OpenGL 1.1 Plugin for REALbasic
OpenGL Plugin 1.1 for REALbasic, which enables OpenGL 3D graphics for use within REALbasic applications, is now Carbonized for use in Mac OS X and includes more OpenGL functions.
Tech: CD-R media to rise in price, more...
Evening tech news: the cost of CD-R media is expected to rise as much as 350 percent this year as demand increases; Microsoft\'s Windows XP will ship on Oct. 25; and Motorola has released iSketch, a Palm application that allows users to write in their own handwriting and draw sketches.
OS X: 10.0.3 update, browsers compared
osx.macnn.com reports on a new 10.0.3 update for Mac OS X, a comparison of the three primary browsers for Mac OS X, Lexmark\'s Mac OS X drivers for its inkjet printers, and a new open-source Cocoa application for accessing Yahoo! chat. [updated]
Mac OS X 10.0.3 released
Mike Murphy notes that Mac OS X 10.0.3 (Build 4P13) is now available from the Software Update control panel in Mac OS X. The update, which comes little more than a week after the 10.0.2 (Build 4P12) update on May 1, \"ensures full visibility of file lists in directories that contain a large number of items.\" The 10.0.3 update available via Apple\'s web site also includes the changes made in 10.0.2 and will update both 10.0.1 and 10.0.2 systems. [updated]
Max Payne, Stronghold coming to the Mac
Infogrames\' Mac label, MacSoft, has announced that it has acquired the Mac publishing rights to several titles from Take Two Interactive, including Tropico and Fly! II, which will both ship this summer, in addition to Max Payne, Stronghold, and Myth III: The Wolf Age. Tropico, Fly! II, and Myth III were previously announced as titles to be published by Take Two\'s wholly owned PC publishing subsidiary, Gathering of Developers. Additional titles acquired as part of the agreement will be announced at a later date.
Mail Siphon 2.5 fights spam
Mail Siphon 2.5, a new version of the $20 shareware utility for managing email on remote servers, is now Carbonized for Mac OS X, lets users send fake bounces to spammers with one click, and supports many encodings. The utility is also available in French, Danish, and Norwegian.
PhotoCat 3.4.1: photo cataloging
PhotoCat 3.4.1 is a new version of the $25 photo cataloging utility for the Mac. The new version now allows a sound to be played at the end of a long job, add a caption to every image, and retrive the indexation from an item list file.
WebObjects 4.5.1 Update 1 released
Apple has released WebObjects 4.5.1 Update 1, a patch for its application server and development environment. The update is recommended for all users of WebObjects 4.5.1 for Mac OS X, but no changes are documented.
OS X browser wars: comparing the offerings
We have published a feature comparing the three primary OS X Web browsers: Internet Explorer 5.1, OmniWeb 4.0, and iCab Preview 2.5.
CreativePage 2.6.1: Web creation tool
PineHill Products has released CreativePage 2.6.1, a new version of its Classic and Mac OS X web site creation tool. Version 2.6.1 adds the ability to preview in the browser you choose and a number of interface tweaks and bug fixes. CreativePage and SiteToolkit are now available as a $38 bundle. [736 KB -- Classic; 900 KB -- Mac OS X]
Excite Messenger 2.0 available
Excite Messenger 2.0 is a new version of its messaging client, offering support for Buddy Card, which can help share photos, Web links, and always up-to-date contact information as well as custom news headlines, stock quotes, local weather reports, sports scores, and radio and TV listings.
Lexmark OS X printer drivers
Lexmark has released Mac OS X drivers for most of its inkjet printers including the Z22, Z32, Z42, and Z52 Color Jetprinter.
The new iBook vs. competitors
The Rogues\' Gallery of AAPL Investors compares the new iBook to other similiarly priced laptops from Gateway, HP, Dell, IBM, Compaq, and Toshiba. The comprehensive chart compares the laptops in areas such as weight, dimensions, optical media, input/output ports, software bundle, and ISP package.
Earthlink follows Apple to Chiat/Day
Earthlink has transferred its estimated $50 million advertising account to TBWA/Chiat/Day in what sources said was a centralization of ad duties resulting from the \"alliance\" between Apple and Earthlink, according to AdWeek.com. TBWA/Chiat/Day has been Apple\'s advertising agency of choice since the launch of its \"Think Different\" campaign.
FileGeek 3.0: type/creator utility
The $9 shareware utility, FileGeek 3.0, can assign a file type and creator to files, allowing you to associate a file, or entire folder, with the application of your choice.
Architosh: Autocad sales down, more
Architosh reports on Autocad\'s decreasing sales and its implications for Mac users and a Mac version of the Department of Energy\'s MEPcheck.
Red Eye makes commercial fonts free
Red Eye Type has re-released four of its commercial fontsAtmosphere Neue Light, Angela Sans, Imitari, and Memento Morias freeware.
How to get Macs back in schools
Business Week\'s Charles Haddad believes it will take the outcry of community Mac users and supporters to return Macs to the number one computer among schools. \"Reeducating School Boards about Macs\" cites John Droz, Jr.\'s fight against the Carteret County Commission as an instance of where an outspoken community member is trying to convince the board to keep Macs in local schools.
Game Doctor 1.3.1 helps in more games
Game Doctor 1.3.1 is a new version of the $10 utility that offers game hints, cheats, patches, and more. The new version includes hints, tips, and walkthroughs for Avernum, Avernum 2, Escape from Monkey Island, Heroes III: Complete, Hexen 2, Maximum Pool, Monopoly, and Simon the Sorcerer 2.
Samsung releases Mini Yepp audio player
Samsung has announced the release of its 32MB Mini Yepp digital audio player, which is the smallest USB-based digital audio player ever at 1 1/8 x 2 1/4 x 7/8 inches and weighing only 1.13 ounces. The $100 device includes a four-preset graphic equalizer and a powerful bass boost system, and its LCD display shows musical parameters and the current date and time. The Mini Yepp is available now at CompUSA and will be available at other retailers, including Sears and Amazon.com, later this month.
Extensis privately seeds Suitcase 10 beta
Extensis has privately seeded a beta version of Suitcase 10, offering new features such as Global Auto-Activation, Activate on Demand, a control strip module, Multiple Master font support, the ability to \'Collect Fonts\' for Output, contextual menu support, and better Font Conflict Handling. The Suitcase Server also offers new features such as \'Set Level Subscription\' and \'Job Fonts.\' The company has previously promised native support for OS X in a future release as well.
TECsoft\'s new AppleScript Training CD
TECsoft has announced a new \"Workflow Automation with AppleScript Training CD,\" which teaches users and businesses alike to use AppleScript to automate common tasks on their Mac. The CD is available until June 15, 2001 at an introductory price of $100 (a $50 savings).
DealNN bargains: UMAX scanner ($44)
Today\'s bargains at DealNN include an iMac G3/500 DV SE ($999), a PowerBook G3/300 with DVD ($1195), free PowerBook shipping and RAM at MacMall, a Umax 2100U Scanner ($44), a 30GB Western Digital HD ($86), and an External Iomega ZipCD 4x/4x/6x USB CD-RW ($99).
f(x): new Cocoa-based calculator
Scott Nichol has released f(x) 1.0, a Cocoa-based RPN scientific calculator that features a persistent stack, complete support for multiple users, an editable constants list, and flexible numeric display modes.
iCards for Mother\'s Day
Apple has put together a series of nine iCards for Mother\'s Day, which can be found in the Holidays category.
PowerBooks used to map City of Victory
Apple has published an article discussing the use of PowerBooks to map the City of Victory in southern India.
Charla 1.0: open-source Yahoo! chat client
Peter Ammon has released Charla 1.0, the first version of his Cocoa-based, open-source Mac OS X application for accessing Yahoo! chat.
MacDesktops: 14 new pictures
Over the past week, MacDesktops has posted 14 new pictures, including: X flames (Mac OS X), VW Racer (Cars), Film countdown (Movies), and Jessica Alba (Portraits). MacDesktops is updated daily.
New font at Fontosaurus
Fontosaurus Text has posted Nonzero, a new, freely-downloadable ($2 shareware) font.
Smell-O-Mints periodic table of elements
StimpSoft has redesigned its Web site and released Smell-O-Mints 1.0, a free, relatively simple, Carbonized periodic table of elements.
SH Tracker 4.0.5+ improves documentation
Software & Hardware Tracker 4.0.5+ features updated documentation, including Mac OS X compatibility notes, for the database application for tracking serial numbers and other information.
Apple posts English-International updates
Apple has posted several English-International software updates: AppleWorks 6.1.2, iMovie 2.1 for OS X, and iMovies Plugin Pack for Mac OS X. Additionally, a new North America/International Authoring Support Update 1.1 has been posted, although it appears identical to the one released two days ago.
LaCie introduces 180GB hard drive
LaCie today introduced a 180GB Ultra 160/LVD SCSI drive. Operating at 7,200 RPM, the drive is capable of transfer rates of up to 75 MB/sec when configured as a RAID, or up to 47 MB/sec as a single drive. The SCSI drive carries a $2,500 price tag and comes with a 5-year warranty. The drive can also be configured in LaCie\'s 12-bay TX12000, for up to 2.1TB of storage.
FireWire in 40 percent of new systems
The 1394 Trade Association, which regulates the Apple-invented FireWire I/O standard, is reporting increased FireWire IC shipments from major manufacturers such as Texas Instruments. The association claims that FireWire has established itself in more than 40 percent of all notebook and handheld PCs and continues to grow.
swdb 1.1 offers access to ILG Radio database
Ben Mesander has posted an OS X version of his swdb 1.1 shortwave database system, a web search engine interface for the free ILG Radio database of shortwave radio stations. (It is written in the Python, and uses the PostgreSQL database to store the station database.)
MenuStrip 1.8 for OS X adds plugin support
MenuStrip 1.8 is an update to the utility that offers convenient access to frequently used settings, such as the computer volume, monitor resolution, and color depth, from the OS X menubar as well as a menubar clock with chime and alarm capabilities and Classic Mac OS style \'Hide All\' and \'Show All\' buttons. Version 1.8 offers plug-in support and a new a SoundSchemes for playing custom sounds at specific system events. [App--177KB, plugin--64KB]
CMS developing Mac version of backup system
A Macintosh version of CMS Peripherals\' ABS hard drive automatic backup system is currently under development, according to company sources. The PCMCIA or USB solution provides completely automatic installation upon connection and a patent-pending automatic launcher that copies the entire host-drive. A recent upgrade to the tool also allows users to make the device function as a visible, accessible hard drive. Storage ranges up to 30 GB, and prices start at $329. Macintosh drivers should be available this Summer.
AirStation Pro: wireless bridge for LANs
Buffalo Technology today announced its AirStation Pro, a wireless bridge for connecting multiple LANs, offering support for up to six AirStation access points. Using Buffalo\'s directional and omni antennae, the company says that multiple LANs can be connected at distances of up to one mile.
Marketsource looking for Apple reps
MarketSource, a marketing services firm that has been hired by Apple to spread the word about Demo Days and other special events, lists several opportunities in the Employment section of its Web site for \"Apple/Mac Retail Representatives\"some of whom may be used in Apple\'s (rumored) retail stores: \"We are looking for experienced and knowledgeable individuals, with excellent Macintosh hardware and software support and demonstration skills, who are 18 years of age or older, to work as a part-time, Apple Retail Representative.\" Positions are available in Fresno, California; Modesto, California; Roseville, California; Sacramento, California; and Vacaville, California.
Roundup: McLean, VA Apple store, more
Yesterday we published two reader reports (1, 2) on the McLean, Virginia Apple Retail Store and a reader report on the new Dual USB iBook. Other reports included Apple laptops in Consumer Reports, new Metrowerks CodeWarriors coming at WWDC, incorrect iBook specs at the Apple Store, Logitech\'s Cordless MouseMan Optical now shipping, Tropico progress update, Olympus\' new digital camera, Steve Jobs\' challenge to Michael Dell, and Apple\'s job listing for a microprocessor development project manager. Software releases included IntelliMerge 1.1.2, Label Printer Pro 6.0.1, MacGhostView 2.1, Default Folder 3.1.1, and Mozilla 0.9.
Now AAPL Stock: The symbol you provided ("AAPL") doesn't appear to be registered
Cirrus creates Lightning-headphone dev kit
Apple supplier Cirrus Logic has introduced a MFi-compliant new development kit for companies interested in using Cirrus' chips to create Lightning-based headphones, which -- regardless of whether rumors about Apple dropping the analog headphone jack in its iPhone this fall -- can offer advantages to music-loving iOS device users. The kit mentions some of the advantages of an all-digital headset or headphone connector, including higher-bitrate support, a more customizable experience, and support for power and data transfer into headphone hardware. Several companies already make Lightning headphones, and Apple has supported the concept since June 2014. http://bit.ly/29giiZj

Apple Store app offers Procreate Pocket

The Apple Store app for iPhone, which periodically rewards users with free app gifts, is now offering the iPhone "Pocket" version of drawing app Procreate for those who have the free Apple Store app until July 28. Users who have redeemed the offer by navigating to the "Stores" tab of the app and swiping past the "iPhone Upgrade Program" banner to the "Procreate" banner have noted that only the limited Pocket (iPhone) version of the app is available free, even if the Apple Store app is installed and the offer redeemed on an iPad. The Pocket version currently sells for $3 on the iOS App Store. [32.4MB]
Porsche adds CarPlay to 2017 Panamera
Porsche has added a fifth model of vehicle to its CarPlay-supported lineup, announcing that the 2017 Panamera -- which will arrive in the US in January -- will include Apple's infotainment technology, and be seen on a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen as part of an all-new Porsche Communication Management system. The luxury sedan starts at $99,900 for the 4S model, and scales up to the Panamera Turbo, which sells for $146,900. Other vehicles that currently support CarPlay include the 2016 911 and the 2017 models of Macan, 718 Boxster, and 718 Cayman. The company did not mention support for Google's corresponding Android Auto in its announcement. http://bit.ly/295ZQ94

Apple employees testing wheelchair features
New features included in the forthcoming watchOS 3 are being tested by Apple retail store employees, including a new activity-tracking feature that has been designed with wheelchair users in mind. The move is slightly unusual in that, while retail employees have previously been used to test pre-release versions of OS X and iOS, this marks the first time they've been included in the otherwise developer-only watchOS betas. The company is said to have gone to great lengths to modify the activity tracker for wheelchair users, including changing the "time to stand" notification to "time to roll" and including two wheelchair-centric workout apps. http://bit.ly/2955JDa

SanDisk reveals two 256GB microSDXC cards
SanDisk has introduced two 256GB microSDXC cards. Arriving in August for $150, the Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Premium Edition card offers transfer speeds of up to 95MB/s for reading data. The Extreme microSDXC UHS-I card can read at a fast 100MB/s and write at up to 90MB/s, and will be shipping sometime in the fourth quarter for $200. http://bit.ly/294Q1If

Apple's third-quarter results due July 26
Apple has advised it will be issuing its third-quarter results on July 26, with a conference call to answer investor and analyst queries about the earnings set to take place later that day. The stream of the call will go live at 2pm PT (5pm ET) via Apple's investor site, with the results themselves expected to be released roughly 30 minutes before the call commences. Apple's guidance for the quarter put revenue at between $41 billion and $43 billion. http://apple.co/1oi1Pbm

Twitter stickers slowly roll out to users
Twitter has introduced "stickers," allowing users to add extra graphical elements to their photos before uploading them to the micro-blogging service. A library of hundreds of accessories, props, and emoji will be available to use as stickers, which can be resized, rotated, and placed anywhere on the photograph. Images with stickers will also become searchable with viewers able to select a sticker to see how others use the same graphic in their own posts. Twitter advises stickers will be rolling out to users over the next few weeks, and will work on both the mobile apps and through the browser. http://bit.ly/29bbwUE
