News Archive for 01/02/19

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Delkin ships 128MB Smart Media

02/19, 9:45pm

Delkin ships 128MB Smart Media

Delkin today announced that earlier this month it began shipping its 128MB SmartMedia memory card, which has the same form factor as previous 3.3v SmartMedia cards, but includes two additional internal flash memory chips for higher capacity storage. [site not updated; pricing not available]

Fantom ships FireWire 16x10x40x CD-RW

02/19, 9:25pm

Fantom ships FireWire 16x10x40x CD-RW

Fantom Drives is now shipping its Fantom Drives FireWire 16x10x40 CD-RW drive with BurnProof Technology. The $460 drive uses a Plextor mechanism andincludes Toast 4 standard edition, one blank CD-R media, and a one-year warranty.

Sonnet quietly lowers G4 upgrade pricing

02/19, 9:20pm

Sonnet quietly lowers G4 upgrade pricing

Sonnet today quietly lowered prices on its G4 ZIF upgrades: the 500-MHz version is now $500 ($200 reduction) and 400-MHz version is now $400 ($50 reduction). The company also lowered its prices on its G3/400 Crescendo 7200 upgrades, which are $300 and $400 for the 512k- and 1MB-cache versions ($100 reduction each).

Tech: DRAM prices continue to slide

02/19, 8:35pm

Tech: DRAM prices continue to slide

Evening tech news: World DRAM prices continue to slide with analysts calling the market "crazy" and few willing to make any predictions of a bottom price for the popular memory chips; both Texas Instruments and Analog Devices will announce new chips this week aimed at reducing the necessary parts and costs of manufacturing cell phones; and Japanese handheld computer maker Sharp plans to bring a new handheld computer running Linux to the U.S. by the end of the year.

Apple co-sponsors Quicktime VR seminars

02/19, 6:45pm

Apple co-sponsors Quicktime VR seminars

Apple and VR Toolbox, makers of "The VR Worx", will be co-sponsoring a seminar tour entitled "The Nuts and Bolts of Quicktime VR" at Apple Market Centers around the US and Canada. The free seminars will be hosted by QTVR photographer Dennis Biela, and will run from Feb. 20th through May 1st, covering the basics of Quicktime VR content creation for the web and print.

Anti-virus utility Insecticide 1.0 released

02/19, 6:35pm

Anti-virus utility Insecticide 1.0 released

Fan Software has released Insecticide 1.0, a new $25 anti-virus utility for the Mac with background protection, heuristic virus detection, macro-virus support and more. The utility is compatible with OS 9.1 and will soon be converted to support Mac OS X.

Extension Overload 5.7.2 released

02/19, 6:05pm

Extension Overload 5.7.2 released

Extension Overload 5.7.2 adds descriptions for 25 control strip modules, 15 extensions, 27 contextual menu items and 5 control panels to the $20 utility for finding information about system components.

MT-Newswatcher 3.1 adds inline movie display

02/19, 6:00pm

MT-Newswatcher 3.1 adds inline movie display

Simon Fraser has released MT-NewsWatcher 3.1, a new version of his multi-threaded Usenet news client for the Mac. The new version contains dozens of changes including inline, progressive display of movies and audio, support for more image formats, an option to retreive and use accurate article counts, SOCKS 4 support, new commands in contextual menus, better support for scripting and more.

Mac Summoner Save System

02/19, 5:50pm

Mac Summoner Save System

The save system in Volition's 3D role-playing game for the Mac and PC, Summoner, will act exactly the same as its Playstation 2 counterpart, according to Volition Programmer Nick Lee. "There are no save points and you will be able to save in most areas," says Lee. "There are some restrictions, however, for the sake of game balancing. (eg: you can't save in the middle of combat, or in certain dungeons -- this reduces "crawl and save" syndrome)." Thanks Voodoo Extreme.

Spees leaves Ambrosia to work on RPG

02/19, 5:25pm

Spees leaves Ambrosia to work on RPG

Ambrosia Software's Ben Spees, Lead Programmer on the company's game known as Ragnarok, is leaving the company, according to Utterer.com. Spees noted in a forum thread on the company's web site (now deleted) that the future of Ragnarok is now unknown as he was the primary developer on the title. Update: Ambrosia Software President Andrew Welch tells games.macnn.com more about Spees' departure and the future of the Ragnarok engine...

D. Johnson joins Mumbo Jumbo

02/19, 4:30pm

D. Johnson joins Mumbo Jumbo

Mumbo Jumbo has announced that it has hired programmer Duane Johnson to join the team porting games to the Mac for the MacPlay brand. Before joining Mumbo Jumbo, Johnson worked at 3dfx Interactive as well as a 15-year career at NASA where he helped create the docking target for the first US docking mission with the Russian space station, Mir.

Apple begins shipping Power Mac G4/733

02/19, 4:20pm

Apple begins shipping Power Mac G4/733

Apple has begun shipping in limited quantities the high-end 733 MHz Power Mac G4 with SuperDrive. The press release notes immediate availability of the system from the Apple Store, although orders placed today carry a 4-6 week estimated ship time for $3,500 system. There's no word yet on whether 667 MHz systems have begun shipping as well.

High-quality Alice trailer available

02/19, 3:20pm

High-quality Alice trailer available

R. Zane Rutledge at Little Beast let us know that a high-quality Sorenson-encoded Quicktime trailer for American McGee's Alice is available at his company's web site. Rutledge, a long-time Mac user, designed and directed the trailer for Electronic Arts.

OniTools 1.2 Released

02/19, 3:15pm

OniTools 1.2 Released

Ian Patterson has released OniTools 1.2, a new version of his utility for viewing many of the resources used in Oni. The new version adds lots of bug fixes, resource coloring, importing textures and documentation.

OSP 0.99s adds Q3Comp elements

02/19, 3:10pm

OSP 0.99s adds Q3Comp elements

Orange Smoothie Productions has released OSP 0.99s, a new version of its popular mod for Quake III: Arena. The release marks the first version to include elements from the Q3Comp mod including its scoreboard, HUD, CTF addons and +/- alias binding. Also included in version 0.99s are windowed stats, sound fixes, bug fixes, graphics enhancements and Badlands mode settings.

Games: American McGee's Alice Preview

02/19, 2:15pm

Games: American McGee's Alice Preview

games.macnn.com has published an in-depth preview of American McGee's Alice, the third-person 3D action/adventure game announced for the Mac last week by Aspyr Media. The four-page preview covers characters, weapons, items and gameplay in addition to many screenshots of the game in action.

In-depth Preview: Alice

02/19, 2:10pm

In-depth Preview: Alice

We have published an in-depth preview of American McGee's Alice, the third-person 3D action/adventure game announced last week for the Mac by Aspyr Media. The four-page preview covers characters, weapons, items and gameplay in addition to many screenshots of the game in action.

MacNN Review: N2MP3 Professional

02/19, 2:00pm

MacNN Review: N2MP3 Professional

We have posted a review of N2MP3 Professional, the audio encoding solution from Proteron.

CrushFTP 2.0: Java-based FTP server released

02/19, 12:50pm

CrushFTP 2.0: Java-based FTP server released

Ben Spink has released a final version of CrushFTP 2.0, an update to his Java-based, $20 FTP server that full GUI remote administration, report generation, GUI customization, automatic MacBinary conversion, temporary accounts, and filename filtering.

MWT: Events, Freebies, and Japanese customs

02/19, 12:50pm

MWT: Events, Freebies, and Japanese customs

We've updated our Macworld Tokyo special report with Events, Freebies, and Japanese customs, which has more pre-show information, which covers local Japan events, some Japan gifts, and a "crash course in proper manners."

CPLAT 3.0: C++ framework for developers

02/19, 12:45pm

CPLAT 3.0: C++ framework for developers

CPLAT 3.0 is a full-featured, $50 C++ framework for Mac OS and Windows development that includes support for AppearanceManager, proxy icons and window path popups and icon services (32-bit icons), Mac OS X and Carbon, and Windows applications for Windows 95/98/NT.

Custer's Corner: Eden

02/19, 12:30pm

Custer's Corner: Eden

The new desktop picture at Custer's Corner is "Eden" featuring the lovely Julie from Ritual Entertainment's third-person 3D action game for the Mac and PC, Heavy Metal: FAKK2.

Weekly Halo update

02/19, 12:15pm

Weekly Halo update

Bungie's Matt Soell provides an update on the development of Halo at Rampancy.net, detailing a number of technical improvements to the engine and progress in several areas of the game's design. "The script for Halo's single-player campaign is about 30% done," says Soell. "(Don't confuse this with the story itself, which is more-or-less finished at this point, and should completely satisfy those of you who like Bungie games for the story.)"

Shadowbane Beta Journal begins

02/19, 12:10pm

Shadowbane Beta Journal begins

Wolfpack Studios debuts the Shadowbane Beta Journal, detailing experiences and encounters in its massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) for the Mac and PC, Shadowbane. The journal is written by the company's staff writer who has not played any other MMORPGs and has not played a major role in the design of Shadowbane itself. One of the goals of the journal is to outline some typical experiences in the game as well as subtle features that the company has yet to highlight publically...

Roundup: Ambrosia Amnesty and more

02/19, 12:00pm

Roundup: Ambrosia Amnesty and more

Last Friday Ambrosia Software announced that it would be offering all of its games and utilities for $10 throughout this week, Quake III: Arena mod Hellfire Arena 1.5 was released and beta testers involved with World War II Online shared their experiences in the massively multiplayer online war game.

Source code for Foresight for licensing

02/19, 11:25am

Source code for Foresight for licensing

Foresight Solutions today announced it will be licensing the source code to Foresight Financials, its business software with accounting, productivity, management, inventory, and reporting tools. Licenses start at $8000 for up to 10 users.

Apple Germany gets new CEO

02/19, 10:50am

Apple Germany gets new CEO

Frank Steinhoff has been appointed CEO of Apple Germany, following Peter Dewald's departure six months ago. Steinhoff will lead both the German and Austria operations of the company, according to MacGadget [German], which also notes that Steinhoff was the CEO of Adobe Germany from 1996 to mid-1999.

Agenda 2: reminder, to-do-list shareware

02/19, 10:20am

Agenda 2: reminder, to-do-list shareware

Yenco.com's Agenda 2 is an updated version of application that can digitally record and playback voice reminders using a simple calendar interface. Version 2 uses a new text-based data entry system, the option of month or year display, a new to-do list, and new navigation dock.

BTO PowerBook G4s begin shipping

02/19, 10:00am

BTO PowerBook G4s begin shipping

After having been delayed, build-to-order PowerBook G4 orders have begun shipping, as MacNN readers note in our forums. Several readers, however, continue to report that their standard configuration orders placed at the Apple Store during the first few days of availability have yet to ship, some five to six weeks since they were quoted a three week ship time.

Macromedia kicks off Flash design contest

02/19, 9:00am

Macromedia kicks off Flash design contest

Macromedia today kicked off its Design for Usability contest, which encourages Flash users of all skill levels to create more usable, innovative Web sites. Winners will be judged based on the site's unique use of Flash, creativity, and usability. The first prize winners will receive a PowerBook G4, and their creations will be published in Macworld and Publish magazines.

Tech: MS smart phone, VC funding, more...

02/19, 9:00am

Tech: MS smart phone, VC funding, more...

Morning tech news: Microsoft today revealed its mobile smart phone platform, code-named Stinger, but has failed to sign on any major mobile-phone makers to use the system; Macromedia has released Flash Player 5 for Linux and Solaris, while announcing a version for Pocket PCs; Intel has upped the core voltage of the Pentium 4 to accomodate a 200 MHz speed bump expected to arrive in April; Loews Cineplex has filed for bankruptcy and has agreed to be bought out; and venture capitalists have severely reduced financing, signaling that the stock market meltdown of nearly one year ago will continue into the forseeable future.

PainterCamp2001 set for May

02/19, 8:00am

PainterCamp2001 set for May

PainterCamp2001 is a five-day workshop for both novice and professional Corel Painter users. The event takes place at the Rocky Mountain Digital Arts Center in Denver, CO May 6-11. The classes, which feature hands-on training with Power Mac G4s, will be taught by some of the world's leading Painter instructors and users. Pricing for the event is $1,000, which does not include transportation or lodging. [updated]

Roundup: Titanium service plan, Flash 5.0a

02/19, 7:15am

Roundup: Titanium service plan, Flash 5.0a

Over the weekend, we noted Apple's repair program for Titanium DVD Issues, hints at new products from Macworld Tokyo, lowered VST product pricing (and upcoming PowerBook G4 products), a new PowerBook G4 auto/airplane adapter, and similarities between Windows XP and Mac OS X. Other noted releases include Macromedia's Flash 5.0a, Lasersoft's Silverfast SE, Mozilla 0.8, CarbonLib 1.2.5 SDK, Folio 1.0, and CTM's PowerMail 3.08 email client.

XGR: Rob Bartel Interview

02/19, 5:15am

XGR: Rob Bartel Interview

Bioware's Rob Bartel, Co-Lead Designer on Neverwinter Nights, is featured in an interview at XGR. Rob answers a number of questions about the cross-platform role-playing game including its current status in development...

Team Arena Map Pak 1 Updated

02/19, 5:10am

Team Arena Map Pak 1 Updated

id Software has released an updated version of the Quake III: Team Arena Map Pak 1 that contains a new version of map "An Iteration of TA Hell" which fixes a bug. The updated map, which has been renamed for online compatibility, can be downloaded seperately for those who have already downloaded the map pack.

Qto3: Roper Interview Part 2

02/19, 5:05am

Qto3: Roper Interview Part 2

Quarter to Three has published the second part of its interview with Blizzard Entertainment's Bill Roper that covers topics such as expansion set Diablo II: Lord of Destruction. "We will go back and do some tweaking on some of the older skills with the expansion," says Roper, "but mainly on the ones that don't get used a lot of times."

Q3F Beta 1h Released

02/19, 5:00am

Q3F Beta 1h Released

Late last week marked the release of Q3F Beta 1h, a new version of the popular teamplay mod for Quake III: Arena. Version Beta 1h adds new maps, new audio, tons of gameplay adjustments, lots of new features and dozens of bug fixes (a complete list of changes is available). Q3F Beta 1h only works with Quake III: Arena Point Release 1.27 and must be installed on top of Q3F Beta 1g; new users must download eight seperate files and updates, totalling more than 100 MB, and install them alphabetically.

Traffic Report 1.0: new Web log analysis app

02/19, 4:10am

Traffic Report 1.0: new Web log analysis app

Seacloak Software has released Traffic Report 1.0, a new software application for performing Website log analysis. It is available in both Lite ($30) and Pro ($130) versions as well as a downloadable trial demo.

pro Fit 5.6b4 uses file packages, new help

02/19, 4:05am

pro Fit 5.6b4 uses file packages, new help

QuantumSoft has released pro Fit 5.6.0b4 for Mac OS X public beta, a Carbonized version of its tool for scientific data and mathematical function analysis that now uses Apple's file packaging technology, has a redesigned help system, and other minor feature improvements and bug fixes.

PrintToPDF 2.2: shareware PDF printer driver

02/19, 3:55am

PrintToPDF 2.2: shareware PDF printer driver

PrintToPDF 2.2, an update to James Walker's $20 shareware printer driver for creating PDF documents, adds new cross-reference and linking features, with new helper application "PrintToPDF Link Maker" and fixes a few bugs.

WS4D/eCommerce 3.5: Web commerce package

02/19, 3:55am

WS4D/eCommerce 3.5: Web commerce package

MDG Computer Services is now shipping WS4D/eCommerce 3.5, its application that includes a full featured web server, shopping carts, storefronts, credit authorization, virtual domains, and database publishing. Version 3.5 adds HTTP File Upload features, additional security for built-in databases, support for new credit payment gateways, and discounts based on quantity ordered. Upgrades range from $80 to $600, while new licensing starts at $300. A demo is available.

Memory management app gets updated

02/19, 3:35am

Memory management app gets updated

The Free Memory Show 2.1 is a "pay-what-you-like-ware" tool that can display free memory and perform a few basic memory management functions. This version adds more preferences for "floating the window" and other bug fixes.