote Zone releases Tiles Keynote theme
Keynote Zone has released a Tiles Keynote theme designed to help users organize all their data. The theme includes 33 layouts, custom designed charts and tables.
It's available in both standard and HD versions for Mac OS X. From a range of photo layouts, users will be able to choose elements for their presentation.
The Tiles standard version theme for Mac comes in two sizes (800x600 & 1024x768) and is available for US$16 at the Keynote Zone site (www.keynotezone.com). Tiles HD version theme for Mac comes in five sizes (800x600, 1024x768, 1280x720, 1680x1050, 1920x1080) and is available for $20.
Tiles HD version theme for Mac is also included in the Collection for Keynote 12. It includes 12 HD Keynote themes, Extras slides and demo files and is available for $69.99 at the Keynote Zone site or at Mac App Store.
Flexibits releases Chatology for the Mac
Flexibits has introduced Chatology, a Mac OS X app that allows to you quickly find all of your messages in Messages or iChat. It allows instant searching with multiple filter options including filtering by image or link.
"We made Chatology because we were so frustrated searching for our messages," says Michael Simmons, co-founder of Flexibits. "There were no solutions to fix this so we created one, and we think all Messages and iChat users are going to love Chatology as much as we do."
Chatology is localized in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish. It's available for US$19.99 from the Flexibits Store (http://flexibits.com/chatology). Chatology requires Mac OS X 10.7.5 or later.
Researchers say they can predict iOS-generated hotspot passwords
Although iOS generates seemingly random passwords for its hotspots to eliminate the use of "default" passwords, researchers at a German university have found that they are able to break these passwords in under a minute, reports "ZDNet" (http://tinyurl.com/n7haj5f).
Researchers at the University of Erlangen in Germany say they've found a flaw in the automatically generated pre-shared keys used in Apple's iOS hotspots. They say the method in which these passwords are generated leaves them vulnerable to attack.
According to their paper, "Usability vs. Security: The Everlasting Trade-Off in the Context of Apple iOS Mobile Hotspots," the passwords are a combination of a short dictionary word followed by a series of random numbers. This does allow each password to be different, but, according to the researchers, an attacker can easily determine what passwords iOS uses for its defaults, because there's a limited list of words that are used to generate the password, notes "ZDNet."
Mac OS X increasingly attractive to cybercriminals
Security specialist Kaspersky is warning of the increased vulnerability of Mac systems to malware, reports "betanews" (http://tinyurl.com/kzgp5ok).
The firm says there are now more than 63 million OS X users in the world and that since 2010 the number of antivirus signatures for Macs has increased more than six times. According to Kaspersky the top five threats include becoming part of a zombie network via a compromised WordPress site, fake antivirus products like MacDefender and MacGuard, exploitation of software vulnerabilities, targeted attacks and network infections.
Update to Adobe Creative Cloud available
Adobe has announced that a "major" update to Adobe Creative Cloud, the company’s flagship offering for creatives, is now available. This release reimagines the creative process through a set of "CC" desktop applications and cross-device collaboration and publishing capabilities, according to David Wadhwani, senior vice president and general manager, Digital Media, Adobe.
Creative files can be stored and shared, via Creative Cloud, on Mac OS X, Windows, iOS and Android. Behance, an online creative community, is now integrated with Creative Cloud, so customers can showcase work, get feedback on projects and gain global exposure.
According to Wadhwani, the core features of the Creative Cloud update include:
° Creative Cloud experience on the desktop. With the new Creative Cloud desktop app, your entire creative world is synced and organized across your desktop, website, and mobile device. You can stay connected to work on Behance; track feedback; and install and manage apps and updates...
Eduoard for OS X gets sales return, partial sales credit notes...
Flying Pig (www.flyingpigcorp.com) has released Edouard 1.3, an update to its business management system for Mac OS X. The upgrade brings bug fixes and improvements such as sales returns and partial sales credit notes.
The software is designed for small and medium-sized businesses. Edouard supports classic business needs such as inventory management, contacts, purchases, sales, production, accountancy and more..
Edouard runs on OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion and has satellite apps running on iOS. Its license price is $1,299 per simultaneously connected user with volume licensing discounts. Licenses can be purchased at any time using Flying Pig's online store.
vjoon Overset Manager now compatible with Adobe Creative Cloud
vjoon has stepped up its support for customers who use Adobe Creative Cloud for professional purposes. The latest version of the vjoon Overset Manager plug-in now supports Adobe InDesign CC and InCopy CC.
Efficiency-enhancing plug-ins such as vjoon Notes Manager and vjoon Content Activator are to follow and will also be compatible with Adobe Creative Cloud products. vjoon Overset Manager measures the length of a specific text frame, column or the entire text flow on the fly without interrupting the writer or editor’s creative process. It also counts overset text in real time and shows this overflow in a special frame highlighted with a background color.
A demo version of Overset Manager is available at http://tinyurl.com/lobvwpg . Registration is approximately US$105.
MMColor for Mac OS X gets new GetScreenColor function
Comm-Unity Network Systems (http://mmcolor.cnsplug-ins.com/) has updated MMColor, an interface plug-in that allows you to create and edit color in FileMaker Pro, to version 1.6.3. The upgrade introduces a new GetScreenColor function that returns the color of the point under the mouse cursor from any part of the screen. This version also includes several bug fixes and improvements imported from other CNS plug-ins.
MMColor is a user interface plug-in that allows users to work with color palettes as they would in any professional design application. The software has functions for bringing up the system color picker as well as custom sliders for adjusting any component of any color space used by MMColor right in FileMaker Pro. MMColor supports the RGB, HSV, HSL, CMY, and CMYK Color Spaces.
Version 1.6.3 a free upgrade for anyone with a 1.x.x license. However, if you haven't upgraded to 1.6.x, you will need a new license key for this version.
A single-user license for the client version...
