Apple to open three retail stores this weekend
Apple will have grand openings for three retail stores this weekend for locations opening in the UK, Spain and the United States.
The first two openings will occur at the same moment, at the Festival Place shopping mall in Basingstoke southwest of London, and at the Parquesur mall in Madrid (Spain), reports "ifoAppleStore" (http://www.ifoapplestore.com). In the United States, the 4th Street store will open in Berkeley (California) at 10 a.m. It’s the first new Apple store to open in the Bay Area in nearly three years.
Apple has said it will open another 20 stores before the end of September, including one in Hong Kong.
Complaint outlines three HTC patents infringed by Apple products
Earlier today we reported (http://macte.ch/EvG0w) that HTC Corp. had taken legal action against Apple, filing a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) and the U.S. District Court of Delaware for patent infringement by Apple's Mac computer product lines as well Apple's iPhone, iPad and iPod product lines. Now we have some details.
"We are taking this action against Apple to protect our intellectual property, our industry partners, and most importantly our customers that use HTC phones," said Grace Lei, general counsel, HTC Corp., in a press release. "This is the third case before the ITC in which Apple is infringing our intellectual property. Apple needs to stop its infringement of our patented inventions in its products."
The patents at issue cover a range of functionality embodied in Apple's Mac computer and mobile devices that are essential to user experience, including: 1) Wi-Fi capability that allows users to wirelessly network multiple devices at...
Autodesk debuts AutoCAD products for Lion
Autodesk -- which specializes in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software -- has debuted a range of new AutoCAD products built for Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion"): AutoCAD 2012 for Mac, AutoCAD LT 2012 for Mac and AutoCAD WS for Mac software. This marks the first time Autodesk has offered AutoCAD LT and AutoCAD WS for the Mac.
AutoCAD 2012 for Mac was built specifically for Lion and enables users to document designs, optimize workflow and collaborate with colleagues and clients. AutoCAD WS for Mac enables users to view and collaborate on DWG files through the Mac interface. In addition, AutoCAD WS users can plot DWG files to PDF or DWF formats and sync with their cloud-based AutoCAD WS account, making files accessible from their AutoCAD WS mobile app. AutoCAD LT 2012 for Mac and AutoCAD WS for Mac are available exclusively in the Mac App Store.
“Since the release of AutoCAD for Mac last year, customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, further validating the need for...
European ban on Galaxy Tab lifted (except in Germany)
A German court has reversed its decision from last week and partly lifted the ban on sales of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Europe, as it's unclear whether the court has the authority to impose the injunction outside of Germany, reports "The Wall Street Journal" (http://macte.ch/dOVrt).
The Dusseldorf regional court said on Tuesday that the ban would be lifted for countries outside of Germany, but sales of the tablet are still barred in the court's home country, according to "The Journal." Also, a court spokesman reportedly said it's unclear whether the court can ban Samsung, a South Korean company, from selling goods outside of Germany, notes "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com).
Last week Apple obtained an injunction banning sales and marketing of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet in Europe. Apple has sued Samsung and other Android handset makers for patent infringement around the world. Australia recently banned the Galaxy Tab.
Previously, Apple filed an injunction at a...
HTC sues Apple (yet again) for patent infringement
Oh, brother, here we go again. HTC has sued Apple (again), claiming infringement of three patents through Apple's sale of Macs, iPads, iPods, iPhones and other devices, notes "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/xTEcD).
The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Delaware seeks to halt Apple's importation and sale of infringing products in the United States. It also seeks compensatory damages, triple damages for willful infringement and other remedies. Info on the specific patents named in the suit haven't been made available.
It's the latest blast in the ongoing legal battle between HTC and Apple. On Aug. 1, HTC sued Apple in the UK. The complaint, filed July 29 in London, came two weeks after HTC lost a ruling against Apple at the U.S. International Trade Commission.
The Washington-based ITC ruled on July 15 that HTC’s Android-based mobile phones infringe two Apple patents, a judgment that HTC has said it will appeal. However, last month HTC said it was willing to negotiate with Apple after...
Analyst: Apple may be interested in Nokia, RIM, IDCC patents
In a note to clients -- as reported by "Barron's" (http://macte.ch/Zew1r) -- Jefferies & Company analyst Peter Misek says Apple may be interested in acquiring the patents of Nokia, Research in Motion or InterDigital (IDCC) as part of a “patent war” following Google’s announcement that it will buy Motorola Mobility for US$12.5 billion.
He estimates RIM’s patent portfolio has been amassed by the company at a cost of $5 billion. The primary attraction as far as RIM’s portfolio would be patents held on “critical security” and the “network operations center” and related infrastructure technology, he adds. InterDigital’s patent trove is difficult to value because of the many cross-licensing deals the company has been engaged in, the analyst opines.
"Of course, Misek doesn’t say Apple would buy the companies outright, though it is hard to imagine any of the firms simply parting with their patent holdings and continuing as a going concern," notes "Barron's."
iPad 3 delayed until 2012?
Apple has canceled its iPad 3 supply schedule for the second half of 2011, delaying the introduction of the third generation tablet until next year, according to "DigiTimes" (http://macte.ch/5VD3Z). The article says that the iPad 3 was originally supposed to launch in time for the holidays.
Quoting unnamed "sources from the upstream supply chain," "DigiTimes" says the yield rate of the 9.7-inch panel that feature resolution of 2,048 by 1,536 may be the major reason of the supply delay since such panels are mainly supplied by Sharp with a high price and Apple's other supply partners Samsung Electronics and LG Display are both unable to reach a good yield.
Also, "sources from panel players also pointed out that the 9.7-inch panel with high resolution requires a much larger backlight source and a single edge light bar is hardly able to reach satisfaction levels," the article adds. Due to iPad 3's requirements over the physical thinness, "rich color support and toughness will all...
Tablet makers face inventory overstock problems -- except Apple
Makers of, well, just about any tablet besides the iPad are expected to cut the prices to deal with inventory overstock problems, reports "DigiTimes" (http://macte.ch/U78md). The problem, of course, is weaker-than-expected sales.
This is expected to trigger a new price war within the tablet industry, adds "DigiTimes," quoting unnamed "sources from notebook players. Most non-Apple tablet players had weaker-than-expected performances and Asustek, which had a rather better performance, had shipments of 700,000 tablets from May to July with actual sales only reaching 500,000 units, the article adds.
RIM and High Tech Computer (HTC) are already placing their hopes in 2012 with Samsung and Motorola both seeing their tablet demand weaker than expected, while some other players such as Acer are gradually reducing their orders, says "DigiTimes." The article adds that Motorola, Hewlett-Packard (HP), Asustek and Acer have all recently reduced their tablet price.
Apple shipping Lion USB drives
Apple has begun shipping the Lion install USB drive. Until now you could only purchase Mac OS X 10.7 by downloading it from the Mac App Store for US$29.99.
The USB drive costs $69.99. It's available at Apple's online store. Users who also have problems recovering their system using Lion’s built-in recovery tools can get one of these sticks. And if you bought a Mac with Lion installed, you may be able to get one for free.
-- Dennis Sellers
Acme Made introduces new tablet cases
Acme Made (http://www.acmemade.com) has announced new safeguard solutions for tablets, eReaders, and this the iPad 2.
The Orikata (pictured) is an US$49.99 case, inspired by Japanese origami. Featuring a clever flip port, it doesn't cover the rear-facing camera of the iPad 2. It sports a soft microfiber liner and will soon be available in vegan-friendly polyurethane leather.
The $59.99 InfiniteAngle case allows unlimited angles for viewing and typing on your iPad 2. Using a smart strap element, it adjusts to the user's desire all while storing your iPad 2. Using vegan-friendly materials, including a velvet lining, the InfiniteAngle protects the tablet without blocking the rear-facing camera.
The $24.99 Skinny Sleeve allows fully padded protection including a sewn-in screen guard. It's designed for those looking for fully padded protection without the bulk.
Adobe releases beta of iWeb-like Muse
Adobe has released a public beta of Muse, a website design and publishing tool for creating websites without writing any HTML code. That may remind you of Apple’s iWeb, which is probably on Apple's chopping block.
Adobe says Muse uses the latest web standards, such as HTML 5 and CSS3, and provides "innovative frameworks for adding navigation, widgets and HTML to include advanced interactivity on a site." Muse promises customizable site features, including widgets such as navigation menus, and interactive elements such as slideshows and remote rollovers. It also allows for master page layouts and site-wide properties, as well as sitemaps that can be quickly changed.
Muse is free while in its public beta stage and will be released in 2012 at a cost of US$20 per month or $180 annually. Why a subscription model instead of an outright price? Adobe says that's so they can “to add new features to Muse regularly and customers will always have access to the most up-to-date functionality which...
Googaby delivers suite of tools for Mac Address Book
Googaby has released a collection of tools and capabilities designed to enhance Apple's Address Book. Googaby (http://www.googaby.com) provides over 30 built-in filters that are conceptually similar to Address Book's Groups, but that provide new capabilities.
Users can drag selected contacts from Googaby's browser directly into spreadsheets; no export or import is required. The data that appears in the spreadsheet is fully customizable.
Examples of Googaby's data related filters include "Invalid Email Addresses" and "Duplicates by Phone Number." The software adds its own geographic and gender data to supply filters and tools that have never been available in Address Book. Googaby combines city name and zip code data from the US Post Office with metropolitan area data from the US Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Using this data allows Googaby to provide filters based on US metropolitan areas as well as valid addresses. It provides a look-up tool for both city names and zip codes...
Ankh game available through the Mac App Store
The cartoon adventure, Ankh, is now available through the Mac App Store. It requires Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher and costs US$19.99.
Here's how the game is described: "Egypt. A long, long time ago. After a forbidden party in a pyramid, young Assil gets struck by a horrible death curse. With just a few more hours to live, Assil has to find a way to talk to the only person who can now help him to remove this curse: the mighty pharaoh himself! During his wild adventure, Assil meets many strange and funny characters: the scary crocodile, the god of the underworld ... and finally the woman of his dreams.
"The player can expect classical adventure elements, enveloped in a magical 3D world with state-of-the-art graphics that really take your socks off: there are new details to discover throughout the game, all of which have been endearingly developed and animated."
F-PROT 'Fire & Ice' antivirus software integrated...
RAE Internet (http://www.raeinternet.com), developer of the Mailspect Defense, has released a new version its email security software. The new release fully integrates F-PROT Anti-virus "Fire & Ice" into Mailspect Defense and its Control Panel.
The Control Panel is designed for email administrators at enterprises, managed service providers, educational institutions and governments. It controls and cleans the email stream at the gateway or mail server levels during the pre-scan or queue, scan, and post-scan or queue phases.Mailspect has expanded its offering to include the F-PROT Antivirus engine on Mac OS X, Linux and Unix systems.
Contact RAE Internet for pricing options.
Kenaxis audio performance updated, gets price cut
Kenaxis Creative has dropped the price of its flagship software to US$49 along with releasing Kenaxis 3.3, the latest update to their real-time audio performance software. You can also get the software as part of the $59 Kenaxis bundle that includes Kenaxis Surround and Kenaxis Visualizer.
Designed for performing and composing, Kenaxis is used by musicians worldwide for practices as diverse as electroacoustic works, noise, ambient, glitch, soundscapes, live looping, film scores, theatre and DJing. Version 3.3 adds multitrack recording options, tight integration with the SoftStep controller and new loop syncing possibilities.
Kenaxis 3.3 is loaded with the software's trademark Granular Synthesis tools, a natural sounding freeze and time stretching algorithm, six loopers, delay and filter effects and more. You can take advantage of any MIDI gear, iPads, iPhones, Joysticks, or the SoftStep to control all the parameters.
Kenaxis is compatible with Mac OS X 10.3 and higher. For...
Apple accused of misleading judge with flawed evidence
Apple and its lawyers have misled 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, reports.
Last week, the German court ordered a preliminary injunction against the distribution of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in all of Europe, except the Netherlands, where a separate and broader case is under way, in what has become a global war between Apple and Samsung for intellectual property rights on their products and technologies.
However, Apple has apparently failed to provide the German judge with accurate evidence, according to "Webwereld.nl." At least one of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 pictures that Apple provided as evidence in the German case is either wrong or manipulated, the article adds.
It's the latest round in the Apple-Samsung legal brouhaha. A Dutch judge said last Thursday that he would rule by Sept...
Google-Motorola acquisition may not affect ongoing Apple lawsuits
Google's acquisition of Motorola Mobility won't Motorola's patent-related lawsuits against Apple, as the search company revealed on Monday it has no plans to rescind those legal complaints, reports "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com).
Motorola will continue to operate as a separate entity under Google, building handsets running Android as it has done before, the article adds. And the company will also continue to pursue any litigation it is involved in, Google Chief Legal Officer David C. Drummond said in a conference call.
"Those lawsuits will continue and will be managed by Motorola as they are now..." Drummond said. "I don't believe there's anything more to add."
Last week it was announced that Apple is also suing Motorola in Europe over the Xoom tablet's design, reports "FOSS Patents" (http://macte.ch/4yTnD).
Prior to or simultaneously with the motion for a preliminary injunction against Samsung over its Galaxy Tab design, Apple also filed a complaint with the same court...
Apple planning iPhone volume orders of 56 million units?
Apple has readjusted its total order volume for iPhones -- consisting of the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4 CDMA and upcoming iPhone 5 -- for the second half of 2011 by 12-13%, from 50 million units originally estimated at the end of the second quarter of 2011 to more than 56 million units, according to "DigiTimes" (http://macte.ch/s7O7L).
The iPhone 5 will account for 25.5-26 million units, the article adds, quoting Taiwan-based supply chain makers. Next gen Apple smartphone oders for the third quarter of 2011 have been lowered from seven million units to 5.5-6 million units, while fourth-quarter orders have been raised from 14 million units to more than 20 million units, says "DigiTimes."
Total orders for iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPhone 4 CDMA for the third quarter exceed 20 million units, and fourth-quarter orders have been reduced to eight million units, the article adds. Total iPhone shipments in 2011 will reach 95 million units, says "DigiTimes."
Epson introduces Stylus Pro 3880 Signature Worthy Edition
Expanding its line of printing solutions for photographers and artists, Epson has introduced the Epson Stylus Pro 3880 Signature Worthy Edition. This bundle combines the17-inch Epson Stylus Pro 3880 printer with six, full, letter-sized packs of select Epson Signature Worthy papers.
Each Signature Worthy paper is developed and tested at the highest levels to work in concert with Epson's professional printers and inks, according to Richard Day, product manager, Epson America. The Epson Stylus Pro 3880 delivers a wide color gamut with more dramatic blues and violets and produces exhibition-quality color and black-and-white output up to 17 x 22 inches, he adds.
The Epson Stylus Pro 3880 Signature Worthy Edition includes full letter-sized packages of Exhibition Fiber, Cold Press Bright, Cold Press Natural, Hot Press Bright, and Hot Press Natural papers, as well as a Signature Worthy Sample Pack featuring additional photo and fine art papers. The Epson Stylus Pro 3880 leverages Epson...
Cupertino reviewing plans for Apple Campus 2
The City of Cupertino, California, has revealed more details and renderings regarding Apple's plans to build a 2.8 million square-foot spaceship-like circular office building in the city, repots "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com).
The city is currently reviewing Apple's plans. The first step of the review involves an environmental impact assessment that will evaluate traffic, noise, air quality and will provide the public with an opportunity for comment, says "AppleInsider." Apple's proposal would then undergo a development review and public hearings at the Planning Commission and the City Council.
According to the company's plans, the four-story structure, dubbed "Apple Campus 2," would comprise approximately 2.8 million square feet. A Corporate Auditorium on the campus would seat 1,000 people, while new Research Facilities would take up 300,000 square feet. Other previously released details (from Apple CEO Steve Jobs to the Cupertino City Council) on the headquarters...
Five new Apple stores open over the weekend
This weekend Apple opened five new retail stores globally including one in Waterloo, Ontario, and the company's first location in Alaska.
The Alaska store opened in Anchorage at the 5th Avenue Mall. The other stores opened in Murray, Utah; Cheltenham, Australia; and Florence, Italy. During its recent quarterly earnings call Chief Financial Officer Peter Oppenheimer said Apple plans to open 30 new retail stores during the third quarter, which ends in September.
Meanwhile, "9to5Mac" (http://www.9to5mac.com) says Apple is on track to open its priciest retail store ever in Hong Kong in September.
Google gobbles up Motorola UPDATED
By Greg Mills
The patent war against Android has taken an interesting turn. Motorola Mobility has declined in market cap valuation to the point Google snapped it up in an acquisition described by both sides as amicable. According to the "Wall Street Journal," the oldest of the handset companies, with a deep patent portfolio, sold for US$12.5 billion. Google intends to allow Motorola to continue business but with the Motorola patents in house, Google hopes to hold off Apple.
Theoretically, patents issued don't overlap as only one patent for a certain technology is to be allowed. The patent trade off scenario is the hope for Android in this. Motorola would offer to cross license its patents with Apple to provide technology Apple needs but Apple would also allow Motorola and Android to use Apple patents. This may or may not work out as hoped as Apple plays hard ball. (See http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405311190339290457650995382143796... . )
Since posting the first two...
Gameloft launches Tank Battles for the Mac App Store
Gameloft, a publisher of digital and social games, has launched Tank Battles for the Mac App Store. It costs US$6.99, but isn't supported by iMac and MacBook Pro devices equipped with the following video cards: Radeon X1600, Intel GMA 950.
Here's how the game is described; "Take control of your WW2 tank and challenge friends to crazy tank battles! There's a Campaign mode to play solo or with another player cooperatively in 50 missions that require different strategies to destroy your enemies. There are three Multiplayer Battle modes (both online and local): Death Match, Team Death Match and Capture the Flag. You can even chat with your opponents while playing!
"Dynamic battlefields are composed of destroyable and invincible blocks, moving obstacles, closing doors, a rolling tide, conveyor belts, and more. There are four models of World War II tanks, each customizable with seven skins of different camouflage patterns.
"There are four different weapons with varied range, speed and...
New iPad 2 Security Base designed for retail, business apps
newPCgadgets (http://www.newpcgadgets.com/) has added the US$74.95 Security Base to their existing line of iPad 2 display docks. It's designed for applications such as point-of-purchase displays, trade shows, and other public venues where theft is a concern.
`This new Security Base is a beefed up version of their original Display Dock and includes additional features to secure both the iPad 2 and the base. Constructed from a solid 1 1/4-inch clear acrylic the security base weighs close to three pounds.
Just like in the Apple Store, the Security Base can be secured to a table or counter with heavy duty 3M pressure sensitive adhesive. The Base also comes with screw holes as an additional option for securing. It's compatible with the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Paprika Recipe Manager available for Lion
Hindsight Labs has cooked up Paprika Recipe Manager 1.0 (http://www.paprikaapp.com/) for Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion"). It's available for US$19.99 in the Mac App Store in the Lifestyle section.
Paprika offers recipe management with ingredient scaling, grocery lists, and meal planning. If you have an iPhone or iPad, Paprika Cloud Sync will automatically sync over your recipes, grocery lists, and meals, allowing you to take your collection everywhere.
Noteboom Productions releases video tutorial on Lion
Noteboom Productions (http://www.noteboomproductions.com) says Tutor for Lion, their latest video tutorial, is now available on the Mac App Store in the Productivity category. It costs US$4.99
In Tutor for Lion, the user watches videos to learn how to use Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion"), Apple's latest operating system. The video tutorial is designed for the new user to Mac and consists of 35 video chapters on various subjects, including an overview of the interface to working with Mission Control to using Full Screen Apps to backing up your computer to basic troubleshooting.
Graphic Node launches iOS version of Designs for Pages
Graphic Node (http://graphicnode.com/) has released the iOS version of Designs for Pages. The new pack for Apple's Pages for iOS contains 100 customizable templates.
The Designs for Pages set provides a comprehensive selection of templates, from books and invitations to posters and brochures. All templates have been streamlined to make the best use of the Pages for iOS application, according to Jolita Unguvaitiene, general manager of Graphic Node.
Nearly all objects in Designs for Pages can be recolored, moved, or removed. Users can type or paste their own text, add and remove text boxes, change the font, or replace stock images with photos or pictures of their choice. Most of the 100 templates are available in both paper size A4 and U.S. Letter.
Designs for Pages 1.0 is US$2.99. It's available worldwide exclusively through the Apple App Store in the Productivity category.
Monkey Tools unleashes Library Monkey Pro 2.0
Monkey Tools has announced Library Monkey Pro 2.0 (http://macte.ch/8rpmr), an update of their music librarian and CD ripper for Mac OS X 10.4 or higher. It offers a set of new tools for audio asset management, editing and processing.
Library Monkey Pro 2.0 adds such new features and enhancements as dithering, spotting to ProTools and Logic Audio, metadata import via CSV, MP3 HD, a new customer feedback system and more. The upgrade offers three types of word-reduction algorithms using POW'r dithering.
Bit reductions are now more musical with an improved noise floor. Drag-and-drop has been supported in Library Monkey Pro for some time, but now users can spot files into Pro Tools and Logic Audio using contextual menu options. The spotting feature also includes the ability to sample rate convert prior to spotting for further session compatibility.
Also new to version 2.0 is support for the MP3 HD format. This new loss-less format provides another option for archiving and retention of...
Sound Grinder Pro 2.0 adds dithering, ProTools spotting, more
Monkey Tools has updated Sound Grinder Pro, its batch processing tool, to version 2.0, which offers a set of new tools for audio asset management, editing and processing for Mac OS X 10.4 and higher.
Sound Grinder Pro 2.0 adds such new features and enhancements including dithering, spotting to ProTools and Logic Audio, metadata import via CSV, MP3 HD, a new customer feedback system and more. It now offers three types of word-reduction algorithms using POW'r dithering. Bit reductions are now more musical with an improved noise floor.
Drag-and-drop has been supported in Sound Grinder Pro for some time, but now users can spot files into Pro Tools and Logic Audio using simple contextual menu options. The spotting feature also includes the ability to sample rate convert prior to spotting for further session compatibility.
Also new to version 2.0 is support for the MP3 HD format. This new loss-less format provides another option for archiving and retention of audio detail, says Drayson...
FHU's iOS app part of the university's Apple-centric...
Six computer science students at Freed-Hardeman University (http://www.fhu.edu/) in Henderson, Tennessee, teamed up to create a free iOS app that enriches visits to the campus.
FHU Mobile -- which works with any device running iOS 4.0 or later -- connects you to FHU social media, news, current events, faculty, staff and the admissions office. You can apply via the app, then take a look at your dorm. If you're visiting the campus, you can use the interactive campus map to get where you need to go.
Michael Jenkins, a May 2011 graduate, was the student project manager. The other members of the team were Caleb Hutson, Cameron Czerwonka, Trevor Robertson, James Allen, and Jeff Boyd. All six were enrolled in Dr. Kenan Casey’s Advanced Topics in Computer Science course. Michael Plyler, university webmaster, was the project manager.
In addition to the usefulness of the completed app to the university, the development process provided a rich learning experience for FHU computer science...
German court says no to oral arguments in Samsung vs. Apple case
Samsung failed to convince a German court to hear oral arguments before issuing an injunction in favor of Apple banning sales of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet computer in most European Union countries, reports "Bloomberg" (http://macte.ch/asDJl).
On July 29 Samsung on July 29 filed a “protective brief” as part of the dispute it has with Apple over the design of its device, the Dusseldorf Regional court said in an e-mailed statement. On Aug. 4, Apple filed a 44-page motion seeking the injunction. While judges took Samsung’s arguments into account, they ruled for Apple, the court said.
Apple won the injunction Aug. 9 banning sales of Samsung’s tablet in all European countries except the Netherlands. Apple contends Samsung’s Galaxy phones and tablet computer “slavishly copy” the iPhone and iPad.
Apple is also seeking a court order to block sales in the U.S. until a trial can be held on patent-infringement claims there. In Australia, Samsung has agreed not to introduce a version of the...
Creeper World 2 creeps onto the Macgamestore
Knuckle Cracker's Creeper World 2: Redemption is now available for download at the Macgamestore (http://www.macgamestore.com). It costs US$9.95 and works with Mac OS X 10.4.11 or higher.
Here's how the game is described: "Creeper World 2 continues the 14th millennium saga for the survival of the once great human empire. Decimated by an insidious and unstoppable enemy, the Creeper, humanity at long last sets out to retake its former empire. Led by Commander Dax Joven, a mighty Liberation Ship embarks on a journey that will forever alter the history of the universe.
"layers employ new and advanced weapons on expanded maps. Gravity, fields, Anti-Creeper, repulsors, and miro-rifts are just a few of the new technologies players can bring to bear against the insidious Creeper. But... the Creeper is not the only enemy to contend with. A mysterious new enemy lurks and challenges the player's strategic skills in new and novel ways."
Addonics announces five-port, HPM-UU port multiplier
Addonics Technologies (http://www.addonics.com) has announced the 5-port HPM XU, a hardware port multiplier (HPM), that connects up to five SATA hard drives to high speed eSATA or the latest USB 3.0 ports on any system via just a single eSATA or USB cable. However, since Macs don't have USB 3.0 support, USB 3.0 devices will run at USB 2.0 speeds.
The new port multiplier comes with built-in RAID accelerator and supports sustained transfer exceeding 240 MB/second with five drives in RAID 5 configuration According to the folks at Addonics, the 5-port HPM-XU will benefit anyone wanting to attach numerous hard drives to desktops or servers as individual drives or as high performance RAID volumes with redundancy.
You can also connect five SATA optical drives, such as DVD- RRW or Blu-Ray drives, to your system and do simultaneous data copying. The device supports all current versions of Mac OS X (10.4 and higher), Windows and Linux kernel 2.4 and above.
It fits inside the Addonics family...
V-MODA releases Crossfade M-80 headphones
V-MODA has released the US$230 Crossfade M-80 headphones. The company says it packs "unique materials, professional acoustics, natural noise isolation, ultimate ergonomics and military-level ruggedness.
The M-80’s materials include a steel frame, Steelflex headband, interchangeable brushed metal shields, microfiber suede and replaceable memory foam cushions. The M-80 also comes fully loaded with two Kevlar-reinforced microphone cables for universal smartphone compatibility. The nucleus of M-80 is its patent-pending and biggest-in-class 40mm Dual-Diaphragm Drivers that deliver multi-driver sound with the energy efficiency and consistent quality of a single driver, says says Val Kolton, V-MODA CEO and DJ.
"To recreate a pure balanced sound analogous to Vinyl, M-80 uses no batteries or artificial sound processing and instead relies on immortal acoustic techniques," he says. "The masterfully crafted V-PORT V3 provides natural noise isolation, life-like staging, vibrant bass, vivid mids...
AlwaysOn Technologies releases Cloud Browse Pro
AlwaysOn Technologies (http://www.alwaysontechnologies.com) has announced its first corporate offering. Cloud Browse Pro unlocks Flash and Java for iPad and iPhone by hosting a secure desktop FireFox browser session on remote Amazon cloud servers.
As part of its initial pilot program with corporate customers, Always On Technologies will provide businesses two months unlimited free use of the app to all units purchased with a minimal installation fee (US$10/per unit, the standard set by Apple).
Consumers have shown great enthusiasm for the Cloud Browse product, when they discover that Flash and Java aren't supported on their new iOS devices, says says Lida Tang, founder and CEO of Always On Technologies. The product has been downloaded approximately 500,000 times from the iTunes store, and has enjoyed double digit monthly growth rates since launch in mid- 2010, he adds.
Internet audio goes retro with the Victoria
Grace Digital has announced the US$229.99 Victoria Nostalgic Internet Radio. It combines a vintage design reminiscent of a 1940s tabletop radio with the advance features of today’s Internet radios and cloud music services.
The Victoria’s walnut exterior touts birch inlay designed to highlight 1940s charm, while the Class D digital 16 watt RMS amplifier (50 watt peak) fills any living room, bedroom, office, or kitchen with a rich, warm, and detailed sound, according to the folks at Grace Audio.
The Victoria Internet Radio features a 4-line adjustable backlit display, five alarm settings, 110 station presets / folder, built-in 802.11n wireless (Wi-Fi), and integrated Pandora controls on the remote. Users can use the full-function remote control or download one of Grace Digital’s remote control apps for iPad, iPod Touch, iPhone or Android smartphone/tablet. The remote control apps allow you to control one or more Grace Internet Radios from any room in your house.
Grace Digital’s...
Push-Cars drives onto the Mac App Store
RLS GAMES and Ivanovich Games (http://www.ivanovichgames.com) have announced Push-Cars 1.0, the Mac version of its iOS game. It requires Mac OS X 10.6.6 or higher and costs US$1.99.
Here's how the game is described: "In the level based game, the player controls several cars, some of them ecologic and clean, that will find their way out of the city, and some polluting ones that will crash and stay in the streets of some of the most beautiful American cities. From New York to Las Vegas, visiting Washington, Miami, Houston, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Hollywood along the way.
"You only have to use one click to position the cars in the desired direction and hit PLAY to make them move and clear each level. Easy to play, but with a smooth difficulty curve that will keep you craving for more! There is more than one way to resolve each level, but only one will give you the three wheels of fame!"
Push-Cars has 90 levels and nine different cars with different behaviors. There's also...
Tidy Up! for Mac OS X tied up to version 2.3.5
Hyberbolic Software (http://www.hyperbolicsoftware.com) has released Tidy Up! 2.3.5, the latest version of their disk, file and folder processing utility for Mac OS X. The new version adds about 50 new features and is OS X 10.7 ("Lion") compatible.
Tidy Up! can find duplicate files and packages using any criteria. It allows for the creation of the smart baskets using the selected folder and file as a filter. There are also bug fixes.
Tidy Up 2.3.5 requires Mac OS X 10.5 ("Leopard") or higher. Version 2.3.5 of Tidy Up! continues the discount of the 23%. Buy it now and pay US$30 instead of $39; users of Tidy Up! version 1.x can upgrade for $20.
Priority Matrix for Mac OS X updated to version 1.2
Appfluence has introduced Priority Matrix 1.2 (http://www.appfluence.com/pmrmac), an update of their productivity software for Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later. It costs US$19.99, and is available worldwide through the Mac App Store in the Productivity category.Version 1.2 is a maintenance update.
Priority Matrix is designed to help users spend their effort on tasks with the highest return-on-investment. Featuring drag-n-drop and free cloud sync, the app lets you organize your activities by criticality and immediacy.
The folks at Appfluence say they've focused on making the fastest possible way to add items by creating a set of keyboard shortcuts, so that users can add items after items without reaching back for the mouse. A video showing Priority Matrix in use can be seen at http://www.appfluence.com/video .
EarthDesk for Mac OS X rotates to version 5.7
Xeric Design has updated EarthDesk (http://www.xericdesign.com/earthdesk.php), its real-time dynamic desktop map, to version 5.7. The upgrade sports:
° Faster rendering, lower processor usage, and a cleaner interface;
° Seasonal maps, with snow and vegetation levels changing month-to-month;;
° Support for higher resolution map and cloud data on large displays;
° An adjustable brightness and background;
° A starfield background option;
° An updated political map that displays city lights and/or moonlight;
° Support for dual GPU.
EarthDesk replaces your static desktop with an image of the Earth showing current sun, moon and city illumination, as well as real-time global cloud coverage, allowing you to track hurricanes and other weather systems on your Macintosh desktop. The software operates silently in the background, keeping your desktop updated while you work.
EarthDesk requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher. It's available forUS$24.95 from the Xeric Design website with discounted future...
Remo Recover revved for Lion
Remo Software (http://www.remosoftware.com/) has announced Remo Recover (Mac) 3.0, an update to their data recovery software for Mac OS X. The upgrade is compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion").
Remo Recover (Mac) was specifically designed to find and recover lost data from storage device / disk when you have accidentally deleted files, deleted a partition or formatted a disk. Version 3.0 features a completely new graphical user interface and introduces a new Basic edition which provides an additional facility to undelete files from Mac OS X Extended Volumes.
You can try out the demo version of Remo Software to preview recoverable data. When you purchase, you'll receive a "license key" to unlock the program. You can then use the software to recover data from an unlimited number of drives on Mac. The Basic Edition of the software is available for US$59, the Media Edition for $69 and the Pro Edition for $179.
SweetP bakes up Cookie 1.9.1 for Mac OS X
SweetP Productions has announced Cookie 1.9.1 (http://www.sweetpproductions.com), an update to their cookie and browser history management utility for Mac OS X (10.6.6 and higher). It's available at the Mac App Store for US$14.99.
Cookie is designed to help you to manage exactly who can access information about your online activities. It scans your computer for all types of cookies, from all the top browsers, and can be configured to remove all unwanted tracking-advertising cookies.
Data can be stored on your computer without you even knowing in a multitude of different formats: cookies, Flash cookies, databases and local storage. Cookie scans your computer for all types of cookies. Version 1.9.1 offers better support for removal of Cache cookies and fixes some bugs.
Graphic Node offers Aperture Themes at Mac App Store
Graphic Node (http://graphicnode.com/) says its Aperture Themes pack (US$24.99) is now available at the Mac App Store. The 16-piece design add-on for Apple's Aperture application allows Mac users to explore new ways of conveying their fondness for photography.
Aperture Themes equips users with a collection of designs for laying out photos and pictures and exporting them into Web galleries. Every theme features up to 10 different layouts and can be further customized, resulting in a total of 51 designs.
Eleven of the themes allow the user to display photos in their original sizes, while the remaining five crop images to squares and present them in grids. The Aperture Themes requires Aperture 1.5 or later.
Absoft Visual Tools ready for Lion, Xcode 4.1
Absoft Corp. (http://www.absoft.com) has announced a suite of visual code editing, management, building, and optimization tools for Mac OS X 10.7 ("Lion") and Xcode 4.1. Also compatible with OS X 10.6 ("Snow Leopard") these tools are included with all new and upgrade copies of Absoft Pro Fortran 11.1 for Intel-based Macs.
The visual tools for OS X Lion are components of the Pro Fortran 11.1 IDE and include: Fortran syntax sensitive color editing; graphical code management tools; the Absoft Fx3 debugger with color Fortran and C syntax coloring; Absoft's SMP code analyzer which provides visual feedback and context specific advice to help maximize performance on multi-core systems; plus color highlighting of loop, parallel and vector optimizations.
Absoft Pro Fortran offers a visual environment designed to eliminate the need to use a command line; traditional command line development methods including Kitware's CMake system are also supported. The same visual tool suite is included with...
Dutch judge to rule in Apple-Samsung legal brouhaha
A Dutch judge said on Thursday that he would rule by Sept. 15 on Apple's bid to ban some of Samsung Electronics' products in the Netherlands and European Union by Sept. 15, reports "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/QLNV8).
Apple has filed an injunction at a court in The Hague on three patents, copyright as well as design infringements, to stop the sale of some Samsung products in the Netherlands and block their distribution in the EU via the Netherlands. The Dutch port of Rotterdam is the largest in Europe, and a key point of entry for imported goods for the European Union.
Earlier this month it was announced that Apple had won an agreement from Samsung that the South Korean company won’t sell the newest version of its tablet computer in Australia until a patent lawsuit in the country is resolved,
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 infringes 10 Apple patents, including the “look and feel,” and touchscreen technology of the iPad, Steven Burley, a lawyer for Apple, told Federal Court Justice...
ABI Research: Android nabs 20% tablet market share from the iPad
Worldwide annual media tablet shipments are expected to top 120 million units in 2015. Android media tablets have collectively taken 20% market share away from the iPad in the last 12 months, according to the ABI Research group (http://www.abiresearch.com).
However, no single vendor using Android (or any other OS) has been able to mount a significant challenge against it.
“Many vendors have introduced media tablets, but none are separating themselves from the pack to pose a serious threat to Apple," says ABI Research mobile devices group director Jeff Orr. " In fact, most have introduced products at prices higher than similarly-configured iPads. Apple, never a company to be waiting for others, has introduced its second-generation iPad media tablet while keeping product pricing unchanged.”
Fragmentation within operating system software is hindering growth of this device category, he adds. Application developers must choose an initial software platform and may delay starting...
More knock-off Apple stores found in China
Authorities in China's southwestern city of Kunming have identified another 22 unauthorized Apple retailers weeks after a fake of the company's store in the city was found, reports "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/bD46y).
China's Administration for Industry and Commerce in the Yunnan provincial capital said the stores have been ordered to stop using Apple's logo after Apple China accused them of unfair competition and violating its registered trademark, state media said on Thursday.
The market watchdog agency said it would set up a complaint hotline and boost monitoring, the official Xinhua news agency reported. However, it didn't say if the shops were selling knock-off Apple products or "genuine but smuggled models," says "Reuters."
Video tour of new Data Rescue Center headquarters available
The Data Rescue Center, a a data recovery company founded in 2009 and a division of Prosoft Engineering, recently opened a new state-of-the-art headquarters in Livermore, California. You can get a video tour of it at http://www.thedatarescuecenter.com/company_background.html .
In June of 2010, the Data Rescue Center and Prosoft Engineering finalized the purchase of a building in Livermore near the Lawrence Livermore National Lab. Work immediately began on the design and construction of the new recovery lab facility.
In late January of 2011, both The Data Rescue Center and Prosoft Engineering moved all operations to this new facility. It boasts a Class 2 UL-Listed Vault and extensive security features.
The ISO 5 / Class 100 Cleanroom exceeds all manufacturers specifications for cleanroom recovery environments, according to the folks at the Data Rescue Center. This new facility provides our recovery engineers with the top technology and innovation to recover computer data while...
MacBreakZ 5.03 adds support for Growl notifications
publicspace.net has announced MacBreakZ 5.03 (http://www.publicspace.net/MacBreakZ/), an update of the solution designed to address the spectrum of computer related health problems, ranging from eyestrain, headaches, neck, wrist, elbow and back pain to more severe Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), including carpal tunnel syndrome, writer's cramp, tendonitis, etc.
This latest release adds support for Growl notifications. The break reminder component of MacBreakZ features keyboard and mouse monitoring (without invading the user's privacy) that allows it to react to individual computer usage patterns. What's more, MacBreakZ promotes behavior modification by providing users with real-time feedback on the healthfulness of their observed work patterns.
Based on actual keyboard and mouse use and the time spent in front of the screen, MacBreakZ suggests rest and micro breaks at appropriate intervals. It includes a set of 42 fully illustrated stretching exercises designed to reduce muscular...
Apple's share of global mobile phone almost doubles year-...
Apple's share of the global mobile phone market (smartphones and others) almost doubled year-over-year in the second quarter of 2011, from 2.4% to 4.6%, according the Gartner research group (http://www.gartner.com). This puts Apple in fourth place among mobile phone vendors, behind Nokia, Samsung and LG.
Worldwide sales of mobile devices to end users totaled 428.7 million units in the second quarter of 2011, a 16.5% increase from the second quarter of 2010, according to Gartner. The channel built up stock at the end of the first quarter of 2011 in preparation of possible component shortages following the Japanese earthquake. As a result, sell-in demand slowed in the second quarter of 2011 to 421.1 million units, a 4.4% decrease from the previous quarter.
Sales of smartphones were up 74% year-on-year and accounted for 25% of overall sales in the second quarter of 2011, up from 17% in the second quarter of 2010.
“Smartphone sales continued to rise at the expense of feature phones,” says...
