Digital Heaven, a third party developer for Apple pro apps, has released Loader 2.0 (http://www.digital-heaven.co.uk/loader), an update of the US$79.99 application that streamlines the process of importing media into Final Cut Pro. The Final Cut Pro destination for imported items can now be set.

Options are "Timestamped bin" (as in Loader 1.x), "Top level of project" or "Named bin" (Final Cut Pro 7 only). Loader 2 also adds: the ability to convert all audio files, regardless of original file type; audio conversion settings for sample rate, bit depth and mono/stereo configuration; and the ability to move original file(s) to trash by holding the Command key when dropping items on the Loader window.

Importing music, sound effects, graphics or movies into Final Cut Pro is a task that most editors do many times a day. In order to keep media files in one place for a...

The PandaWare Company (http://www.pandaware.com) has updated TimeCache -- its time and expense billing app for Mac OS X 10.3.9 and higher -- to version 8.0.8. The update includes improved spell-checking functionality and a fix for a problem with creating new invoice files. TimeCache Manager allows consolidating data from multiple TimeCache users to centralize reports and invoicing.

TimeCache offers support for timed or manual entries, retainer billing, customizable invoices and reports, printing options, and flexible data entry options. It also offers tracking of all a user's computer activity, the ability to save fine-grained details with time and expense entries, can use Apple Address Book entries for client contact information, can produce charts of billable time and expenses, and can import from and export to iCal calendars.

What's more, PandaWare has updated TimeCache Manager, allows for...

Rage Software has released WebDesign 3.0 (http://www.ragesw.com/products/webdesign.html) an update to the web development software for Mac OS X. The new version adds such features as 20 professionally designed CSS web site templates, an all new toolbar similar to Apple's Pages software for quick inserts of common HTML code, live side-by-side web page previews, support for secure FTP connections and more.

WebDesign sports over 40 HTML wizards. Features include live side-by-side web page previews, auto code completion as you type, integrated HTML help, and much more.

WebDesign is compatible with Mac OS X 10.5 and higher. It costs US$59.95.

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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....

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.

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.