News Archive for 01/06/11

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Tech: Nintendo launches Game Boy Advance

06/11, 8:05pm

Tech: Nintendo launches Game Boy Advance

Evening tech news: Nintendo today launched its new Game Boy Advance handheld in the U.S., complete with 17 games that launch with the sure-fire winner; Verizon Wireless is considering switching from its current CDMA phone network technology to wCDMA when it upgrades to third-generation (3G) technology in 2004; and two emerging memory standards—Double Data Rate (DDR) SDRAM and Rambus DRAM (RDRAM)—are fighting over which will replace SDRAM as the dominant memory standard of the future.

Apple retail store in Albany

06/11, 7:40pm

Apple retail store in Albany

Ben S. notes that an Apple retail store will not be opening in Syracuse as reported, but rather at Crossgates Mall in Albany, NY, the state's capital. "As of now there are three stores that are under renovation. One, a former Warner Brothers store next to the food court and a main entrance, has its insides hidden completely by black cloth."

MacDopplerPRO 1.6.8: Amateur radio app

06/11, 6:45pm

MacDopplerPRO 1.6.8: Amateur radio app

MacDopplerPRO 1.6.8, now available for Mac OS X, is a new version of the amateur radio application for satellite tracking and more. Version 1.6.8 corrects a number of bugs and makes improvements to "BLat" and "BLon". [Classic: 5.3 MB; Carbon: 3.4 MB]

Apple warns of NFS glitch in OS X Server

06/11, 6:35pm

Apple warns of NFS glitch in OS X Server

An Apple Tech Info Library (TIL) article warns that multiprocessor optimization is not used when Network File System service is active in Mac OS X Server 10.0.3. The problem does not occur when using the server as an NFS client.

Blood Bath hits the auction block

06/11, 6:30pm

Blood Bath hits the auction block

Underworld Software, best known for its action title known as Blood Bath, is auctioning the assets of its company to the highest bidder on eBay. The auction, which includes original artwork, copyrights, source-code, inventory, and customer lists, comes in response to the company's feeling that it is not capable of realizing the value of its assets.

NYT: Pixar's new $88 million home

06/11, 5:55pm

NYT: Pixar's new $88 million home

The New York Times has posted an article detailing the new $88-million headquarters of Pixar Animation Studios, which is majority-owned and headed by Apple CEO Steve Jobs. As the new home of Pixar's 550 workers, the building includes three screening rooms, a recording studio, a conical brick pizza oven, a health club, hundreds of offices and conferences rooms connected by computer wiring, a massive, air-cooled village of computers known as a render farm, and the Love Lounge.

Apple DVD Player 2.7 released

06/11, 5:10pm

Apple DVD Player 2.7 released

Apple has released Apple DVD Player 2.7, a new version of its DVD player software that improves performance and stability. As a software-only DVD player, Apple DVD Player 2.7 is not compatible with the DVD hardware in the Power Macintosh G3, PowerBook G3, and Power Mac G4 (PCI graphics) series computers.

TouchSystems introduces Turbo Pen

06/11, 5:05pm

TouchSystems introduces Turbo Pen

TouchSystems has introduced a new cross-platform compatible pen-based analog resistive touchscreen, Turbo Pen, that features palm rejection, which can distinguish between pen input and incidental pressure by the fingers, knuckles, or palm. The touchscreen, which requires the attached pen and is targeted for handheld devices and other product segments, also features scratch-proof resistance, extreme accuracy, and high light transmission. The product will begin mass production in August 2001.

QuickTime training courses in New York

06/11, 4:35pm

QuickTime training courses in New York

ici Media has announced special pricing on three upcoming QuickTime training courses at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. A LiveStage Professional for Flash Developers course will be offered on Friday, July 13th for $395; a LiveStage Professional 3.0 Authoring course will be offered Saturday, July 14th through Sunday, July 15th for $795; and a Creative and Deploying Interactive Video with QuickTime 5 course will be offered Saturday, July 21st through Sunday, July 22nd for $695.

Microsoft releases Word+Entourage bundle

06/11, 3:50pm

Microsoft releases Word+Entourage bundle

The Microsoft Macintosh Business Unit has released to manufacturing its Microsoft Word + Entourage 2001 Special Edition, a special promotional bundle of its popular word processing and e-mail/information management application. It will be available in English and French for a limited time only and is expected to reach U.S. store shelves in July with a retail price of $150.

Powerlogix offers 'summer pricing'

06/11, 3:40pm

Powerlogix offers 'summer pricing'

PowerLogix's new "summer pricing" offers $50 off of its line of G3 upgrades for Power Macs; the 400- and 500-MHz PowerForce G3 upgrades are now $250 and $350 respectively, while the 500MHz PowerForce G3/ZIF is also $350.

NetFinder 2.3 now available for OS X

06/11, 3:35pm

NetFinder 2.3 now available for OS X

The Finder-like ftp client, NetFinder 2.3, is now available as a Carbon application. Version 2.3 also offers a UI update, mouse wheel support under OS X, more bundled scripts, and other enhancements.

Firewalk 1.3: configure OS X firewall

06/11, 3:30pm

Firewalk 1.3: configure OS X firewall

Firewalk X 1.3 is a $12 shareware configuration and maintenance utility for Mac OS X's built-in firewall, offering the ability to create rules for TCP, UDP, and ICMP protocols, specific IP and ports ranges, logging of user defined firewall events and notification of new events, and a dockling that allows independent switching rule sets on-the-fly.

Project Backer 1.0: OS X backup utility

06/11, 2:45pm

Project Backer 1.0: OS X backup utility

MacZ Software has released Project Backer 1.0, a simple OS X-native tool that makes a backup of the user's files or folders at specified intervals.

eWeek: Analysts weigh in on Apple retail

06/11, 2:40pm

eWeek: Analysts weigh in on Apple retail

eWeek comments on an analyst report released last week by International Data Corporation (IDC) analysts Anthony Penzarella and Mark O'Donnell on Apple's foray into the retail market. O'Donnell believes that Apple's retail stores will have to sustain an average gross margin of 25 percent in order to remain profitable. Penzarella was generally upbeat about Apple's strategy, praising the stores' fresh integrated solution-based approach to retail computer sales. "The reality is that Apple's new model makes sense, and it is destined to be copied."

The climateprediction.com Project unveiled

06/11, 2:15pm

The climateprediction.com Project unveiled

The climateprediction.com Project, which is expected to begin its early experimentation stages later this year, is a distributing computing project that is designed to help researchers predict the climate of the 21st century.

MCE unveils new 48 GB HD for PowerBooks

06/11, 1:40pm

MCE unveils new 48 GB HD for PowerBooks

Mac Components Engineering has introduced a new 5400 rpm 48 GB hard drive for PowerBook G3s and G4s. The 48 GB Xcarét Pro-99 Expansion Bay Hard Drive is designed for the PowerBook G4 and PowerBook G3 (Bronze keyboard). The 48 GB Xcarét Pro Expansion Bay Hard Drive is designed for the 1998 PowerBook G3 (Wallstreet). Both drives are shipping in limited quantities for $800 each; the products will ship in larger quantities by September 1, 2001.

Beta Wacom Tablet driver for OS X

06/11, 1:10pm

Beta Wacom Tablet driver for OS X

Tom W. notes the release of a beta Wacom Tablet driver for Mac OS X, which is included with the public beta release of Toon Boom Studio. "...it seems to work in all other apps, even Classic." Wacom has promised the release of a Mac OS X driver for its graphic tablets this summer.

LSI unveils TotalNET Advanced Server 6.1

06/11, 12:35pm

LSI unveils TotalNET Advanced Server 6.1

LSI Logic Storage Systems has introduced TotalNET Advanced Server (TAS) 6.1, a new version of its enterprise-level system for consolidating heterogeneous servers and storage systems. Compatible with Windows, Macintosh, NetWare, Unix Network File System (NFS), and Distributed File System (DFS) clients, TotalNET Advanced Server 6.1 facilitates file and print sharing through the support of multiple transport protocols, including TCP/IP, NetBEUI, IPX, SPX, and AppleTalk.

Jinn becomes latest Myth II total conversion

06/11, 12:30pm

Jinn becomes latest Myth II total conversion

Jinn, a total conversion for Myth II: Soulblighter that has been in development at Vista Cartel for nearly two years, has been released. The total conversion is set in a world apart from that of the original game and features 8 single-player levels and 5 multi-player levels, an all-new interface, new units, and an engrossing storyline.

Quick Rename 2.01 batch processes file names

06/11, 12:05pm

Quick Rename 2.01 batch processes file names

Quick Rename 2.0.1 is a maintenance release of the $30 shareware batch renaming utility.

iGetter PR1.1: Download utility

06/11, 11:55am

iGetter PR1.1: Download utility

iGetter PR1.1 is a new preview release of the download utility from Presenta Software, which features resumable downloads, Internet browser integration, scheduling downloads for low traffic periods, reconnecting modems, and hang up and shut down when the downloads are done. Version PR1.1 adds a "set download in pending" command, makes tweaks to the user interface, and fixes several bugs.

DV Magazine reviews iDVD, DVD Studio Pro

06/11, 11:40am

DV Magazine reviews iDVD, DVD Studio Pro

Jim R. notes the July 2001 edition of DV Magazine includes reviews of several Apple products, including the PowerBook G4 (4 stars), iDVD (3.5 stars), and DVD Studio Pro (4 stars). On the PowerBook G4: "Impresses clients and gives you enough power to finish their projects. Who could ask for anything more? If you make the leap, you'll never look back." [review not online]

Applimac Address Book 4.0 released

06/11, 11:35am

Applimac Address Book 4.0 released

Applimac Address Book 4.0 (formerly OneApp Address Book) is a $20 Carbonized telephone and address program for Mac that allows users to manage addresses, phone numbers, URLs, and e-mail addresses. Version 4.0 includes a variety of new features, including new fields for data, new category features, and an overhaul of the user interface.

New gaming company: 'Destineer'

06/11, 10:20am

New gaming company: 'Destineer'

Destineer says it will focus on creating next-generation original games for Windows, Macintosh and videogame consoles using a proprietary 3D technology that it is developing internally and that it would bring many of Microsoft’s most popular games to the Macintosh, including Age of Empires II, Links 2002, and Flight Simulator 2002.

Asante introduces new netowork PC cards

06/11, 9:50am

Asante introduces new netowork PC cards

Asanté today announced new Cardbus PC network cards for notebook computers. The FriendlyNET 10T ($70) or 10T/TN PCMCIA Ethernet Adapter ($80) uses 64 kilobyte on-board RAM data buffers and offers either a 10BaseT or 10Base2 Ethernet connection (respectively); the FriendlyNET 10/100 ($75) also supports auto-negotiation and full/half-duplex modes for full bandwidth utilization. Both offer a built-in RJ-45 network connector. [prices not updated]

Symantec info on new Simpson virus

06/11, 8:15am

Symantec info on new Simpson virus

Symantec has updated the URL for information on the Simpsons virus, noted last Friday: "SARC has become aware of a new AppleScript worm targetting the Macintosh platform called Mac.Simpsons@mm. It appears to open Outlook Express or Entourage and send a copy of itself with the original message to everyone in the user's address book."

CAS to bring Animo to OS X later this year

06/11, 8:15am

CAS to bring Animo to OS X later this year

Freddie Ros says that recent newsletter from Cambridge Animation Systems said the company would be bringing its Animo application to OS X later this year: "Animo is probably the best 2D cartoon cell creation software out on the market. Originally it ran on NeXT, before eventually being ported over to NT. I used when it was on NeXT and could tell you it's an industrial strength application which could draw more contant creation people over to our beloved OS X!"

Tech: faster transistors, mobile web...

06/11, 8:00am

Tech: faster transistors, mobile web...

Early morning tech: New technology from Intel offers switching transistor switching improvements of 1000x, shrinks the devices to a width of about 80 atoms, which could allow up to 25 times more transistors in the space as today's processors, and is expected to be incorporated into processor in 2007; Nokia says says the high-speed phone-based Internet access will take off next year; and AT&T is backing off its agressive plans for interactive television.

Bryce 5 animation app to ship on July 10th

06/11, 8:00am

Bryce 5 animation app to ship on July 10th

Bryce 5, the popular 3-D landscape and animation software from Corel, is due to ship on July 10, according to Amazon's Website.

Baldur's Gate II testers needed in Dallas

06/11, 7:45am

Baldur's Gate II testers needed in Dallas

MumboJumbo Games is looking for gamers in the Dallas area who would be interested in on-site Beta testing Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn for the Macintosh platform: "You must have previous experience with the Baldur's Gate series of games (though Macintosh experience is optional), and must live within the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Beta testing will take place in our downtown Dallas office, and you must be available for at least four hours at a time during our normal daytime office hours. Testing begins Monday, June 11. D/FW area residents ONLY interested in testing can contact us."

e-CryptIt 6.5: encoding options to REALbasic

06/11, 7:40am

e-CryptIt 6.5: encoding options to REALbasic

The $32 e-CryptIt Engine 6.5 for REALbasic developers, adds AppleSingle/Double Encoding and improved performance when decoding MacBinary, BinHex, and Base64 formats.

King of Dragon Pass 1.6: maintenance release

06/11, 7:40am

King of Dragon Pass 1.6: maintenance release

King of Dragon Pass 1.6 fixes several bugs in the $30 computer game that "combines interactive stories and resource management to create an epic saga of conflict, magic, and community."

Shareware periodic table adds UI options

06/11, 7:30am

Shareware periodic table adds UI options

The Atomic Mac 5.1, a periodic table of the elements and nuclear database, adds several enhancements tothe user interface, making it "easier to deal with the numerous windows that are often open." [Classic, Carbon: 935KB]

iBook vs. TiPB review posted

06/11, 7:30am

iBook vs. TiPB review posted

Charles Arthur has posted a comparison review of the iBook vs TiBook for The Independent: "the iBook next to the TiBook looks like a frigate beside a battleship - nippier, more agile. Better software package and better for having the CD-R etc options. Also some detail on the screen res (which makes a difference, after all.)"

Time Palette 5.0 beta testers needed

06/11, 7:30am

Time Palette 5.0 beta testers needed

Trygve H. Inda is looking for beta testers for the shareware world time and mapping software, Time Palette 5.0, which is in the final stages of development: "I am looking for experienced beta testers to help ensure the final product is of the utmost quality when released....Preference will be given to registered users of Time Palette."

TopCalculette Pro 3.0: replacement calculator

06/11, 7:25am

TopCalculette Pro 3.0: replacement calculator

The $20 shareware calculator TopCalculette Pro 3.0, now available for both Classic and OS X, adds custom function keys, more functions, a new accounting mode, and Internet-based updates for its currency converter. A $12 "standard" version is also available.

VSE Link Tester 3.2.1: update to Web utility

06/11, 7:15am

VSE Link Tester 3.2.1: update to Web utility

VSE Link Tester 3.2.1, for testing Web links and locating broken HTML links, works with on- and off-line sites, recognizes all HTML tags containing links (more than 30), finds links in JavaScript code and in intrinsic events and supports dynamic web sites and user authentication. A "Standard" version ($35) offers support for single site, while a "Business" version ($100) supports an unlimited number.

Getting daily system reports via Mail.app

06/11, 7:05am

Getting daily system reports via Mail.app

Matthew Butch has created a document explaining how to get the OS X daily system reports in Mail.app. [link updated]

SetiDockling 1.2 adds restart function

06/11, 7:05am

SetiDockling 1.2 adds restart function

Rémi Zara's SetiDockling 1.2, a "dockling" that monitors the progress of the Seti@home clients working on your computer, updated the freeware to prevent warning messages with OS X 10.0.2 an up, and adds ability to start and stop the client.

Roundup: BBC Online to add QuickTime

06/11, 2:00am

Roundup: BBC Online to add QuickTime

Over the weekend, we noted BBC Online's plans to incorporate QuickTime as an option for its media content. Other reports included Steve Wozniak's Visionary Award, the release of Search & Rescue Mac, the forthcoming release of Mac OS 9.2, a movie trailer for Monsters, Inc., and a Mac OS X victory over Windows 2000. Software releases included WebPics 2.2.5, SpeakTime 2.1, and MP3 Rage 3.4.