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Apr 06
SuperSync update for Mac OS X adds iPhone/iPod/iPad importing

SuperSync (http://www.supersync.com) -- Mac OS X compatible software that acts as a music collection’s central hub, retrieving, organizing, and syncing all music and movie files across machines and disk drives in order to create one consistent, complete music library -- has been updated to version 3.6. The upgrade adds support for importing music, video and playlists from iPads, iPhones and iPods.

SuperSync includes integration with iTunes so that any additions to the SuperSync music library can be automatically reflected in iTunes. SuperSync eliminates the need to manually add new music or remove broken links in iTunes. Also, the software includes a powerful library scanner that will clean up your SuperSync and iTunes music libraries, removing broken links to music and adding new tracks.

A copy of SuperSync is recommended for each Mac and PC that has music on it. SuperSync is priced at US$29 for...

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Apr 06
Quark acquires GLUON assets, including HyperPublishing technology

Quark (http://www.quark.com) has acquired the assets and technology of GLUON, a New Jersey-based software company that has developed tools for the corporate and publishing industries for over 20 years.

The acquisition includes GLUON’s HyperPublishing System suite of products, which Quark will integrate into its dynamic publishing software to enable enterprise-scale Web-to-print, variable data printing (VDP), and advertising automation solutions, says Nick Howard, director of Enterprise Products for Quark.
 
Quark and GLUON have partnered for years to integrate QuarkXPress® Server with GLUON’s HyperPublishing System to create automated print and multichannel solutions for corporate marketing departments, printers, advertising agencies, publishers, designers, and governmental agencies, he adds. The acquisition of GLUON’s HyperPublishing System allows Quark to strengthen its ability to offer customers...

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Apr 06
MacPractice guarantees free ARRA certified upgrade

MacPractice (http://www.macpractice.com) -- the developer of MacPractice MD, MacPractice DDS, MacPractice DC, and MacPractice 20/20 -- has announced that as part of its plan to pursue certification to the federal government’s proposed Health Information Technology standards for electronic medical records/electronic health records (EMR/EHR), the company will provide a free upgrade to its newly certified version for new customers once certification is achieved.
 
The free upgrade will be available to all customers who purchase MacPractice EMR between now and the time certification is achieved. Per the current guidelines issued by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), certain physicians who accept Medicare and demonstrate meaningful use of a certified EHR/EMR solution in 2010 could qualify for up to US$44,000 in incentives through the American Recovery and...

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Apr 06
Targus debuts collection of iPad carrying cases

Targus (http://www.targus.com) is debuting its new cases specifically designed for the Apple iPad. Available in a variety of styles, Targus has expanded its most popular product lines including Hughes, Crave and A7 to include iPad cases.

The US$59.99 Hughes Leather Portfolio Slipcase is constructed of durable, oil-tanned premium leather with a soft twill inner lining that protects against scratches and dust. It offers a secure magnetic closure and is available in black and brown.

Inspired by outdoor apparel, the $34.99 Crave Slipcase is made of weather-resistant material that features a stain-guard coating to protect its surface. Available in black and silver, the Crave Slipcase includes stow-away top handles and an accessory pocket for other items.

With multiple color options, including black, blue, brown and plum, the A7 Neoprene Sleeves sport the Tri-Cell Cushion System, which integrates...

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Apr 06
Currency Assistant for Mac OS X rings up version 3.1.2

MaBaSoft has released version 3.1.2 of Currency Assistant for Mac OS X (http://www.mabasoft.net/products/currencyAssistant.html). In the new version of the conversion calculator, the Turkmen Manat (TMM), which was definitively replaced by the New Turkmen Manat (TMT) at the beginning of 2010, has been deleted.

The Search field in the Currencies window toolbar lets you now limit your search to the currencies appearing in the Add Currencies and Switch Currencies menus or to the currencies listed by the European Central Bank, the Bank of Canada, the International Monetary Fund, or the Bank of Italy. The appearance of buttons, pop-up menus, and scroll bars in converters has been revised.

Currency Assistant lets you convert between 174 world currencies (all major circulating currencies plus the 16 Eurozone legacy currencies) and automatically...

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Apr 06
iFixit, Chipworks tear down the iPad chip

Deconstructing processors like the A4 usually happens behind the closed doors of only a handful of companies. However, iFixit and Chipworks have teamed up to bring us a closer look at how semiconductor teardowns are conducted, as well as a peak inside the iPad's A4 chip. Here's part of what they found:

° The A4 package has three layers: two layers of RAM (Samsung K4X1G323PE), and one layer containing the actual microprocessor.

° This Package-on-Package construction gives Apple the flexibility to source the RAM from any manufacturer they want; they're not locked into Samsung.

° It's clear from both hardware and software that this is a single core processor, so it must be the ARM Cortex A8, and NOT the rumored multicore A9.

° iFixit and Chipworks don't expect to find any markings from PA Semi, Apple's recent acquisition, but it's safe to assume they played a major role in designing this package.

°  Every iPhone processor that we have dissected has...

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Apr 06
Proporta unveils iPad products

Proporta (http://www.proporta.com) has unveiled several iPad products.

The Mizu Shell is made from a mixture of crystal and silicone, fits like a glove, and purportedly provides the flexibility of a soft case with the toughness and strength of a hard case.
The Aluminium Lined Leather Pouch features Proporta’s trademark “Screen Saver” System, with a sheet of lightweight, aircraft grade aluminium built in to protect against crushing and impact damage. The Maya II Pouch is a handcrafted pouch with a soft, scratch free lining, and is available in a range of colors.

There are other custom made options to check out -- from the Tilt Stand that folds out into a portable stand, the Leather Case and Leather Style Case, and the Profile Hard Shell Case. Then tthere’s Proporta’s Advanced Screen Protector, made from plastic. Go to the Proporta web site for pricing and more details on all these items.

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Apr 06
Bugs! sound effects scamper from Blastwave FX

Blastwave FX (http://www.blastwavefx.com), the HD sound effects publisher, has released the Bugs! Sound Effects Library, an US$249 collection of 700 insect sound effects. It has over 30 categories from Ants to Worms, including 5.1 surround sound effects.

Every sound effect in Bugs! was originally recorded and delivered at 24 bit 96kHz with MP3 reference files. The library is delivered on a 16GB USB Flash Drive, and all sounds are embedded with metadata that is compatible with Pro Tools, Soundminer, NetMix, iTunes and other popular sound library search engines.

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Apr 06
iFunia adds iPad video converters to product family

iFunia (http://www.ifunia.com) has expanded its family of Mac video converter products to include iFunia iPad Video Converter and iFunia DVD to iPad Converter.

The new iPad Converter utilities offer a way to help Mac users convert their digital video content for Apple’s new iPad. Both application are priced at US$29, require Mac OS X 10.5 or higher and can be downloaded online from the company.

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Apr 06
Autodesk integrates Craft Director Studio into its software

Craft Animations and Autodesk, have announced the integration of certain Craft Director Studio plug-ins within the 2011 versions of Autodesk 3ds Max, Autodesk 3ds Max Design and Autodesk Softimage software.

Craft Director Studio provides interactive control and simulation of cameras and vehicles, which helps greatly reduce animation production times, says Stig Gruman, Autodesk vice president of digital entertainment. It also allows artists to use a variety of input devices to create on-the-fly animation, helping make 3D animation as easy as playing a game, he adds.

The Craft Director Studio plug-in bundle will be included, free of charge, on the Samples DVDs that will be shipped with 3ds Max 2011, 3ds Max Design 2011 and Softimage 2011 software. The bundle includes: Craft SoftMotionCam, Craft ObserverCam. Craft MultiStateCam and Craft HumanizerCam.

The 2011 versions of 3ds Max, 3ds Max Design and Softimage software are expected to be available for purchase on...

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Apr 06
Analyst: iPhone OS 4.0 unveiling will include multitasking, iAd

Apple's unveiling of iPhone OS 4.0 later this week will likely include full multitasking support, the new "iAd" mobile advertising service, and gaming related announcements, Kaufman Brothers analyst Shaw told clients in a note today.

He said checks with his sources indicate that iPhone OS 4.0 will be a full multi-tasking environment where third-party applications will be able to run simultaneously and in the background along with Apple's own built-in applications, as reported by "AppleInsider" (http://www.appleinsider.com). While multitasking will be important for the iPhone and iPod touch, it'll be even more important for the iPad, the analyst said.

"We believe this will be particularly important for the iPad, due to its much faster processor and much larger screen where users will more likely want the capability to run multiple applications much like most do with their PCs and Macs," Wu...

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Apr 06
Verizon CEO: it's up to Apple if we carry the iPhone

Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg says it's up to Apple whether or not his company will carry the iPhone. But he says he's amendable to the idea.

In remarks Tuesday before the Council on Foreign Relations, Seidenberg cited a recent "Wall Street Journal" report that said Apple is working on a version of the iPhone that would be compatible with Verizon's network, reports the Associated Press (http://www.courant.com/technology/sns-ap-us-tec-apple-verizon-iphone,0,4...?). However, he didn't confirm the report or give any details.

The "Wall Street Journal" claims Apple is developing a new iPhone to debut this summer and also appears to be working on a model for Verizon Wireless. "People briefed on the matter" told the "WSJ" that one of the new iPhones is being manufactured by Taiwanese...

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Apr 06
JVC ships HD Everio camera

JVC says a new top-end JVC HD Everio video camera is now available. The GZ-HM1 HD Everio (http://camcorder.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL028649&pathId=171&page=10) purportedly offers a full slate of technologies to optimize picture quality and an array of manual controls for creative flexibility.

According to the folks at JVC, the GZ-HM1 offers performance improvements in three key areas -- low light performance, camera-shake compensation and digital still quality. It sports 64GB of internal storage and an SD/SDHC card slot. When it comes to still images, the GZ-HM1 delivers real 10 megapixel stills for detailed images up to 3648 x 2736.

The GZ-HM1 offers an array of manual controls. These include a manual adjustment dial that, among other functions, allows precise...

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Apr 06
Are iWorks apps for the iPad 'crippled'?

Apple sells US$9.99 versions of its iWork app (Pages, Keynote and Numbers) for the iPad. However, it seems that the iPad’s crippled support for iWorks documents is causing frustration for some users.

The problems relate to the Keynote and Pages apps for the iPad and how these apps support certain features when documents are imported to the iPad from Keynote and Pages for Mac. You can read more here: http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=7935&tag=nl.e539 .

However, Apple does have KnowledgeBase articles related to both Keynote and Pages for the iPad that outline the limitations. You can find 'em at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4066 and http://support.apple....

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Apr 06
'MacVoices' looks at Drobo FS

On the new "MacVoices" (http://www.macvoices.com), Mark Fuccio, the senior director of Products & Markets for Data Robotics, introduces the newest Drobo product, the Drobo FS.

Need a file server? The Drobo FS is for you. Boasting "plug and share" storage technology that is even easier than previous Drobo models, the Drobo FS can also use apps to morph into a specialized media server, FTP server, web server and even your own personal cloud using the new Oxygen Cloud Drobo app, Fuccio says.

"MacVoices" is an Internet show and podcast that delivers in-depth discussions with the most influential people in the Mac industry, as well as "the individuals who are out there making it happen on the front lines of the global Apple community," according to host Chuck Joiner.

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Apr 06
GelaSkins announces line if iPad skins

GelaSkins (http://www.gelaskins.com) has announced a new line of US$29.95 GelaSkins for the iPad. Users can now choose from a wide range of images and designs.
 
Stock designs from all online catalogs are available for the iPad, along with customizable skins through the Do-It-Yourself service.  The new line of GelaSkins for the iPad cover non-screen portions of the front and back of the device.
 
Downloadable, matching wallpapers are also available on GelaSkins.com.  Like other mobile devices offered by GelaSkins, wallpapers are free, and continue the image through the iPad’s screen, offering a continuous design.

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Apr 06
iPad expected to represent bulk of slate shipments in 2010

For 2010, the total portable computer market is expected to grow to 215 million units and US$117 billion, according to a new report by DisplaySearch (http://www.displayresearch.com). And the iPad will play a key role.

Dramatic increases in the size of the slate-style market are expected to be driven by the iPad and slates from other brands that are expected to be launched this year. DisplaySearch expects slates to take some market share from clamshell-style netbooks, as well as lure customers that desire more functionality away from the e-reader market. The company also foresees the majority of slate volume to ship into the North American and Western European markets due, in large part, to Apple’s distribution plans and known content agreements.

The mini-note/netbook/slate category will be the fastest-growing segment of the portable computer market for 2010, propelled in part by the...

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Apr 06
TikiCase releases new iPhone cases

TikiCase (http://www.tikicase.com) has released the Tiki iPhone case. It's named after the South Pacific deity from the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii. It "transforms" the Apple smarkphone into a tiki by wrapping the phone in a snug-fitting silicone skin, designed to look like traditional Polynesian tiki.

The Tiki case is available in two colors: ocean blue and Hawaiian wood. It costs US$29.97 and works with the iPhone 3G and 3GS.

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Apr 06
Apple wins five Red Dot design awards

This year Apple received one Red Dot award for the 13-inch MacBook Pro and four Red Dot awards for "Best of the Best" with the iMac, Magic Mouse, iPod shuffle and the iPad.

Apple took 1% of all 45 "Best of the Best" awards. The Red Dot awards were selected from 4,252 products sent from 57 countries. Also, recently the Apple Industrial Design team lead by Jonathan Ive received four iF product design awards.

You can read more at http://www.setteb.it/?p=8577 .

-- Fabio M. Zambelli

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Apr 06
LibreDigital to deliver ebooks for the iPad iBookstore

LibreDigital says it's working with Apple and book publishers to power the delivery of e-books to the new iBookstore and iPad. LibreDigital is a d partner for publishers looking to bring their titles to iPad and iBookstore customers.

LibreDigital works with the such U.S. book publishers as including HarperCollins Publishers, Hachette Book Group, Kaplan, Simon & Schuster and Scholastic, and the leading newspapers and magazines. It enables all publishers to securely market and deliver content across an expanding array of digital channels, including e-readers, tablets, smart phones, social networks and online stores, says CEO Russell Reeder.

LibreDigital also offers solutions for device manufacturers and retailers seeking to deliver digital books, newspapers and magazines. Publishers interested in distributing their works on the iPad and in the iBookstore can go here: ...

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Apr 06
Case-mate introduces three iPad cases

Case-mate (http://www.case-mate.com) has released three iPad cases. They're offered in a variety of designs, materials and price points. The selection of case-mate iPad cases include:

° Walkabout Felt Folio (US$79.99): This case (pictured) has a side opening, leather accents and pockets for storage. A magnetic strap keeps the iPad in place.

° Traveler Leather Commuter ($49.99): This executive folio made of premium tan leather has embedded magnetic locks for a sleek fit.

° Express Nylon Folio ($34.99): Created out of a black ballistic nylon material, this splash-resistant folio offers fuss-free protection.

Case-mate will also be launching three other iPad cases in Q2, which include the Gelli series, Tough and I Make My Case personalization tool.  

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Apr 06
WD launches VelociRaptor SATA hard drive

WD is now shipping 450GB and 600GB versions of the WD VelociRaptor the next generation of its 10,000 RPM SATA family of hard drives. The new WD VelociRaptor hard drive is designed for blade servers, high-performance Macs, PCs, professional workstations, as well as 1U and 2U rack servers.

As the only 10,000 RPM SATA hard drive on the market, the WD VelociRaptor hard drive now comes packed with twice the capacity and up to 15% performance increase over the previous generation, according to Tom McDorman, vice president and general manager, WD. It's built with enterprise-class mechanics that provide 24x7 durability under high-performance demands and packs up to 600 GB of capacity into a 2.5-inch enterprise form factor, he adds.

The WD VelociRaptor drive is also available in the IcePack enclosure, a 3.5-inch mounting frame with a built-in heat sink -- a factory customization that fits the drive into a standard 3.5-inch system bay and keeps this drive cool when installed in...

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Apr 05
iPhone/iPod/iPad apps for April 5

Here are the latest iPhone/iPod touch/iPod/iPad apps announced. You can find 'em at the Apple App Store (http://www.itunes.com/appstore/).

Squires Studios has announced Notes To Store 1.0 for the iPad. The US$3.99 app lets you create multiple multimedia notebooks on the iPad, each with unlimited pages. You can type in text, draw sketches and import photos for markup and reference. You can record all of your ideas just like a real notebook, and you can type with the built-in keyboard, hardware keyboard or write with your finger if you prefer.

The latest version 1.0.2 of Elgato’s EyeTV app enables streaming of live TV signals over Wi-Fi as well as 3G connections. Using the EyeTV app to watch TV on the road no longer requires a Wi-Fi connection. EyeTV for iPhone 1.0.2 is available from the App Store as a free update for existing customers. For new users it's $4.99.

Other Ocean...

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Apr 05
Apple has 25.4% share of the smartphone market

comScore (http://www.comscore.com), which measures the digital world, released data from the latest comScore MobiLens service, reporting key trends in the U.S. mobile phone industry during the three month period between November 2009 and February 2010.

The report ranked the leading mobile original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and smartphone platforms in the U.S. according to their share of usage by current mobile subscribers age 13 and older, and reviewed the most popular activities and content accessed via the subscriber’s primary mobile phone. The February report found Motorola to be the top handset manufacturer overall with 22.3% market share, while RIM led among smartphone platforms with 42.1% market share.

Approximately 45.4 million people in the U.S. owned smartphones in an average month during the December to February period, up 21% from the three months ending November 2009, according to...

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Apr 05
Many iPad buyers already own Macs, iPhones, iPods

A big chunk of iPad purchasers are Apple fans who already own Macs, an iPhone, and at least one iPod, according to a weekend survey from Piper Jaffray.

Piper Jaffray senior analyst Gene Munster coordinated a survey of 448 iPad buyers on Saturday and said 74% of iPad owners surveyed currently own a Mac, while just 26% own a PC, reports "CNET" (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10472604-17.html). What's more, about 66% percent of those surveyed said that they currently own an iPhone. And 99% of those iPhone owners say they will use their handset in conjunction with the iPad.

Munster notes that 92% of iPad owners currently own an iPod. From that number, 97% plan to use both products going forward.

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