QNAP Systems (http://www.qnap.com) has expanded its business series desktop Turbo NAS servers. The new TS-879 Pro (8 drive) and TS-1079 Pro (10 Drive), with up to 30TB of online storage, aims to fulfill the massive storage needs of the high-end SMB (small to medium sized business) environments, says QNAP President Richard Lee. The new models feature Intel Core i3 CPUs to deliver data throughput over 1,000MB/second via 10 GbE networking. They're Mac, Windows and Linux compatible. Contact QNAP for pricing.

OfficeTime.net, creators of the OfficeTime time tracking solution, has launched a time-saving update. The latest version offers increased speed and faster file opening. It also allows users to import contacts from Outlook on the Windows version, eliminating manual data entry for addresses when invoicing.   OfficeTime supports professionals who track or invoice work on an hourly fee schedule or against a fixed cost project -- or who simply need to know where they're spending their time to be more productive. It also allows team reporting. The latest version of OfficeTime automatically creates grandfathered backups -- generating an hourly, daily, weekly and monthly backup. These changes are a precursor to the imminent release of the first iOS version, which will be launched on Thursday, Aug. 25. For more info, go to http://www.officetime.net/ios/.     The Mac and PC versions can be purchased at OfficeTime.net for US$47. No monthly subscription fee is required. 

McAfee (http://www.mcafee.com) has released the "McAfee Threats Report: Second Quarter 2011," showing that the amount of malware targeted at Android devices jumped 76% since last quarter, to become the most attacked mobile operating system. 2011 has also resulted in the busiest ever first half-year in malware history, including a first-ever appearance of Mac fake AV and a significant uptick in rootkits, suggesting that McAfee’s comprehensive malware “zoo” collection will reach a record 75 million samples by the year’s end. “This year we’ve seen record-breaking numbers of malware, especially on mobile devices, where the uptick is in direct correlation to popularity,” says Vincent Weafer, senior vice president of McAfee Labs. “Overall attacks are becoming more stealth and more sophisticated, suggesting that we could see attacks that remain unnoticed for longer periods of time. High-profile hacktivist groups have also changed the landscape by drawing a line between attacks for personal...

Samsung has filed its opposition brief to Apple's motion for a preliminary injunction in the United States. And they're citing Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey" film as prior art against the iPad design patent, reports "FOSS Patents" (http://macte.ch/faHyU). In a clip from the movie, two astronauts are eating and at the same time using personal tablet computers. "Ever since Apple started to assert the design of the iPad against other manufacturers, many people have been wondering whether there's actually prior art for the general design of the iPad in some futuristic devices shown in sci-fi movies and TV series," says Florian Mueller, writing for "FOSS Patents." "And indeed, Samsung's lawyers make this claim now in their defense against Apple's motion for a preliminary injunction." This is all part of an ongoing legal battle between Apple and Samsung. Last week the former filed a patent lawsuit against the latter in South Korea, claiming that Samsung’s Galaxy line of...

The upcoming iPhone 5 will support access to both CDMA and GSM networks, allowing it to operate in most countries around the world, according to "TechCrunch" (http://macte.ch/Igrw2), quoting an unnamed source. In cellular service there are two main competing network technologies: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). Both boast "3G" standards, or third generation technologies. Verizon and Sprint use CDMA; AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM. The first iPhone was a GSM phone released on June 29, 2007, exclusively on the AT&T network in the United States. On Feb. 10, 2011, a CDMA version of the iPhone 4 for Verizon made its debut. Now that Apple is catering to both carriers (and their respective networks), "it makes all the sense in the world for the company to combine support for both CDMA and GSM in a single device, turning it into a ‘world phone’ or a ‘global phone'," says "TechCrunch." -- Dennis Sellers

Apple may soon allow China Mobile to distribute the iPhone, a deal that could give Apple a bigger share of China's mobile phone market, but one that means Apple would have to develop an iPhone specifically for China Mobile, which operates a 3G network incompatible with current models of the iPhone, or make iPhone buyers use the carrier's slower 2G network, according to "Computerworld" (http://macte.ch/ay3R4). China Mobile is the country's biggest network operator, with more than 600 million customers. Apple's current Chinese partner network, China Unicom, has around 183 million customers. "Computerworld" says China Mobile has been talking with Apple about reselling the iPhone for some time. However, C.K. Lu, an analyst with research firm Gartner, thinks the chances of Apple designing an iPhone for use on China Mobile's TD-SCDMA network is slim "I don't think Apple will want to use this immature technology," he told "Computerworld." "Unless China Mobile can make a deal with Apple that...

Apple has released Apple Remote Desktop (ARD) v3.5.1 Admin Update (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4868) for OS X Lion, Lion Server, Mac OS X 10.5.x or Mac OS X Server 10.6.x. It requires Apple Remote Desktop Admin 3.0 or later and a network connection via Ethernet (recommended), AirPort (Wi-Fi), or IP over FireWire. The update fixes an issue that could prevent reporting tasks from completing.

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) says the iLounge Pavilion at the 2012 International CES will be the largest in show history, spanning 75,000 square feet. Experiencing 50% growth over its 2011 CES footprint, iLounge has tripled in size since its CES debut in 2010. Sponsored by iLounge.com, the 2012 iLounge Pavilion is the largest dedicated exhibition of iPod, iPhone and iPad related products and services in the world. The 2012 International CES will run January 10-13, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. “The success of the iLounge Pavilion is unparalleled, featuring the largest number of i-related product launches at any event, any time of year,” says Karen Chupka, senior vice president, events and conferences, CEA. “With strong industry demand for a showcase of these popular products, the iLounge Pavilion at the 2012 International CES is the place where key business is done for this space.” Products and technologies for the next generation of iPad, iPhone and iPod offerings from...

Monotype Imaging Holdings and its subsidiary, Linotype, have released new versions of their FontExplorer X font management solution: FontExplorer X Pro 3.1 for Mac and 2.3 for Windows systems, in addition to FontExplorer X Server 1.6. They're available at http://www.fontexplorerx.com . FontExplorer X Server now features LDAP (lightweight directory access protocol) functions, which support multiple domains, nested groups and the ability to monitor active or open directory groups for user changes. Version 1.6 also enables network administrators to disconnect users from the server and prevent server updates. Both server and client machines require updates to the latest versions of FontExplorer X in order to take advantage of the new server functions. Among several new features, FontXplorer X Pro 3.1 for client machines introduces support for Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion") and debuts with support for a full-screen mode. The latest Mac version also introduces a plug-in for Adobe InCopy CS5.5, and...

Hunter Research and Technology has released version 6.1 of its weather app Wx (http://www.hrtapps.com/wxmac/). It's available in the Mac App Store for US$9.99 and is compatible with OS X 10.6. and 10.7. Version 6.1 is a maintenance update. Wx displays current conditions, forecasts, warnings, and radar for U.S. locations using XML data from the National Weather Service. The app is designed for two types of customers: serious weather watchers who want detailed information and facts with no fuss, and casual users who want a fast, clean, and functional weather app. Wx helps users set up locations on an embedded map, guiding them to choose nearby NWS observation sites, nearby NEXRAD radar, and nearby city- and county-based alert zones. The app sets up a seven-day summary "point" forecast customized for the specific latitude and longitude of the location, and a seven-day "pro" forecast that graphs temperature (actual and apparent), dew point, relative humidity, cloud cover, wind speed, wind...

In collaboration with iPresentee, Myithemes (http://www.myithemes.com/) had added five new iWeb templates to be used with Apple's website building app. The new themes are Newspaper, Photo Tree, Real estate, White simplicity and Religion. They can be customized and include an installer to make sure the templates end up in the right place. Myithemes' themes require Mac OS X 10.4.3 or higher and iWeb 2.0 (iLife '08) or iWeb 3.0 (iLife '09 or iLife '11). Each iWeb template is available from US$9.99.

Apple has posted iTunes 10.4.1. It can be obtained via the Software Updates component of Mac OS X's Systems Preferences app. iTunes 10.4.1 -- a 90.26MB download -- requires Mac OS X 10.5 or later and QuickTime 7.5 or higher. According to Apple, it provides a number of improvements, including: ° Fixes a problem where the media keys on some third-party keyboards work inconsistently with iTunes; ° Addresses issues with adding artwork to songs and videos; ° Resolves an issue that may cause iTunes to become unresponsive when purchasing an HD movie; ° Fixes a problem where iTunes may take longer than expected to open after waking your Mac from sleep ; ° Addresses issues with VoiceOver support.

Targus has announced the Versavu Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard Case (http://bit.ly/qr5NfW) for the iPad 2. The $99.99 case features a patent-pending mechanism that allows the Apple tablet to rotate a full 360 degrees from landscape to portrait positions and includes a low-profile wireless Bluetooth Keyboard. The Versavu converts into a stand to hold the device upright for hands free viewing of video, online books and more. Its hard-shell design offers a molded exterior to protect the displays. The keyboard is Bluetooth and can be charged inside of the case. The Versavu case includes a scratch-resistant frame around the keyboard to prevent the iPad from touching the keys when the case is closed and ready for transport. The Versavu Keyboard and Case also includes a built-in holster for a pen or stylus. Featuring a soft interior lining to protect the iPad, it provides full access to all iPad functions so the device is fully operational inside of the case.

Apple has told software developers to stop using Unique Device Identifier (UDID) in the upcoming iOS 5, according to "The Wall Street Journal" (http://macte.ch/uCZCN). It's a feature of its mobile software that can be used to track user behavior and gather their personal data. Because the UDID is unique to each iPhone and iPad, it can provide a means for third-party advertisers looking for a way to track a mobile device users' online activities. Because the UDID is not alterable or deletable by a iPhone or iPad user, some have referred to the UDID as a "supercookie." Such tracking has caused concerns among privacy advocates because it could give personal information about users without their knowledge. On the other hand, the change removes a way for makers of apps, advertising networks, social game networks and analytics firms to easily offer their services, notes "The Journal." Apple hasn't set a deadline for the change though iOS 5 is due sometime this fall. However, the company...

Adobe has announced the immediate availability and free trial of its new Adobe Digital Enterprise Platform (http://macte.ch/5TuTZ) and first set of solutions for Customer Experience Management (CEM). The platform and solutions enable enterprises to bring together marketing and IT to build and deliver immersive, multi-channel digital interactions for today’s social and mobile customers while increasing brand loyalty and bolstering competitive differentiation. The Adobe Digital Enterprise Platform, first unveiled in June, is an open, modular, standards-based offering for delivering digital solutions across social, Web, mobile, and print channels. It provides enterprises a unified foundation to make, manage and deliver multi-channel digital experiences leveraging HTML5, Adobe AIR, Flash Player, and Adobe Reader. The platform includes integration with the Adobe Online Marketing Suite to optimize digital marketing campaigns and personalize digital experiences across all marketing, sales...

Mac Screen Rotate (http://www.macscreenrotate.com) is a new app for Mac OS X that allows you to rotate your display for portrait viewing with global keyboard shortcuts. It costs US$4.99; a demo is available for download. Mac Screen Rotate also rotates the tracking of the built-in touchpad to align with the portrait screen orientation and switches the arrow keys. It allows you to, for example, hold the MacBook Air like a book and use it like an ebook reader.

Infinite Skills has announced a new video series to help Mac users work productively with the latest edition of Excel for OS X. The 59-lesson video series addresses common functionalities and workflows. Learning Microsoft Excel 2011 Training has a runtime of 4.5 hours and features tips and walkthroughs on subjects such as cell customization, calculations, chart creation and Excel pivot tables using real world examples. The Excel 2011 Tutorial begins with a quick explanation of Excel project structure and an explanation of how math functions are executed within the application. From this starting point, the training moves into its first sample project, a functional spreadsheet for recording sales data. Viewers learn basic entry and formulas, which form the basis of tutorials to follow. The next project is a profits and loss sheet, demonstrating named ranges, 3D referencing and PDF export. As the tutorials move through sports scoring, expense claim forms, stock reports and more, tutor...

Black Cat Systems (http://www.blackcatsystems.com) has released version 6.9.4 of the Atomic Mac, a periodic table of the elements and nuclear database for the Macintosh. This new version updates the Nuclides Table display. In addition to the usual information found in such programs, The Atomic Mac also contains a wealth of nuclear information on each isotope, including half life, decay mode, and daughter products. X-ray data (fluorescence and binding energies) is also available. A molecular weight calculator is designed to make it easy to find the molecular weight of compounds. A shaded diagram showing the ranges of physical properties makes it easy to visualize relationships across the periodic table. The Atomic Mac runs under Mac OS X 10.4 and later and costs US$25. Site licenses are also available. In addition, Black Cat Systems offers discounts on registration fees to students, teachers, schools, and other educational institutions. Details are available at http://www....

"Reuters" (http://macte.ch/g4mgY) reports that Apple has cracked down on stores in the Chinatown section of Queens, New York, accused of selling rip-off Apple gear with the company's logo, according to documents unsealed Thursday in Brooklyn federal court. Court records reveal that Apple has already seized unauthorized iPod, iPhone and iPad accessories sold by two stores in the Flushing neighborhood of the New York City borough of Queens, and is now demanding the names of its customers and suppliers, the article adds. It is also asking one of the defendants -- Apple Story -- to change its name. The trademark infringement lawsuit was first filed July 25 against Apple Story and Fun Zone., both owned by New York resident Janie Po Chiang, who is named as a co-defendant in the suit, along with Fun Zone manager Jimmy Kwok. However, the case remained under seal until Thursday, when U.S. District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto ordered the record to be made public following a request from "Reuters."

Apple has filed inaccurate evidence again in a major case against Samsung, this time in the Netherlands, where the company is arguing Samsung's Galaxy S smartphones are too similar to its iPhone 3G, reports "Computerworld UK" (http://macte.ch/hVsPX). In the ongoing legal brouhaha, a picture of a Galaxy S smartphone was allegedly resized to match an iPhone 3G. During the court hearing last week, Samsung's lawyer, Bas Berghuis of Simmons and Simmons, claimed that Apple has been "manipulating visual evidence, making Samsung's devices appear more similar to Apple's," says "Computerworld UK." Earlier this week, Apple and its lawyers were accused of misleading the judge of a Düsseldorf court by filing flawed evidence of the similarity between the iPad 2 and Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablets based on an inaccurate picture, an investigation by Webwereld.nl (http://macte.ch/JHmCh), a Dutch IDG publication, reported. Last week, the German court ordered a preliminary injunction against the...

China Mobile's chairman says he has met with Apple CEO Steve Jobs to talk about an iPhone 4 model supporting the TD-LTE standard that China Mobile is obliged to deploy, reports "The Register" (http://macte.ch/AdAAN). That would enable China Mobile to sell the handsets to its subscribers, rather than relying on the "grey imports" that have already supplied 7.44 million of them with iPhones, the article adds. Those iPhones can only use 2G connectivity, as China Mobile's 3G network uses the locally-designed TD-SCDMA standard, which is incompatible with everything else. The iPhone's official distributer in China is Chain Unicom, which runs a more-familiar 3G technology (UMTS) in internationally recognized frequency bands.

Some handset solution suppliers have indicated that a number of handset vendors, including Apple and HTC, have scaled down their chipset orders for the fourth quarter as compared with the third on concerns of the global economy, reports "DigiTimes" (http://macte.ch/MQEtW). Quoting unnamed "sources at Taiwan-based chipset makers," the article says that while most smartphone vendors are likely to reach their shipment targets for the third quarter, they have begun to reduce orders for parts and components for the fourth quarter in preparation for a "possible impact from changing economic conditions." Apple has also scaled down its orders for handset parts and components to be shipped at the end of third quarter, according to "DigiTimes."

iFixit has announced Dozuki (http://www.dozuki.com/), the software behind iFixit’s manuals. Dozuki has two products, Guidebook and Answers. "User manuals are stuck in the 20th century," says iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens. "Even the best manuals are still distributed as static PDFs. Service technicians are often stuck with documentation that is months, if not years, out of date. Users hate IKEA-style manuals with vague instructions, confusing graphics, and no photos. We started iFixit with the idea that there was a better way -- that useful documentation could help people do amazing things." Guidebook is a modern procedural documentation platform designed to make easy for anyone to create how-to instructions or publish service documentation for complex devices. Every manual is available online, as downloadable PDFs, through dedicated mobile apps like iFixit’s iOS app -- or through custom API (application programming interface) applications. It’s simple for technicians to suggest changes, so...

Atomos (http://www.atomos.com), a maker of portable devices for recording to the Apple ProRes codec, has announced integration of its Ninja and soon-to-be-released Samurai field recorders with Final Cut Pro X. Both the HDMI-equipped Ninja and the HD-SDI Samurai can record up to eight hours of ProRes video onto a single HDD. These compact recorders also work with SSDs, and both devices offer support for ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 422, and ProRes 422 LT. Priced at US$995 and $1595, respectively, the Ninja and Samurai include all accessories required to start shooting and editing.   Atomos recorders come with touchscreens, video monitors, a “continuous-power” battery-looping system and more. After recording, simply place your Atomos media drive into the supplied docking station and start editing immediately.