News Archive for 01/12/04

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Tech: Amazon buys Egghead, MusicNet

12/04, 9:40pm

Tech: Amazon buys Egghead, MusicNet

Evening tech news: Amazon.com has acquired some assets of Egghead.com, which filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this year, for $6.1 million in cash; Pay-for-play site MusicNet, which will allow users to stream or download tunes using RealPlayer from the libraries of AOL Time Warner, Bertelsmann and EMI Group, starting at $10 per month; and A new viruslike e-mail that purports to be a computer screen saver program is spreading through email, as thousands of users are reporting infection by the worm called "Goner."

Memoria Photo Server for OS X

12/04, 9:30pm

Memoria Photo Server for OS X

Memora today announced the release of Memora Photo, a personal photo server for the home that will distribute photos and video securely over the Web. Memora Photo generates an album with customizable title and captions, photo orientation, and sharing privileges. A free 21-day trial of the $50 application is available on the Web.

AutoCat 3.03: disk catalogging tool updated

12/04, 9:25pm

AutoCat 3.03: disk catalogging tool updated

Kebawe's AutoCat 3.0.3, a $15 disks cataloger for OS X or Mac OS 9 with CarbonLib, fixes some problems with StuffIt archives, and includes the latest StuffItEngineLib v6.5.1.

Final Cut Pro captures Hollywood

12/04, 9:25pm

Final Cut Pro captures Hollywood

Apple today announced that Final Cut Pro on the Macintosh is quickly becoming the preferred platform for producing trailers and commercials for Hollywood's biggest movies. This year represents a large gain for Apple in this market; Apple reports top movie trailer companies like The Cimarron Group and Trailer Park have already made the move to FCP for the majority of their systems.

Apple hints at Mac OS 9.2.2

12/04, 8:00pm

Apple hints at Mac OS 9.2.2

Several MacNN readers note that Apple's Final Cut Pro Web page mentions a yet-unreleased Mac OS 9.2.2, hinting at its release in the near future:

"Final Cut Pro 3 requires Mac OS X v10.1.1 or Mac OS 9.2.2, a Macintosh computer with a 300MHz or faster PowerPC G3 or G4 processor with built-in FireWire, 256MB of RAM (384MB recommended for G4 realtime effects), and 40MB of available disk space for installation. A 500MHz (or higher) PowerPC G4 processor is required for G4 realtime effects, and a 667MHz PowerBook G4 is required for mobile realtime DV effects."

Big Nerd Ranch to host 5 day training session

12/04, 7:45pm

Big Nerd Ranch to host 5 day training session

'The Big Nerd Ranch' is hosting a post-MacWorld programming course, January 12-16, 2002 in South San Francisco. The 5 day training session will deal with Cocoa Programming on Mac OS X 10.1. Class fee is $2500.

Snard v0.8: dock, menubar launcher

12/04, 6:45pm

Snard v0.8: dock, menubar launcher

Gideon Softworks has released an updated version of Snard 0.8, its dock and menu-based application launcher. Snard uses dock pop-up menus to organize programs in a tidier way than Apple's default Dock configuration.

Pinnacle debuts Commotion Pro 4.1 for OS X

12/04, 6:35pm

Pinnacle debuts Commotion Pro 4.1 for OS X

Pinnacle today introduced Commotion Pro 4.1, a new version of its integrated paint, compositing, and special effects software. The package, available stand-alone and as part of its CineWave solution, now offers direct integration with Final Cut Pro and supports OS X in addition to Mac OS 9. The free update will be available in late December for all existing Commotion Pro 4, Commotion 4, CineWave, and TARGA 3000 customers.

c|net: "Free" OS X riles Apple

12/04, 6:30pm

c|net: "Free" OS X riles Apple

c|net notes some users have found a way "to turn a complimentary Mac OS X upgrade CD into a free copy of the operating system itself." In Ocotober, Apple distributed free Mac OS X 10.0-to-10.1 upgrade CDs, for owners of Mac OS X.

Macs still have place in design firms?

12/04, 6:25pm

Macs still have place in design firms?

Architectural Record, discussing the place of Macs in today's design industry, says that "designers dig the Mac’s iconic look, but lower-priced, faster PCs have eaten into Apple’s market share in recent years."

Cisco releases VPN client for 3000 series

12/04, 6:25pm

Cisco releases VPN client for 3000 series

Nojan Moshiri notes that "Cisco has released a VPN client for Cisco 3000 series VPN concentrators. Previously there was a client only for 5000 series concentrators. The file is available for download to those with an account on www.cisco.com and was released on November 29, 2001."

Electric Universe 4 offers new tools

12/04, 5:20pm

Electric Universe 4 offers new tools

Electric Image has released Electric Universe 4, an update to the $1000 software animation package. Version 4 offers OS X compatibility (as a native Carbon appliation), new character skinning tools, new constraint and global illumination systems, an enhanced OpenGL engine, new modeler features, an improved drawing system, motion blur preview, and new icons in the animator. Upgrades from v3.1 are $350.

Tropico X v1.03 fixes stability issues

12/04, 5:10pm

Tropico X v1.03 fixes stability issues

MacSoft's Tropico X v1.03 improves stability, including difficulties when changing graphics settings and when switching resolutions.

Bold Ages of Empires II v1.03 fixes bugs

12/04, 5:05pm

Bold Ages of Empires II v1.03 fixes bugs

Bold has released Age of Empires II 1.0.3, an update to its real-time strategy game that fixes multiplayer syncronization issues and a random crash that usually occurred late in the game.

Apple intros Final Cut Pro 3, online preorder

12/04, 4:55pm

Apple intros Final Cut Pro 3, online preorder

As anticipated earlier today, Apple today announced Final Cut Pro 3, an upgrade to Apple's professional video editing solution. Version 3 offers OS X compatibility, G4 real-time effects with real-time playback, hardware-accurate color correction tools, a new OfflineRT format for over 40 minutes of footage per gigabyte, a new Voice Over tool, an enhanced Media Manager, and timecode overlays. Upgrades to the $1000 application are $300 for v2.0 owners. It is expected to ship this month. (Note that G4 real-time effects require a 500-MHz or faster processor and that a 667-MHz PowerBook G4 is required for mobile G4 real-time effects in DV format.)

RSI to support OS X with IDL, ENVI releases

12/04, 4:45pm

RSI to support OS X with IDL, ENVI releases

Research Systems has announced that it will reverse an earlier decision to drop support for the OS X platform, saying that it is now committed to providing a native OS X releases of IDL and ENVI for OS X.

iDVD 2.0.5 available via Software Update

12/04, 4:40pm

iDVD 2.0.5 available via Software Update

A MacNN Reader notes that Apple has released iDVD 2.0.5 via the Software Update control panel, although the update is not availlable for direct download.

NetBarrier for Mac OS X

12/04, 4:35pm

NetBarrier for Mac OS X

Intego today announced the release of NetBarrier 10 for Mac OS X. NetBarrier is one of the most popular personal firewalls for the Mac OS. The fully rewritten, Mac OS X application is available for $60; upgrade prices range from $30-$50.

OpenGL 2.0/ ARB survey

12/04, 4:25pm

OpenGL 2.0/ ARB survey

The OpenGL Architectural Review Board has posted a short survey for Software and Hardware developers interested in the direction and ideas behind OpenGL 2.0. The ARB is considering taking advantage of these developments and is currently compiling a interested developers.

Asiva Photo 1.02 For OSX

12/04, 4:10pm

Asiva Photo 1.02 For OSX

SCGI announced today that it has completed development of the Mac OS X version of its popular 'Asiva® Photo' application. Asiva Photo 1.02 OSX, as the new version is called, includes several performance and utility enhancements. Asiva Photo sells for $378.

DNSUpdate 2.2 simplifies startup config

12/04, 2:10pm

DNSUpdate 2.2 simplifies startup config

Julien Jalon's freeware DynDNS client, DNSUpdate 2.2, adds selection of the "Default Interface" for using the active interface defined in the Network Preferences, the ability to uninstall the daemon with the application, supports German localization, and has an "abuse" protection scheme.

Apple announces grand opening for two more

12/04, 1:45pm

Apple announces grand opening for two more

Apple today officially announced openings of its Palisades (West Nyack, NY) and Rockingham Park stores. Both grand openings will take place on Saturday, December 8th at 9:00 a.m. ET.

Analyst says new iMac may debut in January

12/04, 1:40pm

Analyst says new iMac may debut in January

Apple may be preparing to introduce a remodeled iMac computer in January to reinvigorate sales to consumers, according to Morgan Stanley analyst Gillian Munson's report to clients. The report indicates that Apple has ordered as many as 100,000 units next month, and that the new models, which may include a flat-panel screen, could help increase sales by 66% to about 500,000 units per a quarter, according to Bloomberg's article.

PiXELS 3D v4.0 supports OS X, new plugin API

12/04, 1:30pm

PiXELS 3D v4.0 supports OS X, new plugin API

Pixels, Inc. has released PiXELS 3D v4.0, the fourth incarnation of its animation software. The new OS X native application has a new customizable interface and new plug-in API developed around its Open3D architecture, which provides direct access to every core function. Plug-ins can now be interactive and dynamic, providing real-time feedback and custom UI widgets with direct manipulation capabilities.

Aspyr Media now shipping Otto Mattc

12/04, 1:25pm

Aspyr Media now shipping Otto Mattc

Aspyr Media is now shipping Otto Matic, an action adventure game from Pangea Software, the creators of Bugdom Cro-Mag Rally and Nanosaur. The gameplay and visual style is inspired by 1930's and 1950's sci-fi movies: "As a sci-fi intergallactic robot named Otto Matic, you must go from planet to planet battling aliens and prevent the humans from being abducted, using cool gadgets and special abilities." It is still available for pre-order for $35. [demo1, demo2]

Roxio to acquire MGI Software

12/04, 1:20pm

Roxio to acquire MGI Software

Roxio has signed a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of MGI Software for nearly $33 million. MGI develops and sels photo and video editing software for the Windows-computers.

Apple's Gigawire mystery draws speculation

12/04, 1:15pm

Apple's Gigawire mystery draws speculation

OSOpinion author Kelly McNeill has produced an editorial speculating on Apple's purported "Gigawire" project, for which the company has filed a trademark application. Apple's application says the device is in some regard related to "computers, telecommunications equipment and devices, or computer peripheral devices." McNeill opines that the device could be anything from an enhanced clustering scheme, to a digital audio/video transmission tool.

Tech: Excite@Home; Bluetooth; IBM

12/04, 1:00pm

Tech: Excite@Home; Bluetooth; IBM

Afternoon tech news: AT&T has dropped its $307 million bid for Excite@Home, but promises to complete the transfer of its customers to its network by Friday (with over 80 percent of the transition excepted to be complete by today); Three new studies suggest that shipments of Bluetooth, the short-range wireless networking standard, will push above 5 million this year, with some estimates topping 13 million units; IBM says it has altered the design of a transistor to allow twice the amount of current to flow through it, allowing for smaller, faster semiconductors.

Initio, NEC to marry FireWire efforts

12/04, 12:50pm

Initio, NEC to marry FireWire efforts

Initio, a manufacturer of I/O expansion cards and other storage products, has announced a collaborative agreement with NEC for the development of new FireWire products. The first fruits of the companies' efforts will be a set of IEEE 1394 integrated circuits to be introduced in early 2002, including a 1394-to-UDMA100 solution.

Freeware util adds calendar to menubar

12/04, 9:15am

Freeware util adds calendar to menubar

MenuCalendar 1.1a, a small freeware utility that adds handy calender to to the menubar, fixes a bug with OS X.

QXP AssetStore manages Quark docs in Cumulus

12/04, 9:15am

QXP AssetStore manages Quark docs in Cumulus

Canto has released the QXP AssetStore, a new option for all Cumulus 5 Editions that can archive and manage individual pages of a QuarkXPress document as well as the entire document. User can use use Canto 5 search to search for the text of a cataloged QuarkXPress document. It is available German, English, French and Japanese user interfaces and requires QuarkXPress to be installed. It is available for free without batch cataloging functionality ($400).

Macromedia intros new Dreamweaver Kit

12/04, 9:05am

Macromedia intros new Dreamweaver Kit

Macromedia yesterday announced its free Dreamweaver 4 Jump Start Kit, which includes video tutorials, book excerpts, templates, and product extensions as well as printable book excerpts from popular Dreamweaver and Fireworks resources, 10 customizable templates, and 25 of the most relevant extensions for new users.

Kanex introduces QuickPopup messaging client

12/04, 9:00am

Kanex introduces QuickPopup messaging client

Kanex Group has introduced QuickPopup, which allows users to exchange popup messages local-area networks (LANs) without connecting to the Internet. Pricing starts at $15 per copy. [Classic, Carbon]

New iPod-like music device hits the market

12/04, 8:45am

New iPod-like music device hits the market

e.Digital today introduced the Treo 10, an iPod-like music device for storing and playing MP3s. The $250 pocket-sized device weighs only 9.9 oz and features an 10GB IBM Travelstar drive (for storing up to 3,000 songs), a LCD for browsing/playing songs, a USB interface, a Lithium-Ion battery (up to six hours of playback), and MXP Music Explorer software for organizing and transferring music/data files.

Magellan PRO 1.02 emai client/secretary

12/04, 8:35am

Magellan PRO 1.02 emai client/secretary

MAKI Enterprise has updated its email client, Magellan PRO 1.0.2, releasing a Carbonized version for OS X, adding a new quick help section, and a new spam dictionary. This $80 Pro version features the ability to automatically create reply messages, categorize spam mail (based on text analysis), and forward certain messages to pagers/cellular phones.

Post: Apple bucks the trend with retail

12/04, 8:30am

Post: Apple bucks the trend with retail

The Washington Post notes Apple "contrarian style" with its foray into consumer electronics with the iPod and its retail strategy "Apple Computer Inc. in recent months has had an entirely different idea about how to weather the economic downturn that has prompted its competitors to retrench and hunker down."

ConceptDraw Mindmap documents brainstorming

12/04, 8:25am

ConceptDraw Mindmap documents brainstorming

ConceptDraw Mindmap utilizes "Mind Mapping technology to organize, structure and present ideas, increase productivity and efficiency of your work and make creative thinking and planning easy and fast." The $100 application features brainstorming mode, powerful HTML export, support for popular graphic formats, outline import and export and 40 specialized libraries with 1300 pre-drawn objects. A $150 "Pro" version includes PowerPoint import/export, support for multi-page documents and customizable libraries.

Apple VP Schiller to keynote at DV Expo today

12/04, 8:20am

Apple VP Schiller to keynote at DV Expo today

Apple VP Phil Schiller will deliver a keynote at today at DV Expo in Los Angeles at 2:00 pm. One reader writes about Apple's upcoming Final Cut Pro 3 product announcement, which we have confirmed: "Either I was not paying attention or there is a new version of Final Cut Pro coming tomorrow. I was at LA Convention Center for DV Expo Setup today (Monday) and saw signs for FCP3. Thought you guys should know. [updated]

QuicKeys 1.01 updates automation utility

12/04, 2:15am

QuicKeys 1.01 updates automation utility

CE Software has posted an update to its keyboard automation utility, QuicKeys X 1.0.1, which includes a new application switching options, a new "insert text" option for faster text insertion, improved AppleScript playback, and other enhancements.

InfoManager 2.1 helps manage clipboard

12/04, 2:05am

InfoManager 2.1 helps manage clipboard

Steve Becker has released InfoManager 2.1, a clipboard enhancement utility that "greatly expands the power of the Mac Clipboard" that can be used to create and organize notes and includes tools for on-the-fly editing of text and searching text files/clippings as well as editing/printing the contents of clippings files. Version 2.1 of the $50 includes support for Netscape 6 and better support for AOL 5.0.

Portraits & Prints 1.02: phot studio for OS X

12/04, 2:00am

Portraits & Prints 1.02: phot studio for OS X

Portraits & Prints 1.02, a personal photo studio for OS X, adds support for extended text object attributes (color, opacity and typestyle), user editable text on templates, more accurate on-screen display of template objects, and other bug fixes. It also released Portraits & Prints Template Maker, a $10 utility that can generate custom layouts for Portraits & Prints. it is being bundled for free with the purchase of Portraits & Prints 1.02 ($20) through January 4, 2002.

WebSTAR 5.01 has plugin for 4D connectivity

12/04, 1:50am

WebSTAR 5.01 has plugin for 4D connectivity

4D today announced 4D WebSTAR 5.0.1, the first update to 4D WebSTAR Server Suite V. It offers a built-in update notification feature, 4D Connect plug-in, performance boosts to the HTTP server, FTP server and Search plug-in, a CGI version of PHP 4.06, and other improvements.

Netscape bug could provide passwords

12/04, 1:50am

Netscape bug could provide passwords

Netscape Communicator 4.77 "could allow a local attacker to obtain passwords while viewing arbitrary Web pages. While viewing a Web page containing password fields using Netscape, a local attacker can print the page to obtain the password in plaintext," according to an Internet Security Systems' report.

Unlined Charcoal theme updated for OS X 10.1

12/04, 1:45am

Unlined Charcoal theme updated for OS X 10.1

Unlined Charcoal, one of the first themes available for OSX, has finally been updated for use with OS x 10.1.

Medea launches VideoRaid duo at DV Expo

12/04, 12:40am

Medea launches VideoRaid duo at DV Expo

Medea has announced immediate shipment of its VideoRaid RTR and VideoRaid RTRX storage solutions, which are currently being demonstrated at the DV Expo underway in Los Angeles. Both disk arrays include an Ultra160 SCSI interface that enables the desktop models to sustain a data transfer rate of up to 130 MB/second. The 5-drive VideoRaid RTR is available in 160 GB, 240 GB and 300 GB capacities with list prices starting at $3,999. VideoRaid RTRX is available in 5 and 10-drive configurations with capacities of 160 GB, 240 GB, 300 GB, 320 GB, 480 GB and 600 GB. List prices on VideoRaid RTRX start at $4,599.